Mr. Bathing Ape: AW13 Collection
Mr. Bathing Ape is a sub-line of BAPE, which specialises in hoodies, colourful trainers and eye-catching streetwear. Whilst aimed at an older crowd looking for something more refined yet still fun, the brand retains a youthful feel – emphasised by the underlying prep school aesthetic within their new autumn/winter 2013 collection. Cold weather basics make up the majority of the range, coming in the form of classic button-down shirts, overcoats and parkas, jumpers, blazers, denim and canvas trainers. Yet what could easily be labelled as another high quality but standard menswear collection differentiates itself from its competitors through use of striking, on trend prints. Mr. Bathing Ape, and BAPE as well, doesn’t shy away from patterns that grab the eye. Something as simple as a plaid check stands out due to its contrasting bold palette, whilst camouflage print verges on colour-blocking, rather than subtly blending. Throughout the AW13 collection, these two prints dominate – giving all-over character to a button-down shirt, or serving as a statement accent on a neutral trench coat. Mr. Bathing Ape then takes this focus a step further, juxtaposing red, white and blue checks with brown and green camouflage. Although this particular look might be a bit too jarring for the office, it’s enough to turn heads on the street. Beyond the patterns, the AW13 collection strives for versatile simplicity: a school boy look that transitions into casual workwear, or a street style that’s dressed up sufficiently for a night out. Give the whole aesthetic a casual spin with one of the brand’s signature hoodies, or throw a gold-button blazer over the top for a more refined take. With the accompanying lookbook released in early October, the AW13 collection can now be purchased at BAPE’s online store or in any flagship location.
Mr. Bathing Ape: AW13 Collection
