BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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In a bold fusion of fashion and fine art, A BATHING APE (BAPE) has teamed up with the Van Gogh Museum to deliver one of the most culturally rich and visually stunning collaborations of 2025. Announced to much anticipation on social media, the limited-edition capsule collection reimagines six of Vincent van Gogh’s most iconic works through BAPE’s signature streetwear lens. Launching globally on May 31, 2025, following an exclusive preview at BAPE GALLERY in Shanghai on May 24, this collaboration isn’t just another fashion drop, it’s a wearable homage to one of history’s greatest artists.
The BAPE x Van Gogh collection includes a dynamic range of apparel that channels both Van Gogh’s expressive brushwork and BAPE’s signature motifs. Among the standout pieces are the APE HEAD Canvas Art Tees, each featuring one of Van Gogh’s masterpieces such as Sunflowers or Blossoming Almond Tree Branch, encased in BAPE’s iconic silhouette alongside quotes from the artist’s intimate letters to his brother Theo. These words, such as “We must still continue and try to do better,” add a poetic depth to garments that are already dripping in visual artistry. Equally compelling are the SHARK full zip hoodies, where Van Gogh’s vivid imagery is split down the middle and paired with BAPE’s custom “OIL PAINTING CAMO,” showcasing a clash of classical art and urban culture.
The collection doesn’t stop there. BAPE’s classic college-style tees and crewneck sweatshirts receive an artistic overhaul, blending familiar branding with excerpts from Van Gogh’s letters and full artwork backdrops. Long-sleeve tees bring additional flair with abstract brushstroke elements, while the BABY MILO line offers a playful spin, featuring cartoon versions of Sunflowers for both adults and children. Each item is delivered in premium art-inspired packaging, mimicking the way high-value prints are preserved–an intentional nod to the collection’s gallery-level significance.
From a retail standpoint, the collection is priced at the premium end of the streetwear spectrum. The APE HEAD Canvas Art Tees are set at ¥14,300, SHARK hoodies at ¥49,500, and BABY MILO® tees at ¥13,200 for men and ¥8,800 for kids. Though these prices are in Japanese yen, international customers, including those in Nigeria, can access the collection online at BAPE’s global site. Given the buzz generated on Instagram, particularly via @bape_japan, and the flurry of excitement on platforms like Twitter, demand is expected to soar once the collection goes live.
What makes this collaboration so exceptional isn’t just the synergy between fashion and art, it’s the thoughtful execution that preserves the emotional, expressive core of Van Gogh’s work while delivering the streetwise audacity BAPE is known for. This isn’t merely apparel; it’s a creative statement that bridges centuries of culture. For fans of high art and high fashion alike, the BAPE x Van Gogh Museum collection is an unmissable cultural moment and a chance to wear history with swagger.
