BAPE FS-001 Bapesta 'SpongeBob SquarePants' | US 9

The brand A Bathing Ape ('BAPE)' was founded by Nigo (Tomoaki Nagao), one of the pioneers of the streetwear movement. Recognised for its military camouflage patterns and urahara aesthetic, the brand favours vibrant colours and bold graphics in their streetwear design and lifestyle accessories. Through early collaborations with international brands such as Stüssy and adidas, BAPE quickly established itself as one of Japan’s leading cultural trendsetters.

During the 2000’s, the brand was expanding on its collaborations with internationally recognised characters and brands - notably from the fictitious cartoon and comic universes. Following successful releases with global entities such as Marvel and Disney, it was the Japanese brand's collaboration with Nickelodeon which saw an iconic release, and started an era of collaborative endeavours between the two global groups. For the 2008 collaboration, BAPE reimagined the classic Bapesta to pay homage to the eponymous protagonist of Nickelodeon’s highest rated show - SpongeBob SquarePants.

The pair is everything a fan would expect from such a collaboration and feature a full yellow patent leather upper, a crisp white midsole, and a brown-gum outsole. The design mimics the features of the character and his attire. On both lateral heels is an embroidered SpongeBob face and Bapesta branding is featured on the heel tabs and tongue labels. The pair comes with an oversized SpongeBob box.

This pair was made even more famous when seen on the feet of frequent Nigo collaborator, Pharrell Williams - who famously received this SpongeBob Bapesta in a crocodile upper. This unique collaboration, bringing together Japan's foremost streetwear brand and Nickelodeon's most famous lead character, has become more sought after due to a growing appreciation for iconic era-defining streetwear pieces.