Japanese fashion label A Bathing Ape (BAPE) has partnered with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to launch a two-piece clothing capsule titled the BAPE x USPS. The concise collection consists of a retro-inspired button-up shirt and a pair of USPS-themed BAPE STA sneakers.
The new button-up draws inspiration from vintage USPS Letter Carrier uniforms and, therefore, arrives in a blue and white color scheme. In addition, it features a United States mail emblem on its left chest pocket and on its back. Meanwhile, the USPS BAPE STA comes in a red, white, and navy color scheme. What's more, the shoes' uppers feature a design taken directly from USPS Priority Mail envelopes and forms. Not only this, but the sneakers even utilize a fabric that is meant to replicate the texture and feel of mail envelopes.
Image Credit: BAPE
What's Driving This Trend
- Branded Collaborations
- Collaborations between brands with different audiences and styles can lead to unique and highly desirable products.
- Nostalgic Streetwear
- Retro-inspired designs based on vintage uniforms can be modernized and made relevant to new audiences.
- Design Inspiration From Unexpected Sources
- Everyday objects and symbols can provide interesting design inspiration for fashion and beyond.
Who This Affects Most
- Fashion and Apparel
- The fashion industry can leverage collaborations between brands to create unique and memorable products.
- Shipping and Logistics
- Bringing the USPS brand into the spotlight through collaborations can reposition it as a cultural icon rather than just a practical service.
- Product Design
- Designers and creators can look for inspiration from everyday objects and symbols to create innovative products and designs.
