Bape leaned on the power of the MSCHF Big Red Boot for its runway show today at Tokyo Fashion Week.
The Japanese streetwear brand showed several versions of the viral boot featuring different colors for Bape‘s signature Cloud Camo print. A source from MSCHF confirmed to Footwear News that, although the boots aren’t a collaboration per se, the two brands did work with each other to make today’s moment happen. As of now, there are no plans in motion for the boots to release — but there remains the possibility of that changing.
Bape reached out to MSCHF with a request to purchase several pairs of the Big Red Boot, and the Brooklyn-based art collective obliged. MSCHF didn’t actually handle any of the customization, however, and merely provided Bape with the stock versions to tinker with on its own. Based on the photos provided by MSCHF, it appears Bape used a wrap similar to vinyl used for customizing cars.
MSCHF’s Big Red Boot generated an astonishing amount of attention earlier this year, as it was worn by a number of celebrities both before and after its rapid sell-out. A Crocs collaboration saw the viral boot transform to yellow with holes in the same style of the Classic Clog for another sell-out release just weeks ago.
Bape may no longer be at the height of its powers, but if it does go on to release its own MSCHF boot, it would certainly be one of the brand’s buzziest moments in years. MSCHF, meanwhile, has a Kid Cudi collaboration in the pipeline for this year and most recently dropped a pair of medical boots transformed into mules.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
