In the 2010s, a Japanese fashion giant is making his mark: Nigo, or Nagao Tomoaki, founder of A Bathing Ape, or Bape, the world-famous label, and artistic director of Kenzo. With his unique new signature and recognizable logo, Tomoaki is considered one of Japan's leading designers.
The label's beginnings
In 2010, Nigo took a step back and founded a new brand, Human Made, antonymous to Bape. Where A Bathing Ape is known for its extravagant fashion and busy, almost childlike designs, Human Made stands out for its simplicity, minimalism and the quality of its products. Through Human Made, Nigo reveals a new creative facet of himself.
In its early days, Human Made collaborated with the Japanese brand Beams Plus, and Human Made garments could only be found in Beams stores.
Human Made's inspirations
Minimalism being the key, Human Made pieces are simple and effective, drawing inspiration from a very 50s Americana, workwear and blue-collar style, with pieces such as the Field Jacket, a workers' jacket combining practicality and authenticity, as well as accessories, sneakers and other garments. Drawing direct inspiration from vintage textiles and accessories, Nigo works with the best suppliers in Japan to create unique textiles. The key: mixing 50s American men's workwear based on cargo and/or utility garments with a delicate touch of Japanese fashion.
Collaborative work
Nigo's renown then helped the emergence of his new brand, and Human Made was the fruit of a strategic collaboration between designer Nigo and his friend and famous graphic designer Sk8thing.
Friends since the 90s, they conceptualized together the famous monkey that would later become the Bape logo, and founded Human Made together in 2010. Very close creatively to Pharrell Williams, he and Nigo become friends and associates, collaborating together on Adidas sneakers or creating the men's brand Billionaire Boys Club, among others. Unique collaborations, such as Coca Cola anniversaries, were born right from the start of Human Made.
Through accessories, shoes, clothing and sneakers for men, the brand moves away from the streetwear style. Human Made perfectly blends American style with a Japanese touch, producing meticulously imagined garments crafted with a unique and recognizable textile quality.
