Americana took hold in Japan post-WWII when American troops were stationed, for an extended time, in the country to help restabilize the nation. It all started with military surpluses being smuggled out of U.S. camps and sold to the locals as novelty items. From there, the door was kicked open for American pop culture to coalesce with Japanese counterculture; from the music, to the programs, and evidently— the fashion.

Started and perpetuated by the likes of Popeye’s Magazine that covered the preppy fashion sensibilities of American colleges; about half a century later, it seems the fascination still endures. BAPE BLACK embodies the sentiment through their Fall/Winter 2022 collection, weaving “the rich decadence of BAPE BLACK into a series of modern designs inspired by prep school.”

The collection covers a range of college fashion staples from cardigans, baseball jackets and hoodies. Some unique standouts are the distressed knit sweater available in yellow and green, with the oversized BAPE BLACK logo emblazoned at the front; the similarly distressed black cardigan; and the Golden Bear sportswear varsity jacket.

A corduroy cap and chino pants, standard logo tees, and sweatpants further extend the range of the capsule. But perhaps the most notable are the two Suede Bapestas available in solid “White” or “Gray”. The shoe laces between the two pairs alternate between the left and right. The former with teal and peach, the latter mint and lavender.

The entire collection will be made available from 16th September on BAPE.com and at authorized A Bathing Ape stores from the 17th.

For a complementary fit, check out the titular brand’s younger sister and her recent collaboration with Dr. Martens on a pair of 1461: Dr. Martens x AAPE 1461.