A Bathing Ape Teams with Sanrio
A BATHING APE and Sanrio have reunited for a Hello Kitty and Kuromi collection for Spring/Summer 2026, merging kawaii pop culture with iconic streetwear branding. The collaboration is expected to drive strong demand among collectors and trendsetters. Meanwhile, U.S. label Amiri has announced plans to open a new London flagship on Bond Street, signaling streetwear's expansion into luxury retail.
- This is not the first time the two Japanese brands have collaborated; past BAPE x Sanrio collections have also paired the streetwear brand's Baby Milo character with icons like My Melody and Hello Kitty. - The choice of Kuromi is timely, as her popularity has surged since her 2005 debut. In Sanrio's 2025 character ranking, Kuromi placed 4th with over 3.6 million votes, ranking one spot ahead of the globally renowned Hello Kitty. - Kuromi's rise is attributed to her "rebellious" and "punk" aesthetic, which resonates with younger audiences on platforms like TikTok and has spawned a "Kuromi-core" fashion subculture. - The new collection features a custom "hide-and-seek" camouflage pattern that incorporates the characters into the print, as well as full-zip hoodies with ears and other details that allow the wearer to transform into the characters. - Amiri was founded in 2014 by Mike Amiri, who began his career creating one-of-a-kind, hand-embellished stage pieces for musicians like Axl Rose and Steven Tyler. - The brand is known for its blend of rock 'n' roll aesthetics with high-end craftsmanship, with many of its signature distressed jeans and leather jackets being designed and produced in Los Angeles. - Opening on Bond Street places Amiri on one of the most expensive and sought-after luxury retail strips in the world, alongside legacy fashion houses like Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. - The move reflects a larger trend of luxury brands investing heavily in physical flagship stores that serve as brand statements and offer exclusive experiences, not just transactions.
