Twisted Classic

BAPE
Grows Up

The cold hard truth is that many of the goods we menswear writers fawn over are often way out of our price range. Case in point: these Leather Wing Tip Brogues from Mr. Bathing Ape, which clearly fall into that "wishful buying" category. At $635, they're by no means cheap, but I love what Nigo is doing these days. He's bringing that streetwear quirkiness (remember those garish hoodies with pagers and cigarette butts?) and turning it up a notched lapel or two. As a former sneakerhead, it makes me a bit nostalgic to see that familiar BAPE star shape in the broguing. Plus, the shoes are benchmade by Regal, who've been crafting some of Japan's finest shoes since 1880. And considering the astronomical prices his sneakers used to fetch, I'm glad the hefty cost of these burnished beauties can be attributed more to construction than hype.

- Jian DeLeon

$635,
at Mr. Porter

• The name "A Bathing Ape" is derived from the Japanese saying "bathing in lukewarm water," which was said to be an act of overindulgence.