The whole capsule is officially live — visit the landing page to see the individual shirts in detail, as well as purchase your own while supplies last.

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A blank space and canvas for self-expression, a billboard for identity. It tells the world what you stand for, where you’re from, where you’ve been–and sometimes where you’re going. For some, it’s a utility: the most direct way to speak without saying a word. For others, it’s a personal archive, a collectible steeped in meaning, nostalgia, and history.

It’s both the most democratic garment and the most coveted. An everyday uniform that also can be the ultimate collector’s item. A simple pull-over-your-head piece that can spark joy, trigger a memory, or mark a moment in time.

Through every trend cycle, across every cultural shift, the T-shirt has remained.

For our 20th anniversary, we’re honoring this legacy with a special curated exhibition. We’ve created a limited series of collaborative tees with longtime friends, creative partners, and some of streetwear’s most influential designers and leaders. Together, we want to reignite the energy of iconic graphics, logos, and messages from the past two decades — reimagined for today, and for what comes next.

In the following, we not only preview artwork from our upcoming anniversary exhibition in NYC on 10/22, but also highlight the diverse perspectives of our collaborators whose insights help reveal the power of the T-shirt and give a glimpse into the past, present, and future of streetwear and creativity.

ACRONYM: I don’t know if it’s changed over time, but T-shirts are as pure of an information product as you can have in fashion. It’s really about identity. It just shows everybody what you care about, who you are, and in the most direct way possible. I don’t see that going away anytime soon.

HIROSHI FUJIWARA (FRAGMENT): It allows people to express what they like and what they are into. It’s more like a tool.

HUF: Graphic tees have always been streetwear’s version of a canvas. Printing a tee is one of the most direct ways to tell stories and shape identity. T-shirts have gone from everyday staples to collectible pieces, still serving the same purpose but now carrying more history and meaning.

UNDERCOVER: I think graphic T-shirts are a quick and accessible way for anyone to express themselves through fashion. Their role has always been, and still remains, significant.

TAKASHI MURAKAMI: In 1994, I moved to New York and bought T-shirts at the newly opened STÜSSY store in SoHo. Living in NY, going to the STÜSSY store, seeing the products with my own eyes, and buying them — it was an amazing experience. I still remember the joy I felt. Wanting my fans to have the same kind of experience, I opened a store in Nakano, Tokyo. I believe the primitive joy of owning something — that’s the essence of T-shirt culture. And I think that feeling is timeless.

SORAYAMA: They’re a tool to make my work more well-known. If it brings in more fans, that makes me happy.

FUTURA: the tee shirt is the first social media event, the advertisement of a happening, a concert, a special celebration, or simply a brand, with a BOX LOGO. my favorite tee ever, was the “THRILLA IN MANILA” from ALI vs. FRAZIER in 1975. I didn’t make it to the fight, but I definitely embellished the truth; the tee shirt suggested I was there. shoutout to SK8THG one of the GRAPHIC GURUS of our generation.

VERDY: The T-shirt is the number one garment in the world and the easiest way to start a brand or to get your message across. From merch to fundraisers, a T-shirt has always been the go-to garment and I think it will forever be the number one staple in fashion.

AMBUSH: Graphic tees are like streetwear’s first language. They’ve always been a way to speak without saying a word — to represent your crew, your beliefs, your humor, your memories. That’s why they’ve stuck around for decades. At one point, they were the loudest pieces in the room, the ultimate signifier of subculture. Today, they’ve become more nuanced — still powerful, but now they can live in high fashion or on the street, depending on how you wear them. They’ve evolved from merch into statement pieces, and that’s what keeps them relevant. They carry messages, moods, movement. That’s never going out of style.

BAPE: Graphic tees are more than clothing — they’re cultural statements. At BAPE, they’ve always been canvases for storytelling, capturing moments through bold visuals and collaborations. Their impact lies in accessibility and meaning. A single tee can spark dialogue, build community, and reflect a movement. From our iconic camo and APE HEAD to BABY MILO and the collage pattern, each graphic carries emotional weight. These designs have become part of streetwear’s visual language, evolving with art, music, and global culture. Graphic tees remain one of our most powerful tools to connect with and shape culture.

BRAIN DEAD: T-shirts are a great way to share personality in a direct graphic way. I think most T-shirts are all about culture cuz you are probably wearing a graphic that says something about yourself or what you like. It’s usually very hand in hand with one’s individuality.

PATTA: I see a T-shirt as a blank canvas to spread the message of your brand. The brand will have their voice and space in this universe of streetwear. The most direct and accessible item to spread that voice is a T-shirt. I think T-shirts are more and more used in a luxury space. I’m a fan of the item in that space but not of the price. I like the idea that a T-shirt is accessible to everybody.

“The T-shirt is the number one garment in the world and the easiest way to start a brand or to get your message across.” ~ Verdy

ACRONYM: Don’t listen to anyone. Don’t give up. All the tropes. They’re all true. Ask for help. That’s probably the one that I should have listened to more. And take care of your friends. Look out for each other. The usual stuff.

HIROSHI FUJIWARA (FRAGMENT): I think the important thing for longevity is to stay conservative and not go over the limit.

HUF: Trust your vision and take your time. Things that last come from being authentic, staying tapped into your community, and putting in consistent work. Learn the history, study what came before you, and build something with meaning. The best brands have a clear voice and stay true to it.

UNDERCOVER: Discover “what only you can offer to the world.”

TAKASHI MURAKAMI: Keep going and don’t give up. When I feel like giving up, I watch motivational videos that pop up on social media to remind myself to stay strong and push forward.

POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF): Don’t listen to other people’s advice.

VERDY: To work hard and stay humble and never give up on your dreams. I used to draw everyday since high school and I got to experience my first level of success when I was 30.

AMBUSH: Everyone has their own lane in this landscape, and that’s the beauty of it. My advice is: focus, be present, and give 110% every single time — whether the world is watching or not. Impact doesn’t come overnight, but if you stay committed to your vision and keep showing up with intention, it will add up. The work speaks when it’s real.

BAPE: Build with purpose. It’s not just about product — it’s about identity and emotional connection. The most impactful brands resonate deeply, not just commercially. Stay true to your vision, but adapt fast. Culture moves quickly, so listen, collaborate with intent, and take creative risks. Above all — connect. Through storytelling, community, and shared values, connection turns a brand into a movement. That’s been core to BAPE, and it still guides us globally.

PATTA: Create your own group of people and take care of your people. I think the crew and believers around you are maybe the most important part to strengthen your voice. In the end it’s about a larger movement than just the brand IMO.

“Don’t listen to other people’s advice.” ~ Post Archive Faction (PAF)

ACRONYM: I feel like I’m still learning lessons every day. I just want to see everything. Maybe that’s the lesson, to understand that you will never stop learning. And stay humble. Keep working hard.

HIROSHI FUJIWARA (FRAGMENT): What I personally learned is the importance of connecting with people and the relationships with friends.

HUF: You can’t stay still for too long. You have to keep evolving creatively and on the business side while also staying true to who you are. The industry moves fast, but if your foundation is solid, you’ll always find ways to stay relevant.

FUTURA: the future is unwritten. someone or something is waiting for you, around any potential corner, you just have to turn right, not left, to enable the rendezvous. the beauty of uncertainty is that the outcome is never known.

UNDERCOVER: There are many, but things like “following your intuition” and “creating designs that only you can create” are definite lessons I’ve learned through experience.

SORAYAMA: The only thing you can truly trust is yourself.

POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF): You will eventually see that the things once said to be “impossible” turn “possible.”

VERDY: Trust your intuition.

AMBUSH: It takes a village to raise a child — and a brand is no different. It’s the people who build with you, day in and day out, who make all the difference. Take care of them. That means your team, your collaborators, your customers. A strong brand isn’t just about product — it’s about the trust and energy you cultivate with your community.

BAPE: The biggest lesson? Real impact comes from real connection. It’s not just about great products — it’s about building a brand people feel part of. This year’s collaborations — from Adidas and Formula 1 to Spotify and Van Gogh Museum — have helped us grow while staying true to our identity. We’ve learned to trust our creative instincts. In a fast-moving space, fearless self-expression keeps a brand fresh and meaningful. At BAPE, we move forward by listening, adapting, and staying connected to the people shaping culture.

BRAIN DEAD: Follow your instinct.

PATTA: That you can look at yourself in the mirror daily and stay true to your values. Stay humble and hungry to learn. Work and repeat. Be nice to people, we have enough assholes in powerful places.

“Follow your instinct.” ~ Brain Dead

ACRONYM: I remember going to a meeting with all of the Nike leadership. There was a snow storm that day in Portland. Nobody was at the office except all the heads of every department. Mark Parker was there. I think they were used to very slick looking decks and presentations. I just had these two raggedy studio-zone prototypes, not even the right fabric. They were like, “That’s it?” And I was like, “Yeah, is anybody the right size?” Then we put them on and you could see the realization. That was when I knew, “OK, it’s gonna work.”

HUF: The HUF x Nike SB Dunk we released in 2022 for our 20th anniversary definitely stands out. It was a tribute to Keith, and something we had been working on during a really tough time. From the blind bag rollout to the hidden tie-dye panels, there were layers of surprise and nostalgia built in. The Friends and Family pair especially meant a lot because it felt like a personal thank you to Keith from all of us.

FUTURA: the beginning, the early ‘90s, and learning how to use computers. the arrival of the web, and my first attempt to create a personal site. nothing for sale, just graphics and depth and getting lost in my labyrinth.

TAKASHI MURAKAMI: When I was a university freshman, I designed and printed about 300 T-shirts for a campus festival event where we carried a portable shrine. Everyone wore them, and it brought me such immense joy. It was truly a special experience.

SORAYAMA: It’s a slightly refined version of a piece I originally drew in the mid-1980s. They say hands express humanity — and even when I draw robots, I make sure their hands are delicate and beautiful. Please enjoy that. I have no interest in the past. My greatest masterpiece is always the one I’ll create tomorrow.

“I’m looking out a decade — 2035 is closer than you think.” ~ Futura

ACRONYM: Coming out of this sort of luxury streetwear moment, I feel like it might go back to its roots. More subcultural, more tribal, more like, “This is by us, for us,” you know?

HIROSHI FUJIWARA (FRAGMENT): I think it will always go up and down.

HUF: We’re entering a phase where narrative and purpose matter more than ever. With how wild the world feels right now, people are looking for things that actually mean something. I think the next wave of streetwear will focus more on storytelling, intention, and deeper cultural conversations. The look will keep evolving, but having something real to say will be more important than ever.

UNDERCOVER: It may appear to be evolution, but in reality, it’s just going in circles — I think.

FUTURA: not going to disappear any time soon. I’m looking out a decade, 2035 is closer than you think.

TAKASHI MURAKAMI: I think it will move even closer to the creators. With AI, digital output, and a globally connected logistics network, the freedom to create is expanding. I believe more and more opportunities will open up for young people.

SORAYAMA: I don’t know anything about fashion.

POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF): Back to basics.

VERDY: I’m excited for the future of streetwear because I think the new generation of kids are making cool stuff and with the power of the internet it is easier for them to get recognized on a world wide scale.

AMBUSH: Streetwear has always been about more than clothes — it’s a reflection of youth, rebellion, identity, and community. Over the last two decades, it’s gone from the underground to luxury runways, but I think its next chapter will be about returning to its roots with more depth. Less hype, more intention. It’ll be driven by real stories, global perspectives, and craft. The future of streetwear isn’t just about looking cool — it’s about meaning, connection, and how you move through the world.

BAPE: Streetwear reflects the times — shaped by youth, music, art, and social movements. What began as a niche is now a global language, entering a phase where purpose, storytelling, and community matter as much as design. The future is more inclusive, collaborative, and emotionally connected. It’s not just about what you wear — it’s about what it represents. That’s why we’re expanding globally in ways that feel authentic — opening stores in Korea, the U.S., Canada, Southeast Asia, and Europe, and partnering with local creatives to tap into regional energy. It’s about building real connections and shaping culture from the ground up.

BRAIN DEAD: I think it’s a cycle. I think people just want quality.

PATTA: I’ll leave those theories to others. I’m working in it, but don’t like to talk too much about it. It’s not that important to me at the moment.

Stay tuned for individual interviews with each of our 20th anniversary T-shirt collaborators, rolling out each day over the next week.