Mr Bathing Ape Spring/Summer 2012 collection

Mr. Bathing Ape, the ongoing collaborative project between Nigo and Japanese luxury retail giant United Arrows rolls on for another season and in doing so makes yet another step forwards in refining its range of uniquely detailed formal attire.

Produced exclusively in some of Japan’s most renowned workshops and using only the most luxurious fabrics sourced from Italy, Japan and Dormeuil of Paris, the Spring/Summer 2012 collection embodies a level of attention to detail and quality craftsmanship that’s they say is rarely seen outside the world of bespoke tailoring, and who am I to argue?

This season sees the label offering a mix of formal three-button wool suiting and button-down shirts in Oxford cloth, with more casual pieces like club blazers, and shirts in chambray and broadcloth check cotton. Complementing this once again are silk ties featuring the Bathing Ape camouflage pattern, but this time in a range that also includes more muted tones like navy blue and black.

The styling falls firmly within Nigo’s love of English Saville Row and American Ivy-League style tailoring and uses streetwear elements in the detailing. I think the brand has struck the balance perfectly by the look of things here and keeping things muted makes for a much stronger collection in my mind.

Once again, it’s a bit on the pricey side but if you fancy any of what you see here and want to buy online, it’s available from the chaps at Newcastle’s  End Clothing here: Mr.Bathing Ape.