The Legendary Triple Collaboration That Defined an Era
Released in 2003, this piece represents a historic collaboration between A Bathing Ape® (BAPE), UNKLE, and FUTURA 2000, commemorating the release of UNKLE’s second album Never Never Land.
It was conceived by NIGO, James Lavelle (founder of Mo’ Wax / UNKLE), and FUTURA 2000, uniting Tokyo streetwear, London’s art-music scene, and New York graffiti culture into a single iconic garment.
The jacket was never widely sold to the public — believed to have been produced primarily for collaborators and close friends — making it one of the most elusive “Friends & Family” pieces in early-2000s streetwear history.
Design & Construction
• Body: Black wool
• Sleeves: White genuine leather
• Front (left chest): Embroidered text — “Unkle 77 / Never Never Land / A Bathing Ape® Edition / Reign-2003-”
• Front (right chest): Futura-designed emblem + “JL 77” initials (James Lavelle)
• Back: Oversized FUTURA “Pointman” embroidery — same motif as on Never Never Land artwork
• Sleeves: “UNKLE Sounds” and FUTURA logo patches
• Ribbing: Custom knit with “UNKLE” text (rare non-BAPE rib variant)
• Embroidery Color: Grey thread variant — an exceptionally rare version, far less common than the yellow stitch model archived by Sotheby’s
• Made in Japan
Each jacket was hand-embroidered and assembled in limited numbers.
The grey-thread edition is believed to have been an early or collaborator-specific batch, rarely seen even among long-time collectors.
Cultural Significance
This collaboration stands at the crossroads of music, art, and fashion.
• NIGO / BAPE: Defined Japan’s early-2000s global streetwear movement
• James Lavelle / Mo’ Wax / UNKLE: Fused art direction and sound design into a new creative language
• FUTURA 2000: Brought New York graffiti abstraction into fine art and fashion
Together, they created a timeless symbol of cross-cultural creativity.
Pieces from this period now appear in Sotheby’s Culture Vault and Mo’ Wax archives, recognized as museum-grade artifacts, not merely clothing.
Condition
• Excellent vintage condition (20 + years old)
• Minor natural patina on leather sleeves
• All original lining, stitching, and snap buttons intact
• Embroidery is clean and bright — grey thread retains original contrast against the wool body
Collector Notes
• Authentic 2003 edition — not the 2021 “Original Headz” reissue
• Rare grey-embroidery variant, believed to exist in only a handful of units
• Frequently cited in archival sources including Sotheby’s, UNKLE Wiki, and Mo’ Wax retrospectives
• Represents the pinnacle of BAPE’s collaborative era and the early fusion of street and fine art cultures
Measurements (Flat Lay — add your values)
• Shoulder Width: 33in
• Chest Width: 23in
• Length: 27in
• Sleeve Length: 24in