L'O Exclusive: Cordae Stars in New Bape X Coach Campaign
The rapper leads the collaboration's new campaign along with fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion and model Kōki.
While fashion has always been a motivating factor in Cordae's life, his new role as the star of the Bape x Coach collaboration highlights the style influences that inspire him today.
In his youth, the rapper entered a local spelling bee to win $300 dollars so he could buy the new Air Jordan Retro Playoffs—he won. Now, as an established artist on the rap scene and respected collaborator in his own right, he is featured in this new fashion campaign alongside Megan Thee Stallion and Kōki. While speaking exclusively to L'OFFICIEL about the collection, the 23-year-old opened up about his early passion for clothes, his personal connection to the brands, and the similarities between collaborations in fashion and music.
When approached about showcasing the collection, Cordae's decision stemmed from his own knowledge and ties to both Coach and Bape. Growing up just outside of Washington D.C., Coach was everywhere, explains the rapper. "My mom used to always love Coach bags," he explains. "I just remember specifically, especially in the hood, having a Coach [bag]—your woman had a Coach bag, your girl had a Coach bag."
Whereas Bape speaks to his more musical sensibilities. "Bape is Bape. It kinda goes without saying—Pharrell, [Lil] Wayne. Bape is just a part of hip hop culture to this day," said the "Gifted" artist. "It was a no brainer."
The collection showcases a range of ready-to-wear pieces, accessories, and footwear that blend Coach's New York origins with Bape's foundation in Tokyo streetwear. Several items in the collection are marked with a reinvented print that brings together Coach's monogram logo with the iconic Bape Ape Head emblem. All in all, the collaboration paints both brands in a new light while also maintaining each maintaining their own brand identities.
From his time working in the studio, Cordae knows all too well what it takes to make a successful collaboration. "Whenever I pulling up on different artists, at least an hour or two before I get in with them, I'm just spending my whole time going through beats, going through samples, to create a beat on the spot, you know just trying to find the right sonics, cause that's the most important thing," says the rapper. "The production is definitely [the most important thing] I would say. In fashion, it's the equivalent. The production, the material, you know how to bring the best of both worlds."
He also adds that although he would describe his personal style aspirations as "rich hippie," his particular favorite piece from the Bape x Coach collection is the shoes, adding, "Them things are freakin' incredible."
When he's not taking on the fashion world, Cordae is in the studio putting the "garnishes" on his upcoming album, From A Birds Eye View. While he won't give away any secrets about what collaborations of his own he has coming up on the record, he assures fans that new music is on its way. "I'm pretty much done with my album."
Before signing off, he reiterates his appreciation to both Bape and Coach for being a part of the campaign. He concludes, "It's a really dope campaign, and both are very dope brands, that have been a part of my life one way or another."
The Bape x Coach collection launches July 24 in stores and on Coach.com. Check out every piece from the collaboration below.