i've always been wondering about BAPE's (as well as other japanese street brands) ability to orchestrate and achieve the 'cult' status they have... what is it that these labels attract everyone sooo much? it's definitedly NOT the quality as many of us can contest... nor the cutting for not much of BAPE wear is very 'original' in design but more 'lifted'/'borrowed'... so what is it? is it the overall 'lifestyle' perception they project? especially with BAPE, it's amazing and fascinating for me how it can 'borrow'/copy so unashamedly for instance the adidas super/ultra stars and not only it doesn't get sued but the original brand turns around and legitimizes it by collaborating!!! and does the methodology of issuing items bit by bit over the course of a season (instead of having the entire collection available at the start all at once) encourage 'rareity' and thus the sky-high prices on the net? anyone care to share your views/enlightenment/opinions on this please?