In one of my previous entries, I wrote about the fall of Japanese fashion brand “A Bathing Ape” (Bape) and how they were one of the coolest brands out there.  One way they separated themselves from the competition was through their incredibly designed stores by the Wonderwall design firm.  It’s sad that a lot of their shops are now closed down, but you can see most of them on Wonderwall’s site (many of the below pictures were found there).  Anyways, when I was in Japan several years ago, I was able to check out the Baby Milo store.  Its a hidden store that’s pretty much unmarked other than this sheet of glass, frosted with the Baby Milo logo.  This piece of glass also serves as a sliding door (no handles, no knobs…it just opens when you stand in front of it)

Once you find your way in, you have to head down the stairs to get to the shop.  Lining the path down is an army of apes.  As you go down, the sound of marching also plays through the speakers.

Once you reach the store in the basement, the army of apes continues to surround the perimeter of the shop.  In the centre of the store, a life size merygoround of Milo apes awaits.

I never forgot my experience at the store and as toy collector, I’ve always loved the Baby Milo figures.  I managed to pick up a few while in Japan but recently came across a stash at a bargain price.  They finally arrived today and I’m one step closer to building my own mini army of soldiers!