This Leica Camera Is Focused on Street Art and Street Wear

Leica takes the art of street photography seriously, capturing moments of people’s lives as naturally and, at the same time, profoundly as possible. This kind of reportage photography is something that the brand has always been closely connected with. Street photography represents a mirror of sorts, and captures the emotions of the many facets of urban society. 

Melding street art and street wear, Leica says it has created a special limited edition compact camera out of its Leica D-Lux 7 series called the “A Bathing Ape x Stash.”

Photo by Leica.

There are two versions of the camera: a black-finish variant that is officially retailed by Leica Philippines, and a silver version which is available exclusively via A Bathing Ape stores. Both cameras feature the signature ABC Camo look of the Tokyo streetwear label Bape and the brand’s Ape Head insignia as well as the distinctive wildstyle tag of American graffiti artist Stash. 

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Stash, whose real name is Josh Franklin, is one of the pioneers of New York’s graffiti scene. Considered an innovator and influencer in the world of urban design, the artist uses his vision of integrating graphic graffiti elements and fonts into commercial product designs, capturing the attention of a broad audience, and helping graffiti culture rise from the shadows of subway tunnels into the light of public acceptance.

Street artist Stash

Photo by Leica.

The name “Stash” refers to how he “stashed away’ messages as his iconic signature have become a brand in their own right, immortalised in high-profile collaborations with major brands in the streetwear scene.

Leica believes that it is in this spirit where the creative energies of Tokyo and New York have converged to produce a unique limited edition compact camera, using photography to document both street art and street fashion.

“When I started doing graffiti in the early 1980s, the term ‘street art’ didn’t exist,“ Stash says. “It was only later, when we emerged from the tunnels and train stations, that we became much more visible. Documenting my art through photography has always been part of my creativity. With the advent of digital cameras, I got my first Leica.”

Stash says he recognises many parallels between the three art forms. “They are visual, based on colour, form and expressive freedom. I think they are strongly youth-driven, and there is so much creativity between them that one feeds into the other to help complete the story.” 

Photo by Leica.

When designing the limited special edition of the Leica D-Lux 7, the Brooklyn-based artist incorporated both the famously graphic-heavy style of the Bape label, and his own distinctive visual approach. 

While the Leica D-Lux 7 “A Bathing Ape X Stash” limited edition camera has the same technical specifications as the serially produced model, it comes with an additional carrying strap, a specially designed camera pouch, and an auto lens cap that opens and closes as the lens retracts and extends with the distinctive Bape logo.

For more information, visit Leica Store Manila at Greenbelt 5 or online or check out the camera here.