Onitsuka Tiger roared at Milan Fashion Week with its “Urban Duality”-themed collection inspired by Tokyo, where tradition and modernity collide. The bustling energy of Shibuya, Shinjuku and Harajuku contrasts sharply with the almost rural serenity of its surrounding areas, which seem hundreds of kilometers apart yet are just a stone’s throw away.
Tokyo is a metropolis where lives move at a frenetic pace, yet there remains room for an intimate and contemplative dimension, perfectly aligned with Japan’s spiritual essence. The collection expresses the duality, envisioning an aesthetic and cultural melting pot where diverse influences converge, shaped by the individuality that animates the streets of the sprawling Asian metropolis.
The looks of the collection are composed of fusing diverse styles; from the contemporary Brit-country look to western-inspired details, and punk studded accents to romantic flourishes. The slimmed silhouette draws a new aesthetic.
Tiny tailored pea coats, suits and jackets in soft wool double face or in micro houndstooth, gorpcore-inspired zip-up mid-layer jackets in double-face, oversized cardigans and micro twin sets in cable-knit wool are for unisex, giving space for personal style to ultimately define the look.
Pleated plain skirts or blouses and delicate dresses with lace inserts all made in silk, turn everything into a romantic yet energetic ensemble if paired with hand-embroidered pullovers in Nordic pattern, skirts with wavy volumes, waxed cotton jackets with corduroy collars, and Texan-style heel boots with soft shafts tightened by straps.
The muscularity is highlighted by cropped jackets in wool and polyester embroidered with round bugles in cowboy-inspired motifs, and the fabric and finish of which is all made in Japan. Synthetic leather was used in the outerwear, featuring bomber jackets and pea coats that introduce a shiny, modern finish.
Alongside the boots, a variety of footwear was introduced; ballerina flats with studs and squared metal toes, the brand’s iconic archive weightlifting shoes with studded lace-up leather style.
Also, black sneakers with crystal-studs, the brand’s iconic MEXICO 66 model reimagined, evoke the sparkling aesthetic of 1980s pop music.
Two iconic bags round out the collection: the signature Onitsuka bowling bag, reimagined with crystal embellishments, and a new mini pochette with oversized straps, set to become an instant cult hit.
Global celebrities such as the brand ambassador MOMO from TWICE, Thai actor Gulf Kanawut, Korean actor Wi Hajun, Chinese actor Ziyi Wang, and Australian actress Phoebe Tonkin attended the fashion show. The event venue was enveloped in the original scent of Onitsuka Tiger, and this perfume was also gifted to guests.
