Now that Milano Fashion Week has unfortunately come to an end, there is one brand —and one brand only— demanding our immediate attention. You know the name: Onitsuka Tiger. In their S/S 2027 collection, I was stunned by the set design, soundscape, and RTW, but ultimately, my jaw was on the floor right next to the footwear.
Though the heritage brand has been around since 1949, it has had a sudden, thoroughly well-deserved resurgence in the past years. The shoe most known from the brand is the Mexico 66, a low-profile sneaker offered in only the most punchy of color combos. From Uma Thurman’s iconic placement in Kill Bill, to modern celebrities such as Kendall Jenner and Michael B Jordan, the shoe has placed itself as the beloved off-duty staple for the luxury consumer.
After the most recent runway, it’s clear that they have unlocked new stylistic heights, in more ways than one.
The collection was inspired by “Energy Station”, a place to form community, rejuvenate your body, and prepare for your next destination. Andrea Pompilio, creative director since 2017, said his inspiration initially formed around the idea of a caravanserai, a fortified roadside inn for travelers along ancient trade routes. It was brilliant and translated effortlessly on the runway. A perfect concept for a company focused on comfort throughout all your destinations.
Imagine this: it’s your errand day in your small rural Texas town. You’re hitting the grocery store, flower shop, laundromat, and gas station. Suddenly Quentin Tarantino shows up and you are in the middle of a Kill Bill runway show. Models pass by with hits of yellow and black, cinematic music echoes in the background, and two motorcyclists fly past, repping the exact two classic colors. The entire performance reminded me of Prada Marfa- the mesmerizing juxtaposition of a high-fashion luxury identity dropped into a mundane and casual location. It just works.
I am a shoe girl through and through. I will always be nice to you, but let’s be honest, I will be deeply analyzing your shoe game upon first interactions. I proudly own a pair of Tiger’s, they are the Mexico 66 style in the classic yellow with black stripes. Basic? Maybe. Do I love those shoes down? Absolutely. They are genuinely the comfiest and chicest sneakers I have ever owned. Now, unquestionably, I need at least three more pairs.
Call it my fashion marketing bias talking but I have zero notes for this collection. It truly feels like the epitome of laundry day gone right. The fringe work, sheer layering, Honda collaboration, and that “model-off-duty-who-is-currently-clocked-in” vibe, stunned me entirely.
We saw the fisherman sandals, lace-up pointed kitten heels, ballet pumps, penny loafers, and the pièce de résistance- my personal obsession- knee-high lace up heeled sneakers, that hold the chunkiest of heels it looks like a wedge. Height? Unlocked. And of course, you can see every single style in all the cult favorite color combos.
As someone wrapping up their FASM degree right here at SCAD, I found the collection’s strategy brilliant. With heeled sneakers already making their comeback (props to Isabel Marant), it is more than time for Onitsuka to claim their crown and take the trend somewhere entirely new.
All I need to know is precisely when and where I can secure these new Onit-shoe-ka’s for my own collection.
Words by Olivia Antenora
Graphics by Mills Lynerd