Onitsuka Tiger, a collection of sneakers Made in Italy
11 Images
by Editorial Staff
View gallery
Onitsuka Tiger, a collection of sneakers Made in Italy
5 Images
by Editorial Staff
View gallery
An exclusive event in Milan, at 10 Corso Como for the presentation of a new line of sneakers by Onitsuka Tiger dedicated to Italy. The historic Japanese brand started from two of its iconic models to reinterpret them with an Italian touch. With a unique version of the first two models OK Basketball MID MII and Mexico 66 MII, the new collection “Made in Italy” merges the heritage and design of Onitsuka Tiger with the skill and Italian savoir-faire.
[Also read: The Onitsuka Tiger Stripes turn 50]
Inspired by the original Onitsuka Tiger design, both models feature a customized sole that pays homage to the “Octopus Salad Story.” This is the company legend according to which a tentacle of an octopus, accidentally stuck on the salad bowl of founder Kihachiro Onitsuka, inspired the innovative suction cup sole of the first OK Basketball model made in 1951. The new sole is shaded with colorful Japanese wave patterns in red, like the hat on the Japanese national flag. The Mexico 66 MII retains its heel and its elegant minimal look, but for the first time has a new sole, made entirely of Italian leather. Similarly, the OK Basketball MID MII is characterized by a rubber sole composed of layers of Italian calfskin and Nubuck. As a finishing touch, the metal eyelets are a nod to classic Japanese design. Available in 4 colorways: white, black, marzipan, and dark denim, the Mexico 66 MII and OK Basketball MID MII models feature exclusive packaging in the colors of the Italian tricolor.
Leonardo Scotti, fashion and design photographer, together with the creative agency Motel 409, has created a series of custom-made photo sequences of the collection, “"Made in Italy"” to highlight the Italian touch that gives uniqueness to the product. Together, they celebrated the collection by portraying the most famous symbols of Italian architecture in an oversized version. The concept “Italy Grand Tour” is a guide for a journey to discover the Bel Paese and its beauties, from St. Peter’s Square to the Duomo of Milan, passing through the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The MADE IN ITALY sneakers by Onitsuka Tiger are available in three selected European stores: 10 Corso Como (Milan), Luisa Via Roma (www.luisaviaroma.com), Montaigne Market (Paris), and in all Onitsuka Tiger flagship stores and on onitsukatiger.com.