Walking into the foundry where Onitsuka Tiger staged its Spring/Summer 2027 show felt like wandering onto a Tarantino set—makeshift bodega stands, petrol kiosks, and a larger-than-life automated car wash looming in the half-light. It was an apt setup for a brand whose Mexico 66 sneakers, dipped in instantly recognisable yellow, became cultural shorthand after the crowd-favourite film Kill Bill.
Then two motorcycles sliced through the dim space, engines revving, and the first look emerged: a devoré velvet minidress with an empire-line in a sweet shade of apricot, along with the laced-up wedge boots that stomped the raw ground, flaunting the earned stripes. The collection announced itself immediately. When delicate details march alongside the rugged, and the tailored alongside the athletic, we are greeted by the familiar tension that the brand has long made its anchor.
For a house that hangs its hat on footwear, Onitsuka Tiger has spent recent seasons rewriting its legacy, and while the ready-to-wear has held the spotlight for some time, our attention inevitably shifts to the shoes—now sporting a new Onitsuka Tiger Stripe, a contemporary evolution of the motif that has defined the brand for decades. The Mexico X66 arrived in storied metallic leather and, more intriguingly, as a mule. It’s clear that Onitsuka Tiger is crossing that line in its footwear offering and is moving beyond flat-soled sneakers. Lace-up heeled boots crawling up the knee donned the signature Tiger Yellow and floral prints, while mid-calf boxer-style boots came in a spread of 1960’s Space Age metallic hues. Later, spotting the loafers—both classic penny and studded—too, had us on the edge of our seats. Adding to the lineup is the memorable pointed pumps from last season, along with retro-inducing chunky-heeled styles—our personal favourite—to complete the picture.
The garments picked up that visual cue and ran with it. Tailored suits in earth tones and leather vests with swinging fringes—a rowdy howdy undertone that did not go unnoticed—complemented silk-like, fluid shirts in candy hues. Motorcycle elements were sprinkled throughout, as miniskirts and biker jackets each showed off scuffed elbows, edges and sleeves. Sportswear ran through it all: canvas work jackets layered over tops, and wool shorts that bring to mind a Muay Thai pair. Then, floral-print designs too, echoes the previous season, strutting with ribbon details styled against denim. Accessories such as cube-shaped bags—studded or wrapped in a foil-like metallic skin—enter along the eyewear, from aviators to mask-shaped sunglasses as they revved up the collection.
Then came Honda. Just when we wondered how else the Tiger could top itself, a winged logo pierced through the dark veil, emblazoned across leather shorts, moto jackets and colourful long-sleeved tops that recalled motocross gear. The collaboration with a household automobile name is surprising but not at all out of place. Graphics inspired by motorcycle culture was seen on lightweight mesh and jersey as the racing kit made its way into the fashion realm.
The unveiling of the Onitsuka Tiger Honda Mid Sports Concept motorcycle, flaunting the new stripe also indicates a new chapter in which Onitsuka Tiger is stepping on the accelerator in full force. As the collection’s name, “Energy Station,” suggests, the Japanese house is ready for what comes next—new chapter, new spirit.
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