In the intersection of sports and fashion, few brands embody the spirit of innovation and heritage quite like Onitsuka Tiger. Established in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka, the brand began with a visionary mission to promote youth health through athletic footwear, laying the foundation for a legacy that endures today. From its inception, Onitsuka Tiger has been synonymous with excellence, particularly by their iconic Tiger Stripes and commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
As Onitsuka Tiger celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, the brand not only honours their past but also looks forward with dedication to pushing boundaries. This milestone is quite the testament to the brand's ongoing pursuit of innovation and its ability to evolve while staying true to its heritage.
Looking ahead with anticipation, Onitsuka Tiger is gearing up to open their flagship store in Paris by July 2025, poised at the Champs-Élysées. Until then, the spotlight falls on the Hotel Onitsuka Tiger at Champs-Élysées. From July 22nd to August 17th, 2024, this venue, usually closed to the public, will transform into a vibrant celebration of the brand's journey. Guests can expect an immersive experience that spans culinary, curated exhibitions, and live performances by renowned cultural figures. The Hotel Onitsuka Tiger will feature a special exhibition showcasing the brand's archive of shoes (of course, including the Tigers), alongside an installation that captures the spirit and vision of founder Kihachiro Onitsuka at the time the brand was born. Admission is free, but be sure to reserve your time slot in advance.
At the heart of this Parisian experience is their pop-up Yellow Tiger Cafe, rather then pastries, offering a taste of Japanese cuisine by chef Yoji Tokuyoshi surrounded by décor bathed in Onitsuka Tiger's signature Tiger Yellow. Adding to the allure, Grammy Award-winning pianist Yuja Wang will be performing, enhancing the celebration's cultural vibrancy. Contributing in performances is artist Yutaro Inagaki and singer-songwriter Maïa Barouh.
In honouring their origins in Japan, Onitsuka Tiger extends its anniversary festivities to Tokyo from Friday the 9th to Sunday, 25th of August. Here, a photography exhibition will showcase 75 pairs of their archival shoes, each telling a unique story from the brand's inception to its global prominence. Further premiering an exhibit of art pieces inspired by Onitsuka Tiger, alongside this, guests will have the chance to see for the first time the debut of their redesigned classics – a modern reimagining of the shoe styles that fuelled the brand's journey: birth, breakthroughs, challenges, and evolution.
Onitsuka Tiger isn't just celebrating a birthday – it's marking a triumphant 75 years at the forefront of cultural relevance and innovative design. This anniversary isn't merely a look back, but a roar towards the future as they remain committed to pushing boundaries and embracing fresh perspectives in the athletic word.
