Onitsuka Tiger unveiled its 2023 Spring/Summer Collection at Milan Fashion Week at 9:00pm on September 21, 2022. Under the direction of Creative Director Andrea Pompilio, this was Onitsuka Tiger’s fourth showing at Milan Fashion Week. The theme of this collection was “Japanese Minimalism” showcasing items which take Japanese aesthetics to new heights.

A detailed rehearsal proceeds under the watchful eye of Andrea
The personalities and the dress of each model was considered to present the optimal style. Working in solidarity, Team Andrea produced a creative show. Wearing a serious expression, Andrea checked the models as they walked the runway smartly during rehearsal.

A collection with a three-dimensional feel stands out in relief within an inorganic backdrop
The showing was suffused with a surreal ambience as if you wandered into the world of film. At last the show begins when a bright light falls on an inorganic and deteriorated space. Continuing from last year’s trend, this was once again a physical showing. The event was attended by an epicurean roster of players such as Tomohisa Yamashita, Yoshi Michi, Model Shuzo Ohira and YAMATO, K-Pop singer Yugyeom from GOT7, and R&B singer Bryson Tiller.

As per the theme of this collection “Japanese Minimalism,” innovative forms which draw from the traditional are derived by hacking away at the unessential through “the art of deconstruction” to reveal the culmination of beauty. Materials and forms with a sporty element are sublimated to create an urban style.

While each of the collection pieces are simple, Andrea’s approach of showing off the details of the design leaves an impression. For example, a drawstring to emphasize the length of the dress transforms a georgette oversized T-shirt into an embroidered top. The culotte pants which give off a sculpted impression are inspired by a Kyudo hakama skirt. The quivering arms of the blouse and the logoed beach towel drape on the tank top are inspired by the Japanese kimono.

This season, Andrea incorporated an out-of-character 3D volumy feel into the look by also focusing on the back of the dress-up which tends to become one dimensional. The drawstring brings change to the silhouette, the length of a dress can be adjusted, a caped coat design borrows from the trench coat, and a dress has back pockets. Cutting-edge ideas with a volumy feel are a joy to watch.

Shoes and accessories with a sense of presence are accents
Additions to a standard black and white color pallet include a signature Onitsuka Tiger yellow and Japanese shiso leaf green – colors worthy of the spring and summer season.

A full line-up of shoes and accessories that make an impression
Shoes that make an appearance are “TIRRACK” which draw the eye with bold graphics suggestive of tiger claw marks and the new “SCLAW” and “SCLAW MT” which interweave the detail of driving shoes into a traditional Japanese setta (leather-soled sandal) motif, with a lavish use of Japanese leather. Other accents include a bag inspired from a bowling bag, and a bag with the Onitsuka Tiger logo and claw stripes delicately embroidered onto it.

The headphones used for this collection generated a lot of buzz. They are realized by the world-renowned audio equipment maker “Bang & Olufsen” established in Denmark in 1925.

At the finale, Andrea received a thunderous applause!
For a dramatic finale, all models came out in a line to show off the appeal of the collection as a whole. When Andrea came on stage last, the audience received him with a thunderous applause.

The afterglow lingers at the after party
An after party was held at a different venue. “ONITSUKA TIGER CLUB” was displayed in big letters overhead as DJ’s Mia Moretti and Chloé Caillet performed and VIP’s got into the swing of things. In a fun atmosphere, the guests talked about fashion and had a wonderful time.