greenbelt 5 part 2 of 4: onitsuka tiger

As promised, I’ll be doing a four-part series about the sneaker scene over at Greenbelt 5. After dropping by Greyone Social, I moved on over to Onitsuka Tiger. I started off this blog a few months back and wrote one of my first few pieces on the store launch of Onitsuka Tiger in Manila. It was a relief to finally have Tiger here in the country, and an even better feeling knowing that you don’t have to order online to get their line in.

Curiosity sparked my recent trip to GB5 as a friend said that OT has some limited editions in stock. This was a pleasant surprise and I had to see for myself. Not only did Tiger have a limited collection out, but had two limited collections out! Onitsuka Tiger presents the Zodiac Collection and Tokidoki x Onitsuka Tiger.

ONITSUKA TIGER’S BIRTHDAY INSPIRES THE NEW ZODIAC COLLECTION

Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger is also celebrating their 60th year (pretty much like adidas). In celebrating their 60th year, they have created a unique Zodiac pack which plays a major role in the Spring/Summer 2009 collection.

Turning 60 in Japan isn’t just another birthday. It’s an event of major cultural significance filled with all sorts of symbolism. Living tom 60 more or less sums up living the cycle of life. According to the Japanese Zodiac calendar a 60-year cycle is based on a combination of 12 animals and 5 earth elements.

The first half of the collection (Spring Summer 2009), features 3 animals by Takeshi Fukui (Ox, Rat, Tiger) and 3 designs by Erik Kriek (Snake, Dragon, Rabbit). Takeshi will also showcase 3 other designs (Horse, Monkey, Sheep) in the Autumn Winter collection 2009.

Throughout the footwear (and apparel) collections there are also more subtle uses of the Zodiac designs, with the animals appearing in many unusual places. This is Japanese craftmanship at its finest (or at least they have taught the Chinese manufacturer the Japanese craft). fine detail into each and every shoe.

The most iconic pieces of OT comprises the Zodiac Collection- the Mexico 66s, Lawnship, Coolidge and one more piece for the ladies that I can’t decipher (will find out soon). The Coolidge Mids go for 6400 Php.

ONITSUKA TIGER x TOKIDOKI

Created by Italian artist Simone Legno, tokidoki is a colorful world of spritely characters that draws influence from Japanese art and culture. The partnership with Onitsuka Tiger brings in together two unique facets of Japanese culture. OT’s strong history of creating outstanding athletic products married with tokidoki’s modern interpretation of Japanese art creates the perfect blend of function and fashion.

What’s not noted here is that the Lawnship pairs of the tokidoki pack have glow in the dark pieces. Is this now something of interest? I believe so. The Lawnship costs 7800 Php while the the Lunetta (women’s slip on) costs 6100 Php.

For all the designs, check out the pics below and the complete collection at Onitsuka Tiger.