Onitsuka Tiger Spring 2027: Full Tank of Character

by · WWD
Onitsuka Tiger Spring 2027 Ready-to-Wear Collection at Milan Fashion WeekCourtesy of Onitsuka Tiger

As soon as the lights went down at the Onitsuka Tiger spring show, two shiny new Honda Mid Sports Concept motorbikes vroomed along the catwalk.

The stunt served as an introduction to the Japanese sportswear giant’s latest tie-up with the automotive firm, which includes a custom edition of the bikes bearing a special Onitsuka Tiger livery.

It also provided creative director Andrea Pompilio with inspiration for his spring show set — if not his mood.

A life-size, David Lynch-esque gas station — dubbed “Energy Station” — was mounted in the center of the show’s industrial venue and became the imaginative crossroads where his characters could congregate.

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A continuation of fall’s story, Pompilio imagined cool kids too unfazed to care about a collar standing up, a shoulder strap falling down, or an underpinning untucked.

Each brought their own individuality, and mixmatched outfits, to boot, which seemed plucked from a Gen Zer’s wardrobe — infused with a vintage-y feel.

Little shift dresses were decked in kitsch floral patterns, balloon HotPants were layered under sturdy car coats, track pants with side stripes doubled up as sartorial bottoms for ‘60s-inflected blazers.

Windbreakers and sweatshirts were tossed over ribbed tank tops and miniskirts as makeshift coverups to run morning errands. Fringes dangled from shirtdresses, utilitarian vests and suede jackets, adding a rugged, Western flair.

The Honda collab included biker jackets in candy colors, and long-sleeved T-shirts with edgy graphics running throughout and caps.

Chiefly a footwear company, the Asics-owned brand zeroed in on shoe hybrids, parading desirable penny loafers with the signature Tiger Stripes on the side, and less accomplished lace-up heeled boots for fashionable riders.

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When they entered en masse for the finale, the tableau vivant of characters looked a lot like real people.