Onitsuka Tiger's Iconic Yellow Is Having A Moment

The Japanese fashion brand taps Glenn Yong, Gulf Kanawut, and more to star in a special yellow-themed shoot.

Glenn Yong, Heart Evangelista Gulf Kanawut Onitsuka Tiger Yellow — Photos: Onitsuka Tiger

By Shermin Ng - published 20 Apr 2023

With the theme "Urban Layering" for fall/winter 2023, creative director Andrea Pompilio distilled the essence of the Japanese tradition of wearing a kimono and dressing in layers by filtering it through Onitsuka Tiger's sporty DNA. The result? A collection that not only maintains the brand's active spirit, but also channels an urban aesthetic.

There were oversized coats made of faux fur, tailored jackets coats made of relaxed and crisp melton, and standout mega anoraks specially created in collaboration with Zanter, a Japanese manufacturer specialising in down-filled outerwear that has outfitted the Antartic expedition and various exploration teams since 1956.

The voluminous silhouette extended to the bottoms, complete with baggy nylon and melton trousers and quilted chiffon shorts with see-through padding layered over boxer shorts, paired with ankle and below-knee leather boots as well as chunky sneakers. Elsewhere, giant mohair-touch knit turtlenecks, lightweight quilted chiffon see-through shirts with padding, ribbed tank tops, georgette and chiffon dresses cinched by sash belts and drawstrings made for a close-fitting contrast to the oversized looks.

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Heart Evangelista. Photo: Onitsuka Tiger

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Mae Tan and Heart Evangelista. Photo: Onitsuka Tiger

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Gulf Kanawut. Photo: Onitsuka Tiger

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Jung Il-woo. Photo: Onitsuka Tiger

Heart Evangelista, Jung Il-woo, Gulf Kanawut as well as Singapore's Glenn Yong and Mae Tan were among the attendees at the star-studded show. Looking distinctive in yellow and black outfits and sneakers, the stylish set embodied a bold and playful character, which translated into a special yellow-themed shoot featuring Onitsuka Tiger's iconic Mexico 66—fashion's new must-have sneaker—and ready-to-wear pieces from its spring/summer 2023 collection.

The colour yellow has always had a strong association with Onitsuka Tiger. In Kill Bill 2 (2004), Uma Thurman, referencing Bruce Lee's kung-fu aesthetic in Game of Death (1978), sported a pair of Mexico 66s in a yellow and black colourway, launching Onitsuka Tiger into the mainstream. Yellow has since remained a signature colour of the brand.

Ahead, see how your favourite celebrities and influencers from the region rocked their shoot in Milan and how you can get their looks.