Tonight at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, Valentino showcased an unexpected partnership. Creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli teamed up with Japanese sneaker label Onitsuka Tiger.
The low-key styles have the look of the kung fu or boxing shoe that Sandra Choi also channelled at her Jimmy Choo presentation in Milan on Saturday.
The limited-edition collaboration comprises an exclusive rework of the MEXICO 66™ SD sneaker with the Valentino V logo hand-printed on the side over the Onitsuka Tiger stripe.
A special co-branded logo appears on the shoe tongue and insole. The midsole features superior cushioning, and a proprietary outersole is durable and slip resistant.
Although only the white model was featured on the runway, the collection shoes will also be available in neon orange, pink and yellow.
Onitsuka Tiger has top form when it comes to “didn’t see it coming” collabs with top-tier luxury fashion houses. The label teamed up with Givenchy and artistic director Clare Waight Keller when she made her men’s runway debut at Pitti Uomo in June.
Piccioli is also no stranger to surprising collaborations. Don’t forget, he partnered with Birkenstock for his fall 2019 show, putting his own spin on Birkenstock’s signature Arizona sandal model.
They will be sold in select Valentino retail stores around the world and on Valentino.com, while at Onitsuka Tiger, one model in the brand’s signature “Tricolor” will be available at select stores and online.
The shoes will be launched in summer 2020. Details such as price, store locations and how to purchase will be announced at a later date.
This article was updated on Jan. 16 to include more information.
