Onitsuka Tiger meets Versace in a high-fashion fusion

In a surprising yet thrilling turn for sneaker and luxury aficionados alike, Japanese heritage brand Onitsuka Tiger has joined forces with Italian fashion powerhouse Versace for the Spring/Summer 2026 collection. 

The collaboration debuted at Versace’s Milan Fashion Week show, marking the first collection under Naples-born Dario Vitale, former Miu Miu design director, who assumed the role of Chief Creative Officer in April 2025, becoming the first non-family member to helm the house after Donatella Versace.

The collaboration transforms Onitsuka Tiger’s cult-classic TAI-CHI silhouette into an exercise in high-fashion refinement. Crafted in Japan’s Sanin Tottori region from premium Italian materials, the collection of seven sneakers retain their signature Tiger stripes, now double-stitched, while Versace’s Medusa emblem – set in studded embellishments – adorns the tongue.

The upper undergoes a ‘vintage’ wash and buffing treatment, adding a tactile, worn-in sophistication that veers somewhat away from the house’s typical high-gloss maximalism.

Alongside the sneakers, the duo unveiled an Italian-made loafer, further cementing the union between Japanese restraint and Italian opulence.

Onitsuka Tiger’s cult clout – rooted in decades of Japanese streetwear, cinematic appearances, and overall performance heritage – lends the collaboration an authentic edge, while Vitale’s track record suggests a savvy strategic vision for Versace’s evolution.

After all, Vitale’s pedigree is notable: during his 14-year tenure at Miu Miu, he propelled the label soar to fashion supremacy, driving viral hits like AW23’s micro mini skirts and the “bespectacled librarians” trend. According to Business Insider, under his leadership, Miu Miu’s revenue surged an astonishing 97.3 per cent from 2024 to 2025, positioning it as a coveted “it girl” brand on global rankings such as Lyst.

If this is any indicator, Versace under Vitale may well be poised for its own renaissance.

For eager collectors, patience is required: the Onitsuka Tiger x Versace items will be available at select Versace flagship stores worldwide and online only in Spring 2026, with further details on pricing and availability expected in due course.