Onitsuka Tiger’s iconic MEXICO 66 is undeniably one of the IT shoes of the moment, cementing its place as a contemporary symbol of cool. Originally designed for running in 1966, it has found itself on the feet of celebrities, blurring the lines between practicality and trend. While it floods our social media feeds for outfit inspiration, it finds itself even further into the fashion spotlight with Onitsuka Tiger’s latest collaboration with Vaquera for Spring Summer 2025, unveiled at Paris Fashion Week.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Onitsuka Tiger’s evolving identity, merging the two seemingly contrasting worlds of Vaquera’s anarchistic design ethos with Onitsuka Tiger’s precision-driven, Japanese craftsmanship. The reinterpretation of the MEXICO 66 are in ways that both uphold and subvert its iconic form where Vaquera, known for upending fashion norms with their downtown New York attitude, injects their irreverent vision into the sneaker, transforming it into a canvas of sexy expression.

The result? Re-styled classics of the MEXICO 66, offered in two striking colourways — silver/off-white and yellow/black in eight Vaquera looks. Handcrafted by artisans in Japan, the distressed finish and foil transfers on the upper echo the lived-in, worn-in feel that’s both nostalgic and new. The words “LOVE” and “RAGE” embroidered on the tongue speak to Vaquera’s signature blend of passion and ambivalence, imbuing the footwear with deeper emotional stakes than one might expect from athletic wear.

Consider look 12, where playfulness and edge shine through the metallic Onitsuka Tiger shoes, complementing a bold black bandeau top paired with a structured mini bubble skirt. Accessorised with a large brown handbag and a baseball cap, this ensemble is bold yet casual, capturing the Vaquera essence.

Closing the show was a show-stopping maximalist look, featuring oversized elements from a regal, gold chain-patterned skirt to an equally dramatic veil. Grounded by a graphic tee, the ensemble perfectly captured the fusion of runway opulence and streetwear sensibility, with the metallic sneakers adding a casual twist to the already lavish look.

This collaboration not only preserves the classic essence of the MEXICO 66 sneaker but also signifies Onitsuka Tiger’s deeper immersion into the luxury fashion realm as the brand matures. By aligning with Vaquera, they have underscored their commitment to redefine its place in the fashion landscape.

This article was first seen on Men’s Folio Singapore.

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