Of different stripes.

We took a quick trip to Singapore last July 29 to check out the 50th Anniversary Exhibition of Onitsuka Tiger’s famed Stripes logo. To commemorate its 50th year, the brand commissioned 50 Singapore-based artists to create their own version of the iconic Mexico 66 shoe. They really held nothing back in putting their own personal touch on the shoe, with the showcase featuring a lot of very unique and bold designs. Fashion retailer Pedder on Scotts was the venue for the exhibit that lasted until August 14. Check out our full gallery below and learn more about Onisuka Tiger’s logo and the shoe that started it all.

50 years of stripes

Fifty years ago, Onitsuka Tiger channelled calmness and the fighting spirit – as envisioned by the designer at the time – both desirable attributes in competitive athletics, into a trademark design of understated distinctiveness: the Onitsuka Tiger Stripes.

The need for a trademark was acknowledged as far back as 1960.
But it was only in 1964 that development began proper, in preparation for the 1968 international summer sporting event to be held in Mexico City. A pool of 200 designs was whittled down to 13, then five and finally, the ageless blue and red stripes that have endeared themselves with Onitsuka Tiger fans till today.

In 1966, the stripes created a splash when Team Japan for the 5th Asian Games proudly wore four shoe models under the MEXICO Lines. That was the year that LIMBER, the precursor to the MEXICO 66, was launched.

Half a century has surged by. Over the years, Onitsuka Tiger has evolved its focus to become a sports fashion leader, demonstrating undisputed Japanese craftsmanship and artistic flair in its varied collections of footwear.

However, the MEXICO 66 shoe that started out as the classic runner LIMBER remains the archetypal Onitsuka Tiger shoe: subtly rebellious and quietly confident yet playful – and definitely unique.

The clever use of cultural influences, texture and fabric constantly places it in the vanguard of sports fashion, unyielding in its position as the most popular shoe in the Onitsuka Tiger repertoire.

 

 

 

 

Share Button