Givenchy becomes latest designer to join streetwear ranks with new trainer collaboration
It's the first time the luxury French fashion house has partnered with a trainer label on a global scale
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Your support makes all the difference.Givenchy has teamed up with Japanese shoe label Onitsuka Tiger for a streetwear-inspired trainer collaboration.
The luxury French fashion house, which is favoured by the Duchess of Sussex, debuted the new trainers created as part of the partnership on Wednesday at Pitti Uomo, the annual menswear fashion event.
The shoes are modelled after Onitsuka Tiger’s “Nippon Made Mexico 66” style, whose classic shape was inspired by several retro running shoes, including the Limber pair which were worn by the national Japanese Olympic team in 1968.
While the new Givenchy versions maintain the timeless silhouette of the Mexico 66, they are available in two distinct colourways.
The all-white version boasts a simple perforated Givenchy logo which provides a stylish contrast to Onitsuka Tiger's signature embroidered stripes.
On the other hand, the "Triple Black" pair features a bold take on the tiger stripes which come outlined in thick white strokes, while red detailing around the heel offers a pop of contrast.
The collaboration marks the first time the luxury French fashion house has teamed up with a footwear manufacturer on a global scale.
Likewise, it’s the first time Onitsuka Tiger has teamed up with a luxury fashion house.
Trainers have continued to be an important focus in the fashion industry in recent years after Phoebe Philo, former creative director of Celine, stepped out for her post spring/sumer 2011 show bow in a pair of Adidas Stan Smiths.
Not so long ago, trainers were either bought for tackling the sports hall or the treadmill, but now, thanks in part to Philo, they’re seen in a whole new light.
Footwear fans’ purchasing decisions no longer solely rely on brands like Nike, Adidas or Reebok to get their fashion fill, with a number of high-end labels, including Lanvin, Chanel and Stella McCartney, all launching their own luxury versions.
In 2017, Balenciaga’s Speed trainer was dubbed the "Shoe of the Year" by fashion bible Vogue after it continued to sell out time and time again.
“The Speed trainer has been an incredible success for us,” a spokesperson from Matches Fashion told the publication.
“During our second restock, in the summer, we completely sold out in one hour to a high volume of customers who had signed up to put them on their wish lists [this features alerts the customer when the item is back in stock.
"We don’t see the demand falling."
“Every time we upload further stock of this style, it sells out immediately.”
The trainers, which were worn by both female and male models on Givenchy's runway, are unisex and cost €450 (£400).
Givenchy x Onitsuka Tiger sneakers are available to purchase now online through Givenchy.com
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