The Onitsuka Tiger x Versace TAI-CHI Sakura Is Where Slipper Meets Sneaker
Blending Italian and Japanese craftsmanship, the low-cut, slim-soled style is made at Onitsuka Tiger’s factory in Japan.
Summary
- Onitsuka Tiger and Versace debuted the TAI-CHI Sakura, a collaborative slim, vintage sneaker blending Italian luxury with Japanese craftsmanship.
- Releasing April 2, 2026, the collection features premium leather and suede finishes, golden Medusa hardware, and a hybrid sneaker-loafer silhouette.
Unveiled at Dario Vitale‘s first (and only) Versace runway show, before the designer got the boot, Onitsuka Tiger and Versace have come together for a collection of low-cut sneakers. The TAI-CHI Sakura fuses Versace’s Italian luxury with Onitsuka’s Japanese craftsmanship for a slim, vintage SS26 silhouette.
The first-time collaboration is made at the Onitsuka Tiger factory in Sanin, Tottori, Japan. In addition to metallic and white leather treatments, suede uppers are treated with a washing process that gives each pair a lived-in look. For added emphasis, the classic Onitsuka Tiger overlays are double-stitched, and a golden Medusa emblem is fixed to the tongues. While Onitsuka Tiger’s embossed logo is shown on the tongue, Versace’s logo lives on the back heel counter.
Also featured during the runway show was a penny loafer-style model, complete with the Onitsuka Tiger overlays, showcasing the brand’s interpretation of the ongoing sneaker-loafer trend. Even Onitsuka Tiger’s FW26 runway show featured several hybrid styles, fusing its classic details with kitten heels and high-cut boot styles. However, as the trend evolves, the more technical and athletic details are being reeled in for classic and formal styles.
The Onitsuka Tiger x Versace TAI-CHI Sakura collection will be available in select Versace stores and online on April 2, 2026. Stay tuned to Hypebeast for the latest fashion industry news and insights.
