If The Shu Fits: Onitsuka Tiger Joins Forces With Shu Uemura

Just when we thought we hit peak collaboration, Onitsuka Tiger announced a tie-up that has brought life back to our jaded palates. The luxury house has joined forces with Shu Uemura to create a capsule of sneakers and beauty products, which is set to launch worldwide at the beginning of May. Although the parallels between the brands may not be immediately apparent, the two Japanese giants share a rich heritage and a pioneering spirit that has made them leaders in their respective fields. So really, we should have seen it coming, except that the news blew us away (thanks for that, Onitsuka Tiger).

Modelled after the popular DELEGATION EX™ silhouette, which is reminiscent of the design worn by Team Japan at the 1964 Summer Olympics, the new sneakers feature uppers of glossy enamel (inspired by lustrous lipstick) and contrasting smooth leather in a flaming shade of scarlet. Hitting that sweet spot between chic and comfortable, the chunky sole comes with a cushion of highly-responsive FLYTEFOAM™ Propel for enhanced bounce and improved shock absorption. The iconic Tiger stripes swoop across the sides in orange and black, while the emblems of both brands are stamped on the insole.

Needless to say, the collaboration also includes an array of beauty products, ranging from eight-colour eyeshadow palettes to lacquer and matte lipsticks to an eyelash curler, a foundation brush, and a limited-edition version of Shu Uemura’s signature ultime8∞ cleansing oil. All the items showcase classic Onitsuka Tiger colours like Tokyo Red, Energy Orange, and Indigo Blue, with the Tiger stripes rendered in sweeping paintbrush strokes.

The Onitsuka Tiger x Shu Uemura sneakers will launch on May 1 at Onitsuka Tiger Takashimaya S.C., and will retail at SGD$299