Eagle-eyed viewers of the Givenchy menswear show at Pitti Uomo in Florence last night would have noticed something different on the feet of the male models who walked the runway. The models were shodded in what seemed like Mexico 66s – you know the ones that Uma Thurman made popular in the film Kill Bill: Volume 1 – by Japanese sneaker maker Onitsuka Tiger. Could they be bootleg-meets-ironic versions you wonder?
This morning, both brands confirmed that they have indeed collaborated for two minimalist variations of the Mexico 66 in an all-white model and a black version with red and white details. Dubbed the Mexico 66 GDX, the white kicks boast a perforated Givenchy logo emblazoned on the side while the dark version sports the sneaker brand’s signature stripes.
What makes this collaboration special is not just its hype cachet but also the fact that this outing marks a first for both brands. Onitsuka Tiger has never teamed up with a luxury fashion house before while this is the first time Givenchy is working with an external sneaker manufacturer for its shoes. The surprise news also makes one sit up and notice Onitsuka Tiger’s increasing push forward its global expansion. It’s already a household name in Japan but its rep abroad has mostly been more of a cult sneaker label; this tie-up might shake things up.
And now to the question on everyone’s mind. When will the shoes drop in stores? You won’t have to wait till next season to get your hands on them because the kicks are now available at Givenchy’s Paragon store for a cool $850 a pop.
