The Eye Of The Tiger

Japanese athletic brand Onitsuka Tiger has branched out beyond its cult sneakers to become a legitimate street fashion brand. We speak to its creative director, Andrea Pompilio to find out more

- Renee Batchelor

The Onitsuka Tiger brand was born back in 1949, and while the timeless style and impeccable craftsmanship of its athletic shoes have stood the test of time, it is clear that it has also blossomed beyond its Japanese roots. The brand has an Italian creative director Andrea Pompilio, presents at Milan Fashion Week (MFW) and has become a full-fledged street fashion brand.

Pompilio’s fashion aspirations began at a young age. “I realised that I wanted to pursue a career as a designer at the age of eight. I grew up in a creative environment with an architect dad and an interior designer mum, with the hobby of painting and ceramics,” he says. Pompilio was exposed to fashion as a child. “My grandma was the owner of two multi-brand stores and I grew up inside them. I still remember when a customer of my grandmother asked me and my cousins, ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?’ — I replied that I wanted to be a fashion designer,” recalls Pompilio.