Onitsuka Tiger, the esteemed Japanese fashion brand, has announced singer-songwriter Conan Gray as its new brand ambassador. This collaboration brings together Onitsuka Tiger’s legacy of combining fashion with sports, heritage with innovation, and Conan Gray’s unique expression and style that have captivated the younger generation.
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Gray, celebrated for his distinct voice and fashion sense, aligns with the vision of Kihachiro Onitsuka, the brand’s founder, who aimed to “empower youth and give them hope for the future.” As Onitsuka Tiger nears its 75th anniversary in 2024, the partnership with Gray is set to infuse the brand with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, heralding a new era for Onitsuka Tiger.
The collaboration is set to make its first public appearance in the Onitsuka Tiger Magazine, releasing on January 17th. This marks the beginning of a series of engagements between Gray and Onitsuka Tiger, aimed at celebrating the fusion of music, fashion, and cultural heritage.
Conan Gray, born to an Irish-American father and a Japanese mother, spent his childhood in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. His deep connection with Japanese culture and personal history with Onitsuka Tiger shoes during his upbringing adds a meaningful layer to this partnership. Gray’s debut album, “Kid Krow,” catapulted him to fame in 2020, showcasing his ability to resonate with audiences worldwide and marking him as an icon of Generation Z. His music and fashion embody the spirit of innovation and youth empowerment that Onitsuka Tiger stands for.
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“I’m thrilled to be the face of Onitsuka Tiger. These shoes are such an iconic piece of Japanese style, and being that I wore them throughout my own Japanese childhood, it feels fateful to be dancing in them in my adulthood,” said Gray about his new role.
Since its inception in 1949, Onitsuka Tiger has been at the forefront of sports-inspired fashion, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to create a unique blend of functionality and style. The brand’s commitment to promoting youth health and its evolution into a globally recognized athletic and fashion brand showcases its enduring legacy and influence in the industry.