Tiger, tiger, burning bright


When William Blake wrote his famous lines, “Tyger, tyger burning bright in the forest of the night” in 1794, what was on his mind?
Was he awed by this fearsome animal? “What immortal hand or eye could frame thy fearful symmetry?” Blake asked. Did he use the tiger as a metaphor for fearlessness and power?
The tiger has fascinated businessmen and copywriters, as well, through the centuries (Tiger Balm, “put a tiger in your tank”) and has inspired fashion designers for brands (Gucci, Prada and Balenciaga) to create tiger-inspired collections.

Perhaps the most famous brand inspired by this animal is Onitsuka Tiger, a footwear and clothing brand favored by athletes, health buffs and fashionable people. It was in 1949 when Kihachiro Onitsuka established his company which became the forerunner of Asics.
The brand began with a commitment to promoting health among the youth. With the creation of the tiger stripes in 1966, Onitsuka Tiger became a world-renowned athletic brand. Asics is now a favored shoe brand for sports like basketball, tennis, golf, track and field, and even martial arts.
Onitsuka Tiger is famous for its collaborations with designers, artists and cultural connoisseurs. Uma Thurman famously wore a gold Onitsuka with black stripes for her yellow outfit in Kill Bill.
The brand fuses Japanese heritage with modern flair.

Onitsuka Tiger’s Mexico 66 is a fave design because it looks good and feels good, where classic design meets modern comfort. In 2023, the Mexico 66 was predicted by Harper’s Bazaar to be the “it shoes” that time. It continues to be, with its innovative design, respect for heritage, and ultimate comfort.
Onitsuka Tiger is made with meticulous craftsmanship using Japanese velvet, a suede texture, fine cowhide leather and Ortholite insoles providing an ideal fit.
At its Greenbelt 5 store recently, I walked in and found my ideal travel sneakers with just the right heels and no shoelaces (only metal holes) so no need to tie and untie for the necessary removal of shoes during airport inspections. It has that protection from blisters, too. I also saw tees, hoodies and sweatshirts roaring with mighty as well as cute tigers.
Tiger, tiger burning bright in fashion!
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Onitsuka Tiger shops are at Greenbelt 5, Glorietta 5, Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, SM Megamall and Two Parkade.
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Follow the author on Instagram and Facebook @milletmartinezmananquil. Email her at milletman88@gmail.com and mmmananquil@philstarmedia.com.