Japan : Sports fashion brand Onitsuka Tiger to sparkle with crystals

February 14, 2008

ASICS Corporation's Japanese heritage and sports fashion brand Onitsuka Tiger has introduced a collection of luxury apparel made with CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements, a new product brand of the world's leading producer of cut crystal.

Now available in Onitsuka Tiger stores as well as selected department stores and boutiques across the country, this special spring-summer 2008 collection includes women's skirts, men's and women's track tops, T-shirts, wristbands, and caps.

The highlight of the collection is the men's track top showing on its back the famous tiger motif shaped by 2,300 crystal stones in four colors. It's priced at 102,900 yen.

Elaborated in Japan by using heat pressure to apply the crystals, all the items bear the special "Made with CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements" tag. The simple black and white color theme of the line especially accentuates the precision-cut crystals transforming each piece into a truly exclusive and luxurious sports wear item.

A famous name within the fashion and jewelry industry, Swarovski has collaborated with various designers and brands. The relationship with Onitsuka Tiger started in 2004 when Onitsuka Tiger made a track top for a Swarovski fashion show. Since then the two brands have teamed up for several projects.

In 1949, Kihachiro Onitsuka established Onitsuka Co Ltd, the forerunner of ASICS. An idealist, he wanted the youth to get healthy through sports. Regular consultation with sportsmen and their coaches helped him to make the best sports shoes in Japan. Since then the shoes have played a part in most major Marathons and Olympic games.

ASICS Corporation

Source @ Fibre2fashion