The beauty of Thai textiles combines with durable and comfortable construction for eco-friendly sneakers following a partnership between Onitsuka Tiger and Doi Tung Development Project, a flagship project of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage.
As the Japanese fashion brand and the non-profit organisation are on board the global sustainability movement, the collection was created with sustainable materials and through environmentally-conscious manufacturing processes.
The collaboration also creates a social contribution and a meaningful employment for artisans under the Doi Tung Development Project.
In comparison to machine-woven fabric, the handmade textile is much softer with a more delicate traditional pattern. The palette with red and blue hues is evocative of the colours featured in the Onitsuka Tiger Stripes.
Showcasing Thai craftsmanship, the patterned textile is used for the upper of the Mexico 66 and Serrano as well as the heel of the Mexico 66 Paraty.
Exclusive to Thailand, two other Mexico 66 models feature an upper made from fabric carefully woven by Doi Tung's artisans using 100% recycled PET thread from plastic bottles.
One boasts a black and grey striped pattern with embroidered logos and the other appeals with a tiger print. The sole also differs in red or yellow, as a nod to key colours for both DoiTung and Onitsuka Tiger.
The sneakers are available at Onitsuka Tiger Global Flagship Store in Siam Square One, DoiTung Lifestyle Store Rama 4, DoiTung Lifestyle Store at Doi Tung Development Project in Chiang Rai as well as on the official e-commerce site onitsukatiger.com/th/en-th/p/doitung.
Mexico 66 Paraty, Serrano and Mexico 66 featuring Thai textiles with a traditional pattern.
