Versace, Onitsuka Tiger Tai-Chi Sakura Could Be the Shoe of the Summer

In his first and only collection for Versace, one of former creative director Dario Vitale’s most impactful creations is undoubtedly the hotly anticipated Onitsuka Tiger x Versace collaboration.

Set to be released April 2, the collection – which centers around the Tai-Chi Sakura sneaker – has all the ingredients for a hit: the on-trend slim design, eye-catching detailing like the Medusa stud and double stitching along the signature side stripes — and a retro outsole hailing from the Onitsuka archives, with Versace’s creative vision.

Ahead of the release, the shoes have already been seen on “Industry” star Myha’la, Paris Opera principal ballet dancer Guillaume Diop, French actor François Civil and Chinese actors Chang Huasen and Yu Shuxin.

The shoes are crafted in the Sanin Tottori factory in Japan with “carefully selected” Italian materials.

Each pair undergoes a final artisanal wash, giving the leather a lived-in, vintage feel. Colorways include a two-tone metallic leather, suede options in green, blue and brown, and nappa leather versions in white, yellow, black and pink.

Conceived under the creative direction of Vitale, who stepped down from his role at Versace in December, the collaboration was first revealed on the runway in September 2025.

Given the demand around Vitale’s one-and-done collection, the shoe is set to become a must-have among fashion fans and collectors.

The release comes shortly after the buzzy second Moon she collection from Jacquemus and Nike. The tie-up featured pink, white and brown colorways, with many on social media dubbing it “the shoe of the summer,” but Versace’s Onitsuka Tiger sneaker may give it a run for its money.