Onitsuka Tiger is looking at life beyond its famous stripes as the footwear brand prepares to transform into a luxury lifestyle label distinct from Asics.The 77-year-old sneaker-maker is set to be spun off from parent Asics on Jan. 1 to capitalize on a resurgence in interest for retro aesthetics and Japanese style. The move is also aimed at distinguishing the brands, which currently share the iconic stripe motif: Asics will specialize in sports and Onitsuka Tiger will concentrate on fashion and lifestyle.“For the past decade or so, we’ve believed that we needed to become a brand that can sell, even without the stripes,” said Ryoji Shoda, CEO of OT Group, the wholly owned subsidiary that will absorb the Onitsuka Tiger business. “Otherwise, it starts to feel like we are selling because of our affinity with Asics.”