In the luxury sphere, only a few silhouettes can be considered truly timeless. There are several requirements to consider for a piece to become legendary. Normally, it relays how it's been perceived over time and its impact on the following generations. After 30 years since their creation, Margiela Tabi Shoes are still thriving as a cornerstone of today's fashion scene.
Martin Margiela started making a name for himself in the industry by bringing a new mindset to luxury, combining avant-garde and surrealist style with elegance and luxury. You only have to look as far as historical pieces like the iconic Margiela Mask, the Incognito Sunglasses, or, of course, the Margiela Tabis.
Originally, the split-toe silhouette dates back to the 15th century in Japan, where locals wore socks with sandals, creating this rare shape. Margiela presented his take on the distinctive silhouette in his FW98 collection, and since then, the shoe has been reinvented into loafers, derbies, and sneakers.
If ever you were in doubt about the power of Tabis, check out Wisdom Kaye's take on them below:
Shop the best Margiela Tabi shoes below.
Tabi Western Boots
Go all John Wayne and get your country edge on. With the tabi version, it's definitely not a cliché.
Tabi High-Top Sneakers
If you're not a fan of low-top kicks, Margiela crafts a high-top version for you. Thanks to its signature Tabi toe, these will become the spotlight of your sneaker rotation. Margiela offers these bangers in only two colorways to keep them minimal.
Tabi Purple Sneakers
Purple rain, purple rain. Well, hopefully not - the canvas material may not be your best bet at protection from the elements, but in terms of the style quotient, you can't do much better than pastel lilac for a take on a trendy colorway, paired with a trendy (if controversial) shoe.
Tabi Flip Flops
Flip flops may not be ideal footwear in autumn here, but we'd venture to guess that in warmer climes, these would be a stellar addition to your shoe game.
Tabi Derby Shoes
Derbys are a great option if you want to find the perfect balance of casual and elegant. The Margiela Tabi Derby shoes feature a chunky rubber tread sole and are made of shiny leather to elevate an everyday ‘fit. Margiela’s Tabi toe and white stitching at the back add a typical sense of Margiela’s subversion.
Tabi Slip-on Shoes
Following its Tabi roots, this pair takes it back to the traditional socks of Japan’s workers. The shoe is entirely made of soft leather and has a hard leather sole unit. It also features a flexible leather heel if you want to use them as mules, too.
Tabi Green Loafers
If ever you wanted to channel your inner Grinch in the upcoming winter season, this pair has your name on it. Make 'em green with envy.
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