A piece synonymous with the Brand, the Margiela Tabi boots are widely regarded as one of the most influential shoes in the fashion world. The instantly recognisable shoes have become a symbol for Margiela’s unconventional and Avant – Garde style, It’s history, however, may surprise you.
To the untrained eye, the Tabi boots look to be an odd and uncomfortable, anti fashion, experimental piece of clothing that is designed to make a statement. However the more versed reader will know that Margiela didn't actually invent them. They were actually worn many, many years before. To discover the origins of the Tabi boot we must travel back to 15th century Japan. The Tabi began as socks, worn to promote a sense of balance both physically and mentally. It was only exclusive to the upper classes at the time however when trading was opened in China, the socks became a common sight throughout all social classes.
The 1900s saw the Tabi boots evolve into a worker's shoe, named Jika-tabi. This is the groundwork that Margiela later used for his repurposed creation. It was clear that Martin felt that the Tabi boots were special. They were so important to him that he sent the first model out on his first ever Margiela show wearing nothing but a pair of white trousers, a makeshift Jabot hand bra and of course the tabi boots. Margiela repeated and reimagined the boots throughout his career.
The Tabi has a long and interesting history, so the next time you see someone wearing them in the wild, don't give them an odd look, instead ask them where they got them from and please pass it on to me.
references
Brain, E. (2023, September 5). Maison Margiela Tabi Boots Are Being Swiped, But Why? Culted. https://culted.com/maison-margiela-tabi-swiper-boot-viral-tiktok-history-explained/
SSENSE. (2018, August 15). Between Two Toes: The History of Margiela’s Cult Tabi. Ssense. https://www.ssense.com/en-us/editorial/fashion/the-uncanny-appeal-of-margielas-tabi-boots
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