MAISON MARGIELA
Women's Maison Margiela Tabis
The split-toe Tabi is the most recognisable silhouette from fashion's most quietly radical house. Introduced by Martin Margiela at his debut show, the Tabi reinterprets the fifteenth-century Japanese tabi sock as a cloven boot, ballet flat and mule — at once subversive and refined. Each pair carries the house's signature for understated provocation, favoured by those who recognise true originality. Explore the women's Tabi edit alongside the wider Maison Margiela shoes collection, and discover this cult design at MARAIS.
MAISON MARGIELA
MAISON MARGIELA
MAISON MARGIELA
MAISON MARGIELA
MAISON MARGIELA
MAISON MARGIELA
MAISON MARGIELA
MAISON MARGIELA
MAISON MARGIELA
MAISON MARGIELA
MAISON MARGIELA
MAISON MARGIELA
MAISON MARGIELA
The Story Behind the Maison Margiela Tabi
Founded in 1988 by Belgian designer Martin Margiela, the house built its reputation on deconstruction, anonymity and quiet subversion. The Tabi arrived at its very first show, where Margiela transformed the fifteenth-century Japanese tabi sock — a split-toe design once worn with thonged sandals — into a cloven, heeled boot. Soles dipped in red paint left split-toed prints across the white runway, and a cult was born. More than three decades on, the Tabi remains the most recognisable silhouette in fashion, instantly identifiable and endlessly reinterpreted.
Iconic Silhouettes, Reimagined Each Season
The women's Tabi has evolved into a family of styles: the original ankle boot, the softened ballet flat, the slingback mule and the towering platform. Each pair honours the distinctive split toe while exploring new leathers, finishes and heel heights. To see how the silhouette sits within the house's broader footwear story, browse the complete Maison Margiela shoes edit, where sneakers and loafers carry the same considered craftsmanship. The same deconstructed sensibility runs through the Maison Margiela Replica sneakers, while the Maison Margiela Futures sneakers push the house's experimental edge into chunkier, sculptural territory.
How to Style the Tabi
The beauty of the Tabi lies in its versatility. A black leather Tabi boot anchors tailored trousers and slip dresses alike, while the ballet flat lends an off-duty ease to denim. Complete the look with a structured carryall from our Maison Margiela bags collection, where the house's signature restraint translates effortlessly from foot to hand, and finish with the smaller signatures found in the Maison Margiela accessories edit.
Shop the Maison Margiela Tabi at MARAIS
As a Melbourne luxury fashion destination, MARAIS curates the most coveted Tabi styles for women who value originality over trend. Discover new-season arrivals here, explore the wider world of Maison Margiela for women, or browse reduced pieces in the Maison Margiela women's sale to invest in this enduring design. Each pair is a study in considered rebellion — and a lasting favourite for the discerning wardrobe.