The Tabi Code

Maison Margiela continues to expand its narrative of craftsmanship and concept with A Tabi Film — a cinematic exploration of one of fashion’s most recognisable silhouettes. Released in October 2025, the film offers an intimate view into the making and meaning of the Tabi, a creation that has defined the Maison’s identity since its debut in 1989.

Originally inspired by traditional Japanese split-toe socks, the Tabi was introduced by Martin Margiela at his first Paris runway show, immediately establishing itself as a symbol of quiet rebellion and avant-garde precision. With A Tabi Film, the house revisits this emblem through a contemporary lens, tracing the shoe’s journey from raw material to finished form.

The film documents an entirely artisanal process — one that cannot be replicated by machines. Each pair of Tabi passes through the hands of 11 artisans, every step executed with intention and mastery. The creation begins with the preparation of the base, a process that alone takes up to four hours. The mould is carved from a solid block of wood before the leather is cut, stitched, and assembled by hand. Every shoe is then marked by the Maison’s discreet white stitch — the silent signature of Margiela’s philosophy of anonymity and craft.

Through a series of close-up shots and archival footage, A Tabi Film captures the tactile intimacy of creation: the rhythm of tools on leather, the precision of stitching, the meditative focus of each artisan. It is both a tribute to the human hand and a meditation on time — the slow, deliberate tempo that defines true craftsmanship.

It moves beyond narrative to explore the Tabi as a symbol of artistry and individuality. Over the decades, the split-toe form has transcended its origins, becoming a cultural icon and an emblem of individuality. By returning to its roots, Margiela highlights the dialogue between heritage and innovation, between the traditional and the experimental.

The Tabi Film stands as a visual manifesto — an ode to the artisans whose work transforms an idea into an object of enduring relevance. In an age defined by speed, Maison Margiela reminds us that the most radical act may still be patience, precision, and the pursuit of pure form.

Video: Courtesy of Maison Margiela