Maison Margiela's Tabi Gets a Graphic Touch

Fashion houses are always working to create original products that become objects of desire. When a brand gets this right, fans immediately covet the products and obsess over learning every detail of the stories behind them. One such hit that's captured the attention of the world for decades with its distinctive look is Maison Margiela's split-toe Tabi boot.

When Martin Margiela exhibited his first eponymous collection in 1989, the hooflike shoes, inspired by two-fingered Tabi socks in Japanese culture, made their grand debut and became a pillar of the French fashion house. Since then, their distinctive look has stuck and spawned many reinterpretations. "I wanted to create an ‘invisible’ shoe, the illusion of a bare foot walking on a high, chunky heel," Margiela once said of his inspiration. This concept worked, creating a look that at once feels natural and maximalist. The designer seemed to foresee that the piece he created would be on fashion's favorites list for years.

At the beginning of August, the brand debuted a new version of its iconic shoe. Taking inspiration from duct tape, the shoe has captivated onlookers with its creased, silvery appearance and is sure to be popular among street style looks this fashion month.

Now, the boots have another reinvention, this time with an eye-catching graffiti appearance. The new style will be available for purchase sometime in September both in-store and online, and while the Tabi boots seem sure to be one of the most popular items in the capsule, those who don't want to dip their toes into the bold footwear can also carry their love for Margiela via a bucket bag or mini bag. It seems it's only a matter of time before these pieces are burning all over the fashion world.