Maison Margiela’s Tabi: Avant-Garde or Unwearable?
- Life of Delights Blog
- Nov 2, 2025
- 4 min read
By: Micayla Matias | November 2, 2025
Falling for the Most Divisive Shoe in Fashion
As someone who works in the fashion industry as a stylist, I’ve learned that what’s deemed fashionable truly varies from person to person. Whether you’re drawn to the avant-garde or loyal to minimalism, everyone seems to fall on one side or the other when it comes to Maison Margiela’s Tabi. You either love them or you absolutely hate them.
I’m not going to lie... I hated them at first. They looked ugly, vulgar, and honestly, a little too reminiscent of a camel toe. Maybe it was social media’s slow influence, or maybe my Pinterest board worked its magic but eventually, I fell in love. So much so that I bought a pair.
I remember my partner at the time constantly showing me TikToks of fashion influencers styling their Tabis and couples even wearing matching pairs. I thought it was the cringiest thing ever. But after seeing them repeatedly on my feed and scrolling through endless Pinterest boards, they began to grow on me.
Living in downtown Seattle, we often visited Nordstrom to window shop. One day, we wandered into the women’s shoe department and tried on a few pairs. Margiela carries several versions of the Tabi ranging from boots to slingbacks to their popular ballet flats. I tried both the slingback and the flat and instantly fell for the slingback. Unfortunately, the price point was way out of my budget at the time.
So, I manifested them. Just like everything else I want in life.
I kept pinning outfits, imagining how I’d style the shoes. There’s something about the Tabi that feels so New York — It's sleek, confident, and fashion-forward. It’s the classic ballet flat with an unexpected twist. You can pair it with baggy denim for a casual day out or elevate it with tights, a mini skirt, and leg warmers for a chic evening look. It’s truly the perfect “work-to-weekend” shoe.
Months later, after moving back home, I finally bit the bullet and bought them and I absolutely loveeee them. I justified the purchase as my new go-to work shoe. In my opinion, the slingback design elevates the silhouette and adds a feminine edge. The little bow in front gives it that subtle elegance and girly touch I adore. Making it one of classic go to work shoes.
Working in fashion and being surrounded by coworkers who love designer pieces as much as I do is something I look forward to every day. Getting dressed for work and styling clients feels like playing Barbie dress-up (except now I get paid for it lol). Discussing trends, new collections, and sharing our mutual fashion obsessions makes the job even more rewarding. Plus, as someone who has a shopping addiction there’s something so satisfying about styling luxury pieces without having to spend your own money (a stylist’s dream, honestly).
Now, take a seat in Fashion 101 while I give you a little background on this beauty. The Maison Margiela Tabi made its debut in 1988 during Martin Margiela’s first runway show in Paris. Inspired by traditional Japanese tabi socks which separate the big toe from the rest Margiela reimagined the concept into a split-toe shoe that defied conventional beauty standards. What started as a shock factor quickly transformed into a cult classic: a bold symbol of rebellion, artistry, and individuality.Over the years, the Tabi has evolved into boots, heels, flats, and even sneakers, yet every iteration continues to spark the same debate: avant-garde or unwearable?
Being a stylist surrounded by so many luxury and designer brands has broadened my fashion perspective. It’s taught me to appreciate styles I once never would’ve considered. When you’re younger, fitting in feels like the ultimate goal, you know, wearing what everyone else wears so you won’t stand out. But as you grow more comfortable in your skin, you realize that standing out is the point. Just like the Tabis, fashion isn’t about universal approval; it’s about expression. So even if people roll their eyes or crack a joke, wear what makes you feel confident. Fashion should be as unique as you are.
While Maison Margiela is best known for its iconic Tabis, the brand also offers beautifully crafted leather goods, jewelry, and fragrances. Owning my first piece from Margiela has only deepened my love for the brand. I even added their “Lazy Sunday Morning” perfume to my collection. And I’m already eyeing one of their bags (thanks to my coworker bestie, Alma, for inspiring me and being the enabler lol).
Margiela’s minimalist yet thoughtful design language from their signature numbered tags to their deconstructed silhouettes represents everything I adore about modern fashion.
So, are the Tabis avant-garde or unwearable? Honestly, they’re both — and that’s exactly what makes them iconic.
They embody the freedom to redefine beauty on your own terms. Fashion isn’t meant to be comfortable; it’s meant to make you feel something. Just like any form of art. The Tabis remind me that sometimes, the pieces we once found strange or “ugly” become the ones that define our personal style. And that’s the beauty of fashion, it evolves, just like we do.
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