Maison Margiela's controversial split-toe tabi shoes are a celebrity favourite, and they've been making an appearance both on the streets and on the runways this year.
Inspired by 15th-century Japanese worker's shoes, Belgian designer Martin Margiela debuted the distinctive split-toe style at his debut show in 1988. Since then, tabi has become a Margiela signature and has evolved into a variety of styles, including boots, loafers and ballet flats.
Tabi's unconventional silhouette is sure to turn heads on the street. With a distinctive androgynous design, these unique shoes have caught the attention of fashion-conscious celebrities like Dua Lipa and Kylie Jenner. Here are some standout outfits from celebrities wearing controversial tabi socks this year.
Hunter Schafer
Euphoria Actress Hunter Schafer looked no exception to casual everyday fashion at this year's Cannes Film Festival. She wore an effortlessly cool leather jacket, blue jeans, and a white silk scarf tied under her chin. But the focal point of the look was a bold fashion statement of French coast chic: brightly colored striped socks and Margiela Tabi shoes.
Bad Bunny
At this year's Met Gala, Bad Bunny wore a custom Maison Margiela ensemble featuring fluffy, realistic hoof-like tabi shoes that perfectly matched Margiela's striking vision, paired with bold accessories like black flowers, geometric glasses, and avant-garde hats.
Greta Gerwig
At this year's Cannes Film Festival, director Greta Gerwig stunned in an off-runway look from Galliano's Maison Margiela Spring 2024 collection. Her blue and white tea-length dress was fresh for the French Riviera and accessorized with white Margiela Louboutin Tabi pumps.
Miley Cyrus
Singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus wore an eye-catching gold look at this year's Grammy Awards. Her custom artisanal mini dress was made from gold safety pins and she paired it with iconic split-toe shoes. Cyrus' gold faux lizard print Tabi pumps, a collaboration between Christian Louboutin and John Galliano, are sure to turn heads on the red carpet.
Ariana Grande
Singer Ariana Grande changed into an ethereal look by Maison Margiela by John Galliano for her Met Gala performance. The whimsical look included a waist-cinching corset, an illusion tulle dress, and a multi-layered skirt. Margiela described her Tabi shoes as “Christian Louboutin for Maison Margiela, hand-painted in pastel tones and boudoir-colored leather Tabi pumps with matching draped tulle at the front.”
Check out Maison Margiela's much talked about 2024 Artisanal Collection on YouTube.
