30 Years of the
Maison Margiela Tabi

Maison Margiela is a house built on absence. In its early days, the brand created a name out of anonymity, captivating with its humanity while its designer strived to remain invisible. For 15 years following the launch of the house in 1989, Martin Margiela wasn’t only discrete, or camera-shy—he was non-existent. As show-goers were moved by the originality of the label’s presentations, Mr. Martin Margiela was the man who wasn’t there.

On the 30th anniversary of the Tabi boot, SSENSE celebrates the iconic cloven-toed shoe with a capsule collection dedicated to its form. The still life photography contains no human presence. Like the home of someone who has just stepped out, or a cigarette still smoking, or a cup of tea still steaming. Dinner prepared, and left uneaten. Absence becomes a subject in itself.