Move over Hollywood biopics, the Tabi has finally claimed its cinematic moment, and honestly, it was only a matter of time. Maison Margiela has released ‘A Tabi Film’, a visually poetic deep dive into the Maison’s most polarising, collectible, and Instagram-flooding creation. And yes, fashion lovers, you can now stream it right here on BURO. Grab your popcorn (preferably split into two).
Since its debut in 1989 at Martin Margiela’s first show, the Tabi has become the icon of fashion rebellion, instantly recognisable for its avant-garde split-toe silhouette, borrowed from traditional Japanese socks. Love them or fear them, the Tabi has cultural impact; few shoes have sparked both museum-level admiration and relationship-ending scandals. (We’ve all heard the stories…)
But this film isn’t just a love letter to a quirky shoe, it’s a tribute to craft.
‘A Tabi Film’ traces the journey of a single pair, from sketch to final stitch. And spoiler alert: if you thought your 15-minute nail appointment was “artisanal”, prepare to be humbled. Handcrafting a Tabi is a meditative ritual performed by 11 artisans, each a master of a specific step. Four hours are spent preparing the base alone, before a wooden mould is carved, then shaped, stitched and assembled. No machines. No shortcuts. No mass production. Because you can’t industrialise poetry.
The finale? The discreet single white stitch at the back, Margiela’s quiet mic drop. A whisper that says: if you know, you know.
Archival footage layered throughout the film acts as a reminder that the Tabi isn’t a fleeting trend, it’s a cultural artefact that has outlived seasons, scandals, TikTok cycles, and a thousand headlines debating “Is the Tabi the ugliest shoe in fashion?” (Answer: Only for the uninitiated.)
Whether you’re a Tabi loyalist, a curious onlooker, or someone who still can’t figure out what socks to wear with them, this film will convert you, or at the very least, leave you speechless at the level of devotion behind one split-toe shoe.
Watch ‘A Tabi Film’ on BURO, and prepare to bow to the toe.
