Maison Margiela

Belgian designer Martin Margiela founded the fashion house in Paris in 1988 with Jenny Meirens. The brand became known for a design approach that exposes the construction of clothing: think visible seams, reused materials and unusual volumes. The Tabi, inspired by Japanese socks with a separated big toe, became a recognisable symbol. Anonymity also played an important role, with a plain white label and little emphasis on the designer as a public personality. The house is now part of OTB Group and, alongside fashion and accessories, includes the well-known Replica fragrance line.

• You want a distinctive shoe — Look at Tabi boots or other Tabi styles. The split toe defines the look; ideally try them with socks that separate the big toe.
• You want a relatively understated trainer — The Replica trainer has a silhouette based on vintage sports shoes. Compare material and colour options, as they substantially change the look.
• You like clothing with unexpected details — Look at seams, linings, shoulder lines and volume. Choose one statement garment if you want to keep the rest of your wardrobe understated.
• You want fragrance rather than fashion — Explore Replica fragrances such as Lazy Sunday Morning, By the Fireplace or Jazz Club. Try a scent on your skin before choosing a full bottle.
• You are considering a first luxury purchase — Start with something you will genuinely use often. Assess fit, care and versatility, not just the recognisability of the four stitches.

Maison Margiela fit varies by model and collection. Check the size guide and product description for the specific garment or pair of shoes; an oversized jacket calls for a different assessment from a close-fitting boot. With Tabi shoes, pay particular attention to the space around the separated big toe. Try both shoes with suitable socks and check that the toe, instep and heel do not pinch.

Match care to the material and finish. Smooth leather, suede and painted surfaces do not call for the same treatment; follow the care advice and test a suitable product on an inconspicuous area first. Store shoes dry and out of direct sunlight. For clothing, consult the care label, especially for delicate fabrics, unusual construction or deliberately unfinished details.

In the UK, you can look for Maison Margiela through the official online shop and selected fashion and fragrance retailers; ranges differ by stockist. Check the brand’s official channels for retailers and review returns terms beforehand, particularly for shoes. Pre-owned pieces can be an option for older collections, but ask for clear photographs of labels, materials, soles and signs of wear, and preferably choose a seller offering buyer protection. Four white stitches or a box alone do not prove authenticity. Brands.nl is an independent brand guide and does not sell products.

• Acne Studios — Relevant if you like luxury fashion with unusual proportions and a distinctive design approach.
• Rick Owens — Also offers experimental luxury fashion, with a more pronounced dark aesthetic and sculptural silhouettes.
• Maison Mihara Yasuhiro — Appeals to an interest in deconstructed fashion and trainers with distorted shapes.
• Balenciaga — A point of comparison for luxury fashion that plays with volume and the shape of everyday clothing.
• Diptyque — An alternative to explore if Maison Margiela’s fragrances and scent stories are what appeal to you most.

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Looking for something along similar lines? Read our brand page on Christian Louboutin: Christian Louboutin is a French shoe house founded in Paris in 1991 by the designer of the same name.