Tabi Meets Red Sole: Margiela and Louboutin’s Love Child is Here

In the world of high fashion, some collaborations make perfect sense, this isn’t one of them. And that’s exactly why it works. Some collaborations are predictable. Others?

Maison Margiela and Christian Louboutin, two brands with entirely different design philosophies, have come together for an unexpected capsule collection that’s equal parts chaotic and genius.

Margiela’s signature Tabi boot, an art-school favorite with its split-toe silhouette meets the unapologetic glamour of Louboutin’s signature red sole. It’s the rebellious outsider crashing the party at an opulent Parisian salon. The result? A collection that plays with contrast: deconstruction meets polish, anonymity meets extravagance, and cult fashion meets mass desire.

The collaboration sees Margiela’s conceptual designs elevated with Louboutin’s high-octane finishes, creating pieces that feel both surreal and seductive. Think: classic Tabi boots, but with a high-shine patent finish and that unmistakable Louboutin red underfoot. The lineup consists of Tabi Ballerinas, offering a sleek, minimal take on the split-toe classic; Tabi Heels, transforming the signature Tabi boot into a stiletto fantasy; Over-the-Knee Boots, an ultra-dramatic thigh-high moment; and
Lace-Up Heels, adding a touch of delicate femininity to the mix. The color palette is equally refined, featuring classic black, crisp white, deep burgundy, and soft nude, all designed to complement both Margiela’s deconstructed aesthetic and Louboutin’s high-shine drama. Crafted from premium leather and patent finishes, these shoes are built to command attention, whether you love them or hate them.

In a moment where fashion collaborations often feel predictable, this one is anything but.

It challenges the idea of what a power duo looks like proving that sometimes, the best pairings aren’t the most obvious ones. With a limited release, these pieces will be highly coveted, worn by those who appreciate fashion not just as an accessory, but as a statement.

Available in select boutiques and online since March 12, 2025.

Photographed by Fujio Emura