Our House
About the Maison
Maison Margiela is a luxury house founded in Paris in 1988 on ideas of nonconformity. The unconventional spirit of the brand observes the philosophy that fashion is an artistic expression. Devoted to uncompromising creativity, Maison Margiela celebrates individuality and authenticity.
The Unconventional Haute Couture House
Maison Margiela’s Artisanal Collection merges haute couture craftsmanship with radical experimentation. The term Artisanal refers to ‘Haute Couture’ - named for the house’s design ethos centered around the delicately handcrafted, unique nature of each piece, being a permanent member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture since 2012.
House Codes
Maison Margiela is characterised by an idiosyncratic language of codes — Founded on notions of identity, conceptualism and minimalism.
Four Stitches
First seen in the Spring Summer 1989 collection, the Four Stitches are an identifying feature. The white slanted stitches appear on the exteriors of garments and accessories, while holding in place the interior fabric label with the house’s signature numeric coding or blank logo.
First seen in the Spring Summer 1989 collection, the Four Stitches are an identifying feature. The white slanted stitches appear on the exteriors of garments and accessories, while holding in place the interior fabric label with the house’s signature numeric coding or blank logo.
Numeric coding
The numeric coding was introduced by Martin Margiela in 1997. It serves both as an index system of product lines, ranging from 0-23, each number corresponds to a line within the structure of the Maison.
The numeric coding was introduced by Martin Margiela in 1997. It serves both as an index system of product lines, ranging from 0-23, each number corresponds to a line within the structure of the Maison.
Bianchetto
Bianchetto is the white overpaint technique that leaves visible brush strokes and transforms surface into a blank canvas. Bianchetto was introduced in 1989 by Martin Margiela, who first overpainted a collection of Salvation Army furniture for the Maison’s studio.
Bianchetto is the white overpaint technique that leaves visible brush strokes and transforms surface into a blank canvas. Bianchetto was introduced in 1989 by Martin Margiela, who first overpainted a collection of Salvation Army furniture for the Maison’s studio.
Tabi
The Tabi is Maison Margiela’s signature split-toe shoe, first debuted in 1988. Inspired by the traditional 15th century Japanese sock bearing the same name, it has been continually reinterpreted across collections.
The Tabi is Maison Margiela’s signature split-toe shoe, first debuted in 1988. Inspired by the traditional 15th century Japanese sock bearing the same name, it has been continually reinterpreted across collections.
Developed in the Maison’s Artisanal atelier, each technique reframes imperfections as artistry. Maison Margiela redefines luxury by exposing what’s usually hidden - the seams, linings, boning and closures, that hold it together. This deconstructive approach encourages a conscious approach to the making process and dressing.