Maison Margiela is opening the archive in a way only it could. With the launch of MaisonMargiela slash folders, the house is giving the public access to its internal Dropbox folders, revealing the same images, timelines, and working documents used behind the scenes. It is a rare move that shifts the archive from static to ongoing, allowing viewers to follow the process as it unfolds rather than just the finished result.
The project begins with the Fall-Winter 2026 show in Shanghai on April 1, 2026, presented as a special guest of Shanghai Fashion Week. From there, MaisonMargiela slash folders expands into a series of exhibitions across China throughout April, each dedicated to one of the four codes that define the Maison. These include Artisanal in Shanghai from April 2 to 6, Anonymity in Beijing from April 7 to 12, Tabi in Chengdu from April 9 to 13, and Bianchetto in Shenzhen from April 11 to 12. All exhibitions will be free and open to the public, with registration beginning March 17.
Anonymity stands as one of the house’s most defining ideas. Explored through the Our History of Masks exhibition in Beijing, this work reflects Margiela’s long-standing focus on removing identity to shift attention to the work itself. By obscuring the individual, the Maison reinforces its belief that garments and ideas should speak louder than the wearer.
The Tabi remains another constant. Highlighted in Chengdu through the Collectors Exhibition, the split-toe silhouette has become one of Margiela’s most recognizable forms. It represents the house’s ability to challenge convention while creating something enduring, a design that continues to carry the Maison’s spirit forward.
Bianchetto, presented through the Atelier Experience in Shenzhen, focuses on transformation. Defined by its white painted surface, the technique captures pieces in a suspended state between concealment and revelation. It reflects Margiela’s ongoing interest in process, preservation, and reinterpretation.
As MaisonMargiela slash folders continues to evolve, new files will be added to document the journey from concept to exhibition. It is an invitation into the inner workings of the house, reinforcing the ideas and values that continue to shape Margiela’s identity.
