Margiela Book

One designer whose style greatly influences my thought process when designing is Martin Margiela. Ever since I discovered his work, starting from the Street x Margiela book that chronicled his more than 10 years of output; and then from my first piece, a navy blue cotton canvas shrunken jacket with snap closure, I have never looked back and obsessively collected all the pieces I can afford from both retail and thrift shops. Oh, there's also friends who spoil me and once in a while throw stuff on my way. Of course, when Rizolli announced that they will be releasing a tome about Margiela and his maison last year, I pestered not a few friends in the right continents to buy me the book when it's released. My ever loyal BFF from Bangkok; the 9th wonder of the world and Bangkok's Tourism Authority muse, Kawadjan, ITSELF, rose to the occasion, came to my rescue and trawled the dangerous streets of his city (rallies and civil unrest be damned) to get me the treasure I so long to have in my hands (I hope dear this isn't a desperate attempt to win back your title as BFF no.1 from Betty?). K reported that he had to call ALL the bookstores in Bangkok and finally discover that there were just 2 left, one of which was discovered stolen when he asked to see it. Thus in my hands was the last copy he got in another bookstore. Thanks K for the A-ffort ;)

(Gollum voice) Now it's miiiiine! My presciousssssss...iissssss minnnnne!

In typical Margielic fashion, the cover is in white cotton canvas with embroidered signature numbers and the name of the maison. This book is the 4th of the pieces I've collected, the first issued by Street Magazine, another by Silly Things and of course, the catalog/book of the 20th anniversary exhibit at the Mode Museum in Antwerp. This does include special articles and sections from fashion magazines dedicated to certain developments of the label.

Here's some pages I photographed from the book which I find inspiring:

A spread of their iconic AIDS tee. My dream is to collect all the pieces released. My friend Kiks was lucky to view the AIDS tee exhibit in Hong Kong last year. Luckily, I benefitted from that exhibit because he got me 3 vintage colorways that I missed previously. I'm desiring the black on black version, the Vogue Nippon collab with black print on white tee and of course, the very first version in military green with black print. Cecile has the first one and if ever she tires of it I hope she pass it down to me. Hahaha!

I missed getting my hands big time with the 20th anniversary version: an oversized tee with fuchsia pink print. Someone bought it before I finally decided to buy. Soon it will be mine, hehehe!

A page with lots of tabi shoes. Just so inspiring. Luckily, I found 3 pieces from the thrift market in Phnom Penh. All were the sneaker version but the one I'm truly set to own is the black leather flat version, the one in the upper left side.

This image was the press and buyers room of the maison when it was still starting. It must have been surreal to be there surrounded with all those sunflowers. Their current press room is more sedate, the result of the maison's dumbing down after it's founder has left and relegated its operations to the Diesel group.

From the 'Doll's Wardrobe' collection, an oversized name tag like the ones used by Actionman and G.I. Joe figures. I could dream of having one, right?

The wig jacket from the 20th anniversary collection. It's super crazy that's why I like it. Actually, the one they made for Sonia Rykiel's 40th anniversary is the most covetable, non?

If you're a Margiela fan it's a must to acquire this book about one of the design world's most enigmatic, innovative and truly unique mind.