For spring/summer 2012, the house delivered a particularly outstanding collection from which this week’s AnOther Love of the week – Maison Martin Margiel Carpet Boots chosen by AnOther fashion director Cathy Edwards – originated. Whilst the floor
Homeware as outerwear is not a new phenomena on the catwalk – let’s not forget Hussein Chalayan’s incredible Afterwords collection in autumn/winter 2000 which featured a range of tables and chairs that transformed into clothing (slipcovers became dresses, chairs were folded into attaché case and a round table became a skirt). However as of late, with the exception of a handful of designers and design houses, the same kind of innovative approach to design has been somewhat lacking. Maison Martin Margiela is one of these exceptions: season-on-season creating directional and forward-thinking pieces which never cease to amaze.
For spring/summer 2012, the house delivered a particularly outstanding collection from which this week’s Most Loved post on AnOther Loves – Maison Martin Margiel Carpet Boots chosen by AnOther fashion director Cathy Edwards – originated. Whilst the floor covering was used in its traditional sense at the show – underneath the model’s feet on the catwalk – carpets were also constructed into a strapless dress, a long skirt, a shawl and boots, as pictured here. What may sound like a weird design feature, in fact, appeared both conceptual and cool, leaving many leading fashion figures to cite Maison Martin Margiela as their favourite collection of the season. As best put by contributing fashion editor Karen Langley when asked about her spring/summer 2012 highlights: "Just like any great Margiela collection what makes it so special is the simplicity of the idea that is then turned into something extraordinary."
Here we speak to Edwards about why she picked out these carpet boots and her love of Maison Martin Margiela…
What made you choose these Maison Martin Margiela carpet boots?
Yana my assistant had done this amazing research for print on print for a story in the next issue and I found these Margiela shoes in it the other day so had to love it!
Do you consider them a novelty item?
No! They are beyond novelty.
If you owned them what would you where them with and where to?
I hope I would wear them and pull them off. Would have to be worn in a fashion friendly environment. They're not for walking the dog in.
What did you think of the Margiela S/S12 and the other carpet/textile inspired pieces?
Loved all of it!
What are your favourite Margiela pieces that you own?
Yes my favourites being a great sleeveless jacket and a white plastic belt.
Are there any pieces you wish you owned?
There was a great oversized shaggy wool tank top that I wished I bought last season at the Corsa Como sale shop in Milan. Big regrets.
What's on your wishlist for S/S12 and why?
Wouldn't say no to anything paisley and knitted by Jil Sander.
What's the last thing you bought?
A vintage pair of white 60's shoes.
What's your favourite online shop?
I'm having a new wave of love for eBay at the moment.
Text by Lucia Davies
