Fashion’s beloved hoof-toed Margiela Tabi boots intimidated me for years. Then I wore them for a week straight.

To say the name Martin Margiela is to conjure images of stacked ... a sweater of army surplus socks; doll outfits enlarged to adult proportions; precise replicas of vintage garments; pieces ...

With its sparse walls, exposed pipes, and undressed mannequins, Maison Martin Margiela looks more like ... with a smattering of shoes and a tiny jewelry case off to the side with unusual creations ...