The Maison Martin Margiela x H&M red high-top sneaker was a specific re-edition of an archival piece from the French fashion house, released as part of their highly anticipated collaboration with the retailer H&M on November 15, 2012.
Archival Re-edition: The entire Maison Martin Margiela for H&M collection consisted of re-editions of iconic pieces from the fashion house's 23-year archive, making previously high-end designs accessible to a wider audience.
Design Philosophy: Maison Martin Margiela is known for its unconventional, avant-garde approach, focusing on concept and creativity over an individual designer's fame.
This collaboration was a way to "democratize" fashion and offer unique items at a more affordable price point.
Launch: The collection was launched in around 230 selected H&M stores worldwide and online. The launch created significant buzz, with people lining up hours in advance to get their hands on the items.
Sneaker Design Inspiration: The high-top sneaker was a re-edition of an original from the Spring/Summer 2009 season. Often referred to as the "Trompe L'oeil" high-top sneaker, a French term meaning "deceives the eye," which is fitting for Margiela's use of visual illusions. Crafted in a deep red or light burgundy leather.Features a smooth translucent rubber gum sole. Noted for its clean lines, subtle paneling, an exaggerated tongue, white flat laces, and a design at the back that some described as looking like wings.
Subtle Margiela branding (the numeric signature with "22" for footwear) and the H&M imprint are visible under the gumsole and on the insole.
The interior side panel indicated it was made in Portugal.
Original Retail Price: The sneakers retailed for approximately $129 USD upon their release, making them the most affordable Margiela G.A.T.-style sneakers at the time. Current resale prices vary based on condition, often fetching higher amounts from collectors.