IN APRIL, Maison Margiela is launching MaisonMargiela/folders, a multi-city series of exhibitions in China, activations and immersive experiences exploring the house’s heritage and creative process. Running from 1-13 April 2026, the project is being held in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu and Shenzhen, opening with the Fall/Winter 2026 show in Shanghai as part of Shanghai Fashion Week.
The project draws inspiration from Margiela’s internal Dropbox folders, which have historically housed images, press releases, project timelines and other archival material. For the first time, these resources are being made publicly accessible, offering global audiences an intimate view of the Maison’s creative process.
As the initiative unfolds, new content will be added, reflecting the constant dialogue between memory and reinvention that defines Margiela’s identity.
MaisonMargiela/folders
MaisonMargiela/folders
MaisonMargiela/folders is structured around four of the brand’s defining codes:
Artisanal: Creative Laboratory – Shanghai, 2–6 April
The exhibition presents 48 Artisanal pieces spanning 1989-2025, many shown together for the first time. It celebrates Margiela’s technical innovation and the Maison’s studio practices.
Anonymity: Our History of Masks – Beijing, 7–12 April
This exhibition explores the house’s iconic masks, including the first 1988 piece and subsequent reinterpretations. Six collaborating artists contribute to a contemporary dialogue on anonymity and identity.
MaisonMargiela/folders
Tabi: Collectors – Chengdu, 9–13 April
Ten Tabi collections assembled by global enthusiasts are brought together, highlighting the cultural resonance of the iconic split-toe shoe beyond the brand itself.
Bianchetto: Atelier Experience – Shenzhen, 11–13 April
Visitors are invited to participate in an immersive atelier transformation inspired by the Maison’s foundational white Bianchetto technique, a signature code since the first 1988 show.
MaisonMargiela/folders offers a rare opportunity to engage with the brand’s heritage by combining archival exploration, live fashion presentation and participatory experiences. All exhibitions are free and open to the public, with registration starting 17 March 2026.
by Catherine Rowe-Kosary
Development of the project can also be accessed online via MaisonMargiela/folders on Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/q9xdsiuqxtwhm6mat8820/AB8_5H3F1_YAKeUaJ7_d1nE?rlkey=09jhiuc26dqq8pt6ix437tanv&e=2&st=pye072fr&dl=0