Some fashion is best told with a story, especially one that references the bygone days of Asian history. Tabi are Japanese ankle-high socks characterized by their cleft toe. Originating in feudal Japan, they have close associations to samurai culture, despite their being worn by both men and women to this day in traditional ceremonies with thong sandals. Influenced heavily by Japanese culture, Belgian-born deconstructionist fashion designer Martin Margiela has been releasing his tabi boots for over 20 years, a cleft-toed version of a classic Italian leather ankle boot. These boots, since their inception, have become symbols of avant-garde fashion, worn by everyone from late Korean model Daul Kim to Sarah Jessica Parker. Still, for those of us not daring enough to leap into a pair of avant-garde cleft toe boots, there is a pleasant alternative; Margiela has just released a winter-friendly version of the tabis–for the hands. His black leather three-finger tabi gloves are the perfect blend of gloves and mittens, affording not just maneuverability and coziness, but a secret association with Japan history. Margiela’s tabi boots, ($1050) and gloves ($465) are available at SSENSE.