Ok, I confess. I’ve been known to be sporting a Tabi or two, at home in the colder months. And even though on occasions, they have sent me sliding dangerously across polished floors, I continue to wear them, as a reminder of all things Japanese and unusual.

Tabi are traditional Japanese socks. They are usually ankle-high, with a separation between the big toe and the other toes – kind of like mittens, but for your feet. Cosy!

Dutch designer, Annemarie te Stroet (http://www.annemarietestroet.nl) says her series of folded gloves were inspired by this traditional Japanese footwear. Her Tabi Series (http://www.annemarietestroet.nl/index.php?/afstudeercollectie/tabi-handschoenen/) consists of 6 pairs of gloves, that have been folded and pressed in various ways, to produce 12 different hand gestures. I’m not really sure what they communicate, but I really love those folds!