The sun is out again here in London town (though for how long, who knows...) and in celebration of summer returning for a day I bring you news of Havaianas' 50th Birthday!
Yes, the beloved Brazilian flip flop brand is 50 years old. Though a relative newby on the UK footwear scene, the iconic footwear has been a staple in its native land since 1962. Modelled on the Japanese Zori slipper, the flip flops still bear a textured rice pattern on their insoles today.
The two-tone blue and white flip flop with matching blue straps were comfortable, durable and affordable and proved an instant hit with Brazil's working class. The brand's evolution came by accident; a batch that was meant to be the brand's traditional blue came out green and hey presto, a new colourway was born. It was such a success they began producing yellow, red and black styles as well.
By the 90s any self-respecting Brazilian had a pair, and the rainbow coloured collection of Tops that we now know and love was launched in 1994. In 1998 Havaianasa supported the Brazilian team at the World Cup by launching a new line in national colours with a small Brazilian flag on the strap, leading to the Brazil collection. Today the flip flops sell in over 85 countries worldwide and are a staple on beaches and streets across the globe.
2010 saw the launch of Havaianas' first e-shop, the only location in Europe offering the complete range of product 24/7. It also launched a new line of shoes including trainers, espadrilles and ballerinas with the traditional rubber insole for ultimate comfort, felixbility, softness and durability. This line was followed in 2011 by Havaianas welly boots - a brilliant collection in vibrant shades perfect for rainy days!
For such a simple shoes, Havaianas have managed to take over the world in the last 50 years and infiltrate the fashion industry with designer collaborations by brands including Missoni and Paul & Joe. The introduction of the Make Your Own Havaianas concept, allowing you to design you own style by choosing soles, straps, colours and decorations, totally engages the customer in creating something unique to them - a concept few brands have tapped into.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary, Havaianas has launched a unique style inspited by the 90s 'flipover' when fans swapped the original two tone sandal for a one colour style. With one flip flop in th original blue and one in blue and white, only 50,000 pairs have been produced and 100% of the net sales will go to UNICEF in support of a project in Brazil.
For more information visit www.havaianas.com or visit the Havaianas store at 69 Broadwick Street, London W1F 9QY
Love Laurel x
