05/08/12 - 0 Comments
Happy 50th Birthday to the Original Brazilian Flip-Flop: Havaianas
My earliest memory of Havaianas traces back to 2001 when I was a freshman in high school. If your high school was anywhere near as diverse as mine, you might’ve been lucky enough to have a few true, Brazilian-blooded gorgeous friends like I did. What did they all have in common, aside from their perfectly bronzed, flawless skin, fair eyes and gorgeous thick, curly, brown hair (the kind that has natural highlights one can only dream of reproducing after spending the day in a salon chair)? They all wore the coolest flip-flops ever seen in California (read: flip-flops are ubiquitous among Californians so it takes a lot for a pair to excite us). Not just any sandals like the kind you could buy at Target, but Havaianas! (Even the name sounded cool.) Back then they were on the cusp of making their debut in America — they officially opened their first headquarters in New York in 2007 — but 39 years before the first time I met them, Havaianas had already been worn and loved by all Brazilians.
This year, Havaianas is celebrating its milestone 50th birthday and has undeniably become a brand that is a staple for people living far outside of Brazil’s borders. From California to Madrid and around the globe, Havaianas has survived a major feat amongst their class. For many of us, Havaianas was around long before we (or even Louboutin, turning 21 this year) were even born. Few brands can claim that kind of longevity, let alone manage 100% recognition amongst its native home where, in popularity, Brazilians identify this brand above monster brand Coca-Cola.
Of course, over the years, Havaianas has grown to include a wide array of different colors and styles (originally they were available only in one style with five color options), but the unmistakable rice-print sole, which was inspired by Japanese Zori sandals, remains true to the brand’s original style.
To commemorate this special year, Havaianas is re-releasing their original style (a yellow sole with navy straps) as well as a limited original model as well. The limited edition will be a mismatched pair of baby blue and white soles and straps priced at $28, with all proceeds benefiting UNICEF. Now that’s something to celebrate!
Cheers to 50 sunny years of hitting beaches in Havaianas and many more to come!
Photo credit: dontcallmeiconplease.com
