Riding high on the wave of the Brazilian craze, the latest hot export from the sunny shores of South America is the next must-have indulgence for your feet. Yup, Havaianas have arrived in Manila! Anyone who has been abroad must have heard of these stylish rubber flip-flops aptly coined "the best rubber flip-flops in the world." Havaianas is actually Portuguese for "Hawaiians" because of the relaxed and "hang loose" culture that inspired Brazilian designers back in the 1960s. Since then, Havaianas have been the footwear of choice for most Brazilians. From the elite Sao Paulo citizens to the Amazon natives, everyone sports these V-strapped thongs.
Recognizing the potential of these incredibly comfortable flip-flops (indeed my own pair have been permanently attached to my feet) Sao Paulo Alpargatas, the manufacturing company, decided to make Havaianas more fashionable and market them to the AB bracket all over the world. And now, Havaianas have taken the world by storm. Worn by the most famous the world over like Julia Roberts, Salma Hayek, Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, and Sting, these famous flip-flops have finally made their way to our bright and sunny Manila shores.
Brought in by Terry S.A., headed by international soccer player Freddy Gonzalez and my good high school friend Anne Arcenas, Havaianas are slowly taking over feet all over Metro Manila. This is because they’re not only functional and fashionable they’re just plain fun and they can be worn with anything. I asked a diverse pool of people why they like this funky footwear and what couture choices they wear their Havaianas with.
CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, operations manager, Manila:"I love Havaianas because they go with everything and they last forever. I’ve had the same pair since I lived abroad. I wear them with everything except my office and formal wear."
SAM YEN, advertising sales executive, Manila:"Havaianas are the most comfortable flip-flops your feet can surrender to. The variety allows you to match them with absolutely anything. I like wearing them with jeans and tank tops although I have worn them at night with dressier clothes for a twist. They always look good with bikinis too."
JON SYJUCO, general manager, Aura Athletica:"They’re so comfortable and convenient I wear them as often as possible. They’re the perfect lounge footwear. I like them with jeans and comfortable pieces like shorts and cropped pants from our store."
BERNICE PARSONS, Internet marketer; surfer, Hawaii:"I can wear them all the time. They’re super comfy and come in great designs and they’re well-constructed which isn’t typical of a rubber slipper. I like wearing them with everything but mostly with denim skirts and bikinis."
IAN PARADIES, student, Massachusetts: "They are comfortable and convenient so I wear them as often as possible. All the colors and designs allow them to be worn with anything. I find them practical for casual occasions. I like wearing them with jeans, shorts, and cargo pants."
And as for me, I love wearing my Havaianas with absolutely everything. I love flip-flops and slippers so I wear them as often as I possibly can. They’re so comfortable and stylish I even managed to wear them to a party in Greenbelt and sport them lounging around on the sunny shores of the beach. If you want a pair of über-stylish flip-flops that are so comfortable it’s like you’re walking on clouds that can take you from the house to the mall to the beach, you should definitely grab a pair of Brazil’s Havaianas.
Havaianas are now available at Souk, Tabu, Aura Athletica, and Chocolate Clothing Company with new and exciting styles arriving in December. For more information, feel free to text (0917) 5255150.