Flip-Flops - Simply Liberating

Within the category of slippers, flip-flops have quite a long history. As early as thousands of years ago, people have used animal hides and all other available materials to wrap their feet. They were a sort of prototype for flip-flops. Since then, Japan and Brazil were instrumental in popularizing them with traditional Japanese style wooden clog flip-flops and Brazil’s more comfortable rubber made flip-flops. In recent years, as Brazil has contributed numerous fashions and supermodels to the international fashion community, the burgeoning Brazilian brand, Havaianas, has made new strides on the flip-flop front.

Havaianas have become “must have” fashion accessories for fashion fanatics, beach lovers and travelers around the world in a few short years through the use of natural Brazilian rubber, beautiful colors and many series of themed designs. They became a highly sought after souvenir for many foreigners that traveled to Brazil.

The rapid ascent of flip-flops to the forefront of trendy fashion accessories is due in no small part to a group of celebrity Havaianas supporters, including supermodel Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Britney Spears, Brad Pitt and the Brazilian-born supermodel Gisele Bündchen, who provided a lot of free publicity. At the recent Oscar and Grammy Award ceremonies, Havaianas were given away as gifts for nominees, further increasing their awareness in fashion circles.

Flip-flops have also been welcomed by great designers in recent years for their free and casual spirit and have been used in various fashion shows. The most famous example goes undoubtedly to Jean Paul Gaultier’s choice of matching his dress with flip-flops for his spring and summer fashion show last year. Besides, although the structure of flip-flops is very simple, flip-flops also lend themselves to endless creative possibilities. Illustrators and designers can use the straps and soles as a canvas to create freely; ordinary consumers can take part in the creation, too. Even a pair of already finished flip-flops can be reborn through some creative DIY handiwork. It’s no wonder flip-flops can be the most liberating part of one’s wardrobe.