Havaianas has been sold in the country for a little over 10 years after it was brought in by entrepreneurial couple Freddy Gonzalez and Anne Arcenas-Gonzalez of Terry S.A. Manufactured since 1962 by Sao Paulo Alpargatas, the slippers are a staple for Brazilians who are said to purchase 120 million pairs each year.
Two years ago in 2012, Havaianas partnered with Missoni, resulting in pairs that featured the Italian fashion house’s unmistakable, multi-colored chevron design. Other former collaborators have included designer Michael Bastian, Finnish brand Marimekko, and even makeup artist Laura Mercier, whose lipstick prints dotted the slippers.
This time, Havaianas tapped Filipino designer Francis Libiran who works almost exclusively with local celebrities who prefer his flashy creations for their red-carpet appearances.
“Flip-flops are ingrained in Philippine culture, so I could only imagine the statement my designs would make on them. Because people use them every day, I thought some people would question why they would be so designed, because they’re just flip-flops; for me, it’s about creating wearable pieces of art,” Libiran said in a statement.
Riotous colors
The three designs he created reference the riotous colors of the jeepney, Bacolod’s Masskara festival and the legendary bird of the Maranao, the sarimanok.
“Whenever I design something, I think of long-term details, not just a specific piece. I tend to exhaust details to maximize a design’s full potential,” the designer added.
True enough, the jeepney and sarimanok designs are bursting with colors and patterns; only the Masskara style has a monochromatic hue.
decorate pairs of Havaianas slippers.
“We are very excited to have worked with Francis, whose creative ideals embody the very ideals of the brand,” Terry S.A. managing director Anne Arcenas-Gonzalez said in a statement.
“For this collection, each pair of Havaianas serves as a canvas for his artistic expression and aesthetics. Fans will also be able to own something that isn’t a ball gown, which means they can use it every day. He has helped us showcase Filipino talent and culture by creating beautiful but practical pieces.”
The Francis Libiran x Havaianas collection is priced from P1,195 to P1,395 a pair and will be sold at Havaianas stores and authorized sellers by December.