A performer once asked, “Who run the world?” It’s a no-brainer: Girls.
It was with this strong belief that Havaianas rallied some of fashion’s biggest names for a one-of-a-kind and fashion-forward collection that benefitted Women for Women International and its world-changing advocacy. The global charity is an organization that aims to help women from areas of conflict, equip them with vocational and business skills, improve their overall health and well-being and ultimately break them free from trauma and poverty.
The Havaianas X Women for Women International collection was curated by renowned fashion entrepreneur Maria Kastani. Maria has been known for her refreshing discovery of emerging talents and skillful positioning of designer brands as profitable companies in the competitive luxury sector. Her ambassadorial role in Havaianas stemmed from the successful launch of the brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland where, as the sole distributor, she ensured its high-end placement, marketing and public relations, further positioning Havaianas on a global platform.
Displayed at the Somerset House in London in July, the 12-piece collaboration featured works from artists who are no strangers to Havaianas, such as Manolo Blahnik, Charlotte Olympia and Swarovski, as well as other fashion icons: DSQUARED2, Naomi Campbell, Simone Rocha and more.
The creative process behind each pair was a celebration of uniqueness and solidarity in and of itself.
Each of the artists was given a Havaianas pair and the ultimate freedom to interpret it and come up with a one-off design that expressed their individuality. For Charlotte Olympia, it was a pair of high platforms with lots of its signature gold and spider webs. For others, it was all about the details: from Manolo Blahnik’s Sicilian rose appliques to DSQUARED2’s signature fun in all its straps and colors to Simone Rocha’s elegant pearls.
“Our design embodies the idea that together we are stronger,” said Nadja Swarovski. The brand’s series of embellished pairs featured soles that spelled out the word “sisters,” easily capturing the spirit of female solidarity and positivity that both Havaianas and Women for Women International stand for.
All 12 pieces of art were auctioned online to raise funds for the organization.