The History Of Havaianas
Since their launch in Australia Fourteen years ago, the Havaianas thong has well & truly become the essential style accessory for Summer. Havaianas has single-handedly made rubber thongs a socially acceptable fashion necessity, taking the humble flip-flop and creating an Icon.
Havaianas ( pronounced ah-vai-YAH-nas ), were first created in 1962 by Alpargatas, a highly renowned and very traditional Brazilian company now in it's 100th year. The simplest product made with a secret Brazilian rubber formula, Havaianas became known for being butter-soft, bouncy, flexible and durable. Forty nine years later, Havaianas have turned into a world-wide phenomenon, and the most successful product made in Brazil.
Inspired by the Japanese Zori Flip-Flop sandal, they were christened in 1962 with the name Havaianas, Portuguese for Hawaiian, as a tribute to the glamorous holiday destination. An innovative product is born that is 100% natural, durable,comfortable and inexpensive.
Five pairs of flip flops per second are currently being manufactured which is 150 million pairs a year. In the four and a half decades of its history, no less than 2.2 billion pairs of Havaianas have been produced, which if laid toe to heel would cover a distance equivalent to 50 times round the world.
Two out of three Brazilians own a pair of Havaianas, and Australians would not be far behind. Such is the popularity of the thong that American Marie Claire magazine named Havaianas as one of the top 100 items of the '90's, in a list that also included Viagra, Prozac and Johnny Depp. Designer Marc Newson named Havaianas as on of the top four designs that " cannot be improved " along with the wheel, the jet engine and the clock.
So, after 14 years in Australia, 49 years in Brazil, and within the folds and expertise of a 100 year old company, Havaianas has grown into a fashion icon, respected design masterpiece, and timeless classic.
No other product can lay claim to be worn by bothe the rich and poor, the average Joe and famous celebrity.
No wonder it has been called the " best rubber sandal in the world".
