MANILA, Philippines - There’s a footwear hybrid we never thought we wanted but has ended up on our holiday wishlist: a buttery-soft flip-flop base matched with a brightly colored cotton upper.
It’s the Havaianas Origine — Brazil-made espadrilles that redefine casual footwear the way the Havaianas flip-flops did for tropical dressing and lifestyle. Made of 100-percent cotton uppers that were hand-stitched to the brand’s world-famous marshmallow soles, the Havaianas Origine adjusts not only to the contours of the feet but to any outfit for the day, guaranteeing style and comfort even in unpredictable weather.
Before the 1960s, espadrilles were the most popular shoes in Brazil, a country that has a climate as steamy as the Philippines. Originally called "alpargatas" after the company that manufactured them, they were the footwear of choice then — much like how Havaianas flip-flops are now — and had a base made of corded hemp. Alpargatas, the company, soon expanded to producing flip-flops, thus, the genesis of Havaianas. More than 50 years later, Havaianas goes back to its roots by creating footwear that merges the style they are now known for with one that started it all, hence the name Origine.
Havaianas is set to get people lining up once again as the Havaianas Origine makes its Philippine debut with a limited-edition Holiday collection. Available in vibrant colors, they spread fun and cheer with each step. They also spread goodwill, as a percentage of the proceeds of the Havaianas Origine will aid UNICEF relief and rehabilitation efforts for the communities that suffered from super typhoon Yolanda.
Havaianas Origine is exclusively available in limited stocks in selected All Flip-Flops stores: Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall and TriNoma. Visit www.facebook.com/havaianasphilippines for more details.