Havaianas (ah-vai-yah-nas)

When I went for a holiday in the Philippines last year, i've noticed that many are wearing thongs. Thongs? Stylish thongs as they call it. It doesn't matter if you are wearing jeans, skirts, shorts... Havaianas are made in Brazil and quite comfortable. It does cost a fortune. Quite classy and "IN" when you see everyone wearing it. Price ranges from Pph800 up to Pph1,500 a pair especially when the swarovski limited edition came out. I've even noticed mum wearing it. I have to buy 5 pairs when I went home thinking that "medyo makikiuso rin ako". But when I came back here in Melbourne, I couldn't really fit into the crowd. A lot of them are wearing stilletos with jeans, flat shoes and runners. Seldom you could see anyone wearing thongs (even in summer!) because here in Melbourne it tends to cool down in the afternoon in summertime. So, I still have 3 pairs that I haven't worn and still sitting in the cupboard. But they do sell havaianas here as well, in Jetty Surf Shops. It costs between AU$19.95 to AU$24.95 a pair. I remembered Rnie gave me a pair of green havaianas for Xmas in 2005. I still have it Rnie! I have to tell Jonathan when he went to the Philippines in December. He got himself a pair as well. "Havaginas" as he calls it...(mind the pronunciation!).

How it all began---

Havaianas were first created in the 1960’s with a Japanese sandal (called the Zori) as inspiration for the design. The designers were so fascinated by the relaxed island culture of Hawaii that they named the flip-flops Havaianas (pronounced as ah-vai-yah-nas), which is Portuguese for Hawaiians. For decades, Havaianas have been a Brazilian staple. From the Amazon natives to the stylish elite of Rio and Sao Paulo, just about every Brazilian sports these flip-flops. Sao Paulo Alpargatas, the company that designs, manufactures and markets the famous flip-flops, increasingly created various styles of Havaianas and the appeal of the brand rapidly spread beyond Brazilian borders. Since their introduction over 40 years ago, at least 2 billion pairs of Havaianas have been produced, enough to encircle the globe 50 times if lined up heel to toe. The flip-flops are now available throughout the United States, Europe, South America, Australia, Africa and Asia. The brand has a huge following, from celebrities, athletes and models to average citizens. Around the world, Havaianas are top of the list for those looking for fashionable, functional and fun flip-flops. Havaianas were launched in the Philippines in 2003. Since then, the brand has transformed local perception of flip-flops. These practical accessories are no longer confined to the home or beach. They are proudly worn anywhere and everywhere. Paired with everything from bikinis and board shorts to jeans and skirts and even matched with dressier pieces, Havaianas are now a wardrobe essential. (Courtesy of Havaianas Philippines)