1962
The birth of Havaianas
Havaianas was born in 1962 from the breezy culture of Hawaii and the serene design of Japan. With the same clean lines as the Japanese Zori, but with a secret 100% rubber formula, Havaianas is the original child of eastern Zen and western joy.Today, you can see the marks of its parentage easily. The Zori, which has a sole of rice straw, can be seen in the iconic rice pattern found on the sole of every pair of Havaianas. Likewise, the word “Havaianas” is actually Portuguese for "Hawaiians," whose exuberant colors and culture influence each style.
1965
Havaianas conquers Brazil
1,000 pairs of Havaianas are sold in Brazil every day. Made of a secret 100% rubber formula, Havaianas distinguished itself from other flip-flops which used EVA and PVC. With its secret rubber formula, Havaianas boasted extreme comfort, reliable durability and the abilty to retain its original shape.
1970
As early as 1970, inferior imitations were launched by competitors. Havaianas launched a campaign with the slogan “The Legitimate Ones” which was so succesful that it cemented Havaianas as a fundamental part of Brazilians' lives. So much so that Havaianas was henceforth used by the Brazilian government to control inflation, just like rice and beans.
1994
The trend of turning the Havaianas white side downwards, leaving the colored part up, created sandals that seemed to have just one color. This was the inspiration for the launch of the Havaianas Top. Initially there were 8 different shades coloring the feet of Brazilians, nowadays the Havaianas Top rainbow features 20 different colors.With the launch of the Havaianas Top, Havaianas shifted the fashion landscape, forever redefining casual wear. From this year forth, flip-flops would leave behind the indoors for the sidewalks and the catwalks. Havaianas graced everyone’s feet, from royalty such as Queen Silvia of Sweden to sports icons like David Beckham, designers like Christian Louboutin and Michael Kors, and actors such as Jennifer Aniston and Tom, Katie and Suri Cruise, to name a few.
1997
Since the end of the 80s, Havaianas hasn’t stopped creating fashion trends. New prints, colors and models – even for those who just learned how to walk… such as Havaianas Baby!
1998
A new Havaianas model was created specially for the World Cup, featuring a small Brazilian flag on the strap. This model soon became an object of desire abroad and it also became Brazilians’ pride. The '98 World Cup title wasn’t ours, but Havaianas will be ours forever.
2000
Havaianas spreads like wildfire abroad, Hawaii, Australia, France and many more. Foreigners bought them to take them home. The flip-flops were featured in important magazines and newspapers worldwide as well as on some of the hippest shopping windows on the planet. But though it has traveled the world and adorned the feet of people in over 60 countries, it still has only one true home: Brazil, where every single pair of original Havaianas is lovingly created.
2003
Havaianas sets foot in the Philippines
Havaianas first set foot in the Philippines in 2003. It sold one million pairs in its first three years, forever cementing Havaianas’ place in the hearts (and soles) of Filipinos.2003 is also the year when Havaianas became part of the Oscars. Exclusive styles are given to the Oscar nominees.
2006
All Flip-Flops, a store devoted solely to selling Havaianas merchandise, was created in the Philippines in August 2006. It was the first Philppine retail store to need a bouncer, but it would not be the last. Nineteen All Flip-Flops stores now populate the country, and their bouncers are permanently on standby.
2007
Distinctive events showcasing slippers as never before were created. In 2007, Havaianas lovers walked the streets with style and purpose during Lifestyle Walking. 2008 saw Havaianas invade the shores, streets, fields and palates of Filipinos. In February, Free Kick, an event which allowed players to tap their inner Ronaldinhos, was held in Bonifacio High Street. In March, Flip-Floats, giant inflatable slipper-shaped rafts, were given away to fun and fashionable beach combers in Boracay. April saw giant slipper sculptures decorate areas such as Bonifacio High Street (BHS). Havaianas returned to BHS in October for Playback, an event that recaptured the joy of Filipino old-school street games. Lastly, in November, Havaianas gave beach goers a taste of Brazil through the Havaianas Beach Bar, which served a drink inspired by the Brazilian national cocktail – the Caipirinha.
2009
Over three billion pairs of Havaianas have been sold all over the world. If every pair was lined up toe to heel, Havaianas would circle the world 40 times and no one would ever frown again. Today, Havaianas belongs to those who are part of its history who have done the simple act of slipping on a pair of flip-flops.
2010
Havaianas Philippines kicks off its new
Happy Soles campaign. This campaign celebrates the fact that Havaianas has been
both a witness and a reminder of Filipinos’ happiest moments. A constant
companion on everything from beach trips to food trips, Havaianas has trekked
up mountains, walked down wedding aisles and danced under the pale moonlight. For
many happy soles, Havaianas is a daily reminder of moments spent with friends
and filled with laughter – moments that define who we are.
