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Sunday, September 25, 2005
Flip flop, flip flop
By Jinggoy Salvador
I HEAR footsteps...
Who would have guessed that this footwear created for the urban poor of Brazil would be the next hot fashion item? This flip-flop has indeed gone so far from the land of Samba. Call it the next miracle product likened to the biggest selling jeans in the planet, Levi's 501. I am talking about the Havaianas, Brazil's hottest export aside from the gorgeous super models this Latin American nation has produced. Add this to the list of items that gained cult fame!
For the past 42 years, the Alpartagas Company in Campina Grande in Paraiba has been producing these colorful and creatively designed flip-flops from natural Brazilian rubber. Today close to two and a half billion pairs have been produced and I am proud to say that I belong to the tail end of the number who owns a pair (thanks to Marga and Tisha). Better late than never. I was amazed how light and soft this footwear was. Being a sun worshipper and beach lover, the flip-flops is in my list (must be in yours as well) of must-haves together with the sunglasses and sun block (in my case, it's the tanning oil). Although lately, these flip-flops have gone beyond the boundaries of the sand and found traipsing in the malls paired with other clothing other than the beachwear.
In an article covering the history of this popular "rubber", it was written, "In Brazil men wear their sungas (swimsuits) and the women their tangas (bikinis) but don one type of footwear, that is absolutely made for the beach, the Havaianas." Havaianas is Portuguese for Hawaiians because of the relaxed "hang loose" island culture that inspired the Brazilian designer's way back in the 1960's.
The humble beginnings of this fashion must-have, Havaianas, believe it or not, transcends social class.
Worn by the fishermen and household help in Brazil to the superstars of Hollywood to the super models, the flip flops has indeed come a long, long way. Of course, this is very subjective. If it has become high fashion, expect some radical changes. Look where it is now...
Outside of the country of origin, the prices will be different, what is affordable to one may not be to another. It may be the urban poor's footwear in Brazil but it can go to as much as 10 British Pounds in the UK and even more if you're Paris Hilton who prefers her pair studded with Swarovski crystals. Or perhaps you would want a pair designed by renowned jeweler, H. Stern who came up with limited-edition flip-flops embellished with gold and diamonds. Form follows function or function follows form. Whatever your order of preference is, these flip-flops spell F-U-N. And the designs available to you can be very titillating (prices locally start at Php600).
Or perhaps there is The Good Samaritan within you.
Then let it work together with the fashionista in you.
Log on to ebay and purchase a pair of limited edition autographed Magic Johnson Havaianas on auction.
Proceeds will go to the victims of the Hurricane Katrina. Can you believe the "most powerful" nation on the planet can produce the heaviest armaments for warfare and can't raise enough funds to help a state stricken with calamity. They should be thankful for their caring citizens.
Recently, two young girls grew up and became entrepreneurs. Marga M and Tisha A, brought to Davao this Brazilian wonder, how we wish it were Giselle Bundchen, but no. With their gang, they all flew in to formally launch Havaianas in Davao City (now available in select stores). From the cocktail launch where I was surprised to see Trisha B, my favorite party girl, (Davao's loss, Cebu's gain) to the evening's party at Bar 1, the flip flopin' group stayed true to the Havaianas credo of "hanging looses" and having fun.
The next day was even more exciting for their troop. The Havaianas flip-flops were put to a test on the white sand beach of Pearl Farm. Would be good to have tried it myself but the tiny Havaianas flip-flop (in a form of a key chain), which served as the passport to fun, can only take me as far as the city limits and nothing beyond. Let's just wait for news how the Barazilian footwear fared on the island.
Brazil has the Mardi Gras and the Havaianas... for the past 42 years that is. Just the same, I welcome these flip-flops to the tropical islands of the Philippines... Now strut like a Brazilian!
Of Apples & Lemons.
ASEAN Tourism Forum. The biggest tourism gig in Asia will be hosted by Davao this January 2006! This is a big chance for our tourism industry to hit the high notes. The core group is toiling and they need volunteers! Calling everyone who are interested in taking Davao City to the top of tourist destinations please do so. Call Lisette Maerquez at 0917-7050909 and ask how you can take part in this huge endeavor.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (September 25, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
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