Flip-flops go Brapanese

Summer is definitely the season of cutoffs, shorts, and flip-flops, and there are no flip-flops that are more iconic than a pair of brightly-colored Havaianas.
 Everybody knows these comfy slippers originate from Brazil, but dig a little deeper into the history of the world’s favourite flip-flop brand and you go back 54 years to its first inspiration, the Japanese Zori. Zori are traditional Japanese thong sandals that are made of fabric straps and rice straw soles. The fabric and the rice straw sole may be gone and have given way to soft and comfy Brazilian rubber, but the rice pattern remains on the sole, a tribute to Havaianas’ Asian heritage.
 To pay homage to its origin, and in celebration of the 11th year of Make Your Own Havaianas, the biggest and most anticipated customization event in the country was all about the ancient art of Shibori, a Japanese fabric-dyeing technique that makes use of indigo shades to create beautiful patterns on cloths for kimonos and obi sashes.
 Together with other certified Havaianaticos, I was able to get early dibs on the creation of my own pair of Shirobi-inspired Havaianas. The pattern for the Top sole this year features a distinct blue and white pattern that pairs well with almost any of the available straps. To further customise my pair, one can choose from a myriad of super adorable Japanese-inspired pins that are sure to make a fun statement perfect for summer.
 “We’re excited to pay homage to our Japanese roots at this year’s MYOH and celebrate with a commemorative pair that highlights this heritage. Now is the perfect time to celebrate Japan as it resonates well with Filipinos who look to this inspiring country for their fashion, food, and travel influences,” Anne Gonzalez, Managing Director of Terry S.A. Inc., explains.
 Of course one should move as swift as a ninja towards SM Lanang Premier as the Make Your Own Havaianas event only lasts until May 1.
 For more details, check out Havaianas Philippines on Facebook and @Havaianasphils on Instagram and Twitter. Feel free to share your own Make Your Own Havaianas experiences with #MYOH2016 and #MYOH2016Davao!
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