I designed a new line of products to revive and embolden Havaianas, an iconic Brazilian
flip-flop brand since 1962, while still maintaining its original identity.
I began by investigating what defines a Havaianas sandal, and learned it was in the fine details of its shape, unique rice-grain texture, thickness, and bold colors, reflective of Brazil’s identity. The sandals are designed to be comfortably worn and easily slipped on, like any other, yet they are iconic because they boldly declare their Brazilian origin, and they tell a story about the person wearing them.
I explored what adding a line of beach toys that draw their form directly from biodiversity in Brazil might look like. I made these clay forms, each inspired by a different plant in the Amazon, such as the guarana plant, or the Heliconia flower.
I continued developing some select forms, and considered how they could be used as beach toys in different ways, with different users, and with a unique aspect that makes them easily recognizable.