Flip-flops are among the world’s most divisive shoes. Second only to Crocs, thongs (as flip-flops are otherwise known) have long been the preserve of Clapham-dwelling gym bunnies and, as a consequence, style kryptonite for brands, editors and fashion followers alike. At least, that was the case before Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen-fronted luxury brand The Row got in on the act.
Shown as part of the label’s spring/summer 2025 presentation in Paris, block-coloured foam flip-flops featuring comfortable fabric toe straps were worn with loosely-tailored suits and fluid trousers teamed with shirts and waistcoats. The look was very 19th century Aussie prospector on his way home from Third Space, and was surprisingly seductive. The new was mirrored at Kenzo, where cult creative director Nigo showed cork and rubber takes on traditional zori sandals, developed exclusively for the LVMH brand by Kyoto-based artisan Gion Naito.
The look was laidback and elegant, blown through with an easy Japanese breeze. High fashion’s shift towards flip-flops contradicts wider market trends. In 2023, leading Brazilian flip-flop brand Havaianas decreased in value by eight percent, bringing the company’s worth to £123 million GBP.
A pair of the label’s rubber sandals cost less than £30, which could mean – in a surprise sartorial volte-face – that the flop-flop’s fate lies squarely on the feet of luxury consumers. “With designer brands offering elevated flip-flops, the style has been given.
