Updates
Havaianas Stops Traffic (March 4 to April 4, 2207)
Traffic moves slower than usual near the Rustan’s Makati area these days, but the real surprise is how nobody seems to be grumbling about it. Havaianas, the top flip-flops brand in the world, once again worked their creative magic on the upscale department store’s windows and passersby can’t help but stop, look and crack a smile at the creative visual artistry.
The traffic-stopping window displays were conceptualized by Brazilian artists and inspired by the designs of the Philippines’ best-selling styles. Ms. Anne Gonzalez of Terry S.A. (exclusive distributor of Havaianas in the country) says, for example, about the whimsical slipper carousel featuring the brilliantly-colored Kids collection, “Carousels are all about big smiles and fun, carefree times.” Indeed, the vibrant Havaianas window display evokes that same kind of feeling.
Another window showcases the style Brasil (Brazil in Portuguese). Instead of carnivals and cotton candies however, the Brasil display brought to mind images of the South American tropical paradise. Deciding it was only appropriate that the window featuring the style most associated with the country be unmistakably Brazilian, the artists “transplanted” a piece of Brazil into the middle of Makati by recreating one of Rio de Janeiro’s most famous tourist spots, the Pao de Azucar.
Three other windows were transformed by Havaianas and they too reflect the look and spirit of the slippers they showcase. With flowers and butterflies, the Prints window is as vivid and summery as the slippers they feature. The disco balls and gold floor of the Metallic window further emphasize the slippers’ shimmering straps while the shelves of the window showcasing High (the most popular style in the country) further enhance the elevated look of the flip-flops.
This is the second year the company has dressed the windows up. “After we got a lot of positive feedback about the first windows in 2006, we thought it would be nice to give the people who pass by the area another dose of eye-candy,” says Ms. Gonzalez.
Creatively transforming the windows, which are set to dazzle passers-by until the end of March, was by no means an easy task. The huge display elements for example, had to be cut into smaller pieces to fit the entrance Rustan’s department store provided, then painstakingly put back together once inside by H Perez, the company locally commissioned to execute the designs. But then again, coming from a brand that has continuously proven itself adept at inspiring awe and amazement (remember the $20,000 flip-flops?), Filipinos have come to expect nothing less.
Havaianas is available in discerning retail outlets Rustan’s, All Flip-Flops, Aura Athletica, Celio, Chocolate Clothing Company, Gas, Nail Spa, Sepatu, Stoked, Tonic, The Zone, Orange Juice and Kidsports.
