Did you know the brand Ipanema is actually the world’s most sold Brazilian flip-flops? Havaianas is so big here in Manila that I just assume it’s still the regining queen of flip-flops (they are, after all, primarily credited for elevating the said footwear to chicness).

Anyway, last Thursday (that’s March 18), Ipanema GB launched its newest collection, Colorful Sea, via a blogger event.  I’ve only heard good things about Ipanema in the past, but was never really a fan of expensive tsinelas, and I’m not really a flip-flops girl unless I’m at the beach.  I think I’m gonna be a convert soon, though.  Besides the fact that I find myself dressing down because of my styling work (oh the irony!), some days, I’m too tired to even tie my shoelaces together and I just want to slip into something easy if I have to go out and buy groceries (which is just walking distance from where I live).  And boy are these flip-flops real comfy.  It’s just not the same as the generic supermarket/department store find of course, just as it ought to be for 1k a pop!  You know instantly the moment you slip into it that it’s durable and yet easy on your feet.  Most Ipanema footwear are made of flexible PVC, so even if it’s thin or thick-soled, or if you have a weird way of walking like I do, expect that your feet are still gonna be nicely padded no matter what.

I must say, I’ve always found their past ad campaigns very eye-catching.  It’s Gisele Bündchen, for cryin’ out loud!  And just swathed in water.  And then seeds.  First of all, I don’t do it consciously, but my brain kind of follows the careers of supermodels.  Especially ones that have been Victoria Secret Angels.  It’s not because I’m actually a pervy guy in real life, no.  It’s Gisele Bündchen, world’s most successful supermodel of this generation (according to Forbes and according to the look of instant recognition that people who have no interest in the fashion industry wear when they see her photos.  You don’t get that with your “average” supermodel fare nowadays).  Secondly, both my boyfriend and I are multimedia artists and designers, and we always appreciate good design and art direction in whatever form they come.  We actually spent a good 15 minutes staring at Gisele’s body covered in just water and was amazed at how cleanly and tastefully it was done.  You feel like you’re seeing something, but you’re not. What a tease, haha!

Their campaign now for the Colorful Sea collection isn’t as provocative, but I love it!  It’s spring colors, baby.  This new collection is inspired by the colors and shapes found at the bottom of the sea.

I get to have a pair of Ipanema flip-flops and I really want to get one from the Colorful Sea.  I have a hard time choosing between these:

Sorry that the picture had to be so big, I wanted to show off the detail.  This is Plataforma in black, and though I wanted to get something more colorful for my first expensive flip-flop pair, I just can’t resist designs like this.  I have a black and white Jansport mailman bag with a similar flora-fauna design.  I love its simplicity.  In the poster topmost of this entry there’s a sunset colored pair of this.  I love it, but it doesn’t seem to be available here.

This is Thong Fem in ivory white.  The design is really unique, but I’m not sure if it’s flattering on my feet.  I have really veiny feet, so straps that criscross my feet usually look best on me.  I love the color, though!  Also, I saw the a behind-the-scenes video for this shoot, and I saw Gisele holding up a pair of these in aqua and blue!  Aqua or turquoise is one of my favorite colors, I have an umbrella, a bag and a pair of heels in that color.  Unfortunately, I haven’t seen it around here, too.  I wonder if I should hold out for now in case they get it in stock next month?

My favorite part of this collection is that proceeds go to Project TAMAR, to help save sea turtles.  I don’t know about you, but that makes shopping easier for me, knowing that I’m actually helping out with something I believe in.  Last year, Gisele Bündchen (who is a UN Ambassador) and Grendene/Ipanema, were able to raise enough funds to save 10 million turtles.

Other styles available here in the Philipines:

For coverage of the event last March 18, hop on to The Philippine Online Chronicles Beauty and Fashion channel.

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