Havaianas collaborates with Filipino Designer Francis Libiran

For the very first time, the country's most loved Brazilian flip-flops has finally touch-base with our very own talents as this December, Havaianas is set share its limited edition Francis Libiran-Havaianas Collection.


This year, one of the country's top designers - also, one of the country's pride - has been tapped by global brand Havaianas for a new collection that puts the Philippine artist firmly in the pantheon of international designers, brands and personalities, who have collaborated with the iconic footwear company for its sought-after limited edition releases.


Island pair 

"I personally have to have my Havaianas every summer, so when they told me about the project, I was really excited. They’re number one in the world, so to have your name on Havaianas is something," says Francis Libiran.

"Right after that meeting, I couldn't sleep," he added.

Driven by its principles of melding fun, fashion and creativity, Havaianas is no stranger to artistic partnerships that result in some of the most successful collaborations in the industry. From the signature chevron of Missoni and the minimalism of Bassike, to the luxurious sophistication of Valentino and the urban edge of Michael Bastian, Havaianas has worked with artists across the globe resulting in a seemingly endless spectrum of creativity. Francis Libiran for Havaianas is the brand’s first full collaboration with a local fashion designer.

Libiran is best known for the intricate, ethereal designs that have graced countless red carpets, pageant stages, and fashion editorials, Libiran’s meticulous eye for detail and innate knowledge of what makes up visual beauty was first honed and utilized in the vastly different field of architecture. It has been more than 15 years since Libiran shifted from the pragmatism and rigorousness of architecture to the fluidity and expression of fashion design. Since then, he has laid claim to a place on the international stage, dressing supermodels, celebrities and beauty queens like Tyra Banks, Anne Curtis, and Megan Young.


City pair

"Whenever I design something, when I conceptualize, I think of long-term details, not just a specific piece. When people see something I’ve designed, I want people to know that it’s a Francis Libiran. When I want to develop a design, it evolves. It could be the color, the material used…. It needs to have a signature. I tend to exhaust details to maximize a design’s full potential."

The collection’s limited-edition designs are all inspired by the Philippines and the designer’s Filipino backround as seen through the eyes of the artist himself, with Libiran’s signature aesthetics boldly incorporated into each piece.

Festival pair

"We are very excited to have worked with Francis, whose creative ideals embody the very ideals of the brand," says Terry S.A. Managing Director Anne Gonzalez. "For this collection, each pair of Havaianas serves as a canvas for Francis’ artistic expression and aesthetics. He has translated his creative vision and his talents into something suggestive of the Filipino culture through a piece, which has become a fashion staple in our tropical country. Fans of his work will also be able to own something that isn’t a ball gown, which means they can use it everyday. He has helped us showcase Filipino talent and culture by creating beautiful but practical pieces."

The Francis Libiran for Havaianas collection features three designs, each evocative of the different facets of Filipino culture: the City pair evokes hints of popular culture in the Philippines as expressed through one of the country’s most iconic symbols; the Festival pair embodies the vibrancy of Philippines’ various festivals, celebrations, and color; and the Island pair is inspired by the fusion of various design elements pulled from the country’s multicultural background. Each pair will be available in specially-designed packaging, making them ideal for gifts. 

Available at all authorized Havaianas retailers nationwide, these all-limited edition designs of the Francis Libiran for Havaianas collection will be sold starting this December 2014.



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