Havaianas was founded in 1962 in São Paulo by Brazilian sporting group Alpargatas. After a trip to Japan, the founders created the first rubber flip flop based on the three-pronged design of the traditional Japanese zori sandal. The brand became an essential among Brazil's working and was even included in the government's list of fundamental goods, alongside products such as rice and beans. In the '90s, the brand underwent a revival, picked up outside of Brazil by style concious consumers, and even made an appearance on Jean Paul Gaultier's runway in '99. Since then, the brand has grown in Brazil and internationally to encompass flip flops, espadrilles, accessories, and apparel.