B-Tique, Lifestyle & Fashion

When I was in the 6 years old, I saw a pair of plastic shoes being sold by a sidewalk vendor for 30cents at a downtown bazaar. The shoes were shiny black, shaped like ballet flats, with a cut-out design over the entire surface. It was love at first sight. I begged my mom to buy them for me, and proceeded to wear them everyday. The plastic shoes became my “signature piece.” I insisted on wearing them for my 1st grade class group photo, in place of the obligatory leather school shoes. Years later, after the shoes were long-gone, and the photo no longer evoked pride, only embarrassed cringes; I would still be known in my elementary class as The Girl with the Holey Plastic Shoes.

While the words Plastic & Shoes have always called to mind images of bargain bin footwear; Brazilian brand Melissa has redefined the notion of plastic footwear with their sensational collection of ultra-glam jelly shoes. Melding comfort and chic, Melissa shoes come in many must-have shapes and colors; stylish flats, wedges, pumps, stilettos, sandals (and much much more) in bright candy-hues and bold silhouettes.

I particularly love the Scarfun Summer model, a design by Alexandre Herchcovitch. This sleek wedge has been a favorite on catwalks all over the world. Also popular is the Campana Zigzag, a design collaboration with the Campana brothers, which calls to mind my own erstwhile-beloved holey plastic shoes. Many of my friends who made fun of me back then, have since been spotted sporting the stylish and comfy Campana flats; a vindication of my (obviously) fashion-forward (genius!) 6-year old self.

Melissa Shoes have been a cult-favorite for over 25-years in their native Brazil, and are currently enchanting fashionistas the world over. But these plastic shoes are more than just an accessory. Crafted from a patented, non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, recyclable, and extremely flexible plastic, Melissas are also eco-chic. How’s that for a fashion statement?

(Photos)
Top-Melissa Scarfun Summer in blue, approx. US$60;
Bottom-Melissa Campana Zigzag in black, approx. US$46.

Filed under: Alexandre Herchcovitch, Melissa, Plastic, Sandals, Shoes. | Subscribe | Comment | Trackback