Havaianas has linked with Reality To Idea, the design studio of graphic artist Joshua Vides, on a collection of beach-side essentials. The partnership sees Vides lend his signature black-and-white aesthetic to two styles of Havaianas flip-flops — the Top and the Tradi Zori — a t-shirt, socks, and a towel.
Reality to Idea was founded in 2018 to enable Vides to work on a wider scope of projects and partnerships. The studio is based in L.A. where Vides now resides and as a point of inspiration for Havaianas collaboration lookbook they turned to Venice Beach, bringing to life the iconic Los Angeles seaside location and its bohemian spirit through Vides’ artistic lens.
Before moving to L.A., Vides lived in Southern California so the beach has always been a fixture in Vides’ life. “Being raised in Southern California, anytime we would hear or see the Havaianas brand was because we were near the beach,” he shares and continues: “I don’t have a favorite beach spot though. I just like getting away from work sometimes — sitting in the sand and listening to music. It relaxes me and allows me to understand everything going to be alright.”
As Vides points out, the beach is a place for relaxation, reflection, and play — not somewhere you should be overly concerned about your flex. That being said, beach gear can quickly cross the line from tastefully playful to tacky and garish.
This collab, however, hits the sweet spot. Firstly, if you’re going to do flip-flops, there’s no brand more legitimate than Havaianas, and the collection features its two most loved styles: the Top, which has been a signature style for over 25 years, and the Tradi Zori, a silhouette with modern proportions inspired by the traditional Japanese Zori sandal. Vides’ has reimagined both models with his sketch-like, monochrome color palette, keeping the collection lighthearted yet paired-down and easy to throw on with any outfit. Plus, thanks to its chunkier proportions, the Tradi Zori has more of a sandal-like feel, making it the ideal silhouette to transition from the boardwalk to the sidewalk if your day at the beach leads straight into evening antics.
To celebrate the launch of the collaboration, Havaianas x Reality to Idea will be hosting a “Beach Day Gallery” pop-up on July 10 and 11 from 12-7 PM PST at 1306 Abbot Kinney. Guests will have a chance to shop the collection and enjoy a gallery experience created by Reality to Idea.