Flip-flops: from ancient Egypt to 2024 fashion trend
The article traces the history of flip-flops from 3500 BCE Egypt, where pharaohs and priests wore them as status symbols, to Mesopotamia's depiction of King Naram-Sin in 2250 BCE. After WWII, American soldiers brought zōri from Japan, inspiring the jandals (Japan+sandals) later called flip-flops. In 1962, Havaianas launched in Brazil, becoming so iconic that in 1980 they were included in Brazil's inflation monitoring basket. The 1990s and 2000s saw flip-flops on red carpets and runways, breaking dress codes. For spring-summer 2024, Miu Miu (Prada group) proposed a colorful essential version, while nostalgia on social media and vintage shopping boosted the trend. Stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Carolyn Bessette wore them with jeans, skirts, and dresses, erasing the line between elegant and casual.
Key facts
- First flip-flop model dates to 3500 BCE in ancient Egypt.
- Depicted on Tutankhamun's throne, symbolizing wealth and marital power.
- Mesopotamian stone slab from 2250 BCE shows King Naram-Sin wearing flip-flops.
- American soldiers discovered zōri in Japan after WWII.
- Zōri have a thick hanao strap and heel overhang of about 1 cm.
- Havaianas launched in Brazil in 1962, originally white and blue.
- In 1980, Havaianas were included in Brazil's inflation monitoring basket.
- Miu Miu featured flip-flops for spring-summer 2024.
Entities
Artists
- Tutankhamun
- Naram-Sin
- Gwyneth Paltrow
- Carolyn Bessette
- John F. Kennedy Jr.
- Giulio Solfrizzi
Institutions
- Artribune
- Prada
- Miu Miu
- Havaianas
Locations
- Egypt
- Mesopotamia
- Japan
- Brazil
- United States