The Row’s $1,100 Dan Sandal Channels Reef’s Surfer Vibe for Summer

The Row, founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, has released the Dan sandal, a $1,100 calfskin suede flip-flop with a thick tobacco-brown strap, evoking the aesthetic of Reef’s Ojai Classic. The style marks a shift from last summer’s sleek Dune and City flip-flops to a bulkier, more substantial silhouette. Reef, founded in 1984 by Argentinian brothers in San Diego, grew from a $4,000 investment to a $187.7 million valuation before being acquired by VF Corporation in 2005 and later sold to Rockport Group in 2018. The Olsens, four-time CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year winners, are known for anticipating trends; their endorsement of the Dan suggests a broader turn toward heftier, surfer-inspired footwear. The design references Y2K mall culture and a nostalgic California vibe, pairing with cargo shorts for a refined frat-house look. Unlike the Dune, which popularized minimal flip-flops, the Dan iterates with a wider strap, similar to brands like Rainbow. The Olsens’ remote creative process leaves their exact inspiration unclear, but their track record lends credibility to the trend.