Since their launch in Australia over a decade ago, the Havaianas thong has well and truly become the essential style accessory for summer. Havaianas has single-handedly made rubber thongs a socially acceptable fashion necessity, taking the humble flip-flop and creating an icon. Havaianas were first created in 1962 by Alpargatas, a highly-renowned and very traditional Brazilian company active in the shoe and clothing industry, now in its 100th year. The simplest product made with a secret Brazilian rubber formula, Havaianas became known for being buttery-soft, bouncy, flexible and durable. Nearly fifty years later Havaianas have turned into a world-wide phenomenon, and the most successful product made in Brazil. So, after more than 10 years in Australia, nearly 50 in Brazil and within the folds of a 100 year old company, Havaianas has grown into a fashion icon, respected design masterpiece, and timeless classic. No wonder it has been called "the best rubber sandal in the world".