Remember me
Havaianas is putting the spotlight on the infectious energy of Brazil by teaming up with Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior (a.k.a. Vini Jr.) for a collection that celebrates his journey from the streets of São Gonçalo to the top of the football world. While the Real Madrid star has been an ambassador for the brand for a while, this latest project marks their first proper design collaboration. Flip-flops have been part of his life since long before he became a global superstar. People in his hometown remember him using his own pair to mark out goalposts for kickabouts with friends. This project highlights that same spontaneous joy and the creative spirit that defines the Brazilian way of life.
The collaboration features two different looks drawing from the things Vini Jr. loves most. One design focuses on his well-known obsession with gaming. You can easily imagine him wearing these while trying to climb the ranks in a marathon session of FIFA after a long day of training. The bright colours used here reflect that digital world and the competitive spirit of a player who enjoys a challenge, whether he is on a real pitch or a virtual one. Being part of the PlayStation Playmakers circle clearly influenced this aesthetic, giving the footwear a look that feels at home in a gaming setup.
The second style takes a more artistic approach, looking like a piece of vibrant street art. This graffiti-inspired pair functions as a visual map of his life, featuring doodles and spray-paint motifs that represent his path from a local dreamer to a global icon. It mirrors the colourful murals and urban energy of the neighbourhood where he grew up. By using these bold, sketch-like graphics, the design manages to capture the messy and beautiful reality of street football. It turns a simple piece of footwear into a tribute to the community that shaped his identity.
Celebrating these roots is a priority for the brand, which is why they are launching the collection exclusively in São Gonçalo. Supporting the locals comes first before the rest of the world gets a look, but a larger event will follow in April to keep the celebrations going in his hometown.
Discover more here.
photography. courtesy of Havaianas
words. Gennaro Costanzo
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