The thought of plastic shoes, as in jellies, makes some of us run for the door. But Brazil's Melissa (also known for their eye-catching revolving store design) has been gladly enlisting legions of shoe-crazy females to their cause. The latest, 100% recyclable footwear made via injection molds features seven new models under the theme "Bedtime Stories" and is about to hit stores for the spring/summer season here in Brazil. These designs are super sexy, despite any bad connotations with the nasty "P" word.
But how they fit is key. Melissa's shoes are surprisingly comfortable and come with well-placed air holes (and no joke: each shoe has been made to smell like a mixture of jelly beans, lollipops and gumballs for an association with happy memories), so sweat-conscious feet shall not fear.
In fact, the new looks are all about airy sandals, wedges and kitten heels in glossy, bright, solid colors, designed (as usual) by some of the biggest Brazilian designer names, like Alexandre Herchkovitch, Triton and Isabela Capeto (pictured above left), to keep models current. Melissa's press material brags about its sustainable development process, but it would be a fresh of breath air for them to come up with an easy recycling program for customers.
Tip: Opening Ceremony's NYC store carries the brand regularly.
Also on Cool Hunting: AH Tennis