What you would associate with plastic, Melissa Shoes is a pop luxury brand that is also eco-conscious. Recyclable, hypoallergenic and flexible, the block heels, slip-ons and Mary Janes from the 45-year-old Brazilian brand are also sweet-smelling. That’s right, the revolutionary patented melflex material (a kind of PVC) gives off a subtle raspberry aroma. It’s no wonder that the brand is popular with both celebrity kids like Blue Ivy, Suri Cruise and Harper Beckham, and their mums.
After a round of pop-up shops, Melissa is generating a lot of interest online with its two month-old e-store for India. Maya Goyel of Apeego Group, who launched the brand in India says, sizes five, six and seven are flying off the shelves, while designs for kids like the Aranha model (an update on the 1979 shape) are sold out. Given that both children and adults are used to living in Crocs, Melissa Shoes, with its heels, hearts, metallic shine and other details, is more than welcome. Plus, given the steaming days ahead, possible beach trips and heavy showers (we hope!) a month later, this is just the kind of accessory you need to invest in.
The shoes also retail out of premium stores worldwide from Gallery Lafayette to Neiman Marcus to Takashimaya and the brand has collaborated with legendary names like Karl Lagerfeld, Jason Wu, Jean Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood for special collections. Goyel admits that while Lagerfeld’s whimsical cat shoes didn’t really take off as expected in India, Westwood’s block heels and slip-ons are a big hit. It’s no wonder she has plans to set up a brick and mortar shop later in the year.
Rs 3,150 onwards. Details: melissashoes.co.in.