Steven Craig Smith
It seems now Barbie’s turning her attention again to the fashion world once again – albeit, designing not modelling, stepping into the new role of Global Celebrity Partner for Havaianas, the brand’s first celebrity collaboration of this kind and one we are super psyched about. The partnership is a personal one for Barbie too thanks to her personal connection to the brand and their shared Brazilian heritage. Born and raised in New York, Barbie is a first-generation American raised by her Brazilian mother, aunt, and grandmother. Here, Barbie sits down with GLAMOUR to talk flip flops, fashion and family.
“I had my first Havaianas when I was a little baby so for me to partner with such an iconic and amazing brand was a true dream come true. I called my whole family and everyone couldn’t be more excited. It’s a Brazilian girl’s dream! I love having the opportunity to collaborate with the design of my favourite pair of flip-flops. I got to bring a little bit of my family and I into it.”
Her first task? Designing a nine-piece collection of sandals (just in time for summer) which she tells us was a hands-on experience. “Havaianas has been a dream to work with and let me present design ideas and photoshoot ideas. I got to curate my colour palettes and how the final product would look. It was such a fulfilling and incredible experience.” She adds: “I worked in fashion for years before getting my first acting gig so fashion will always be part of me. I find clothes and styling things in weird and funky ways helps me be creative and feel good. I love to experiment with my outfits on a daily basis and always strive to think outside the box.”
The collection is a lush, tropical dream with a colour palette of earthy browns, vibrant yellows and tropical greens. “I took a lot of inspiration from the idea of Brazilian architecture and murals. Tiles, rugs, all that lush Brazilian design look. I wanted something with organic shapes and nothing too rigid, similar to a lot of Brazilian art,” Ferreira reveals.