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Flip-Flops Go High Fashion, Blame The Row
Once considered too casual, the humble flip-flop has become a coveted luxury item.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:33am
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The once-humble flip-flop has undergone a high-fashion transformation, with luxury brands like The Row, Balenciaga, and Gucci putting their own elevated spin on the classic summer shoe. What was once seen as too casual for refined wardrobes is now a sought-after style statement, thanks in part to the influence of celebrity fashion and the trend-setting power of designer labels.
Why it matters
The rise of the high-fashion flip-flop reflects a broader shift in consumer attitudes, as people seek out comfortable yet stylish footwear that can be dressed up or down. This trend also highlights the power of luxury brands to redefine and elevate everyday items, blurring the lines between casual and formal attire.
The details
Luxury labels like The Row, Balenciaga, and Gucci have all released their own versions of the flip-flop, featuring premium materials, elevated designs, and hefty price tags. These designer flip-flops have become a favorite among celebrities and fashion influencers, sparking a wave of imitation from mid-range and fast-fashion brands. The shift in perception of the flip-flop, from a purely utilitarian beach shoe to a high-fashion statement piece, has been driven by a focus on craftsmanship and a move away from the "vacation mindset" associated with the style.
- A few years ago, flip-flops were considered too casual for a Parisian wardrobe.
- The Row's Ginza sandal, priced at £1,100, became a hot favorite among celebrities and fashion folk.
The players
The Row
An American luxury fashion label that is credited with helping to elevate the flip-flop into a high-fashion item with its Ginza sandal.
Balenciaga
A high-fashion brand that has released flip-flops featuring platforms and luxurious materials like velvet.
Gucci
A luxury fashion house that has released leather-heeled flip-flop styles with a sleek, sophisticated look.
Antoine Bolze
The co-founder of the French footwear label Bobbies, who notes that flip-flops were once considered too casual for a Parisian wardrobe.
Anna McLaren
The founder and designer of the Melbourne-born shoe label A Emery, who sees flip-flops as a utilitarian style that now comes with a sense of ease and intentionality.
What they’re saying
“A few years ago, flip-flops were almost forbidden in a Parisian wardrobe. Too beachy, too casual, not considered refined enough.”
— Antoine Bolze, Co-founder, Bobbies
“As an Australian, flip-flops have always been a utilitarian style, worn year in and year out no matter the trend direction. [They] come with a sense of ease, and I think above all this is what women want from their lives right now. To feel put together and intentional but comfortable.”
— Anna McLaren, Founder and Designer, A Emery
The takeaway
The rise of the high-fashion flip-flop reflects a broader shift in consumer attitudes, as people seek out comfortable yet stylish footwear that can be dressed up or down. This trend also highlights the power of luxury brands to redefine and elevate everyday items, blurring the lines between casual and formal attire.
