From NIS 30 flip-flops to NIS 1,000 icons: How Dolce & Gabbana turned sandals into status symbols

In a world where luxury brands are constantly seeking new ways to stay relevant, some collaborations raise eyebrows — and others send people racing to the checkout. The Dolce & Gabbana x Havaianas flip-flops clearly belong to the latter. When the first collection sold out within 24 hours last June, it was clear this was more than just a trend — it was a phenomenon. Now, with the launch of the second (and final) collection released on May 14, the conversation is reignited: How does an item that originally costs NIS 30 become a must-have that starts at NIS 650 and goes up to NIS 1,000?

"Honestly? I’m not surprised at all," says Noa (personal_shopper_noa), a professional personal shopper with a fashion community of over 11,000 followers on Instagram. "We live in an era where luxury brands don’t just focus on evening wear and glamorous statement pieces — they’re also diving into everyday items, like flip-flops."

According to Noa, the reason for the craze lies in the perfect contrast: "On one hand, you have Havaianas — a brand associated with comfort, vacation, and the street. On the other, Dolce & Gabbana — bold, colorful, Italian, dominant design. This contrast transforms the item into more than just a product — it becomes a symbol."

The new collection features wild animal prints — leopards and zebras — along with faux fur straps and gold accents. Some models also include tropical flower designs that celebrate Brazilian art, all priced between NIS 650 and NIS 1,000 for the most exclusive designs. But here’s the catch: The more expensive models — those with fur and gold details — are already sold out. They disappeared within hours.

"I had people messaging me even before the flip-flops arrived," says Noa, who specializes in sourcing and purchasing luxury fashion items. Her Instagram page (personal_shopper_noa@) has become a go-to destination within Israel’s fashion community. "They asked if they could already order them, what colors would be available, and what the prices would be. It’s wild — because we’re talking about something that at its core costs maybe NIS 30, and ends up being NIS 650 or more."

But it’s not just about the brand, Noa explains. "It’s the FOMO. It’s about having an item everyone is talking about, a limited edition piece that can’t be found once it’s gone. People don’t just want to wear flip-flops — they want to be part of the conversation."

What’s particularly interesting, according to Noa, is that this product "gets customers asking about it before it even arrives. Even more than they do with serious handbags or shoes — because it’s just so striking and stunning."

The numbers speak for themselves: In Brazil, 94% of the population owns at least one pair of Havaianas. The company sells over 230 million pairs annually around the globe. When a brand like that meets the bold aesthetics of Dolce & Gabbana, the result is almost inevitable.

"In my opinion, this isn’t a trend anymore — it’s a movement," says Noa, referring to the broader wave of collaborations between luxury and streetwear brands. "Today, a client can wear Balenciaga with a Zara T-shirt, or Nike sneakers with a Hermès bag. The lines between luxury and streetwear have completely blurred — and brands are fully aware of it."

These collaborations serve both sides, Noa explains: "They help luxury brands appear accessible, young, and relevant — while giving streetwear labels a borrowed kind of prestige." In this case, Havaianas — long associated with the Brazilian beach and comfort — suddenly find themselves on stylish feet around the world.

In a world where fashion consumption has become about experiences, the Dolce & Gabbana x Havaianas flip-flops represent something deeper than a passing trend. They’re a symbol that fashion now comes in completely new forms, that the boundaries between high-end and casual have vanished, and that sometimes the simplest item can become the strongest statement.

As Noa concludes: "If we once dreamed of owning a Chanel bag, today we dream of being able to mix Chanel with Adidas sneakers. And that’s exactly the world I live in now."