By 
When I first came to Australia 20 years ago, I was taken aback by the way summer here meant unpretentious fun, like days spent on vast expanses of sand wearing just a bikini, hanging out on grassy knolls barbequing sausages with friends or meandering around languid Bondi streets popping into vintage stores. It meant people who’d soothe my habitual overthinking with words such as : “She’ll be right mate!” or “No worries!” on issues that previously seemed catastrophic. I was a young teenager out in the wide world trying my luck in modelling , a sea apart from my family but coming to Sydney just felt right. The laid back vibes, friendly people, beachy summer nights …it’s enough to make a girl get an enviable tan, fall in love, forget any worries and make Australia a home .
In that time, I also bought my first pair of Havaianas ; they were white ( perfect for offsetting the tan you see ) and so comfortable, I loved slipping them on as soon as my high heeled modelling work hours were done. The company launched in Australia the year I arrived here and everyone loved them, including me. Let’s face it, Australians didn’t need convincing on flip flops, a.k.a thongs (incredibly funny to my American friends we call them that here!) – after all they are a national pastime. The Havaianas ‘ styles came in all sorts of colours made of quality Brazilian rubber and took the streets like a tsunami. I think I ended up owning 5 pairs in different colours and wore them everywhere. Henceforth, when I see brightly coloured Havaianas thongs now, I have vivid memories of myself as a plucky teenager having fun on the beaches and streets of Sydney.
Now Havaianas have a new incarnation in sandals, a prim and polished thong cousin that doesn’t make the flippy sound , looks good with all kinds of clothes, comes in a variety of styles and shades whilst staying supremely comfortable. I partnered with the brand to pick out my favourites and pair them with trends I’m loving now across two editorials. First up: weekend separates that take you from day to night.
Come summer, I unleash my hippy, boho clothes from the top of the cupboard because there is nothing like playing 70s rockstar dress ups. This season, I’m loving throwing shades of nudes, browns and neutrals together for a tonal look . ( Havana Luna Rose Gold sandals , T-shirt from Spell, suede shorts from Sir The Label , tote bag by Gucci, vintage earrings)
To me; leopard is a neutral and always in but this season the trend gods agree it’s a hot commodity. Pair it with blacks for a look that says : come dance a purrrrfect night away (Havaianas Flash Urban Black sandals , Acne shirt, Bec & Bridge bralette, Saba skirt, Balenciaga sunglasses)
Wide legged pants are de rigour this summer but this khaki hybrid is an everyday fave. I love the vegan leather Havaianas too- they pair well with dresses, pants or shorts. Wear with a crisp linen white shirt for a look that is a hybrid of Audrey Hepburn on holiday and Hemingway in Havana. Both good things. (Havaiana sandals in sand grey, pants by Frame denim, linen t-shirt by Bec & Bridge, Sunglasses by Carla x OPSM, vintage bag )
photographed by Alice Wesley-Smith
What do you think?