Melissa
Melissa is a Brazilian footwear brand specializing in plastic shoes made from proprietary Melflex material. Its aesthetic combines pop art influences with sculptural forms. The brand represents a subculture of avant-garde fashion and sustainability, emphasizing vegan production and the recyclability of its synthetic materials.
Fashion History
Founded in 1979 by Alexandre and Pedro Grendene, Melissa originated in Brazil after the brothers observed footwear worn by French Riviera fishermen. The brand gained international recognition for its Aranha model. It holds significance in fashion history for pioneering collaborations between industrial plastic manufacturing and high-fashion designers. Notable partnerships include Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, and Zaha Hadid, which transitioned plastic footwear from utilitarian items to recognized pieces of contemporary design.
