Top local fashion designer shares ‘do’s and ‘don’t’s for latest normcore flip flop trend |05 July 2019

Flip flops paired with a more formal and elegant look is the latest trend to hit catwalks and pavements in France – one of the world’s fashion capitals.

This latest footwear trend is said to play on contrasts, adding balance and satisfying a yearning for simplicity and comfort.

Seychelles NATION spoke to Seychellois fashion designer and founder of the ‘Kankan’ brand, Karine Dupouy, to find out what she thinks about this development, and her advice for the local population when choosing to wear flip flops with their outfits.

Karine studied fashion, majoring in women’s wear at world-renowned Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. She also has experience working in the fashion industry of France, Italy and London.

Seychelles NATION: What are your thoughts on this new trend?

Karine Dupouy: We live on an island and it’s normal to want to feel comfortable, especially with Seychelles being a place that doesn’t accommodate wearing heels as much.

What is great about flip flops is that they are perfect for this hot climate we live in. You don’t get sweaty feet and you walk at ease.

The other amazing thing is that they are not as pricey as shoes, and you can now have so much choice for colours and designs to fit any outfit you own.

However, I personally don’t think it’s attractive when you see a very well dressed lady in her work attire which is styled with a pair of flip flops; it doesn’t look professional and elegant according to me.

Flip flops should be worn after work when you want to feel comfortable after a long day or while having a little stroll on the beach.

Seychelles NATION: Do you find that flip flops are already a common type of footwear in Seychelles?

Karine Dupouy: At lunchtime, I see that a lot of women decide to swap their heels for flip flops.

Coming back to my point, it changes the whole look of your work outfit. It is definitely more comfortable, but just not elegant.

Seychelles NATION: What is your advice for local men, women and children when pairing flip flops with their outfits?

Karine Dupouy: If you are someone who works at sea or by the beach, then it’s acceptable, and of course on the weekends when you just feel like being comfortable.

Don’t wear them for work. Ladies, try and wear them with a long skirt or if you are wearing shorts on a beach day. If you have a cute little beach dress, try and accessorise them with a more stylish pair of flip flops which are a bit more embellished. Ipanema and other brands now do amazing designs to suit a more stylish look. Try and experiment with colours. Make sure your toe nails have some colours on them too.

I reckon with kids, it’s normal for them to always be comfortable as they are always running around. But then again, even better to add lots of colours for kids, so don’t go for the classic black or white flip flops. Go a little bit crazy with colours.

Men usually pull off flip flops quite well, however coming back to my point, you also have to look professional, and so in the work environment it is best to wear a nice pair of moccasins or anything that covers the feet a bit more.

Reference: Vogue France