Who started it? Briton Rebecca Walters was an investment banker working in Singapore until an existential crisis hit in her early 30s. Armed with a passion for fashion, she noticed a gap in the casual footwear market – namely a lack of chic flip-flops. After two years’ planning, this year she launched George Blue, a luxury shoe brand that combines elegant and wearable designs with artisanal craftsmanship.
Why we love it: while we are all partial to a pair of Havaianas, they are not the prettiest footwear. George Blue takes the humble flip-flop and luxes it up with high-quality leathers and fabrics. Every pair is handmade in Tuscany, Italy, at the same factory used by cobblers such as Christian Louboutin.
Styles range from classic to fashion forward (think animal prints) and, in February, Walters launched the Exotic Collection, which includes animal print-embossed leathers and certified python skins in a stunning palette of ocean blue, burnt orange, emerald green and ruby red. For each pair purchased, George Blue donates S$5 (HK$30) to New York-based Maloto, which feeds and educates children and women in Malawi.
What we’d pick: the white and blue leather sandals (above left; US$270) are perfect for a holiday on the French Riviera. Or make a statement with the burnt-orange croc sandals (top right; also US$270) while the Serengeti lizard (above right; also US$270) will match almost anything.