Exclusive: Gigi Hadid Havaianas Interview
Gigi Hadid is a flip-flop girl. As a true Californian, the supermodel is in her element when she’s on the beach, which makes perfect sense given her new role as the global ambassador for Havaianas, of which ELLE.com is breaking the news exclusively. “Whether it’s my shorts to go to volleyball practice, or jeans to go get a smoothie, or a dress, it feels like me to put on Havaianas,” she said, calling the brand “iconic for a reason.”
Just in time for the spring and summer seasons, Hadid and Havaianas are on a campaign to make flip-flops feel like high fashion. Ahead of the announcement, I spoke with the 29-year-old to talk all things summer vacation—and sandals. Between her job as a full-time style pillar and full-time mom to daughter Khai, 4, Hadid typically only has time for quick staycations or weekend getaways, but she did manage to make a little time for ELLE. Below, Hadid spills her travel must-sees, suitcase essentials, and more.
Gigi Hadid’s Guide to:
Packing
I am a carry-on girl, through and through. When I’m going on quick work trips, I really pack basics. I’ll pack: a pair of blue jeans, a pair of gray jeans, a legging, a cashmere sweatpant, a sweater, a black T-shirt, a white T-shirt, a graphic T-shirt, socks, a loafer, a flip-flop, a flat, maybe a kitten heel. Then I’ll wear one of those pants, an extra T-shirt, and maybe a big leather jacket [during travel], and I can make a few outfits with those things.
I’ll change it up depending on where I’m going. To Brazil, I might take a jean with some colorful patchwork on it. For L.A., I might take the new Havaianas Slim Points that are black with a little sparkle because you can wear that day-to-night. You can still keep it basic with things that mix and match easily.
Styling flip-flops like a model
With baggy denim. [The sandal] could be neutral or colorful; I think whatever the vibe of the day is. Then, if it was something more formal, like if you’re on a vacation and going to dinner for the night, you could wear a little dress with a flip-flop and an anklet—that can be fine jewelry, or you can funk it up with something beaded or costume jewelry. I think that’s just as chic, if not cooler, than the sandals that are done by every luxury brand that kind of look the same with a different logo on it. That feels more me, at least. It feels girly but still effortless. I love a girl who rocks Havaianas.
New York City
[Khai and I] love the Museum of Natural History and the Slime Museum—that’s a big hit for her. I love FAO Schwarz, even if it’s even if it’s just to go walk around and try out the demo toys together. That’s really fun. I love Son Del North burritos. My favorite [shops in NYC] are young and independent, like designers that have great little showrooms. A couple of those being LilyEve, who takes blankets and makes jackets out of them and Susan Alexandra. She’s popping off now, but I love her store and everything she makes. Haricot Vert has a little shop, too.
Los Angeles
My favorite things to do in L.A. are things that remind me of home. That means seeing friends who still live in California, going to Malibu or Santa Barbara, going to my high school, or beaches and restaurants that I grew up going to. In Malibu, my favorite burrito is from Lily’s, near Point Dume. That’s my favorite breakfast burrito on planet Earth. There’s not a better one. Someone needs to go check that out and second me on this.
Brazil
I’ve been to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In Rio, I definitely connect with the beach community; it feels very much like where I grew up. I love anywhere that I can get on the beach with a bunch of people I don’t know and play volleyball. That is happiness for me.
Paris
I love a Galeries Lafayette or a Le Bon Marché moment. There’s a grocery store in Bon Marché, and even if you’re not shopping for groceries, just go get a souvenir chocolate or some kind of dressing or something. It’s the most beautiful grocery store experience you could ever have.
Havaianas are available in-store or online, on Amazon, Revolve, and Zappos.
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