Australian footwear brand Havaianas has partnered with social enterprise and clothing company, House of Darwin.

Inspired by the essence of the Northern Territory, the collaboration between House of Darwin and Havaianas has seen the two brands launch a range of Havaianas iconic thongs, reimagined with a unique House of Darwin touch.

Spotlighting the Northern Territory and all it has to offer, the prints on the thongs feature everything from local flora and fauna to local wildlife – think crocs, dingoes and barramundi. The crossover collection of footwear is not just a fusion of fashion, but an embodiment of culture, history, and sense of belonging.

"I grew up loving Havaianas and we're so excited in the Northern Territory to collaborate with a brand that has had such a big impact on the lifestyle in remote parts of Australia," said House of Darwin founder, Shaun Edwards.

When it came to how the collaboration initially began, the team at Havaianas said the choice to reach out to House of Darwin was due to Edwards' creativity and ability to educate others in an authentic way.

"When we reached out to Shaun Edwards, the founder of the Indigenous fashion label House of Darwin, we were searching for a brand that would enable us to connect with our audience in a unique and authentic way, reaffirming our core brand values," said the Havaianas team.

"We, at Havaianas Australia, are deeply committed to individuality, and it was only fitting that we join forces with a brand that is as creative and unique as ours."

With the team at Havaianas having travelled to the heart of the Northern Territory to be guided by Edwards through the state's breathtaking landscapes, they too experienced the rich culture of the Northern Territory firsthand.

This partnership and product range also serve as a platform for Edwards to further narrate the story of his homeland through the lens of his local perspective.

When it came to the inspiration behind the prints, Edwards drew on his inspiration from raw experiences within the Northern Territory, including mud crabbing and exploring the outback.

Edwards would also often get into his Landcruiser and visit local remote Indigenous communities to run football clinics. He would take photos and videos to use as inspiration, which were then developed into streetwear motifs by illustrator Luna Tunes (Liam Milner).

"We are truly delighted to be supporting the incredible work that House of Darwin is doing," said Havaianas head of brand and marketing, Nicola Jones.

Since launching in 2020, Shaun Edwards has grown House of Darwin into a celebrated brand and social enterprise. Striving to assist local Indigenous communities, the business reinvests all profits into social programs in remote Indigenous communities.

"With this partnership, we honour the spirit of the Northern Territory and the passion of House of Darwin," said the Havaianas team.

"Together, we invite you to embrace the extraordinary and celebrate the unique journey of Indigenous fashion."

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