The Danish fashion house Ganni has partnered with Brazilian footwear brand Melissa to create a collection of recycled plastic shoes that blends Copenhagen minimalism with tropical vibrancy. The collaboration arrives as PVC footwear experiences a major resurgence across runways and street style.
Fashion editors are already declaring these jelly sandals essential summer footwear.
The partnership marks another high-profile collaboration for Melissa, which has previously worked with Jean Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs, Telfar, and Diesel. Paulo Pedó, Melissa’s brand director, described Ganni’s approach as “balancing attitude with a sense of playful irreverence that both reflects and reimagines everyday Danish style.”
Two Styles Define the Collection
The collaboration produces two distinct silhouettes: classic slim flip-flops and thong kitten heels with architectural curves. Both styles incorporate Ganni’s signature design elements, including ruffled textures and the brand’s recognizable fruit graphic prints. The color palette spans five options across both styles.
Cherry red, bright yellow, aqua blue, and chocolate brown provide solid color choices, while Ganni’s leopard print adds pattern to the mix.
The kitten heels feature cushioned soles designed for extended wear, making them suitable for both poolside lounging and evening events. The flip-flops maintain Melissa’s traditional comfort-focused construction while incorporating Ganni’s aesthetic sensibilities through color and surface texture treatments.
Market Timing Favors Jelly Footwear
The launch coincides with renewed interest in transparent and jelly-textured footwear across fashion weeks globally. Jelly ballet flats have appeared in multiple designer collections this year, while PVC accessories gain traction among fashion influencers. Melissa’s recycled plastic construction aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable fashion alternatives.
The limited-edition nature of this collaboration creates additional urgency for consumers. Melissa’s previous designer partnerships have typically sold out quickly, particularly when featuring recognizable brand aesthetics like Ganni’s distinctive prints and silhouettes.
Fashion editors who received early access to the collection have begun incorporating the shoes into their summer wardrobes. One editor specifically chose the aqua blue kitten heels and plans to wear them during Miami Swim Week and an upcoming Aruba vacation, citing both comfort and visual appeal as deciding factors.
The collection pairs naturally with Ganni’s current summer offerings and Melissa’s existing jelly handbag line, creating opportunities for coordinated looks. However, the shoes’ bold colors and distinctive textures make them statement pieces that can anchor neutral outfits or complement other vibrant summer pieces.
