CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
As the calendar ticks over to 2019, now more than ever it has become acceptable for both men and women to dress as though they are Ancient Roman aristocrats.
From the mainstreamisation of grown men wearing cork-soled Birkenstocks, to the ironic but maybe not ironic hipster phenomenon that has seen thousands of Melbourne-based women wearing jelly sandals usually meant for kids, it is undeniable that open-shoes are the number one fashion item of the new year.
However, one specific brand of footwear that has been spotted roaring into cafes and pubs around the country is the iconic Nike Slides.
Once reserved for professional basketballers commuting between their team bus and the change rooms, the Nike Slides have spent the last several decades solely servicing the Filipino-Australian community.
That was until a few months ago, when Miley Cyrus was spotted wearing them at Byron Bay, launching the nostalgic brand of sports flip flop into the Australian mainstream.
The Filipino community have given statement today, with leaders confirming that they are excited to see a nationwide renaissance of the Nike Slides, as well the subsequent rise of ‘Filo Chic’ fashion.
“We are very happy to share this convenient and comfortable brand of footwear with the greater Australian population” said Rosamie Rosa, a spokesperson from the Australian Filipino Community.
“We believe they first made an impact outside of our community through Polynesian high schoolers wearing them with black socks. We believe from there they were gradually picked up by inner-city cafe mums”
“They are very functional and very comfy. You can see that now right?”
“Just please don’t start wearing knee-length silk basketball shorts as well, that’d be a step too far”
