Melissa was introduced in 1979 by the Brazilian footwear manufacturer Grendene. The brand’s inaugural design, the Melissa Aranha (“Spider”), drew inspiration from the woven sandals worn by fishermen along the French Riviera. This model quickly became a fashion sensation in Brazil before the brand expanded internationally.2

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Melissa transformed the traditional jelly sandal into a fashion statement by combining vibrant colours, sculptural forms and collaborations with renowned designers. Over subsequent decades, the company evolved from a niche plastic shoe manufacturer into one of the world’s most recognisable lifestyle footwear brands.

Melissa positions itself at the intersection of fashion, art, architecture, industrial design and sustainability. Rather than treating footwear as purely functional items, the brand frequently approaches shoe creation as wearable design objects. Many collections feature sculptural silhouettes inspired by contemporary art and architectural principles.3

A defining innovation for Melissa is Melflex®, an exclusive PVC-based material developed specifically for the brand. Key characteristics include:

• Flexible
• Lightweight
• Durable
• Water-resistant
• Recyclable
• Comfortable
• Moldable into complex shapes

Unlike conventional hard plastic footwear, Melflex enables Melissa to create seamless, artistic designs whilst maintaining wearer comfort.4

Sustainability forms a core component of Melissa’s corporate identity. The company states that:

• Products are 100% vegan and contain no animal-derived components.
• Shoes are 100% recyclable due to the properties of Melflex®.
• Manufacturing processes emphasise waste reduction and resource efficiency.
• Production takes place in Brazil within the Grendene manufacturing network.5

One of Melissa’s most recognisable features is its distinctive sweet bubblegum-like scent, which is infused into many of its shoes. This fragrance has become a hallmark of the brand and contributes significantly to customer recognition. Although the scent gradually fades with use, it remains a defining aspect of the Melissa experience.6

Some of Melissa’s best-known designs include:

• Aranha – The original fisherman-inspired jelly sandal introduced in 1979.
• Possession – Arguably the brand’s most iconic global jelly sandal, featuring a closed-toe fisherman style.
• Lady Dragon – Famous for its collaboration with Vivienne Westwood.
• Ultragirl – A modern ballet flat available in numerous colours and limited editions.
• Cosmic Sandal – A chunky platform sandal reflecting contemporary fashion trends.7

Melissa is widely recognised for partnering with influential figures across fashion, architecture and design. Notable collaborators include:

• Vivienne Westwood
• Jean Paul Gaultier
• Karl Lagerfeld
• Zaha Hadid
• Karim Rashid
• Campana Brothers
• Jeremy Scott
• Jason Wu
• Comme des Garçons
• FILA
• Y/Project
• Diesel

These partnerships have helped position Melissa as more than a footwear brand, blending high fashion with accessible design.8

Melissa’s collections encompass a wide range of styles, including:

• Sandals
• Jelly sandals
• Ballet flats
• Loafers
• Sneakers
• Platform shoes
• Heels
• Boots
• Flip-flops
• Handbags
• Accessories

Melissa products are distributed through flagship stores, department stores, fashion boutiques and official online stores. The brand has expanded into more than 70 countries, covering markets in North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America and Oceania.8

Melissa is associated with playful design, bold colours, sculptural aesthetics, contemporary art, Brazilian creativity, innovation, comfort and sustainability. Its collections often balance nostalgia, particularly through its iconic jelly shoes, with modern fashion trends.

Melissa played a significant role in popularising jelly shoes as fashionable items rather than purely practical ones. Through collaborations with leading designers and architects, the brand elevated plastic footwear into collectible fashion pieces displayed on runways and embraced by style enthusiasts worldwide. The resurgence of jelly shoes in recent years has reinforced Melissa’s influence on contemporary footwear design.9

More than four decades after its launch, Melissa remains one of the world’s most recognisable footwear brands. Its blend of innovative materials, artistic collaborations and sustainable production has established it as a pioneer in fashion footwear. Whilst jelly shoes remain its signature product, the brand continues to expand into new categories and collaborations, maintaining its reputation for creativity and design innovation.10

1. What Are Jelly Shoes? History of the Original Jelly Brand | Melissa US
2. About Melissa – Melissa Shoes Indonesia
3. Melissa México
4. About Melissa – Melissa Philippines
5. Melissa Story Melissa Shoes Singapore | Official Online Shop For Melissa Jelly Shoes
6. About US – Melissa Shoes Indonesia
7. Melissa Brand
8. Melissa x Diesel’s Limited-Edition Second Drop Debuts a Sculptural $199 It Bag and Expands Its Footwear Lineup
9. This Controversial, Nostalgic Shoe Trend Is Returning for Spring 2026-and I’m Already on Board
10. THE REAL JELLY: An Origin Story