 The revolutionary flip-flop has become a wardrobe essential ever since that unspoken decree some years ago that these once called tsinelas were the quintessential casual footwear that could be flipped and flopped to one’s comfort. It has then reinvented itself through its ever-changing colors and styles: neutral to pastels and neons, baby heels or wedges, embellished straps, ankle laces and straps…flip-flops are as fickle as any fashion trend there is. But just when you thought you’ve seen and worn it all, these feet friends are just halfway in its evolution process…. and its current trait? Scented rubber.
Mallōs was created by husband and wife, Mark and Jennifer Jao who introduced these scented flip-flops to the public last year, when they participated in bazaars organized by GMA and ABS-CBN. “Mark had a family business in rubber manufacturing, mainly slippers and shoes (for export). He would always ask his parents how the odor of the rubber did not fade even after all the curing process was done. Eventually, they came up with a different process which was able to eliminate the odor while maintaining the comfortability and strength of the sandals. But why stop there, right? Mark then thought of creating an entirely new concept of infusing a pleasant scent in the rubber. Mallōs was born, and research and development started,” Jennifer enthuses.
The couple was fortunate to have a family friend in the perfume business. “He introduced us to his French partner and we requested if they could develop a perfume that could bind with the rubber. The development stage did not happen overnight and it took them over a year to perfect it. The perfume that they were able to formulate was specifically made for rubber. By then we had it patented, together with the procedure and the concept.” (Trivia: Mallōs is a flower in Europe. Mark and Jennifer wanted to project softness hence, playing around with the word marshmallow. Mallōs: scented like a flower and soft like a marshmallow. The sheep logo is a symbol of their offering to God… Lamb of God. Jennifer adds, “We believe that this is a blessing from the Lord and that everything we do, we do in His honor.”)
Mallōs comes in an assortment of colors, designs, and of course, scents. Flip-flop styles are categorized under women’s names that exude class, sophistication, and fun. Choose from Ella (Plain), Jenn (Vine), Simoune (Logo with name), Beatriz (Palm), Bailey (Daisy), and Jane (Stripes). Colors come in Pitch black, Navy blue, Desert Mocca, Cherry Red, Sea Green, Pistachio Green, Baby Pink, Baby  Blue, Pearl White, and Chocolate Brown…each scented with either berry, blossom, candy, dew, or bloom fragrances. (Php750/pair). Scents will last 3-6months depending on usage.
Patrons and first-time clients will enjoy a special treat real soon. “The design-your-own concept will be in our new website coming out. We will have a page in our site dedicated for customers who would want a unique pair wherein they could mix and match straps and soles. In addition, we will be inviting or accepting designs from people who would want to have their names attached to their very own pair of Mallōs. Once their design is chosen, we will be producing them in a limited quantity and we will name the slippers after them, “Jennifer excitingly shares.
With another store opening at Eastwood City, Mallōs will change the way we all walk, one comfortable pair of scented sandals at a time. Who says you can’t feel proud of having smelly feet?
Click here for more designs and store location. |
