Melissa was introduced in 1979 by Brazilian footwear manufacturer Grendene. The brand’s first design, the Melissa Aranha (“Spider”), was inspired by the woven sandals worn by fishermen along the French Riviera. The design quickly became a fashion sensation in Brazil before expanding internationally. [2]

During the 1980s and 1990s, Melissa transformed the traditional jelly sandal into a fashion statement by combining vibrant colors, sculptural forms, and collaborations with renowned designers.

Over the decades, Melissa has evolved from a niche plastic shoe company into one of the world’s most recognizable lifestyle footwear brands.

Melissa describes itself as existing at the intersection of:

• Fashion

• Art

• Architecture

• Industrial Design

• Sustainability

Rather than treating shoes as purely functional products, Melissa often creates footwear as wearable design objects. Many collections feature sculptural silhouettes inspired by contemporary art and architecture. [3]

One of Melissa’s defining innovations is Melflex®, an exclusive PVC-based material developed specifically for the brand.

Characteristics include:

• Flexible

• Lightweight

• Durable

• Water-resistant

• Recyclable

• Comfortable

• Moldable into complex shapes

Unlike conventional hard plastic footwear, Melflex allows Melissa to create seamless, artistic designs while maintaining comfort. [4]

Melissa has positioned sustainability as a core part of its identity.

The company states that:

• Products are 100% vegan and contain no animal-derived components.

• Shoes are 100% recyclable through the properties of Melflex®.

• Manufacturing emphasizes waste reduction and resource efficiency.

• Production takes place in Brazil within the Grendene manufacturing network. [5]

One of Melissa’s most recognizable features is its distinctive sweet bubblegum-like scent, infused into many of its shoes. The fragrance has become a hallmark of the brand and contributes to its strong customer recognition. While 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 – perhaps 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 colors and limited editions.

• Cosmic Sandal – a chunky platform sandal reflecting contemporary fashion trends. [7]

Melissa is widely recognized 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 collaborations have helped position Melissa as more than a footwear brand, blending high fashion with accessible design. [8]

Melissa’s collections include:

• Sandals

• Jelly sandals

• Ballet flats

• Loafers

• Sneakers

• Platform shoes

• Heels

• Boots

• Flip-flops

• Handbags

• Accessories

Melissa products are sold through:

• Flagship stores

• Department stores

• Fashion boutiques

• Official online stores

The brand has expanded into more than 70 countries, including markets in North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. [9]

Melissa is associated with:

• Playful design

• Bold colors

• Sculptural aesthetics

• Contemporary art

• Brazilian creativity

• Innovation

• Comfort

• Sustainability

Its collections often balance nostalgia—especially through its iconic jelly shoes—with modern fashion trends.

Melissa played a major role in popularizing jelly shoes as a fashionable rather than purely practical item. 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. [10]

More than four decades after its launch, Melissa remains one of the world’s most recognizable footwear brands. Its blend of innovative materials, artistic collaborations, and sustainable production has established it as a pioneer in fashion footwear. While its jelly shoes remain its signature product, the brand continues to expand into new categories and collaborations, maintaining its reputation for creativity and design innovation. [11]

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. Shoes recommendation for mother

9. Melissa x Diesel’s Limited-Edition Second Drop Debuts a Sculptural $199 It Bag and Expands Its Footwear Lineup

10. This Controversial, Nostalgic Shoe Trend Is Returning for Spring 2026-and I’m Already on Board

11. THE REAL JELLY: An Origin Story