Maz Shoes

As comfy as my trusty Toms shoes are, they certainly aren't built for walking over seven miles a day in. So my feet were relieved when I discovered Maz shoes in Brazil's beachtown playground of Buzios. Lightweight and comfy, these sneaker-looking shoes bare an uncanny resemblance to Onitsuka Tiger's Mexico 66 trainers, which I wore to death when I had a pair back in the day. The range of colours are vast, and the baby shoes are particularly adorable. A great alternative to Havaianas for tired feet.

Osklen making waves

Having recently spent some time in Brazil, I became acquainted with some of the country's hottest fashion labels while in Rio de Janeiro. In a city where Cariocas rarely see a day below 20 degrees, it would be unfair to say the fashion is directed purely by beachwear. Of course, the city is leading in sexy and stylish beachwear - there's Banco de Areia swimwear for fashion conscious women, and Redley surfwear, for men and women, with a streetwear slant - but it was the luxury sportswear brand, Osklen, that really stood out.

Starting life as a mere winter sportswear brand, Osklen has expanded to include surfwear, ready-to-wear collections for women, and a lifestyle fashion line based on "surf-inspired aesthetics" and an "environmental focus".

Orthopaedic physician Oskar Metsavaht, who founded Osklen and also designs for the label, is reportedly in talks with Brazilian flip flop giant Havaianas about a "controlling interest" in the brand.

 

 Osklen Royal Black SS12 Collection