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Teva's new collaboration with the Grammy nominated singer Jhené Aiko reminds us of sleep-away camp, friendship bracelets, and everything else you've come to associate with summer in the '90s.
And if you're up for some grade-A nostalgia, you can get your hands on the collection, Teva's first ever with a celebrity, today. Aiko designed three new styles for the brand that incorporate woven upper straps inspired by the friendship bracelets she exchanged with her sister when they were younger. Prices range from $60 for Aiko's updated rendition of Teva's signature sandal, and about $70 for a pair with a molded sneaker sole and exaggerated flatform versions.
If you're experiencing a slight bout of déja vu right about now, it's probably because this is just one of several Teva collaborations going on so far this year. Just last week, the brand released its spring 2016 lineup of shoes in its ongoing collection for Opening Ceremony, which includes reimagined classic Teva designs in satin, mesh, and even mountaineering rope.
But wait, there's more. There's also Teva's spring 2016 Artist Series collection that launched just this April, a white, perforated Teva sandal designed to go alongside Derek Lam's athletic-wear collaboration with Athleta in May, and some exclusive sandals with the Danish menswear brand Han Kjøbenhavn that went on sale that same month.
And that's just in 2016. Previous Teva partners also include Swarovski, Nasty Gal, and Urban Outfitters. Which got us thinking: "Are people really buying these things?"
In short, probably. According to its parent company, Deckers, Teva's sale numbers increased 5% to $133 million for the fiscal year of 2016 in March. The sandals' rise to the top coincided with the normcore trend that took over the streets and runways and permeated our wardrobes in 2014 — putting comfort and ease before what looks fashionable — and managed to stay alive when it slowly morphed into the athleisure trend we're seeing today. They're everywhere. You can't even go to a music festival without seeing them.
And while Teva's countless collabs may seem like overkill, they're only trying to keep up in this ugly-chic shoe market. Birkenstocks can't have all the fun. You can buy Aiko's collection online today here.