Gandys - The Story Behind the Brand
With the holidaying season in full swing we caught up with Rob and Paul Forkan, the co-founders of one of our newest brands, Gandys to get the insider story behind this iconic flip-flop enterprise.
Q: What inspired you to create the Gandys brand?
A: Gandys originated at a festival after a weekend of partying and Rob woke up with ‘a mouth like Gandhi’s flip flop’. A light bulb went on and an idea was born.
My brother and I wanted to create a brand that represented the philanthropic values our parents had instilled in us and having spent years travelling the world in flip flops, a flip flop company seemed like the perfect idea to role with when venturing into ideas of a footwear brand. We decided that we would found the company on a commitment to using a percentage of profits to support disadvantaged children.
Q: Tell us about the work you do with Orphans for Orphans.
A: The Gandys Foundation is a registered Charity funded from donations and profits from each sale made. Through it we’re able to fund projects around the world. We have just built Gandys First Children’s Home in Sri Lanka and we hope to continue to build more Gandys Kid’s Campus’ all over the world.
Q: What do you consider when designing a Gandys flip flop?
A: A mixture of what’s on trend, what people can relate to, colours and prints that will appeal and of course the fit and comfort of the shoe.
A: We use Gandys to express our vibrant upbringing and often use the different cultures we have experienced as inspiration for design along with collaborating with some of the most prestigious high end fashion retailers & designers across the world.
Q: Tell us about the importance of journeys for the Gandys brand.
A: Ever since we got taken out of school to embark on an adventure with our family travelling we spent all our time in Flip Flops. With Gandys you can purchase with purpose whilst freeing your feet. Some people may say it’s a back packer’s haven to fashion. Gandys has taken us on a whole new journey from survival to success.
Q: Where is one destination that’s on your ‘places to travel’ list?
A: Machu Picchu – Incha Trail
Q: Which Gandys flip flop design would you be taking with you there?
A: Always pack a few, why pick one when you have the choice of so many!
Q: What’s your favourite flip flop design that Blacks is currently stocking?
A: Of course we have our favourites in all of them but the Atlas Gandys is definitely one that we can relate to and take anywhere with us.
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