ASPORTUGUESAS is today launching the first collection of cork flipflops signed by Garrett McNamara. The Hawaiian surfer – a self-confessed fan of Portugal and staunch defender of cork - has agreed a partnership with the startup, Ecochic, and has signed the first of several collections of ASPORTUGUESAS flipflops, that will be marketed under his name.
The new collection includes a major social responsibility commitment. For each pair of ASPORTUGUESAS cork flipflops sold, €1 will be donated to the surf school created by Garrett McNamara in Nazaré, that teaches children to surf, by means of practical lessons.
Garrett McNamara reveals: “ It’s no secret that Portugal has the biggest waves, best coastline, food and people. Now with the ASPORTUGUESAS line of flip-flops the world will know that Portugal also has the most sustainable natural material that is completely versatile coming from Amorim cork. I am extremely honored to join forces with an environmentally friendly company, making stylish slippers with a portion of the proceeds going to the orphans of Nazare.”
Pedro Abrantes, Ecochic’s founder, says: “It’s, above all, a source of great pride to have Garrett McNamara as the ambassador of ASPORTUGUESAS, since he identifies with the brand, that uses a material that represents Portugal at its best, which is 100% natural and, as he says, is a footwear option that’s both versatile and sophisticated. It’s also highly gratifying for me, as the coordinator of such a recent project, to be able to embrace a social responsibility initiative that aims to ensure moments of joy for children living in Portugal.”
The new collection - ASPORTUGUESAS - Everything is Possible – created in partnership with Garrett McNamara, comprises five unisex models, with sizes between 35 and 46, and a retail price of 39,90€.
The flipflops can be purchased in shops, and online - in particular via the brand’s website: www.asportuguesas.shoes.
About Ecochic and ASPORTUGUESAS
Ecochic is a startup developed in the Amorim Cork Ventures business incubator, which produces cork flipflops under the brand, ASPORTUGUESAS.
Since its launch in March 2016, ASPORTUGUESAS flipflops have been exported to numerous international markets, in particular to the Middle East, and also to the US, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
In 2017, the startup created by Pedro Abrantes with Amorim Cork Ventures, received a major investment from the Kyaia group, based in Guimarães, which is Portugal’s leading footwear company. Entrance of this new shareholder has been extremely important for the brand’s international growth, due to the increased expertise that the Kyaia group has contributed, in terms of production, logistics and distribution network.
