Founded in 1971, Grendene Group is the world's largest company that manufactures slippers entirely from plastic, with more than 50 brands such as Grendha, Melissa, Rider and Zaxy, which are exported to more than 90 countries, accounting for 40% of Brazil's total footwear exports. In 2001, Grendene founded the brand Ipanema after Rio's most famous beach. Ipanema's unique rubber formula maximizes the comfort of slippers and is 100% recyclable. The collaboration with the world's No. 1 supermodel Gisele Bündchen, the "Ipanema x Gisele Bundchen", has taken the world by storm and has shaken off the cheap image of beach shoes. In 2016, Ipanema teamed up with design genius Philippe Starck to launch the abstract IPANEMA WITH STARCK collection, which outlines the most beautiful forms with minimalist lines, and is currently priced at more than $30 on the website. The price of Ipanema is slightly lower overall as compared to Havana.