Pagoda was established in early 2016, inspired by a trip by founder Richard Oliver, to Myanmar in September 2015“While visiting the food markets of Bagan my traditional (South American) rubber flip flops broke and our guide quickly hurried me over to a nearby footwear stall where I snapped up my first pair of traditional Burmese velvet slippers, which I immediately fell in love with.” Richard Oliver 2016
“It was only a week earlier when I was in Hong Kong in 38 degrees heat and 95% humidity wondering what to put on my feet to a posh brunch. Coming from the North of England, I am not a loafers or slip-on shoes man and rubber flip flops felt too ‘bogan’ – these new velvet flip flops are the answer I thought!”
“I then set about creating the Pagoda brand which recognises the inspiration from Myanmar (most known for its golden temples) and evolving the product for the global marketplace with improved materials and design – ultimately becoming the Pagodas you can buy today.”
Richard Oliver