The iconic plastic sandal, known as 'medusa', or by
various other names such as 'skeleton', 'jelly',
and 'lêkê' in different regions, with flexible
structures and affordable prices, continues to delight customers
globally, showcasing their enduring popularity after 75 years in
the market.
Originating from a village named Les Sarraix in the
Puy-de-Dôme region of Auvergne, France, the story dates to
1946. Jean Dauphant, a cutlery maker, faced a problem when he found
himself with surplus PVC. To save his investment, he ingeniously
repurposed the material to craft sandals, giving rise to the first
plastic sandals, initially called 'Sarraizienne' and later
'Plastic—Auvergne'. Additionally, the sandals gained
popularity due to a shortage of leather after World War II, leading
to their production with PVC material.
