[1] In 1971, the Bartelle brothers, Alexandre and Pedro, began to create plastic basket holders for wine that was produced in the mountains of Rio Grande do Sul.

In 1979, Grendene produced their first sandal, the Melissa Aranha, after Pedro noticed the strip-sandals of fishermen from the French Riviera.

A year later, the first Grendene plant specifically made for shoe mold manufacturing was opened in Carlos Barbosa.

Today, Grendene has stores throughout the world, in London, New York City, Rio de Janeiro, and Milan.

[3] The retail outpost's for the Grendene brand "Melissa" are known for their high concept designs by the Brazilian architect and artist Muti Randolph.