Edgardo Osorio Aquazzura

Edgardo Osorio’s designs don’t just fit into one category; they are both bold and elegant, modern and classic. His company, Aquazzura, was launched in 2011, and now has a presence in 48 countries around the world, including its home in Florence. At the mere age of 29, his shoes already decorate the feet of European royalty and Hollywood movie stars alike. Many famous designers such as Salvatore Ferragamo and Roberto Cavalli have also collaborated with Edgardo to feature his designs and create custom collections. His aesthetic is innovative and different, and people love it.

Wanting to learn more about the man behind this genius, we sat down with Edgardo to chat about what inspires him, how he does it and what plans he has for the future.

With Aquazzura I wanted to create a line of beautiful shoes that where sophisticated, beautifully made and that felt fresh and feminine.

BWB: In only four years your brand Aquazzura gone international. Could you share with our readers how it all started?

After over 10 years working for many different luxury brands, four years ago I decided to create my own brand following a very specific aesthetic and sensibility. I wanted a return to elegance. I thought the market was saturated with over-priced, chunky, heavy and over-designed shoes. After all the craziness seen in the past few years in shoes, women want to get back to wearing something more elegant, but in a new way. With Aquazzura I wanted to create a line of beautiful shoes that where sophisticated, beautifully made and that felt fresh and feminine. For me its not about creating sculptures or architecture, its about making women beautiful.

I want women to feel and look like amazing whenever they wear my shoes.

BWB: Today some of your designs such as ‘Sexy Things’ or ‘Christy Flats’ have become must-haves. What inspires you?

I am inspired by everything around me, but most importantly by the women in my life. I grew up surrounded by women and I’m still very much a ladies man. I’m constantly feeding the needs and wants of all my girlfriends from around the world. I try to give women what I think they want. I want them to feel and look like amazing whenever they wear my shoes.

BWB: You live in Florence but travel a lot, what is your routine to stay healthy when you have to go from long flights to meetings?

I always try to sleep on long flights. I will take something that helps me like melatonin. I drink a lot while I’m flying and put my Valmont creams to hydrate. I also eat healthy whenever I am. Once I land I try to have Green juice as breakfast in the morning with a protein shake.

BWB: What are some of the brands you like to use for grooming?

I use Valmont and Sisley creams.

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BWB: Can you share some of your favorite places in Italy?

I love the JK Palace Hotel in Capri. It was there that the idea for Aquazzura was born. It is the Italian dolce vita done in a modern way.

BWB: What is your advice to select the perfect pair of shoes for…

A night out:
Wear something you can dance in for hours that holds your foot well and makes you feel comfortable. You don’t want to leave the party because your feet hurt.
For everyday use:
Wear something chic that feels comfortable. It needs to take you from day to night in case you need to stay with the same shoes and go out after.

The color palette is inspired by the flavors and the costumes of South America, the region where I was born…  All colors that remind me of the dresses, fruits and streets of my native land.

BWB: What style and colors will your collection have for the Spring-Summer season?

The Spring Summer collection will have bright and vivid colors, it is a happy collection, a collection that celebrates life. The color palette is inspired by the flavors and the costumes of South America, the region where I was born, the micro fringes are combined with the embroidered fabrics in green, white, black and pomegranate… All colors that remind me of the dresses, fruits and streets of my native land.