Behind the Brand: Edgardo Osorio of Aquazzura

Founded in 2012, Aquazzura has quickly become one of the most renowned shoe brands globally, famed for its exquisite designs and high-quality craftsmanship. Known for the iconic Wild Thing suede stiletto heels, which have graced the feet of many celebrities, Aquazzura also boasts the beloved Leaf sandal among its standout pieces. The brand offers a diverse range of footwear, from elegant pumps to playful flats, and has expanded its collection to include jewelry, bags, and home decor items. Each pair of Aquazzura shoes features a signature emblem—a pineapple—on the sole, symbolizing good luck and serving as a hallmark of the brand's unique identity.

At the heart of Aquazzura is founder and creative director Edgardo Osorio. Born in Colombia and currently residing in Italy, Osorio developed his craft at the London College of Fashion and gained valuable experience working with prestigious brands before launching his own. His visionary leadership has propelled Aquazzura to new heights, and now, the brand is set to make its debut in Kuwait this June, with a boutique opening in the Avenues, the country's largest mall.

In an exclusive interview with 3oud.com, Edgardo Osorio shares his insights on the inspiration behind his designs, his creative process, and what the future holds for Aquazzura.

1. Where do you usually go to for inspiration to create or design something new?

I have different sources of inspiration such as travel, contemporary art, design, books, women, all in my head and on my mood boards. I love sketching by the water, whether it’s the sea, a river, or the lake, it relaxes me and inspires me… then I start drawing what comes naturally.

2. If it weren’t a pineapple, what would you have chosen as the emblem?

I don’t think I could ever choose another symbol to best represent Aquazzura. The pineapple is a lucky charm as gold pineapples bring good fortune! I also kept seeing it everywhere in the entrances of villas in the south of Italy, as it also symbolizes hospitality, and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. I think it’s very cool to have a lucky charm on the bottom of your shoes every day!

3. Are there any designs that you vowed you would never design again?

When I design, I always do it following my heart and my instinct, I immediately feel if I like something or not, for this reason there is no one of my design that I would never design again. But I can tell you that I would never design ugly, chunky shoes that don't enhance female beauty, just because they are momentarily trendy.

4. Because some designers struggle to find inspiration, they may go out of their way to copy another brand’s designs. What advice do you have for designers that face difficulties in their career but still have integrity?

To stay focused, have a vision and continue to persevere and work hard and always be passionate about it. If you’re passionate, everything is easier.

5. With a new store opening in Kuwait, what do you hope to see and accomplish with your Middle Eastern clients?

This opening marks a consolidated retail plan of expansion that the brand has set forth for this year in the Middle East. In addition, the brand has just opened in Bahrain in Marassi Mall, and will soon be opening in Riyadh and Jeddah.

Middle Eastern women are very important clients for the brand, they pay a lot of attention to their accessories and when it comes to shoes, they look for footwear that's feminine, timeless yet, fashionable and comfortable, which they can find in Aquazzura shoes.

6. Since you started your brand in 2012, you expanded to jewelry, home, and bags. What is next for Aquazzura?

My desire for Aquazzura is to evolve it into a lifestyle brand. I started this transformation by introducing the first fashion jewelry collection in Spring Summer 2021, Aquazzura Casa in June 2022, and March 2023 has seen the debut of my handbag collection, which I am really proud of. Next steps will be creating brand extension lines in new market segments; all supported by a constant expansion of the network of retail channels through the opening of new flagship stores around the world.