Aquazurria founder Edgardo Osorio on creating shoes that blend beauty with comfort

When Edgardo Osorio founded Aquazzura over a decade ago, he set out with a simple mission: To create shoes that combine beauty with comfort. But the inspiration behind the brand goes beyond just footwear. It’s rooted in Osorio’s love for dance, his frustration with existing designs, and his deep understanding of what women truly want from their shoes.

I first discovered Aquazzura in 2017 when an aunt gifted me a card to Luisa Via Roma. As I scrolled through the site, a pair of nude heels with delicate tie-up straps immediately caught my eye. Instantly, I knew we were meant to be. As a self-proclaimed shopaholic, shoes are always at the top of my list, and these heels have since danced the night away with me countless times.

Fast forward to today, and I find myself sitting across Osorio at Milan Fashion Week, just days before Aquazzura opens its first store in India. Naturally, I’m curious about what has taken so long for the brand to establish itself there.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Osorio says with a knowing smile. “We’ve always had our eye on India, but the timing and location needed to align. Now feels perfect. There’s a growing appetite for luxury, and Aquazzura’s aesthetic—timeless yet modern—resonates with today’s consumer.”

When I ask him about the inspiration behind the brand, Osorio’s eyes light up with the excitement of someone who’s passionate about their craft. “I’ve always loved to dance,” he says, recalling a summer before starting his brand when he attended nearly a dozen weddings. “I was always the first to hit the dance floor and the last to leave.” But it wasn’t just the fun of dancing that made an impact; it was the discomfort that came with wearing poorly designed shoes. “After a few hours, your feet start to hurt, right? But what shocked me was the pain after just 30 minutes. I thought, if a shoe makes you feel that bad so quickly, something’s wrong.”

At the time, the concept of comfortable luxury footwear was nearly unheard of. Designer sneakers hadn’t yet become mainstream, and comfort in high fashion was often regarded as a taboo. “Comfort wasn’t even a word in high fashion,” Osorio laughs. “Flats were considered outdated, and mid-heels were seen as for older women. So, I wondered—why isn’t anyone making beautiful, comfortable shoes?”

He realised that women were willing to invest in quality shoes, but they often didn’t get the comfort they deserved in return. “If you’re spending thousands on a pair of shoes, why shouldn’t you feel great in them all day long?” he asks. This insight sparked his mission to revolutionise the footwear industry.

Eager to find a solution, Osorio travelled to the US to explore the landscape of footwear design. “The big names in the industry were mostly older designers, and I thought, ‘There’s no one my age designing shoes’. I saw a gap—and an opportunity. I wanted to create shoes that felt modern, sexy, and feminine.”

Taking the leap to launch his brand was a risk, but Osorio’s determination was clear. He shares that it wasn’t just about making shoes—it was about capturing the feeling of living a fabulous life. “I wanted Aquazzura to communicate happiness,” he says, recalling a moment while on holiday in Capri. “I was sitting on the terrace of my favourite hotel, JK Place, and it hit me—I wanted the brand to evoke the warmth, joy, and celebration of an Italian summer.”

That sense of joy became a cornerstone of the brand. “Our shoes, our bags—they make you smile. They make you feel good,” Osorio adds. “That’s the energy I wanted to pour into everything we create.”

Looking back on his path, Osorio admits that his love for accessories wasn’t immediately obvious. “When I was 14, I thought I wanted to be a fashion designer,” he recalls. “I went to Central Saint Martins, but within a week, I realised I wasn’t passionate about designing clothes. It was accessories that caught my attention.”

That revelation led Osorio to pursue footwear, a field he instinctively felt drawn to. “Shoes aren’t just something you wear—they become a part of you,” he says. “The way they transform the way you feel, the way they make you move—there’s something psychological and emotional about shoes. For me, they were always the true love of design.”

This passion for shoes became the foundation of Aquazzura. “When I switched to accessories, it felt like I had come home,” Osorio recalls. “It was natural. It was instinctive.”

As Aquazzura continues to grow globally, Osorio reflects on how the brand has evolved. “From the beginning, I wanted to create shoes that make women feel joyful and confident,” he says. “That vision hasn’t changed. It’s amazing to see how many women have embraced that message.”

Osorio’s designs are inspired by travel, culture, and most importantly, women. Over the past 13 years, his global adventures—from India to Bali, Italy to Mexico—have shaped his creative vision. His design process is intuitive and collaborative, often starting with sketches in travel journals or on napkins. “I draw inspiration from everything around me—my surroundings, books, and art,” Osorio says. “Then my team helps refine those ideas, and expert artisans bring them to life.”

Fit and comfort are paramount in every design. “Women are multi-taskers,” Osorio notes. “My designs need to reflect their versatility.” From high heels to flats and boots, his shoes are designed for women who need to move through every role in their busy lives with style and ease.

As Aquazzura prepares to introduce its designs to India, Osorio is excited about the market’s potential.“India is so vibrant, and its craftsmanship is inspiring,” he says. “I can’t wait to offer shoes that balance luxury and comfort while resonating with Indian tastes.”

Looking ahead, Osorio is committed to sustainability and timeless design. “Good design should last,” he believes, advocating for fewer, better pieces that become cherished wardrobe staples. “It’s about creating shoes that endure beyond trends. Quality craftsmanship is key.”

One of the standout symbols of Aquazzura is the pineapple, which Osorio describes as more than just a logo. “It’s a symbol, like the camellia for Chanel,” he explains. “I wanted Aquazzura to stand for something positive. The pineapple is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. It’s about bringing that energy to the brand and to the women who wear our shoes.”

As we wrap up the conversation, I ask Osorio for advice for young designers. “Determination is the most important trait,” he says, his voice steady. “You need vision and a relentless drive. Don’t let distractions take you off course.” He also acknowledges the power of social media, which has allowed designers to reach a global audience.

I ask Osorio about his personal style, outside of work, and he lights up. “I love Moroccan kaftans,” he says. “They’re simple but make such a statement. I wear them all summer long. They’re perfect for the beach or a boat trip.” In the end, Osorio reveals that he doesn’t regret any part of his journey. “There have been ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Every experience has brought me to where I am today, and I’m grateful for it.”

 

Photographs by Lodovico Colli Di Felizzano

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