AQUAZZURA
“I remember the first shoes I sketched for Aquazzura like it was yesterday. They were booties open at the front. They were meant to be sexy and, at the same time, fit like a glove,” recalls Edgardo Osorio, who established the renowned Florentine brand together with the Portuguese Ricardo D’Almeida Figueiredo in 2011, and picked the golden pineapple as a logo because it’s said to be a lucky charm. That vivid memory already hints at what mattered – and still matters – most to the Colombian designer: “The market was saturated with very complicated, chunky and uncomfortable products, so I decided to do the opposite. First, the shoes need to be simple and beautiful, or nobody would even touch them, but then I focus on lightness and comfort. To achieve the perfect construction I work with technicians and artisans who have been studying the foot for 50 years.” His sophisticated, versatile and playful creations range from high heels to flats – with forays into the worlds of sneakers, bags and earrings – and are all conceived to make women feel good. “They mix Italian elegance, Latin sensuality and American easiness,” declares Osorio, who has opened 14 boutiques and can count on over 300 retailers. He has also collaborated with prestigious brands to launch special collections, and garnered a considerable celebrity following. Just to name three: Jennifer Lawrence, Julianne Moore and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who has worn Aquazzura for plenty of royal events, including her engagement announcement and wedding reception.