Coral Gables, FL – April 2, 2016 – Neiman Marcus Coral Gables hosted Founder and Creative Director, Edgardo Osorio, of AQUAZZURA for an in-store personal appearance. Osorio presented his Spring/Summer 2016 Collection of shoes to over 60 adoring fans. Clients enjoyed meeting Edgardo and even received a hand-drawn sketch of the shoe they purchased.

World Red Eye was able to catch up with Osorio, who gave us a closer look into where he draws inspiration from, what sets the brand apart from others, and what we can expect in AQUAZZURA’s future.

WRE: Tell us about the collection you are presenting at Neiman Marcus?

EO: This is a very rich collection. There is a lot of mink, velvet, embroideries, and military. Overall, the collection is rich in deep colors such as prune, military green, grey, and black to fully express the extravagance behind it.

WRE: What was the inspiration for your latest looks?

EO: The inspiration for the latest Spring/Summer 2016 collection was my trip to Saint Petersburg during the “White Night” in June. I was impressed by the richness and beauty of Russian culture expressed in every detail of their lifestyle, clothing, jewelry, and architecture. The use of textures, print, and embroideries caught my eyes the most. One part of the collection was also inspired by the ornate floors of Russian palaces such as the Hermitage and Peterhof. I reinterpreted different designs found in the marble and parquet flooring with needlepoint patterns.

WRE: Where do you draw inspiration from to create new looks?

EO: I am inspired by my trips, everything around me, and most importantly 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 amazing whenever they wear my shoes.

WRE: What is the most important thing to keep in mind when designing a shoe?

EO: Proportions and comfort. We not only create sculptures, but also shoes that women can actually wear while feeling comfortable and sexy.

WRE: How has your culture had an influence on your design aesthetic?

EO: I think my design aesthetic is like my culture; it’s a mix. I was born in Cartagena, raised between Miami and London, and have been living in Florence for the past 10 years. Aquazzura mixes all of these different influences. It is Italian style with a Latin flair and American ease. I like my shoes to be easy and timeless, but at the same time sexy and modern. Also as a Latin man, I like to make a woman sexy and beautiful, but I never want her to be vulgar. I also think my aesthetic reflects the beauty and sophistication of a certain kind of Italian style that is never over-designed or overdone. It is about small luxury details that make something great, like everything else in life.

WRE: What sets Aquazzura apart from other luxury footwear brands?

EO: Comfort and sophistication. I try to create the most comfortable shoes on the market.

WRE: Describe the kind of person who is rocking Aquazzura shoes?

EO: I don’t believe there is one specific type of Aquazzura woman. I like to think that my shoes are trans-generational. I think all women, no matter what age they are, want to look young and beautiful, so I try to address this need. I think my consumers love to travel, have for taste for beautiful things, and want to enjoy life. This modern woman most likely has an active lifestyle and wants to look beautiful at any time of the day, which is where the comfort factor comes in. I want women to be able to walk in my shoes all day and feel great, as opposed to changing their shoes several times a day.

WRE: What was one of the most memorable moments of your design career thus far?

EO: I have had a few recently. I would say winning the Footwear News Award this year for best designer of the year.

WRE: Where do you see the Aquazzura brand 10 years from now? 

EO: I see Aquazzura as a global luxury accessories brand that sells not only shoes, but also bags and a full range of accessories.

I try to give women what I think they want. I want them to feel and look amazing whenever they wear my shoes.

Edgardo Osorio