Behold the beauties that literally have not come off my feet for countless Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights out:
Although I keep up with fashion trends and what designers are on their way up, I had never actually seen a pair of Aquazzura shoes in person. My basic knowledge of the designer was based on a mention of said designer by the ManRepeller when she first took my same pair of shoes for a test drive months ago. I have to be honest - I'm hooked. Not only are all of Edgardo Osorio's shoes stunning, but they're also extremely comfortable as well as "well-priced" considering what us fashion crazed ladies will pay for a standard pair of Yves Saint Laurent 'Tribute' Sandals or even a pair foot-crippling Christian Louboutin's.
Featured as one of today's hottest designers, Barney's "The Window" sat down with Osorio to talk about his collection and how he got started.
What encouraged you to create your own brand? After over 10 years working for many different luxury brands, I wanted to create my own line following a very specific aesthetic and sensibility. The market is saturated with chunky, heavy, over-designed shoes. I think after all the craziness that we’ve 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 were sophisticated, beautifully made and that felt fresh and feminine. For me, it’s not about creating sculptures or architecture—it’s about making women feel beautiful.
And why shoes
specifically?
I can’t explain it! I’ve always been drawn to shoes ever
since I was a little boy playing in my mother’s shoe closet. There is something
very emotional about them that really intrigues me. Designing shoes come to me
naturally, like talking or breathing.
What qualities does a
perfect pair of heels posses?
I started making shoes that were not only
sexy, but also incredibly comfortable. This was the biggest part of the
success. Once a woman tries any of my second-skin shoes , which feel like
slipping your foot into a glove, it’s hard to walk in other heels. I also
design for the woman, doing everything possible to make her more beautiful, her
legs look longer, to give her a perfect silhouette.
You were born in Colombia, schooled in London and now live
in Florence. What drew you to Italy? And why is Florence a good backdrop for
making shoes?
I was living in London and got offered a job at Ferragamo. I was
only 19, so I took the chance and moved to beautiful Tuscany. I make my shoes
only in this region, which is where the biggest concentration of the best
craftsmen for luxury accessories are in the world. Best decision I ever made!
What are your design
signatures?
There is a gold pineapple, which is my logo in the bottom
of every shoe, which comes from the villas in the south of Europe that have
pineapples in the entrances. And I’m best known for very sexy shoes that are
very comfortable.
Can you tell us about
your design background?
I started working when I was 14 years old
when I was still living in Colombia. Then I moved to London where I did stints
at both Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion. At 18 I moved to
Florence to work for Salvatore Ferragamo and this is when my career really took
off. For 9 years, while based in Florence I worked for other design houses like
Rene Caovilla, Sigerson Morrsion and was head shoe designer at Roberto Cavalli
for 3 years before launching Aquazzura.
Below are some pictures from his FW13 Campaign. If you haven't tried a pair of his shoes, it might be time to break out that piggy bank and invest! You'll thank me!
The Aristochic
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