EDGARDO OSORIO

The Founder and Creative Director of Aquazzura, the man who made women fall in love with shoes, shares his passion for footwear and how craftspeople are the heart and 'sole' of his Italian atelier

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You worked as a consultant for many Italian luxury brands, including Ferragamo and Cavalli, before establishing Aquazzura. How did these experiences shape your professional personality? Each experience was different and enriching. With Ferragamo, I learnt the classic techniques of shoemaking and comfort. With Cavalli, I discovered the best embroiderers, laser cutters, weavers and many other incredible artisans around Italy.

You’ve led quite the global lifestyle — you were born in Colombia and raised between London and Miami. When did you discover your love for shoes? During my childhood, which I spent surrounded by women who ignited my interest in fashion, my mum wore heels all the time. For her, the shoe was always the focal point of her outfits. Also, I’ve been sketching since I was a child. After a summer course at Saint Martins in London, I started interning with fashion houses at 15, and from there, my career in shoes really started.

Shoes are a window to a woman’s soul. They are emotional and can immediately transform someone… Just look at fairy tales like Cinderella to understand the importance of shoes in a woman’s life through history. A shoe can change your posture, the way you move and behave… I find that incredibly interesting.