DESIGNER Focus

creations that HRH Princess Charlotte and five other bridesmaids wore to the ceremony.

AQUAZZURA shoes can be seen on the feet of trendsetters, Hollywood stars, European royalty and fashion insiders all around the globe, from Julianne Moore to Jennifer Lawrence, Gwyneth Paltrow to Nicole Kidman, Rihanna to Beyoncé, Amal Clooney to Cate Blanchett and Oprah Winfrey among many other high-profile celebrities.

After attending the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins, he made his first step into the footwear world working with some of the most prestigious luxury brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo, René Caovilla, and Roberto Cavalli. In 2011, after 10 years in the industry and at just 25 years old, he launched his luxury footwear brand AQUAZZURA, whose headquarters are situated at Palazzo Corsini, in the heart of Florence, surrounded by the best shoemakers and craftsmen in the world. Osorio draws his inspiration from European luxury and tradition, whilst creating shoes that are both sexy and incredibly comfortable, that allowed him to earn international recognitions.

Edgardo Osorio has been featured in numerous, top international magazines and some of his signature designs - such as the “Sexy Thing 105”, the “Wild Thing 105”, the “Christy Flat” and, most recently, the “Powder Puff” styles - have been claimed as ‘must-have’ shoes by top influencers and fashion press worldwide.

After just seven years, AQUAZZURA is available at over 300 top retailers of the world in over 58 countries, and gained global recognition as an innovator in the footwear industry, with boutiques in Florence, London, New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Costa Mesa, Moscow, Doha, Dubai, Milan and soon in São Paulo.

In addition to his iconic seasonal collections, Osorio has also collaborated with renowned influencers including Olivia Palermo, Poppy Delevingne and Claudia Schiffer, as well with brands like Salvatore Ferragamo and de Gournay, with whom he launched exclusive capsule collections. Recently, Edgardo Osorio designed bespoke AQUAZZURA shoes that HRH The Duchess of Sussex wore at the evening reception of her wedding to HRH The Duke of Sussex, and bespoke AQUAZZURA

Fashion contributor Pooja Adam interviewed the lovely shoe-obsessed Kholoud (@koodiz) at the pop-up launch of Aquazzura at VIP Gate, Villaggio Mall and we cannot help but be envious over her ever-growing collection.

What started as a hobby in 2009 to combine her passion for photography, fashion and art, Kholoud’s Instagram (@koodiz) today has caught the attention of several fashion enthusiasts in Qatar and beyond. Best known for her obsession with high heels, she currently owns 162 pairs of shoes and counting. As an admirer of AQUAZZURA designs herself, she nostalgically spoke about “Wild Thing” sandals which was her first purchase from the brand. We also got to discuss some of AQUAZZURA’s ‘must have’ designs such as the ‘Crystal Temptation 105’, the ‘Concorde 105’ and the ‘Powder Puff’ styles. Tell us why these shoes so critically acclaimed and why we should indulge ourselves in such a purchase.

Designers such as AQUAZZURA put a lot of effort in creating their designer footwear collection and it’s their specialty. I do get upset when I see original designs of shoes being copied by the high street and I appreciate that not everyone can afford designer heels. I believe that if it’s something that you are passionate about, you can work towards buying designer shoes. I always prefer original designer shoes and am never tempted to get a copy because of the way the designer shoes make you feel, it’s a feeling you get when you wear them, nothing compares to it! The way a woman carries herself and she feels in those shoes is a very special and transforming feeling. Each one of AQUAZZURA’s signature styles represents a certain kind of personality, a different character. I love ‘Powder Puff’ personally because they are a fun shoe! You cannot style them with a lot of things because you need the shoe to stand out on its own.