Aquazzura, the luxury Italian shoe brand adored by global fashion icons like Kate Middleton, Beyoncé, and Meghan Markle, is stepping into Saudi Arabia with new boutiques in Riyadh and Jeddah. The brand’s creative director and founder, Edgardo Osorio, shares his insights on expanding into the Kingdom, tapping into its cultural transformation, and continuing to design shoes that blend elegance with comfort.
A Bold Expansion into the Saudi Market
The new boutiques in Riyadh’s Centria Mall and Jeddah’s Al-Khayyat Center mark Aquazzura’s first standalone stores in Saudi Arabia. This move follows a strong demand from Saudi clients who have already been shopping at the brand’s outlets in Dubai, London, and Paris. Osorio calls it a “natural step” for the brand as Saudi Arabia undergoes a cultural revolution and embraces luxury fashion.
Aquazzura’s rapid growth extends across the Gulf region, with recent openings in Bahrain and Kuwait and plans for a new UAE boutique in 2025. The brand’s presence in Saudi Arabia reinforces its commitment to serving its loyal clientele in the Middle East.
Design Philosophy: Style Meets Comfort
Known for its glamorous heels like the Tequila Collection, Gatsby Collection, and Twist line, Aquazzura focuses on designs that make a statement. But Osorio’s approach to fashion goes beyond aesthetics—comfort is at the heart of his creations.
“The reason this brand exists is that I saw a gap in the market for beautiful yet comfortable shoes,” Osorio explains. “Women deserve shoes that look stunning and feel good to wear.”
Aquazzura achieves this by incorporating memory foam, soft materials, and ergonomic designs that evenly distribute body weight, ensuring all-day wearability.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Osorio’s path to founding Aquazzura began in his teenage years in Colombia, where he interned at fashion companies at the age of 14. By 16, he was studying at the London College of Fashion and later became head of footwear at Roberto Cavalli by 23. In 2012, he launched Aquazzura, combining technical expertise with a love for luxury fashion.
Recognition and Growth
Osorio’s innovative designs have earned him global acclaim. He was recently named Footwear News’s 2024 Designer of the Year, a title he previously won in 2015. This recognition comes at a pivotal time for the brand, which is undergoing a major expansion amid global economic challenges.
“When I launched Aquazzura during an economic depression, everyone thought I was crazy. But I believe that in moments of crisis, creativity and innovation thrive,” Osorio says.
A Bright Future for Aquazzura in Saudi Arabia
With its new boutiques, Aquazzura aims to tap into Saudi Arabia’s vibrant fashion scene, where women embrace bold, statement-making designs. The Kingdom’s ongoing cultural evolution and increasing demand for luxury goods make it the perfect market for Aquazzura’s continued growth.
Twelve years after launching his brand, Osorio’s latest Middle Eastern boutiques are a testament to his vision, creativity, and determination to redefine luxury footwear.
