Aquazzura Casa

Many fashionistas are familiar with the label Aquazzura, a high-end Italian designer who is most recognized for luxurious high heels. The company, founded by Edgardo Osorio in 2011, is based in Florence and has become known as a premier luxury brand that combines elegance and comfort. Last year, Osorio launched Aquazzura Casa, a gorgeous homeware venture. The debut is just the beginning of Osorio’s dream of turning Aquazzura into a full-fledged lifestyle company.

After three years on the drawing board, the new housewares collection debuted at last year’s Milan Design Week. Spanning the gamut of ceramics, linens, and glassware, the collection carries forth Osorio’s love of interior design. Osorio credits his non-traditional upbringing as a guiding influence. Born in Columbia and raised in Miami and London, the designer has always been surrounded by strong women.

For Osorio, the desire to create beautiful objects was always front and foremost. He says (courtesy of The Bruno Effect), “I watched the women in my life dress up and saw how it made them feel,” he says. “I wanted to create something that gave women the same feeling. Decorating tables is an art and should be done with love and attention. It’s like wearing a beautiful outfit as it creates unique memories.”

This is not Osorio’s first foray into the world of interiors. In 2017, Aquazzura teamed with with de Gournay, a luxury British home decor label, on the creation of a beautiful wallpaper collection… and a matching, limited-edition shoe capsule. As Osorio sees it, he is not alone in prioritizing “things for the home…” the lockdown waves of the pandemic reignited a passion for entertainment. He told Yahoo Sports, “I think people rediscovered the art of hosting and having guests home. It’s a beautiful expression of love: You’re taking the time to make something beautiful for your friends and your family. It’s so nice to create an ambiance and put the music so some people can relax and feel at ease… It’s much more personal and intimate compared to going to a restaurant.”

The debut tableware collection mimic’s Aquazzura’s stylistic and vibrant shoe lines. The collection was created in collaboration with Fiona Leahy (founder of Fiona Leahy Designs and Aquazzura Home’s co-creative director). The initial debut featured five unique collections which Osorio says are a perfect reflection of his “Latin side!”

Teaming with with the Irish-born Leahy was an easy choice; previously, Leahy collaborated with Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, and Christian Louboutin to design events, window displays, party planning, and to orchestrate beautiful dinner tables. Osorio calls Leahy the “queen of tablescapes.” Previously, Leahy also designed events for Aquazzura; so it seemed like a natural evolution to collaborate on.

Osorio considers himself more of a creative person that makes fashion, but not necessarily a “fashion person.” This is evident upon entering his boutiques… each one is different and he is very involved in the design process from start to finish. Osorio describes each store “as my little living rooms in each city.”

Osorio is steadfast in that Aquazzura Casa is not a side-gig; rather, it is a legitimate part of the brand. As such, he started it as a separate company that also offers linens, china, Murano glassware, and gifts such as candles.

From the four collections, Osorio is clear that Jaipur is his favorite. Named after one of the designer’s favorite destinations, the collection often employs the pineapple, a particular motif commonly found at the label; i.e., it is on the top of each elegant shoe box. The distinctive emblem is a symbol of hospitality and beauty… and is considered good luck. The collection is comprised of white ceramics decorated in a palette of rose, burgundy, and cobalt blue; it also features graphic edges with flower and fruit drawings. It seems like a fabulous way to enjoy a meal!