BUNGALOW 28 ATTENDS THE EXCLUSIVE BRUNCH HOSTED BY SPLASH GROUP WITH AQUAZZURA
Splash Group hosts a brunch with Aquazzura to celebrate the new corner.
Recently, Bungalow 28 had the pleasure of attending an exclusive brunch hosted by Splash Group to celebrate the launch of Aquazzura's new luxury corner at Splash boutiques. The event provided a unique opportunity for us to interact with Edgardo Osorio, the visionary designer himself, gaining invaluable insights into the brand's remarkable journey.
Founded by Osorio in 2012, Aquazzura swiftly gained acclaim for its chic high heels and embodiment of Italian sophistication. In 2023, the brand expanded into handbags, following previous ventures into jewelry in 2021 and the introduction of Aquazzura Casa homeware in 2022. Alongside the handbag launch, this year's agenda prioritizes expanding the brand's retail presence in key markets.
“We are now opening a store in Delhi and Saint Tropez”, the designer tells me.
With revenue reaching €70 million in 2022, marking an 82 percent increase year-on-year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels by over 40 percent, Osorio aims to elevate Aquazzura beyond a footwear label into a comprehensive lifestyle brand, offering customers "the new Italian Dolce Vita" across various product categories, with a target of exceeding €100 million in annual revenue by 2025. According to Euromonitor International, the global market for designer handbags and small leather goods is projected to reach $100 billion by 2027, nearly doubling its value from 2019.
Aquazzura's success story is underscored by its meticulous approach to growth and expansion. Osorio and his team have meticulously mapped out each stage of the brand's development, ensuring seamless execution and optimal results. Bolstered by a talented leadership team and with offices in Milan, Paris and New York, the brand is poised for continued success in the luxury footwear market. The designer possesses a keen ability to listen to his clientele, a trait that has proven instrumental in the brand's success. Noticing a growing demand for stylish yet comfortable footwear, Osorio astutely introduced flats as a new category within his shoe empire. This customer-centric approach exemplifies Aquazzura's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its discerning clientele. The strategic expansion into flats proved to be a game-changer for Aquazzura, propelling the brand to new heights of success. With a presence in over 350 esteemed stockists worldwide, including renowned retailers like Barneys New York and Net-a-Porter, Aquazzura has witnessed exponential growth in recent years. This meteoric rise is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
In an era marked by burgeoning demand for luxury footwear, Aquazzura stands out as a beacon of innovation and excellence. With plans to diversify its product offerings and expand its global retail footprint, the brand is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the luxury fashion landscape.
As the day came to a close, I found myself engaged in conversation with the designer. Through our discussion, we unearthed a mutual affinity for India, recognizing it as a place where we both seek solace and relaxation during our travels. Perhaps it is this profound connection to the country that he infuses into the accessories he designs, adding a touch of tranquility and cultural richness to his creations.
As we ponder our time at the brunch organized by Splash Group, we're deeply impressed by Aquazzura's steadfast commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and customer delight. Our partnership with Splash Group, which began in 2022, has been instrumental in reinforcing our mission to push the conventional limits of communication. Bungalow 28, a technology and creative agency specializing in working with direct-to-consumer brands in the realms of fashion, luxury, and cultural brands, continues to thrive in this endeavor.