Curating bespoke objects is something that Aquazzura Founder and Creative Director Edgardo Osorio has always had an affinity for. As a brand that is synonymous with Italian luxury, it’s apt that Osorio crafted and designed the Aquazzura Casa collection based on his love for interior design and the art of tablescaping. Bringing the same uniqueness as found in their internationally-renowned footwear, the homeware collection focuses on opulence — think vibrant hues, whimsical patterns and motifs, and balancing the traditional with the modern by weaving the collection around four themes.
Next month, Osorio will showcase a new Aquazzura Casa collection during the Milan Furniture Fair, Salone del Mobile 2024. Ahead of that, Schön! Magazine chats with Osorio about developing the four themes, what separates the Casa collection from other lifestyle brands, and more.
How does the Casa collection reflect the essence and style of the Aquazzura brand?
The collection reflects and reinterprets the stylistic codes of Aquazzura. It is playful and colourful, refined and exquisitely crafted with a touch of maximalism, all elements that you can find in my shoe and jewellery lines. There are many Aquazzura symbols in the Casa collection, the stripe motif is reinterpreted in the Jaipur line which also includes a particular focus on the pineapple, Aquazzura’s distinctive emblem and symbol of beauty and hospitality.
Can you describe the design process behind the Casa collection? What were some of the key elements you focused on during its creation?
As per the shoe collection and the Casa collection, the design process starts from the inspiration. I have designed four different lines of tableware; each expressing a different spirit. Let’s start with one of my favourites — “Secret Garden,” as the name suggests, it showcases an enchanting selection of ethereal botanical elements in lush, verdant tones. The exotic motifs are inspired by 18th-century Chinese porcelain and are presented on dinnerware and linens.
“Jaipur” evokes the scents and atmospheres of my journeys. India is one of my beloved destinations. I was inspired by motifs and rooms found in the royal palaces in Jaipur. “Tutti Frutti” is inspired by my summers spent on the seaside of Italy and by the bright vibrant retro motifs of lemons, cherries, and strawberries. There is something so cheerful and at the same time nostalgic about these fruits with their bright colours, and the promise of summer they invoke.
“Cherry Blossom” is inspired by the Japanese Sakura flower in bloom, it symbolizes beauty and renewal. Hand-blown Murano glass accessories offer the perfect finishing touch, catching and refracting the light in solid-colour or striped chromatic combinations.
How do you envision customers incorporating pieces from the Casa collection into their everyday lifestyle?
When designing Aquazzura Casa, I created 4 different tableware collections thinking of different ways in which one entertains at home and applying various themes. For instance, I like to use the “Secret Garden” tableware when I entertain at my house in Venice and often use the “Jaipur” set at my house in Florence. I can perfectly envision my customers using my “Secret Garden” line to host a sophisticated dinner decorating the table with a lot of beautiful flowers, or hosting a candlelight intimate dinner they can opt for the “Jaipur” tableware to create an exotic atmosphere.
I like to enrich the table with the Aquazzura Casa Murano glass candleholders and vases — which come in different designs and colours — that add movement to the table and an elegant finishing touch. For a romantic lunch on the terrace, I can imagine a table set with the pastel colours of the “Cherry Blossom” line and its flowery-inspired allure, while for a summery pic-nic to the countryside, I would suggest choosing the colourful “Tutti Frutti” set and its retro Italian inspired flair.
What sets the Casa collection apart from Aquazzura accessories collections?
I’ve always been passionate about interior design; it came as a natural extension of the expansion of my brand into a lifestyle business. I guess that if I hadn’t worked in fashion, I would have been an interior designer. I enjoy hosting and creating wonderful dinners to entertain my guests. I really love the art of tablescaping and I felt the home line as a natural extension of Aquazzura.
Lastly, do you see the Casa collection evolving in the future? Are there any upcoming trends or directions you’re excited to explore within this line?
I can anticipate that we’ll be launching a new collection which will debut during Design Week in Milan this year. We also have plans in the future to further expand the Aquazzura Casa line by adding new categories such as home fragrances, and candles, and also expanding into some new markets following our recent opening in London on New Bond Street.
Learn more about the Aquazzura Casa collection at aquazzura.com.
