Aquazzura Founder Edgardo Osorio on Venice Biennale Inspiration

Edgardo Osorio, founder and creative director of luxury footwear brand Aquazzura (launched 2011), shares his personal perspective on Venice during the 2026 Biennale. Born in Colombia and raised between Miami and London, Osorio describes Venice as a city of layers where historic beauty and contemporary creativity coexist naturally. He highlights the Biennale's ability to transform the entire city into a conversation between past and present, with Renaissance palazzi hosting contemporary installations. Osorio names several Venetian locations that inspire him: Campo Santo Stefano, Zattere, Piazza San Marco in the evening, Caffè Florian, San Zaccaria crypt, San Giorgio bell tower, Fortuny + Chahan, Fondazione Vincenzo de Cotiis, and craftsmanship ateliers Bevilacqua, Giberto Venezia, and Antica Murano. He also mentions Palazzo Manfrin (Anish Kapoor Foundation), Palazzo Pisani Moretta (Dries Van Noten Foundation), and Ca' Pesaro as exemplary spaces where past and present dialogue. Osorio expresses hope that Venice continues evolving with new foundations and creative intersections between art, fashion, design, and hospitality, while protecting its soul.