Gondolina: The most profitable luxury brand in Italy begins its worldwide expansion
In just two and a half years_ Gondolina has risen from a small Venetian atelier to become Italy_s most profitable luxury footwear brand_ drawing global attention with its powerful combination of authenticity_ vision_ and strategic independence.
Founded by Javier Fernández Aguilar and Agnese Cosulich_ Gondolina is more than a footwear company it is a cultural mission. With craftsmanship at its core and purpose at its heart_ the brand is now preparing for its next chapter: a major international expansion launching in 2026_ with flagship openings planned in Paris_ New York_ London_ and Tokyo_ and tailored e-commerce platforms to serve a growing global clientele.
A New Standard in Italian Luxury
Handcrafted in Friuli and born in Venice_ Gondolina has redefined the traditional Friulana — the iconic Venetian slipper — through innovation_ sustainability_ and emotional design. Each pair is made from 100% cotton velvet sourced from Lake Como and features the brand_s patented ergonomic sole_ merging centuries-old artistry with contemporary comfort and style.
In an industry often dominated by external capital and mass production_ Gondolina is a rare example of self-funded_ sustainable success. The company has reported over 1_100% annual growth_ with net profit margins exceeding 45%_ confirming its position as Italy_s most profitable luxury footwear company.
From a team of just two founders_ Gondolina has grown to 15 employees in 2025_ embodying a model of human- centered_ long-term growth.
Craftsmanship as Purpose
Recognized by the Camera di Commercio Italiana as the Official Ambassador of Friuliane Craftsmanship_ Gondolina_s vision goes far beyond fashion. The brand is committed to preserving Friulian artisanal identity and Venetian cultural heritage_ not simply as part of its image_ but as the reason it exists.
“We see ourselves not just as shoemakers_ but as custodians of a cultural heritage_” says Agnese Cosulich_ co-founder of Gondolina. “Each pair of shoes carries the spirit of a tradition that deserves to endure.”
This deep commitment has earned Gondolina numerous honors_ including Best Luxury Footwear Brand 2025_ Italian Excellence 2025_ and inclusion in the Homo Faber Guide. Its Venice boutiques have become destinations for international collectors and style leaders alike.
A Global Vision Rooted in Values
Though full details of the expansion remain under wraps_ insiders describe the strategy as a bold redefinition of global luxury_ one that bridges tradition and technology_ heritage and innovation_ emotion and performance.
“Luxury should evolve without losing its humanity_” Cosulich adds. “This next step isn_t just about opening stores_ it_s about changing how the world experiences Italian craftsmanship.”
Many within the industry are now referring to Javier Fernández Aguilar as “the new Amancio Ortega of conscious entrepreneurship.” His ability to combine efficiency_ purpose_ and profitability has positioned him as one of the most promising leaders of a new generation of luxury founders_ entrepreneurs who value purpose over speed and legacy over trends.
Javier adds: “There are no shortcuts. Only work_ purpose_ and faith that every step you take in the right direction — no matter how small — builds something enormous.” With Venice as its heart and Friuli as its hands_ Gondolina continues to prove that the future of luxury lies not in mass production_ but in meaning.