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.