Our editor recently sat down with Eva Azagury, partner at the Joseph Azagury shoe brand, to talk about her journey from international trade to the world of luxury footwear, and the unique partnership she shares with her husband, designer Joseph. In their Wimbledon Village boutique, Eva reflects on three decades of building a business rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and community.
When Eva Azagury first met Joseph more than 30 years ago through mutual friends, she never imagined she would one day become an integral part of the renowned luxury shoe brand that bears his name. At the time, Eva was pursuing a career in international trade, traveling regularly to West Africa for work, while Joseph had already established his own label.
A year and a half after meeting, the couple married and moved to the Balearic Islands, where their shoe factory was based. Eva had resigned from her job by then, and though she had not yet formally joined the business, her frequent visits to the factory sparked a growing fascination with shoemaking and craftsmanship.
“Those visits were when I really began to develop an interest in the business and the manufacturing process,” Eva recalls. “But it wasn’t until a few years later that I officially came on board; to help out at first; and then became more and more involved in the daily running of the company.”
The couple’s working dynamic has always been a natural balance rather than a source of conflict. “We’ve never had a problem working together,” Eva says. “Our roles are very different. Joseph designs the collections and oversees production, while I focus on the practical side including running the shop, marketing, and looking after our customers.”
Customer feedback, however, does shape their creative process. “I often share what clients are looking for in terms of styles, colours, and materials. We try to adapt our collections to reflect that, while staying true to the brand’s identity.”
A day in Eva’s life is never quite the same. Once the Wimbledon Village boutique is ready for opening, her responsibilities range from managing online orders and responding to clients from across the globe, to coordinating with stylists and press. “Our customers are looking for comfort without sacrificing elegance,” she explains. “They really appreciate and love the fact that our shoes are handmade locally. Our kitten heels, in particular, have become a firm favourite.” The label’s made-to-order service, which allows clients to select any style in their choice of colour and material, has also grown steadily in demand.
Among the many milestones in the brand’s journey – the 2013 opening of their London atelier stands out as a defining moment. “It was incredibly rewarding in the brand’s long history,” Eva reflects. “All our shoes and boots are handmade in limited editions, using only the best quality materials. It allows us to maintain quality while avoiding surplus stock.”
Like many independent brands, Joseph Azagury has faced its share of challenges – from finding the right factory partners to work with in the early years, especially partners that could make our collections to our standards; to building a digital presence in an increasingly online world. The Covid-19 pandemic, too, tested their resilience. “Thanks to our website, we managed to keep going even during lockdowns,” Eva says.
Asked what advice she would give couples considering going into business together, Eva is pragmatic: “Know your strengths and weaknesses, define your roles clearly, and above all, communicate at all times.”
Rooted in craftsmanship, community, and a shared vision, Joseph and Eva’s partnership has become as enduring as the shoes they create. “We love being part of the Wimbledon Village community,” Eva says with a smile. “And we hope to continue for many years to come.”
The Brand’s Commitments
Apart from shoemaking, what is most inspirational is the fact that Eva believes that craftsmanship and responsibility walk hand in hand – a quiet but steady commitment: making shoes beautifully, responsibly, and with a conscience.
By producing shoes in their own London atelier, the brand works in small, limited runs; keeping collections fresh while avoiding the waste of mass production. Even unsold pieces find a second life, with heels and insoles carefully reused rather than discarded.
Sustainability extends beyond the shoes themselves. Recycled paper bags and shoeboxes are now standard, and the proximity of the atelier to the boutique in Wimbledon Village helps reduce the label’s footprint even further.
Perhaps most telling is the brand’s approach to surplus stock. Instead of ending up in landfills or incinerators, past-season shoes are donated to charities such as Royal Trinity Hospice and the Octavia Foundation. Other causes, from NSPCC Childline to the Wimbledon Foodbank, have also benefitted through auctions, vouchers, and dedicated sales.
From design to production to community support, the formidable team remain committed to responsible practices and a positive impact.
About Joseph Azagury
Founded by designer Joseph Azagury, the brand is synonymous with timeless, sophisticated, handcrafted footwear that blends comfort with contemporary elegance. Every pair of shoes is designed in London and meticulously handmade in limited editions, ensuring both quality and exclusivity.
With its flagship atelier and boutique in Wimbledon Village, Joseph Azagury has built a loyal international following. Customers value not only the refined design and craftsmanship but also the brand’s commitment to local production and sustainability through mindful manufacturing.
At its heart, Joseph Azagury stands for elegance without compromise—shoes that empower women to walk with confidence, comfort, and style.
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