Speaking about Nina Bugani is speaking about a strong and empowered woman. As the Creative Director of her brand, Nina B Shoes, she has built a distinctive identity centered around handcrafted leather footwear, where premium materials and timeless design take center stage.
Her roots are deeply connected to the Uruguayan countryside, a constant source of inspiration throughout her creative journey. Yet fashion has taken her far beyond those origins, leading her to some of the world’s most prestigious stages. She has participated in New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week and was honored as Woman of the Year in Uruguay during the country’s most celebrated gala event that traditionally opens the summer season in Punta del Este.
One of her most significant milestones was her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, where she presented a capsule collection focused on designer footwear, featuring sophisticated over-the-knee boots in refined color palettes and the return of timeless essentials such as iconic stilettos reimagined in seasonal tones.
During her time in Cannes, Nina stood out by attending exclusive events hosted by internationally renowned luxury brands and by participating in a fashion editorial shoot for L’Officiel, where she showcased her latest capsule collection, set to launch during the South American summer season.
Today, Nina B operates two flagship stores in Uruguay, including one in Punta del Este, a destination that attracts the international jet set from the worlds of fashion, art, and entertainment.
Nina was photographed at the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the French Riviera under the creative direction of Argentine fashion producer Nicolás Pesce Freijo, who oversaw the Cannes experience alongside the designer, further strengthening her international projection throughout South America.
In her debut feature for L’Officiel, we spoke with Nina about her achievements, ambitions, and plans to expand into key global markets, establishing her as one of the most distinctive voices in luxury footwear design today.
Team Credits:
Model: Nina Bugani
Production & styling: Nicolás Pesce Freijo
Makeup: Salalaika Makeup
Hair: Ola Sevich & Amanna Makeup
Photography: Stefan Sokolovskis
Location: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc
How have you experienced this journey into the international fashion world?
I am living this experience with immense gratitude and excitement. A few years ago, all of this felt like a very distant dream, and today, having the opportunity to represent Uruguay on some of the most important international fashion stages is deeply moving.
Every runway show, interview, meeting, and opportunity to present my work reminds me that dedication, perseverance, and passion truly matter. Beyond professional achievements, what I value most is being able to share a part of my identity, my roots, and the incredible talent that exists in my country with the world.
I embrace this moment with great responsibility but also with optimism and enthusiasm. I continue learning, growing, and enjoying every step of this journey, knowing that each experience is part of a much larger story that is only just beginning.
What are your design principles and creative process?
My design process always begins with a story, an emotion, or an experience that I want to convey. Before considering shapes or trends, I focus on defining the concept that will give identity and depth to each collection.
From there, I carefully select the materials, colors, and textures that will support that narrative. At Nina B, we work exclusively with high-quality bovine leather, and I place enormous value on craftsmanship. Every design seeks to achieve a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and exceptional construction.
My main principles are quality, comfort, timelessness, and identity. I am interested in creating pieces with character, designs that transcend seasonal trends and accompany women throughout different moments of their lives.
It is also essential that every design reflects the values of the brand: authenticity, sophistication, and respect for Uruguayan craftsmanship. To me, true luxury is not about excess but about attention to detail, the nobility of materials, and the time, dedication, and savoir-faire behind every creation.
More than designing shoes, I strive to create pieces that inspire emotion, confidence, and a unique vision of elegance, one that is timeless, conscious, and deeply connected to its origins.
You are currently experiencing one of the most visible moments of your career. What is your working method?
My working method combines creativity, discipline, and a very clear vision of the brand’s identity.
Everything begins with a story, an emotion, or an experience that I wish to communicate. Before designing a piece, I develop the concept that will give meaning to the entire collection. From there, I research materials, create sketches, define color palettes, and carefully build every detail to ensure that beauty, comfort, and functionality coexist in perfect harmony.
Although the brand now enjoys greater international visibility, my approach remains the same as when I first started: dedicating time to every decision, paying attention to every detail, and staying true to the essence of Nina B. I believe that true growth is not about doing more—it is about doing better, while preserving the authenticity that brought us here.
Are you interested in establishing partnerships within European markets?
Absolutely. Europe is one of the most influential markets in the luxury and design industries, making it a very attractive opportunity for Nina B.
Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, I am interested in building a strong and strategic presence by collaborating with partners, boutiques, and platforms that share our vision of quality, craftsmanship, and exclusivity.
I believe that handcrafted footwear made in Uruguay possesses a unique identity and tremendous potential to connect with consumers who value authenticity, noble materials, and design with a story behind it.
My experience during Paris Fashion Week reaffirmed that there is genuine interest in brands that offer something distinctive and deeply rooted in their origins. For that reason, I am excited to continue developing opportunities and partnerships throughout Europe while preserving the essence of the brand and maintaining the standards of excellence that define Nina B.
What was it like working with a European team on the French Riviera?
Working with a European team on the French Riviera was an extraordinary experience. It was truly remarkable to immerse myself in one of the world’s most iconic environments for fashion and cinema.
What I appreciated most was the human and creative exchange. Sharing workdays with professionals from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds offered me new perspectives and inspired me to continue evolving both as a designer and as an entrepreneur.
It was also a moment of great personal pride. While working in such a prestigious setting, I often reflected on the journey from Uruguay, the early days of Nina B, and everyone who has been part of this dream.
Representing my country on an international stage of that magnitude was an emotion that is difficult to put into words.
Without a doubt, the experience confirmed for me that passion, authenticity, and commitment to quality are universal languages. It also reminded me that even coming from a small country, it is possible to connect with the world through design.
