From Puerto Rico to Paris: How Eda Aguilar Is Redefining Fashion Through Technology and Soul

NATIONWIDE - OCTOBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) — Eda Aguilar’s journey from the sunny streets of Puerto Rico to the sophisticated fashion world of Paris is a tale of innovation, passion, and redefining modern fashion. As the founder and creative director of Edalou Paris, Eda has become a pioneering force in the fashion-tech space, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital technology. Her creations, from NFC-enabled bag charms to phygital earrings, offer not only a product but an experience, one that bridges the physical and digital worlds in a way that connects people and cultures.

Her rise in the fashion world has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her beginnings as a banking executive in Puerto Rico, to her transformative journey into fashion and technology in Paris, Eda’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and a drive to make a mark on the global stage. As a proud Latina, she has carved a niche for herself in an industry dominated by global powerhouses, and her mission is to prove that innovation and fashion can emerge from anywhere in the world.

A Journey Fueled by Passion and Innovation

Eda's story begins in Puerto Rico, where she was immersed in the arts from a young age. Dance, modeling, television, and theater were all part of her early creative experiences, shaping the future designer she would become. Her academic background, with a BBA from the University of Puerto Rico and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, helped her build a strong foundation in business, finance, and leadership. For 15 years, she thrived in the banking industry, honing skills in treasury and risk management.

But Eda’s true passion was always fashion, and she eventually made the bold decision to leave her banking career behind and move to Paris in 2014. Before moving, she pursued studies at Parsons The New School for Art & Design in New York. Once in she gained invaluable experience working with esteemed fashion houses such as KENZO, IRO, APPARIS, and Koshka Paris. These experiences provided Eda with the knowledge and network necessary to launch her own brand, Edalou Paris, in 2018.

Guided by the mantra "Rock, Dance & Love," Edalou Paris was born out of Eda's desire to create bold, visionary designs that celebrate the powerful, driven women who inspire her. Drawing from her roots in San Juan, the vibrancy of New York, and the chic energy of Paris, her brand combines the best of these influences to create pieces that speak to both style and substance.

Redefining Fashion-Tech with Phygital Innovation

What sets Edalou Paris apart from the competition is Eda’s innovative approach to fashion. Not only does she craft high-quality, timeless designs, but she has also become a leader in the emerging field of phygital fashion. Phygital refers to the fusion of physical and digital experiences, and Eda’s work bridges these two realms in ways that were previously unseen in the fashion industry.

One of Eda's standout achievements in the phygital space was her collaboration with T-Mobile Puerto Rico during Bad Bunny's Coliseo residency. Together, they launched over 15,000 NFC-enabled bag charms that connected clients to exclusive digital experiences. This activation not only redefined how fashion can interact with technology, but it also showcased how digital engagement can enhance fan experiences at scale, making it a groundbreaking moment in both fashion and tech.

Photo by Cheery Viruet

Eda has spoken at NFT Paris, Web3 Summit, Art Basel, NFT NYC, NFT London, and Monaco. Her commitment to innovation continued when she became the first Puerto Rican woman to speak at the prestigious World Economic Forum in Davos in 2024 with her work with Phygicode founded by Andrea Abrams. She emphasized how phygitality is not just a trend, but the future of fashion, where technology, culture, and human connection come together to create meaningful experiences. Throughout her career, Eda has received notable industry recognition: she was a finalist at the Independent Handbag Designer Awards (2019), received an A’ Design Award in Italy (2021), and was nominated by World of Women for Best Digital Fashion (2022) and again in 2024 for the World of Women Community Award. She also served as a junior member of the Board of Directors of the Accessories Council in New York.

A Brand That Celebrates Women and Innovation

Eda’s journey has always been about more than just fashion, it’s about connection and empowerment. Recently, Edalou Paris was featured at the exclusive Divas Paris event at the legendary Raspoutine club on the Champ d’ Elyses, where the brand introduced limited-edition Paris-made bag charms that celebrate women, creativity, and empowerment. This event marked another milestone in Eda’s ongoing mission to create pieces that are not only visually stunning but also emotionally resonant.

“Every piece I create carries a story that bridges the physical and the digital,” says Eda. “I design for connection, not just for style. The future of fashion isn’t about choosing between heritage and innovation, it’s about merging both to create meaning.”

Eda’s focus on emotional connection through design is at the heart of her work. Whether it’s through her phygital creations or her commitment to showcasing her cultural heritage, Edalou Paris has become more than just a fashion brand; it’s a celebration of identity, purpose, and the power of innovation.

Photo by Claire Dem

The Future of Edalou Paris: Expanding Horizons

As Edalou Paris continues to grow, Eda’s vision expands into new territories, such as the corporate merchandise and gifting space. By offering connected charms that merge storytelling, personalization, and technology, Edalou Paris is creating new ways for brands to engage with their customers on a deeper, more personal level. The future of fashion, according to Eda, is not just about creating beautiful products, it’s about creating emotional connections that last.

“I want to show that fashion and innovation can come from anywhere,” Eda says. “Technology, when used with the soul, can make fashion more human.”

Join the Movement

Eda Aguilar’s journey from Puerto Rico to Paris is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and a deep connection to culture. Through Edalou Paris, she is redefining what it means to be a fashion brand in the 21st century, one that merges tradition with technology and celebrates the emotional power of design.

If you’re ready to experience fashion that goes beyond trends, visit Edalou Paris and explore how Eda is bringing the future of fashion to life, one phygital design at a time.

Follow Edalou Paris on Social Media:
Instagram: @edalourdes
Instagram: @edalouparis
LinkedIn: Eda Lourdes Aguilar
X: @edalouparis