LaDuca shoes.
you may not know it, but you’ve seen this man’s shoes. he’s been making them for some of broadway’s brightest stars for more than a decade. think we’re kidding? the shoes of Phil LaDuca have starred in Wicked, Chicago, The Producers, Mamma Mia and Hairspray. they’ve even danced their way on the feet, via the world famous legs, of “The Rockettes” in Radio City Christmas Spectacular. we’ll get to his celebrity roster shortly.
yes, Phil LaDuca, noted former Broadway dancer and choreographer, and quite possibly the undisputed king of Broadway dance and movie musical shoes, is finally breaking into high fashion with his newest line, LADUCA. “They reflect the fun and spontaneity of LaDuca’s theatrically inspired designs,” offers Leslie Riddle, an ex Rockette and footwear industry professional, who has partnered with Phil LaDuca for this venture.
shuzsociety had a chance to meet up with Phil and Leslie in Vegas, where they debuted their collection at The World Shoe Association. we needed to see for ourselves what the fuss was about. the collection is tight. there’s not a ton of fuss, or a lot of muss, his designs are specifically deliberate. LaDuca offers the first flexible character shoe. each shoe, handmade in italy, originates in theatrical design and incorporates Poron® and antibacterial memory foam. as we fondled each of his shoes, we could “feel” the difference. the first collection offers platforms, polk-a-dots, and beautiful metallics. this one fire-engine red metallic peep-toe pump with golden piping, OOOOMMMMGGG! it. is. simply. stunning.
another pair, below, he specifically made for Bette. yes, THAT first-name-basis Bette… Bette Midler with her “showgirl must go on” vegas act. his shoes are a favorite of other leading ladies too: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Uma Thurman, Meryl Streep, Brooke Shields, and so on. his non-fussy space off 9th avenue (between 39th and 40th), in manhattan allows his clientele easy access to his custom designs.
phil was happy to show us around, happy to answer our questions. “I’ve always been a rebel,” he adds, “I make elegant shoes for real women who have to keep their heels on all night long!” as we hug and say our goodbyes, Phil smiles and says, “I’m having fun ladies, I’m having fun!”
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