Who is Phil LaDuca?

Who is Phil LaDuca?
Phil LaDuca, a noted former Broadway dancer and choreographer has joined forces with Leslie Riddle an ex Rockette and footwear industry professional for 15 years. Together they are poised to conquer the fashion world by creating a line of shoes that “reflect the fun and spontaneity of LaDuca’s theatrically inspired designs.”

The shoes, hand-made in Italy from the world’s finest leathers, promise to satisfy the needs of women from age 16 to 88!!! The dual layers of Poron® and arch supports make LaDuca’s a supremely comfortable shoe that allows women to radiate elegance throughout their day and night.



The line promises to offer fashionistas a healthier, more comfortable option in their high fashion pursuits. “Women can end the misery of having to ‘kick off their heels’ under the table with LaDuca, because comfort and functionality now share the bill with beauty, elegance and style,” promises LaDuca.

Design style in 5 words:
Theatrical fashion with luxurious comfort.

For the love of shoes:
“I saw a need in the industry that was not being addressed; high end shoes for “real” women who also want to look beautiful without the pain,” offers LaDuca.

What inspired the fall 2008 collection?
Each shoe in the 2008 collection is named after the notable women LaDuca has made shoes for the last 9 years. The “fab friday” shoe “Catherine” is named for Catherine Zeta-Jones who wore them in the film Chicago.
The Kate? Yes, Katherine Hepburn, who inspired this man-inspired lace-up shoe.

Audrey Hepburn inspired this skimmer.


What’s in for spring 2009?
“All the candy colors that we used are so much fun,” adds LaDuca, “Fun colors and great comfort features, what a great combination.”


Theme song for Spring 09?
“Sunshine Superman” by Donovan, released in 1966.


Who wears LaDuca?
From Broadway stars to major motion-picture actors: Bette Midler, Sophia Loren, Nicole Kidman, Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta Jones, Penelope Cruz, Renee Zellweger, Cher, Kate Hudson, Fergie…to name a few.



What’s in the works?
“I just returned from London where I designed shoes with Academy Award winner, Colleen Atwood on the Rob Marshall film NINE.

Charitable Causes:
Leslie volunteers for the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and is designing a shoe for them. We’ll keep you posted!

What are you reading?
Iacocca; An Autobiography

LaDuca’s favorite pair:
“My Forest Green Ostrich Stretch Wellington boots.”

Best get-away spot?
LaDuca beams, “Budapest: it’s where the Asian world meets Europe. So diverse. So soulful. So beautiful. Really Old World feeling.”

Travel tip:
“Use shoe trees (always) and carry them in shoe bags.”

Find your own LaDuca:
At LaDucaShoes.com and LaDucaCouture.com. Or LaDuca Dance & Custom shoe shop at 319 West 47th Street, New York City.
LaDuca Fashion Shoes: at 534 Ninth Avenue, 212.268.6751.