Shuzsociety at WSA shoe show, Glass Slipper Awards

August 20th, 2008

shuzsociety posted a video on our own shuzsociety video page as well as to our Youtube.com/shuzsociety page from our recent coverage at the “Glass Slipper Awards” in Vegas. The WSA awarded various designers for their efforts in designing their showrooms during the twice yearly shoe and accessories show.

Interviewing Leslie Gallin, Director of The Collections at WSA gave us a peek at the event, and “Miss Meghan” Cleary an insight into the season. We also squeezed in a cameo from several designers: Ruthie Davis of Ruthie Davis, Stefano Ferragamo of Caligarius, Behnaz Kanani and Reza Kanani, Phil La Duca and Leslie Riddle, BJ Cunningham of Georgina Goodman and Angelo of Angeleigh Anastasio, among others.

New shoes by shoe designer Behnaz Kanani

September 1st, 2008

We had been hearing some transcontinental e-hype on Behnaz Kanani. The shoe designer based in London. Graduate of the famous Cordwainers College. She’d worked with THE Mr. Magli of
Bruno Magli. And with shoe-god Jimmy Choo. We’d heard her shoes were on Amy Winehouse’s feet during her Grammy performance in February 2008, where she walked away with 5 awards, including “Record of the Year.”
By now Behnaz Kanani has a few season’s under her belt. And a few key placements like the two-toned ankle-strap “Roya” pictured in Vogue Pelle. She’s got an exclusive with Harvey Nichols in London. Her collections have gotten progressively bolder as her line has matured. Her fall 2008 collection works in very geometric shapes dressed in slick patent leathers, and conversely muted suedes with pointed toes.

Spring 2009 will bring a clever mix of materials: calfskin leathers, alligator hides and lizard skins, and in quirky color combinations. Designing the spring shapes herself she adds, “I love working with heels.” We see! We see! We expect to see her collection stateside by spring. We pose for a picture and know we will be seeing more of her.

Phil LaDuca ~Broadway’s shoe-designer to the stars!

September 4th, 2008

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!”

ONE DAY promotion at Shopbop.com

October 21st, 2008

Shopbop.com is offering you 20% off for ONE DAY ONLY … and this is the day! Simply enter code TREATS2008 upon checkout. Check out details at shopbop.com.

Christian Louboutin hits HOT-lanta!!!

For shoe-lovers, “THE” quintessential 21st-century shoe designer will be showing off his spring 2009 collection at Jeffrey Atlanta. Yes YOU can MEET Christian Louboutin, who’s achieved monumental celebrity status in his own right, THIS FRIDAY at the Phipps Plaza “mini” department store of retail maverick Jeffrey Kalinsky, who will also be in attendance.

Don Purcel store Manager of Jeffrey Atlanta was kind enough to give me few minutes on the phone this week. “Yes,” he exclaimed when prompted, “the phones HAVE been ringing OFF THE HOOK!” He confirmed that Louboutin will be signing autographs on shoes bought in the store, and that they stocked up plenty for fall, pulling extra pairs from their New York location. For the spring shoes Louboutin is previewing, “Women can buy against what Jeffrey’s bought for spring.” Expecting it to be standing room only, Purcel added, “This is Christian Louboutin’s first Atlanta appearance. It is a PRETTY BIG THING!” We’ll say! Jeffrey’s is Louboutin’s ONLY Atlanta appearance!

25% off Casadei heels through October 31

October 4th, 2008

The Glitz and Glam of Casadei

Casadei, celebrating their 50th anniversary, is offering shuzsociety “hooked” and “obsessed” members a 25% discount on 5 of their gorgeous heels. The sandals, carried by Newport Coast, California shoe boutique Novecento Boutique, each make a spectacular statement for your lavish lifestyle.

Novecento Boutique, which specializes in luxury fashion, shoes, handbags and accessories for women and men has been an Orange County go-to boutique for Paris Hilton, Sharon Stone and Eva Longoria, and Tinsel Town stylists alike.

For your “hooked” and “obsessed” member 25% discount, during the month of October, simply contact Novecento Boutique by phone to let them know which shoes you want, and to arrange shipment of your fancy shoes!