This week on The Best of Raleigh, we’re stepping into a world where craftsmanship, exclusivity, and comfort converge—one handcrafted shoe at a time.

If you’ve ever wandered into Marta’s boutique in North Hills and been stopped in your tracks by a pair of exquisitely made Italian shoes, chances are Dominic Lacquaniti had something to do with it. As the visionary behind D. Lacquaniti, Dominic is bringing true luxury back into fashion—where shoes are not just beautiful, but deeply personal and made with purpose.

From Italian Roots to Raleigh Runways

Dominic’s passion is in his blood. With a father who’s a tailor and an uncle who’s a shoemaker, the Naples-born designer grew up immersed in the art of fashion. After years creating bespoke clothing, a party mishap sparked a new mission—design shoes that women love and can actually wear all night.

Enter D. Lacquaniti: a brand born in Marche, Italy, where every shoe is handcrafted by a small family-run factory using rare, vintage leathers. Each pair starts with the last—the mold of the foot—ensuring comfort is never sacrificed for style.

The Feel of Couture. The Fit of a Dream.

Dominic’s designs aren’t trendy—they’re timeless. Whether it’s an orange-soled heel or a bold vintage leather flat, each piece is made in limited runs—often just 20 or 30 pairs per style. That exclusivity is intentional. These are shoes you won’t see on every shelf or social feed.

And yes—they’re as comfortable as they are stunning. As Gretchen shared from personal experience (and four pairs later!), these shoes are built for everything from real estate showings to long nights out, without a single pinch or blister in sight.

Luxury That Lifts Local

After years running a Naples storefront, Dominic made a bold move: no more online sales. Why? To keep the experience exclusive and support local retailers like Marta’s. Today, D. Lacquaniti is available in a curated list of boutiques across a handful of U.S. cities—including Raleigh.

The real magic, though, happens at his trunk shows. These intimate shopping events bring Dominic face-to-face with clients, offering personalized fittings, behind-the-scenes stories, and a dose of Italian charm that makes each pair even more special.

Fashion with Integrity

In an age where fast fashion reigns and luxury labels are often mass-produced behind smoke and mirrors, D. Lacquaniti stands apart. Every shoe is made in Italy, by artisans Dominic knows by name. There’s no mass production. No shortcuts. Just real materials, real hands, and real pride.

And while global brands chase profits and trends, Dominic is chasing something more lasting—heritage, individuality, and meaningful connections.

Where to Shop D. Lacquaniti

Ready to find your perfect pair? Head to Marta’s boutique in North Hills or follow D. Lacquaniti on Instagram for trunk show updates and behind-the-scenes content. This is slow fashion at its finest, and Raleigh is lucky to be part of the story.

🎧 Catch this episode and more every Friday on The Best of Raleigh via Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.

Because when it comes to luxury, it’s not just about the look—it’s about how it makes you feel.