Donald J. Pliner returns to footwear industry

By

Dani Greene

Published
Aug 15, 2016

Renowned footwear designer Donald J. Pliner has come home to footwear, releasing two new collections: "From the Mountains of Italy" for women and "From the Beaches of Spain" for men. These collections mark Pliner’s first design work done independently from his label Donald J Pliner since its founding over 27 years ago in 1989.

 
The two collections were just revealed to the press in New York City during the FFANY New York Shoe Expo. His Femme collection for women includes sneakers, smoking slippers, chic slides, footbed sandals, madras wrapped wedges, kitten heels, mules and stacked platforms.

For Pliner’s Homme collection for men, he designed sneakers, smoking slippers, monk straps, oxfords, chelsea boots, loafers, drivers and espadrilles. Prices range from $250 to $475.

"Everything I design revolves around the two most important classes I took in design school – Anatomy and Portraiture. Anatomy for the comfort and Portraiture to keep the eye engaged. This has long been my signature style. It's simply the way I think," says Pliner. "Colors and materials come first, then the designs, but most important exceptionally comfortable fashion."
 
Iconic designer Donald J. Pliner no longer designs for the namesake brand he founded in 1989, Donald J Pliner. Pliner sold a controlling interest in the company he founded and its trademark to DJP Holdings, LLC in 2011. In 2015, Pliner ended his involvement as Creative Director for the brand. Since then, he has not been associated or affiliated with DJP Holdings, the owner of the trademark Donald J Pliner.