The collections were presented to media and retailers in August 2016 during FFANY in the stunning new Penthouse Showroom at 14 East 60th Street in New York and will also be showcased at FN PLATFORM in Las Vegas.
This marks the first time in over 27 years that the legend finds himself as an independent designer, away from the eponymous label Donald J Pliner™ he founded in 1989.
"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," Pilner said. "Colors and materials come first, then the designs, but most important exceptionally comfortable fashion."Pilner personally designed the two new collections, spending the last month directing and overseeing the creation of every style first hand in Italy and Spain.
Each style is meticulously and expertly beaded, embroidered, and embellished by hand onto the lavish uppers of haircalf, white ostrich, silk and mesh elastic prints, crocodile embossed calfskin, nappa and vachetta leathers, black and pearled patents, and washed suedes.
All colors and materials within the collections are seamlessly coordinated in a palette of saturated colors, distinctive prints and bold embroidered designs.
Femme collections "From the Mountains of Italy" and "From the Beaches of Spain" include sneakers, smoking slippers, chic slides, footbed sandals, madras wrapped wedges, kitten heels, mules, and stacked platforms.
Homme collections "From the Mountains of Italy" and "From the Beaches of Spain" showcase sneakers, smoking slippers, monk straps, oxfords, Chelsea boots, loafers, drivers, and espadrilles.
Femme collections "From the Mountains of Italy" and "From the Beaches of Spain" include sneakers, smoking slippers, chic slides, footbed sandals, madras wrapped wedges, kitten heels, mules, and stacked platforms.
Homme collections "From the Mountains of Italy" and "From the Beaches of Spain" showcase sneakers, smoking slippers, monk straps, oxfords, Chelsea boots, loafers, drivers, and espadrilles.
The vast array of styles across the collections are brimming with comfort features ideal for walking such as extra cushioned insoles, rocker bottoms, and rubber soles. "From jeans to tuxedo dressing."
The quality of detail and the uniqueness of designs in these collections are of a level normally only found in bespoke footwear.
The quality of detail and the uniqueness of designs in these collections are of a level normally only found in bespoke footwear.
The collections offer exceptional craftsmanship and luxury comfort with price ranging from $250 to $475 rsp.
Arguably the most noteworthy name in American footwear design, Donald was literally born into the shoe business in Chicago where his father Leo Pliner owned Pliner's Florsheim Family Shoe Stores and took young Donald on as his apprentice.
Arguably the most noteworthy name in American footwear design, Donald was literally born into the shoe business in Chicago where his father Leo Pliner owned Pliner's Florsheim Family Shoe Stores and took young Donald on as his apprentice.
Donald built on this experience opening his first retail store in Beverly Hills at the age of 23, in 1967 generating nearly $1 million in its first year of business. From there, it was only up and he never looked back.
For more information about designer Donald J. Pliner and "From the Mountains of Italy," "From the Beaches of Spain," Femme and Homme collections, please contact The Bromley Group.
About Designer Donald J. Pliner:
Designer Donald J. Pliner no longer designs for the namesake brand he founded in 1989 - "Donald J Pliner". Donald sold a controlling interest in the company he founded and the Donald J Pliner™ trademarks to DJP Holdings, LLC in 2011. In 2015, Donald J. Pliner ended his involvement as Creative Director for the brand. "From the Mountains of Italy" and "From the Beaches of Spain" are the first collections he has created independently of the brand Donald J Pliner in nearly 27 years.
For more information about designer Donald J. Pliner and "From the Mountains of Italy," "From the Beaches of Spain," Femme and Homme collections, please contact The Bromley Group.
About Designer Donald J. Pliner:
Designer Donald J. Pliner no longer designs for the namesake brand he founded in 1989 - "Donald J Pliner". Donald sold a controlling interest in the company he founded and the Donald J Pliner™ trademarks to DJP Holdings, LLC in 2011. In 2015, Donald J. Pliner ended his involvement as Creative Director for the brand. "From the Mountains of Italy" and "From the Beaches of Spain" are the first collections he has created independently of the brand Donald J Pliner in nearly 27 years.
