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DONALD J PLINERBIOGRAPHY
Inducted into the Footwear News Hall of Fame in 2004, Pliner has stayed true to his motto, "When the feet are uncomfortable, so is the mind, so is the body, so is the soul." So devoutly committed is he to comfort, Mr. Pliner still designs every pair of shoes himself, screening each new design fit model who walks each shoe across a variety of surfaces, assuring perfect fit and function. Based in a 25th floor aerie on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue at 57th street, the Donald J Pliner corporate office and showroom transports the visitor inside the highly visual world of the designer's mind. The museum-like presentation of shoes-as-art coexists comfortably with the relaxed living-room-like setting. Overstuffed sofas, artifacts, and unique collections of masks, horns, and African textiles from Pliner’s travels create a casual elegance that instantly welcomes and relaxes the visitor. "The Moroccan influence was a result of traveling for pleasure for 12 consecutive years to Morocco," says Pliner. "I love the mystique of the area, the colors, the scents, the beat of the drums, the rhythm in general...there's a romance, it's visually hypnotic." Despite the casual atmosphere of his office and home, Pliner remains steadfast in his commitment to design perfection. Nothing goes unnoticed in the world of Donald J Pliner. Colors, shapes, and profiles all have meaning. The accessibility of Donald Pliner the man as well as his product line translates into his name-branded stores, designed for relaxation, where guests are encouraged to take off their shoes, cozy up with a cool drink and stay awhile. Born into a Chicago-based family shoe business, Donald Pliner has shoes in his blood. Pliner continues to share this legacy with his own family, as he has recruited the talent of his wife, Lisa, as DJP’s creative director, and frequent model for the company’s innovative ad campaigns. Today, this global brand, manufactured in both Italy and Spain, has established an almost cult following among men and women who were originally attracted by the fashion-forward style, who return for the comfort and craftsmanship. The popularity of DJP has so expanded that this year the company will ship over one million pairs of shoes from Italy alone. The Donald J Pliner Collection now includes men's and women's casual and dress footwear, handbags, and leather clothing. The collection is sold nationwide in select specialty stores, upscale department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Dillard's, Bloomingdale's, and at six concept stores (Aventura, Beverly Hills, Coral Gables, Houston, Las Vegas, San Jose), and online at www.donaldjpliner.com. |
Visionary designer Donald J Pliner launched his line of luxury footwear and accessories in 1989, immediately establishing a reputation for innovative design and high style for both men and women. A pioneer in the usage of innovative materials, such as stretchable micro-fibers, Pliner also brings unprecedented comfort, flexibility and lightness to footwear.