LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Donald Pliner, an iconic designer and marketer of luxury footwear, today announced that he is leaving his current position as Creative Director of the Donald J Pliner Company in order to pursue new creative endeavors.
“It is with bittersweet emotions that I announce that I have decided to leave the company I founded,” stated Mr. Pliner. “I am proud of having built a high quality and innovative luxury footwear brand and wish to thank my loyal customers and followers. I will continue to be a shareholder and will be fully supportive of the company and the brand as I begin this next chapter of my life.”
Pliner decided to leave the company to pursue other creative ventures, which may involve establishing new creative companies or designing, consulting and public speaking at events for brands outside the footwear industry.
Founded in 1989 by Donald J Pliner, the Donald J Pliner Company established itself as a stylish and forward-thinking brand of luxury shoe products, well recognized for their cutting-edge design, high comfort and high quality. Pliner built a reputation for innovative materials and quality craftsmanship in men’s and women’s luxury footwear and accessories. The brand appealed to a broad urban and non-urban customer base, including various celebrities and sports figures. In 2011, Pliner sold a majority interest in his company to Castanea Partners, a private equity fund, to grow his brand and the business in more areas and at various levels.
In 2005, Pliner’s wife Lisa, also a luxury footwear designer, launched her own signature collection known as Lisa F. Pliner known for their distinctive green sole, which was followed by the 2010 launch of their signature collection Lisa for Donald J Pliner, now known as Donald and Lisa Signature. Lisa Pliner also will be leaving the company to pool her and Donald’s talents as they embark on new endeavors.
About Donald J Pliner
Donald Pliner, recognized internationally today as a premier designer of luxury shoes and accessories, was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, with a “silver shoehorn” in his mouth. Donald and his brother, Elliot, worked as apprentices to their father, Leo, at the family owned Pliner’s Florsheim Family Shoe Stores. Donald first established his own retail store Pappagallo in Beverly Hills in 1967, and quickly rose to prominence when he opened his second store, the Right Bank Clothing Co. (RBCC) also in Beverly Hills. RBCC quickly became the go-to source for fashion and served as the first American outlet for major European designers. In 1984, Intershoe recruited Pliner to head a new line of Spanish-produced footwear called Glacée and soon thereafter in 1989 the Donald J Pliner Company was established, offering luxury branded footwear. The company grew to five company-owned retail stores located within US major cities and its products were also available through online retailers and sold throughout 400 specialty stores and upscale department stores. In 2011, Pliner sold a majority interest in the Donald J Pliner Company to Castanea Partners.