“From the Mountains of Italy” emerged a no- nonsense label called Donald J. Pliner. His shoes are known for comfort and style, yet nary a stiletto. Can heels still be comfortable? The answer comes to us via Lisa Pliner.
Donald’s wife Lisa has created her own collection of fashion forward footwear. Nolcha sent Oriana DiNella to see the new collection and get down to the sole of situation. Nolcha: After working with your husband Donald Pliner for 10 years what made you want to create your own collection?
Lisa Pliner: I was constantly around the business. Being the wife of Donald Pliner, I saw the whole design process from start to finish. I wanted to take Donald’s designs and kick it up a notch, make it edgier. I wanted to do comfort with an edge.
N: How has your education and background in couture cultivated your design aesthetic?
LP: Growing up, my mother was a fashion designer. I wanted to be an artist, so I decided to study fine arts. Creativity was in my genes. I went to the Art Institute where I received a graphic visual degree. From there I wanted to work in a high-end store and Neiman Marcus was the one I chose. I was then absolutely determined to work at Versace’s first store in Miami. After multiple interviews I got the position and I stayed for 2 years. From there I headed back to school, and worked as a receptionist. It was there that I was connected with Donald J Pliner. We went on a date and he made me draw a shoe! I knew from our first date that he would be the man I was going to marry. I was thrown right into the shoe design business with Donald. When cultivating my design aesthetic, I thought about what I wanted and who I am. I am a wife, mother and businesswoman. I need something to suit my life and it has to make me feel sexy.
N: Donald J. Pliner shoes are known for merging fashion and comfort. How are you ensuring that your collection has the same standards?
LP: I looked at what women want. We are constantly running around. I know what they want and it is to be sexy yet comfortable. I wanted something new and fresh to bring to the table.
N: What advice do you have for women working in the fashion industry?
LP: Check yourself in the mirror before you go out! Practice walking in high heels! (laughs) You must have a positive mindset and be comfortable in your own skin. It is great to participate in trends, but above all you have to be comfortable in what you are wearing and designing. If not, it shows. You have to be true to yourself.
N: Are you going to sell the Lisa F. Pliner collection in Donald Pliner stores exclusively or elsewhere and why did you choose that specific retail route?
LP: My line of shoes is going to be sold elsewhere. There will be three styles at the Donald J Pliner stores for people to get a glimpse. Since Donald’s and my shoes are in different market, we are not competing, so there is no problem with me having some of my shoes also for sale in his stores. I am still searching for the specific retail route I want to take. I will know where I want to sell my shoes when I see it. I will go with my gut feeling.
N: Why start your own collection vs. just designing new styles under the Donald J. Pliner name?
LP: People have constantly asked me when I would start my own shoe line! I have always loved shoes and I took what I have learned from Donald to the next step. We are not competing. Donald was so happy he could help me in any way possible because designing shoes is something I absolutely love.
N: What do you think women really want in a shoe?
LP: Women want comfort, height, feeling sexy and wanting to be in that trend.
N: You have done a lot of amazing work in philanthropy, Peace for the Children Foundation specifically… how does the philanthropic part of your live influence the design/business side of your life on a daily basis?
LP: After some misfortunes, I adopted my daughter Starr, from an orphanage in Kazakhstan. I named her Starr because she is my wish that came true. She will tell you to this day “Mommy wished upon a star and she got me.” She is so special to me. Her name has two r’s because she is extra special. I love giving back and being able to help someone. Donald and I donate time and/or shoes because giving back it such an important part of our lives.
N: Tell me about your shoe line. What inspired the colors and the design?
LP: I wanted my shoes sexy, but also something you could walk in. I added traction to the bottom. I added it because I was thinking about when you go into a restaurant and the floor is so slick. The sole is also green because I was thinking about the environment and the whole green movement. The blue in the collection is inspired from Miami. I did not use real skins because the prints look amazing! My shoes are produced it Italy. They will be starting at $425.
N: Any additional words of advice?
LP: There is no direct route in life. You have to stay positive and keep going and everything will fall into place. I absolutely hate the word no! You have to do things in life for yourself and no one else. Put yourself first, put yourself out there, take risks and go get exactly what you want!
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