Image courtesy of DJP
AN URBAN ALI BABA’S CAVE OF STYLISH TREASURES
Text, Images –J. Ecochard
Fifth Avenue, NYC April 2nd
Donald J. Pliner is a hard working guy-who’s biz is a direct reflection of his core values and chic sensibilities.
AS IN:
Comfort-tortured toes get a reprieve with stretchable leathers, form fitting supportive microfiber, “skimmers” a sexy ballet shoe with out of sight elastic bands for easy slip-on/offs, easy wear dress ready round toe pumps, and heel height variations on similar styles- ergomically shaped for movers, not posers.
Ageless-bridging the generation gap is practically a company tradition from teenagers wearing hip chunky heel leather clogs with a peace sign metal detail (symbol of DJP Foundation) to with it grandmas in foot friendly slingbacks.
Styles- dozens of options from winter/waterproof patent leather boots to the LUX COLLECTION’s strappy, spike heel red/fuschia silk evening sandals, cute versatile wristlets in a rainbow range of colors, day to night roomy fold over clutches, and polished carryalls with gadget friendly inner pockets.
At the Fall 2008 editorial preview inside the glam company’s headquarters-we were like kids in a candy store-we could barely focus on one shoe, satchel, or boot without ADD-ing onto something else.
TREND ALERTS:
PATENT LEATHER: Splashy new materials are striking crocco patent and tortoise bronze-with textural pebble surface. The shiny leathers make eye-catching debuts in oxfords, booties trimmed with suede, handbags in autumnal tones.
MICROFIBER: Durable, lightweight fabric made with stretchable Lycra-“…they are like a second skin, stimulating blood vessels…” and snazzy enough to gather converts beyond the already cult devotees. Our favorites are the elegant microfiber black boots.
CONTRASTING TRIMS: Suede, crocco, or Ostrich leather trims on nappa leather, suede- in contrasting shades, embossed patent leather on buttery smooth Italian skins, shiny sculptural metal heels, metal grommets, and edgy metal eyelet hooks traipsing up the length of a black microfiber boot.
RAM – reflective mirrored metal trim on toes and heels- attractively elongates the foot.
PEEP TOE PUMPS: Huge for Fall 2008-imparts a sensuous vintage feel in vivid suede and patent leathers- playing up the hosiery as a fashion “statement”- and an acknowledgement that it’s warm enough outside to make pedis a year round chore.
COWGIRLS: Rock and roll western boots, and glam country western finery with pointy metal cap toes and heels. 70’s style Frye boots chunky heel stompers in unwashed, faded black and home on the range brown leathers –that are “environmentally sensitive due to lack of treatment.”
IT”S A PLUM, PLUM, WORLD: The “it” color that’s the new basic-works with just about every color.
ANIMAL PRINTS: coined “The Miami Samba Story” classic zebra, leopard prints made from calf’s fur in flats, booties and hobos. Ostrich used as base material of shoes and satchels.
METALLICS: Gold leather shoulder bags and clutches for night’s out, burnished copper and silver hardware boldly standout against largely neutral toned accessories. Love the nude metallic leather handbag that pops up in a sea of dark shades.
CARRYALLS WITHOUT THE LOGOS: DJP has faith in his designs and quality construction, not his initials! Bucket and Hobo bags in plush leathers and in vogue patents work because of "Made in the Mountains of Italy" know-how.
Donald J. Pliner Shoes and Accessories are available at Donald J. Pliner stores, and better department stores like Saks, Nordstrom's Neiman's, Lord and Taylor, Dillards and Zappos.com
