FOOTWEAR AND HANDBAGS ACCESSORIZE AN ENTIRE WARDROBE
Fifth Avenue, NYC
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
Our everyday tote that manages to carry gym clothes, climbing stuff, a handbag crammed with essentials and a camera---is a crinkled nylon / black canvas trimmed, Donald Pliner hauler.
There is not a single item we own…including a 2+ carat diamond ring…that gets the compliment like this bag (from the Spring 2009 collection). Even an insider there asked us if it was Prada!? !!!
We were more than eager to take in the Spring 2010 collection…Men’s and Women’s. One thing we knew, the quality of the collection everything---made in Italy---top notch.
MEN’S
For guys, slip on, summer time ease and as always, comfort… are the themes for Spring 2010.
Tie free lace-ups…reminds us of how rap hip hop types used to wear their high tops.
The “washed” leather loafers have a vintage feel. In faded rainbow tones (pictured above), we think these are going to sell BIG.
The neutral and faded tones work great in a leather basket weave loafer too.
Gathered heels allow feet to just slide into espadrille peds.
Beaded sandals, individually sewn for durability---with designs inspired by Native American weaves, are masculine---with thick straps…and in a loafer style, dress up the guy uniform of tees and jeans.
Chuka boots…still a classic with mixed materials including a summery canvas leather or suede---and the contrast stitching looks great.
Dapper leather loafers--- and handsome slip ons with contrast stitching are comfortable too. Guys we know would live in these…for more formal work and leisure settings.
Thick leather straps on sandals that are actually stylish…and on a Birkenstock type soles.
Modern oxfords...relaxed enough for anywhere...with an elongated toe that's fresh.
WOMEN’S
There were two collections being shown…the Donald Pliner collection…and Lisa (the other half) For Donald Pliner.
Lisa Pliner’s line has a distinct look…and we feel are musts for a gal’s wardrobe.
We really could live in her multi-inch heel sandals…here on a speckled cork with the sturdy grip thick white rubber soles that absorb the shock. FANTASTIC.
Because yes, C.L.’s red leather outer soles are attractive but there is nothing attractive about wiping out in a New York minute on a wet sidewalk…or having an aching back from the pitch…(stealth stacked platforms can lessen the angle…but still give the height…a Donald Pliner hallmark). And those red soles scuff up anyway.
Murano glass stones jazz up flats.
Caged sandals and multi strap…are chic…and for women that swear by heels only, a sexy alternative. Really.
Side cuts outs get special with the pink and lime green leather. with black trim...deco delicious.
Boots are year round...these lacy ones hot hot hot!
A warm weather breezy bootie gladiator flat by Lisa...with mesh and leather trim... Clever...
Summer definitely calls for lighter moods and lighter shoes. Espadrilles--- raffia/straw materials in wedges and flats with mixed material uppers (sexy python print on leather)- have us wanting to hop on a plane destined for a warm beach anywhere.
We always liked the basket weave/knotted feel of these sandals on dark heels...both high and low heights. (Embedded with cushioning ---as are all Pliner peds). Very elegant.
These are as spiky a heel as we have seen...here in thick upper straps suede, leather, canvas mix...a mashup of textures to wear with a lot of different ensembles...
Beaded looks for gals…inspired by the rug runner in the company’s hall way…come in many options…flats, stacked heels…
Matching Clutches
Rainbow colors and the wear with everything neutrals--- the ultimate urban/resort shoe if we could only take one.
The variations of black/white -intricate---and lucite...resort worthy.
But the embellishments that are our favorite, are the luxurious metal beadings and with ancient coins. So special, and happily come with matchy/matchy clutches. Yes.
Flats...and ballet flats sell well---in "it" Spring metallics and bold solids. PLUS:The leather is twisted for---for an interest.
The Peace collection ...as in “Throw the peace sign up it will do you no harm…” gets major play in a cool bronze metallic leather.
The ballet flats are adorable and POP.
And as always…a percentage of proceeds go to the Peace For the Children’s Foundation a non-profit dedicated to making a fashionable difference by “channeling funds to deserving projects.”
HANDBAGS:
The snakeskin still lives in a mixed metaphor way…as these fabric haulers, trimmed in leather…are lightweight, lined, and have the inner compartments gadget loaded types need.
The satchels…are our favorite style.
Buttery leather bags come in bold colors …these are yummy…and for women who tend to wear all black (or white)…make an outfit.
A staple---
These ‘plasticized” totes come in many colors.
White/black leather never looks better ---a terrific handbag...and fav of employees too!
INFO: DONALD PLINER SHIPS EARLY WINTER
Denim---