Donald Pliner Leaving the Footwear Brand He Founded

Footwear designer Donald Pliner announced that he is leaving the Donald J Pliner Company “to pursue other creative ventures.” He founded the brand in 1989 and serves as its creative director. Pliner’s wife, women’s footwear designer Lisa Pliner, will also leave the company.

“It is with bittersweet emotions that I announce that I have decided to leave the company I founded,” said Pliner in a statement. “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 added that his next move “may involve establishing new creative companies or designing, consulting and public speaking at events for brands outside the footwear industry.”

Private equity firm Castanea Partners acquired a majority share in the Donald J Pliner Company in 2011.