Donald J Pliner was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, with his twin sister Donna. Born with a "silver shoehorn" in his mouth, Donald and brother, Elliot, worked as apprentices to their father, Leo, at the family owned Pliner's Florsheim Family Shoe Stores.

Donald opened Pappagallo Beverly Hills - his own retail store. First-year sales hit almost $1 million.

Donald rose to retail prominence with the Right Bank Clothing Co. Located on Camden Drive in Beverly Hills, this store quickly became the source for fashion. Three years later, the store became the Right Bank Shoe Co., which served as the first American outlet for European designers like Thierry Mugler, Basile, Castelbajac, Maud Frizon, Stephane Kelian, Arche, Bisonte and Trussardi. At the same time, Donald opened a second store, The Right Bank Clothing Co. and Tea Room, on Rodeo Drive. Donald continued to innovate, developing a line of RBCC clothing, shoes and accessories. This line generated so much attention, it warranted a wholesale division. This was picked up and represented in specialty and department stores across the country. Meanwhile, the Right Bank Clothing Co. and Tea Room became the place of choice for celebrity meetings.

Intershoe recruited Donald to head a new line of Spanish-produced footwear called Glacè. He not only designed the collection, but he also directed and conceived the whole operation, including sales. The result was the incredibly successful Glacee collection. Within two years, the line was sold nationwide.

Donald moved into producing fashion-forward shoes for Erica. His design direction dramatically increased sales and new business.

Donald once again created his own line of footwear and accessories with current company Donald J Pliner.

Donald designed his first all-over elastic shoe, using comfort as his underlying goal. Although his current collections include novelty materials and vibrant colors, almost every style has some elastic in it, whether hidden or used as the primary fabric for a shoe.

Men's footwear is introduced by Donald J Pliner for the first time. What started as basic shoes made mostly of elastic has evolved into fashion for the male feet. Today, the men's line includes dress shoes, boots, basic comfort shoes, sandals, sporty styles, and executive dress shoes, which use the air-touch system patented in Italy for added comfort.

Aventura Mall in South Florida is established as the location for the first Donald J Pliner concept store. The décor of the store remains consistent with the New York showroom as well as Donald's home in Miami, and is the basis for all of the Donald J Pliner boutiques. The artifacts and unique collections from his travels around the world adorn the floor and walls and have continually served as the inspiration for Donald's shoes and accessories. Known for his high fashion comfort footwear, Donald wants his customers to be comfortable not only while wearing his shoes, but also when shopping for them.

Donald J Pliner Handbags are re-launched with a complete makeover. Two collections of handbags are available, they include the "Couture" line, which is made in Italy, and the "Donald J Pliner" line, which is manufactured in Asia and other parts of the world. All of the accessories are designed to match the shoes in such elements as materials and colorations.

Donald J Pliner opens his flagship store in Beverly Hills on Camden Drive, just one block away from the original location of The Right Bank Clothing Co. where Donald launched his business thirty-seven years earlier.

Donald has launched Friends of BabyDoll Pliner, a collection featuring outerwear, collars, leashes, harnesses, day carriers, and FAA approved airline carriers for dogs up to 20 pounds.

Today, Donald continues to develop an innovative line of luxury comfort footwear, mixing creative energy with ongoing entrepreneurial spirit. The company has expanded to include footwear for men and women, leatherwear for men and women, handbags, and belts. There are six Donald J Pliner concept stores in Miami, Beverly Hills, Coral Gables, Houston, Las Vegas, and San Jose.

Corporate Profile

Donald J Pliner of Florida, Inc. is a progressive company committed to trends, fashion, quality, and customer service. Comfort is especially important in all of our products, including footwear for men and women, leatherwear for men and women, handbags and belts. All of these accessories are manufactured in Italy or Spain with state-of-the-art quality control.

Donald J Pliner of Florida, Inc. caters to the finest department and independent stores, both in the United States and abroad. We believe in giving our customers the best of fashion, quality and most important comfort. Our Concept Stores offer a unique, theater effect with influences from Africa, Santa Fe, and Morocco. The d'cor illuminates both the designs and personality of Donald Pliner. Currently, we have Concept Stores in Miami, Beverly Hills, Coral Gables, Houston, Las Vegas and San Jose. The Donald J Pliner motto is to "live the luxury of comfortable fashion."