Born in 1943 in Chicago, Illinois, Donald J Pliner was born and raised 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.
In 1967, Donald opened his own retail store, Pappagallo Beverly Hills, with the first-year sales hitting almost $1 million. By 1971, 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. 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.
In 1984, Donald Pliner successfully proves himself as a multitask businessment, designer and sale visionier. Heading a new line of Spanish-produced footwear called Glac??, he also designed the collection, directed and conceived the whole operation, including sales. The result was the incredibly successful Glacee collection. Within two years, the line was sold nationwide. By 1987, Donald moved into producing fashion-forward shoes for Erica. His design direction dramatically increased sales and new business.
In 1989, Donald Pliner launched his own line of footwear and accessories with current company Donald J Pliner. In 1994, Donald designed his now signature creation, the 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.
Introducing men’s footwear by Donald J Pliner for the first time in 1994 and starting it 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.
The Aventura Mall in South Florida has established as the location for the first Donald J Pliner concept store in 1999, with the d?©cor of the store remaining 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.
In the 21st century, Donald J Pliner Handbags hace re-launched with a complete makeover, 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. In 2003, 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 & Lise Pliner with Daughter Starr and (above)
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 five Donald J Pliner concept stores in Miami, Coral Gables, Houston, Las Vegas, and San Jose.
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