Donald J. Pliner was born in 1943 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 rose to retail prominence with the Right Bank Clothing Co., where he started in 1971. 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 many European designers.

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. Meanwhile, the Right Bank Clothing Co. and Tea Room became the place of choice for celebrity meetings.

Following many years of success, the Aventura Mall in South Florida was established as the location for the first Donald J. Pliner concept store in 1999. 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.

Donald J. Pliner remains a progressive company committed to trends, fashion, quality, and customer service. Comfort is especially important in all 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.