In 1967, Chicago-born Donald J Pliner opened his first retail store, Pappagallo, in Beverly Hills. Within a year, he made almost one million dollars. By the early 1970s, Pliner had risen to prominence in the Beverly Hills retail world with his store, the Right Bank Shoe Co, which was the first American store to sell products from European designers like Theirry Mugler, Basile, Castelbajac, Maud Frizon, Stephane Kelian, Arche, Bisonte and Trussardi.

But Pliner did not stop at simply owning his own stores - he also opened The Right Bank Clothing Co and Tea Room on Rodeo Drive during this time - he began to develop a line of RBCC (Right Bank Clothing Co) clothing, shoes and accessories. The RBCC items became must-haves for Beverly Hills celebrities and social mavens during the time.

Although it wasn't until 1989 that Pliner finally launched his eponymous footwear and accessories line, his years as a successful retail businessman and designer had led him to this point. He revolutionized the shoe industry by designing his all-over elastic shoe, with comfort, without forsaking fashion, as his underlying goal. Even now, although his current collections have lots of vibrant colors and novelty materials, nearly every style of Donald J Pliner Shoes contains elastic, whether hidden or used as the primary fabric for the shoe. The comfy shoes are befitting the company's motto: "live the luxury of comfortable fashion."

The very first Donald J Pliner concept store opened in Aventura Mall in South Florida, and the décor of the store, which includes artifacts and collections from Pliner's travels around the world, have inspired all of the subsequent Donald J Pliner boutiques as well as Pliner's designs.

Donald J Pliner's handbags, shoes, an adorable pet line featuring outerwear, collars, leashes, harnesses, day carriers, and FAA approved airline carriers for dogs up to 20 pounds called Friends of Babydoll Pliner, and other accessories can be found online. You can also shop at Donald J Pliner concept stores in Miami, Beverly Hills, Coral Gables, Houston, Las Vegas and San Jose. I may just buy a Donald J Pliner original for my cockapoo, Charli. Tres chic!