Donald J. Pliner was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, with his twin sister Donna. Donald and his brother, Elliot, worked as apprentices to their father at the family owned business- Pliner's Florsheim Family Shoe Stores.

At the ripe old age of 24, Donald opened a store in Bevely Hills- first year sales were over $1 million. Donald rose to prominence with his series of store openings in Beverly Hills under the Right Bank Clothing Company (RBCC) name. Donald developing a line of clothing with the RBCC name, including shoes and accessories. This line generated so much attention, it soon developed into a wholesale division which was picked up and represented in specialty and department stores across the country. The Right Bank Clothing Co. and Tea Room also became a hip celebrity hangout.

Donald continued to develop his shoe expertise by creating shoe lines for popular designers, until in 1989, he created his own line of shoes under his name. As Donald continued to innovate in shoe design, his line branched out to include accessories and handbags.

In 2002, Donald J Pliner Handbags were re-launched with great fanfare. Two collections of handbags are available; 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.

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.