Donald and Lisa Pliner

Renowned designer, Donald J. Pliner, celebrated 20 years of groundbreaking success in the luxury footwear industry hosting a meet and greet event at his flagship store, Donald J. Pliner, in Aventura, on March 13, alongside his creative director, muse, and wife Lisa Pliner.  Pliner has established a global cult following among men and women with his fashionably chic and comfortable shoes.  His success stems from his passion for the craft.  Designing shoes for over 43 years, Pliner has been committed creating beautiful pieces that are comfortable and inspired by the world that surrounds him.  Glass beads, snake skins, suede, and elastics are the instruments he uses to interpret his inspirations.  The secret to his success lies in the mantra that is central to his fashionable, comfortable shoes:  “When the feet are uncomfortable, so is the mind, so is the body, so is the soul.”

The stylish Lisa Pliner, known as “the lady with the green-soled shoes,” debuted her 2010 spring collection “LISA” for Donald J. Pliner during the 20 year celebration.  Inspired by Starr, the Pliners’ five year old daughter, the fashionable collection incorporates a traction platform that gives height and stability for women on-the-go, who need a little extra support, especially for those chasing down toddlers at a mall or at the grocery store, to which Lisa is no stranger.

Staunch philanthropists and humanitarians, the Pliners started the PEACE for the Children Foundation, which provides safe playgrounds for children of underprivileged families.  The organization provides charitable funds in support of non-profit organizations that foster peace in the lives of children.  Proceeds from the 20 year celebratory event benefitted Jewish Adoption & Foster Care Options, Inc.

Donald J. Pliner, the man and the brand, known for quintessential elegance and perfection, puts his heart and soul into all of his “soles.”  The result:  shoes you will love to live in.

 Nick  D’Annunzio and Tara Solomon are tying the knot!

Help them to win their dream wedding by clicking on the  following link: www.ultimateweddingcontest.com/entries/38937

Or go to the contest on the CrateandBarrel.com website and search phrase by Tara Solomon

 To appeal to your softer side, here’s Tara’s account about how their love story: 

“We met at a club on South Beach, a chance encounter with mutual friends. He liked my legs, but complimented my Gucci stilettos. He knew the instant we met that we were destined to be together. Worried that he was too young, too smooth and perhaps too into my shoes, I took a bit longer. But his boyish swagger, megawatt smile and old soul eventually won me over. Twelve years later, the club has long since closed, but we are going strong. More in love than ever, we figured it was about time to make things official. “

Red Bull: Art of Can runs until Sunday, March 14, on Ocean Drive and 9th.  For more information go to www.redbullartofcan.com.

Model dressed in GAP

 This year The PlayGround Theatre literally rocked the Ritz-Carlton South Beach on Sunday with its annual Tea at the Ritz to raise funds for its education and outreach programs.  Barton G. known for his creative genius of “all things delicious,” produced a rockin’ roll event with Guitar Hero and Band Hero stations where fans channeled their inner rock star.  The Ritz-Carlton South Beach served up scrumptious kid friendly bites, including  sliders, bite sized pizza, and an ice cream bar with every mix in imaginable.  Also in the “scrumptious” category was WSVN/Deco Drive’s Louis Aguirre, who served as Master of Ceremonies to the annual Fashion Show featuring styles from the Gap, IOS of Coconut Grove, and Kidding Around, amping up the already excited crowd. The highlight of the Tea was when LIVE! School of Music students took the stage and played old school ballads such as the ever popular “Sweet Child of Mine” and Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock and Roll.”  The pint-sized rock stars were a hit, working the kids and their parents into frenzy.