Started in 1967 by Joan Helpern and her husband, Joan and David specialized in high-fashion women's shoes, although their lin ... e also included handbags, accessories, and some clothing. While the standard for a women's shoe was the high heel, Helpern stated that she was designing shoes for women who "run through airports". Their first pair of shoes were blue and white oxfords. With a strong start as a store-within-a-store at Talbot's, Joan & David moved on to form 67 retail stores. The couple sold their business to Maxwell Shoe Company, later bought by Jones New York. read more