Vice president of trend merchandising and fashion direction Arlene Goldstein beckoned bloggers and fashion enthusiasts alike to her Spring Fashion Tour at Belk Galleria Dallas, where she presented a sneak peek of what’s to come once temperatures start to rise.
With specialty cocktails from Zodiac Vodka in hand, attendees — including Amber LaFrance, Alex Small, Yvonne Crum, Holly Haber, Kelley Barnes, Stephanie Drenka, Jaleesa Howard, Colleen and Rob Horning, Leslie Chatman, Leah Frazier, and Charmaine Marshall — watched as models went down the runway sporting the season’s four style statements: Garden Party, Sport Chic, Spare Me and Islander.
Some of the most coveted pieces for spring include kimonos, matched sets, soft pants and jumpsuits. The men were not left out; Goldstein mentioned shorter shorts, white pants, bold prints and plaid sport coats as part of their fashion forecast.
All of the looks showcased designer brands found at Belk, such as Trina Turk, Ralph Lauren, Vince Camuto, Dolce Vita, Sam Edelman, Pink Tartan and French Connection.
Models sporting looks for the Belk Spring Fashion Tour: Garden Party, Sport Chic, Spare Me and Islander.
Photo by Shana Anderson
Models sporting looks for the Belk Spring Fashion Tour: Garden Party, Sport Chic, Spare Me and Islander.
Photo by Eric Kayne, AP Images for Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Marilyn Monroe's iconic 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' dress is going on display at Ripley's in Grand Prairie.
The dress worn for the most famous (or, infamous) rendition of "Happy Birthday" in American history is going on display in Dallas-Fort Worth. Marilyn Monroe's iconic "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" gown will be showcased at Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Grand Prairie for a limited time, beginning Friday, June 5.
The display coincides with what would have been the legendary actress and pop culture icon's 100th birthday. Monroe was born June 1, 1926 as Norma Jeane Mortenson.
The sparkling gown became part of entertainment lore on May 19, 1962, when Monroe wore it while singing "Happy Birthday" to U.S. President John F. Kennedy at his 45th birthday gala and fundraiser at Madison Square Garden. She shimmied onstage, shed a white fur coat to reveal the sparkly skin-tight dress, and delivered a sultry, breathy "Happy Birthday."
Afterwards, JFK said to the crowd, "I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way."
Many historians believe Kennedy and Monroe had a romantic relationship.
Notably, Ripley's in Grand Prairie is just about 12.5 miles from the JFK Memorial and Sixth Street Museum in downtown Dallas.
Designed by French-born costume designer Jean Louis, the sheer dress was embellished with more than 6,000 hand-sewn rhinestones and created the illusion that Monroe was wearing almost nothing at all — a daring fashion statement that helped cement the "Happy Birthday" moment in pop culture history.
The dress is considered one of the most famous garments ever worn. In 2016, Ripley's purchased it for $4.8 million, a price that at the time made it the most expensive dress ever sold at auction.
In 2022, they loaned it to Kim Kardashian to wear to the Met Gala. It was reportedly returned with some missing crystals and stretched seams.
Visitors to the Grand Prairie museum will be able to see the gown up close, along with additional memorabilia tied to Monroe's life, career, and legacy, an an exhibition called "Happy 100th Birthday, Marilyn Monroe."
"Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most recognizable icons in pop culture history," Ripley Entertainment regional manager Rachel Rotella said in a statement. "With visitors looking for unique experiences across North Texas this summer, this is a rare opportunity to see Marilyn Monroe's dress that represents one of the most unforgettable moments in Hollywood history."
The Monroe display is included with regular admission to Ripley's, which features hundreds of oddities, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. The exhibit opens June 5 and will be on display for a limited time.
