Bauble Talk

Gemelli Collection designer on bling, celebrities and Skinny Pirates

Not everyone can say they knew what they wanted to be when they grew up, but Claire Morgan can. She's been designing jewelry since the tender age of 8. "When I was young, I would make jewelry with fishing line and sell it to flower girls for weddings," she says.

Today, the Dallas resident and Texas Christian University graduate has her own line called Gemelli, available online and at stores throughout the country, including Original Octane, Epic Apparel and St. Bernard Sports in Dallas. The sparkly, nature-inspired collection of necklaces and bracelets has become a celebrity favorite, and it's about to get another high-profile moment when it's featured on Extra TV on August 7.

Morgan's love for beads and baubles has remained constant. Here's some insight into the blinged-out world of the Gemelli designer.

"The biggest form of flattery is seeing someone I don't know wearing my designs," says Gemelli designer Claire Morgan.

CultureMap: Did you have a formal jewelry design education?

Claire Morgan: I did not. I majored in fashion merchandising at TCU and completed an internship with Gucci in New York City, so I always had a love for design and fashion.

CultureMap: What was the inspiration for your line?

CM: I always try and create vibrant, colorful pieces of jewelry that are trend-savvy and wearable for all ages. I love to incorporate stones and other raw materials, with crystals and jewel tone accents. I am also very conscious to create pieces that women can wear with every article of clothing and that can transition from day to night.

CultureMap: Who is the Gemelli girl?

CM: I love designing jewelry that is compatible with any style, and I have created different collections that can be mixed and matched with each other. My ultimate goal is to make a women feel confident and beautiful in my designs. It may be a simple, dainty piece of jewelry or a bling-bling statement piece. No matter your style, you will be noticed in a Gemelli design.

CultureMap: How do you choose materials?

CM: I chose my materials by their quality and how unique they are. I enjoy going to rock shows, finding rare gems and stones to incorporate into my designs.

CultureMap: How did you react when Gemelli first took off?

CM: I am very grateful and overjoyed that my hobby has grown into a successful business so quickly. No matter how many celebrities wear my designs or how big the stores are that Gemelli is in, the biggest form of flattery is seeing someone I don't know wearing my designs.

CultureMap: Did you ever expect stars like Hayden Panettiere and Vanessa Hudgens to wear your jewelry?

CM: No. I am blown away that celebrities I admire are wearing my designs, and I greatly appreciate their support.

CultureMap: What's the best advice you've received?

CM: My dad has given me the best advice. I cannot pinpoint the best piece, because he gives me great advice daily.

CultureMap: What are five things you can't live without?

CM: My Chanel lip gloss, Paradise Bakery cookies, Captain Morgan and Diet Coke (also known as a Skinny Pirate), FaceTime with my family, and the Gemelli team ("G" Team).

Gemelli Collection designs blend stones with crystals and jewel-tone accents.

Photo courtesy of Gemelli

Gemelli Collection designs blend stones with crystals and jewel-tone accents.

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Shopping news

Irish discount fashion giant Primark to open 3rd Dallas-Fort Worth store

Facebook/Primark

Primark will open its third DFW store in Arlington in late June.

International clothing chain Primark is planting a flag in Arlington. The Irish retailer known for trendy clothes at value prices will open a store at The Parks at Arlington mall on June 25, according to a release.

It will be the brand's third store in Dallas-Fort Worth, after a location in Grapevine Mills that opened in December 2025 and one at Northeast Mall in Hurst that followed in April 2026.

Primark is a massive European retailer famous for its low-cost, high-turnover approach to home goods, everyday essentials, and fashion — think women’s jeans for $12, men’s T-shirts for $5, and kids’ sweatshirts for $8. Less than the cost of a meal at the food court, but also part of the "fast fashion" industry that critics say contributes to textile waste around the world.

Founded in Ireland in 1969 under the Penneys brand, Primark aims to provide affordable choices for everyone, from everyday essentials to stand-out style across women's, men's and kids, as well as beauty, homeware, and accessories.

Primark has been in expansion mode in the United States and across Texas; there will now be 42 U.S. stores and six in Texas, with more to come.

"Primark's keen on continuing its Texas expansion," says Kevin Tulip, president of Primark US, in the release. "We've seen first-hand the importance of providing fashion that doesn't break the bank at our stores in the Dallas Fort-Worth area, and we want to continue to fulfill that need. It's incredible to become a part of these communities and be able to offer families a wide selection of trending fashion and everyday essentials at exceptional value."

The 30,000-square-foot Arlington store will debut with Primark's summer collection, "The Get Away." The release notes that the collection "features standout pieces such as a striped embroidered maxi dress ($30), finished with wave-inspired detailing. Embroidered separates appear throughout the range, all designed for effortless summer dressing. The must-have silhouette of the season is the striped midi dress crafted with 100% cotton ($25). The collection is finished with accessories, swimwear and matching family looks, offering something for everyone this summer."

Primark in Arlington will open with fanfare at 10:30 am June 25, with a ribbon cutting, local treats, and other fun giveaways - first come, first served, they say.

The store is now hiring for several roles.

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