Oh, baby!

Catalina Gonzalez gathers with fashion-forward fans to launch luxury baby line Dondolo

To celebrate the launch of Dondolo, her clothing line for babies and children, Colombian-born Catalina Gonzalez gathered with friends, family and fashion-forward parents in the Garden Room at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel. The crowd sipped glasses of vino and noshed on light bites and cupcakes while fawning over the line made with Peruvian pima cotton.

When we asked the SMU alumna about how she got her start in the fashion world, she said, "I've always loved designing my own clothing." In fact, the pink lace dress Gonzalez wore to the launch party was one of her creations.

But Gonzalez didn't think about turning her passion into a business until she was pregnant with her son Santiago and received a soft Peruvian pima cotton sleeper. "I saw the need for elegant, high-quality — yet durable and comfortable — garments," Gonzalez said. Currently her collection is available online.

She believes that Peruvian pima cotton is "the king of cotton" because it's harvested by hand in the perfect climate of the coastal valleys of Peru. "Peruvian Pima cotton has a brilliant luster, and it is very durable, thanks to its extra-long staple length," Gonzalez explained. "Only by touching it do you realize the difference between a regular cotton and Peruvian pima cotton."

There's more to Dondolo than the fabric, however. The name means "to swing, wobble or rock" in Italian. Gonzalez chose the name to reflect the swinging motion babies crave. Additionally, Gonzalez works with nonprofits in Colombia to provide Dondolo baby garments to people in need.

"Every time I go back, I research the organization that needs the clothing the most and partner with them," Gonzalez said. "I choose organizations that are giving strong values to the community, providing education, nutrition, scholarships and other services to the families."

At the kickoff party, Gonzalez displayed her quilted Dondolo pieces — onesies, booties, blankets, hats and bibs — in colors of pale pink, blue and white. Joining her were guests Maria Isabel Zajia, Paola Arria-Hilla, Andrea Subervielle, Stephen Hudson, Rafael Parker, Andres Estrada and Allison Rodriguez.

Ricardo Sendra, John Sanchez, Catalina Gonzalez, Santiago Jorba

Photo by Shana Anderson

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Sparkle and shine

Luxury jeweler Bachendorf's polishes plans for new Knox Street boutique

Courtesy rendering

Rendering of the interior of Bachendorf's on Knox Street.

Bustling Knox Street is adding another luxury gem: Longtime Dallas jewelry retailer Bachendorf's will open a new boutique in the neighborhood this winter, according to a release.

The new store will be located within the Knox Street mixed-use development and will serve as the fifth North Texas location for the family-owned jeweler, joining its stores at Preston Center, Galleria Dallas, The Shops at Clearfork in Fort Worth, and the Rolex Boutique in Highland Park Village.

The new boutique will span more than 2,200 square feet and introduce a new retail format for the company: The store will feature rotating residencies showcasing exclusive collections, rare designs, and custom pieces available only during those limited engagements, the owners say.

"For nearly fifty years, our family has focused on building relationships with our clients and bringing them exceptional pieces that stand the test of time," said Bachendorf's president Lawrence Bock in a statement. "This new Knox Street concept allows us to honor that legacy while offering unique collections in a more dynamic environment, one where guests can experience rare designs, meet remarkable brands, and return often to discover what's new."

Storefront rendering of Bachendorf's on Knox Street.Courtesy rendering

The boutique, designed in partnership with Droese Raney Architecture, will function as both a retail destination and event space. Plans include a full-service bar and a schedule of designer appearances, collector events, and brand activations.

Renderings show a storefront framed by a series of arches that continue throughout the interior. The design incorporates warm wood finishes, natural stone, bronze accents, and freestanding display cases intended to encourage browsing and discovery.

The opening adds another notable name to Knox Street, one of Dallas' fastest-growing retail and dining districts. The walkable neighborhood near the Katy Trail has attracted a steady stream of high-profile retailers and restaurants in recent years.

Founded by the Bock family, Bachendorf's has been a fixture in Dallas luxury retail since opening its first store in 1977. The company specializes in diamonds, designer jewelry, luxury watches, custom creations, and repair services.

An exact opening date has not yet been announced.

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