FROM CALI TO TEXAS

California jeweler rides a wave into Dallas-Fort Worth with 2 new stores

The Laguna Beach-based jewelry brand is bringing its collections to Southlake on April 28.

Photo courtesy of Gorjana

Favorite Texas jewelers Kendra Scott and James Avery have some new competition in town: Gorjana, a rapidly growing jewelry brand from California, is debuting two new stores in Dallas-Fort Worth, opening back to back.

A shop in Fort Worth's University Park Village opened its doors on Friday, April 21. A second grand opening will take place in Southlake Town Square on Friday, April 28.

These, on the heels of Gorjana's Dallas debut in West Village last fall. It's a North Texas conquest.

Laguna Beach-based Gorjana (styled "gorjana") touts its jewelry as timeless, delicate, and laid-back.

Husband-and-wife Gorjana and Jason Reidel founded the company in 2004 on the floor of their Laguna Beach apartment. In their nearly two decades of operation, their selection now includes layering necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and more. There are everyday pieces and fine jewelry creations featuring trendy rose gold, 14K solid gold and 18k plated gold, plus affordable diamonds, sapphires, opals, and more. According to the website, prices range from about $35 to several hundred dollars.

The two new DFW storefronts are the latest to open in Texas, following a new store in San Antonio earlier this spring. They also have shops in Austin and Houston.

“Following the exceptional welcome we recently enjoyed in San Antonio and the enthusiastic demand we’ve received from our customers for additional locations in Texas, continuing our expansion across this extraordinary state feels like a natural next step to continue meeting our customers where they are,” says Jason Reidel in a press release. “We’re honored and thrilled to be able to bring our timeless designs and one-of-a-kind, personalized retail experience to the Fort Worth and Southlake communities.”

The new locations, they say, are inspired by coastal bungalows reminiscent of Southern California beaches, complete with subtle mango wood finishes, custom dried floral bouquet decor, and a glimmering crystal quartz chandelier. Shoppers will truly feel like they’re near the Laguna Beach coastline, they add, after admiring the custom hand-dipped Lauren Williams Tapestry backdrop.

gorjana Southlake interior rendering Gorjana's Southlake storefront is located at 321 Grand Ave. West. Photo courtesy of gorjana

In-house stylists are available to help guests navigate the shopping experience. Complimentary engraving on select pieces will be offered for online orders.

Gorjana’s University Park Village store is located at 1600 South University Dr. #608 Fort Worth, and the Southlake storefront will be located at 321 Grand Ave. West. The West Village location is 3699 McKinney Ave., Dallas.

More information can be found on gorjana.com.

Gorjana and Jason Reidel openings fashion-beauty

On display

Iconic Marilyn Monroe 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' dress comes to Dallas

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian)

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.

pop culture history celebrities fashion museums