Changing Houston

Well-known Houston fashion designer forced out of his shop by trendy new development, but he holds no ill will

David Peck’s days in his Upper Kirby atelier and manufacturing hub are numbered, and the fashion designer is on the hunt for a space to accommodate his expanding business.

Construction of The Kirby Collection, a new mixed-use development, is systematically shutting down restaurants and bars in the immediate area, including the building housing Peck’s headquarters at 3200 Kirby Drive. While most of the tenants have already moved out, Peck’s landlord gave him until Aug. 15 to vacate.

It’s a reprieve he’s grateful for, especially as he looks for a comparable space.

“This is Houston and rental rates are through the roof. There was a place around the corner, but that’s not happening now. There are other options though,” Peck tells CultureMap.

He has some non-negotiables on his want list, including staying in the general area and the need for a two-story building. Peck will house a full retail concept on the bottom floor and apparel manufacturing on the second. It’s a departure from the current model in his chic, cozy space and a conclusion he came to because of the move.

“It’s good because it gave me an opportunity to really evaluate what my priorities are as we move forward. Change is not a bad thing.”

Peck’s adapting by widening his vision to include a dedicated bridal salon and a section for accessories that either he will design himself or collaborate on with other designers.

Peck's hoping for between 5,000 and 8,000 square-feet of space in the new building and plans on keeping all of the custom work and sample-making there. As his direct sales business continues to grow, Peck is planning ahead and expects to eventually move that branch of the business to another location.

Despite the upheaval, Peck is supportive of the new concept.

“It seems like they are thinking about spaces in Houston, making this pedestrian-friendly and not closed off and giving people a place to congregate but feel comfortable,” he says.

Peck promises a big bash to celebrate the opening of his new boutique space in fall. Just as soon as he finds the right space.

Designer David Peck is on the hunt for a building to house a boutique and manufacturing space.

Photo by © Michelle Watson CatchLightGroup.com

Designer David Peck is on the hunt for a building to house a boutique and manufacturing space.

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stay golden

Sunny SoCal jewelry brand takes Laguna Beach vibes to new Heights for 2nd Houston storefront

Photo by Gorjana

The highly-anticipated Gorjana store is set to open its doors in the Heights Mercantile on August 30.

Texas jewelry lovers have fallen in love with the Southern California charm of Gorjana, the beloved Laguna Beach-based jewelry brand, which is steadily growing its Lone Star State presence.

Now, the jewelry favorite will open the doors to a new Houston location in Heights Mercantile (714 Yale St.) on August 30, offering Houstonians an array of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and more crafted with signature laid-back style and elegance.

Gorjana has been making waves with its rapid expansion, and this new store — the second in Houston — is proof of the brand's soaring popularity. Following successful Texas openings in Fort Worth and Southlake earlier this year, this new location will be Gorjana's eighth brick-and-mortar store in the state, with yet another Houston storefront planned to open in Rice Village in early 2024.

"The warmth and hospitality we've received from shoppers across Texas since opening our first store in 2021 has been overwhelming," Gorjana Reidel, the brand's co-founder, noted in a statement. "The Heights neighborhood, with its charming Victorian homes and picturesque streets, is the perfect place to continue our statewide expansion and bring the essence of SoCal to our second Houston location."

Gorjana's 1,539-square- foot store at Heights Mercantile is meant to transport shoppers to the sun-soaked shores of Southern California. Designed by co-founders Reidel and Jason Griffin Reidel, the space features light wood finishes, a crystal quartz chandelier, and a hand-dipped Lauren Williams Tapestry that pays homage to the iconic Laguna Beach coastline.

Gorjana Heights Mercantile houston Gorjana's Heights Mercantile is a whole vibe.Rendering courtesy of Gorjana

Pushing a customized experience, Gorjana's in-store stylists assist shoppers in curating layered looks that reflect their unique personal style. Each location also offers complimentary engraving for online orders, adding a personal touch to every purchase.

Keeping with the brand's ethos, Gorjana has been deeply committed to philanthropy and community-building since its founding in 2004. The brand has collaborated with nonprofit organizations supporting various national causes, focusing on women and children.

In the spirit of giving back locally, Gorjana will launch a one-day event with the Kids In Need Foundation on August 25. Supporting this organization dedicated to helping under-resourced schools, Gorjana will donate 10 percent of all online and in-store sales to provide backpacks to needy children, making a difference in their lives and education.

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