California vintage-inspired women’s clothing chain coming to the Country Club Plaza

Johnny Was, a southern California-based women’s clothing and accessories brand, is coming to the Country Club Plaza.

It plans a Feb. 3 opening at 320 Nichols Road. It will be the chain’s 69th location and first in Missouri.

It is known for its vintage-inspired theme. The Plaza store will open with its spring line including printed dresses, kimonos, swimwear, cover-ups, denim jackets, slip dresses, silk pajama sets in prints, relaxed-fit pants, blouses, embroideries, light linen and soft cotton, along with slides, sneakers, belts, eyewear, home goods, jewelry boxes and fragrances.

Founder Eli Levite first created a wholesale manufacturing business in the late 1980s while his children played and replayed a Bob Marley song with “Johnny was a good man” in the lyrics, the company said, inspiring the brand’s name.

A company spokeswoman said in a statement, “Having sold through local boutiques in Missouri for many years, Johnny Was saw the opportunity to open a flagship store in … Kansas City’s premier shopping experience.”

A Plaza spokeswoman did not confirm the lease but directed questions to Johnny Was.

Matches Boutique had a one-year pop-up in the spot and then extended the lease another year, before closing in September. The owner is now concentrating on online sales.

This story was originally published January 24, 2023 at 9:20 AM.