Janet Jackson hits sweet L.A. opening for Dylan’s Candy Bar

Dylan’s Candy Bar, a New York sweets-selling institution, celebrated its Los Angeles expansion on Saturday with a celebrity opening at shopping destination the Original Farmers Market.

Janet Jackson, Marcia Cross, Blair Underwood, Mario Lopez and other family-friendly stars packed the colorful space and cheered on its proprietor, Ralph Lauren’s stylish and, clearly, candy-loving daughter Dylan.

“We’ve been trying to open here for years,” Lauren told the Ministry of the storefront, “and it’s right for the entertainment industry because we film a lot of the things out of the store.”

Russell Brand’s “Arthur” and “Gossip Girl” are among productions to have used Dylan’s Manhattan location. We can imagine more coming through given her famous fans, like first daughters Malia and Sasha Obama.

“They’re one of our big customers. They’ve come in, their mother has come in, Michelle Obama,” Lauren said of the NYC location, saying lollipops and the store’s line of original clothing and accessories are among favorite purchases.

The girls were preoccupied with their parents and Democratic National Convention activities, but it didn’t hinder other bold names like Jackson from showing support.

Janet cut a slim figure in all black, coming to congratulate pal Lauren with boyfriend Wissam Al Mana in tow. Her NutriSystem spokeswomanship aside, Jackson allowed herself some treats: gummy candies, and a chocolate-covered strawberry on her way out.

[For the record, Sept. 10, 1:55pm: An earlier version of this story said Dylan’s Candy Bar was located at the Grove. It’s housed at the Original Farmers Market, quite literally a gummy bear’s throw across The Grove Drive, where the two properties meet.]

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