Think pink: Barbie-mania takes over Western Pennsylvania
Sorry, Taylor Swift, you’re old news. This week, it’s all about Barbie.
The long-awaited, first live-action movie about the world’s best-selling fashion doll arrives in theaters this weekend with Margot Robbie in the title role and Ryan Gosling as her perpetual boyfriend, Ken. “Barbie” finds the pair kicked out of Barbieland and learning to navigate life in the real world.
In anticipation of the opening, fans and businesses across the area are getting their pink on — proof that it’s a Barbie world.
Dream come true
“A live-action Barbie movie is literally a dream come true,” said Molly Zindash-Nicholson of Greensburg. “And when I heard it was going to be directed by Greta Gerwig, I was even more excited.” She and her husband, Ken Nicholson, already have tickets to pair “Barbie” with “Oppenheimer” on Sunday at the AMC Waterfront 22 in West Homestead.
Zindash-Nicholson, who was “a Barbie-obsessed child who would play with her Barbies all day,” said she “totally planned a whole Barbie-themed outfit and (has) been listening to the songs that have been released from the album on repeat to prepare to enter Barbieland.”
She also is looking forward to bringing a head-to-toe pink look to the second, somber screening about the so-called “father of the atomic bomb.”
Despite the shared name, don’t expect a bleached-blond, beachy Ken Nicholson, though.
“If anything, I will stick to my usual vibe and dress like J. Robert Oppenheimer,” he said.
Give a doll, get a painting
Feathers Artist Market and Gifts in Irwin is on the Barbie bandwagon, offering weekend painting sessions in exchange for a new Barbie doll or monetary donation to Beverly’s Birthdays, a North Huntingdon organization that provides birthday parties and gifts for children of families in need or experiencing homelessness.
Painting is set for noon to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in the shop at 102 Fourth St.
The Feathers project coincides with Beverly’s Birthdays holding a “Land of Cheers” drive, collecting Barbie dolls through Friday.
“Barbie dolls are a standard request for our kiddos, especially those with representation of who they are,” founder Megan Yunn said.
Dolls can be purchased from a “Barbie Dream List” on amazon.com to be shipped directly to Beverly’s Birthdays. Dolls also can be dropped off at the organization’s office at 11065 Parker Drive, North Huntingdon.
At Feathers, participants will paint their names, then surround them with glitter and positive words describing themselves — no negative descriptors allowed.
“I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be empowering if we all painted our names,’” owner Tracy Alaia said. “If you sit down to paint and have to think of nice words to describe yourself, it’s a bit empowering. Sometimes it helps to stop that negative loop.”
Painters do not need to register. A stylist will be present Sunday with hair tinsels at four for $10.
People also can donate a new doll in packaging or money through Sunday at the shop without painting.
More information is available at 412-930-1954 and feathersartistmarket.com and on the shop’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Pink drinks
The Barbie is the most popular specialty drink this month at the Cattfeinated Cat Cafe in Greensburg.
“It’s really good,” said head barista and social media manager Halle Blair. And, of course, it’s bright pink.
The dragon fruit/lime frosted lemonade is one of six movie-themed cold drinks available during July.
The original idea was to name drinks after classic movies such as “Jaws” and “The Godfather.” But patrons were talking so much about “Barbie,” owner Kate Jones said, that it seemed like a good idea to cash in on the hype.
Ritual House in Downtown Pittsburgh is paying homage to the movie with a craft cocktail. “Life Is Plastic, It’s Fantastic” is made with Malibu rum, lychee, Ritual House prosecco, pink luster dust and cotton candy, and it is served with a miniature Ken doll. It will be available through Sunday.
Shorty’s Tap x Taco at the Waterfront, steps away from the AMC Waterfront 22 in West Homestead showing the film, has created several drinks.
The “Malibu Dream House” is made with El Jimador tequila, coconut syrup, strawberry syrup and lime juice, finished with a Tajin rim. The “Let’s Go Party” cocktail is made with Faber cherry vodka, demerara syrup, lime juice, lemonade and house-made grenadine. A “Think Pink” is crafted with Faber citrus vodka, Faber peach schnapps, simple syrup, lemon juice, Sprite and pink glitter.
Wall-to-wall pink
You don’t have to go to one of the big multiplex theaters to catch “Barbie” on opening weekend. It’s also playing at the independent Diamond Theatre of Ligonier.
“A lot of the production companies don’t allow the small theaters to have the new releases, but, in this case, we were able to have ‘Barbie,’ ” owner Leigh Ann McCulty said.
The movie is playing at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday in the theater at 210 W. Main St. There is no ticket pre-sale.
The concession stand will offer an array of color-coordinated drinks and snacks, including a lighted pink Barbie glitter drink with strawberry boba and pink cotton candy, lollipops and Pixy Stix.
McCulty is hoping patrons get their pink on, too.
“How fun would that be to have the theater full of people in pink,” she said.
It’s a double feature at the Lindsay Theater in Sewickley.
Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” debuts with Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” this week, with the double feature option widely being dubbed “Barbenheimer.”
For Barbie fans, the theater invites movie-goers to dress in their version of the doll and take photos inside a life-sized Barbie doll box.
There will be a special concession combo of popcorn, an Icee and either sunglasses or rock candy, $10 for a small and $12 for a medium.
Put an earring on it
If you ever coveted Barbie’s oh-so-fashionable, sky-high heels, now you can have a pair of your own — in earring form.
Christine Bair of New Stanton can make them for you.
“A girl that I knew had Barbie shoe earrings. I liked them and began to make and sell them,” she said.
She crafts the dangling earrings with beads and different styles of Barbie footwear. She also has incorporated other Barbie accessories, such as handbags, into her designs.
She sells them via Facebook and at Boarded Up in New Stanton, a shop that features the work of local crafters.
Vintage fashion
Alayna Gallagher checks Instagram daily. She has been following Andrew Mukamal, the stylist for Margot Robbie.
Mukamal has been posting photos of Robbie dressed as Barbie and also shows a corresponding image of the doll in the same outfit.
“Barbie is iconic,” said Gallagher, who owns Vintage 416, a women’s clothing and accessories boutique in Millvale. “Andrew is nailing these looks. I keep watching to see the next one.”
Gallagher calls herself a “Barbie girl.” She owns dolls from the My Fair Lady collection.
She said the doll’s wardrobe includes everything from classic and tailored looks to suits with shoulder pads and faux fur accessories. Pink is her signature color, but, through the years, Barbie’s style has evolved, Gallagher said.
Ever since Gallagher heard about the movie, she has been searching for vintage merchandise that embodies Barbie through the decades.
“Barbie transcends ages,” said Gallagher, who is launching a line for young girls Aug. 1. “There are so many choices of dolls. Barbie is inclusive. I am a Barbie girl. I have a pink house and a pink store. My living room is bubble gum pink. I am so excited for this movie.”
The latest collection
Mattel has created a Barbie The Movie doll line inspired by Robbie’s character. One is the timeless silhouette in a pink gingham dress. Another is a sequined disco jumpsuit complete with disco hair, metallic jewelry and golden heels.
Movie night
Debbie McDonald of Lower Burrell gathered with about 20 people for a Thursday night showing at GQT Pittsburgh Mills Cinema in Frazer.
She said the movie is for everyone — from her 88-year-old mom to a 5-month-old who were expected to be in attendance. They want to get photos with the Barbie-themed display in the theater lobby, she said.
McDonald said seeing the film is extra special because she has a family member who works for Mattel.
“This movie will be fun and bright and colorful,” said McDonald, who has fond memories of playing with Barbie dolls as a little girl. “I remember dressing her up and her car and her dream house. Barbie never ages.”
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.