Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are filming ´Barbie´ in Los Angeles – travellers can already get the feeling.
Every three seconds, a Barbie doll is sold somewhere in the world. No wonder Hollywood – desperate for blockbuster ideas – can't pass by this classic toy. The first live-action film, starring Barbie and her male counterpart Ken, is set to hit cinemas in July 2023. It will star Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Pictures of the two have already caused some excitement this summer (or was it just artificial excitement, cleverly launched by the film studio?).
The film Barbie was shot, where else, but in Los Angeles? Neon colours, rollerblades, kitschy cars and restaurants, tanned bodies and blonde hair form the backdrop for the Barbie film, which is based on a script by Greta Gerwig, who also directs. Those who want to follow in the footsteps of Barbie and Ken in the Californian city before the film's release have a few options they can choose from.
Roller skates are indispensable utensils for Barbie dolls and, therefore, also for the film. Venice is known for its skating community that gathers on the boardwalk to roller skate. Venice Beach Boardwalk and Venice Skatepark are good spots to roll along the shores. Fittingly, “Perry's Café and Beach Rentals” offers roller skate rentals.
Get that Barbie and Ken tan while sunbathing on the rooftop terrace of Hotel June West L.A., located a few kilometres from the heart of Venice Beach. The Caravan Swim Club is a poolside hangout with cabanas, fire pits and a menu of snacks, salads, cocktails and more. Dogs are allowed, leashes in Barbie pink are not a must, but they do look good.
Abbot Kinney is a mile long boulevard with shops, restaurants and galleries. The shops are housed in both old bungalows and modern Venice Beach buildings. Celebrities, artists and locals meet in this popular neighbourhood, which offers large flagship stores and countless boutiques. You'll be sure to find the perfect Barbie outfit here.
Even Barbie sometimes needs wellness. in the shops of the “Moon Juice” chain, you can find, among other things, herbal stress killers, mushrooms, nutritional supplements and skin care products. These shops are a mixture of coffee bar, sweet shop and pharmacy and also offer healthy juices, milk and tonics. Well-known products include Goddess Greens juice and Chocolate Chaga doughnuts.
Blond hairstyles will be in demand again by July 2023 at the latest (or possibly even before). At The Salon Venice, about a mile from the sea, visitors can already get themselves the Barbie look. The stylists there offer hair extensions as well as the typical light blonde Barbie hair colour and eye-catching styling for their evening out (with dolls or people).
Well-groomed fingernails are a must for Barbie and her legion of Barbie fans. At Venice Soleil, a nail salon and spa, you can receive the appropriate nail treatments; choosing the right shade of pink tone is a matter of taste. The salon also offers spa services such as facials and eyelash extensions.
Ken is allowed, but dogs have to stay outside.
