Say g'day to Newton-John's Australian imports
Olivia Newton-John was home-sick for Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. “I really missed the Australian cakes and candies, and a place to just hang out,” she said.
After an idea-seeking trip to the Land Down Under, she and friend Pat Farrar opened a Koala Blue boutique on Los Angeles’ Melrose Av, with imported clothing from Australia, milk-shake bar, treats and gifts.
“But the sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats and bags with the Koala Blue logo sold so well, we decided to start our own line,” she said.
The singer, actress and now entrepreneur was in Minneapolis last week to be hostess of a Koala Blue fashion show at the Conservatory.
Newton-John and Farrar formed Koala, Inc., and are licensing the Koala Blue concept. There are 13 stores, mainly on the East and West Coasts. Rush’s Bridal owns the Conservatory franchise, the first in the Midwest.
“Koala” stands for Korner of Australia in Los Angeles and “Blue” is a form of greeting in Australia, said Newton-John. (The name also evokes Australia’s koala animal that resembles a small bear.)
The boutique carries comfortable cotton sportswear for women and children with Australian-influenced designs.
Newton-John and Farrar have come up with bright-colored coordinating long and miniskirts, shirts, sweaters, leggings, scarves, denim wear, socks, sneakers and the hot-selling T-shirts and sweatshirts with the bright-colored koala bear logo. But where’s the khaki?
“We didn’t want to do bush clothes,” said Newton-John, 38. She was wearing black boots, a Koala Blue black and red checked miniskirt, matching blouse and a blue and white sweater draped over her shoulders. She said petticoats and styles in pale khaki and peach are planned for the spring line.
Farrar and Newton-John head the Koala Blue design team that created the “happy, youthful, comfortable feel”.
Although Newton-John is involved in all areas of Koala Blue business, she hasn’t shelved her other career. A new Olivia Newton-John album will be released this spring.
By Lynn Underwood, Staff Writer