Koala Blue opening in Toronto, Canada
Each month The Big Bopper’s editorial staff scopes out the celebrity scene, gathers up-to-the-minute information and writes stories that will hopefully bring you a little (or a lot!) closer to the stars you love.
Occasionally, the people we write for feel inspired to send us articles that they’ve written. And we want it known that we welcome our readers” contributions with open arms!
Fifteen-year-old Sandra Costa is our latest “special correspondent.” This ambitious resident of Toronto, Canada wrote to us after she attended the official opening of Olivia Newton-John’s first Koala Blue boutique in Canada.
An aspiring journalist who’s already had experience reporting for her high school newspaper, Sandra thought we might be interested in publishing her coverage of this excit-ing event, especially since she was close enough to snap some terrific photos of Olivia!
We wrote back to Sandra expressing our delight in sharing her story with fellow readers. And after hear-ing from us, she sent the following article and photos, complete with descriptive captions written in her own writing!
Canada Goes Down Under With Koala Blue!
Story and photos by Sandra Costa
What do you do when you get homesick in Los Angeles? If you’re an Australian superstar named Olivia Newton-John, you open an Aussie milk bar on Melrose Avenue, create a line of clothing with that “down under” feeling and call the entire project Koala Blue!
Just in case you’re not familiar with Aussie milk bars, Melrose Avenue or the phrase “down under,” read on a bit.
Olivia, whose string of hit tunes and roles in films like Grease and Two Of A Kind have endeared her to fans worldwide, grew up in Melbourne, Australia, the country referred to as “the land down under.”
Settled in Malibu!
For career purposes, Olivia left her Aussie homeland several years ago and currently lives in Southern California-the coastal community of Malibu, to be more precise. These days, “Livvy” and her husband, actor Matt Lattanzi, are quite settled living in the ranch-style home they share with their two-year old daughter, Chloe Rose.
And yet, this talented performer’s roots to her native country are still very strong, especially since many of her friends and family remain in Australia.
In 1983, Olivia found a way to ease her homesick feelings for Australia and continue to live in California. She and her girlhood friend Pat Farrar opened a shop in L.A. modeled after the traditional Aussie milk bars back home.
One vegemite sandwich, please!
Koala Blue (Olivia named her creation after that adorable Aussie animal, the koala bear) is a place where Southern Californians can go to enjoy such “down under” specialities as vegemite sandwiches, hot meat pies, yummy milkshakes and other wholesome treats in a casual, yet authentic atmosphere.
K.B. also offers people a chance to purchase Australian artwork, jewelry, perfume and clothing, much of which was designed by Olivia and Pat themselves!
Why did Olivia choose Melrose Avenue as the location for her first boutique? Besides being in the heart of Hollywood, Melrose is one of the trendiest shopping spots in town. It’s well-known for its unique restaurants, antique shops, speciality stores and mostly as great place to buy trend-setting clothes! Koala Blue fit right in!
Since opening that first milk bar/boutique, Olivia and Pat went on to open seven other K.B.’s around the country. And on November 4, 1987, it was time for Canadians to get a taste of the land down under when a shop was opened in Toronto, Canada.
Olivia was on hand to help out with the official opening and fashion show to give folks a taste of the fantastic-looking clothes available at the shop.
The Koala Blue line features comfortable, casual, easy-to-wear outfits in vibrant colors. The fall/winter line presented at the fashion show included comfy wool wear, sweaters with traditional Australian designs and jean wear.
There was also a separate line of children’s clothing. Not surprisingly. Olivia’s creations for the younger set were influenced by her own bundle of joy, Chloe Rose!
Besides the great-looking outfits, one can purchase comfortable tennis shoes, towels and shoulder bags. For the swimmer in you, there’s even a K.B. swimsuit!
Incidentally, the prices on these fashions do run a tad high. But if you do some browsing, you’re bound to come across some reasonably-priced finds!
The Canadian opening of Koala Blue brought many excited fans to the scene. Olivia gave everyone a warm smile and friendly hello as she happily signed hundreds of autographs for her devoted fans.
The thrill of a lifetime!
Olivia looked great and seeing her was a thrill of a lifetime for me! After leaving Canada, Olivia returned home to continue working on her new album and a television special. It is not yet known if Koala Blue will have the same success in Canada as in the U.S. (I’m sure it will), but if the hundreds of fans who came for an autograph come back for a wardrobe, Koala Blue is yet another triumph for Olivia!
Photo captions: Olivia was all smiles at the koala blue opening. I don't blame her. The event was a big success, she has a happy marriage, and a beautiful daughter. Now that's something to smile about, (the outfit Olivia is wearing is from the k.b line.)
After the fashion show, fans got the chance to talk to Olivia as she signed hundreds of autographs for them!
A line of children's clothing was featured, worn here by a model. the creations are influenced by Olivia's little toddler, Chloe!