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    IT'S A BARBIE WORLD

    Come on Barbie, let's go party: Houston's ultimate guide to fashion, food, and fun celebrating summer's hottest movie

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Jul 18, 2023 | 3:10 pm

    Houston fans are gearing up live out their Barbie and Ken goals in anticipation of this year's biggest blockbusters.

    As we know, Houstonians love a good themed event and plenty Barbie-fied action awaits. Look for pink food and drink specials just about everywhere. Fans can get cupcakes, cocktails, and even Barbie-themed gelato throughout the month.

    Of course, Barbie and Ken wannabes can expect fun Barbie-themed events going on across the city. And no Barbiecore happening would be complete without those hot pink looks (we were the first in town to showcase those last year). Get ready for weeks of pink-filled fun, as we've curated the ultimate list of Barbie-approved events, fashion finds, and food/drink options in Houston.

    Barbie eats and drinks

    8th Wonder Brewery

    Mattel meets Montrose at 8th Wonder Brewery. The EaDo brewery features their Montrosé, a rosé style sour perfect for Barbie fans and moviegoers. This limited-release brew can be found in a pink can at select retailers, some HEBs, and 8th Wonder. The beer is tart, bright, and elegant - a perfect pairing for triple-digit heat.

    Axelrad

    Axelrad is the Midtown dream bar for Barbie enthusiasts. Those planning to see the summer blockbuster can stop into Axelrad between July 21 and August 4 for the Barbie Girl, a vodka-based cocktail featuring passion fruit, watermelon, and lemon.

    Brasserie 19

    Brasserie 19 is celebrating the release of Barbie the movie with an extra pink Sunday Funday. Food and cocktail specials will include pink Berry Madeleines with a White Chocolate Sabayon, a Barbie Cosmopolitan and Beyond The Pink cocktail.

    Citizens of Montrose

    The brand-new Australian café has the ultimate dish in honor of the film. The "Margot Robbie (Barbie bowl)" consists of dragonfruit, orange, lemon, and agave, topped with apple, strawberry, pineapple, coconut, and bee pollen. It is a hot pink color and surely something Barbie (or Margot Robbie) would enjoy. The actress is from Australia, adding another great touch to the Aussie café. Pair it with a Velvet Latte for the perfect pink pairing.

    Crave

    Cupcake lovers can indulge in the new, never-been-done-before cupcake flavor: a soft, yellow birthday cake cupcake topped with a buttery, sweet strawberry frosting and decked out with pink and yellow sprinkles - from July 10 through July 30. In addition to the special cupcake, Crave will also have a limited edition Malibu Dream Chiller - an ice-blended strawberry frosting drink topped with whipped cream and pinktastic sprinkles.

    Le Jardinier at MFAH

    The Bastion Collection's Le Jardinier at MFAH has introduced a bright pink seasonal dessert that is part of the new summer Seasonal Expression menu. Crafted by Pastry Chef Tiffani Ann Gkaris under the leadership of Michelin-starred Chef Salvatore Martone, the fresh delight includes Strawberry Mousse, Crème de Citron, and Mint Gelee. Like all of the selections on Le Jardinier's menu, this beautiful presentation not only pleases the eye but also the palate.

    Kirby Ice House

    Let's toast to a summer filled with pink-tinted memories at Kirby Ice House, Houston's go-to bar for refreshing libations. Grab your girl gang and swing by to sip on the Kirby Skinny Frose, a drink that perfectly complements the launch of the iconic Barbie movie. Guests can take advantage of the specials on Wednesday at the Kirby Ice House in Memorial or Thursday at the Upper Kirby location, when this Barbie-themed drink will be only $4.

    Mandito's Tex-Mex

    Celebrate the release of the new Barbie movie with Mandito's delicious pink cocktails. For the perfect light pink refresher, check out their Mexico City Gin and Tonic. For those craving something more classic, try their Paloma. Looking for something even more Barbie-themed? Try the perfectly pink Hibiscus Paloma with a hibiscus salt rim.

    Marmo

    The ultimate way to live like Barbie is with a pink cocktail. Try Marmo's handcrafted hot pink cocktail, the Sprezzatura featuring Reyka vodka, Campari, pineapple, raspberry, and a splash of prosecco.

    Monkeys Tail

    Known for its fun and cocktails, the summer cocktail that stands out in Barbie's world: the Basil Sandia Gimlet. Gin, rum, watermelon juice, lime, simple syrup, and basil make this the most refreshing drink for summer.

    Ojo de Agua

    Get dolled up before seeing the blockbuster hit in theaters, and stop by Ojo de Agua for the perfect accessory: a bright, fuchsia-colored cocktail. In the posh River Oaks District, Ojo de Agua serves a Dragon Fruit Margarita made with rosé, dragon fruit, and lime. After a cocktail, walk to ROD's iPIC theater to see Barbie on the big screen.

    The Waffle Bus

    The Waffle Bus is blending its trademark sweetness with a Barbie twist. Available at both brick-and-mortar locations (Heights and Montrose) on July 21 only, the Think Pink Waffle (freshly baked waffle, sweet cream, caramel, fresh strawberries, strawberry pink whipped cream, topped with pink sugar crystals) is the perfect treat to celebrate the premiere of summer's hottest movie.

    Barbie-themed events

    Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown

    Hop in and ride to the world's first two-screen rooftop movie theater. Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown is excited to announce the screening of Greta Gerwig's highly anticipated Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

    Tickets are available July 20 through August 9 and include a special new ticket type with a Barbie-inspired pink hard seltzer.

    Outschool

    Known for its wide range of fun classes, Outschool brings Barbie fun to kids this summer. They have live, online class options for kids to explore, including Barbie Fashion Design, Barbie Story Time and Show & Tell, Barbie Makeup play time, and more.

    Barbiecore fashion

    Let's get down to what matters: Barbie-approved fashion. We have curated a list of fashionable items in the icon's signature pink pallet for those throwing a Barbie Dream House fete, heading to the movie premiere, or just rockin' the Barbiecore vibe. After all, in a world where you can be anything, why not be someone dressed in utter pink perfection?

    Fossil

    The limited edition Fossil x Barbie collab is for those who like bling. The double-wrap leather strap is decked out with nostalgia charms that will deliver a dose of Barbie into every outfit. Available at Nordstrom and Fossil.

    Glitz and glam on your wrist in this double wrap watch from Fossil. Photo by Fossil

    Hemline

    Trade in the comfy tennis shoes for these cute pink heels from Hemline Woodway. Dress them up for a Malibu Dream House party or just about any occasion.

    Dress up or down in these versatile Mylo heels from Hemline Woodway. Photo by Mylo

    Jentry Kelley

    Move over, Ken; Barbie is taking the wheel. Houston makeup maven Jentry Kelley relaunched one of her signature colors, Barbie Car, just before the movie premiere. The sheer lip gloss is ultra-flattering on almost anyone, with a subtle hint of pink.

    Jentry Kelley relaunched lip gloss Barbie Car just in time for the movie premiere. Photo by Jentry Kelley

    Kendra Scott

    Inspired by positivity, individuality, and inclusion, the latest collaborative Barbie x Kendra Scott collection features several classic Kendra Scott silhouettes in classic Barbie hot pink colors. The capsule collection includes three necklaces, two bracelets, and four earrings.

    Like last year's collection, Scott is working with the Barbie Dream Gap Project, a global initiative that supports Girls Inc.'s mission to empower a new generation of leaders. For every Barbie x Kendra Scott Emilie Stud Earrings purchase, Kendra Scott is donating 20 percent of the purchase price to the Barbie Dream Gap Project.

    For every Barbie x Kendra Scott Emilie Stud Earrings purchase, Kendra Scott is donating 20 percent of the purchase price to the Barbie Dream Gap Project.Photo by Kendra Scott

    Lele Sadoughi

    Made to perfectly accentuate the eponymous brand's earrings, headbands, and sunglass chains, these heart-shaped beauties look good and ensure UVA/UVB protection. Let's go, Barbie.

    Pink accessories? Yes! Especially these heart glasses by Lele Sadoughi. Photo by Lele Sadoughi

    Love Shack Fancy

    The brand's signature Natasha Dress returns in 100% polka dot dobby cotton. This easy frock features double-ruffled flutter sleeves, front and back ruffles, and an elastic waist. Intricate custom lace panels are inset and trim the skirt's flounces.

    LSF never disappoints with their signature ruffles. Photo by LoveShackFancy

    Milano Nail Spa

    The newest location of Milano Nail Spa in the Galleria at 5000 Westheimer Road, Suite 610, invites fans to immerse themselves in a Barbie world! The talented technicians have you covered, from the vibrant colors inspired by the film to glitters to any design you wish. Taking the festivities to new heights, Milano Nail Spa – Galleria exclusively carries the OPI x Barbie Collection. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail while getting pampered like Barbie.

    Milano Nail Spa is offering the ultimate in Barbie-tastic nail colors. Photo by Duc Hoang

    Nordstrom

    Recreate Barbie magic or turn every head in the room in the Andy Sequin Strapless Jumpsuit by Dress the Population. Accentuating all the right curves, it features a sweetheart neckline and wide legs.

    This jumpsuit is everything Barbie would love and more. Photo by Dress the Population

    YSL

    A bright pop of color and luxury are Barbie-approved closet staples. YSL doesn't disappoint with a classic silhouette and a fun color. Available at YSL or Saks Fifth Avenue.

    Add a luxe vibe to any outfit with this YSL bag. Photo by YSL

    Barbie movie Ken Barbie car

    Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

    It's time to roll out like Barbie and Ken, Houston.

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    Movie Review

    Offbeat drama Pillion features command performance by Alexander Skarsgård

    Alex Bentley
    Feb 20, 2026 | 4:30 pm
    Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling in Pillion
    Photo courtesy of A24
    Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling in Pillion.

    Describing the new movie Pillion is almost an act of futility. It contains a variety of seemingly disparate parts that coalesce into a whole to make it utterly fascinating. Few other recent films have been able to walk the line between filthy and wholesome in quite the way this one does, and that’s only because few other filmmakers would actually dare to try.

    It centers on Colin (Harry Melling), a meek man in his mid-thirties who still lives at home with his parents, Pete (Douglas Hodge) and Peggy (Lesley Sharp), while working a dead-end job giving out parking tickets. While performing in a barbershop quartet at his local pub, Colin catches the eye of biker Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), who summons him for a clandestine hook-up the following day (which just so happens to be Christmas Day).

    With barely a word exchanged between them, Ray establishes a dominance over Colin that quickly leads to them starting a relationship in which Colin does anything Ray asks. And that means more than just sex: Colin, whether desperate for any kind of affection or unlocking a side of himself he hadn’t known, readily agrees to cook, clean, shop, and basically do whatever else Ray wants him to do.

    Written and directed by first-time feature filmmaker Harry Lighton, the film is astonishing in the way it’s able to mine humor from Colin and Ray’s atypical bond. To call Ray “unfeeling” might not be totally accurate, but the way he treats Colin borders on cruel. However, the way Lighton structures the film, it’s easy to understand why someone like Colin would be willing to go along with the situation. It’s both hilarious and heartbreaking to see Colin debase himself in a variety of ways.

    On the flip side is Colin’s heartfelt arc with his parents. It’s established right away that Peggy, who is sick with cancer, is a bit too involved with Colin’s love life, with the opening scene featuring her setting him up on a blind date. But their easy acceptance of his queerness and desire to see him find love is as heartwarming as it gets. The juxtaposition between the wholesomeness of their family and Colin’s new life is also the source of a good amount of comedy.

    Lighton does not shy away from the sexual side of Colin and Ray’s relationship, and the scenes he depicts are as graphic as you are likely to see in an R-rated film. Some go up to and a little past what might be expected in a mainstream movie (including the use of a certain fake appendage). Other times they play out in a comical way to illustrate just how far Colin has progressed from the person he was when the film started.

    Skarsgård, who stole the show in the Charli XCX movie The Moment, is the attraction in more ways than one in this film. The part calls for someone who’s not only impossibly handsome, but also a person who can stop dissent with just a glance, and he lives up to both qualities equally well. Melling, best known for playing Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter movies, also embodies his role perfectly. He plays Colin as weak enough to be run roughshod over by Ray, but not so hopeless as to not be worth rooting for.

    Pillion (which is the name of the secondary seat on a motorcycle on which Colin rides multiple times in the film) operates at a storytelling level that is difficult to achieve. Many people will not fully understand the film’s central relationship, but the way it is showcased by Lighton makes it compelling, gut-wrenching, and sexy.

    ---

    Pillion is now playing in theaters.

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