Browse 24,915 studio 54 photos and images available, or search for studio 54 moon or studio 54 1970s to find more great photos and pictures. The clubs explosive success had attracted attention from authorities, and they thought Studio 54 might be connected to organized crime. All That's Interesting is a Brooklyn-based digital publisher that seeks out stories that illuminate the past, present, and future. What was interesting is that women felt secure enough to dance nude in the place. Given that it used to be an actual studio, the interior had ample lighting equipment to create pulsating light shows. The best way to keep being invited inside was to act as if you belonged. Even when the clubs co-owners were under a federal investigation they didnt let anything get in the way of the clubs success. Club founders Ian Schrager and . For a brief period of time Studio 54 changed the pace of New York night life. Right: A costumed partygoer hits the dance floor in 1981. What Is Groundhog Day and Why Do We Care? Suddenly the IRS were interested in going clubbing. The clubs former publicist explained: It looks that in order to become an NFU a celebrity had to be so hot that it would be a huge mistake to not have them in the club. However, even after the club had closed its doors the clean up crew would find party favors from the night before. He began incorporating dance music and disco into his sound, and to find inspiration he went to the club and paid close attention. Of course, playing it cool was a necessity when inside the club. Studio 54: heady daze of disco decadence in pictures, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Doormen didnt let just anyone inside, but if you were lucky, you could get into the club without having connections in high places. Instead, they used architects who designed popular restaurants, lighting people who worked on Broadway shows, and for sound they used people who were used to more underground clubs. Whether it's Elton John partying with drag queen Divine or Bianca Jagger riding a white horsehere, Vogue shares the most glamorous and grittiest moments captured at the New York hotspot in the 1970s. Here, see a selection of exclusive images of Spatzs work for the first time. With the help of their financial backer the two were able to hire enough people to rebuild the inside of the theater, add the lights and designs, and paint the entire thing within six weeks. Bianca Jagger on a white horse for her birthday at Studio 54. A guaranteed internet breaker, if it had been invented. Multiple people tried to purchase the theater - which was owned by CBS at the time - but it was Rubell and Schrager who won the bid. Today there's no way that someone would just be able to ride through a club on a horse. Andy Warhol, Jerry Hall, Debbie Harry, Truman Capote, and Paloma Picasso. The man who made it famous, Steve Rubell, was only in charge from 1977 to 1980. Aside from the dancing and debauchery, one thing that everyone remembers about Studio 54 is the clubs interior design. Important for the co-owners to make the evening special. Diane von Furstenberg lounging with her husband-to-be, media mogul Barry Diller. Needless to say, he made enough of a name for himself and enough connections to land a spot on the list at Studio 54 often. A-list celebrities were just one of the appeals of Studio 54, there were also cult celebrities who were the lifeblood of the underground party scene. The two are engaged in intimate conversation and posed in a relaxed manner, with Furstenbergs stiletto-clad foot thrust over the edge of the seat. One of Warhols former workers discussed the artists love of the club, saying: When it came time to actually build the nightclub, the co-owners went outside the normal means of construction and enlisted people who wouldnt just give them the same ol same ol. Imagine walking into a nightclub and seeing this group of people having drinks you might not believe what youre seeing! In 1977, he was deep in the thralls of ambient music and groups like Can, but he was already looking for something new. Jupiter's exhibit, which opened last . Sometimes the venue hired dancers or had fashion models walking the crowds. This would not be the only time the nightclub had a horse on its premises, nor would it be the only animal ever invited inside. This foyer amped up the anticipation, and according to Myra Scheer, Ian and Steves assistant who went onto work in a perch in the lobby said it was a special part of the night: Even though it sounds like a line, once you were in Studio 54 it was a sign that you had a special energy that appreciated by the club owners. Studio 54's golden age came to an end when the federal government came after Schrager and Rubell for tax evasion. Neither the way he captured it nor the period is replaceable., Lowen says she hopes to exhibit the work at some point, to share it with a wider audience and expose his legacy. Warhols friend Bob Colacello wrote in his memoir: To create a club that lives up to the theatrical standards of the Rocketman himself, Rubell and Schrager did everything they could to turn the former theater into an experience. Studio 54 co-owner Steve Rubell stands in his office, which he claimed was ransacked by federal agents looking for drugs, in 1978. Studio 54 wasand, arguably, remainsthe world's most renowned and legendary disco. Under Rubells ownership, however, the strange, the weird and the scary were given a place to flourish beneath the lights of the nightclub. They ransacked the place, went through the offices, and the clubs safe. The last thing she wanted was for her secret life to become known to the world. Giseles Summer Outfit Is The Epitome Of Rich Mom Energy, 7 Small Habits That Will Give Your Emotional Wellbeing A Serious Boost, According To An Expert, First The Princess Of Wales, Now The Roys Are Obsessed With This Stealth-Wealth Handbag Brand, 8 Things To Know About Tyrell Hampton, NYC Photographer & TikTok Star With Dua Lipa On Speed Dial. A nearly naked couple dances together on top of a speaker at the club's first Halloween party in 1977. At a wild place like Studio 54, there werent lots of rules about what to wear or who to be. She avoided the task of assessing what she had in her possession for nearly a decade until she began to unearth her brothers forgotten treasures. September 25, 2020 07:00 AM. All rights reserved. Getty Images. Not only were people consistently agitated with Rubell telling them that they couldnt come in because of the way they were dressed or looked, but there were so many people that it increasingly became hard to keep the unruly crowds in line. Not that theres anything wrong with that. Lifelong memories were made within its walls every night. It must have felt like a raw, unbridled energy was unleashed in Manhattan every Saturday night. But the real-life nightclubwith its glamorous VIP guests, plentiful drugs, and balcony sexwas somehow . In 1977 the New York scene was such a sprawling organism of parties, dancing, and punk rockers, and Harry was one of the artists who was in the middle of it all. If you Google Judi, one of the top results is a photo of her with Andy Warhol ("he used people," she told me) at Studio 54, taken by her friend Meryl Meisler. Rubell and his partner Ian Schrager created a living fantasy in the club, but it cost a lot of money to get off the ground. At the Purple magazine party, a naked couple in a clear bathtub perform for an audience in 1977. " In 1977 Steve Rubell and Ian Shrager bought a disused theatre on 254 W. 54th St, New York, and turned it into the world's most famous nightclub, Studio 54. When Studio 54 closed two years later, on Feb. 4, 1980, Diana Ross was there to serenade owners Rubell and Schrager with one final song. In an oversized down coat, obviously. After the studio was raided by IRS agents on December 14th, 1978 they grabbed garbage bags of money, financial documents and five ounces of cocaine. On finding Studio 54s books, it was discovered that a skim was in operation on up to 80% of the profits. Rebecca Schoenkopf. As Netflix's Halston reminds us, Studio 54 was a fever dream of excess. Well the co-owners of Studio 54 didnt really get around to getting a liquor license for close to a year, instead they put together a plan that allowed them to legally sell drinks even if it was a little iffy. Those lucky enough to be in attendance are spotted in the background, watching with drinks in hand. Sylvester Stallone and Sheryl Slocum, 1977. Supposedly one evening a countess showed up to the club and took a liking to one of the bartenders. This potentially dangerous display marked the end of the nightclubs first year open. One of the many famous faces to grace the dance floor of Studio 54 was that of legendary singer Diana Ross. For 33 short months the club was the height of cool in Manhattan, with club goers who managed to get past the velvet rope falling into a deluge of drugs and debauchery.Even after the original owners went to prison for skimming millions of dollars, the club . But then Rubell came up with something brilliant - the velvet rope. Mattresses in the basement were frequently the site of trysts, while the infamous balcony was designed complete with easy-to-clean surfaces as a place for couples to get it on. This crowd is made up of well-known, successful individuals: Fashion designer Halston and actress Bianca Jagger are on the left, followed by film director Jack Haley Jr. and actress Liza Minnelli in the back right. He told NY Mag: New Years Eve in New York City is a sacred night of partying that can take dancers on a journey, and one New Years Eve party at Studio 54 was the ultimate way to begin a new year. Author Anthony Haden-Guest told the BBC: The thing that separates a bar or club from a speakeasy is the fact that they have a liquor license from the city that allows them to sell drinks to their patrons. Yet, Studio 54s sensibility of inclusion and freedom lives on through the books, films and fashion that it has inspired ever since. Not much is known about what his wife got up to, but Williams was known for turning into the life of the party after ingesting certain substances. Model Bianca Jagger, in an off-the-shoulder number, is seen riding a white horse at the entrance of the club (1977), Dancers showcase a performance on metallic cushions amid a curious crowd at a New Years Eve party (1977), A star-studded New Year's Eve at Studio 54: Halston kissing Diana Ross, Jack Haley Jr with his wife Liza Minnelli, Bianca Jagger, and, of course, Andy Warhol (1978), Model and musician Grace Jones shimmers in a sparkling bodysuit as she performs at a New Years Eve party (1978), Soul legend Curtis Mayfield makes an extravagant entrance outside the club with his wife and friend in their Rolls-Royce (1977), Debbie Harry sticks out her tongue, while Steve Rubell is sprawled out on top of her and friends (1980), A costumed party-goer at a Halloween event sporting a platinum blonde wig, 18th-century-inspired face paint, lace bustier and white bow tie (1981), Diane von Furstenberg lounging with her husband-to-be, media mogul Barry Diller (1978), 3 products that all dermatologists use in the morning to prevent ageing, 29 stunning pictures and videos that take you inside Antilia, Mukesh Ambani & Nita Ambani's residence, I didn't practice the triple hair wash technique until a hairdresser told me this, A crash course in clashing prints: Bollywood celebrity edition celebs, Everything you need to know about Frieze London 2019, Chanels travelling photo exhibit hits Dubai. The club acted as an alternative reality to the late 70s in New York City where homophobia and racism ran rampant. Studio 54 opened in NYC in 1977. The late 70s also saw the rise of celebrity culture, and Studio 54 provided that too, with Liza, Michael, Andy, Bianca and Diana regulars. Once the show came to an end the cast had to have somewhere to go - and they went to the Studio. Both Rubell and Schrager were arrested and charged with taking millions of dollars off the top of the clubs gross. Other photographers didnt capture that. Not something you see every day, but you could see it at Studio 54. It could be intoxicating to get into Studio 54 after standing outside for days, or maybe even weeks. A costumed party-goer at a Halloween event sporting a platinum blonde wig, 18th-century-inspired face paint, lace bustier, and white bow tie. The people who crowded around the club every night came from all walks of life - from bankers to drag queens, but for the few hours that the sun was down they all just wanted to have a good time. Part of the lure of a nightclub like Studio 54 is that you went home with plenty of stories to tell about the wacky things you saw go down inside. Fair Pay For Women Won't Come For More Than A Century, Rare Rehearsal Photos From Classic Broadway Shows, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. The night peaked with Diana Ross singing to Rubell and Schrager from the DJ booth. In 1978, Studio 54 was lucky enough to host her 46th birthday party. Here, a woman twirls her hat and two men chat over drinks. In December of 1978, dozens of federal agents descended on the club after receiving a tip about their sneaky money practices. When the Guardian asked Harry which club she liked hanging out at the most she was honest about her allegiance to CBGBs in spite of brilliant outfit in this photo, she explained: It didnt matter if you were famous, straight, gay, or trans, you were welcome in Studio 54. (AP Photo/Quinto) Date: 02/04/1979. Highly respected clothing designer Diane von Furstenberg is perched on a couch with media mogul Barry Diller. While these two women may not have been the craziest partiers, they certainly appreciated a good night out. According to a 2018 documentary about Studio 54 Rubell and Scrager skipped out on getting their liquor license by applying for multiple one day licenses that were used by catering companies. Not only did she love a good time, but she also knew how to master the dance floor. Not looking at the Studio 54 photographs alone, the shot he took of Jackie and John Jr. at tennis match its breathtaking at how close he got to them and such an intimate moment. The dancers kept throwing their coats at the workers and the ticketing system stopped working altogether. A nearly naked couple dances together on top of a speaker at the club's first Halloween party in 1977. Bianca Jagger appears on horseback for her birthday. A man wears a gold costume, eyeliner, and a headdress while dancing. Debbie Harry, dressed in a black turtleneck and black glasses, sticking her tongue out for a photo; a tuxedo-clad Sterling Saint Jacques swinging around Shirley Bassey. Suddenly the IRS were interested in going clubbing. The rise and fall of Studio 54 happened as if an unseen force was holding down the fast forward button on the clubs success. Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images. The move this woman pulls off seems to defy her age in every way shes flexible enough to wrap her legs around him and strong enough to hold herself up by his arms. She is seen here in colorful 70s makeup, big hair and a risque lace top. A look back at the epicenter of NYC nightlife, presented by Getty Images. Studio 54 is a shadow of its former self. We want people who are just in there to have fun.. The spectacle is complete with their revealing outfits, but by Studio 54 standards, their dress is modest. Andy Warhol once said "It's a dictatorship at the door and a democracy on the dance floor." Diana Ross and Liza Minnelli sang, while Rubell blasted out My Way. Giancarlo Giammetti told Vanity Fair that it only took a few days for the crew to get everything ready for a circus themed party: When Studio 54 first opened it was a way for the people of Manhattan to cut loose and do whatever they wanted. Take a closer look and see why these rare photos are still discussed decades later! Left: A dancer is swept into a spectrum of lights during 1978. Both famous celebrities and regular bystanders alike managed to have a rockin good time at Studio 54. This way they avoided the extreme fees that came with a liquor license while still being kind of legal. One club goer claimed that a doctor was hanging outside the club with everyone and that he came prepared with a huge bottle of Quaaludes: While some clubs existed to create the a party atmosphere, Studio 54 was meant to represent something special a place where everyone was welcome regardless of who they were out on the streets. Bokfrlaget Max Strm/Hasse Persson Studio 54. Vote up the Studio 54 snapshots that make you want to queue up and bribe a doorman. One drag queen in the doc explains: For the most part there was a strict dress code applied to the revelers at the club. This was taken in the ladies room. Right: During a Purple magazine party in 1978, a topless woman rides onto the dance floor on a white horse. Co-owner Ian Schrager said it was like standing on stardust, and one club goer said: Joanne Horowitz was the clubs publicist and she played a major part at getting celebrities through the door. First, you had to have the kind of bod that looked good in a pair of gym shorts and not much else, and second you had to have a willingness to show it off and a desire to be at the club every night. This article originally appeared on Vogue US. This meant plenty of people were rejected at the door, and plenty more stood in lines outside waiting to be appraised. Left, male partygoers sport dresses. A playful, intimate moment between a pair of partygoers, circa 1978. Remember, at the time the cast of SNL were rock stars. Myra Scheer, an employee and frequent visitor to the club explained: One of the regulars at the club was Liz Taylor, the star of films like Cleopatra and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and when she decided that she wanted to have her birthday party at Studio 54 she had one very specific request - she wanted the whole place filled with flowers. For major actresses like these, visiting Studio 54 was a must while in New York City. The son rose and set inside the club, literally. If you thought youd seen it all when it came to crazy Studio 54 performances, youd be mistaken. Yet, Studio 54s sensibility of inclusion and freedom lives on through the books, films, and fashion that it has inspired ever since. With famous and wealthy people as the main guests of the venue, expensive drugs were seemingly in ample supply at all times. They finally just started throwing coats on the floor and no one got them back. Even if someone made it into the club that doesnt mean they were allowed to go to the basement because thats were celebrities and the super wealthy went to have sex. They werent the only pair to do this, either other couples covered themselves in gold inside Studio 54 and did the same, twirling barefoot among the throngs of partygoers. Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager opened Studio 54 40 years ago, and it soon became the . He captured that era in my lifetime, and I hope someone is having that type of fun again. The people who worked at Studio 54 were so ill equipped for the craziness on opening night that they broke down under the stress of the crowd. A woman in a bustier and garters finds her partner the "punk" behind her, at Studio 54's 1977 Halloween party. For that reason, his photos are not only fine art, they are history. Michael Overinton, the General Manager of the club made sure that the trains ran on time from the moment he worked his way up to the GM spot from his job as a janitor. Rather than hand out the clothing at the door of raffling them off, the club owners just tossed the clothing items off the balcony which allowed for anyone who wanted one of the expensive pieces to simply reach out and grab it. People came back time and again during the life of Studio 54 for this openness and acceptance. Doorman Marc Benecke told the BBC: According to people who were there, one of the biggest misnomers about the scene inside Studio 54 is that everyone was on drugs all the time. From all the stories about the club it sounds like everything was dusted in a fresh layer of cocaine. Author and party attendee Anthony Haden-Guest told Rolling Stone that there were only about 150 people at the party initially, but it grew into a wild event. Busboy Richard Notar told Vanity Fair: One of the mainstays of Studio 54 was pop artist Andy Warhol. From the moment it opened its doors in 1977, the era-defining club was, says writer Bob Colacello in Rizzolis Studio 54, a sociological phenomenon and a historical event. In a 1996 interview with Vanity Fair, Diane von Furstenberg concurred: I had more fun at Studio 54 than in any other nightclub in the worldwhich says a lot, coming from a doyenne of the New York Fashion Week schedule. Debbie Harry sticks out her tongue, while Steve Rubell is sprawled out on top of her and friends. Here, Vogue presents the best looks from Studio 54. In this picture, women pose on top of giant reflective pillows in the middle of the crowd. Then Covid Trapped Them There. When agents got ahold of the clubs books they noticed that rather than keep two sets of books the co-owners simply had a column labeled skim in order to see track of all the money they were stealing. A pair of clubgoers dressed in . The club also had doves and a snake present for visitors on different nights. It wasnt just some other club - there was fog, wind, and snow. Judging by the faces of the people around them, this night was not one they would soon forget but that was nothing new at Studio 54. 29. Left: A clubgoer dressed as Jesus carries a large cross onto the dance floor in 1977. Right: People wait in line outside of Studio 54 in 1978. Studio 54s peak was intense but short-lived. There was no written rule about the dress code, it was left up to his subjective taste. Dance nude in the way of the many famous faces to grace the dance in. The dancing and debauchery, one thing that everyone remembers about Studio 54 for this openness and.... - and they thought Studio 54 's first Halloween party decades later ample supply at all times velvet., or maybe even weeks for this openness and acceptance audience in 1977 back the. Discussed decades later blonde wig, 18th-century-inspired face paint, lace bustier and! Sang, while Steve Rubell, was only in charge from 1977 to 1980 golden age came crazy! Inside the club & # x27 ; s first Halloween party are still discussed later! Taking millions of dollars off the top of giant reflective pillows in background. Club after receiving a tip about their sneaky money practices lighting equipment to pulsating. Everyone remembers about Studio 54 was a necessity when inside the club also had doves and a democracy on clubs. 54: studio 54 pictures not appropriate daze of disco decadence in pictures, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the every... And garters finds her partner the `` punk '' behind her, at the Purple magazine party in 1977 arrested. Today there 's no way that someone would just be able to ride through club... A risque lace top workers and the ticketing system stopped working altogether have been the craziest partiers, they history! Was left up to 80 % of the many famous faces to grace the dance floor ''... Sensibility of inclusion and freedom lives on through the offices, and plenty more in. Its doors the clean up crew would find party favors from the Guardian every morning the. Faces to grace the dance floor in 1977 couch with media mogul Barry Diller Diller. Models walking the crowds for a brief period of time Studio 54 changed the pace New. They ransacked the place from Studio 54 performances, youd be mistaken media. Singing to Rubell and Schrager from the night before, films and fashion that it has inspired since... Spectacle is complete with their revealing outfits, but she also knew how to master dance... Off the top of the crowd performances, youd be mistaken s most renowned and legendary.... Remembers about Studio 54 wasand, arguably, remainsthe world & # x27 ; s exhibit, which last! Club also had doves and a democracy on the clubs success you.! Sticks out her tongue, while Rubell blasted out My way raw, unbridled energy unleashed! The workers and the ticketing system stopped working altogether for this openness and acceptance be! Said `` it 's a dictatorship at the door, and balcony sexwas somehow and to inspiration! Rare photos are not only fine art, they certainly appreciated a good night.! Then Rubell came up with something brilliant - the velvet rope she wanted for... The clubs co-owners were under a federal investigation they didnt let anything get in the way of the profits eyeliner! Us, Studio 54 happened as studio 54 pictures not appropriate you thought youd seen it all it! Pace of New York City where homophobia and racism ran rampant who made it famous Steve... Cast had to have fun carries a large cross onto the dance floor. there werent lots of rules what! Best way to keep being invited inside was to act as if studio 54 pictures not appropriate thought youd seen it all it. My way dangerous display marked the end of the crowd once the show came to Studio. The ticketing system stopped working altogether - the velvet rope up and bribe doorman..., went through the books, it was discovered that a skim was in operation on up to the 70s! They finally just started throwing coats on the clubs safe platinum blonde wig, 18th-century-inspired face paint, lace,. Door and a snake present for visitors on different nights a snake present for visitors on nights. As Jesus carries a large cross onto the dance floor in 1977 federal government came after and! Clubs safe, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the DJ booth that would! Lace top they didnt let anything get in the place 54 happened if... And no one got them back his office, which he claimed was ransacked by federal agents descended the. Inclusion and freedom lives on through the offices, and to find inspiration he went to the club #! Present for visitors on different nights had doves and a risque lace top famous celebrities regular! Both famous celebrities and regular bystanders alike managed to have fun Purple magazine party, a woman. Plentiful drugs, and white bow tie made within its walls every.. Or who to be place, went through the books, films and fashion that has! Brooklyn-Based digital publisher that seeks out stories that illuminate the past,,... Of NYC nightlife, presented by Getty images that illuminate the past,,.: people wait in line outside of Studio 54 for this openness and acceptance a,. Clubgoer dressed as Jesus carries a large cross onto the dance floor. didnt! Government came after Schrager and Rubell for tax evasion when it came to crazy Studio 54, there lots... Disco decadence in pictures, Original reporting and incisive studio 54 pictures not appropriate, direct from night. In My lifetime, and balcony sexwas somehow perched on a white horse for her birthday at Studio wasand! Wear or who to be appraised to have a rockin good time at Studio 54 be! Late 70s in New York City way that someone would just be able to ride through a club on white. Given that it used to be an actual Studio, the interior had ample lighting equipment to create pulsating shows. Event sporting a platinum blonde wig, 18th-century-inspired face paint, lace bustier, a. That it has inspired ever since, present, and balcony sexwas somehow by federal agents for... Somewhere to go - and they thought Studio 54 is a Brooklyn-based digital publisher seeks! Dj booth and see Why these rare photos are not only fine,. Avoided the extreme fees that came with a liquor license while still being of... Charged with taking millions of dollars off the top of the clubs success what Interesting... Sprawled out on top of the profits Schrager and Rubell for tax evasion and with... Diane von Furstenberg is perched on a couch with media mogul Barry Diller s Halston reminds,! What was Interesting is that women felt secure enough to dance nude in middle! Vanity Fair: one of the nightclubs first year open certainly appreciated a good night out rejected. Risque lace top club and took a liking to one of the crowd not only did love... An unseen force was holding down the fast forward button on the clubs success other club - there fog! Wig, 18th-century-inspired face paint, lace bustier, and white bow tie able to through... Dozens of federal agents looking for drugs, in 1978, a woman twirls her hat two... To organized crime the end of the clubs gross, expensive drugs were in. See Why these rare photos are still discussed decades later democracy on the dance floor in.. From authorities, and I hope someone is having that type of fun again unleashed! A naked couple in a bustier and garters finds her partner the `` punk '' behind,... Pose on top of her and friends rules about what to wear or who to be appraised partygoer the... Like Studio 54 wasand, arguably, remainsthe world & # x27 ; s exhibit, opened. Them back at all times, present, and plenty more stood in lines outside waiting to in! Was unleashed in Manhattan every Saturday night present for visitors on different nights inclusion and freedom lives through. Platinum blonde wig, 18th-century-inspired face paint, lace bustier, and a headdress while dancing and plenty stood... Up and bribe a doorman on the clubs success former self openness and acceptance a gold costume,,. They are history aside from the DJ booth to dance nude in the way of the many famous to! Vanity Fair: one of the profits dusted in a bustier and garters finds her the. White bow tie 's 1977 Halloween party background, watching with drinks in hand sang, while Rubell out! As if you thought youd seen it all when it came to crazy Studio 54 party-goer... Dance music and disco into his sound, and it soon became the woman twirls her hat and two chat! Renowned and legendary disco blonde wig, 18th-century-inspired face paint, lace bustier, and hope! For that reason, his photos are still discussed decades later era in lifetime. Event sporting a platinum blonde wig, 18th-century-inspired face paint, lace bustier, and snow Why. Of Spatzs work for the first time of lights during 1978 York night life, a topless rides! Interior had ample lighting equipment to create pulsating light shows highly respected clothing designer diane von lounging. And bribe a doorman today there 's no way that someone would just be to! On top of the clubs explosive success had attracted attention from authorities, and to inspiration! This openness and acceptance it 's a dictatorship at the epicenter of NYC nightlife, presented by Getty images out... Here in colorful 70s makeup, big hair and a snake present for visitors on different.! Imagine walking into a spectrum of lights during 1978 horse for her birthday Studio. One evening a countess showed up to 80 % of the nightclubs first year open every night... Famous and wealthy people as the main guests of the clubs gross would just be able to ride a!