Prolonged war and a stagnant economy gave way to a massive national hangover in the 1970s. Margaret Trudeau was the wife of the Canadian Prime Minister at the time, and she loved to let loose. People partook in various questionable substances, and in this photo, theyre inhaling laughing gas in the middle of the dance floor. 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. 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. And, who can forget the iconic image of Bianca Jagger riding a white horse through the clubs entrance? All That's Interesting is a Brooklyn-based digital publisher that seeks out stories that illuminate the past, present, and future. 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. 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. Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager opened the legendary club in 1977, and while it only lasted under their management for three years, it quickly cemented itself as the quintessential enclave for celebrities, fashionable disco-lovers, and their favorite illicit activities. The nightclub threw an annual Halloween party and expected guests to wear the most shocking, over-the-top costumes that you could think of. This was taken in the ladies room. He captured it fantastically the fun and wackiness, the sweetness. 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. But wait, is that a horse shes trying to pet? See these 21 photos from Studio 54 that prove it was just as iconic as everyone says. A guaranteed internet breaker, if it had been invented. While it lasted, many photographers flocked to the bacchanal to capture the celebrities and other lucky denizens as they danced and snorted and frolicked under that iconic Man in the Moon with the coke spoon sculpture. She was an actress and human rights activist who was married to Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger at the time. On finding Studio 54's books, it was discovered that a skim was in operation on up to 80% of the profits. What made Studio 54 different, however, was that drugs were practically encouraged inside. During the third annual Halloween party at Studio 54, costumed women laugh atop the shoulders of their male companions, New York, New York, October 31, 1978. You cant blame the guy for wanting to be comfortable while staying on the dance floor all night. It wasnt until he was gone, and I had brought everything home and put it in storage, that I began to open up these envelopes and discover his work.. Jupiter's exhibit, which opened last . The whole thing cost them $400,000 - thats $1,690,376.24 in 2019. Without a great costume, you werent getting in. Off the dance floor, people mingle over drinks in the lounge area during 1977. The best way to keep being invited inside was to act as if you belonged. However, its likely that the club wouldnt have made the front page of the post if it werent for Cher. Capote is the author of books like Other Voices, Other Rooms, Breakfast at Tiffanys and In Cold Blood. Right: People wait in line outside of Studio 54 in 1978. Nightlife anywhere was sure to have drugs involved were talking about the 1970s, here. Rather than show how scared they were, the $1.5 million renovation showed that the co-owners were putting on a brave face. It wasnt just some other club - there was fog, wind, and snow. Life of a party (from left): Halston, Bianca Jagger, Jack Haley Jr and wife, Liza Minnelli and Andy Warhol. He explained: In her book, Ill Never Write My Memoirs, Grace Jones explained how the coked out decadence of Studio 54 was a microcosm of the rest of the country. The photographic work of Dustin PIttman -- the focus of this feature . 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. One club goer told Vanity Fair: The opening night of the club was so crazy that it made national headlines. This photo shows a man dressed in drag with fake (and appropriately sequined) breasts on his chest. One of the many famous faces to grace the dance floor of Studio 54 was that of legendary singer Diana Ross. Despite spending only $400,000 on preparations for the nightclub, owner Rubell indicated Studio 54 made over $7 million in profits in the first year. Originally opened as an opera house in 1927, Studio 54 became a popular nightclub in 1977. Gene was able to capture how celebrity rubbed up with regular folks in the most unpretentious and remarkable way that was the wonder of Studio 54, she explains. Bianca Jagger on a white horse for her birthday at Studio 54. He and his wife Sasha Stallone are pictured here in Studio 54 in 1978. Here he is pictured alongside Liza Minnelli and Bianca Jagger at the New Years Eve party of 1977. 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. Regardless of how hot and sweaty it got in the club he wore the coat around in case he needed to hand out a party favor.. Contemporary Black Writers Whose Must-Read Works Are Shaping Todays Literary Landscape, Hello, Im Johnny Cash: Facts About the Man In Black, Wild Office Pranks That Evil Coworkers Have Pulled on Each Other, 6 Sites to Design Custom Photo Mugs for Gifts or Keepsakes, Discover the Best BT TV Packages for Your Home Entertainment Needs. Here, see a selection of exclusive images of Spatzs work for the first time. Cold hard cash, baby, even professional provocateur Andy Warhol. Studio 54 produced many star-studded photo opportunities. This was an era when the ID was in control. 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. CREATIVE. A nearly naked couple dances together on top of a speaker at the club's first Halloween party in 1977. A party was staged the night before their sentences began. At the age of 7 she regularly partied at Studio 54, opening her up to the debauchery and drugs that were available to every other guest. When he was questioned about his dress code on local New York television show he said, The only thing that its not based on is money, and that he lets in Really fun-loving. It first opened its doors on April 16th, 1977 and stayed open for a short but eventful 33 months. A nearly naked couple dances together on top of a speaker at the club's first Halloween party in 1977. In this picture, women pose on top of giant reflective pillows in the middle of the crowd. Not only was this accepted, but one of the biggest suppliers was the co-owner Steve Rubell. A look back at the epicenter of NYC nightlife, presented by Getty Images. Owners Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager transformed a former TV studio into a nightclub that hosted extravagant theme parties for the crme de la crme - which included everyone from celebrities to street corner legends. Gene had a special eye for the beauty and the fun and sometimes even the weirdness of the situations. As long as you acted like you were supposed to be there youd probably get back in the next night to party with even more celebrities. While many clubgoers enjoyed this aspect of Studio 54, it got them lots of attention from the authorities. Diana Ross and Liza Minnelli sang, while Rubell blasted out My Way. Clubgoers dance amid light towers on the dance floor at Studio 54 on May 15 . 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. Once the show came to an end the cast had to have somewhere to go - and they went to the Studio. Many of the staff of Studio 54 including Rubell died as a result of it. On finding Studio 54s books, it was discovered that a skim was in operation on up to 80% of the profits. Under the helm of owners Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell, Studio 54 became globally renowned as a cultural institution for its lavish, over-the-top spectacles and sartorial displays. In the late 1970s the easiest way to do this was to make sure the flow of free drugs never slowed down. Left, male partygoers sport dresses.Bokfrlaget Max Strm/Hasse Persson Studio 54. After Lowen uploaded digital versions of the photographs to a secure vault, POBA staff helped crop and curate the material, highlighting the value of his artistic eye. Even if you werent having sex with someone every night, you felt like you could, says former editor of Interview, Bob Colacello. What Is Groundhog Day and Why Do We Care? Grace Jones. For his 50th birthday in August 1978 Warhol received 5,000 free drink tickets and a garbage can full of $1,000 worth of brand new single dollar bills. It turns out that she wasn't really into that kind of adulation. They told Vanity Fair. One night when the club didnt have anything specific planned they used some free pieces of clothing that they were given from one of the local brands. Studio 54 is a shadow of its former self. Photographer Gene Spatz captured celebrities including John Lennon, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger at the iconic New York City 1970s nightclub. 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. Rubell was so excited by her presence on the dance floor that he invited to come any night, telling her, I like to see you here. Aside from the dancing and debauchery, one thing that everyone remembers about Studio 54 is the clubs interior design. Both famous celebrities and regular bystanders alike managed to have a rockin good time at Studio 54. Not something you see every day, but you could see it at Studio 54. 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. 22 photos that show the grit and the glamour of Studio 54, New York City's most infamous club. After those three years, the experience of partying at Studio 54 just wasnt the same. For more New York drama, be sure to check out what the city looked like in the 1970s. The two are almost unrecognizable, however, thanks to the cream thats been smeared all over their faces and clothes. Even when Claudia Cohen, a reporter from the New York Post, stopped by to check in on their progress she was shocked at how broken down everything was. There were no thoughts outside of "I want it, let's make it happen.". Thats why Sylvester Stallone decided he needed to pay a visit to the most famous disco in the United States. The late 70s also saw the rise of celebrity culture, and Studio 54 provided that too, with Liza, Michael, Andy, Bianca and Diana regulars. Cher wasnt the wildest partier on the scene, but she was known for being an independent and forward-thinking individual who didnt shy away from a good time. This photograph comes just before the release of Off the Wall, when he was still remembered most for his youthful vocals in The Jackson 5. The opening night of Studio 54 was huge mess. Schrager was released on $50,000 bond and the disco was open the next night. He saw the club as a place where people became objects rather than something flesh and blood. At the time, childish fun in a club like this couldnt be found in most other venues. It was a place of great exclusivity, but also a place where one went to be photographed. In this picture, well-known English actor Michael Caine is laughing and dancing with his wife Shakira, while partygoers frolic on behind them. 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. Relive some of Studio 54's most classic nights in the gallery above. Owner Steve Rubell is standing in his office in this photograph after, he claimed, federal police raided the area in search of drugs. The two went into the basement where she had the bartender handcuff her to a pipe for some extra naughty fun. According to the 2019 documentary about Studio 54, the co-owners singular fashion sense was less informed by the club scene and more so by function. It was more than just a club, it was a place that gave magic to a city that desperately needed it in an era when gas prices were rising and people were losing their jobs. The photos left over tell a story of a place where absolutely nothing was off limits. Then Covid Trapped Them There. Club founders Ian Schrager and . A man wears a gold costume, eyeliner, and a headdress while dancing. September 25, 2020 07:00 AM. Co-owner Ian Schrager told Variety: To work at Studio 54 a few things were required. But Nicky's love affair with the infectious dance music pre-dates Studio 54. 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. Important for the co-owners to make the evening special. Michael Jackson and Steven Tyler at a Beatlemania party. Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager opened Studio 54 40 years ago, and it soon became the epicenter of New York Citys nightlife for nearly three years. Studio 54 had an intense door rule that made it hard for people to get in regardless of who you were. Right: A pair of women get funky on the dance floor during November 1977. Supposedly while there were drugs floating around, people were mostly just getting amped on dancing and less so on piles of uppers. 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. Diana Ross, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Cher, Truman Capote and Andy Warhol were all among its regulars, but Studio 54 was more than a celebrity hotspot and beacon of New York nightlife. Schrager and Rubells time in prison coincided with the infamous Disco Sucks event in 1979, where disco records were burned at a baseball game while around 50,000 people watched. Disco influenced house music, techno and hip-hop and the performances of stars such as Madonna and Lady Gaga. With someone like Diana Ross at your venue, you wont be hurting for attendees. She told Vanity Fair: While everyone else in the club was getting blasted and dancing the night away, the people worked the lights, the DJ, and the sound people were very serious about making sure everyone had a good time. One drag queen in the doc explains: For the most part there was a strict dress code applied to the revelers at the club. He had a kind camera. I have not seen a picture that Gene took that would have embarrassed anybody even though he was with people doing very strange things.. For that reason, his photos are not only fine art, they are history. Unlike Ron Galellas work which has been exhibited and is collected as fine art after Spatz died in 2003 the archive of images was inherited by his younger sister, Amy Lowen, and packed away in filing cabinets in her Kentucky home. People at Studio 54 dance the night away during the 1978. Regularly attended by celebrities such as Andy Warhol, Elizabeth Taylor, Mick Jagger, Bianca Jagger, Jerry Hall, Debbie Harry, Grace Jones, Michael Jackson . They ransacked the place, went through the offices, and the clubs safe. The pop artist, model, Blondie lead singer, writer, and fashion designer all bonding at Studio 54. Here he is enjoying an anniversary party for Andy Warhols magazine, Interview. Studio 54 is remembered as the first non-judgmental, queer-friendly mainstream nightclub, which was not unlike an adult amusement park. Right: Clubgoers inhale nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) on the dance floor during the 1977 Halloween party. 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. She sued Warhol's estate because she said that she was made to look "dumb." According to Dustin Pittman, a photographer who was there, the sickening smell of the flowers couldnt cover the scent of all the nefarious activity that happened there throughout the years: With Studio 54 being the hottest ticket in town for 33 months there was an overwhelming amount of people who wanted to get in. Gene captured that part of history and the exuberance in a unique way. She said that she spent a large part of her day arguing over the cost of certain A-listers. Not only did she love a good time, but she also knew how to master the dance floor. Fashion designer Clovis Ruffin waits for a drink at the bar in 1980. Trudeau frequented the nightclub more than once and earned herself a bit of a reputation among partiers. Known for its raucous parties and A-list guests, the first three years of Studio 54's existence were the most exclusive and enticing and that was by design. Schrager explained: Even stars who people dont think of as party people like Barbara Streisand had to show their faces at least a couple of nights out of the month at Studio 54. If you thought youd seen it all when it came to crazy Studio 54 performances, youd be mistaken. They even put up a huge (4 feet) model of the game right over the dancing patrons. Four women in shimmery dresses sit in the club's lounge area. Shes just finished with a 1978 concert, following up a Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Performance. In 1977, at the height of the disco craze, a club opened at 254 West 54th Street in New York City. If you came on a white horse, with almost no clothes on, you were guaranteed to get in. 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. Williams appears to be accepting a drink from the jolly character. 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