Studio 54’s elite guest list extended to fashion designers and stylists. In the photo below, taken on the eve of September 20, 1978, a young Yves Saint Laurent, Loulou de la Falaise, and Marina Schiano are seen entering the club for the Opium Perfume Launch party. Of course, leading the way is happy co-owner Steve Rubell.
Exactly one year later, the club would be raided by the unforgiving IRS. Today, Studio 54 is remembered not only as a legendary nightclub but also as a cultural phenomenon that continues to shape the way we think about music, fashion, and entertainment.
Karl Lagerfeld Hosted an 18th Century Party in Studio 54
After learning of Studio 54’s ability to throw an incredible party, Karl Lagerfeld decided to host his own get-together that centered on the theme of an 18th-century ball. In line with the theme, candlelight was used as the primary source of illumination.
Attendees and staff donned powdered wigs and court dresses and waltzed across the dance floor during an evening that felt like it was right out of a movie set. In an instant, Studio 54 could transform from a ‘70s club into a grand ballroom, a feat that shocked anyone lucky enough to attend these functions.
Even First Lady Betty Ford Found Her Way to Studio 54
Rumors of immorality aside, no one could pass up the opportunity to check out Studio 54. In fact, the First Lady herself, Betty Ford, eventually found her way into the club, where she rubbed elbows with big names in entertainment, like Liza Minnelli and Elizabeth Taylor.
Dressed in sparkling disco attire, Betty Ford returned to her entertainment roots during her evening at Studio 54. A dancer in her youth, Betty relished the opportunity to show off her moves once again, forgetting about her new position in the political sphere for just one evening.
The Soul Legend Curtis Mayfield Makes an Appearance
Another music legend to walk through Studio 54's doors was Curtis Mayfield. The master of soul and funk, best known for scoring the soundtrack to the cult 1972 film, "Super Fly," posed in the nightclub in 1977. Judging by the huge smile on his face, Mayfield was having a great night. But we're sure the people that decided to come to the club on that particular date were having an even better one!
Studio 54's influence can still be felt in today's music and pop culture, with many contemporary artists citing the club as a major inspiration. From Lady Gaga's disco-infused album "Chromatica" to Bruno Mars' throwback style, the legacy of Studio 54 lives on
The 1978 Academy Awards at Studio 54
Studio 54 was definitely not your run-of-the-mill nightclub, and one of its many "unique" functions was to be a makeshift theater for the Academy Awards. The 1978 Prestige Academy Awards were broadcasted in the nightclub on TV screens for everyone to witness the special night. The 50th Academy Awards were the last time the famous Bob Hope would serve as a host. That year's Best Picture winner went to Woody Allen's "Annie Hall." And hey, maybe that's why he wasn't at the Oscars; he was probably watching at Studio 54.
It's safe to say that Studio 54 had a lasting impact on nightlife culture, music, and fashion. Its influence is still felt today, more than four decades after its heyday. It was a place where people went to see and be seen, to dance and forget about their troubles, and to indulge in their wildest fantasies.