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.
Even Yves Saint Laurent Partied Hard
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.
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
Rubell Turned Someone Away For Wearing a Hat
While Rubell was picking and choosing his club attendees, his requirements got increasingly stringent. What was okay one night might not work the next, and revelers never knew if their outfit would be acceptable or offensive.
In video footage that shows Rubell turn away potential partiers, he can be heard saying to one dejected individual, “Don’t ever come here with a hat.” Did Rubell hate hats in general, or was he simply not a fan of that person’s hat? Either way, it’s a depressing reason to be turned away when you can simply remove the headwear.
One Would-Be Patron Died Trying to Sneak Into the Club
While some rejected club-goers got angry, others resolved to find their way into Studio 54 by any means necessary. People would climb down buildings and jump barbed wire fences trying to get inside, often resulting in serious injuries. One patron, however, made a fatal mistake. He decided to sneak in through an air vent, but he got stuck before he could get inside.
Unfortunately, his body was discovered in a black-tie suit that never saw the dance floor. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the extreme measures people were willing to take to pursue the Studio 54 experience.