What does the memory game Simon has to do with Studio 54? Quite a bit, actually. In fact, the launch party for the game was held at a famous nightclub in 1978. It’s a little alarming to think that a children’s game was launched at a place associated with so much R-rated activity, but apparently, it worked.
The manufacturers seemed to think their choice of venue was appropriate enough since all the sounds and colorful lights reminded them of the disco. They even put up a huge (4 feet) model of the game right over the dancing patrons. So trippy!
The Party Never Dies. Not Even When the IRS Hits
Studio 54 was the epitome of nightlife partying for a few glorious years. When it did close its front doors for good, it wasn't due to lack of popularity, but it would be unfair to say nobody saw it coming. Owners Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager weren't exactly the kind of people who follow the rules or do things by the book. Not only that. But they bragged about it too. A 1978 interview in the Independent literally quoted Rubell saying, "Only the Mafia made more money" the previous year.
The club's success was fueled by the disco era's excesses and its owners' willingness to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable. Despite its short-lived run, Studio 54 remains a cultural touchstone, a symbol of a time when anything was possible, and the party never seemed to end.
The Club’s Opening Night Quickly Turned to Mayhem
Although Studio 54 was empty when Donald Trump arrived alongside Nikki Haskell, the vibe inside the place changed as the night went on. What started as a slow stream of party people into an unlit bar quickly transformed into a flood of newcomers as more and more celebrities swarmed to the building.
Thousands of people made their way to the club, and some of Hollywood’s biggest stars couldn’t even make it through the door. Cher and Brooke Shields made it inside, but famous singer Frank Sinatra was stuck outside the club, unable to exit his limo on the busy street.
Jerry Hall Added an Air of Elegance to the Evening
Joining the ranks of the other supermodels, Jerry Hall also spent her fair share of time at Studio 54. Dressed in luxurious outfits that showed off her incredible figure, Jerry could often be found lounging on the silk couches and soaking up the attention of the male celebrities around her.
In her ‘70s’ attire, Jerry left little to the imagination. Lace, sheer bodysuits were a common choice for the model. Silky hair and an air of elegance completed her outfit. Every evening at Studio 54 was just a little bit better when Hall was in the room.
Donald and Ivana Trump Attended the Club On Opening Night
Although Donald Trump now has an entirely different set of interests and sits in the Oval Office, over 40 years ago, he was one of the first in line to engage in the party lifestyle at Studio 54. On the club’s opening night, Trump was one of the first people to arrive alongside his then-wife Ivana.
After dining at Upper West Side restaurant 'Elaine’s,' with socialite Nikki Haskell and her date, the group decided to check out what was, at the time, simply a new club. According to Haskell, the club was nearly empty when they arrived. In fact, it looked like it was still being put together.