Studio 54: The Iconic ’70s Night Club All The Celebrities Loved

One Of The Greatest Nightclubs In History

For those things, the place to go would have been a New York nightclub called Studio 54. It opened its doors in 1977 but shut down in 1980. In the three years that it was open, it managed to cement its status as the greatest nightclub in history. Here is Diana Ross hanging out at the DJ booth in 1980!

One Of The Greatest Nightclubs In History

Only The Most Famous Faces

If you ever had the opportunity to go to Studio 54, you should have grabbed the chance to rub elbows with the biggest stars of the time. The guest list was pretty exclusive, but we bet you know many folks who made the cut. For example, just take a look at this photo of Calvin Klein, Brooke Shields, Steve Rubell, and Andy Warhol!

Only The Most Famous Faces

Barbra Streisand And Jon Peters Hand-In-Hand

While the club was only open for three years, it was able to catch the attention of many A-list stars. Studio 54 was found at 8th and Broadway in NYC. The reason celebs loved it so much was that it gave them a chance at care-free anonymity. Here are Jon Peters and Barbra Streisand in 1980.

Barbra Streisand And Jon Peters Hand-In-Hand

Cher Was A Regular

That must be the exact reason this place was often visited by the Goddess of Pop herself. The nightclub allowed her to relax without dealing with the press or hordes of screaming fans. As you can see her, she looked perfectly happy with her dog amidst the chaos of music, drinks, lights, and people. Is that a checkbook on the lower right? Perhaps she was already planning to call it a night when this photo was taken. However, that look in her eyes makes us think that she did not plan to go home anytime soon.

Cher Was A Regular

Studio 54 Provided Celebrities With An Escape

We cannot think of a decade that prioritized ‘feeling good’ than the ‘70s. The news often became too much, and this place was the perfect sanctuary for people to forget about all their worries. A lot of people were unhappy thanks to the rising unemployment rates, godawful inflation, and stock market crash. They only wanted to forget these things by dancing the night away! We are sure that Jayne Kennedy and Jonathan Soresi here would agree with us.

Studio 54 Provided Celebrities With An Escape

Grace Jones And Her Elaborate Outfits

Grace Jones is a woman who considers herself a “warrior.” We can definitely see why. This lady is one multitalented individual. She was a regular patron at Studio 54 and liked to drop by wearing eccentric outfits. She sure looks vibrant in this photo thanks to her fishnet top and gilded sunglasses! This fashion legend made heads turn with her fiery and avant-garde sense of style. A ‘70s legend, she truly was.

Grace Jones And Her Elaborate Outfits

Michael Jackson In The ‘70s

What, are you going to tell us that this is not the King of Pop? Before you make a fool of yourself, you should take a close look at it. You might not have seen his afro and disco garb before but trust us when we say that this is Michael Jackson in all his glory. The photo was probably taken while he was moving, and the same goes for all the people behind him. The talented singer went through many changes in the past. Do you think he had any clue that he was going to be a big celebrity when this was taken? Without a doubt, he completely changed the world of music and still inspires a lot of artists to this day.

Michael Jackson In The ’70s

Charity Events And The Like

Indeed, the ‘70s proved itself to be the time of transition, change, and liberation. Studio 54 was able to represent these things in those days. It was not only a nightclub you visited for wild nights out, but it also did charity events. Here are Nona Hendryx and Patti LaBelle when they attended an event called “One to One”, a Telethon hosted by none other than John Johnson there.

Charity Events And The Like

Bette Midler And The Temptations

Nope, your eyes are not deceiving you. It really is Bette Midler and The Temptations in one frame. They know to “Treat Her Like A Lady”. Not only that, but the way they clasped hands gives us a hint that they were going to “Get Ready” for a great night. All right, that is enough puns for now. You must forgive us for all the puns, but it was hard to resist it after seeing this photo. Bette Midler had been congratulating them for the new contract they signed with Atlantic Records when this photo was taken.

Bette Midler And The Temptations

Debbie Allen Frolics In A White V-neck Dress

We are not lying whatsoever when we say that Studio 54 had been the ultimate party place. This venue was never out of celebration and jubilation! As you can see in this photo, Debbie Allen caught the attention of the college boys drinking their beers.

Debbie Allen Frolics In A White V-neck Dress

Actors Ryan O’Neal And Farrah Fawcett Are All Smiles

Do not worry if you do not feel impressed by the celebs and hype just yet. This photo below might be the one to prove you wrong. This was no tame night at the club. Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O’Neal had been enjoying their night out during this Faberge party. Her hair was all the rage in the ‘70s!

Actors Ryan O’Neal And Farrah Fawcett Are All Smiles

Stevie Wonder Jams With Steven Stills

At the club, you would find its legendary bouncer holding a clipboard. Based on your wardrobe and attitude, he would judge you and then give you the telling thumbs up or down. You can see Stevie Wonder and Steven Stills playing their hearts out. The two of them always got in no matter what!

Stevie Wonder Jams With Steven Stills

Curtis Mayfield Boogies Like There’s No Tomorrow

Fair enough, there are still a lot of exclusive clubs out there nowadays. However, this one was so hard to get into that even celebs got denied into this New York nightclub. Mind you, even the likes of Warren Beatty, Nile Rodgers, and Henry Winkler could not get through its doors. Yes, we have no clue how the person behind “Le Freak” was denied entry either. Maybe he had yet to write the song at the time.

Curtis Mayfield Boogies Like There’s No Tomorrow

David Bowie Was Almost Denied Entry

Let us put aside its strict entry policy in the meantime and focus on the man, the myth, the legend: David Bowie. He almost got denied entry, but one of the club owners rushed in to fix this error. Well, we can understand why he had been grinning so widely back then.

David Bowie Was Almost Denied Entry

What Paloma Picasso Told Debbie Harry

Before we go on with the rest of this story, we want to take a moment and appreciate just how lovely these women all are. This is Jerry Hall on the left, Debbie Harry in the center, and jewelry designer Paloma Picasso on the right. The photo below might just be the coolest thing we have ever seen. Apart from the gorgeous subjects, the composition works well to let us know that something was interesting taking place. What could the daughter of Pablo Picasso be whispering to the singer? We are sure that it was juicy at any rate. Of course, it is also possible that she complimented the velvet scarf.

What Paloma Picasso Told Debbie Harry

Bianca Jagger And Liza Minnelli Hold White Doves

Bianca Jagger is known by some people as the former wife of music legend Mick Jagger. However, it is a good idea to remember that she is an actress and human rights in her own right. Here is Bianca Jagger and Liza Minnelli. They had white doves in their hands in this photo for some reason.

Bianca Jagger And Liza Minnelli Hold White Doves

Mick and Bianca Jagger Celebrate Her Birthday

Where else would you host an awesome birthday bash for a person like Bianca Jagger? It can only take place at the best club in town, of course. Bianca Jagger had never felt shy when it comes to cameras, which is why she seems so relaxed here. This was 1977, and it was her 32nd birthday. That is Mikhail Baryshnikov, a dancer, on the left. We are sure you already recognized Mick Jagger on the right.

Mick and Bianca Jagger Celebrate Her Birthday

Young Brooke Shields and Mariel Hemingway Laughing Together

Come on now, there is no way you do not know who Brooke Shields is. This lovely model starred in Blue Lagoon and graced the cover of Vogue in the past. This was taken a long time ago. At the time, she was only 12 years old! Yes, this young model could already go to somewhere as exclusive as this place. The person on the right is none other than the granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, actress Mariel Hemingway. Could that be gin and tonic she is holding? Nah, it’s only soda.

Young Brooke Shields and Mariel Hemingway Laughing Together

No One Expected To See The First Lady There

It is no wonder a lot of people wanted to get inside this nightclub. However, there are certain people you would not have expected to see there, such as the First Lady. Despite this, First Lady Betty Ford paid it a visit herself. In this photo, she was accompanied by Liza Minnelli of Cabaret and actress Elizabeth Taylor. We are glad to see these ladies enjoying their night dressed in sequins and glitters!

No One Expected To See The First Lady There

The Hunks Of The ‘70s Walking Through The Club Doors

My, oh my. Our hearts skipped a beat after seeing this photo of John Travolta and Sylvester Stallone. We are sure that you know the Saturday Night Fever star and the Rocky actor very well. These two men were the biggest hunks of the decade back then and remain popular in this day and age. We bet they were the life of the party when this photo was taken in 1977!

The Hunks Of The ’70s Walking Through The Club Doors

Prepping For A Visit From The Queen Of Country

So, what exactly was a horse doing in the club and why was Bianca Jagger riding it? Apparently, it was something that owner Steve Rubell cooked up upon hearing that Dolly Parton was visiting. He contacted a local stable and got this white horse. It worked because the Queen of Country loved this surprise!

Prepping For A Visit From The Queen Of Country

Animals Galore!

The horse was not the only time a live animal made it there. Nope, there were also mules, chickens, and other horses. The animals ran around the nightclub and became a huge hit among the patrons. You would even find a wine barrel of corn and a wagon of hay there. How wild is that? In this photo, you can see Halston and Martha Graham taking a break to have a little chat.

Animals Galore!

Regulars At Studio 54

This photo shows a number of famous faces considered to be Studio 54 regulars. Bianca Jagger is so used to having her photo taken that she decided to put on a silly face for this one. Michael Jackson, meanwhile, looks pretty satisfied with his cold drink. This is definitely the popular group in there.

Regulars At Studio 54

Diana Ross Lets It Loose On The Dance Floor

Look no further if you wanted to know “Where Did Our Love Go?” It seems like the answer to this would be the fiery moves that Diana Ross was showing off. She looks like she had a great time in this photo, but the guy behind her did not share the sentiment. She was a frequent guest there and liked to dance like never before or hang out in the DJ booth.

Diana Ross Lets It Loose On The Dance Floor

Elton John And His Fashion Choices

Before the club closed for good, the regulars wanted to have one final hurrah That night, Diana Ross and Liza Minnelli sang their hearts out. While the club is no longer around, we are sure that history will not forget about Club 54. Elton John was also a regular here. He wore the most daring getups, of course.

Elton John And His Fashion Choices

The Basement Or The Champagne Room

We bet you want to know what happens behind closed doors in this club. So far, all we have seen you would be guests enjoying their night. However, the truth was that Studio 54 had 3 levels. There was the two-story dance floor, and there was the basement. Rolling Stone said that there were lewd things going on below the first two floors! Security guards stayed there to ensure that no one would see what was going on. The only hint we’ll give you was that many sweaty people went in and out. Hmm!

The Basement Or The Champagne Room

Liz Taylor’s Birthday Celebration

Take a look at the photo below. Surely, you are familiar with the late Liz Taylor. She was that actress with the big violet eyes and thick lashes! This bombshell was never outside the spotlight for a long time. She regularly graced the nightclub and even spent her 46th birthday in Studio 54. Here she is surrounded by ladies in that silky sofa and an awesome cake! What a great way to celebrate the date of her birth.

Liz Taylor’s Birthday Celebration

Keith Richards, John Belushi, and James Brown Together

Mayhem can be expected when you put these three men together. The queue to this club was so long that it goes along this block and clogs the street traffic. Can you imagine what the people in line must feel when they spot their favorite celebrities? Here is Keith Richards and James Brown. On the right, we also have John Belushi of Animal House. We bet he was the one to make Richards laugh!

Keith Richards, John Belushi and James Brown Together

A Pensive Robin Williams Beside His Wife And Andy Warhol

This photo is pretty heart-breaking, isn’t it? This is the man who portrayed Mrs. Doubtfire, although he was more popular as Mork of Mork and Mindy back then. Take a look at the people beside him in this photo. The woman is Valerie Velardi, his ex-wife, and the man is Andy Warhol! While the two of them talked, the actor looked lonely and pensive on this couch. What could he have been thinking?

A Pensive Robin Williams Beside His Wife And Andy Warhol

Monique van Vooren In A Feather Boa

Soon enough, word spread about the hedonistic theater that was transformed into a nightclub. It got a rather seedy reputation as well. There were many rumors about drug-laced vents and nightly orgies. Aside from that, people believed that there were tunnels running underneath it to connect the place to the subway. This photo of Monique van Vooren was taken in March 1979.

Monique van Vooren In A Feather Boa

Richard Gere Wore Sunglasses Indoors At Night

It is no secret that Richard Gere is quite the stud. We expected nothing less when it comes to the man who starred in The American Gigolo and Pretty Woman. It was only a matter of time before he appeared in the greatest nightclub in the city. You can see him below in croc boots and a tweed suit! His dancing partner happens to be an entertainment journalist by the name of Judy Licht.

Richard Gere Wore Sunglasses Indoors At Night

The Greatest Duet Ever

We all know that Liza Minnelli was made to be in the spotlight. We would have killed to see her perform a duet with Bianca Jagger! It must have been a great time. The colorful outfits are simply glorious. You can see Minnelli here looking amazing in the red gown, while Bianca is just as fab in this purple furry top. It must have been one very entertaining performance, judging by the way Andy Warhol looks.

The Greatest Duet Ever

Jerry Hall Looked As Fabulous As Ever

Jerry Hall certainly knows how to get the attention of the camera and the crowd. No, this was no photo-op. It is just really hard to get a bad shot when she is the subject of your photo! Despite this, it looks like a photo right from a luxury brand of some sort. She had been with her ex Mic Jagger in the photo below.

Jerry Hall Looked As Fabulous As Ever

Grace Jones Strutting Her Stuff

One of the owners, Steve Rubell, wanted to ensure that only the best would get entry into his club. There was even a time when he personally picked who could go in! This was the reason why people dressed as wildly as possible. They wanted to get his attention and hopefully be allowed inside.

Grace Jones Strutting Her Stuff

The Eccentric And Ethereal Bianca Jagger

Nothing you say will convince us that Bianca Jagger is no goddess. She did not need to put on a weird or crafty costume just to get in. Despite this, she still joined in on the fun and dressed up for fun. Look at the doves and that gold crown! No one should be allowed to be this otherworldly and ethereal.

The Eccentric And Ethereal Bianca Jagger

Robin Williams Showing Us How It Is Done

Even though it has been a while since he passed on, we will forever miss Robin Williams. Look at him in this Hawaiian shirt as he took her hand. They look so sweet as they busted out their best dance moves. He and his wife were together for a long time and even welcomed their son Zachary Pym in 1983.

Robin Williams Showing Us How It Is Done

Elton John Looks A Lot Different

We promise you that this is none other than Elton John with sideburns and a baseball cap. Isn’t it weird to see him like this? In the photo, you will also see Alana Hamilton wearing a leopard dress and musician Rod Stewart. The look she has on tells us that she is more than ready to dance as much as she could! This was taken as the trio got there to celebrate Elton John’s new RCA records deal.

Elton John Looks A Lot Different

More To Offer Than Celebrity Guests

There were other things in Studio 54 that made folks line up. For one thing, the nightclub offered the best entertainment in those days. Where else could one entertain guests and throw a huge party? This was snapped during its 1st year anniversary. The entertainment and fashion show had the theme “East meets West.”

More To Offer Than Celebrity Guests

Even On A Monday Night

The black and white photo below shows how awed the viewers had been when they watched the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre on the dancefloor. They danced to “Suite Otis” on the 20th of November in 1979. Even though that was a Monday night, the people still came in packs.

Even On A Monday Night

Olivia Newton-John At The Grease Premiere

The opening party of Studio 54 happened on the 13th of June in 1978. They celebrated the premiere of the beloved movie Grease. The owners set the mood by having nearly-naked men ride motorbikes. On top of that, Olivia Newton-John made an appearance as well. First impressions last!

Olivia Newton-John At The Grease Premiere

Never A Lack Of Wild Events

Did the dancers not impress you enough? Well, maybe these acrobats and live bands will. Colored balloons fell from the ceiling while topless ladies danced the night away. The balcony had lewder acts. In Studio 54, there was also a rubber room. It was a spot in the balcony that was made with rubber because it was “easier to clean.” We’ll leave it up to your imagination what they needed cleaning.

Never A Lack Of Wild Events

The Ladies Man That Is Sylvester Stallone

We previously showed you the photo of Sylvester Stallone, but this time he was with Joyce Ingalls of The Man Who Would Not Die fame. They worked on Paradise Alley together in the past. A lot of people who went to the nightclub did so to meet new people, but these two were already in good company.

The Ladies Man That Is Sylvester Stallone

Elton John And A Minor Wardrobe Malfunction

This photo of the musician looks more like the man as we know him now. The matching getup and geometric pattern details spell Elton John! Don’t you think he looks like Hermes, the messenger of the gods? He celebrated the release of “A Single Man” that night in October 1978.

Elton John And A Minor Wardrobe Malfunction

Disco Sally Living Her Best Life

A lot of people think that partying is only for the young, but you’ll change your mind after hearing about Sally “Disco Sally” Lippman. This was one old biddy who did what she always wanted to do after her husband passed away. Her friend suggested she go to Studio 54 “just to see what it’s all about.” She ended up having a great night and everyone loved her! The manager loved her so much and let her in whenever she wanted. She explained, “I didn’t dance for 50 years because my husband didn’t like it.”

Disco Sally Living Her Best Life

The Most Happening Venue In All Of NY

This is the reason Studio 54 was said to be the most happening nightclub in New York. Michael Jackson even said that it was a place where he could go, dance, and just “be free.” Celebs considered it a safe haven where they could simply let loose. Here are Blythe Danner and Gwyneth Paltrow, the power mom-daughter couple, during the 4th New York Cabaret Benefit.

The Most Happening Venue In All Of NY

All Seemed Well Until One Fateful Day

It was truly devastating that the club had to shut down not that long after it opened. The IRS came over looking for Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager in December 1978. In an interview, Rubell informed CBS what he thought of that dreadful day: “…probably the worst, one of the worst days of my life.”

All Seemed Well Until One Fateful Day

Not Their First Time

When they opened Studio 54 in 1977, they had no idea that it was going to blow up like that. Schrager and Rubell bought the old CBS studio and turned it into a musical bonanza with the help of the old lighting. They painted the ceiling using black paint and converted it into a wonderland. However, they had trouble obtaining liquor licenses! Opening night approached, so they had to come up with a plan.

Not Their First Time

One-Day Catering Permits

It was very hard to get the license, so Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell decided to just get catering permits. They could not open a club without booze, so it was time to find other ways. They started a company called “Broadway Catering Corp,” which allowed them to get crates of alcohol for their guests. The Liquor State Authorities later got suspicious and asked why they had to get all those permits. This was the beginning of the end for Studio 54.

One-Day Catering Permits

The IRS Was Closing In On Them

The owners of the club were arrested for alcohol selling without a license. It was shut down until further notice. The good thing was that they had Roy Cohn as their lawyer. He managed to get them out of prison and even obtained them a liquor license! This man worked for the likes of Sen. McCarthy and Pres. Donald Trump, so we are not surprised that he managed to do such a thing! While they got out of this one, you could not say the same thing when they had to deal with the IRS.

The IRS Was Closing In On Them

Cher And Howard Himelstein Bust A Move

Two dozen agents employed by the IRS seized and retrieved information about the club’s finances. They were tipped off that the owners skimmed money and hid a lot of drugs. In the end, they verified these claims. They saw drugs in a vault in the club and unreported cash. They also had $2.5 million that went unreported. They were sentenced for fraud, and Studio 54 closed for good in 1980.

Cher And Howard Himelstein Bust A Move

The Death Of Disco

This proved to be the end not only for the nightclub but disco in general as well. When Schrager and Rubell got out, they were able to land on their feet. Before they said goodbye to all their loyal patrons, they wanted to throw a final party in February 1980.

The Death Of Disco

Jamie Lee Curtis And Mom

We have already seen one famous mom-daughter duo, so here is another one. We bet the people inside were amazed to see Jamie Lee Curtis and Janet Leigh arrive at the nightclub. The latter is known for starring in Psycho, of course. We are sure you can imagine the shower scene right now!

Jamie Lee Curtis And Mom

Diana Ross Shows Off Her Moves

Here is Diana Ross as she danced the night away at the nightclub. Even though many people think of the ‘70s when they think of her music, the truth was that she got her big break by performing with The Supremes in the ‘60s. Despite this, her music continues to influence both artists and fans to this day.

Diana Ross Shows Off Her Moves

Rod Stewart And Steve Rubell Enjoying Themselves

Studio 54 co-owner Steve Rubell explained, “The key to a good party is filling a room with guests more interesting than you.” Considering the success of the nightclub, we are sure that this piece of advice works. Keep this in mind the next time you throw a party! Here is Rod Stewart having the time of his life.

Rod Stewart And Steve Rubell Enjoying Themselves

Gilda Radner Dancing In Pink Overalls

If you were alive back then, you might have seen Gilda Radner in Saturday Night Live. We think that the bright pink overalls she had on show her comedic and light personality! This is not a look that everyone can pull off, so major props to this amazing and hilarious lady. She deserves it.

Gilda Radner Dancing In Pink Overalls

Michael Jackson Performing At Studio 54, Circa 1975

We do not doubt that disco was always playing at Studio 54. After all, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, and Grace Jones all performed there. However, this did not mean that other acts were not welcome! Michael Jackson, the King of Pop himself, was a frequent sight at the nightclub as well.

Michael Jackson Performing At Studio 54, Circa 1975

Robin Williams At The Robin Williams Opening Party, April 11, 1979

For Robin Williams, April 1979 was a good time. He was only 27 years old back then and already did a lot of things in life. He just finished working on the last episode of Mork & Mindy and appeared on the Time magazine cover! Here is the comedian as he got to the Robin Williams Opening Party.

Robin Williams At The Robin Williams Opening Party, April 11, 1979

Diane Von Furstenberg And Boyfriend Barry Diller

Studio 54 was the place that celebrities visited a lot. Some even considered it their second home. At some point, the exclusive nightclub felt less like a public place as they time passed by. Take a look at Diane Von Furstenberg settling into the couch here with Barry Diller, her media mogul boyfriend.

Diane Von Furstenberg And Boyfriend Barry Diller

Doorman Marc Benecke Deciding Who Gets In

Marc Benecke had been 19 years old when he started working as a doorman at Studio 54. It was a huge task, mind you. He had to call the shots when it came to letting people inside this nightclub full of important people. After it closed down, he decided to go into real estate instead. He also opened bars of his own!

Doorman Mark Benecke Deciding Who Gets In

The Calling Of Hedonism

Here is a photo to give you an idea of what it was like to get into the nightclub. Before Schrager and Rubell turned it into a club, the building had been a theater. Who would have thought that they would be able to turn it into an exclusive nightclub that catered to the most hedonistic endeavors in life?

The Calling Of Hedonism

Woody Allen And Michael Jackson Hanging Out

The photo below shows us Woody Allen and Michael Jackson. The two of them are talented men who worked in different industries, but they looked comfortable as they sat beside each other. Even though there was a dress code in the club, we are sure that no one would dare tell them off for their clothes!

Woody Allen And Michael Jackson Hanging Out

Fleur Thiemeyer And Elton John

We would have done just about anything to be able to go to the premiere party of Grease. These are Fleur Thiemeyer and Elton John at that party on the 13th of June 1978. The movie went on to be a big hit. Ask anyone and they will tell you that it is easily one of the best ‘70s movies ever made.

Fleur Thiemeyer And Elton John

The Owners

It is hard to fake smiles like these wide ones! Here are the owners. You have Steve Rubell on the right and then Ian Schrager on the left. They are gleefully standing beside each other on one of the balconies in their nightclub. This happened not long after they opened the doors of Studio 54!

The Owners

Dancing The Night Away

We already said this earlier, but Studio 54 did not exclusively cater to socialites and celebrities. The vibe and energy in the club were all about looseness and freedom. Folks could wear anything they liked, dance to their hearts’ desires, and talk to anyone else inside this safe haven. It was sad to hear it had to close!

Dancing The Night Away

Liza Minnelli And Mikhail Baryshnikov

Mikhail Baryshnikov is a topnotch ballet dancer, so he likely would not dance with just about anyone. However, Liza Minnelli was an exception! How could she not be, right? The other guests simply looked on and they danced the night away. They must have made one heck of a sight!

Liza Minnelli And Mikhail Baryshnikov

Studio 54 DJ Booth

Take a load of this view. The DJ booth offered a view that was unhindered. It meant that you could see a lot of things from there. Some people wore strange clothes, some wore almost none. Even though there were various live performances that took place, the DJs were often at the helm of the music playing.

Studio 54 DJ Booth

Bianca Jagger Riding Bareback

The venue earned its reputation with the help of the live horse. Here is a photo of Bianca Jagger looking like Lady Godiva in the flesh. It is not every day that you see someone like her riding a horse! The former muse and wife of Mick Jagger went about the night riding this gorgeous white steed.

Bianca Jagger Riding Bareback

liz

Halston, The Fashion Designer

In case you did not know, this is Roy Halston Frowick. Most people will know the fashion designer by simply Halston, however. Here he is taking a puff at the nightclub on the 4th of September 1979. His wardrobe choice is pretty tame when you compare him to what the other patrons liked to wear.

Halston, The Fashion Designer

Dirty Dancing

Inhibition and freedom played a huge part in the way the guests behaved inside this New York City nightclub. Here, a woman danced with two men without a single care in the world! Needless to say, it was not hard to gain access to illegal substances inside Studio 54.

Dirty Dancing

Filled To Capacity

This is a great photo to show just how full Studio 54 could get when things were busy. From the disco music playing to the hippie lifestyle of Woodstock, this nightclub was what the generation needed. These people all wanted something new and different. They got their fix in this amazing venue!

Filled To Capacity

New Year’s Eve

In the three years that it was open, the best time to visit the nightclub would be on New Year’s Eve. Take a look at this shot to find out why we say this. Can you see how many big stars are in this picture? We have Liza Minnelli, Andy Warhol, Halston, Bianca Jagger, and Jack Haley, Jr! What an amazing photo.

New Year’s Eve

Bizarre Outfits

If you ever thought that your outfit was the most outrageous one in the club, there was a great chance that you were wrong. People cross-dressed, wore all kinds of garments, put on colorful make-up, and donned various accessories! Even without the live shows, watching the others was already entertaining.

Bizarre Outfits

Not Your Average Book Party

We have already mentioned that various events happened inside Studio 54. This book party took things to a new level, however. Egon Von Furstenberg launched his book “The Power Look” here on the 25th of September 1978. Ara Gallant and Diane Von Furstenberg looked comfy here while the party raged on.

Not Your Average Book Party

The Titanic In Studio 54

Aside from the outlandish things the guests wore, the nightclub also boasted of interesting decor. This shot was taken on the 1st of January 1975. Do you see that model of the Titanic hanging above the stage of the club? It was, of course, only one of the different creative decorative pieces that were put up there.

The Titanic In Studio 54

The Whole Crew

We want you to inhale and exhale before you take a look at this photo. We do not know how we would have reacted if we were in the presence of Jerry Hall, Debbie Harry, Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, Paloma Picasso, and Lorna Luft all at once. This happened during the 1979 Interview Party!

The Whole Crew

Liza Minnelli Poking Fun At Someone Else’s Shoes

The guests sure looked like they had a great time at the night club. Here is a photo of Liza Minnelli hanging out on the dance floor in her bell-bottom jeans and pointing at someone’s platform shoes. The story goes was that he asked her to dance but she responded by making fun of his footwear instead.

Liza Minnelli Poking Fun At Someone Else’s Shoes

Free Love In The 70s

While there were a bunch of other nightclubs across the city, there was no true rival to the glorious Studio 54 in those days. Something about it was simply hard to recreate, and everyone was aware of this. It was truly tragic that they had to shut it down in February 1980.

Free Love In The 70s

Just Be Interesting

You did not have to be a celebrity to get into the club, but it made things easier. A lot of people said that you can gain entry by simply being interesting. It was important to come with something that set you apart from the crowd. We do not know who these folks are, but we can figure out how they got inside Studio 54 from this photo alone!

Just Be Interesting

Lauren Hutton Looks Deeply Into The Camera

Lauren Hutton is a model and another recognizable face who went to Studio 54 often. For models who lived in the city, it was the one place they could get away from the celebrity life. This beauty went into acting as well and hung out with her friends from the industry at the nightclub.

Lauren Hutton Looks Deeply Into The Camera