Discoteque returned to New York for one night and one night only. Valentino Beauty reopened the iconic midtown club, Studio 54, to celebrate the launch of their latest beauty line. The exclusive party kicked off New York Fashion Week and drew an impressive list of A-list guests, including Coleman Domingo, FKA Twigs, Evan Ross, Cher, Lenny Kravitz and more.
The famous night club first opened in New York City on April 26, 1977, under the direction of Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager. Located in a converted theater and former television studio, it quickly became synonymous with the glitz and excess of the disco era. Famous for its extravagant decor, theatrical parties, celebrity-packed guest list and strict entrance policy, the club embodied the indulgence and escapism of the late 70s. While iconic, the venue had a short run, closing only three years after opening due to tax evasion and drug allegations, leading to the imprisonment of its founders. Despite its fall, Studio 54 remains celebrated as the ultimate symbol of disco culture and the era’s fascination with fame and decadence.
The club re-opened its doors for the first time in 43 years on September 10th to celebrate the launch of Valentino Beauty’s Rendez-Vous Ivory Collection. The collection featured limited editions of the Spike Valentino Buttery Matte lipstick in warm pink toffee and terrazzo red, Born in Roma Donna eau de parfum and Born in Roma Uomo eau de toilette. The collection aimed to embody the glamorous feeling of getting ready for a night out. The night blurred the line between beauty and spectacle, transforming the collection launch into a glittering homage to Studio 54’s golden age.
Fashion’s cool kids showed up and showed out. In true ‘70s fashion, stars came in fur coats, big, bouncy blowouts and leopard print. Always on theme, Coleman Domingo got the party started in a dapper red Valentino blazer, blending in perfectly with the smoky aroma and velvet curtains. Candy cigarettes were passed around on silver trays as guests danced to Diana Ross and Donna Summers in the dimly lit atmosphere of the exclusive club. Notable looks included a leopard print catsuit–proving that leopard print will never go out of style–Cher in a Cruella Deville fur coat, CT Hedden in a pinstripe blazer with safety pin and corset detailing, Laurie Lynn Stark draped in a playful pink, feather boa, metallic faces and masquerade masks, and the return of the top hat.
Like clockwork, Cher appeared just as the party was in full swing, to perform once again at the venue like she never left. A hard act to follow, but seemingly effortless for none other than The Dare, as guests danced the night away to discotheque DJ remixes. Photos of the artists’ legendary meeting caused a frenzy outside the club’s famous velvet ropes, as fans desperately wanted to catch a glimpse of the iconic scene. Whether it was the combination of nostalgic party days, the sweet smell of Valentino’s new fragrance, or Studio 54 balloons floating through the air, one thing is clear – nobody does fashion week like New Yorkers.