Studio 54

As well as the classic paisley designs we’re known for at Phix, our AW18 collection saw us break into metallic, sequins, animal prints and vivid psychedelic colours. These bold designs are inspired by the style of rock & roll legends such as The Rolling Stones, and extravagant 1960s-1970s pop culture and fashion.

David Bowie in Studio 54

Notorious nightclub - Studio 54 - is an icon of this era, and was a hub of wild style, where drag queens and models danced alongside celebrities like John Lennon, Andy Warhol, David Bowie, Debbie Harry and Mick Jagger.

Andy Warhol and John Lennon

Debbie Launch

The New York City club opened in 1977 and was famously difficult to get into. Its door entry policies were based largely on appearance and style, creating huge crowds that amassed outside every night. Even major celebrities struggled to get in, with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards able to enter on the guest list for free, but the rest of The Rolling Stones having to pay.

Studio 54 was renowned for its crazy parties, decadent invitations (including inflatable hearts and jars of black confetti) and outrageous clothing. At one New Year’s Eve party, four tonnes of glitter was poured in a four-inch layer on the club floor, and Bianca Jagger famously rode through the dance floor on a white horse on her 30th birthday.

Studio 54 was an emblem of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. Ian Schrager, owner of the discotheque, revealed in a 2018 documentary about the club that “there were mattresses in the basement” and “the basement had bags of cash and drugs”. Co-owner Steve Rubell flaunted to the press in 1978 that “only the mafia made more money” than Studio 54. These comments lead to the place being raided by the IRS.

After the club was raided, owners Rubell and Schrager were arrested for tax evasion and the hedonistic club was shut down. However, Studio 54’s cultural legacy lives on and the exotic style of its famous guests continues to inspire us, influencing our soon to be released SS19 collection.

Michael Jackson