The Man Behind The Magic

Ian Schrager, co-founder of the “magical” Studio 54 nightclub, talks about the rocket of success he rode until launching his new venture into hospitality

- Natalie Westernoff

As one of the founders of the dynasty that is now Studio 54, is there one word you could give us that describes this particular moment in time?

I would have to say that there are a couple of one-words that might be suitable. I might use the words electrify, spectacular and transformative!

Are there any myths about Studio 54 that you can clear up for us?

There are no myths that I can clear up. Myths seem to take on a life of their own. All I can say is that it was an absolutely unique place. The reason that people were having such a wonderful time was because people were able to achieve a level of absolute freedom. They could do whatever they wanted and there was no law against it. There wasn’t anything you couldn’t do at night that you weren’t able to walk away from the next day. I think achieving that level of freedom is a human condition. We all strive for it and people were able to have that at Studio 54.

Was Studio 54 the best and worst thing that ever happened to you?

Studio 54 was one of the best and one of the worst things that happened to me. Both. It was a double edge sword.

Where did the idea to open Studio 54 come from?