Nocturnal Confessions: Interview's 40th Birthday Bash

In November 1983, when the superclub Limelight first welcomed New York City revelers, Interview magazine hosted the opening party. This was something, even for NYC in the '80s. Steve Rubell could be seen chatting up Barry Diller. Richard Bernstein, the toast of Wall Street, sucked on a cigarette nearby. Things have, well, changed. The church that housed Limelight is now Avalon, a spot only considered “hot” by those for whom the meatpacking district is still a fantasy. Meanwhile, Interview isn’t exactly throwing away money on parties, yet the magazine remains a repository of writing, photographic and design talent—they’ve managed to keep tabs on up-and-comers, and produce some star-studded interviews as of late, despite shrinking ad pages and staff changes. For these reasons, it was with great interest that I approached Interview’s 40th Anniversary party on Tuesday night. Times have changed, indeed, but as to Interview’s ability to throw a jam, there’s no question. Well, here’s about 5 questions, in keeping with the theme of Interview, about last night's festivities and a whole bunch of snapshots.

BlackBook:How was it? John Ortved: Despite the walls papered with old Interview pages, the party felt less like a 40th anniversary celebration for that venerable old Factory-offshoot than a statement by the new Interview. Not 100% sure what that statement was. Maybe something like “We’re here. We’re clear (of red ink, of the past). Get used to it.”

The “new” Interview? Two years ago, when Ingrid Sischy and her partner, Sandy Brant--ex-wife of Greenwich gazillionaire, art collector, and White Birch Paper C.E.O Peter Brant—left the bridge, everyone in media’s favorite game to play was “What’s going to happen to Interview?” (full disclosure: I’ve contributed several profiles to Interview since 2008). As WWD reported, there was turmoil, and a drop in ad pages, and then more turmoil as Brant descended into a divorce battle with then-wife Stephanie Seymour. But what print mag hasn’t seen some upheaval since the fall of 08? We’re into 2010, and Interview is still kicking. The mag looks great and the decision to reinstate editorial director Fabien Baron seems to have been the right one. In the current issue Jay-Z is on the current cover—albeit 6 months after The Blueprint 3—a great get. As well, some spectacularly styled shoots by creative director Karl Templer, who couldn’t be found last night. “He’s working,” editorial director Fabien Baron was overhead saying. “He’s a freak.” All that being said, when I asked Baron what he considers the greatest accomplishment of the new Interview, he replied, “That the magazine comes out!.”

Did the party reflect that uncertainty? Not at all. While the location was mysterious, all the way up on west 58th st, at Good Units, the scene was very solid. Bars serving champagne and Absolut vodka were well spaced out, and the atmosphere was really relaxed. The massive high-ceilinged dancefloor, with bleachers the centre, never came close to being full, but that was actually kind of nice. Felt like a high school dance for grownups.

Any surprises? I was mostly caught off-guard by the newness of it all. Like, in terms of the people, there was no Bob Colacello (Interview’s original editor), or Ingrid Sischy, or their cohorts. It was much less Factory freakish and much more “now,” which is maybe a good thing. Best surprise was that the party was far enough underground that no one’s phone worked. Made everything more chill.

Who was there? Did the revelers have any insight into the future of Interview? You can see who was there from the pics below. I didn’t get into the mag’s—far too gauche for an anniversary party—Instead I asked the question “If you could interview anyone, who would it be?”

Designer Victor Glemaud, Vanity Fair Fashion Editor Jesica Diehl, Interview Editorial Director Fabien Baron. Victor, “I’d Interview Tina Chow.” (Tina Chow is dead. It was loud though; maybe he was saying JWOWW, though I doubt it.)

Look at that (amazingly dressed) fucking hipster! Later, I caught him reclining on a couch, pouring champagne into his own mouth from arm’s length.

Kate Bosworth with Nate Lowman, before being whisked away by Interview’s Derek Blasberg.

Director M Blash.

Ms. Lindberg, “Obama.”

Band Of Outsiders Scott Sternberg, “Either Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen.”

Teen Vogue’s Hayley Phelan and Fashionista’s Britt Aboutaleb. Hayley would interview John Ortved. Thanks. Swoon. Britt, much more reasonably, would want to talk to Azzedine Alai”