Around Town
Giorgio’s, the hot discotheque at the super-stylish Standard Hotel in Hollywood, was the perfect venue for Mark Fleischman to launch his new book, “Inside Studio 54: A Story of Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘N’ Roll.” To relive those days of disco and debauchery, I recommend purchasing this tale of life and love in the fast lane.
Fleischman reopened the world’s most infamous nightclub in Manhattan in the early 80s. Once upon a time, the rich and famous partied hard at Studio 54, and those who managed to get by the velvet rope could mix with regulars like Andy Warhol, Liza Minnelli, Cher, Gloria Vanderbilt and Halston.
Unfortunately, cocaine and quaaludes played a significant part in the parties. Fleischman is up front about his own addiction and shares his tale of recovery, as well as the stories of Tony Curtis, Tanya Tucker and Grace Jones.
Among those in attendance were TV personality Nikki Haskell (who is BFFs with Ivana Trump), model/actress Cathy St. George, actor Steven Bauer and Mark’s mate, Mimi Leonard Fleischman, who owns four Bar Method exercise studios.
We were pleased to attend the Party of the Century when the Black Family invited us to their birthday celebration. The honorees were 85-year-old Stanley Black, his 60-year-old son Jack, and 30-year-old granddaughter, Torrie.
Stanley is a noted real estate investor and philanthropist, and owner of 18 million square feet of commercial real estate in 35 states. He is a large supporter of Jewish charities and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and his magnificent estate is often used for charity events.
There were over a thousand guests at the sprawling estate on Sunset Boulevard where 300 waiters served an array of fabulous hors d’oeuvres, followed by a formal sit-down dinner.
In every corner, there were showgirls, clowns, jugglers, dancers and musicians. Some of the honored guests included Helen Rosen, Ila and Len Krane, Gail and Roger Dauer, and Ronnie Kassorla, along with many grateful guests who were thrilled to be included in this spectacular soiree.
