“I think that probably the most relevant experience that I have [had] in New York was the creation of Studio 54,” Carmen D’Alessio told us. Andy Warhol once wrote of the influential Peruvian club promoter: “Carmen has a list. Her list is worth a fortune. She has the names (spelled correctly), the addresses (summer, winter, city, and country), and the phone numbers (with area codes) of everyone beautiful, young, and loaded.” (A. Warhol, Exposures, London, 1979.)
Over thirty years later, D’Alessio still knows what makes a great party, as evidenced by her appearances at noteworthy club openings near and far. We asked the queen of the scene about her thoughts on Warhol in advance of our Entertainers sale, which runs from October 16-30; the results are below.
What was your first Warholian moment, and when did you first encounter him?
In Rome in 1970 when he was filming [Andy Warhol’s] Frankenstein.
What or who would be Andy’s muse if he were alive today?
Lady Gaga.
What are your latest cultural obsessions?
The work of young artists.
What would you consider Warhol’s most memorable quote or anthem?
“In the future, everybody will be world-famous for 15 minutes.”
If you could collaborate with Andy on a project, what would it be?
A model Agency called Twinkie (we both loved the young ones).
Dream dinner-party: you, Warhol, and…?
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Whose portrait would Andy most want to do now?
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
Soup can or coke bottle?
Soup can.
Drag every day or only on special occasions?
From time to time.
(Image, right: Taken at Studio 54, courtesy of Christie’s; image below: Ms. D’Alessio now.)
