Absolut vodka had a major invitation-only launch party for new limited-edition vodka called Bling-bling on Wednesday night. The launch was at La Bellevilloise, a sprawling 20,000 sq. foot multi-use space with large open loft spaces for openings, parties, and exhibitions. Located on a remote street in Menilmontant, a cool, fringe neighborhood in the 20th, La Bellevilloise was founded in 1877 and was the cultural and artistic think tank of its day.
I arrived at the event with friends at 10:30PM, wearing silver Puma sneakers, and an outrageous sized silver watch dripping with rhinestones: Just enough to say bling without overkill. Talk about an entrance, there were two vintage Rolls Royce’s parked in front and the outside entry vestibule had a long black carpet strewn with gold flecks. Inside there were party spaces on 3 levels: the main floor reception area with hanging big white fake-fur globes, the dark cavernous dance floor downstairs, and a mood lit lounge upstairs with areas separated by sheer white billowing curtains.
Entrance Paved with Gold
My Watch-Pure Bling!
The A-list Paris hipster crowd consisted of gay young dressed-down hotties, well heeled/well dressed men & women in their 30’s and 40’s, and a flurry of festive drag queens and trannies. By midnight the lively party had swelled to about 2,000 swingers, swilling down smart vodka cocktails and dancing away to 80’s disco music.
As much fun as I was having, I left at 1AM only because the smoke was so dense I practically needed an eye transplant. I missed a performance by rap singer Uffie, and was told the crowd had lingered till 6AM and the bar poured over 1,000 bottles of vodka. The next day must have been the world’s largest communal hangover- I could have made a fortune delivering 2,000 Bloody Marys.
The Paris In-Crowd
Younger than Blingtime
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