Andy Warhol Double Marlon party at the Soho Grand, April 30 2008, featuring Kelly Cutrone, Jeremy Scott, Paul Sevigny, Ronnie Cutrone, Kenny Scharf, Mick Rock, louche leather lads and ladies, and art whores. Text and photos by Glenn Belverio

Above: The lovely and incomparable Kelly Cutrone before a repro of Andy Warhol's mighty Double Marlon

Dear Warholites, warm leatherettes, and cyber voyeurs:

I know it seems as if I, like Andy, would go to the opening of a toilet, but I'm actually fairly discerning. This recent Wednesday night I was invited by People's Revolution to bow down and pay homage to Warhol's silkscreen, "Double Marlon" at the penthouse suite of the Soho Grand Hotel. The piece will be auctioned off at Christie's next week--rumor has it that the opening bid will be 25 - 30 million--and comes from the same period that produced "Double Marilyn" and "Double Elvis" (which is the one I want to buy). Of course the actual "Double Marlon" was not at the party (but for some odd reason, security was still tight - no coats or bags were allowed in the penthouse. I thought, oh wow, they are fearing some kind of Tony Shafrazi-style act of art vandalism which really blew my mind because I didn't think that anyone even REMEMBERED that incident--the famed art dealer spray-painted "KILL LIES ALL" on Picasso's Guernica back in the mid '70s--so I was thrilled. But no. There was no painting to vandalize.) Also absent was Dennis Hopper (his name was embossed on the impressive and expensive leather-bound party invite as one of the event's hosts). Agyness Deyn was also supposed to be a host but I did not see her....if anyone has photos of everyone's fave IT Girl at this soiree, I would love to see them.

Anyhoo, the party was super fun. The champagne flowed freely and there were pretty and fascinating people crammed into the suite (which sort of resembles Faye Dunaway/Laura Mars' apartment in "The Eyes of Laura Mars"). Take a look for yourself...

Pretty, pretty: Emily and Robyn of People's Revolution. I will be partying with Robyn in my Andy Warhol-mylar-silver (sort of) space suit in less than 2 weeks at the Life Ball in Vienna.

Robyn and Ronnie Cutrone. Ronnie was Andy's assistant for many years--not to mention he also danced with the Velvet Underground during their multi-media stage shows--and helped produce many of Warhol's great works. He has had a successful art career since the '80s and has so many great stories. J'Adore Ronnie.

Many guests dressed in the spirit of "The Wild One", the 1953 motorcycle gang-themed film in which "Double Marlon" is a still from. So there was black leather everywhere, including this woman's dress on the left. Aside from Italian-made shoes, I don't wear leather clothing--no, not even a leather cock ring!--but I simply adore the look and the smell of it. And who doesn't?

Designer Jeremy Scott and one of his models. Note the trompe l'oeil zipper print. I went up to Jeremy and I was all like, "LOVE the vintage Stephen Sprouse, doll" and he was like, "Uuhhm...actually, I designed this" and I was all like, "OMG, OOPS! Faux-pas!" and he was like, "No, no, it's a high compliment!"

Jeremy did look luscious in leather.

It may have been literal, but I thought it was a beautiful touch to show "The Wild One" on large plasma screens throughout the penthouse. What a visually gorgeous black and white film. Marlon Brando in leather with those thick muscular thighs and large, firm buttocks in his tight jeans. 55 years later and his style is still ubiquitous. If only today's anemic, denim-clad hipsters had the courage to bulk up their matchstick-like legs.

Models cavort in front of "The Wild One."

Pretty young things. The girl on the left sort of reminded me of early Veruschka but maybe it was just the hair?

Guests feasted on a mountain of jumbo shrimp.

I think Paul Sevigny is a great DJ. He spun a terrific set of Velvet Underground, Joy Division, Jesus and Mary Chain, and Siouxsie. Divine.

Artist Kenny Scharf

Photographer Mick Rock

Curator Lia Gangitano and yours truly

Anthony Haden-Guest and friend

Going down? In the elevator with Ronnie Cutrone and Jeremy Scott moments after the party ended.

Thanks for visiting!

Love,
Glenn Belverio

Comments

[Mathew Chavez]

I was totally there with City Magazine. It was such an inspirational and exciting event to go to. :) I enjoyed looking at all your photos.

Best,
Mat Chavez

[DecoDenver]

Hello ! I recently bought a "double Elvis " large poster signed & dated by Andy Warhol with a thank-you comment to a Denver, Colorado fan. Do you have an idea what this might be worth
with his felt-tip signature ? Thank you.
lfbsst@msn.com

[gaurav]

hey that graffitti is sri Arrobindo of INDIA.. founder of Inetgral yoga and Auroville - the universal community in south india!
peace n joy,
dr gaurav
medimedia@gmail.com