The energy was electric on a recent Saturday night at Acme in NoHo as a select group of New Yorkers gathered to revive the spirit of the iconic Bungalow 8 nightclub. This was no ordinary night out; it was a nostalgic journey back to the 2000s, a time when social media was barely a blip on the radar and nightlife was about living in the moment.
The event, organized by a handful of influential figures including Marc JacobsDerek C. Blasberg and Golden Age Hospitality CEO Jon Neidich aimed The original space is now a luxury condo, so Neidich lent his nightclub, Acme, for the occasion.
The Noughties Revival
To recreate the atmosphere of the original Bungalow 8, the hosts added design hallmarks like palm trees and polka dot booths to the NoHo basement. The phrase “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars” seemed to encapsulate the evening’s ambition. The guest list read like a who’s who of the 2000s, with notable attendees including model Anok Yaioriginal Bungalow 8 founder Amy Sacco and Vanity Fair global editorial director Mark Guiduicci.
The night was a blend of old and new, with original Bungalow 8 regulars mingling with fresh faces. Blasberg noted, “We let Amy take the lead, and her list was a lot of Bungalow’s original regulars. And then the other hosts came in and supplemented some new names.” This mix created a dynamic atmosphere that honored the past while embracing the present.
A Star-Studded Gathering
The guest list was a testament to the event’s allure, featuring a mix of celebrities, models, and industry insiders. Charli XCX and Troye Sivan made an appearance, as did Benito Skinner who sported a new blonde hairstyle. Louisa Jacobson and Jenna Lyons exuded effortless cool in their button-downs, while Alyssa LiuAlexa Chung and Tom Sturridge added to the star-studded mix.
Supermodel Iman made a memorable moment when she asked Guiducci to dance to her late husband’s hit, “Let’s Dance.” Meanwhile, Lauren Santo DomingoChelsea Clinton and Kelly Sawyer Patricof held court at a central banquette, adding to the evening’s glamour. Marc Jacobs made a fashion statement in a cheetah print Chanel jacket, setting the tone for a night of bold style choices.
The Hilton Sisters’ Reunion
The evening took a nostalgic turn when Paris Hilton and her sister Nicky Hilton reunited at the club. Paris’s shout of “Where’s Nicky?” over the music captured the playful spirit of the night. The sisters found each other by the bar, which was serving a wild array of specialty cocktails, including a watermelon cooler and espresso with Belvedere Vodka. Dutch lager Amstel Light and Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne were also on offer, served with cocktail napkins that read “The only house rules are the ones at the door.”
As the DJ played “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads, the phrase “Same as it ever was…” seemed to resonate with the guests, who were clearly enjoying a night that felt both familiar and fresh. The event was a testament to the enduring appeal of Bungalow 8 and the nostalgia it inspires in those who experienced its heyday.
