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Chi Chi Valenti, Nightlife Empress
By
Nichelle Newsletter
Published Nov 5, 2004
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Nichelle Newsletter
Published Nov 5, 2004
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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The Basics.
Astrological Sign.
Leo Sun, Capricorn Rising - I am told this is a classic Show Business combination.
Bad habit/Day job.
Night Jobs: Nightclub doyenne and special event producer, frequent Mistress of Ceremonies,founder/administrator of The Motherboards, a nightlife-centric online community.
How long have you graced NYC with your presence? Where are you from and where do you live now?
I was born on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in the late 1950s and have lived in the East Village for nearly twenty years. Also have lived in the Chelsea Hotel, in the West 20s, and currently spend part of each year in my second home, the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood in New Orleans.
Urban legend tells us that it's not a party until someone hooks up, gets wasted or starts a fight. As an expert, can you tell us what makes a party HOT?
Since someone's always hooking up, getting wasted or starting a fight these days, my standard for a great party is somewhat higher. Most importantly, there must be a MIX - Vampires and diamond
dealers, legends and New Kids, fetishists and objects of worship, romantics and cynics, geeks and pop stars, boys, girls and everything in between. Historically, New York's best parties (and
club nights) have combined all ages, gender prefs, income levels and style schools. A roomful of one kind of person is boring and predictable - it is the mark of the provinces.
What are the best improvements to New York City in the last year?
Fresh Direct and free wifi
In your opinion, what fashion trend is this year's UGG boot?
The black fedora, invariably worn by someone completely unglamorous.
What's the most unusual thing that you smuggled into bar or club in New York?
In the Nineties, a notorious Brazilian party girl once smuggled the deposed President of Brazil into the basement of our club Jackie 60, where they sniffled and chatted happily in the hallway until the cleaning crew came at 7:30 AM. Later we heard that he was running from a huge financial scandal at home and that there was some kind of international manhunt on for him.
What do you do with the leftover wire hangers from your drycleaning?
Since we are often dressing a dozen or more performers for a single evening, any leftovers just get lost between home, the dressing room and the costume storage.
Now that it's getting cold, what (or who) do you do to stay warm?
Pile on layers of Edwardian and Dickensian velvets - from cloaks and mantles to my beloved muff(!). Because of my years of collecting this clothing, I actually look forward to the cold every year.
If you could revoke a famous New Yorker's citizenship, who would it be?
Ed Koch, for his shameless brown-nosing of the RNC this past summer.
You've been asked to host a party and the only requirement is that you must invite three New York celebrities (alive), who would you extend an invite to?
Drag icon Flawless Sabrina, crime maven Dominick Dunne, and DJ god Frankie Knuckles. All three have had long careers and possess perfect manners. Taken together, they spell New York.
If you love the nightlife, and you got to boogie, then check out http://www.mothernyc.com .
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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