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Fran Lebowitz is not invited to FranCon
By
Ryan Kailath
Published Oct 24, 2023
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By
Ryan Kailath
Published Oct 24, 2023
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Two years ago, when Jane August’s book club was discussing “The Fran Lebowitz Reader,” she had an idea: What if we had SantaCon, but for Fran Lebowitz?
Everyone laughed, so she decided to do it.
“SantaCon is awful,” August said. “I think it’s some of the worst people. And Fran Lebowitz fans are the exact opposite of that.”
Her event has a book exchange.
After two years in Williamsburg, FranCon is moving to a new home at the Holiday Cocktail Lounge in the East Village. This year's event takes place on Thursday evening.
A scene from last year's FranCon.
Photo by Jesse Ganaishlal / Courtesy of FranCon
August says Lebowitz’s signature look makes for an easy Halloween costume – cuffed jeans, white button-down, blazer – and that the creative restriction of everyone wearing the same thing creates an interesting social backdrop.
Lebowitz, perhaps most famous as an author, was the subject of a 2021 docuseries from Martin Scorsese called "Pretend it's a City." It featured her in various locations across New York City musing — and often complaining — about the city.
“You’re really stripped down to your personality when you’re making friends and interacting with people,” August said. “It’s not based on what you’re wearing or what you look like.”
The one person who is specifically not invited to FranCon? Fran Lebowitz.
“She would never want to come to this event,” August said. “Which is also why we put it on her birthday. She probably has other, better plans.” This year’s event is technically the day before Lebowitz’s birthday.
A participant at FranCon 2021.
Photo by Jane August / Courtesy of FranCon
If Lebowitz did show up, August added, she would become the center of attention.
“That community feeling would dissipate,” she said.
August does not smoke, which eliminates another essential component of the costume. Because of that, she’s purchased four cases of candy cigarettes to bring to the party and distribute as props.
“I think we have a hundred-something cartons of candy cigarettes,” August said.
Fran Lebowitz did not respond to a request for comment.
FranCon takes place this Thursday, Oct. 26 from 7-10 p.m. at the Holiday Cocktail Lounge at 75 St. Mark’s Pl. Attendance is free but the organizers ask that you RSVP here.
Tagged
halloween
manhattan
art
Ryan Kailath
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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