Season 2 · Episode 3

Susanne Bartsch

Empress of the Night · Love Ball founder, boutique owner and party host

Released 22 Aug 2022 · 1:01:34 on WOW and as a podcast

Every name, club, book, song, night and look from the interview - 198 references and 503 mentions in this episode. From Swiss teen runaway to the Blitz, her SoHo stores, Savage, Bentley's, the Copa and the Love Balls - and a FIT show of 128 looks. Pure magic!

Watch the episode Listen to the episode

Mood of the episode

On screen

Susanne's on-camera look (S02E03)

On camera

sequin black#1A1011
pearl brows#FFF5E5
turquoise pendant#4AABD7
sheer black mesh#3A2D2C
nude lip#D2978B
dusky rose wall#9E7D6F
candle amber#C95C22
deep teal chair#042D34

Black sequinned bob wig; pearl-studded swooping brow arches and dramatic lashes; sheer black mesh sleeves; black harness top with silver rings and spikes; turquoise pendant on a fine chain

In her ornate Chelsea apartment: dusky-pink walls with a teal frieze, a gilded fireplace, candle-lit sconces, a teal chair, a purple boa and friends lounging behind her

In the stories

Sister Dimension as a pickle

pickle green#5F8A2B
alien blue#2A6FDB
clown white#F5F5F0
clown red#C8102E

Self-made performance looks

His self-made looks: a pickle, an alien clown, a blue alien

Sort by:

London ↗Location
Where she went at 16; she brought its young designers to New York
1971: Warhol's play Pork runs in London 1974: SEX opens at 430 King's Road 1991: Moby's Go breaks out of the clubs
19
in this episode
60 across all
Susanne Bartsch: Fashion Underground ↗Event
Her 2015 FIT show of 128 looks, entered through a club alleyway
FashionFashion exhibition
Heard as “exhibit”
17
in this episode
this episode only
Susanne Bartsch ↗Person
The guest: Swiss-born party host, boutique owner and Love Ball founder, the 'Empress of the Night'. Links to her Night Fever episode
FashionFashion icon and boutique owner; subject of the 2015 Museum at FIT show of her looks
Heard as “Botch / Cruzan / Susanne / Suzanne”
A Night Fever guest →1980: Danceteria stacks four floors of nightlife 1981: Susanne Bartsch opens her SoHo boutique 1985: The Palladium opens with art on the walls
15
in this episode
38 across all
New York ↗Location
Where she came for Valentine's Day in 1981 and stayed
1989: Seduction charts with Two to Make It Right 1991: Moby's Go breaks out of the clubs 1993: RuPaul's Supermodel (You Better Work) charts
12
in this episode
243 across all
Leigh Bowery ↗Person
Funny, dry-witted friend from London; shown in New London in New York, ran Taboo and was MC of the second Love Ball
FashionDesigner and performance artist famous for his self-made looks
Heard as “Elie Bowery / Leavers / Lee / Lee Bauer”
1981: Susanne Bartsch opens her SoHo boutique 1984: The first Wigstock in Tompkins Square Park 2015: Susanne Bartsch: FASHION UNDERGROUND opens at the Museum at FIT
12
in this episode
13 across all
Vogue balls / ballroom scene ↗Event
The Harlem ball scene she'd gone to for years and borrowed the Love Ball format from
FashionRunway competition culture
Heard as “Harlem balls / balls for years / house ball / house balls”
11
in this episode
27 across all
RuPaul ↗Person
Go-go danced at Bentley's, was master of ceremonies at the Copa and toured Japan, Italy, Paris and Miami with Susanne
FashionDrag icon; started as a go-go dancer in Susanne's clubs
Heard as “Ru / RuPaul / Rue”
1981: The Pyramid Club redefines drag 1984: The first Wigstock in Tompkins Square Park 1993: RuPaul's Supermodel (You Better Work) charts
9
in this episode
31 across all
Sister Dimension (Alan Mace)↗Person
Pyramid Club co-founder who performed for Susanne at Savage and the Copa; studied quantum physics, now in cyber security
FashionFamous for self-made looks: a pickle, an alien clown
Heard as “Alan / Sister Dimension”
9
in this episode
15 across all
AIDS crisis ↗Event
Losing half her address book by 1988 made her start the Love Ball
Heard as “AIDS / HIV / aids”
8
in this episode
22 across all
Mr. Pearl ↗Person
Her favourite looks in the FIT show; she was the first to order a corset from him
FashionCorsetier
8
in this episode
only counted here · named on 2 more cards
The Museum at FIT ↗Location
Showed 128 of her looks in 2015
FashionFashion museum
Heard as “FIT”
2015: The Museum at FIT
7
in this episode
this episode only
Paris ↗Location
Le Sept in the 70s, then tours with RuPaul and a Love Ball
7
in this episode
37 across all
Blitz Club ↗Club
Steve Strange's Monday night in Covent Garden where everyone had a new look every week
FashionNew Romantic fashion
Heard as “Blitz / Plitz”
6
in this episode
this episode only
Peter Gatien ↗Person
Susanne says he briefly backed the second store with a bank loan and she paid him back by working at the Limelight. Links to his Night Fever episode
Heard as “Peter / Peter Gashen / Peter Gation”
A Night Fever guest →1983: Peter Gatien turns a church into Limelight 1985: The Palladium opens with art on the walls 1990: The Club Kids invade daytime television
6
in this episode
26 across all
Copacabana ↗Club
Her glamorous monthly party in the old mafia club across from the Pierre
FashionMonthly dress-up party with artistic invites
Heard as “Copa / Copacabana / Koba Kabbalah / cobra”
6
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
Instagram ↗Organisation
Randy's daily fix of her hallway looks
FashionWhere she posts her looks
5
in this episode
17 across all
Hotel Chelsea ↗Location
Susanne has lived there since 1981, the last one standing, working the hallway
FashionHer daily hallway looks for Instagram
Heard as “Chelsea Hotel / the Chelsea”
1981: Hotel Chelsea
5
in this episode
12 across all
Janis Joplin ↗Person
Once lived in the middle room of Susanne's Chelsea apartments; her neighbour the nurse kept her signed records
FashionBoho rock-star style icon
Heard as “Janice / Janice Joplin / Janis Joplin”
5
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
Taboo ↗Club
Leigh Bowery's London club, one of her all-time favourites
FashionClub built on extreme looks
Heard as “Lee Bowery's club / Taboo”
5
in this episode
this episode only
Trojan (Gary Barnes)↗Person
Leigh Bowery's flatmate and partner in looks; Susanne calls the pair pure magic and wishes he hadn't died so young
FashionClub-look artist from the Taboo crowd
Heard as “Drojan / Trojan”
5
in this episode
this episode only
Annie Flanders ↗Person
Founder of Details; one of the first two people Susanne called about the Love Ball, and printed the programme
FashionMagazine founder (Details)
5
in this episode
11 across all
Disco ↗Music
Savage was a 70s disco; the Copa and Bentley's had disco floors
Heard as “disco”
5
in this episode
11 across all
Savage ↗Club
Her Tuesday night in a 70s-style disco; a thousand people came dressed up
FashionDress-up night
Heard as “Sauvage / Savage”
5
in this episode
only counted here · named on 5 more cards
Nell's ↗Club
The sofa-and-French-fries club her parties were an antidote to
Heard as “Nell's / the nails”
1975: Nell Campbell: Plays Columbia in The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1986: Nell Campbell: Opens the club Nell's
5
in this episode
19 across all
Kenny Kenny ↗Person
Jewellery maker she put on the door at Savage to set the dress code
FashionDoorman whose own look set the tone
Heard as “Kenny / Kenny Kenny”
5
in this episode
6 across all
Randy Barbato ↗Person
Co-host; says Susanne's Instagram hallway looks beat any fashion week. No Wikipedia page of his own; links to WOW
Heard as “Randy / Randy Barbado”
1993: RuPaul's Supermodel (You Better Work) charts 2009: RuPaul's Drag Race premieres 2021: Night Fever starts recording the survivors
4
in this episode
60 across all
Love Ball ↗Event
Her AIDS benefits in the house-ball format: Roseland 1989 and 1991, Paris, the Playboy Mansion
FashionBallroom fashion benefit with designer-dressed houses
Heard as “love ball / love balls / love poles”
4
in this episode
7 across all
Susanne Bartsch: On Top ↗Film
2017 documentary filmed by two young men she met while prepping the FIT show
FashionFashion documentary
Heard as “I was on top / documentary on top / supporting on top”
4
in this episode
this episode only
Thompson Street store ↗Location
Her first tiny store, in an old English-panelled shopfront
FashionBoutique of young London designers
Heard as “Thompson Street”
4
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
The Roxy ↗Club
Where she staged New London in New York with a curtain backstage and music too loud to hear
Heard as “Roxy”
4
in this episode
6 across all
Limelight ↗Club
She did the second show there; later worked there for Peter Gatien and hated the office
1987: Ernie Glam: Part of the downtown club crowd around the Limelight and Tunnel 1990: Ernie Glam: Documents the Club Kid scene in writing 1987: Waltpaper: Joins Michael Alig's Club Kids at the Limelight
4
in this episode
32 across all
Steven Greenberg ↗PersonPartly confirmed
White-haired backer with the Rolls-Royce who, as Susanne tells it, dropped her West Broadway store during an insider-trading scandal
Heard as “Greenberg”
4
in this episode
this episode only
YasminePersonPrivate person
Trans woman who worked in her store
FashionStore staff
4
in this episode
this episode only
Bentley's ↗Club
Dive-y after-hours club: disco and drag downstairs, house and strippers upstairs
Heard as “Bench's / Bentley's / Bentleys”
4
in this episode
only counted here · named on 7 more cards
Japan ↗Location
She took the ballroom queens on tour there, many times
4
in this episode
this episode only
Real Sex ↗TV
HBO episode with Susanne and RuPaul; Randy and Fenton made one too
Heard as “Real Sex / real sex”
4
in this episode
only counted here · named on 2 more cards
Michael Alig ↗Person
Susanne introduced him to Peter Gatien to take over her Limelight events, so James says she's responsible for the Club Kids
FashionClub Kid ringleader known for his looks
Heard as “Michael / Michael Alex”
1983: Peter Gatien turns a church into Limelight 1990: The Club Kids invade daytime television 1992: Club USA opens in Times Square
4
in this episode
123 across all
Jean Paul Gaultier ↗Person
Love Ball judge; at the Paris ball he swapped jackets with Mugler; Susanne wears him
FashionFashion designer
Heard as “Caultier / Gautier / Jean-Paul Gaultier”
4
in this episode
10 across all
Mathu Andersen ↗Person
Created her invitations with Zaldy; later of Drag Race
FashionMake-up artist and creative director
Heard as “Matthew”
4
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
James St. James ↗Person
Host; walks Susanne through London, the Copa, the Love Balls and her FIT show. Links to his own Night Fever episode
FashionClub Kid with flamboyant looks
Heard as “James / James St. James”
A Night Fever guest →1990: The Club Kids invade daytime television 1996: The Club Kid era ends with the Angel Melendez case 2021: Night Fever starts recording the survivors
3
in this episode
125 across all
Le Sept (Paris)↗ClubPartly confirmed
Decadent 70s Paris club, a mini Studio 54
FashionFashion crowd hangout
Heard as “Club Sepps / Club Set”
3
in this episode
4 across all
New London in New York ↗Event
Her fashion show of young London designers at the Roxy, then the Limelight and Tokyo; her first taste of bringing people together
FashionFashion show
3
in this episode
only counted here · named on 7 more cards
John Duka ↗PersonPartly confirmed
New York Times style writer who gave her store a full page before it opened and named it street fashion
FashionFashion journalist
Heard as “Duca / John Duca”
3
in this episode
this episode only
Barneys New York ↗Organisation
Rushed to London to buy; wouldn't sit with Charivari at her show
FashionDepartment store
Heard as “Barneys / Barnies”
3
in this episode
7 across all
Andre Walker ↗Person
Susanne says that as a schoolboy he hung out at her store every day while his mother phoned looking for him
FashionFashion designer
Heard as “Andre / Andre Walker”
3
in this episode
this episode only
Steve Strange ↗Person
Ran the Blitz Monday nights; Susanne says he had a crush on her boyfriend; Fade to Grey is a Fenton favourite
FashionNew Romantic style icon
Heard as “Steve / Steve Strange”
3
in this episode
4 across all
House of Xtravaganza ↗Organisation
Opened the first Love Ball with Willi Ninja
FashionBallroom house
Heard as “Extravagan / extravagan”
3
in this episode
6 across all
Romeo (hairdresser)↗PersonNot found online
Hairdresser on Thompson Street who painted her first store baby blue with glued tissue paper
FashionHair salon owner
Heard as “Romeo”
3
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
MTV ↗Organisation
James thinks her London friends were all on it; she had no time for TV
1990: Deee-Lite's Groove Is in the Heart hits MTV
3
in this episode
22 across all
JulioPersonPrivate person
Another of the wild, beautiful people who worked for her
FashionStore staff
3
in this episode
this episode only
House music ↗Music
Played upstairs at Bentley's and at the Copa
Heard as “house music”
3
in this episode
this episode only
Sister Dimension as a pickleMood
His self-made looks: a pickle, an alien clown, a blue alien
FashionSelf-made performance looks
Heard as “pickle”
3
in this episode
this episode only
Honey Dew ↗PersonNot found online
Stripper in the upstairs room at Bentley's, as told on the show
3
in this episode
this episode only
Vivienne Westwood ↗Person
Susanne produced her show at the Limelight; wore her heels in the Japanese snow
FashionFashion designer
Heard as “Vivian Westwood”
1974: SEX opens at 430 King's Road 1981: Susanne Bartsch opens her SoHo boutique
3
in this episode
15 across all
Club Kids ↗Organisation
Brought to the Copa; and James jokes she's responsible for them
FashionClub Kid looks
Heard as “club kids”
3
in this episode
73 across all
Harlem ↗Location
Home of the house balls
1986: Harlem's ball scene meets downtown
3
in this episode
8 across all
Absolut Vodka ↗Organisation
Michel Roux's brand, made cool with artist bottles; first Love Ball sponsor
Heard as “Absolut / absolut”
3
in this episode
4 across all
Thierry Mugler ↗Person
In the Love Ball crowd; swapped jackets with Gaultier in Paris
FashionFashion designer
Heard as “Manfred Terry Mugler / Mugler”
1992: Club USA opens in Times Square 2015: Susanne Bartsch: FASHION UNDERGROUND opens at the Museum at FIT
3
in this episode
14 across all
Artist-decorated Love Ball trophiesMood
Trophies decorated by artists like Keith Haring and Kenny Scharf
Heard as “trophies”
3
in this episode
this episode only
Roseland Ballroom ↗Location
Venue of the first two Love Balls
Heard as “Roseland / at Rose”
3
in this episode
this episode only
Valerie Steele ↗Person
Museum at FIT director; agreed at dinner to show Susanne's club looks
FashionFashion historian and curator
Heard as “Valerie”
2015: Susanne Bartsch: FASHION UNDERGROUND opens at the Museum at FIT
3
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
Susanne's lashes at the MAC dinnerMood
The lashes James Gager wanted to make, which became her lash line
FashionSignature lashes
Heard as “lashes”
3
in this episode
this episode only
Los Angeles ↗Location
Work there disappeared in the pandemic; she invites the hosts to dinner
Heard as “LA”
2004: Lisa Edelstein becomes Dr. Cuddy on House 2021: Night Fever starts recording the survivors
3
in this episode
70 across all
Fenton Bailey ↗Person
Co-host; was at school in London in the punk years and remembers Sister Dimension living downstairs
Heard as “Fenton”
1993: RuPaul's Supermodel (You Better Work) charts 2009: RuPaul's Drag Race premieres 2021: Night Fever starts recording the survivors
2
in this episode
41 across all
Bailey (Susanne's son)PersonPrivate person
His bedroom in the Chelsea apartment was once next to Janis Joplin's room
Heard as “Bailey's”
2
in this episode
this episode only
Hiking boots with her mother's Sunday outfitsMood
As a girl she swapped dainty lacquer shoes for hiking boots and cable knee socks pulled over the knee
FashionTurning a planned outfit upside down
Heard as “hiking boots”
2
in this episode
this episode only
Switzerland ↗Location
Where she grew up and knew she had to leave by 16
2
in this episode
3 across all
Speakeasy Club (London)↗Club
London rock club she went to as a teenager; heard as 'Speaking's'
Heard as “Club Speaking / Speaking's”
2
in this episode
this episode only
Studio 54 ↗Club
James compares Le Sept to it
1970: Nikki Haskell: Regular at Studio 54 1980: Nikki Haskell: Hosts The Nikki Haskell Show on TV 1970: Dustin Pittman: Photographs Studio 54 and the downtown scene
2
in this episode
43 across all
Andrew Logan ↗Person
London designer in New London in New York; she also sold his jewellery in her store
FashionSculptor and jeweller; founder of Alternative Miss World
2
in this episode
this episode only
Rachel Auburn ↗Person
London designer in New London in New York
FashionFashion designer (later DJ)
Heard as “Rachel / Rachel Auburn”
2
in this episode
this episode only
Tokyo ↗Location
Took New London in New York there for three days
2
in this episode
3 across all
Calvin Klein ↗Person
Her chaotic show was the opposite of his organised ones; later bought a Love Ball table
FashionFashion designer
2
in this episode
4 across all
West Broadway store ↗Location
Her bigger, colourful store that tour buses drove past
FashionBoutique
Heard as “West Broadway”
2
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
Punk ↗Music
Fenton's school years in London were all punk before the New Romantics
FashionAnti-establishment fashion
Heard as “punk”
2
in this episode
38 across all
New Romantic ↗Music
The Blitz movement: a new look every week
FashionFashion-led movement
Heard as “neuromantic / new romantic”
2
in this episode
3 across all
Kraftwerk ↗Music
Always on at the Blitz; everyone robot-danced
2
in this episode
this episode only
Boy George ↗Person
Seen in videos wearing Sue Clowes
FashionNew Romantic style icon
Heard as “Boy George / Boyd Church”
2
in this episode
33 across all
Details ↗Publication
Annie Flanders' magazine; printed the Love Ball programme
FashionDowntown fashion magazine
Heard as “from detail / retail magazines”
2
in this episode
15 across all
Leo (Savage owner)PersonPrivate person
Was building a 70s disco downstairs; gave her Tuesday nights once he got a liquor licence
Heard as “Leo”
2
in this episode
this episode only
Michael Musto ↗Person
First person at the door of Savage on night one, head to toe in a look. Links to his Night Fever episode
FashionDressed head to toe in a look
Heard as “Musso / Musta”
A Night Fever guest →1977: Studio 54 opens 1983: Peter Gatien turns a church into Limelight 1984: La Dolce Musto begins in the Village Voice
2
in this episode
41 across all
Pyramid Club ↗Club
East Village bar Sister Dimension co-founded
Heard as “Pyramid / pyramid”
1987: Linda Simpson: Starts the zine My Comrade 1990: Linda Simpson: Hosts nights in the East Village drag scene
2
in this episode
22 across all
Bobby Bradley ↗PersonPartly confirmed
Pyramid Club co-founder and, as told on the show, Sister Dimension's boyfriend at the time
2
in this episode
7 across all
Brian Butterick ↗PersonPartly confirmed
Named by Fenton as the third Pyramid Club founder
Heard as “Brian”
2
in this episode
10 across all
Beverly (Alan's wife)PersonPrivate person
As told on the show, she married Sister Dimension and they have two children
Heard as “Beverly”
2
in this episode
this episode only
Lady Hennessy ↗PersonPartly confirmed
As told on the show, an outrageous stripper act at Bentley's that people queued for with coffee cups and umbrellas
2
in this episode
only counted here · named on 2 more cards
Joey Arias ↗Person
As told on the show, he helped pull Lady Hennessy's stocking all the way into a snowy Japanese town square. Links to his Night Fever episode
FashionPerformer known for his looks
Heard as “Joey / Joey Ayers”
A Night Fever guest →1978: The Mudd Club opens downtown 1979: Bowie sings on Saturday Night Live with Klaus Nomi and Joey Arias 1981: The Pyramid Club redefines drag
2
in this episode
9 across all
WaltPersonNot found online
Old Spy magazine writer who danced at Bentley's in an old suit with a beer can on his head
2
in this episode
this episode only
Walt's beer-can hatMood
Old-school suit and a beer can on his head on the Bentley's dance floor
Heard as “beer can”
2
in this episode
this episode only
Andy Warhol ↗Person
Held a party at the Copacabana, which is how she first saw the space
Heard as “Warhol”
1970: Max's Kansas City back room becomes the Factory's canteen 1971: Warhol's play Pork runs in London 1977: Studio 54 opens
2
in this episode
150 across all
Village People ↗Music
Played the Copa's opening night
FashionCostumed group
Heard as “village people”
2
in this episode
3 across all
Vivienne Westwood show at the Limelight ↗Event
Show she produced, she says, to pay back Peter Gatien
FashionFashion show
Heard as “Westwood show”
2
in this episode
this episode only
Simon Doonan ↗Person
The first person she called with the Love Ball idea
FashionBarneys window dresser and fashion writer
2
in this episode
this episode only
Madonna ↗Person
At the first Love Ball, where she first saw voguing
FashionPop style icon
1980: Danceteria stacks four floors of nightlife
2
in this episode
31 across all
Keith Haring ↗Person
At the Love Ball; made one of the artist trophies
FashionArtist who also designed fashion and the Pop Shop
Heard as “Keith Haring / he's Harry”
1983: Area opens and rebuilds itself every six weeks 1985: The Palladium opens with art on the walls
2
in this episode
37 across all
André Leon Talley ↗Person
On the celebrity judging panel at the Love Ball
FashionVogue editor and style icon
Heard as “Andre Leon Talley”
2
in this episode
3 across all
DIFFA ↗Organisation
The AIDS charity that passed on the Love Ball money
FashionDesign and fashion industry charity
Heard as “DIFA”
2
in this episode
this episode only
Laurie Pike ↗PersonPartly confirmed
MC-ing for the cameras at the first Love Ball, as Randy and Fenton remember it
Heard as “Lori Pike”
2
in this episode
3 across all
Channel 4 ↗Organisation
Randy and Fenton filmed the first Love Ball for it
2
in this episode
3 across all
Mario Testino ↗Person
Came to the Paris Love Ball in drag with five supermodels
FashionFashion photographer
2
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
James Gager ↗PersonPartly confirmed
MAC creative director who wanted to make her lashes, which became her lash line
FashionMake-up creative director
Heard as “James Gauges / James said to me, I want”
2
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
Zaldy ↗Person
Made many of her outfits; created the Copa invites with Mathu
FashionFashion and costume designer
Heard as “Soldi / Zaldi”
A Night Fever guest →1990: Zaldy: Part of the club scene and designs for RuPaul 2018: Zaldy: Emmy for costume design on RuPaul's Drag Race
2
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
Les Ballets Trockadero ↗OrganisationPartly confirmed
Drag ballet tradition Ekaterina Sobechanskaya founded
FashionDrag tutus and costume
Heard as “Trocadero”
2
in this episode
this episode only
Mathu and Zaldy's invitations and the wig wallMood
The Copa invites and a wall of wigs she shows on camera
FashionGraphic invitations
Heard as “invites”
2
in this episode
this episode only
On Top (party)↗Event
Her fashion-y summer dance party on the roof at the Standard
FashionDress-up party
Heard as “have on top / party on top”
2
in this episode
only counted here · named on 3 more cards
Hallway looks at the ChelseaMood
Randy's favourite: a new outfit every day walking the Chelsea hallway
FashionDaily looks on Instagram
Heard as “different outfit on”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Fashion Week ↗Event
Who needs it, says Randy, with Susanne's Instagram
FashionFashion show season
1
in this episode
3 across all
Rome ↗Location
Who needs it, says Randy, when you have Susanne's Instagram
1
in this episode
2 across all
Milan ↗Location
Who needs it, says Randy, when you have Susanne's Instagram
FashionFashion capital
1
in this episode
2 across all
Swinging London ↗Event
Where everyone was going when she left home
FashionMod and rock fashion moment
Heard as “swinging London”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Mick Jagger ↗PersonPartly confirmed
One of the rock stars Susanne met in late-60s London
FashionRock style icon
Heard as “Mick Jack”
1
in this episode
2 across all
Led Zeppelin ↗Music
Rock stars she met in London
Heard as “Zeppelin”
1
in this episode
2 across all
The Who ↗Music
Rock stars she met in London
Heard as “the Who's”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Revolution club (London)↗ClubPartly confirmed
London rock club she went to as a teenager
Heard as “Club Revolution”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Lake Geneva ↗Location
Island party once a month - the rave of its day
1
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
Wallpaper ↗PublicationPartly confirmed
James quotes an interview she gave
FashionDesign and fashion magazine
1
in this episode
this episode only
Interview magazine ↗Publication
James quotes an interview she gave about the Lake Geneva parties
FashionWarhol's fashion and culture magazine
1
in this episode
6 across all
Bern ↗Location
Where she drove from to the monthly island party
1
in this episode
this episode only
Geneva ↗Location
Where they took the boat out to the island party
1
in this episode
this episode only
Stephen Jones ↗Person
Young London designer Susanne brought to New York for New London in New York
FashionMilliner
1
in this episode
this episode only
BodyMap ↗Organisation
London label in New London in New York
FashionFashion label
Heard as “Body Map”
1981: Susanne Bartsch opens her SoHo boutique
1
in this episode
this episode only
The New York Times ↗Publication
Gave her store a full page before it opened
FashionFashion coverage
Heard as “New York Times”
1
in this episode
3 across all
Saks Fifth Avenue ↗Organisation
One of the stores rushing to London to buy
FashionDepartment store
Heard as “Sax”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Bergdorf Goodman ↗Organisation
Rushed to London to buy
FashionDepartment store
Heard as “Bergdorf”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Browns ↗OrganisationPartly confirmed
Rushed to London to buy
FashionBoutique
1
in this episode
this episode only
Ultimo (Chicago)↗OrganisationPartly confirmed
Chicago boutique rushing to London to buy
FashionBoutique
Heard as “Altima”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Chicago ↗Location
A Chicago store was among the buyers heading to London for young designers
1976: Chicago
1
in this episode
9 across all
Charivari ↗OrganisationPartly confirmed
Didn't talk to Barneys, which she learned at her first show
FashionBoutique
Heard as “Chharawali”
1
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
Covent Garden ↗Location
Where the Blitz was
1
in this episode
only counted here · named on 2 more cards
A new look every week at the BlitzMood
New Romantics turning up in a completely new look each week
FashionNew Romantic dressing
Heard as “completely new look”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Fade to Grey ↗Music
Steve Strange's single, one of Fenton's favourites
1
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
Arthur Weinstein ↗Person
Ran the Jefferson, the after-hours club that felt European to her in 1981
FashionNightlife pioneer
1
in this episode
11 across all
The Jefferson ↗ClubPartly confirmed
Arthur Weinstein's after-hours club on 14th Street
Heard as “Jefferson”
1
in this episode
3 across all
14th Street ↗Location
Where Arthur Weinstein's after-hours club the Jefferson was, one of Susanne's first New York haunts
1985: The Palladium opens with art on the walls
1
in this episode
8 across all
John Maybury ↗PersonPartly confirmed
Told her to name the store after herself; the best advice she ever got
FashionFilmmaker from the London Blitz scene
Heard as “John Mabry”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Baby-blue store with crumpled tissue paperMood
Romeo painted the Thompson Street store bright baby blue and glued on crumpled tissue paper
FashionHandmade shop decor
Heard as “baby blue”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Sue Clowes ↗Person
London designer whose clothes Boy George wore in his videos
FashionFashion designer (Culture Club looks)
Heard as “Sue Klaus”
1
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
Norma Kamali ↗Person
Shopped at Susanne's store
FashionFashion designer
1
in this episode
this episode only
Donna Karan ↗Person
Came to buy jewellery at the store
FashionFashion designer
Heard as “Donnie Kerrand”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Musto head to toe in a lookMood
Michael Musto, first at the door on Savage's opening night
FashionFull club look
Heard as “head to toe in a look”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Mars (nightclub)↗ClubPartly confirmed
One of the mega clubs of the time
Heard as “the moss”
1
in this episode
10 across all
The Tracks ↗ClubPartly confirmed
Dark gay house-music club, shirts off
Heard as “the tracks”
1
in this episode
this episode only
East Village ↗Location
Where the Pyramid is
2025: Manic Panic hits its late forties and the New York Times comes calling
1
in this episode
18 across all
Business suit with pantyhose underneathMood
Sister Dimension's office look now
FashionSubverted suiting
Heard as “pantyhose”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Boom Boom Room ↗Club
Where Sister Dimension came as a pickle for her Halloween 2019
2019: Boom Boom Room
1
in this episode
this episode only
Parco ↗LocationPartly confirmed
The Japanese department store behind the tour
FashionFashion department store
Heard as “parko”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Westwood heels in the snowMood
As told on the show, walking Lady Hennessy's black stocking through the snowy town square in Japan
FashionVivienne Westwood shoes
Heard as “Westwood heels”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Italy ↗Location
Toured there with RuPaul
1
in this episode
this episode only
Spain ↗Location
Toured there with RuPaul
1
in this episode
this episode only
Miami ↗Location
Toured there with RuPaul
1
in this episode
10 across all
HBO ↗Organisation
Made Real Sex
1
in this episode
this episode only
Puppetry of the Penis ↗TV
Randy and Fenton's Real Sex segment
Heard as “puppetry of the penis”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Spy ↗Publication
Walt wrote for it
Heard as “Spy Magazine”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Samba ↗Music
She brought Brazilian samba culture to the Copa
Heard as “samba”
1
in this episode
this episode only
The Pierre ↗Location
Across the street from the Copa
Heard as “Pierre Hotel”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Jackie Kennedy ↗Person
Coming out of the Copa at 6 am across from the Pierre felt like Jackie Kennedy, move over
FashionStyle icon
1
in this episode
this episode only
The Temptations ↗MusicPartly confirmed
One of the monthly disco acts at the Copa
Heard as “temptations”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Westwood's polka-dot hoop mini skirtsMood
The look James remembers from the Limelight Westwood show
FashionWestwood's mini-crini
Heard as “hoop mini”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Michel Roux ↗Person
Absolut importer who underwrote the first Love Ball with $50,000
1
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
House of Omni ↗Organisation
One of the houses at the Love Ball
FashionBallroom house
Heard as “Omni”
1
in this episode
this episode only
House of Magnifique ↗Organisation
One of the houses at the Love Ball
FashionBallroom house
Heard as “Magnifique”
1
in this episode
this episode only
House of Adonis ↗Organisation
One of the houses at the Love Ball
FashionBallroom house
Heard as “Adonis”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Houses dressed by designers at the Love BallMood
Each ballroom house walked in looks made by fashion designers
FashionDesigner collaborations
Heard as “outfits designed by the designers”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Susan Sarandon ↗Person
In the Love Ball crowd
Heard as “Susan Durandon”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Kenny Scharf ↗Person
Made one of the Love Ball trophies
FashionArtist
Heard as “Sharkmade”
1985: The Palladium opens with art on the walls
1
in this episode
9 across all
Cindy Crawford ↗Person
On the celebrity judging panel at the Love Ball
FashionSupermodel
1
in this episode
this episode only
Iman ↗Person
On the celebrity judging panel at the Love Ball
FashionSupermodel
1
in this episode
this episode only
Willi Ninja ↗Person
Opened the first Love Ball with the House of Xtravaganza
FashionGodfather of voguing; model coach
Heard as “Willie Nincha”
1986: Harlem's ball scene meets downtown 1991: Paris Is Burning reaches cinemas
1
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
Hollywood ↗Location
Part of the mix of uptown, downtown, fashion and the Harlem ballroom scene converging at her ball
1
in this episode
10 across all
Bernadette Peters ↗Person
News footage caught her bumping into Mugler at the Love Ball
1
in this episode
this episode only
God's Love We Deliver ↗Organisation
The Love Ball bought them a van for meal deliveries
Heard as “God's love”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Playboy Mansion ↗Location
Venue of another Love Ball
1
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
Folies Bergère ↗Location
Venue of the Paris Love Ball, which raised $750,000
Heard as “Folie Bechere”
1
in this episode
2 across all
Gaultier and Mugler swap jacketsMood
Rivals swapping jackets on stage at the Paris Love Ball
FashionDesigner jackets
Heard as “exchanged”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Azzedine Alaïa ↗PersonPartly confirmed
Carried Jean-Paul Goude on his back at the Paris Love Ball
FashionFashion designer
Heard as “Arsentina Laya”
1
in this episode
3 across all
Jean-Paul Goude ↗PersonPartly confirmed
Carried on Alaïa's back at the Paris Love Ball
FashionFashion photographer and art director
Heard as “Sean-Paul Goode”
1
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
Testino in drag with five supermodelsMood
Mario Testino strutting the Paris Love Ball
FashionDrag and supermodel runway
Heard as “in drag with”
1
in this episode
this episode only
The Odeon ↗LocationPartly confirmed
Where the MAC dinner with Valerie Steele sparked the exhibition
Heard as “Odeon”
1
in this episode
this episode only
MAC Cosmetics ↗Organisation
Hosted the dinner that led to her lash line and the FIT show
FashionMake-up brand
Heard as “Mac Cosmetics”
1
in this episode
4 across all
Bathtubs full of clothesMood
Two of her four bathrooms are closets; storage under a Chinese bed and in Brooklyn
FashionHer archive of looks
Heard as “bathtubs”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Brooklyn ↗Location
Where Susanne keeps a big storage unit full of her outfits
1998: Gatien acquitted on drug charges, then pursued for taxes
1
in this episode
6 across all
Stella St. Clair ↗PersonPartly confirmed
Her little video was made by the two boys who went on to film On Top
1
in this episode
this episode only
John Galliano ↗Person
One of the geniuses behind her outfits
FashionFashion designer
Heard as “Galliano”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Mr. Pearl's first corsetMood
She was the first to order a corset from Mr. Pearl
FashionCorsetry
Heard as “corset”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Ekaterina Sobechanskaya (Larry Ree)↗PersonPartly confirmed
Founder of the drag Trockadero ballet who used to stitch for Mr. Pearl
FashionDrag ballet costume maker
Heard as “Ekaterina Sorbetzinskaia”
1
in this episode
only counted here · named on 1 more card
Kinky Gerlinky ↗Club
London club night James lists alongside Taboo
FashionDress-up club night
Heard as “Gerlinki”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Danceteria (probably)↗ClubPartly confirmed
A club she remembers loving; heard as 'Dante', most likely Danceteria
Heard as “Dante”
1
in this episode
57 across all
RuPaul's Drag Race ↗TV
Where Mathu Andersen later worked
Heard as “Drag Race”
1
in this episode
14 across all
FIT show as a club alleywayMood
Graffiti, garbage cans and mannequins queuing in club-kid looks to get into the exhibition
FashionExhibition styling
Heard as “alleyway”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Looking good under the wigMood
Her rule for fashion emergencies: if the wig comes off, keep going
Heard as “under the wig”
1
in this episode
this episode only
The Standard ↗Location
Home of her summer party On Top
Heard as “the standard”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Hammer Museum ↗LocationPartly confirmed
One of the LA events she lost
Heard as “Hummer Museum”
1
in this episode
this episode only
Energizer Bunny ↗TV
Fenton's comparison for her stamina
Heard as “Energizer”
1
in this episode
this episode only
World of Wonder ↗Organisation
Backed On Top, which still streams on WOW
2009: RuPaul's Drag Race premieres 2021: Night Fever starts recording the survivors
1
in this episode
34 across all
On camera
Susanne's on-camera look (S02E03)↗Mood
In her ornate Chelsea apartment: dusky-pink walls with a teal frieze, a gilded fireplace, candle-lit sconces, a teal chair, a purple boa and friends lounging behind her
FashionBlack sequinned bob wig; pearl-studded swooping brow arches and dramatic lashes; sheer black mesh sleeves; black harness top with silver rings and spikes; turquoise pendant on a fine chain
—
in this episode
On camera
James's on-camera look (S02E03)↗Mood
In his home library with packed bookshelves, a framed Edgar Allan Poe and a white podcast mic
FashionHot-pink terry robe over pyjamas with a blue-and-white collar printed with blonde pin-up faces; teal rectangular glasses; shaved head
—
in this episode
On camera
Randy's on-camera look (S02E03)↗Mood
Warm wooden bookshelves with lamps, a gold pig sculpture and a Tom Ford book
FashionDark baseball cap; tortoiseshell glasses; navy shirt with a pale dotted stripe and a little crocodile logo over a dark tee
—
in this episode
On camera
Fenton's on-camera look (S02E03)↗Mood
Sunflower-patterned wallpaper, rust curtains and bookshelves
FashionRoyal-blue sweater with a wine-red sleeve stripe; rose-tinted rimless glasses; white earbuds
—
in this episode

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