New York’s Nights of Vice
Two years ago the nightlife of New York City became just that much more eclectic and visually stunning. Shien Lee created the Dances of Vices to showcase performances influenced by the 1920’s and 1930’s. That exotic and incredible period in history. What began as a few shows a year has become a nightly event. The events are themed occasions, usually focusing on the Victorian style costumes and the Rococo inspired arts. Those that leave their New York USA hotel lobby may see groups of extravagantly dressed flappers on their way to the nightly parties and show. Unlike the tecno-rock, trendy clubs, these are very stylized events that appreciate the beauty of the elegance that surrounded the times, the music, the lush fashion, the culture. The name may imply something from the ’seedy’ side of life, however it is anything but. Glamour and opulence is the feel of these old fashioned nights.
The past comes together and combines with the present, encouraging the avant-garde art and clothing with music and re-enactments of history, through theater and cabaret style performances. When Lee came up with the idea, she was simply acting on her own preferences. She loved the fashions and the music of the gangster era 20’s and 30’s, loved vintage style and classical culture. She describes it as a whim, not a thought out business plan. In Manhattan there are many second hand clothing stores and antique furniture shops and she just figured that there were others out their like herself that may want to get together from time to time for the outrageous costume party. A bit of the modern world has crept in as old tunes have been covered by new bands, and the clothing designers are picking up on the opportunities of this resurgence. And perhaps as in other costumed events such as Halloween or the Mardi Gras , a little modern debauchery and naughtiness may appear throughout the night. All in all it’s a visually, and auditory feast that one should attend at least once while on a trip to NYC
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