Mr. Black Goes to Bardot

A few days ago, I dowsed myself in glitter and headed to Bardot, to scope out the Los Angeles incarnation of NYC’s infamous Mr. Black. Known for its bottomless waiters and outrageous theme nights, Mr. Black LA has been going strong ever since Luke Nero teamed up with glamorous producer Lenora Claire. Together with Gregory Alexander and Mr. Rusty Updegraff, they’ve been hosting what’s become one of LA’s hottest gay club nights since September. This week’s theme was dedicated to Tom of Finland – one of the most influential homoerotic and fetish artists of the twentieth century. His depictions of musclebound cops, sailors and leather daddies are iconic in and outside of the gay community. One of my beloved designers, Vivienne Westwood, even featured his art on some of her T-shirts, modeled by Sid Vicious, back in the SEX store days.

After being greeted first by model and performance artist Larva, and second by a hulking cutout of a leather-clad superman, I knew it was going to be a memorable night. Many Mr. Black attendees paid homage to Tom of Finland characters by dressing up in the uniforms he loved to draw, prints of his art were scattered across every table and, in case anyone felt especially naked without a pair of chaps, a variety of leather clothing was available for sale. What struck me besides all the beautiful people, was the friendly vibe throughout the night. Literally everyone I spoke with was genuinely nice – not a common practice in Hollywood’s notoriously catty nightclubs. Between the abundant eye candy, excellent cocktails and Bardot’s sultry ambiance (spiced up for the occasion with colorful lights), my unofficial guide Clint Catalyst and I had no choice but to have a wonderful time.