Gone #clubbing. – NYC Swatch Club Event

I remember my first Swatch. It was 1989. I was 9 years old and obviously cool. The black and yellow strap resembled a metric tape. Fast forward twenty five years to 2014. I walk into one of the best NYC night clubs wearing a blazer, carrying a clutch. A legit adult. Maybe it’s the DJ, maybe it’s the circus theme, but I want to wear my watch buckle on top. #Again!

Last Tuesday, I scored an invite to a party to celebrate a brand I associate with so many happy childhood memories. Attended by at least three hundred fans, friends, and collectors, the Swatch and Nylon magazine event at Marquee in New York City unveiled the new Swatch Club watch. #WhiteLoop

Marquee is tricked out. Literally. My friend Jenn and I are offered pink drinks, we smile at the camera, and take it all in. I see performers climbing aerial silk way above us, booths with pink and blue cotton candy, and stands with caramel dipped apples and freshly popped popcorn. Things get even more real when two guys in full body black leotards wearing industrial goggles start working glow in the dark hula hoops hard! We’re transfixed by the colors, the performances, and the crowd. #PimpLivin’

I spot the friend who invited me. Actually, I spot the massive clown shoes he’s sporting. Another friend escorts us upstairs to a VIP area, which affords us an unobstructed view of the entire club. No lines. DJ PRICE is spinning and it hits me that The Club Can’t Handle Me is my soundtrack for tonight. #ViewFromTheTop

We catch up over White Loop Cosmos and truffle seasoned popcorn and look out onto the dance floor. After a bit, we head back downstairs and hit up the photo booth for a picture together. We mingle, grab a slider, order another round of drinks, and admire the watch gallery. The ping of nostalgia almost hurts. #SwatchMoment

I’m reminded of my very first paper in college, which I opened with the Duran Duran quote, “Styles change, style doesn’t,” and its relevance to this moment and to 2014. Who would ever have predicted the return of jumpsuits? Or baseball caps and classic kicks? All back. Reflective shades are hot. On some. I begin to wonder when it was that Swatch fell under my radar. Quickly, I realize that it doesn’t matter. I know it’s back.

The energy at Marquee was palpable. Everyone had an amazing time as we sampled delicious food, wandered from one great conversation to the next, and took enough selfies to publish a coffee table book. I’m a proud new Swatch Club Member. Hope you will join, too so we can kick it old school at the next event! #SwatchTheClub