On the Seventh Day of Christmas
Celebrating the Art World’s Love Affair with Synchronized Swimming
In recent years, countless art parties have staged choreographed aquatic displays. Miami’s Art Basel seems to be a breeding ground for the trend: David LaChapelle’s fete at the Raleigh Hotel last year featured routines by Magic City denizens The Dolphinettes, and this year, the LA-based Aqualillies put on a stunning show at the Delano Hotel for the MoMA PS1 and Interview party. London’s Frieze Art Fair got in on the action too—the White Cube Gallery entertained revelers at Shoreditch House with a splashy performance in the roof terrace pool. Synchronized swimming has even caught the attention of Kate Moss, who took up the sport while on holiday in Thailand. As with any fad, the popularity can be traced to a vintage source, which is why we're harking back to Lloyd Bacon's 1933 musical Footlight Parade. Choreographed by the great Busby Berkeley, the man behind the outlandish musical numbers filmed on the Warner Bros. set during Hollywood’s golden era, the image above encapsulates the razzle-dazzle that proves so alluring today. Wishing you a Happy and Glamorous New Year from NOWNESS!