All That Glitters - Black Chalk Magazine
All That Glitters – Black Chalk Magazine

Words & Photos – Justin Howard @jthnomad

EditorialBlack Chalk Magazine @blackchalkmagazine

I am beginning to accept the fact that the Universe does possess a wicked sense of humor. As it seems to be conspiring to rearrange my life into a bizarre reality that sees me ending up at parties, surrounded by hordes of the drunken and high – all seeking enlightenment in their own debauched way. Gore Vidal said “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn!” That perfectly sums up what the Hollywood party experience is all about. It is about the freedom of expression on a purely hedonistic individual level. 

All That Glitters - Black Chalk Magazine
All That Glitters – Black Chalk Magazine

“All The Glitters..”

It should come as no great surprise that Hollywood tends to be an adult wonderland, with the center revolving around its parties. People go to out Hollywood parties to revel with a Dionysian abandonment, to lose themselves in the moment through music. To forget about the events that happen in their daily lives. It is the craving of unique adventures and a yearning to experience the ‘new,’ that draws me out to them.

Parties in Hollywood, are by their very nature are a forced interaction of people. Where we all have to pretend like we know each other. That we share some sort of bizarre intimacy by the very token we are at the same party. All these social interactions are, of course lubricated very nicely by alcohol. F. Scott Fitzgerald nailed it perfectly when he said “Here’s to alcohol, the rose colored glasses of life.” Personally, I believe it is the alcohol that gets you relaxed enough so you can get out your own head. It is that state of relaxation that let’s you establish a rapport with the person you think might be a ‘genuine’ human being in an awkward environment.

All That Glitters - Black Chalk Magazine
All That Glitters – Black Chalk Magazine

At Hollywood parties, because one has to gotten past the fabled ‘guest list’ at the door, there is a strangely organic feeling to all the interactions one has. Even if that organic feeling is a false one, the atmosphere and the environment allows people to interact in a very human manner. It allows us to be ourselves rather then the illusions we believe people want us to be. It creates an interesting context in which to meet new individuals, and to hang out with people you consider to be your friends outside the walls put in place by society.

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