The Enviable Loft Fran Lebowitz Has Never Liked

Creative director Marc Balet bought his three-story loft in Manhattan’s Noho district 30 years ago, when the space was a dance studio. Although it did have a wood-burning fireplace, the beautiful architecture of the arched windows was hidden.
Once the full windows were revealed, he called on his best friend, writer Fran Lebowitz, whose father owned a furniture store and upholstery workshop, and asked if her father could create and install the very, very long curtains that are still there today.
Fran rose to her now-legend status starting at Interview magazine where she wrote a column called “I Cover the Waterfront,” She is also the author of two books, Metropolitan Life and Social Studies, and the world awaits further writings.
Marc recently invited Fran over for visit, where they talked about their storied friendship and her dislike of his enviable apartment.

[@keepLaffN]

Screw the house. I absolutely LOVE friendships like this.

[@ahumanaperson]

Breeze I love these kinds of friendships, but they’re so rare.. most people get too butthurt and interpret the banter as bullying.

[@BunnyLebowski38D]

Screw the horse. You might like it better.

[@patriciax3677]

@@ahumanaperson well sometimes some people are bullies and/or boring..not true with the people pets Fran finds and is found by. She's not just super smart. She is so honest and witty. I love her.

[@ahumanaperson]

@@patriciax3677 boring is up for interpretation but most people are way too sensitive for wit. The thing is, if you’re too quick (witted) for someone they generally feel threatened, it’s natural to detect when someone is smarter than you and that does pose a certain danger (to the animal part of or brains). And yea, most people can’t take honesty. There is a lot of learnt shame in most of our lives. I think thats why the lgbtq+ crowd is better with this kind of wit, because they’ve faced and gotten past much disabling shame, or are at least self aware and strong enough to not get so easily offended and see the comedy.

[@baluvideo]

She didn't seem witty in this video just condescending and mean. Someone who takes joy in taking a dump on other peoples dreams.

[@Ackrey]

If this was 3 hours long. I would still watch every minute. What a friendship....

[@jordan_too]

Three minutes? WTF? This was so interesting I know I would have watched 50 minutes of it.

[@katehipkin1039]

I was just going to say the same! Not only is their friendship really funny but there was so much to look at!

[@aquastorm5600]

My EXACT thoughts. This could be- at the very least- 10 minutes

[@junebixby7041]

Me too! I could listen to Fran for hours and the banter was so much fun.

[@janeybraida2036]

2nd😉

[@Martina95673]

your wish has been granted lol There is a show about her on Netflix by Martin Scorsese

[@cruisingmimi9319]

“ I don’t want to be amused by decor” wahhhhh and when she said “ when I see something horrible I think...too bad Mark can’t buy that”!

[@gleelee2008]

she's sooooo hilarious that was totally LOL!

[@sdemosi]

I had to agree with her. It's a great space but all that clutter is distracting.

[@BradThePitts]

I haven't seen anyone on camera smoking in a home for YEARS

[@abdizzll]

She doesn't give a f---- . She's the last of the great smokers lol.

[@aldofhister6859]

When I look at those two in that apartment it gives me a sense of the 70s and 80s !

[@aldofhister6859]

@Keenan Thomas touche !

[@BradThePitts]

@@aldofhister6859 "Smoking or non?" Haha

[@aldofhister6859]

@@BradThePitts smoking !

[@plasticfantastic8]

“I don’t wanna be amused by decor” RIOT!🤣 that quote is PRICELESS...

[@tigergreg8]

After I thought about what she said, I realized I feel the same way.

[@Davao420]

I love Fran, but I want to be amused by decor, and I enjoy that priceless reaction people have when they see it for the first time.

[@harlemhomme]

the best!

[@HunterMann]

I partly agree with her. I have lived in places that are artistically cluttered that were amusing but I also find it a real relief when I visit someone’s home that is very sparse and Zen minimalist. A friend of mine started getting rid of stuff so that it wouldn’t own him. I’m referring to that thing that people have so much stuff it doesn’t even fit in their house and then they rent storage units and put it in there and then they never use the stuff again and they just keep putting money into storage fees. And a certain point they no longer own the possessions… The possessions own them. As I was saying, a friend of mine… The richer he got the less stuff he owned, he decided to take the opposite route of that most people take. He got rid of things he got rid of clutter, his home is very sparse very Zen minimalist, very plain. Some people walk into his house and think that he just bought the place and assume that the moving truck has just not arrived yet. He will reply “on the contrary, the moving truck left long ago. I live here now and not a bunch of possessions.” it makes me wonder , if I won twenty million dollars tomorrow in a lottery what would I do during the first year? most people would probably go on a shopping spree , buying more stuff more stuff more stuff . myself ? I think I would pack a few small suitcases and go traveling around the world for a year, not buying anything except food and lodging. To spend the entire year thanking about how I should spend the money. Any comments on what you would do or not do if you had 20 million? Anyone reading this that has 20 million already?Maybe you’d like to make a comment about good things and bad things you’ve done with your money when it comes to spending and possessions? Do you have a cluttered home? Do you like it or are you just for sentimental hoarder who can’t get rid of anything?

[@sheLovesG]

I get what she’s saying, it’s a little much. I do like to have a couple humorous pieces throughout but his place gives me a Hamburger Mary’s vibe, one with a very fortunate address.

[@cyndykated358]

A true friend is someone you can be brutally honest with...and they laugh!

[@uberglamazon]

These kinds of places are becoming rarer and rarer in the city. What a joy.

[@uberglamazon]

@Keenan Thomas Are you from NYC?

[@musa2775]

What kinds of places? These are everywhere? Tiny little (stupidly-expensive) apartments, 12 floors up, with old windows on busy streets.

[@uberglamazon]

@@musa2775 Yep uh huh right...but this one is in Manhattan.

[@musa2775]

@@uberglamazon Fair enough. Maybe it's been too long since I lived in NY.

[@Stephanie-vw3qq]

Exactly. Rarer and more expensive. Smh.

[@caereece]

“We met in 1975 according to Marc I don’t remember it was not as meaningful to me” that pine was enough to let me I knew this was gonna be good

[@DD-sr9xm]

There is none better or more honest than Fran. She is a national treasure, and she doesn’t even do anything. Always unpredictable and entertaining.

[@jpp7783]

This comparison is going to sound like a ridiculous stretch (bear with me), but she’s like lily tomlin. Someone who is entertaining just by breathing. Lily Tomlinson could read the phone book and somehow you’d be laughing. Fran would read it and whimsical social insight would just percolate. Both times, seemingly effortlessly.

[@sukaicosmica]

They are so funny. He is such a nice guy, his home is so unpretencious, personal and wellcoming and her sentence "I don't want to be amused by decor" is hilarious.

[@ruthchelimo6751]

Their friendship is the perfect juxtaposition. I adore the house and their friendship. The video could have been longer.

[@Quantum36911]

"Who wants to live on Broadway and Houston?"... "I don't want to be amused by decor"... She had me rolling! What a dry wit, hilarious. My friends and I all lived in places like that back in the 70's and 80's, when Soho was dark and dangerous and no one wanted to go there. Too bad we did not own them, and had to move out when the rent got too high. Now you have to be a millionaire just to rent one. How times change.

[@ellie-tk4jy]

I need someone to invent a time machine. I have a lot of travelling to do.

[@darlenevm]

The two of them together are hilarious, and the outdoor space is incredible. What an oasis.

[@damondominique]

OK so I need to marry an architect. Noted 📝

[@besma2627]

Nice to see you here Damon :) it seems that we hang out on the same side of the internet

[@Nadia-yr4ht]

Damonnn you’re literally everywhere lol

[@jamesallengraziano6563]

BAHAHAH DAMON

[@lilimandula]

@@Nadia-yr4ht he isss

[@ihiacbasadd]

Lol hi Damon

[@GgGg-te2dn]

Omg the chemistry, you could make 10 seasons tv show with just them talking , no script. Now I know who was inspiration for the fashion designer in the Incredibles!

[@realityqueen3173]

That was Edith Head. Not Fran

[@joesinthishouse914]

We should all be so lucky as to have a decades long friendship like these two.

[@sarahelizabethfoster]

I love this kind of video so much because it shows how two people can have such different reactions to the same space and they're best buddies!

[@marquamfurniture]

The Odd Couple. .... Part 2, please. (Marc critiquing Franz' digs)

[@belladiestel]

YES!!!

[@weeverob]

truly...too bad the film wasn't longer

[@charwest9449]

Yes. Turnabout is fair play.

[@femmeofsubstance]

John C Their banters are hilarious...

[@angiebelle9440]

What an incredible friendship! They both have such unique charm and you can tell they truly enjoy each other's company

[@JeffreyGillespie]

I love a certain kind of old school friendship that allows you to smoke inside.

[@lillithanne9704]

I love Fran Lebowitz so much....

[@sentient02970]

"That ceiling: horrible." LOL, oh Fran.

[@domytube]

Harrible

[@tranzco1173]

Female Slavos Zizek. Actually, I guess Zizek is the male Fran, she was first curmudgeonly pop philosopher.

[@janesmith8050]

@@tranzco1173 Except that you can actually understand Fran

[@maxpenn6374]

It's the only item on which I can agree with Fran. Broadway & Houston is an address anyone can find and it's quieter than some areas and the loft is fabulous. As a designer, doesn't he know some other acoustical tricks to dampen the echo from the ceiling?

[@PDC1987]

I’m pretty sure Fran has never liked anything.

[@mahed5807]

Books

[@shraddashradda]

Except smoking

[@Xplozhun85]

Maybe Marty.

[@goji5887]

Watch Pretend It's a City. She likes many things, including some people. She paradoxically loves parties, for example.

[@ClaudyArfaras]

They are so cute and how fortunate in a perfect cross-section of minds with a huge dose of humor for the ultimate match made in, wherever those kinds of matches are made and fairly certain it wasn't in heaven but maybe... Thank you...

[@zooks3894]

I love her sense of humour and his reaction to her comments. 🤣

[@joannabrinkley8266]

“I don’t want to be amused by decor”😆

[@omfug7148]

Lucky that he was able to buy when the market was depressed, he could never find anything similar today without spending millions.

[@cactaceous]

My father in law bought a three story “duplex” in Queens, a block away from the subway, for $27,000 back in 1976 when people were fleeing NYC. It has a car garage, balcony and a roof deck. He lived in it until the late 80’s when he moved to Long Island after getting married. He rented it once to an old lady who was there until 2006. It’s been empty ever since because he wants it that way for some reason. Well, he’s not well mentally. The apartment has never been renovated. It’s like walking back in time to 1976 in there. It’s been valued at $1.2M and nobody will live in it until after he dies. It’s just an amazing space gathering dust. A travesty.

[@joshr9417]

The real estate market in NYC was not depressed in 1990, and that area at Houston & Broadway was already popular.

[@glaciergang]

@@cactaceous sorry but that’s so selfish! People like this are the recent there are so many homeless people on the streets today.

[@cactaceous]

@@glaciergang We are all, in the family, aware of it.

[@glaciergang]

@@cactaceous understandable!

[@NNN-wc1gb]

What an amazing series. Keep them coming please.

[@brianjoyce9040]

I miss the friends I can laugh this way with, whilst being critical.

[@willshelton9047]

Fran is hilarious, I love her work. And there friendship is priceless.

[@Lady-gd8zl]

One of the best episodes. Love his place and these two friends. Wish it was longer.

[@KerryLuckett]

There’s a chaotic, kitschy charm about his loft. But I understand her statement about “amusing decor.”

[@vagueusername3814]

Almost everything I've ever heard this woman say is a statement of what she hates. I don't hate that about her

[@besma2627]

It’s far more interesting than hearing what people love

[@crom586]

I was just thinking that. lol even on her Netflix show I don't think she talks about anything she likes either. It makes me think she's miserable, but she isn't right? lol

[@goji5887]

@@crom586 then you haven't been paying attention, because she mentioned quite a few things she likes on there. To name a few from the top of my head: Martin Scorsese (Marty) obviously, but also Leonard Bernstein, Motown music, parties in general, and another obvious one, books.

[@ladybug5859]

C ron, I think you're right about that: Everything she says is what she doesn't like but WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE about that? She takes what is a Jewish trait (do not censor me😉) to Great Heights and the trait is called kvetching kvetching kvetching. New York Jews especially do it Non-Stop and she's made it into a work of art and in doing so she has made herself a millionaire. No one ever says to her-- button it-- put a sock in it.😤 Vicariously through her we can say whatever we want and not be censured. WHAT a dream. SHE does it with such dispassion that it's palatable. This is what distinguishes Fran from the rest of us, especially number 45. MOST of us are blowing hot air everywhere and she comes in like a cool breeze that cuts through & slices🍰 up the cake🎂 and serves it back to us. ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT🌠

[@annapapadimitropoulos7495]

ugh ikr like she's smart and whatever but she's so full of herself

[@kimsutton4814]

I’m with Fran on this, there’s so many elements that are doing my head in

[@sandramalone1419]

Love the humor these two have with each other. I love this apt. and the white brick walls. Everything about this place screams me.....how fortunate was this guy was who bought it when he did.

[@starshine9147]

love their energy together, Fran's mannerisms remind me of the late comedian George Burns

[@johnnydtractive]

Fran called her Interview column "I Cover The Waterfront" because once in an interview Tennessee Williams was asked point-blank if he was gay & his reply was "Well, let's put it this way. I cover the waterfront". Which....yeah, classic Fran & classic Tennessee Williams.

[@donaldsmith3926]

I don't remember the question, but I think he said that on Cavett.

[@deanfowler4421]

"I Cover The Waterfront" was the name of a song written in 1933 about a reporter.

[@OtterMotterPia]

I didnt know who Fran leibowitz was until I saw this, and now I love her

[@lifeasis266]

She is absolutely not interesting person to me:)

[@RLucas3000]

I used to love her back on Letterman in the 80s when I didn’t know who she was either!

[@BunnyLebowski38D]

How interesting. And how coincidental. She doesn't know who you are either. And does not care.

[@BunnyLebowski38D]

@@bbcarbo9251 Oh yes- she knows me! I attended her Bat Mitzvah in 1981. As well, I redecorated her Manhattan apartment in 1998. Were you there? I THINK NOT!

[@ncjeffhyder]

The photo of them in their youth! I had to just pause for a moment.

[@smarsville]

What a delight. What a great friendship. Can't get enough of Fran Lebowitz. Like others I would like to see more please release more of the video!

[@thelonelyghosts9004]

Fran is a treasure and this friendship is goals

[@keatsgipsy9991]

I love these two being interviewed together ❤️

[@Nyah86Production]

These two are hilarious! I could‘ve watched them talk and bash each other for hours. The loft was amazing, too of course! 😉

[@katehipkin1039]

Yeah they have that lovely easy friendship where you can take the p out of each other but you come away feeling uplifted and restored.

[@anngreenfield6016]

He wasn’t bashing her. It was pretty one way bash fest.

[@wiggitywhacked]

Love their dynamic

[@lestariabadi]

More footage please... No need smart editing...just all the raw footage of this amazing space & the owner.

[@amywang5034]

Love the frankness and closeness of their friendship 💕

[@dupioni]

Thank you for another peek into another fabulous space Wendy Goodman!

[@johntao6822]

1:05 "...I don't remember. It was not that meaningful to me." OMG--Fran is hilarious! 3:11 YW

[@wheatgerm1208]

Just as I begin to focus on the two bowls of dancing geese behind them, Fran croaks “I don’t want to be amused by decor." I just lost it!

[@Chutney1luv]

What an amazing space! Can you imagine how much his apartment cost in 1975? Fran, is iconic and his friend! Now, that is a beautiful story! Friendship everlasting! 💕📷💕

[@briana14333]

What an amazing duo! I need a friend like Fran! This space is dope. Wish I could have seen more.

[@cyan8181]

Can't imagine there are too many outdoor showers in NCY these days. Amazing!

[@throughmyeyes9940]

seems to not be enough indoor showers as well

[@ragemodels]

Lovely and so interesting !! Wish you had shown more.of the apt loft especially that rooftop garden !!! Fran is a Riot !!! Bless her (fellow) smoking heart!!!

[@damienrobertlynch]

Love this series, so much inspiration!

[@lawilder2059]

Love Fran. Could listen to them banter back n forth all day.

[@karlGiant]

Love this!

[@rudyspective1870]

The high ceiling and tall windows were one thing, but the fact that the studio has an outside garden AND a shower- LOVE IT!! Also, Fran Lebowitz. xoxo

[@sidowalker]

The Decor is Crisp, Mature and Wonderfully Whimsical. I LOVE IT!!!

[@pmpm6266]

I love Fran so much. She's such a mood!

[@aoedemontague1489]

That is the loft of my dreams, it's amazing.

[@DarcieGlam]

That was so great, and those windows! "I don't want to be amused by decor, okay?" hahaha. What a lovely friendship.

[@BunnyLebowski38D]

And that wallpaper! All brown from the smoking! Either this wallpaper goes, or I go. - From another 'wit". Look him up.

[@VictorRochaGaming]

That was great. Thanks for the laugh and a smile.

[@besma2627]

I’d like to hang out with her. She’s so direct, sharp, quick witted and most importantly a true New Yorker

[@1989bccclasmate]

i love the loft..my home is packed with memorabilia also and I love my home..people come in and take photos like they were at the hard rock or something

[@janknuckey]

I am 48, I live in the UK and I've only just discovered Fran Fucking Lebowitz! I mean, I'd heard of her other than knowing she was inextricably linked to New York I couldn't have told you if she was a photographer or a choreographer...and in a way she is both, of life! I'm obsessed. Oh and by the way, she's totally right about his apartment...hilarious.

[@MsScarletp]

good for you Mark! I love their friendship.

[@mgmartin51]

I loved the smile when she said that their meeting was not as meaningful to her.

[@AisforAlibi1]

These two are adorable! I love it when Fran says she sees the most gaudiest tackiest thing ever made and she wishes Mark could by it! I love it.

[@ilynnetteross635]

Too short! This was beautiful.

[@donniemoder1466]

I could only be phone friends with Fran Lebowitz because of her smoking. He is very comfortable where he lives. He has some wonderful items to amuse himself and others. A little cluttered but I am sure he knows where everything is.

[@kishapaul8002]

Visited this home when I was younger. What a pair. 2019

[@emanueledeyohansen3528]

The windows and sofa area give me some "Ghost" (the movie) apartment feelings ! ♡♥♡

[@stephenwilliams1269]

Marc has such a great sense of humour. Fran is adorable with her frank no nonsense sugar coating comments. Great apartment.

[@AliseL22]

Loved this

[@wvusciguy]

What a wonderful friendship.

[@thesimplefarmhouse]

that was thoroughly entertaining. And I love the outdoor space!

[@orion8835]

This was freaking hilarious. Lofts are ghastly and fabulous at the same time aren’t they?

[@jenniferholt5194]

Beautiful!! And of course- such a fan of Fran's!! Respect

[@CatskillsGrrl]

I love this series so much. ❤️

[@Pinerocks]

Fran’s a hoot!!

[@Revelwoodie]

I understand the acoustic benefit, but yeah...popcorn ceilings are pretty horrible.

[@komododrag5232]

revelwoodie no there not👎

[@snapdragonfly6652]

Esp with the nicotine

[@sealisa1398]

They’re a mess to remove.

[@yllwjckt]

That wasn't a popcorn ceiling, that was acoustic foam. If you went up and touched that ceiling it would be soft and fluffy but unpleasant to touch.

[@StatusMusicDesign]

Like what Erik said. It's similar to the ceilings you'd find in some newer parking garages.

[@anitaelghandor7295]

Fran is so refreshing, beautiful loft!!

[@lorenzo8495]

Why did I live the best years of my life in Phoenix AZ? 24 thru 40 I should have been in NYC meeting people like this!

[@rachelpitt945]

What a character.

[@bodyloverz30]

The 70's was the time to buy, cheap prices, lots of choices, and fewer regulations. But, the city was a mess during that time and Time Square was wall-to-wall porno shops.

[@bodyloverz30]

@kim pantyhose There is truth to what you say.

[@LadyPotions]

@kim pantyhose Totally agree with you. I think it's a global thing for most cities are becoming flat and commercial. Really boring

[@sohokitten1274]

Nice place & right on Broadway. Cool👍

[@angelaberni8873]

Omg it's fantastic !! I want to see more,much more.... PLEASE !!!

[@suecastillo4056]

I LOVE HER! She is a treasure and is just the best!!!😩🥰🤪

[@-HRH]

I think Fran teleported from the Algonquin round table to 2019

[@BunnyLebowski38D]

No. Dorothy Parker was sardonic, and wittily so. Fran is merely cranky.

[@valoriecarson1476]

Loved this video, we want more!!!

[@CL-lo4wd]

I love their dynamic!

[@lynnstlaurent6789]

We need two documentaries. One on their friendship and a second on that loft and it’s history.

[@2legit64]

Holy smoke! Fran Lebowitz is HI-larious! I'd love to just hear these two talk about any and everything.

[@brioxl1985]

i admire their friendships

[@daisyq3418]

"I don't want to be amused by decor." I luv her. 😆

[@2Sugarbears]

I would LOVE to see HER home. Suppose there is any chance?

[@charlessevin7153]

Diana B she is so rude and proud of it

[@johnwright2911]

I think she likes the opposite! This is the condo she bought. As much as she smokes, it won't stay as white though. variety.com/2017/dirt/real-estalker/fran-lebowitz-new-york-city-condo-1201986942/

[@marytapia8024]

@@johnwright2911 thank you sharing for that. Her place is cold as ice. Not my cup of tea

[@kimberlyrobinson3992]

Nice place but I don’t know how she has $3.1 million dollars for an apartment or anything. She hasn’t written a book in years.

[@johnwright2911]

@@kimberlyrobinson3992 Investing, inheritance, appearances? There are so many options besides books.

[@jbt6007]

I have loved Fran for decades. So damn funny.

[@sharonkaysnowton]

Marc Balet I love your apartment, especially your photo wall. I love it!!! So much real life and stories to tell. I love it!!!

[@jacquelinerocha6509]

Just AMAZING!!! Both of them!