Exploring the Private Realm of Top-Tier U.S. Social Groups
In the bustling city of New York, a new wave of private social clubs is taking over the nightlife scene, offering an exclusive and luxurious experience to its members. One such club, Zero Bond, located in NoHo, is quickly becoming a hub for the city's new ruling class.
Zero Bond, a 20,000-square-foot club, caters to a diverse crowd of downtown power brokers from various industries, including asset management, professional sports, tech, and more. Notable figures rumored to be members include Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, and Josh Kushner. The club provides an exclusive place to dine and relax without the hassle of booking reservations at popular restaurants.
The club offers a cozy and grand atmosphere with features like exposed-brick walls, velvet-upholstered banquettes, and gleaming wood tables. It's not uncommon to find entertainment from famous artists like Sting or to attend comedy nights, theme parties, wellness and longevity services, and access to world-class spas.
While Zero Bond is competitive and elitist, it is more meritocratic and less stodgy than its precursors, with no jacket required. Membership, however, is exclusive and by referral and vetting. Legacy may not help one gain entry, but having a recognizable last name, wealthy parents, or royal blood can still open doors.
The global private social club market is projected to reach $25.8 billion by 2027, with growth of 11.2% from 2022 to 2027. In the United States alone, there are currently over 18,000 private clubs with a total membership exceeding 10 million.
One such OG social club, Soho House, had to limit its membership to 200,000 due to locations becoming too crowded. Soho House is known for wanting only creative types, such as movie producers, photographers, and novelists, for membership. Interestingly, it's reported that Casa Cipriani, located in Lower Manhattan, is looking for a cooler clientele and kicked out members who leaked pictures of Taylor Swift and Matty Healy.
Despite the exclusivity, these clubs offer a sense of normalcy and being among people who are like you, as noted by club member Isabel. The new crop of private clubs, such as San Vicente Bungalows in Los Angeles and Colette Club in New York City, provide a next-gen alternative to the traditional private clubs.
However, the path to membership is not always straightforward. One applicant to Soho House faked their job to get in, pretending to work for an interior decorator when they actually worked in finance. On the other hand, no one is turning down Prince Harry for membership.
While the initiation fee for clubs like Zero Bond may not be publicly disclosed, Aman, a private club, requires a $200,000 initiation fee, which is considered an expense similar to Hamptons golf club dues for its members, who are billionaires and multimillionaires.
In conclusion, the rise of exclusive private social clubs in New York City and beyond is a testament to the city's dynamic nightlife scene and the desire for an exclusive, luxurious, and entertaining experience. Whether you're a power broker, a creative, or a celebrity, these clubs offer an alluring atmosphere and a chance to mingle with the city's elite.
