PLAY | PRIVATE CLUBS
The bar , Jolie ' s , Mumbai
From India to Dubai to New York City Creativity , curiosity , culture This focus on community , cohesion , collaboration , and creativity – heightened since the pandemic – is central to this new genre of private members ’ clubs , which are popping up and / or evolving in every corner of the globe .
At India ’ s newest club , Jolie ’ s – the Mumbaibased brainchild of Indian entrepreneur Aryman Birla – the emphasis is on building a creative and curious membership , delivering a curated environment , and offering culture-rich experiences .
While in the making for a few years , the concept of Jolie ’ s evolved once the pandemic hit , with the club finally opening its doors to members in October 2021 . “ Covid-19 has upended the world ,” a spokesperson for Jolie ’ s said . “ As people look for a safe , hygienic and private place to work , meet and socialise with their close circle , a private-members ’ club plays a huge part .”
Like the others , Jolie ’ s offers a “ space that transcends lots of different experiences ” so members can work , socialise , learn , interact , and enjoy suppers , soirees , and space to express themselves freely and authentically .
There are nine spaces for working , entertaining , art , music , cultural events , drinking and dining , from a business centre designed for ideation and innovation , to The Seen , a performance area for cultural showcases .
Like the others too , Jolie ’ s membership is made of people from all walks of life , from entrepreneurs to artists , thinkers to industrialists , which results in a “ community of diverse high achievers with compelling individuality , who are culturally curious and passionately engaged with the world .
Cipriani ’ s first private club , Casa Cipriani in New York City , debuted last year with much the same aim – to attract eclectic , culturally curious , and interesting people , to mingle , relax , and connect .
Modelling itself on the first days of Harry ’ s Bar in Venice , where people from all walks of life would gather to sip Bellini ’ s and share stories , the Lower Manhattan club is rich in amenities ( events space , wellness centre , dining room , bars ) and cultural offerings .
Ciprianis joins a growing list of clubs in NYC , from NeueHouse to Zero Bond , curating communities , environments , and experiences post-pandemic .
Opening in NYC in 2020 , and now the hotspot du jour , downtown Manhattan private club Zero Bond offers multiple spaces for different experiences – from a screening room and library to comfortable workspaces , an omakase , and libations room – and delivers curated exclusive experiences .
Like the others , membership matters , which is less about money ( one-year membership is relatively affordable at between US $ 2,500 and US $ 4,000 and cheaper the younger you are ), and more about the quality of the community . “ I didn ’ t want to create a place that was just for rich people to spend a lot of money ,” founder Scott Sartiano told Forbes .
Members are not selected on socioeconomic status or profession , but on character , and will only “ accept members that display a high level of integrity and demonstrate an ability to contribute to our Zero Bond community .”
80 January 2023