In the world of elite social circles, where power and influence reign supreme, Gabé Doppelt has carved out a unique niche as the director of the San Vicente Clubs (SVC). Her journey, from a South African-born, London-raised, New York-based media maven to a Los Angeles power broker and now a New York club director, is a testament to her adaptability and keen business acumen. But what truly sets Doppelt apart is her approach to curating the SVC's membership, a task that requires a delicate balance of discernment and inclusivity. As she puts it, 'We're slow growers. It's very easy to be greedy and we could take everybody who applies and we would be, I don't know about successful, but we'd be rich.'
Doppelt's philosophy is rooted in the belief that 'power isn't money.' She's not interested in amassing a wealthy membership; instead, she seeks a diverse group of individuals who bring value to the club. This philosophy is evident in her cheeky, 'quasi-monthly' in-house newsletter, 'From The Directrice,' which has become a hit among members. In her unvarnished missives, Doppelt updates insiders on the club's comings and goings, often with a touch of humor and a keen eye for detail. For instance, she recently called out two members who were caught indulging in extracurricular activities during a private event, stating, 'To the two members who, on multiple occasions found your way to a higher floor bathroom between courses for an 'amuse bouche,' the literal translation being a 'mouth amuser,' we know who you are. Please note we do have rooms, and as members, you receive the reduced member rate, so please check with the front desk if you feel the need to indulge in extracurricular activities while in the club.'
Doppelt's approach to membership curation is a delicate dance between discernment and inclusivity. She's not afraid to call out misbehavior, but she also understands the importance of maintaining a sense of community and respect among members. Her methods have contributed to the SVC's success as one of, if not the hottest private club in New York. As she looks to the future, Doppelt and her boss, Jeff Klein, are already thinking about their next venture. But where will they go next? 'We love New York. We love Europe. Maybe London, maybe Paris. We don't know. We love buildings. So, wherever we find the next crumbling old lady,' she says. In my opinion, Doppelt's success lies in her ability to strike a balance between discernment and inclusivity, a delicate dance that has contributed to the SVC's success and her own unique place in the world of elite social circles.
