Gabé Doppelt, a name synonymous with curated exclusivity and sophisticated hospitality, has charted an extraordinary path from the dynamic realms of international media to becoming the ultimate L.A. power broker and, most recently, the pivotal figure in the highly anticipated launch of San Vicente Clubs’ West Village outpost in New York. Born in South Africa, raised amidst the cultural tapestry of London, and seasoned by professional stints in New York, Doppelt’s journey reflects a unique blend of global experience and an innate understanding of elite circles, culminating in her influential role first as the maîtred’ at Jeff Klein’s iconic Sunset Tower, and then as the global membership director for his burgeoning San Vicente Clubs. Her career trajectory is not merely a chronicle of roles but a testament to a discerning eye for talent, a knack for fostering community, and an unwavering commitment to unparalleled service, traits that have indelibly shaped her reputation and the success of the ventures she spearheads.
The Architect of Exclusivity: Gabé Doppelt’s Trajectory
Doppelt’s professional genesis began in 1979, a formative era in media, as an assistant to the legendary media maven Tina Brown at Tatler. This early exposure to Brown’s transformative editorial vision and relentless pursuit of cultural relevance laid a foundational understanding of how to cultivate an exclusive brand and cater to a discerning, influential audience. Brown, known for her revitalization of Tatler, Vanity Fair, and The New Yorker, operated at the pinnacle of magazine publishing, offering Doppelt an unparalleled apprenticeship in the art of influence and content curation. Working under such a luminary provided Doppelt with an insider’s view into the intricate dance between media, celebrity, and power, skills that would prove invaluable in her later pivot to hospitality.
Following her tenure at Tatler, Doppelt made her transatlantic move to New York, immersing herself further in the vibrant, competitive world of fashion and lifestyle journalism. Over the subsequent decades, she became a recognizable editorial force, contributing her talents to some of the most prestigious publications on both coasts. Her editorial journey included significant roles at Vogue, the arbiter of fashion and culture; W, known for its opulent spreads and coverage of high society; Mademoiselle, a touchstone for young, fashion-conscious women; and The Daily Beast, a pioneering digital news and opinion platform. This extensive experience across diverse editorial landscapes honed her ability to identify trends, understand the nuances of luxury markets, and, crucially, connect with influential individuals – a skillset that would define her transition into hospitality.
The year 2014 marked a significant turning point for Doppelt as she consciously stepped away from a distinguished career in media to embrace a new chapter in hospitality. This shift was not merely a change of industry but a strategic move into a sector where her accumulated insights into luxury, exclusivity, and interpersonal dynamics could be applied with even greater direct impact. Her initial foray into hospitality saw her leveraging her extensive network and understanding of high-net-worth individuals as the maîtred’ at Jeff Klein’s Sunset Tower Hotel in Los Angeles. The Sunset Tower, a landmark Art Deco establishment, is renowned for its discreet luxury and as a favored haunt for Hollywood’s elite. It was here that Doppelt cemented her reputation as an "L.A. power broker," orchestrating seamless experiences and cultivating an atmosphere of sophisticated ease for a clientele that valued both privacy and prestige. This role provided a direct bridge to her eventual position as the global membership director at Klein’s more exclusive San Vicente Clubs, a natural progression given her unique aptitude for community building among influential figures.
The Genesis of San Vicente Clubs: Klein’s Vision
Jeff Klein, a name synonymous with understated luxury and impeccable service in the hospitality industry, conceived the San Vicente Clubs as an evolution of the traditional private club model. His vision for SVC was to create intimate, meticulously designed sanctuaries that offered a curated experience, prioritizing privacy, genuine connection, and cultural sophistication over overt displays of wealth. Unlike many conventional private clubs that might prioritize financial standing, Klein, as echoed by Doppelt, emphasizes that "power isn’t money," seeking instead members who contribute to a vibrant, interesting community. The initial San Vicente Club in West Hollywood quickly garnered a reputation for its discerning membership and its commitment to fostering a genuine sense of belonging among its elite patrons. It became a coveted space for those seeking refuge from the public eye while still desiring a sophisticated social environment.
The West Village Outpost: A Grand Entrance in New York
The decision to expand the San Vicente Clubs’ footprint to New York City, particularly in the historically rich West Village, signaled a bold move into one of the world’s most competitive and discerning hospitality markets. The chosen location, the former Jane Hotel, a redbrick building originally constructed in 1908, provided a canvas steeped in history and character, perfectly aligning with Klein’s and Doppelt’s preference for spaces with inherent soul. The establishment underwent a massive overhaul, transforming the venerable structure into a beacon of contemporary luxury while respecting its architectural heritage. The project was steered by acclaimed designer Rose Uniacke, whose aesthetic is celebrated for its elegant minimalism and timeless quality, ensuring that the club’s interiors exuded a sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance.
Doppelt’s return to Manhattan in 2023 was initially intended as an eight-month assignment to oversee the launch of SVC’s West Village outpost. However, the allure of New York proved irresistible. “Within a week of landing in New York, which by the way was in the middle of a snowstorm, I knew there was no way I was going back,” Doppelt candidly explains, highlighting the city’s magnetic pull and the immediate connection she felt with its relentless energy. This swift decision to re-establish roots in New York underscored her commitment to the project and her recognition of the city’s unique demands and opportunities.
Designing Exclusivity: Rose Uniacke’s Touch and Culinary Excellence
The San Vicente West Village, which officially opened its doors in March, emerged from its extensive renovation as a paragon of curated luxury. Rose Uniacke’s design philosophy, characterized by a refined sensibility, the use of natural materials, and an emphasis on comfort and understated elegance, transformed the historic building into a series of distinct, inviting spaces. The club features a meticulously designed restaurant helmed by Head Chef Nicholas Ugliarolo, whose culinary vision complements the club’s sophisticated atmosphere. Beyond the main dining area, members can enjoy a variety of specialized environments: a cozy drawing room perfect for intimate conversations, a dedicated sushi room for refined Japanese cuisine, a vibrant disco for late-night entertainment, a classic billiard room, and a state-of-the-art screening room. For those seeking overnight stays or an extended private experience, the club also boasts nine well-appointed rooms and suites, each reflecting the club’s commitment to luxurious comfort and privacy.
The reception to the San Vicente West Village’s opening was nothing short of ecstatic. The New York Times, in a testament to the club’s immediate cultural impact, reported that it was "greeted with a sense of urgency that is second only to the future of democracy." This hyperbolic praise, while perhaps tongue-in-cheek, underscored the immense anticipation and the perceived cultural significance of a new, highly exclusive social hub in a city constantly seeking new benchmarks of luxury and community. In a competitive market already populated by established private clubs such as Soho House, Casa Cipriani, and Zero Bond, SVC West Village’s immediate critical acclaim highlighted its unique appeal and successful execution.
Navigating the New York Scene: A Different Beast
Doppelt, with her extensive experience in both Los Angeles and New York, offers insightful observations on the distinct characteristics of the two cities’ hospitality landscapes. “Opening a club in New York is quite intense because New Yorkers certainly let you know when they’re not happy. They’re a little more forgiving in L.A.,” she notes. This candid assessment speaks to the higher expectations and more vocal feedback characteristic of the New York clientele, a demographic known for its discerning tastes and unapologetic pursuit of excellence. The inherent challenges of launching any new property are compounded in New York, where the stakes are higher and the margin for error is slimmer. Doppelt acknowledges the universal unpredictability of new ventures: “Any new property has the same problems; things you think will go well don’t and things you think are going to be a shit show are always perfect. That’s the nature of the beast in any business.” This pragmatic outlook, coupled with her adaptability, proved crucial in navigating the initial tumultuous period.
The Unforgettable Launch: SNL50 and Beyond
The first three months following Doppelt’s arrival in New York were a whirlwind of intense activity and high-stakes events. Her immediate immersion into the city’s demanding pace was exemplified by the club’s unofficial soft opening. "We hit the ground running," Doppelt recalls, detailing how, on the very next night after her arrival, the club opened exclusively for an afterparty for SNL50: The Homecoming Concert. This star-studded celebration, commemorating a significant milestone for Saturday Night Live, drew an unparalleled roster of celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Cher, Jason Momoa, Anya Taylor-Joy, Donna Langley, Bryan Lourd, and Lorne Michaels himself. Hosting such a high-profile event immediately upon landing provided an intense, albeit thrilling, trial by fire for the nascent club and its team.
The following night, SVC West Village hosted a "hardhat party" for existing members and friends, offering them a sneak peek at the club’s unfinished spaces. This strategic move allowed a core group to experience the evolving ambiance and feel a sense of ownership even before its full completion. Following these initial events, the club went "dark for a month to finish all the aesthetics," a critical period for perfecting the details and ensuring that every element aligned with the exacting standards of the San Vicente brand. The official public opening in March then initiated a three-month period dedicated to finding its operational rhythm and solidifying its identity within the competitive New York landscape.
Curating the Inner Circle: The Philosophy of Membership
A year later, San Vicente West Village has firmly established its groove, largely due to Doppelt’s role as global membership director. Her responsibility extends beyond mere recruitment; it involves the meticulous curation of an exclusive community. The philosophy guiding membership selection is deeply rooted in Jeff Klein’s vision, which Doppelt eloquently articulates. “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,” she explains. This statement highlights a deliberate choice to prioritize quality and cultural fit over sheer volume or financial gain, a stark contrast to some private clubs that might indiscriminately accept wealthy applicants.
Klein’s ethos, further emphasized by Doppelt, challenges conventional notions of power and prestige: “Success isn’t measured in rich. There’s a great quote of Jeff’s that goes, ‘Just because you’re rich, that makes you interesting?’ We don’t care about that. For us, power isn’t money and that’s the last thing we’re looking for.” This guiding principle ensures that San Vicente members are selected for their contributions to the club’s intellectual and social fabric, fostering a diverse yet harmonious community of individuals who are interesting, respectful, and genuinely engaged, rather than simply affluent. This commitment to qualitative membership over quantitative growth is a cornerstone of the SVC brand, distinguishing it in a crowded market.
"Notes from The Directrice": A Masterclass in Member Engagement
Beyond her direct oversight of membership, Doppelt has leveraged her extensive editorial background to create a unique and highly effective internal communication tool: her cheeky, "quasi-monthly" in-house newsletter, "Notes from The Directrice." This missive has become a cult hit among members, so much so that it is arguably "worth the price of entry" itself. With initiation fees ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 and annual dues from $1,800 to $4,200, the perceived value of this personalized communication underscores its impact.
The newsletter, far from being a bland corporate update, is an unvarnished and often humorous chronicle of the club’s comings and goings, including discreet yet pointed anecdotes about member behavior. Doppelt drew inspiration for this candid style from New York restaurateur Keith McNally, whose nightly reports on Instagram are celebrated for their brutal honesty and refusal to "edit." “It’s really funny and brutally honest,” she praises McNally’s approach. “He really calls people out and he doesn’t edit.”
Initially, Doppelt’s notes were personal reflections, but she quickly found writing about herself "boring" and observed members’ penchant for "tattling on one another." Recognizing an opportunity to foster a unique sense of community and accountability, she began incorporating these observations into her missives. The result is a newsletter that is both entertaining and subtly disciplinary, reinforcing the club’s behavioral codes through witty storytelling. One notable example recounted a member "jettisoned for yelling out to a high-profile VIP very much in the news right now, ‘Hey XX, is that really you?’ We pride ourselves on respecting every member’s privacy so there were no second chances here. Bye.” This swift and public (within the club) enforcement of privacy rules underscores the club’s commitment to its core values and sets a clear precedent for member conduct.
The Art of Discipline: Maintaining Sanctuary
Doppelt’s newsletters also serve as a distinctive form of "soft" discipline, employing humor and indirect address to gently guide member behavior. Her epic Valentine’s Day rant, for instance, became the talk of the club for weeks. It humorously addressed "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.” This blend of wit and pointed instruction, rather than outright expulsion, demonstrates Doppelt’s preferred method of managing conduct: using suspensions or warnings to correct behavior while maintaining the club’s exclusive yet inclusive atmosphere. This approach creates a lively, self-regulating community where members are aware of expectations without feeling overly policed, further contributing to the club’s unique charm and allure.
The Business of Belonging: Membership Tiers and Value
The San Vicente Clubs operate on a tiered membership structure, with initiation fees and annual dues reflecting the exclusivity and extensive amenities offered. The range of initiation fees, from $3,000 to $15,000, and annual dues from $1,800 to $4,200, positions SVC within the upper echelon of private clubs, yet its unique value proposition – an emphasis on community, discretion, and a curated experience rather than mere wealth – distinguishes it from others. These fees grant access to a network of like-minded individuals, meticulously designed spaces, world-class dining, and a calendar of exclusive events, all overseen by a team dedicated to impeccable service. The sustained demand and critical acclaim for SVC West Village suggest that members perceive the value far exceeds the financial investment, underscoring the success of Doppelt’s and Klein’s vision.
A Blueprint for Future Expansion
Thanks in no small part to Doppelt’s astute methods, extensive network, and long-standing relationships cultivated over decades, San Vicente Clubs has solidified its position as one of, if not the, hottest private clubs in New York. This resounding success has naturally ignited ambitions for further expansion. Doppelt confirms that she and Klein are "ravenously hungry to do another" club, signaling a continued growth trajectory for the brand.
While Doppelt has extended her New York tenure for at least another year to consolidate the West Village’s success, the future locations for expansion remain tantalizingly open. "We love New York. We love Europe. Maybe London, maybe Paris. We don’t know," she muses, hinting at the global aspirations of the San Vicente brand. The guiding principle for selecting future sites, however, remains consistent with their aesthetic and philosophical preferences: "We love buildings. So, wherever we find the next crumbling old lady.” This preference for historic properties with inherent character reflects a desire to imbue future clubs with the same sense of timeless elegance and storied charm that defines their current locations, creating spaces that feel authentic and deeply rooted in their urban environments rather than sterile new constructions.
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of San Vicente Clubs
Gabé Doppelt’s journey from an assistant at Tatler to a global membership director at San Vicente Clubs is a compelling narrative of professional evolution and strategic influence. Her ability to navigate the worlds of high fashion media and luxury hospitality, coupled with her innate understanding of discerning clientele, has been instrumental in solidifying San Vicente Clubs’ reputation as a benchmark for exclusive, community-driven social spaces. The triumphant launch and sustained success of the West Village outpost in New York, a testament to her leadership and the distinctive vision of Jeff Klein, underscores the enduring appeal of a private club that prioritizes character, connection, and discretion over mere affluence. As San Vicente Clubs looks towards future expansion, Doppelt’s unique blend of editorial acumen and hospitality prowess will undoubtedly continue to shape its trajectory, ensuring that wherever the "next crumbling old lady" is found, it will be transformed into a vibrant sanctuary for the world’s most interesting individuals.
