The $5,000 Secret Society: Inside Doubles Club New York’s Enduring Old-Money Exclusivity In 2025
Step inside the Doubles Club in New York City today, December 23, 2025, and you are stepping back into a meticulously preserved era of high society glamour. This exclusive, subterranean haven, tucked away in the basement of the iconic Sherry-Netherland Hotel, continues to operate as one of the most private and enduring social institutions in the city, successfully resisting the casualization of modern life. It is not just a club; it is a meticulously curated atmosphere where "Old New York" traditions—from jacket-and-tie dress codes to a strict no-technology policy—are the unchallenged rules of the house.
For nearly five decades, Doubles has maintained its status as a plush, velvety mecca for the city's elite, hosting everything from black-tie galas and debutante parties to its famed Christmas Luncheons. While many of its peers have faded or modernized beyond recognition, the club remains a vibrant, if intensely private, fixture on the Fifth Avenue social scene, a testament to the vision of its founders and the dedicated stewardship of the family that runs it today.
The Guardians of Old New York: Key Figures and Founding History
The history of Doubles is inextricably linked to the colorful characters who brought it to life and the woman who has ensured its legacy for decades. The club’s very name is a nod to its original, more specific intention, though its purpose quickly expanded.
- Location: Sherry-Netherland Hotel, 781 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10022 (Northeast corner of 59th Street and 5th Avenue).
- Founding Year: 1976.
- Co-Founder: Joe Norban: A marvelous man who, along with his family, lived in the Sherry-Netherland Hotel. His vision was instrumental in establishing the club.
- Co-Founder: Earl Blackwell: A prominent figure in New York society, he helped Norban establish the club, initially proposing it as a backgammon club (hence the name "Doubles").
- Current Director/Chairwoman: Wendy Carduner: Joe Norban’s daughter, often referred to as the club’s "czarina" or "dynamo." She has run the club for decades, combining the social finesse of a society hostess with sharp business savvy.
- Original Designer: Valerian Rybar: The international interior designer who created some of the club's original look.
- Renovation Designer: Tom Britt: The designer responsible for more recently softening the club's famous "lipsticky décor."
The club was conceived as a private dining and dancing club—a "supper club" in the classic sense—that would cater to the Upper East Side’s established social set. It quickly became known for its low-key luxury, establishing itself as an exclusive peerless venue in the city.
The Price of Exclusivity: Membership, Dress Code, and the No-Tech Rule
Doubles Club is defined by its rigorous standards, which are the very essence of its appeal. It is a place where discretion is paramount, and the rules of decorum are strictly enforced, creating a unique social environment that is increasingly rare in 2025.
The Closely Guarded Membership Process
Gaining entry into the Doubles Club is a classic exercise in New York high society networking and vetting. Membership is by invitation or sponsorship only, ensuring that the club's roster remains curated and exclusive. While the exact, current initiation fees and annual dues are not publicly disclosed by the club, the reported annual membership fee for this elite social club is approximately $5,000. This substantial financial commitment, combined with the required social pedigree, serves as a powerful barrier to entry, maintaining the club's air of mystique and prestige.
Members often include long-established New York families, prominent business leaders, and figures from the arts and culture scene. The club also actively fosters the next generation, often welcoming younger members, or "Associates," who are the children and grandchildren of current members, ensuring the continuity of its elite social circle.
The Strict Rules of Decorum and Dress
In a city where "business casual" often means expensive sneakers, Doubles maintains a firm line on formality. The dress code is one of the most discussed and defining features of the club:
- Men: A jacket and tie are traditionally required.
- Women: Expected to dress to the nines, often in cocktail or formal attire.
- Exceptions: The club has made a minor concession to modern times by instituting "Smart Casual" nights, but denim is still typically unwelcome.
The most famous and non-negotiable rule, however, concerns technology. Doubles enforces a strict no-technology policy. Members and guests are required to put away their phones, creating a truly present and intimate atmosphere free from the distractions of social media and constant digital communication. This rule is a major part of the club's enduring charm and its commitment to "Old New York" interaction.
A Velvet Mecca: The Enduring Atmosphere and Events of 2025
The physical space of the Doubles Club is as much a character as its members. Described as a "plush, polished brass and velvety mecca," the interior design speaks of a bygone era of luxury. The décor, originally crafted by Valerian Rybar and later updated by Tom Britt, features rich textures, low lighting, and an ambiance that is both intimate and grand, perfect for a discreet evening of dining and dancing.
Signature Events and Topical Authority
The club’s calendar is packed with events that reinforce its role as a central pillar of the New York social season. These events are not merely parties; they are social rites of passage and traditions that have been upheld for decades. In late 2025 and looking into early 2026, the calendar confirms its continued high-profile activity:
- The Annual Christmas Luncheons: One of the most established and beloved traditions in New York society, these luncheons draw thousands of members and guests each December.
- New Year’s Eve Celebration: The club hosts a major black-tie gala, with the 2025-2026 New Year's Eve Celebration promising decor, dinner, and disco, confirming the club’s active status.
- Children’s Events: Doubles is notably family-oriented, hosting events like the "5th Grade" event, which introduces the next generation to the club environment and social etiquette.
- Black-Tie Galas: Numerous other formal events, from anniversary parties to charity fundraisers, fill the calendar, all characterized by the highest level of formality and taste.
The club’s commitment to these traditions provides a sense of continuity and stability for its members, a valuable commodity in the rapidly changing landscape of modern Manhattan. It is a place where the social rules are clear, the service is impeccable, and the company is guaranteed to be within one's own rarefied circle.
A Retreat from the Modern World
In essence, the Doubles Club offers its membership a deliberate retreat. By enforcing its strict dress code and, most importantly, its no-technology rule, it creates a sanctuary from the relentless pace and digital noise of New York City. This commitment to traditional interaction—dining, dancing, and conversation—is the core of its topical authority. It is an exclusive haven for those who value privacy, tradition, and the luxury of an uninterrupted social evening on Fifth Avenue.
For those who can afford the reported $5,000 annual fee and secure the necessary sponsorship, Doubles is more than just a place to eat; it is a vital, living piece of New York’s social history, promising an experience that is truly without peer in the modern city. Its enduring success, even into late 2025, proves that for New York's elite, the old ways are still the best ways.
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