Kim Kardashian tried keeping up with the Soho House ultra-exclusive members-only club on Sunset Boulevard but to no avail. If it's any consolation to the reality TV star and socialite, she wasn't the only who got cold-shouldered by the elite pack. Turns out, an entire roster of "Real Housewives" hopefuls were also off limits as told by The Hollywood Reporter (THR).
Tim Geary, former membership director of the club, admitted that they are not keen on bestowing membership to those "who would fuel paparazzi or bring press". He told THR, "Kim Kardashian has unsuccessfully tried numerous times. Kobe Bryant showed up and chose not to join. We didn't let him up. There was a debate over Britney Spears. Not sure how that played out".
Then again, Justin Bieber and other Hollywood A-listers like Cameron Diaz, Bradley Cooper, Selena Gomez, and Robert Pattinson were given access, as noted by the DailyMail; implying that admission to the club has no hard and fast rules.
On their membership policy, the club hinted that its "creativity" more than net worth and job titles, THR notes. The membership committee wouldn't allow those who brag about their success or status, or those horrible bosses who treat their subordinates unfairly. "We imposed a value system on a community that celebrates financial success over morality", Geary said.
The Soho House West Hollywood was first introduced to the City of Angels almost five years ago, and has since went on to become "the most important club in Hollywood; a high-wattage magnet for A-listers and dealmakers". British Nick Jones founded the first ever Soho House London in 1995 and brought the concept overseas to Manhattan eight years after.
And now, the club is about to launch its second outpost in Los Angeles area which will be called the Soho Warehouse. The 1917 brick building on the Arts District, which will host the new Soho House, is currently home to Downtown Rehearsal, a rental practice facility for musicians, who expressed dismay over their soon-to-be eviction from the place due to the impending takeover, as reported by CurbedLA.
The cliquish club is also embarking on a global expansion, bankrolled by billionaire Ron Burkle, with its eyes set on places like Barcelona and Istanbul according to THR.
Meanwhile, Geary said that he's privy to some stories of members who took delight over their membership when some of their friends, co-workers, and other people they know were denied of access. There were junior execs enjoying the club privileges while their bosses are scratching their heads, wondering why their applications were vetoed.
"The hardest memberships to deal with, though, were the headmistress of the school you wanted your kids to get into and the coaches of my sons' baseball and soccer teams", he conceded.
