Redesigned 'MySpace for Millionaires' Promises 'No Fakes or Frauds'
ASmall World, the invite-only social network for rich wastrels, seemed destined to go the way of MySpace. After all, what's a socialite network good for besides Style Section stuffing? But like that other late aughts relic, the company is hoping to pivot toward relevancy, in this case transforming the virtual country club into a sort of Groupon: Eurotrash Vacation.
After a big purge in March, terminating the membership of regular American trash like Lindsay Lohan and Tiger Woods—as well as any member who "undermines the unique spirit of openness"—ASmall World invitations have been trickling in for its VIP travel club. Membership costs $105/year and is also payable in Swiss francs, Euros, or pounds.
@remarksbylaura how exciting re the move! We're still inviting members back in small waves so keep a look out for your invitation. #relaunch
The emailed invites promise "No fakes, no frauds" among ASmall World's 250,000 members, along with "exclusive deals and discounts" on fashion, travel and luxury brands. Like, say, a free week at this Caribbean resort. The St. Kitts and Nevis Observer described the resort as a "flagging private development" that required a $26 million government bailout in 2010, but it sounds a little different in ASmall World's description:
Perhaps best of all? Every member and their guest will have the opportunity to stay at no charge in one of the new luxury cottages at 5-star Kittitian Hill Resort when the property opens this year. That’s right, a week in the Caribbean, on us.
ASmall World was Harvey Weinstein's first Internet investment. But it doesn't appear as though the company has gotten better at figuring out how to make money since Weinstein negged Patrick Liotard Vogt, the heir to the Nestle's fortune, into buying his shares during the recession. Based on its SEC filings, ASmall World last raised funding in 2010: $5.6 million, shelled out by one investor, presumably Vogt, which might mean the money went back to Weinstein.
ASmall World's CEO and president is now the very same "freelance journalist" who first scored an interview with Vogt about buying the company from Weinstein. And the only positions ASmall World is hiring for, according to the site, are "Unpaid Internships- All Departments" in New York City. Do questionable Caribbean vacays count towards minimum wage?
A fully-verified community capped at only 250,000. No fakes, no frauds. Literally, a small world where trust is paramount.
A new Member Privileges program with exclusive deals and discounts from over 500 international and local brands in fashion, travel, and luxury. Think upgrades, complimentary hotel stays, early access to sales, and much more from partners like: Faena Hotels, Orient-Express Hotels & Trains, The Clubhouse Buenos Aires, Condesa DF, Algodon Mansion & Wine Estates, Las Alcobas, Copacabana Palace, Maroma Resort and Spa, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, and Andre Balazs Properties.
A complimentary ASW luxury airport car service in Paris, New York, London, and Milan.
A complimentary membership to The World’s Finest Clubs, meaning you’ll never wait in line again at 120 premier nightclubs worldwide.
A sleek new website and mobile apps, which make it easier to meet people like you, join ASW Groups, explore our growing list of City Guides, curate amazing trips, and search our international job and real estate listings.
A chance to make a difference with fellow members through the new ASMALLWORLD Foundation.
The ASW Membership Card—created by designer and actor Waris Ahluwalia—your ticket to charity galas and exotic weekend getaways all over the world. We host hundreds of events every year—just for you.
Perhaps best of all? Every member and their guest will have the opportunity to stay at no charge in one of the new luxury cottages at 5-star Kittitian Hill Resort when the property opens this year. That’s right, a week in the Caribbean, on us.
As you may have heard, membership to the new ASW will require a small annual admin fee. Why? It allows us to continue giving you perks like St. Kitts, make your experience less commercial, and keep the community tightly-knit. We think it’s a small price to pay for something as priceless as trust.
To contact the author of this post, please email nitasha@gawker.com.
