Described as a “home base for women on their way,” The Wing is brand new women’s only share-work and social club, located in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. Founded by Audrey Gelman (ex-p.r. and Lena Dunham bestie–she’s said to be inspiration for Marnie), and her partner, Lauren Kassan, the idea is rooted in the women’s club movement that sprung up in the 19th and early 20th century.
For those who make it through the application process, the cost for a year’s worth of access is $1,500 for founding members and $1,950 for everyone else. Boasting a 3,500-square-foot space designed by an all-female team at Pentagram, the main area is open working space with couches, tables and chairs, plus a cafe. It also includes a personal section with showers, lockers, a pumping room for nursing moms, plus a makeup room. There is also a conference room, phone booths and a library, stocked of course only with female writers.
In addition to the space itself, The Wing also offers events, including a recent Hillary vs. Donald debate-watching party. (Guess who The Wing is endorsing?)
Reacting to criticism about exclusivity, Gelman, in an interview with The Cut said she has offered trades with artists who can’t afford the fee and they are exploring sliding-scale pricing for students, teachers, women at nonprofits, women who work in government, and those who have served in the military as well. There will be open houses on Sundays in the foreseeable future, and members are permitted to bring guests.”
However, Gelman also views the push back as part of a critique that only a woman would be subjucted to and added, “A guy wouldn’t be criticized for starting a co-working space with a paid membership. Why can’t a feminist be a capitalist, and why can’t a capitalist be a feminist?”
So far so good, 200 of the 300 initial invitees have signed up, and Gelman is already talking to an investor about opening a second space.
All images from the instagram account of @the.wing. For more info, visit the-wing.com.
