Trading Graces

Let’s put this in ’80s ballad terms:

What you need to make it in this world, Gloria Loring, are friends and lovers.

And here are the friends and lovers you want: The Grace List, now taking applications.

Started by the charming Hattie Grace Elliot, The Grace List is one part networking concern, one part exotic destination club for “today’s jetset”.

Elliot personally vets each candidate, either in person or via Skype.

“I want to connect quality people,” she says. “Not just ‘guys in finance.’ We’re looking at artists, entrepreneurs, architects … fun people who work well together.”

If you’re accepted, you get two things: new friends, and vacays to get to know said new friends.

Which means VIP service and lodging at major events like the Austin Grand Prix and Art Basel. Tricked-out ski trips. Access to exclusive holiday homes in the Hamptons, Telluride and Cape Town.

And yachting. This New Year’s, that means a 65-person, seven-catamaran fleet traveling in the Caribbean between St. Martin, St. Barts and Anguilla.

With friends like these, don’t worry about your enemies.