Late Winter Fashion 2009

earth girls are breezy Eco diva Summer Rayne Oakes on green fashion and natural beauty ‘i do’ shoes Bright pumps, bronze sandals and bedecked peep toes prove that bridal footwear can be both bold and beautiful political parties Stars from Oprah to Diane von Furstenberg came out for the inauguration

fa s h i o n wa s h i n g t o n | L a t e W i n t e r 2 0 0 9

Rough Cut Jewelry takes a walk on the dark and wild side with oxidized silver rings, earthy gold necklaces and bracelets set with rugged, chunky stones

A PUBLICATION OF

Rugged Beauties fashion washington

tarnished metals, uncut stones and earthy shapes give jewelry a rough and ready-to-wear vibe

publisher

Jenny Abramson general manager

Julie Gunderson editorial director

Dan Caccavaro editor

Jennifer Barger

contents

FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | l ate w inter 2009 | 3

design director

Scott McCarthy Art Director

Alyce Jones senior editor

Betsy Lowther editorial assistant

Ashley Joy Parker staff photographer

Marge Ely contributing Photographer

Obsessed By Dress Our advice columnist tells how to rock brooches or colorful shoes, and dishes on places to score the latest “it” labels

Top Scores Say “I do” in wedding footwear that’s as bright and bold as the big day itself

Lawrence Luk Advertising account managers

Anne Cynamon, Sheila Daw, Diane DuBois Boutique Account Manager

Gayle Pegg Administrative assistant

Linda Baquet

Scene Stealers

Style Setter Eco activist and model Summer Rayne Oakes on going green and glam with organic fashions and natural cosmetics

One big O fetes another’s big day, plus all the hot stars and hip styles from the inaugural parties

Advertising graphic design

Willie Joyner, Joseph Wadsworth Advertising production

Leigh Updike Braun, Jackie Ellis, Kiara Kerwin, Tara Shlimowitz

Lush Life advertising:

(202) 334-5228, 5224, 5226 © 2009 Washington Post Media, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071

Haute Topic No woman over 35 should dress like she’s 15.

But how can an aging fashionista still follow runway trends without looking like a tart?

Retro bathing beauties, Bethesda’s new source for delicate bijoux, watches fit for power-brokers (or presidents) and the awesome heeling power of spring shoes

Gown by Peter Langner

Sample Gown Sale in Progress Spring 2009 Collections Have Arrived!

Specializing in Couture Bridal Gowns Bridesmaids, Evening Wear, Holiday, Inaugural, Special Occasions, Mother of the Bride & Tuxedos

106 NORTH LEE STREET ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 703 549 0387 (tel) WWW.HANNELORES.COM

obsessed by dress

FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | L ATE W INTER 2009 | 4

STYLE ADVICE BY BETSY LOWTHER

I LOVE THAT COLORED SHOES ARE BACK, BUT I’M UNSURE HOW TO WEAR THEM. IN THE ’80S, WE MATCHED OUR HEELS TO OUR SWEATERS, BUT THAT SEEMS WRONG NOW. Step away from those red patent pumps and relax. Anyone who has tried vivid shoes is no doubt haunted by memories of dear old Aunt Hildy, carefully coordinated in her bubblegum-pink flats, socks, belt, vest, hairband and smudged lipstick. We consulted with Sarah Cannova of chic Georgetown shoe boutique Sassanova (1641 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-471-4400), which offers a decidedly un-Hildy-like selection of bright options from lines like Loeffler Randall. Cannova’s trick to mastering colored footwear without being too matchymatchy? Planning outfits as if she were going to wear dark shoes, and then subbing colorful ones instead. When it comes to the hue, go for contrast — not coordination. “Match your shoes to the least obvious color in your dress or even pick a shoe in a complementary color rather than a direct match,” Cannova says. “For example, I’d try a navy and pink print dress with a kelly green heel.” If you worry about clashing, mix in a small accessory, like a bracelet, in the same hue as the shoes. We promise, no one will confuse you and dear Hildy.

How exactly do I wear brooches? I inherited several from my grandmother that are attractive and fit my general jewelry style, but I don’t wear blazers that often and don’t know where else to pin them.

BROACHING brooches? This we can easily do.

Pronouncing “brooch” correctly, on the other hand, is something that has stymied stylistas for decades. And so, let us clear that up first: It is “broach,” as in, rhymes with Coach (as in supple handbags) or Laroche (as in designer Guy, whose first name is said like “Ghee.”

But we digress). As for the wearing, we asked local jewelry designer Emma Villedrouin (Emmaville.com), who is known for her range of heirloom pieces, including luxurious, jewel-encrusted brooches. In addition to fastening them high on the neckline of a dress or jacket, Villedrouin loves adding retro brooches to the waist of a wrap-front sweater or as an extra adornment on a fabric-covered purse. She also suggests a “pin to pendant” converter, which can transform vintage brooches into new necklaces. The result will be close to spring’s chunky chokers and likely mistaken for a brand-new piece — not an old one.

New designer lines are being launched so often I can barely keep up. Can you share any up-and-coming labels to watch for this season? And, if there are any great local or Web retailers that are on top of such things, I’d love to know.

IT DOES SEEM like new names pop up faster than we can say “Giambattista Valli.”

(That said, the tongue-twisty Italian designer has a don’t-miss collection for spring.) We’re always checking for new names on online boutique Net-a-porter.com, which stocks such big luxury labels as Lanvin but also has a knack for sussing out up-and-coming talent, including Preen and Thread Social. (And luckily, it’s launching an outlet site this spring at Theoutnet.com, with past-season merch as well as choice overstock from other stores.) We also love Web resources like Funkylala.com (for femme frocks from Ardistia), Lagarconne.com (for overseas labels like Australia’s Lover) and Soho-based style hub Kirnazabete.com (which counts dramatic pieces from newcomer David Szeto among its treasures).

But don’t go counting out D.C. boutiques. Newly arrived Farinelli’s (2939 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; 703-647-9856 and 11874 Market St., Reston; 571-926-9478) boasts style-setter staples like Vena Cava and Shipley & Halmos, while casual-cool new menswear source For the Greater Good (1781 Florida Ave. NW; 202-387-0177) offers hip, hard-to-find lines like Common Projects and Rittenhouse. Which means soon enough you’ll be name-dropping new talents with the best-dressed of them.

HAVE A STYLE DILEMMA OR A QUERY ABOUT HOW TO WEAR SOMETHING? E-MAIL OUR SARTORIAL PRO AT ADVICE@FASHIONWASHINGTON.COM. FOR LIVE ANSWERS, JOIN OUR CHAT AT NOON ON FEB. 20 AT FASHIONWASHINGTON.COM/LIVECHAT.HTML.

ILLUSTR ATION BY SYDNEY VANDYKE /ART DEPARTMENT

What’s

in

Store

calendar of advertiser and editorial fashion selections february 09 February 12th — Boone & Sons, Valentine’s Day Trunk Show & Sale, 10am-8pm. Special champagne toast with diamond stud giveaway. Enjoy a glass of champagne—provided by Paul’s Liquors—and your glass may contain a pair of 1ct diamond stud earrings. Proceeds to benefit Suburban Hospital Cardiac Center.

5550 The Hills Plaza, Chevy Chase, MD — 301.657.2144 www.booneandsons.com February 12th — Mystique Jewelers, Book signing by Susan McCorkindale, author of Confessions of a Counterfeit Farm Girl. Proceeds will be given to the American Heart Association. 211 The Strand Waterfront, Old Town Alexandria, VA — 703.836.1401 www.mystiquejewelers.com February 13th – 14th — Chas Schwartz & Son, Pandora Jewelry Trunk Show, showcasing its entire collection of charms and jewelry. Mazza Gallerie, Floor Two, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC — 202.363.5432 www.chasschwartz.com February 20th – 22nd — Harriet Kassman Bridal Salon, Simone Carvalli Bridal Trunk Show, Mazza Gallerie, Floor Two, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC — 202.363.1870 www.harrietkassman.com

February 27th – 28th — Hitched, Ulla-Maija Trunk Show, 1523 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC— 202.333.6162 www.hitchedsalon.com February 27th – March 1st — Hannelore’s, Marisa Bridal Trunk Show Spring 2009 Collection; appointments preferred. 106 North Lee Street, Alexandria, VA — 703.549.0387 www.hannelores.com Month of February — Red Barn Mercantile Semi-Annual Furniture Sale - Receive 15% off all special orders of custom upholstered furniture, plus 25% – 50% off select floor samples, antiques and accessories.

113 S. Columbus Street, Alexandria, VA — 703.838.0355 www.redbarnmercantile.com

march 09 March 3rd — Spring 2009 District Sample Sale at The Galleria at Lafayette Centre. Tickets will go on sale in February. Check www.districtsamplesale.com for more details and charity updates.

March 20th – 22nd — Harriet Kassman Bridal Salon, Romona Keveza Bridal Trunk Show, Mazza Gallerie, Floor Two, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC— 202.363.1870 www.harrietkassman.com

april 09 April 9th — America’s Polo Cup, 30–day Countdown Celebration, 6:30pm. Previewing the exciting activities of fashion, fun and polo for all VIP and table holders. Australian Embassy, 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC — www.americaspolocup.com April 24th — Marymount University, Portfolio in Motion 2009 Luncheon and Fashion Show. A showcase of student designs from Marymount’s fashion programs. Designer Peter Som will be honored as Designer of the Year. 703.526.6981

FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | l ate w inter 2009 | 5

the season’s hip happenings and hottest items

retro active

In old films set in Rio, Palm Beach and other sunny climes, you’re likely to spot Ava Gardner or Doris Day swanning around in bathing suits at once divine and slightly demure. So it’s no wonder American designers seem to have tuned in to Turner Classic Movies when dreaming up spring’s vintage-inspired swimwear. The haute buy in Diane von Furstenberg’s breezy resort line is a high-waisted, rainbow-striped bikini made for a ’50s pin-up, while Michael Kors delivers preppy polka-dot maillots with a Jackie O.-in-Hyannis vibe. Even Juicy Couture turned out a ruched swimdress with a sweetly ruffled skirt ($160, Nordstrom, Pentagon City, 1400 S. Hayes St.; 703415-1121). The common traits: ultra-high waistlines, low-cut legs and lots of shapely shirring. “It’s a style that manages to be glamorous, comfortable and flattering,” says Norma Kamali, known for her jersey swimwear, like the Bill Mio (shown, $350; Normakamalicollection.com). As to the throwback vibe, Kamali notes, “Timeless style never goes out of fashion.” The red lips and bouffant flip remain optional, of course.

best buy

on trend

New Heights Fashion followers (us included) have dubbed spring ’09 the season of the stand-out shoe, which means towering stilettos (up to 7 inches!) and cut-out wedges that’ll give you the height of Gisele Bündchen. “If you’re only going to buy one thing, it should be a pair of serious statement heels,” urges Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing. (Easy for him, a loafer-wearing man, to say.) Still, a fear of heights (or discomfort) shouldn’t stop anyone from indulging. Many designers trotted out major but manageable platforms, like Yves Saint Laurent’s raspberry patent sandal (shown, $795, Neiman Marcus, Tysons Galleria, 2255 International Drive; 703-761-1600), which shares space with versions in multicolor strappy suede from Marni, pink lizard slingbacks from Dior and ruched d’Orsays from Christian Louboutin. Equally necessary this season: a handbag big enough to hold flats for the walk home.

new store

Metal Worthy Marika Lev’s bird’s nest ring in gold and diamonds (shown, $1,150). Mauri Pioppo’s web-like silver cuff, sparkling with a smattering of tiny stones. There’s a please-touch tactility to the mod, modern baubles showcased at Bethesda’s jewelbox-sized Amethyst (4806 bethesda Ave.; 301-907-6871). The blingy brainchild of Angela Malkin and jewelry designer Amy Hugo stocks pieces by a dozen artists, like Istanbul-born Lika Behar’s milky aquamarine drop earrings and Hugo’s own ropes of colorful gems. Despite the major dazzle, the cozy spot boasts a welcoming vibe — not to mention a wide range of prices, from $30 (sparkly, stacked rings) to upwards of $10,000. “Shops will say they offer something for everyone, but we’ve made sure we really do,” Hugo says.

beaut y beat

Pretty in Pinks When the going gets tough, the tough get glam.

At least according to the fabled lipstick index, which has long charted the rise of cosmetics sales in times of economic stress. Which may explain why Chanel’s Lèvres Signées lip palette ($60, Saksfifthavenue.com) — a mix of five rosy shades in the shape of Coco’s signature monogram — tops the list of spring’s most covetable beauty buys. Also big: thick, full lashes (by way of the new prescription-only serum Latisse or a triple coat of luxe mascara) and discreetly pale nail colors, like Laura Mercier’s pearly “Champagne Wishes” ($15, Sephora.com). “We’re entering a new world,” says beauty pro Bobbi Brown. “The look now is cleaner, fresher, softer.”

hot item

Second Thoughts Timepiece fiends have been studying Barack Obama’s left wrist with the same intensity as the fashionistas who ogle Michelle. (For the record, the new commander in chief recently traded in his modest leather-band Tag Heuer for a Secret Service gift shop model.) The ultimate power piece, however, might be Hublot’s Big Bang (shown, $22,900, Liljenquist & Beckstead, tysons galleria, 2001 Interna-

tional Drive; 703-448-6731), which fuses unexpected materials like

rose gold, carbon, rubber and ceramic in a rugged-yet-refined way. It’s not just men who are drawn to its tough texture: Women have been scooping the unisex 41mm size as well. Mrs. O., take note.

swimsuit: courtesy of norma kamali collection

·

styled by betsy lowther

Alexandria; 703-549-0387)

Hannelore’s, 106 N. Lee St.,

Grazia “Alicia” sandal ($195,

photo by Marge Ely

Down the aislE. Onto the dance floor to waltz with your new husband. Across the threshold of a hip honeymoon suite. The shoes you wear on your wedding day — while often obscured by the gown above them — need to take you to some pretty momentous places. That’s why making them a mere style afterthought really does seem like something blue. “A wedding is the perfect occasion for women who love shoes to wear a really special pair,” says Wayne Kulkin of Stuart Weitzman, which just launched a bridal shoe section at its Tysons Galleria boutique (2001 International Drive; 703-827-9898). Soon-to-be-marrieds can choose from pairs that are bebowed, bejeweled and even brightly colored, any of which would lend a richly romantic finishing touch — even if it’s only your groom who ends up seeing them.

Make a chic impression on your wedding day with bright and bedecked footwear

Bold Steps

Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-363-1870)

Kassman, Mazza Gallerie, 5300

Grace “Ashley” heel ($130, Harriett

Ave. NW; 202-471-4400)

Sassanova, 1641 Wisconsin

Moschino satin sandal ($380,

NW; 202-333-8302)

satin ($298, Kate Spade, 3061 M St.

Kate Spade “Clarice” heel in fuschia

Alexandria; 703-548-7107)

($210, The Shoe Hive, 115 S. Royal St.,

Pour La Victoire “Ellie” suede sandal

Alexandria; 703-549-0387)

($195, Hannelore’s, 106 N. Lee St.,

Grazia “Valentine” platform heel

703-761-1600)

Galleria, 2255 International Drive;

($675, Neiman Marcus, Tysons

Manolo Blahnik “Sedaraby” heel

top scores

FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | l ate w inter 2009 | 6

At a certain point, women resort to wearing monochromatic things with no shape.”

a silver brocade miniskirt glinted on the store rack, discreetly flashy in a Bowie-meets-Barbarella way. It was the sort of piece I’d slip on a decade ago before slipping out to a club. But now that my 35th birthday is in the rear-view mirror, encounters like this halt me in my aging fashionista tracks. Call it Dina Lohan Syndrome: a fear that skinny Miu Miu pants or a Leger bandage dress will make me look like a delusional cougar who still reads Teen Vogue.

Some of my peers take age-appropriate dressing too far. In their mid-30s, they retreat to Chico’s Town or Birkenstock Land, never to don heels or DVF again. “At a certain point, women don’t want to call attention to themselves, so they resort to wearing monochromatic things with no shape,” says Alicia McCaslin, the chic fortysomething manager at Alexandria’s Hysteria. “They’re saying, ‘Don’t look at me!’ ” But if, like me, you’ve loved fashion since Cyndi Lauper was rocking fingerless gloves, shouldn’t there be a middle ground between dressing like your teenage daughter and reaching for the elastic-waist jeans? “Women should keep following what’s in style,” says Arlington personal shopper Wendy Pilch, aka Spendalla (Spendalla.com). “But it’s not about adopting a trend head to toe. With jewel tones, you might wear purple flats or a green scarf, but not both.” And for every unfriendly item (towering platforms, jumpsuits), realize that there’s an elegant one (chunky necklaces, long jackets) that works for almost any age.

Old Enough to Dress Better?

After 35, you can still be a fashionista — not a frump — but it takes both flash and finesse

haute topic

FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | l ate w inter 2009 | 7

Ironically, the most difficult sartorial challenge for femmes d’un certain age may not be knowing when to say “no” to, say, ultra low-waist jeans. (“They push your stomach up and make you look heavier,” says Pilch.) It’s having the guts to say “yes” to haute items that give them a bit of swagger, like a bright tunic from Tory Burch or a retro sheath by L’Wren Scott.

“It’s a mistake to think you have to look frumpy,” says New York designer Hilton Hollis, whose smart jackets and butt-flattering pants (sold locally at Betsy Fisher) appeal to gals both north and south of the big 4-0. “There’s this idea that if you aren’t a size 4 or 6, you can’t wear slim jackets or a well-cut dress.”

As you age, how a garment hangs on you becomes more important. “You don’t want something that’s too tight, but you also don’t want to wear a sack,” says Hollis. “Look how couture is done, with custom fitting to the body! You can do that even at your corner tailor.”

You can also go for more structured pieces — a strongshouldered Vivienne Westwood jacket, a sculptural pencil skirt — to accentuate your killer attributes (good legs, a teeny waist) while camouflaging your least favorite ones (a droopy derriere).

What to avoid? What one might call the three deadly S’s: short, shiny and saggy. That means a tight satin top or a short skirt is out, unless you pair the latter with tights. Saggy translates as “a bra that doesn’t lift you up,” says Charla Krupp, author of the best-selling mature style bible “How Not to Look Old,” which comes out in paperback this spring. “Nothing ages you faster than boobs that obscure your waistline.”

Growing older gracefully (and glamly) requires walking a line between comfort and chic. Think Michelle Obama in a J. Crew sweater and jeans, not Goldie Hawn in Uggs. “You don’t want to be pinched in the wrong places,” says Marie Gray, co-founder of knit line St. John (sold at Nordstrom). “The moment something doesn’t feel right, you’ll be thinking about your clothes, not whatever you’re doing.”

As for me, I passed on the silver mini. But I bought the matching zippered jacket, and it looks smashing with my (nonelastic-waist) jeans. Jennifer Barger illustr ation by jack bl ack

••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••

Hitched offers DC brides a shopping experience that is warm and welcoming, hip and helpful, and sleek and sophisticated.

Come visit us to see our exquisite gowns, bridesmaids dresses, gifts, accessories, and invitations.

•••

UPCOMING TRUNK SHOWS Amsale Bridesmaids Trunk Show Thursday, Friday and Saturday • February 12th, 13th & 14th Reva Mivasagar Trunk Show Friday and Saturday • February 20th & 21th Ulla-Maija Trunk Show Friday and Saturday • February 27th & 28th Judd Waddell Trunk Show Friday and Saturday • March 6th & 7th Amsale Bridal Trunk Show Friday and Saturday • March 20th & 21th Augusta Jones Trunk Show Friday and Saturday • April 10th & 11th

1523 WISCONSIN AVENUE, NW • WASHINGTON, DC • 202.333.6162 • WWW.HITCHEDSALON.COM

style setter

FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | l ate w inter 2009 | 9

“It’s impossible not to get compliments in iWood Ecodesign shades. They’re made of sustainably harvested wood.” iWood Ecodesign Shades $370, Iwoodecodesign.com

Why’d you get into eco style?

After I got out of college, I was looking for a creative outlet to communicate sustainability. Originally, fashion and the environment seemed to be at opposite ends of the spectrum. But the more I thought about it, it seemed like my issue. It’s about looking at the whole supply chain, both who makes your clothes, whether the company is using dangerous pesticides and other matters.

Is the mainstream fashion industry going green?

What’s interesting is that this movement was largely grassroots. Green fashion was largely started by indie designers who leapfrogged over the high-fashion designers you’d see in Bryant Park. But now sustainable style is plunging into the mainstream at places like Levi’s and Nike, and on the high-fashion front, with places like Barneys and designers like Phillip Lim, Rodarte and Noir.

So if someone wants to start greening their wardrobe, what should they do?

It’s not just seeking out environmentally desirable brands. It’s also about swapping clothing with your friends, not buying things you don’t need and wearing vintage.

Why is vintage earth friendly?

When you wear it, you aren’t putting new resources on the market. It’s stuff that’s already in existence, so you’re essentially upcycling.

Heating Up Fashion, Not the Planet

Eco style expert Summer Rayne Oakes explains how to find clothes and beauty products that won’t hurt the environment It’s getting easier being green, especially if you love both the earth and fashion. At least that’s what model, eco-style activist and Planet Green network host Summer Rayne Oakes insists. Via Web columns, ethical modeling gigs and a new line of sustainable shoes for — believe it or not — Payless ShoeSource, the New York-based beauty promotes the fact that, in 2009, environmentally responsible fashion and beauty go way beyond scratchy hemp dresses and sunflower-seed face scrub. Her new book, “Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty” ($25, Chronicle), uses lavish photos, interviews with eco-minded designers and tips on PC shopping to reveal how tree-hugging might be the new black. jennifer barger

Isn’t green clothing more expensive than regular stuff?

I don’t think so. But I’m willing to spend more on a product if I think it’s sustainable. Still, Levi’s is making organic jeans for $50, and that’s a pretty good deal.

Where do you score green clothes and accessories?

I love Sodafine.com, where I just found a really nice rain jacket in organic, beeswax-coated cotton. And iWood’s sunglasses (Iwoodecodesign. com) earn me so many compliments. They’re made of sustainable wood and they come in so many great shapes.

You’re launching a sustainable shoe line with Payless in April. What’s it like?

It’s called Zoe & Zac. The focus is working with things like organic cotton, linens and Eco Foam, an alternative to PVC [which many believe releases poisonous chemicals into the atmosphere]. We’re also using recycled rubber, nickel-free metal and eco glues. There are ballet flats, really cool wedges and some pairs in nice prints.

What about beauty products? Do they need to green up, too?

“Vegan heels [made of vintage fabric] will give my wardrobe a little pop this spring.”

“This is my secret weapon to battle dull, dry skin. I take this with me every time I travel. It works particularly well on planes.”

“This one-of-akind piece has been expertly deconstructed, reworked, knotted and tangled.”

Beyond Skin Heels

Jurlique Rosewater

Dirty Librarian Chains Bracelet

$270, Endless.com

Balancing Mist $31, Jurlique.com

$99, Dirtylibrarianchains.com

photo by abdul smith; Ombre Cl aire neckl aces; Pink Otto silk dress; L ar a Mill bamboo knit sweater

There are some good products out there, like Aveda’s Tourmaline Radiance Fluid. You put it in your foundation and it’ll give you extra glow. But I do think the beauty industry needs to be held to some sort of standard so that consumers aren’t so confused by labeling that says “natural” or something. But you can help yourself by looking at the label — you don’t want parabins or lead, and certain colors and fragrances aren’t good.

What are some of the eco innovations we should expect to see in fashion in coming months and years?

There’s been great progress in fabrics. There’s a new one called Morphotex, which refracts light.

And I just talked to some people who are recycling silver into fabric, which is pretty cool.

FASHION WASHINGTON 2/11/09

I.N.C International Concepts®

Only at Macy’s Notched collar peacoat with contrast buttons. Cotton. Misses’ S-XL. $129.

Embroidered splitneck peasant top.

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Skinny jeans. Cotton/spandex.

Misses’ 2-16. $59.

All imported.

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Call for our free shopping service. 1-800-272-2450.

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FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | l ate w inter 2009 | 11

the future's so bright, you'll have to wear shades of gray, like claire liotta's faux pearl necklaces ($375 each, keith lipert gallery, 2922 M st. nw; 202-965-9736), jacomijn van der donk's silver bracelet ($6,500, jewelers'werk galerie, 3319 cady's alley nw; 202-3373319), anthony nak's sterling ring ($1,800, Relish, 3312 cady's alley nw; 202-333-5343) and bill blass' dress ($3,250, Saks jandel, 5510 wisconsin ave.; chevy chase, md.; 301-652-2250).

R G D G u e

beautIes

rock on in pretty-yet-gritty rings, bracelets and necklaces of oxidized metal and rough stones photos by marge ely • styled by anton papich & jeff prehn

FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | l ate w inter 2009 | 12

FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | l ate w inter 2009 | 13

left: evoke a post-modern princess in d.c. designer paula mendoza's sterling silver chain mail necklace ($1,200; paulamendoza.com) and sterling silver and jade cuff ($1,150, muleh, 1831 14th st. nw; 202-667-3440), tiffany & co.'s sterling silver "ruff" bracelet ($1,800, Tiffany & co., 8045 leesburg pike, vienna; 703-893-7700) and ralph lauren's velvet gown ($2,498, Neiman marcus).

tone on tone: micki ravitz's pyrite earrings ($165, keith lipert gallery) and schmuck werk's stainless steel and pearl necklace ($1,250, i. gorman jewelers, 1133 20th st. nw; 202775-8544) would quietly dazzle with a black dress or a jewel-tone blouse.

n past centuries, the brighter and blingier your baubles, the higher your fashion cred. But now jewelry designers are reaching for darker, more rugged materials — unfaceted diamonds, oxidized metals, rubber — to create pieces that convey style status in a brasher, earthier way. “People aren’t used to seeing natural-cut stones,” says local jewelry designer Paula Mendoza, who puts rough-cut citrines, emeralds and even bits of animal horn in her chunky, edgy rings, bracelets and necklaces.

“These sort of pieces are conversation-starters, which is great if you’re shy.”

These tough spiky pieces appeal because “they’re just so pure, raw and almost primitive,” says Ellen Reiben, owner of Georgetown art jewelry trove Jewelers’Werk, which stocks many designers who specialize in such rockermeets-princess treasures. Think Karl Fritsch’s statement-making oxidized silver rings, which boast Goth gray, matte surfaces that twinkle with tiny rubies, or Petra Class’ bracelets of raw aquamarines set in gold, which look like something a very hip ancient Pompeian princess might’ve sported.

Organic shapes and unpolished surfaces also drive these moody, broody bijoux. One thing’s for sure: Though they may gleam a little less brightly, these rough beauties pack a mighty punch. “I think a dramatic piece can change your whole outfit,” says Mendoza. “It can elevate a tank top and jeans or complement a cocktail dress.” jennifer barger

silver stars in tiffany & co.'s bold "fish” ring and "ruff" bracelet, while diamonds and white gold rule its"beda" rings ($475, $1,800 and $1,600-$3,300. tiffany & co.).

dark and dramatic rings could go it alone, but they look bold if you wear them on every finger. we suggest a hand decked with (clockwise from top); anthony nak's sterling, gold and diamond piece ($1,800), and silver squares and circles by bettina dittlmann and michael jank ($1,900-$3,200, jewelers'werk).

About the Cover Annalaina wears a Sabina Fay Braxton cape and Micki Ravitz brooch ($2,350 and $305, Keith Lipert Gallery), a Carmen Marc Valvo shell ($235, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tysons Galleria, 2051 International Drive, McLean, Va.; 703-761-0700), Norman Ambrose pants ($1,750, Neiman Marcus), Tahitian pearl, tourmaline and diamond earrings, Todd Reed rough diamond bracelets and a Michael Zobel oxidized silver, platinum, gold and diamond ring ($3,950, $27,500, $6,600 and $5,400, I. Gorman Jewelers). Photographed at American University’s Katzen Center, a contemporary building that merges glass, metal and curvy concrete. The Katzen holds classrooms, a museum and performing arts spaces. For more on exhibits and events, see American.edu.

Special thanks to Maggie Barrett and Maralee Cseller Styling Assistant: Ashley Joy Parker Photo assistantS: Dave Buchanan, Beverly Nazaroff Digital tech: Jim Osen Hair and makeup: kim steele Model: Wilhelmina models left: All that glitters is gold in unusual shapes like H. stern's "feather" bracelet and "fluid gold" and "golden stone" necklaces ($17,000, $11,000 and $7,900, neiman marcus, mazza gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin ave. nw; 202-966-9700). adding to the look: a julie wolfe ring ($3,300; juliewolfe.com) and Coomi earrings ($7,000, neiman marcus).

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FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | l ate w inter 2009 | 15

scene stealers the best of who, what and wear at the capital’s poshest parties

Presidential Inaugural Fashion Show the ritz-carlton hotel, jan. 18, 2009

when the California State Society held a swanky fashion luncheon days before the inauguration, the Golden State’s political bigwigs — including Sen. Dianne Feinstein, San Fran Mayor Gavin Newsom (above, right) and Attorney General Jerry Brown — turned out. Guests took in a runway show by students from the LA-based Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandise and emceed by instructor (and “Project Runway” alum) Nick Verreos, who let it slip that the school would be the site of the reality show’s next season. (Guess Parsons has been auf’d?)

But not everyone was fully fashion-focused. Newsom directed all style queries to wife Jennifer. “What am I wearing?” she said. “Something from my closet.”

What They Wore

Lindsay Czarniak NBC4 sports reporter

Elaine Mensah new media director

Jeff Demain research strategist

Sabine Volel marketing director

Nick Verreos fashion designer

The event drew guests from both coasts in an array of chic ensembles, including Sabine Volel in a Hugo Boss dress and fiance Jeff Demain in a John Varvatos jacket. Verreos — who pinned a patriotic Tarina Tarantino brooch to his Marc Jacobs suit — had only praise for D.C. style. “I have not seen any muffin tops, clip-on Blackberrys or anything else I’d have a problem with,” he said. “Now, if only we could get some of those senators out of pleated pants and into flat-front styles.” B e tsy Low ther

The Root Inaugural Ball national museum of american history, jan. 18, 2009

WASHINGTON looked more like Hollywood at the inaugural bash thrown by African-American cultural Web site TheRoot.com, helmed by scholar and FOO (friend of Oprah) Henry Louis “Skip” Gates Jr. and owned by The Washington Post Co. The boldfaced crowd, including Winfrey herself (above, right), Spike Lee (above, left), Diane von Furstenberg, Natalie Portman and a slew of political journos, milled around three floors of the newly reopened Smithsonian showplace and danced to DJ Biz Markie’s spins until late into the night.

“This is my first inauguration,” said Winfrey, in a bejeweled Carolina Herrera gown. “The energy and spirit here are wonderful. It’s a night to remember.”

What They Wore

Cherie Burns-Scurry model

Glynn Jackson fashion stylist

Lee Sparks law school student

Samuel L. Jackson actor

Malou Babilonia environmentalist

The dress on display was as all-out glam as the A-list guests, but that didn’t stop Samuel L. Jackson from sporting his signature Kangol hat with a fitted, collarless suit. Filipino eco-crusader Malou Babilonia opted for a stand-out Derek Lam gown with a bubbled skirt, while law student Lee Sparks chose a feathery tea-length frock by BCBG. The mix of sartorial choices even drew praise from designer von Furstenberg. “I think Washington looks very fashionable tonight,” she said. A shle y Joy Parker

photos by l awrence luk. dance floor photo by marvin joseph / the washington post

Valentine’s Day Show & Sale ,IFI,!

Thursday, February 12 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Special Pricing

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Chevy Chase Location

Diamond Stud Raffle Each glass of champagne will contain a pair of diamond stud earrings.

Many will be faux, one will be real.

Which glass is yours?

100% of the proceeds to benefit Suburban Hospital Cardiac Center

b o o n e a n d s o ns. c om

5550 The Hills Plaza Chevy Chase, MD 301-657-2144 Champagne provided by Paul’s Liquors