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N O I H S A F S â&#x20AC;&#x2122; N ME les y t s l l a f s e owcas h s y t l a y o R D.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U.S .

Fa s h i o n wa s h i n g to n . c o m a p u b l i c at i o n o f

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Fashion Washington

Features 7 MENSWEAR’S NEW BEAT Boxy is out; slim is in. See how local band U.S. Royalty rocks the new styles. 11 THE HIDDEN (IN VIRGINIA) HISTORY OF BROOKS BROTHERS FW visits the archives of the iconic brand founded in 1818.

Washington’s Fashion & Lifestyle Magazine

Departments

October 2014

4 MAKEUP MAN Carl Ray to men: Man up and take care of your skin.

from the editor FW devotes our fashion coverage for October to changing styles in menswear, for work and for play. Local band U.S. Royalty made our day by agreeing to model the new looks. Then we dug down into fashion history, visiting the Brooks Brothers archive in Chantilly. Who knew that Ulysses S. Grant ordered his uniform from Brooks? We got a sneak preview of Liljenquist & Beckstead’s new Fairfax Square store (next door to Hermes!). Finally, Stephanie Cavanaugh showed us the lush life at The Breakers in Palm Beach. What a month! This publication was produced by The Washington Post Custom Content department in partnership with a Web site for Washington women, and did not involve the news and editorial departments of The Washington Post.

5 SCOUTED Six things our FW Scouts are loving (for men) this month. 12 DESIGN A new jewel in Liljenquist & Beckstead’s crown. 16 ESCAPE Writer Stephanie Cavanaugh marvels at the perfectly manicured everything at the legendary Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach. 17 CHECKING IN Eco-Armour’s Robert Benzinger couldn’t get a good shave. So, he invented a product to help him out.

18 SCENE STEALERS FW recaps the Ambassadors Ball.

FW is a trademark of The Washington Post | My Little Bird is a trademark of Kelly Publishing LLC.

On the cover and above: Rock band U.S. Royalty rocks the new looks in menswear. See page 7 for details. Photos by Marvin Joseph

For advertising information, contact 202.334.5224, 5226, 6163.

To subscribe, contact Sandra Ballentine at 202.334.5228.

Contributors Stephanie Cavanaugh travel writer

The former co-publisher and editor of the Voice of the Hill newspaper has been freelancing for the past 15 years, covering everything from luxurious hotels and spas, to homes haunted by ghosts and ghastly odors. She has written for The Washington Post, Washingtonian and Home & Design, among other publications. She also maintains a sometimes blog, whoneedsflowers. blogspot.com, which is theoretically about gardens but can wander off into ... cookies.

Bonnie Kogod FASHION STYLIST

A native Washingtonian, Bonnie Kogod has spent most of her professional life engaged in the arts, film and fashion. She has lived and worked in New York, Los Angeles and Athens, Greece. She recently returned to D.C., where in addition to being a fashion stylist, she is also president of the board of the Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company.

south moon under

Tysons Galleria Watch Boutique 800-719-1190 • www.liljenquistbeckstead.com

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IMPERIALE

MAkeup man

Man With Two Faces Guys, your skin is the first thing you see in the morning and probably one of the last things you’re thinking about before going to bed. Most men start their day by shaving and washing their faces with whatever soap is available, and that’s pretty much the extent of their facial routine. Fellas, instead of taking the easy way out, you need to start taking care of your skin with this quick and easy routine. These simple steps will put you on your

1. Shaving is a big part of a man’s daily

routine, so don’t be chintzy! Spend a little money on a tool that will be in contact with your face on the reg. 2. When choosing your shaving gel or cream, be sure to use the correct product for your skin type. This will make a huge difference in your shaving experience. You will experience less razor burn/irritation and cuts/ingrown hairs. 3. Cleanse with a gentle facial cleanser twice a day. 4. Exfoliate your skin twice a week with a gentle chemical or manual exfoliator. Skip the cleansers on these days to avoid irritation.

5. Using a cotton ball, apply aftershave or an astringent in a downward direction. This will help close the pores on your face. 6. Now you’re prepped and ready for a moisturizer. 7. Apply moisturizer to your face and neck. Choose a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type and climate. Dab some eye cream on and slick your lips with some balm too. 8. Lastly, don’t forget to to put on SPF! Now that your mug is properly cared for, turn to page 7 for fashion that’s just as pretty.

See more at carlraymakeupartist.com

Clockwise from top left: Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20, $17, getjackblack.com; Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion, $18, kiehls.com; Merkur Classic Safety Razor, $31.49, amazon.com; Nivea for Men Skin Energy After Shave Splash, $6.49, drugstore.com; Eye Alert, $21.50, kiehls.com; Clarisonic Mia in Graphite, $99, nordstrom.com; Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, $11.99, ulta.com; Mega Rich Intensive Anti-Aging Cellular Eye Creme, $65, sephora.com

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scouted

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Items our FW Scout editors are loving this month

1. Moâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bows, $40, mosbowsmemphis.com 2. Bumble and bumble semisumo pomade, $28, bumbleandbumble.com 3. Edit candle by Immortal Beloved, $27, 1831 14th St. NW, 202-879-7797 4. Lab Series Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 15, $44, labseries.com 5. J. Paul 3 Pack Travel Razor with Shave Cream, $18, area Nordstrom locations 6. Every Man Jack Body Bar Citrus Scrub, $5, everymanjack.com

6 October 2014 | FashionWashington.com | 5

Nattily dressed drummer Luke Adams wears Havana three-piece suit in wool and cashmere by Guabello, $599; Egyptian cotton oxford shirt, $99; knit tie, $65; paisley pocket square, $45; Double Monk Strap Italian leather shoes, $229, all Suitsupply, 2828 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-800-7800 and suitsupply.com. His friendly companion, a rabbit-head umbrella ($125, Ike Behar, 2900 M Street NW, 202808-8715).

Menswear’s New Beat We couldn’t think of better models for this season’s slim pants, shirts, jackets and trim ties than D.C. band U.S. Royalty — John Thornley (vocals), Jacob Michael (bass), Paul Thornley (guitar) and Luke Adams (drummer). They kindly obliged as we dressed them for work and play with vests, Henley shirts, pocket squares, cardigans, caps and carryalls to illustrate the importance of layering, the keyword for menswear this fall. To hear the latest from U.S. Royalty, go to FashionWashington.com. photographed by Marvin Joseph produced by janet kelly October 2014 | FashionWashington.com | 7

Top photo, left to right: Jacob dresses for casual Friday in Loring corduroy jacket, $625; quilted zip-front jacket, $195; checked shirt, $195, all at Billy Reid, 3211 M St. NW, 202- 499-6765. Slim straight jeans ($210, Rag & Bone, 3067 M St. NW, 202-295-9072). On Paul, Conroy leather biker jacket, $650; Crow Razor jeans, $160; Levant short-sleeved shirt, $140; Tonic crew T-shirt, $50, all from AllSaints, (3235 M St. NW, 202-595-9828). His topper is a Hackman fedora ($175, Rag & Bone). John settles back for the weekend in cotton, two-ply washed shirt, $99; double-breasted wool bodywarmer vest, $229; and multi-check wool tie, $65, all at Suitsupply and suitsupply.com. Slim straight corduroy pants ($185, Rag & Bone). Luke is ready for his close-up (see page 7). Above left: An umbrella with a sense of humor from Ike Behar (see page 7) takes the seriousness out of a suit. Right: John is laid-back in a brushed cotton navy shirt, $255, under a Jameson shawl wool cardigan, $450, both from Rag & Bone. Five-pocket corduroy pants ($69.50, Brooks Brothers, 5504 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-654-8202).

8 | FashionWashington.com | October 2014

Top left: Accessories â&#x20AC;&#x201D; like these colorful, statement socks â&#x20AC;&#x201D; personalize looks for almost any occasion. All socks ($25, Ike Behar) except foxy socks, second from left ($24, Billy Reid). Right: John shows a little leg and his fur-lined Paglia moto boots ($595, Billy Reid). Lower left: British-based clothier AllSaints knows just what the band wants to wear. Paul wears the clothes like he already owns them (details, page 8).

October 2014 | FashionWashington.com | 9

Top left: Instead of a silk tie, Luke opts for a knit in navy and wine ($125, Billy Reid) to dress down a suit. Right: From legendary outdoor outfitter Filson, a waterrepellent fabric-and-leather messenger bag, made of Harris tweed, twill and bridle leather trim ($398, Brooks Brothers, Chevy Chase). Who needs a briefcase? Lower right: Jacob goes from casual Friday to weekend wear in a Billy Reid quilted zip-front jacket (see page 8) over Rag & Boneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-sleeve Henley ($150) and slim straight jeans (page 8), accessorized with a wool scarf with a splash of purple ($145, Ike Behar). Rugged Redwing for Brooks Brothers Iron Ranger boots ($398, Brooks Brothers, Chevy Chase) complete the look. Stylist: Bonnie Kogod Grooming: Zara Korutz

10 | FashionWashington.com | October 2014

The Hidden (in Virginia) Story of Brooks Brothers

he venerable men’s clothier Brooks Brothers has been a fixture in New York since being founded there in 1818. But it can be argued that the beating heart of the company resides some 20 miles west of Washington, D.C., in an industrial park in Chantilly, Va. That’s where the official Brooks Brothers historical archive resides in soothingly dim light and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, plus or minus two degrees.

historical materials were being collected and stored, not necessarily in organized fashion. Six years later, Weindruch and company were assembling the company’s heritage in an archivally responsible way. For its first 125 years or so, Brooks was a stable company, passing down from the original brothers. The clothier passed out of the family’s hands in 1946, when Henry Sands Brooks’s greatgreat-grandson, Winthrop Holley Brooks, sold the firm to Julius Garfinckel and Company of Washington, D.C. As the decades passed, the clothier was sold again, to Allied The repository of Brooksiana, shall we call it, Stores (1981), then to British retailer Marks owes its richness and its very existence to two men. and Spencer (1988). The first, Donald C. Vaughan, was the company’s It’s fair to say we Retail turmoil in the 1980s and ‘90s made the director of advertising from 1915 to 1948. He have every piece of maintenance of an archive just about the last kept files of Brooks’s newspaper advertisements, paper that mentions consideration for the company’s embattled brochures and historical photos. He even collected owners. Soon Weindruch was maintaining the novels and other books that mention the company, Brooks Brothers. collection at his own expense, out of belief in which made and sold ready-to-wear work clothes – Kelly Stuart, Director, Brand Training and Development the brand and its place in history (introducing for the mining expeditions of the 1849 California button-down shirts, madras fabrics, Harris Gold Rush, uniforms for Union soldiers in the tweed and argyle socks to the American public). Civil War and made the custom-tailored overcoat Abraham Lincoln was Then came 2001 and new owner Claudio Del Vecchio, who took wearing when he was assassinated. the company private. The Italian billionaire, a Brooks enthusiast “It’s fair to say we have every piece of paper that mentions Brooks and a lover of its history, thanked the History Factory for preserving Brothers,” says Kelly Stuart, a lively young woman who bears the rather the archive, to which Weindruch responded, “No thanks necessary: cumbersome title of Director, Brand Training and Development, but who You’re the guy I’ve been waiting for!” With a stroke of Del Vecchio’s fairly gushes Brooks history and lore (“I’m a history junkie, and this is the pen (on a bank check), the decade-long back rent and expenses of the most powerful crack there is,” she says). archive were satisfied and the collection set firmly on a new footing. The other Brooks archive “enabler,” and the reason the archive is in The collection continues to grow. “When you sell clothing,” the Washington area, is Bruce Weindruch, co-founder of D.C.’s History Kelly Stuart says, “you don’t necessarily think of your clothes Factory, a company created in 1979 to compile and/or manage historical as part of your ‘archive,’ but they are.” With that in mind, the archives for corporations and other organizations. company sees looking back into its rich history as a brilliant way to Being “a lifelong, devoted” Brooks customer, Weindruch approached move forward. NANCY McKEON Brooks in 1982 and was invited to visit the Manhattan “attic” where some

Seen as traditional, Brooks Brothers does indeed have a storied history, all the way back to 1818 at the corner of Catharine and Cherry streets in downtown Manhattan. But the store has always been an innovator, introducing the button-down shirt to the American public, as well as argyle socks, Harris tweed and Madras fabric.

October 2014 | FashionWashington.com | 11

DESIGN

A New Gem in a Jeweler’s Crown

“I

’m the newest employee and I’ve worked here 11 years.” That was the T-shirt-clad Matt Sember as he stood behind thousands of dollars’ worth of white and fancy yellow diamonds at the new Liljenquist & Beckstead store in Fairfax Square, the collection of handsome luxury stores near Tysons Corner. And it went a long way toward explaining why a handful of employees had joined four of the company’s partners, the Liljenquists and the Becksteads, on a glorious Labor Day to ready the new store for its September opening. Beyond the impressive glitter of gems and the muted glow of modern gold, the most noteworthy aspect of the new store is how, well, impressive yet muted its interior is. That’s no accident: When planning the new store, which replaces the Tysons Galleria and Fair Oaks mall stores, the partners reached out to interior designer Barry Dixon, less known for designing retail stores and more for exquisitely curated residential interiors in his palette of modern muted neutrals. The partners’ faith in Dixon has been borne out: A lightly figured ivory-beige broadloom covers the floors; walnut panels accent sales areas — diamonds, Bulgari, Marco Bicego, Roberto Coin; parchment-color faux leather with the texture of ostrich eggs surrounds a store-within-a-store for Rolex watches, designed by the Rolex architecture team,

Water droplets? Pussy-willow buds? These graceful crystal bulbs make up a chandelier hanging at the entrance to the new Liljenquist & Beckstead store in Fairfax Square, near Tysons Corner. The interior of the store was designed by Warrenton, Va.-based Barry Dixon.

12 | FashionWashington.com | October 2014

Mark Finkenstaedt

headquartered in New York and Switzerland. Says company president Tom Liljenquist, “We immediately saw the potential in Fairfax Square: I knew that we could accommodate a sizable Rolex Corner, and add all of the luxury elements we desired.” As if the space required more luxury, a charming custom-made chandelier hangs at the entry through a recess in the ceiling. The orbs of crystal that dangle from their golden stems look like pussy willow buds. The interior acts as a lush but quiet jewel box to house all the glitter. Watching me gaze, dazzled, at all the diamonds, company vice president Sid Beckstead passes by and says, “People sometimes think we use trick lighting. But it’s all about the light of day. Take this [diamond] out into the daylight and it will really glitter.” Sherrie Beckstead, also a partner, is walking around, rummaging among the little Bufkor padded stands that allow earrings to dangle and bracelets to nestle. They’ve lost something, but the unpacking continues, nobody panicking — on God’s green earth everything has to be somewhere. Little notes on display cases instruct staff on what goes where; one Post-it note declares: $75,000 limit per case. Amen to that. Partner Sheila Liljenquist is putting out more treasure while store senior manager Denise Rasor sorts through even more boxes. Liljenquist and Sherrie Beckstead agree: “Working on this project and seeing it come to fruition has been a highlight of 2014.” Sherrie Beckstead emails me later with more information about the store. And good news: They found the missing parcel.

Above, the main sales area, with custom lighting by designer Barry Dixon. Rolex watches, right, get their own store within a store in the new layout. Far right, a handsome lineup of men’s wedding rings, executed in platinum and gold.

NANCY McKEON

THE

300 YEAR WARRANTY

EVEN IF 1984 happens in 2298.

hardwoodartisans.com

October 2014 | FashionWashington.com 2014-09-18_HA_300year_FWad_4.875x3.195-1984_PRESS.pdf | size: 4.875” x 3.195” | insertion: 9/3/14| 13

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Escape

The imposing entrance to the Villa Medici-inspired Palm Beach hotel. Above, an orchid blooms at the foot of the bed of one of the coveted rooms.

ne imagines it possible that the flowers are painted to match the citrus-hued furniture. Anything seems possible in a place where a sign announces that today the ocean — not the beach — is closed due to stormy waters.

This is The Breakers, after all. The many star- and diamond-studded Italian Renaissance hotel that presides over the Palm Beach waterfront like the world’s most splendid cruise ship, though there’s no reason to disembark. Like a cruise ship, the resort is capable of comfortably mingling guests of all ages and pedigrees, from the brilliantly bejeweled to the elaborately tattooed. Kids as well, with day and evening camps, playgrounds and game rooms to keep them out of your ... coif. Modeled after the Villa Medici, filled with tapestries, murals, gilding and chandeliers dripping Venetian crystals the size of mangoes, The Breakers, built in 1926, is tended by a chicly clad staff of 2,000. At the crack of dawn, teams of workers appear to prune the very air along with microcosmic snippets of errant grasses that have dared to breach the perfect gap between paver and lawn. Throughout the day the stone chalices (dare one call them ashtrays?) that dot the property are instantly cleaned and raked.

Set on 140 acres, there are four pools along the half-mile oceanfront, two golf courses, 10 tennis courts and 11 boutiques, including branches of Ralph Lauren, Guerlain and Lilly Pulitzer, of course. The spa offers everything from manicures to full-day indulgences, three fitness centers serve those who prefer the treadmill and complimentary classes are offered in belly dancing, Pilates and yoga. Given the level of service it comes as a shock that you’re expected to swab your own yoga mat. Among the eight restaurants there’s the Seafood Bar with aquarium bar tops where neon tetras startle the stem of your mojito. HMF, in the fabulous Florentine room, tenders a palimpsest of mid-century modern furnishings with a 21st-century menu. An oceanfront room, should you be so lucky, has a wall of sliding glass with a balcony framed by palms. An orchid nestles in succulents and seashells at the foot of the bed, the baths are marble, the soaps and creams custom to The Breakers and the robes a wonderfully stretchy terry. It is not in the least surprising that it takes $25 million per year to keep this fantasy afloat. All you need is a wallet with enough heft to indulge. Rooms begin at $480 per night in high season. Stephanie Cavanaugh The Breakers, 1 South County Road, Palm Beach, Florida 33480; 561-655-6611; thebreakers.com

Presents

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For more information, please visit fashionwashington.com/calendar/

16 | FashionWashington.com | October 2014

Contributing Sponsors

Stephanie Cavanaugh

Splendor in the Palms

checking in

Annapolis Alchemist R obert Benzinger’s sensitive skin and heavy beard made shaving an ordeal. Ingrown hairs, blood stains on his collar and a five-o’clock shadow by noon convinced him there had to be a better way. In 2011, he founded Eco-Armour with its premier product, Shave with Benefits. We spoke to him by phone from his home in Annapolis, Md.

FW: What would you say is your company’s mission? RB: To give men and women a good experience shaving. In

addition to skin problems caused by gels and such, razors cost money and don’t last long. Our product (which we’ve patented) is a foam that not only provides a superb shave, it also improves the performance and extends the life of a razor. Plus, we use all botanical ingredients; they’re not harmful to the environment. FW: Did you say it’s for men and women? RB: I had thought it

was just for men until my wife, Zoe, came out of the shower after shaving her legs and told me I should market it to women, too. We’re now partners in business. To the original mint and eucalyptus scent, we’ve added pomegranate and mango and pink grapefruit and bergamot.

FW: I understand you have a lab in your house where you mix everything. Are you a chemist? RB: I studied chemistry, but I’m an alchemist.

Innately, I knew I could do it, but it was a lot of trial and error. I knew about witch hazel, the main ingredient of our product, from my grandmother who always had some handy. Through research, I discovered that it reduces swelling and preserves metal. Bingo. I experimented with organic Castille soap, which creates foam and added essential oils for their antimicrobial properties and aroma. FW: How do you sell it and where? How much is it? RB: I started giving it to friends and family,

and I go to farmers’ markets every weekend in Maryland. But recently, thanks to a celebrity blogger — I think Heidi Klum somehow found out about it — I got a call from Birchbox [a popular beauty product sample subscription service], which ordered 6,000 bottles. So, it’s now available there, online at eco-armour.com, Annapolis specialty stores and soon at a MOM’s Organic Market near you. It’s $18.95. FW: Wow. What’s next? RB: We’ve introduced some new products,

including an anti-aging serum and an insect repellent. Our goal is to turn Eco-Armour into a global brand. Annapolis today, the world very soon. Janet Kelly

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SCENE STEALERS

scouted boutiques

bethesdafineart.com BY APPOINTMENT

5001 Wilson Lane, 2nd Fl., Bethesda, MD t 914.806.1979 or 914.720.0664 info@bethesdafineart.com

ROY LICHTENSTEIN, Foot and Hand, 1964

Men’s Lifestyle Goods

The

citizenfrederick.com 112 E Patrick St • Frederick, MD 240-578-4058

“Consider It Done” 7806 Old Georgetown Rd. Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 654-8690 consideritdoneboutique.com

5502 Connecticut Avenue NW 202.686.4258 core72dc.com

New–Designer–Consigned 3231 P Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007 ella-rue.com 202.333.1598

Want more? Need more? Can’t get enough? FashionWashington.com’s got you covered! Check us out online for behind the scenes photos, shopping deals, styling tips and even your weekend plans.

@fwscouting

scouted boutiques

5232 44th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. (202) 364-3277

Ambassadors Ball

MARK FINKENSTAEDT

juliafarrd c.com

Washington and the world’s finest turned up

18119 Town Center Drive Olney, MD 20832 301-774-7171 thelookboutiqueolney.com

for the 36th Annual Ambassadors Ball held at the Ritz-Carlton, D.C. Dignitaries

Patrick Street

I nterIors

hob-nobbed with local celebs at the black-tie

220 East Patrick Street Frederick, Maryland 240-575-5875 patrickstreetinteriors.com

event to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Some of our favorite looks are featured here, but you can get more online at FashionWashington.com.

Shoe-la-la MOBILE SHOE BOUTIQUE

Mo Bryant Independent Ruby Ribbon Stylist rubyribbonsisters@gmail.com

Stationed in Spring Valley 4800 block of Massachusetts Avenue Hours: Saturdays/Sundays 10am - 3pm

202-903-5806 @SHOELALALLC

SHOELALALLC@GMAIL.COM

Terressentials ·

Fabulous French Fair Made Forward Fashionistas! 100 East Patrick Street, Frederick MD www.terressentials.com

555 12th Street NW (12th & F in the Lobby) Washington, DC 20004 - 301.351.8308

October 2014 | FashionWashington.com | 19

Set the Mood pres e nting

O U R FA L L 2 014 CO L L E C T I O N

WASHINGTON, DC 1526 14th Street NW / BTW P & Q Streets Washington, DC / 202.332.3433 Convenient Daily Parking Lot on P between 16th and 17th Streets, NW Mon thru Fri: 10am to 8pm, Sat: 10am to 6pm, Sun: 11am to 6pm / www.mgbwhome.com NOW OPEN: TYSONS II GALLERIA on Level 3 / 2001 International Drive / McLean, Virginia 22102 / 703.962.9310 Mon to Sat: 10am to 9pm, Sun: 12pm to 6pm / www.mgbwhome.com \ Featuring: BARDOT SOFA in boulevard-cafĂŠ ($4480) $3325, JAMES CHAIR in billiard-gargoyle ($2360) $1745, MELROSE RECTANGLE COCKTAIL TABLE $1745, MELROSE SIDE TABLE $995, LOG PULL-UP TABLE in silver leaf $680, DELANO LAMP $650, ASTON MIRROR in smoked glass $795, SHIMMER RUG in parchment $1895, ANGLED CONE VASE in smoke mirror glass $38, CLEAR GLASS BALLS in assorted sizes and styles $25 to $60