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FRONT RUNNER With the Washington Monument behind them, actress Kay Laurell (left) and a friend sport stylish swimwear on the Potomac Tidal Basin beach in 1922.
it was 120 Years ago that Congress DeClareD the First MonDaY oF septeMber a FeDeral holiDaY: our beloveD labor DaY. by mclean robbins For modern Washingtonians, Labor Day marks the end of the dog days—the last of the sweltering summer weekends, where only sneaker-clad tourists swarm the Metro. Saner folks set forth on Thursday evenings for Route 50 East and summer homes on the “shore,” leaving only a snaking line of taillights and a sweaty stream of flip-flopped interns in their dust. The first Monday in September now marks not just a three-day weekend but also the closing of the city’s only season with slightly less chaotic schedules, with a relaxed—read: panty-hose-free—dress code and mornings where a Beltway commute might actually take less than an hour. For families, Labor Day means the start of the new school year; for Congress, the return from August recess. But it hasn’t always been that way. Labor Day’s reign began in 1882, when union workers in New York City gathered to show solidarity for their profession with parades, picnics, and a
day off from work. The party continued unofficially for more than a decade; 2014 marks 120 years since Congress imbued Labor Day with national legal holiday status. There may be very little of the union spirit left in Washington, but we still take our days off very seriously. We’ve left behind the floats and ticker tape for more traditional summer pastimes—kayaks from Key Bridge Boathouse, a morning run around the Capitol while recess keeps the crowds at bay, a day trip to Annapolis for crabs, a Sunday stroll through Union Market to gather fresh fare for picnics and parties, or a day on the Potomac Tidal Basin beach, like the sunbathers shown here. This Labor Day, let’s get back to the spirit of the holiday. Indulge in a celebration of rest for the working men and women as well as a moment to turn off our BlackBerrys and iPhones and bid good-bye to summer, which, like the ones before it and the ones to come, slip by all too fast. CF
photography by the NatioNal photo CompaNy via library of CoNgress
Labor of Love
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contents
Fall 2014
36
The season’s hottest shoes and bags make a statement in the capital.
8 // front runner 24 // from the
editor-in-chief
26 // from the publisher 28 // ...without whom
this issue would not have been possible
30 // the list 69 // invited
Style Fashion designer Elie Tahari embraces fall with a cool-weather-inspired collection and an inaugural run at eyewear.
36 // power players Fall’s structured accessories get positively presidential.
40 // style spotlight The freshest collections and debut boutiques in our nation’s capital.
42 // affordable elegance The no-nonsense women of Washington indulge in statementmaking timepieces that look incredibly luxe.
44 // eau, my word! A stunning new fragrance from Hermès takes its inspiration from iconic leather handbags—and sensual French literature.
photography by bill diodato; Styling by Kadeem greaveS; model: vera CaSagrande for partS modelS
33 // eye on the prize
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The Collection at Chevy Chase 301.986.8715
The Collection at Chevy Chase 301.986.8715 252684_Dior_CapFileSept_x1.indd 1
Capitol File Magazine • September 2014 • Single Page • RHP • Trim: 10” x 12” Bleed: 10.25” x 12.25” Job# 252684
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contents
Fall 2014
77
Menu items at Patowmack Farm, such as this rhubarb sorbet with fruit leather, lavender meringue, and verbena panna cotta, reflect the bounty of the season.
60 // Custom Fashion at a push oF a Button Locals Arti Anand and Komal Kushalraj are making custom-ft apparel more convenient and affordable with their start-up, Numari.
62 // new FaCe oF the news Young journo Daniel Lippman is quite possibly Washington’s next Mike Allen.
64 // with Youth in minD Two former ambassadors share why they support Sasha Bruce Youthwork, which is celebrating 40 years of helping DC’s at-risk youth with an event on September 23.
Two DC friends join forces to start an apparel business, Numari.
culture
taste
49 // Capitol ConCerts
77 // patowmaCk
The National Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 2014–15 season this Labor Day with a free concert on the National Mall.
52 // a pop art pop-up Public art arrives in DC with the September unveiling of the 5x5 project.
54 // Culture spotlight Books, exhibits, and shows not to miss this season.
people 57 // real estate
perFeCtion
This fall, sample this season’s sustainable, gourmet delights at an organic Virginia farm that serves a side of country quiet.
80 // hole in the wall These hidden gems may be small and discreet, but they offer boldly favored, showstopping fare.
82 // the new speakeasY There’s something about having a high-profle drink in a low-profle spot.
84 // taste spotlight Restaurant openings, a good read, and the latest in cookware.
roCk star
86 // the Dish on
Andy Florance modernizes the commercial real estate market while growing his DC-based global business.
Celebrity stylist James Cornwell and flmmaker Elaine Mensah talk DC dining and fashion.
DC Fashion
photography by evan sung (anand, kushaira); Jonathan timmes (dish)
60
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contents
Fall 2014
Features 92 // DiamonD Jubilee Donna Karan celebrates 30 years in fashion with her eponymous brand and shares her commitment to conscious consumerism. By Elizabeth E. Thorp Photography by Randall Slavin
98 // a foreign affair Postwar tensions in the District come to light through 1940s-inspired fashion. Photography by Tony Duran
108 // The beauTy of bulgari Bulgari has enchanted tastemakers and power brokers with its exquisite pieces for 130 years, establishing a glamorous heritage and legacy of true luxury. By Roberta Naas
112 // The PriCe of iVory
92
Donna Karan reflects on her 30-year career and philanthropic efforts, and looks to the future.
photography by randall Slavin
African elephants are being hunted to extinction for their tusks. Here, Chelsea Clinton shares her passion for these animals and the Clinton Global Initiative’s efforts to save them. By Elizabeth E. Thorp
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contents
Fall 2014
119
A stunning McLean home acts as the backdrop for exotic Middle Eastern art.
Haute ProPerty 119 // WHERE THE ART Is At her renovated McLean manse, art dealer Sylvia van Vliet Ragheb showcases noteworthy works from a host of Middle Eastern stars.
122 // LIVINg LARgE
WHILE sCALINg DOWN
Buyers are downsizing but ramping up luxury with high-end, custom spaces.
Freely SPeaking 136 // THREE fOR ME, ONE fOR YOu
ON THE COVER:
Donna Karan Photography by Randall Slavin Makeup by Berta Camal Hair by Joyce Cohen Clothing and accessories are Karan’s own by Urban Zen.
photography by tony brown
A DC mom’s confessions about back-to-school shopping.
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We have the inside scoop on Washington’s best parties, style, entertainment news, and more. entertainment
BEHIND-THE-SCENES OF TV’S DC-CENTRIC FALL SHOWS As Washington, DC, becomes a central player in the latest crop of television shows, we chat with actors and directors about what to expect this fall.
photos
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COME FOLLOW US
PHOTOGRAPHY BY VITA KHORZHEVSKA (TELEVISION); ALFREDO FLORES (KEVIN SPACEY); DWAFOTOGRAFY (DESK)
Couldn’t attend? Browse the newest photos from Washington, DC’s, most exclusive parties.
ELIZABETH E. THORP Editor-in-Chief Senior Managing Editor DANINE ALATI Art Director ALLISON FLEMING Photo Editor REBECCA SAHN Associate Editor AMY MOELLER Entertainment and Bookings Editor JULIET IZON Copy Editor NICOLE LANCTOT Research Editor MURAT OZTASKIN
SUZY JACOBS Publisher Associate Publisher MEREDITH MERRILL Account Executive FENDY MESY Business Development Manager MARISA RANDALL Director of Event Marketing LAURA MULLEN Sales Assistant ELENA SENDOLO
NICHE MEDIA HOLDINGS, LLC
Senior Vice President and Editorial Director MANDI NORWOOD Vice President of Creative and Fashion ANN SONG Creative Director NICOLE A. WOLFSON NADBOY Executive Fashion Director SAMANTHA YANKS
ART AND PHOTO
Senior Art Director FRYDA LIDOR Associate Art Directors ANASTASIA TSIOUTAS CASALIGGI, ADRIANA GARCIA, JUAN PARRA, JESSICA SARRO Senior Designer NATALI SUASNAVAS Designer SARAH LITZ Photo Director LISA ROSENTHAL BADER Photo Editors KATHERINE HAUSENBAUER-KOSTER, JODIE LOVE, SETH OLENICK, JENNIFER PAGAN Senior Staff Photographer JEFFREY CRAWFORD Senior Digital Imaging Specialist JEFFREY SPITERY Digital Imaging Specialist JEREMY DEVERATURDA Digital Imaging Assistant HTET SAN
FASHION
Senior Fashion Editor LAUREN FINNEY Fashion Editor FAYE POWER Fashion Assistants CONNOR CHILDERS, LISA FERRANDINO
COPY AND RESEARCH
Copy and Research Manager WENDIE PECHARSKY Copy Editors DAVID FAIRHURST, CAROL REED, JULIA STEINER Research Editors LESLIE ALEXANDER, JUDY DEYOUNG, AVA WILLIAMS
EDITORIAL OPERATIONS
Director of Editorial Operations DEBORAH L. MARTIN Director of Editorial Relations MATTHEW STEWART Editorial Assistant CHRISTINA CLEMENTE Online Executive Editor CAITLIN ROHAN Online Editors ANNA BEN YEHUDA, TRICIA CARR Senior Managing Editors KEN RIVADENEIRA, KAREN ROSE, JILL SIERACKI Managing Editors JENNIFER DEMERITT, JOHN VILANOVA Shelter and Design Editor SUE HOSTETLER Timepiece Editor ROBERTA NAAS
ADVERTISING SALES
Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing NORMAN M. MILLER Account Directors SUSAN ABRAMS, MICHELE ADDISON, CLAIRE CARLIN, KATHLEEN FLEMING, VICTORIA HENRY, KAREN LEVINE, NORMA MONTALVO, ELIZABETH MOORE, GRACE NAPOLITANO, JEFFREY NICHOLSON, DEBORAH O’BRIEN, SHANNON PASTUSZAK, MIA PIERRE-JACQUES, VALERIE ROBLES, JIM SMITH Account Executives SUSANA ARAGON, JUDSON BARDWELL, MICHELLE CHALA, THOMAS CHILLEMI, MORGAN CLIFFORD, JANELLE DRISCOLL, ALICIA DRY, VINCE DUROCHER, IRENA HALL, SARAH HECKLER, CATHERINE KUCHAR, JULIA MAZUR, MARY RUEGG, LAUREN SHAPIRO, CAROLINE SNECKENBERG, JACKIE VAN METER, JESSICA ZIVKOVITCH, GABRIELLA ZURROW Advertising Business Manager RICHARD YONG Sales Support and Development EMMA BEHRINGER, ANA BLAGOJEVIC, EMILY BURDETT, CRISTINA CABIELLES, BRITTANY CORBETT, JAMIE HILDEBRANDT, DARA HIRSH, KARA KEARNS, KELSEY MARRUJO, MICHELLE MASS, NICHOLE MAURER, RUE MCBRIDE, STEPHEN OSTROWSKI, ALEXANDRA WINTER
MARKETING, PROMOTIONS, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations LANA BERNSTEIN Vice President of Integrated Marketing EMILY MCLINTOCK Director of Integrated Marketing ROBIN KEARSE Integrated Marketing Manager JIMMY KONTOMANOLIS Director of Creative Services SCOTT ROBSON Promotions Art Designers DANIELLE MORRIS, CARLY RUSSELL Event Marketing Directors AMY FISCHER, HALEE HARCZYNSKI, MELINDA JAGGER, JOANNA TUCKER, KIMMY WILSON Event Marketing Managers ANTHONY ANGELICO, CHRISTIAMILDA CORREA, MONIKA KOWALCZYK, CRISTINA PARRA Event Marketing Coordinator BROOKE BIDDLE Event Marketing Assistant SHANA KAUFMAN
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION
Vice President of Manufacturing MARIA BLONDEAUX Director of Positioning and Planning SALLY LYON Positioning and Planning Manager TARA MCCRILLIS Assistant Production Director PAUL HUNTSBERRY Production Manager BLUE UYEDA Production Artists ALISHA DAVIS, MARISSA MAHERAS, DARA RICCI Distribution Manager MATT HEMMERLING Fulfillment Manager DORIS HOLLIFIELD Traffic Supervisor ESTEE WRIGHT Traffic Coordinators JEANNE GLEESON, MALLORIE SOMMERS Circulation Research Specialist CHAD HARWOOD
FINANCE
Controller DANIELLE BIXLER Finance Directors AUDREY CADY, LISA VASSEUR-MODICA Director of Credit and Collections CHRISTOPHER BEST Senior Credit and Collections Analyst MYRNA ROSADO Senior Billing Coordinator CHARLES CAGLE Senior Accountant LILY WU Junior Accountants KATHY SABAROVA, NEIL SHAH, NATASHA WARREN
ADMINISTRATION, DIGITAL, AND OPERATIONS
Director of Operations MICHAEL CAPACE Director of Human Resources STEPHANIE MITCHELL Executive Assistant ARLENE GONZALEZ Digital Media Developer MICHAEL KWAN Digital Producer ANTHONY PEARSON Facilities Coordinator JOUBERT GUILLAUME Chief Technology Officer JESSE TAYLOR Desktop Administrators ZACHARY CUMMO, EDGAR ROCHE
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
J.P. ANDERSON (Michigan Avenue), SPENCER BECK (Los Angeles Confidential), ANDREA BENNETT (Vegas), KATHY BLACKWELL (Austin Way), KRISTIN DETTERLINE (Philadelphia Style), ERIN LENTZ (Aspen Peak), LISA PIERPONT (Boston Common), CATHERINE SABINO (Gotham), JARED SHAPIRO (Ocean Drive), SAMANTHA YANKS (Hamptons)
PUBLISHERS
JOHN M. COLABELLI (Philadelphia Style), LOUIS F. DELONE (Austin Way), DAWN DUBOIS (Gotham), ALEXANDRA HALPERIN (Aspen Peak), DEBRA HALPERT (Hamptons), GLEN KELLEY (Boston Common), COURTLAND LANTAFF (Ocean Drive), ALISON MILLER (Los Angeles Confidential), DAN USLAN (Michigan Avenue), JOSEF VANN (Vegas)
Managing Partner JANE GALE Chairman and Director of Photography JEFF GALE Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer JOHN P. KUSHNIR Chief Executive Officer KATHERINE NICHOLLS Copyright 2014 by Niche Media Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. Capitol File magazine is published six times per year. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Capitol File magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs, and drawings. To order a subscription, please call 866-891-3144. For customer service, please inquire at capitolfile@pubservice.com. To distribute Capitol File at your business, please e-mail magazinerequest@nichemedia.net. Capitol File magazine is published by Niche Media Holdings, LLC. T: 202-293-8025 F: 202-293-8022 niche media holdings: 100 Church Street, Seventh Floor, New York, NY 10007 T: 646-835-5200 F: 212-780-0003
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FROM THE Editor-in-Chief
With Donna Karan at the Stephan Weiss Studio admiring her book about her late husband’s art and passions, Stephan Weiss: Connecting the Dots.
Not loNg ago, I was bemoaning the long Washington winter and yearning for warmer weather. As I write this, it’s 98 degrees with 65 percent humidity—translation: It feels like one billion degrees. Ah, the joys of summer in a capital rumored to be built on a swamp! I feel empathy for tourists who come to see our beautiful city—oh, the poor Europeans. They simply can’t process it; a “heat wave” in London means that temps might reach 84. (Insert chuckle here.) Perhaps they should cool down with a Super Soaker like Vice President Biden did at the Biden’s fourth annual Beach Bash. My family was honored to be included; our girls loved being in the thick of the action. This summer, I’ve coped with the heat by staying in the office, working on an incredible story for this issue: I was privileged to talk to Chelsea Clinton about the elephant poaching crisis and how the Clinton Foundation is making this
international conservation issue a priority (page 112). African elephant poaching is threatening the survival of the species, with a staggering 35,000 poached both in 2012 and 2013. Simply put: If you buy ivory, you’re killing elephants. You’ll be hearing more from Clinton on ivory trafficking during New York’s Fashion Week 2014 and at CGI’s annual meeting in September. Speaking of fashion and philanthropy, our fall cover is the iconic Donna Karan, who’s celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Donna Karan brand. We discuss her career, her fall line, and her commitment to conscious consumerism (page 92). And finally, our fall fashion feature (page 98)! I’m coveting the 1940s silhouettes, the chic pencil skirts, and the classic coats. It’s back-to-school shopping time, so I think this mom will head over to Neiman Marcus and channel my inner Ingrid Bergman. Here’s looking at you, kid.
elizabeth e . thorp Follow me on Twitter at @poshbrood and on capitolfile-magazine.com
photography by randall Slavin (Karan); Max orenStein/Clinton Foundation (Clinton); elizabeth thorp (biden)
above, from left: Talking with a radiantly pregnant Chelsea Clinton about the Clinton Foundation’s initiative to stop elephant poaching; the Thorp girls and other media children fully commit to Vice President Biden’s operation Super Soaker at the Biden’s annual summer party at the Naval Observatory.
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FROM THE Publisher
I don’t know about you, but gettIng my glam on Is In my dna . I am originally
from New York, just outside of the City, and from the time I was little, I was entranced by fashion. My mother worked in the Garment District in Manhattan, and she never left the house without looking her best. My brothers, sisters, and I were all told to follow suit—we knew that looking put together was as essential as having our beds made. Even though I’ve been living in DC since 1997, New York always beckoned me for my seasonal shopping. There was no matching the options and the cutting-edge fashion coming out of New York. In the realms of the arts, culture, history, and dining, DC rivals all major cities. Fashion, however, has been our sublime city’s weakest link. But now, as a DC transplant, I can
say that it’s on the verge of a fashion revolution, finally arriving as one of the finest shopping cities in the country. From The Collection in Chevy Chase to Tysons Galleria, to bespoke local boutiques, top designers with discerning clientele have slowly but surely infiltrated our city. Just look to our fashion feature (page 98) in the heart of our Fall Fashion issue for the hottest styles of the season, available right in our own backyard. And with the opening of CityCenterDC, international high fashion that’s unique to the US has made a home in downtown Washington, in the thick of it all. So all those who think that DC is just for politics and government contractors should take another look, because our residents are getting their glam on right here at home—and looking good doing it.
Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society of the United States and general manager of CityCenterDC, Timothy Lowery, and I at our Summer issue celebration.
suzy jacobs publisher
Follow me on Twitter at @jsejacobs and visit capitolfile-magazine.com
photography by tony brown/ImIjInatIon photography (soIrée, pacelle); matt power (aspen)
above, from left: Ambassador of Bulgaria Elena Poptodorova and I at our Summer Garden Soirée at the Textile Museum; with Aspen Peak’s Editor-in-Chief Erin Lentz and Publisher Alexandra Halperin, along with Capitol File’s marketing director, Laura Mullen, and Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Thorp at the Aspen Ideas Festival; Sofitel General Manager Jean-Christophe Gras and I at Capitol File’s dinner at Hotel Sofitel.
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…without whom this issue would not have Been Possible
Randall Slavin photographer, cover story (page 92) Splitting his time between New York City and Los Angeles, Slavin can be found most mornings dodging great whites off the coast of Manhattan Beach. He photographed Donna Karan for this issue’s cover. What was the best part of photographing Donna Karan? Having spent time in Haiti with Donna, I know her passion is authentic. And it was nice to see her in her home environment: DK in NY. How do you put your subjects at ease when photographing them? I have always felt blessed that my job pairs me with such incredible people. I ask questions and try to connect on a personal level with everyone I shoot. Where do you prefer to do your work? I prefer to shoot on location—whether it’s DC or New York City, London or the Everglades. Each place gives you something from it. When did you know you wanted to be a photographer? After stumbling into a Peter Beard exhibition many years ago in LA, I realized that I wanted to travel the world and meet inspiring artists.
KRiStin GuiteR writer, art Full (page 52)
StuaRt a. BeRnStein writer, Spirit of Generosity (page 64)
Paul FRazeR writer, Spirit of Generosity (page 64)
A senior communications and public affairs expert who consults arts and cultural organizations in DC and beyond, Guiter founded kkg arts + culture communications; her clients range from the National Gallery of Art to the Goethe-Institut and CulturalDC. Are you planning to see the 5x5 Project? Yes! As a major supporter of public art, I think the project is fantastic for our city and will act as a catalyst for conversation and discovery. I believe the project—and therefore art—will play an unprecedented role in community building. What are you most anticipating in the art scene this fall? I’m a huge fan of photography, so one of my favorite times of year is in November when the FotoWeekDC festival takes over the city—presenting photography in hundreds of venues, from museums to projections on the streets.
In 2001, Bernstein was appointed by President George W. Bush to represent the US as ambassador to Denmark, a post he served until January 2005. The DC native currently serves on the Council of American Ambassadors and the Wilson Council of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the International Council of CSIS, the Aspen Institute, and the Board of the Diplomacy Center Foundation. Here, he writes about his experiences with Sasha Bruce Youthwork. What’s best about autumn in DC? My family has been fortunate to call DC home for six generations. Each September brings the excitement of a new year and new opportunity. This fall, celebrating the Sasha Bruce Youthwork at the British ambassador’s residence will be a great highlight. Nothing is as important as supporting and providing opportunity for youth.
After a career in the Canadian Foreign Service, Frazer remained in Washington, DC, with his spouse, Dr. Tina Alster, and son, Nicholas. He leads his own government relations firm where he continues to engage in a wide range of public policy issues. What charity event are you most looking forward to? I’m very much looking forward to the 40th anniversary celebration of Sasha Bruce Youthwork in September. It will focus on the remarkable accomplishment of having reunited 13,000 homeless youth with strengthened families and will serve as a marker for the challenge that continues. What do you love about fall in DC? It’s a time of renewed energy and commitment, as everyone tackles the new cycle back at school, at work, and at Sasha Bruce Youthwork.
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the list Fall 2014
Tim Cohen
Laura Schofield
Ambassador Paul Altidor
Matthew McConaughey
Maya Angelou
Thomas List
Kevin Durant
Sheila Nix
Amit Gulati
Thomas Moorehead
Elizabeth Chu
Louis Zamperini
Steve Clemons
Ann Lambeth
Anne Dorman
Eun Yang
Michael Rotolo
Ivanka Trump
Michael Pelissier
Jonathan Capehart
Charissa Benjamin
Rob Seavor
Sarah Guinan Nixon
Derek Friday
Vera Maher
Erika Martinez
Brad Drummer
Carrie Sims
Reed Krakoff
Dan Nadeau
Mary Early
Leo Schmid
Lynn Rossotti
Billy Marovitz
Debbi Jarvis
Danielle Tergis
Jeremy Shelton
Karyn Le Blanc
Gloria Nauden
Kadrieka Maiden
John O’Donnell
Lavern Chatman
Eric Reid
Richard Bradley
Rachel Racusen
Kimball Stroud
Cindy Feldman
Jay Carney
Rosario Dawson
Ken Berry
Dr. Youssef Obeid
Lyndsay Polloway
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THE NEIMAN MARCUS BEAUTY EVENT THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11–SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
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STYLE The Style Setter Elie Tahari’s designs in the past four decades have evolved along with women’s empowerment.
EyE on thE PrizE
FASHION DESIGNER ELIE TAHARI EMBRACES FALL WITH A COOLWEATHER-INSPIRED COLLECTION AND AN INAUGURAL RUN AT EYEWEAR. by adrienne gaffney After more than 40 years in the business, the last thing Elie Tahari wants to do is rest on his laurels. Though his comprehensive collection is already a formidable fashion empire, Tahari is as busy as ever, recently receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his outstanding contributions to the United States, and debuting an eyewear collection earlier this year. continued on page 34
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STYLE The Style Setter One of the new fall 2014 looks includes the designer’s sumptuous Dalia coat.
Courtney sunglasses ($158).
Classic handbags and accessories provide the perfect finishing touches on Tahari’s ready-to-wear collection.
“the dc woman is always on the go; she is looking for style, but also functionality.” —elie tahari continued from page 33
“For a long time I have wanted to create stylish yet sophisticated eyewear for our customer as part of the Elie Tahari lifestyle,” the designer explains. Indeed, the glasses feel like a natural extension of the megafashion brand, which includes work- and eveningwear, shoes, and accessories. Cast in hues ranging from oyster and periwinkle to crimson and black, the collection includes classic aviators, chic cat-eyes, and ultracool wayfarer styles. Ultimately, the frames
echo the clean lines and shapes intrinsic to Tahari’s ready-to-wear collection, though he remembers the design process as fun-filled and uniquely collaborative. “The ladies in my office all gave their input on shapes and frames for the debut collection. We had several fit meetings and tried to identify the shapes that would look great on everyone,” Tahari explains. “My favorite is the Camilla, an appealing, oversize oval shape that is timeless and looks chic from the city to the beach.”
Still, the eyewear launch is just another step in the progression of Tahari’s career. “I started off making flirty dance dresses and tube tops during the disco era. I transitioned into women’s dresses and career power suits in the ’80s,” he recalls. “Today, the Elie Tahari woman is strong and confident. Over the past 40 years, women’s roles in society and the workplace have changed, and I like to think my designs have adapted to their success.” To Tahari, there is a common thread between his
brand philosophy and that of the Washington professional. “The DC woman is always on the go; she is looking for style, but also functionality,” he says. “She needs a great look that is appropriate for the office but can also transition nicely for an after-work event.” For fall, Tahari has delivered a collection rich in statement outerwear, including voluminous cocoon coats and mixed-media jackets, though it is the new three-quarter-length Dalia coat with a geometric panel of wool, a decorative back
zipper, and a high-curved collar that he feels best suits the DC woman. “In a cold metropolitan environment, having a statement outerwear piece is key. With all the walking around in the city, your coat becomes the focal point of your entire outfit,” Tahari says. Rest assured though that the designer has no less enthusiasm for this collection than the decades’ worth before: Tahari says, “I am so blessed that I get to wake up each day and go to a job that I love.” tysons galleria, 571-765-3396; elietahari.com CF
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LATER
MICH AEL MICH AEL KO R S
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STYLE Accessories MENSWEAR Clean masculine lines give a new edge to daywear.
Dress, Reed Krakoff ($1,790). Saks Jandel, 5510 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-6522250; reedkrakoff.com. Rose-gold Arceau Le Temps Suspendu watch, Hermès ($35,100). Tysons Corner, 703-506-4546; hermes.com. Handbag, Giorgio Armani ($2,195). Tysons Corner, 703-761-2900; armani.com. Loafer pumps, Jason Wu ($1,140). Saks Fifth Avenue, Mazza Gallerie, 301-657-9000; saks.com
POWER PLAYERS Fall’s structured accessories get positively presidential.
Models: Valery lessard for Parts Models and Vera Casagrande for Parts Models
PhotograPhy by bill DioDato Styling by KaDeem greaveS
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est. 1818
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FUTURISTIC
BLACK & WHITE
This season, silver adds cool shimmer.
Contrasting tones make a bold statement.
Dress, Stella McCartney ($1,995). Saks Jandel, 5510 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Chevy Chase, 301-652-2250; stellamccartney.com. Bracelet, Lanvin ($2,290). Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 202-9669700; lanvin.com. Handbag ($3,400) and wedges (price on request), Prada. Tysons Galleria, 703-245-3438; prada.com
Top, Rag & Bone ($295). 3067 M St. NW, 202-295-9072; ragbone.com. Pant, Ralph Lauren Black Label ($665). 1245 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-965-0905; ralphlauren.com. Bag box, Chanel ($12,000). Tysons Galleria, 703-847-0555; chanel.com. Pumps, Manolo Blahnik ($955). Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 202-966-9700; neimanmarcus.com
FLORAL
LASER CUT
Autumn flowers are in full bloom.
Sleek graphic patterns define modern fall style.
Dress, Hermès ($5,500). Tysons Corner, 703-5064546; hermes.com. Clutch, Dries Van Noten ($2,015). Saks Fifth Avenue, Mazza Gallerie, 301-6579000; saks.com. Pumps, Jimmy Choo ($625). The Collection at Chevy Chase, 240-223-1102; jimmychoo.com
Dress, Valentino ($5,200). valentino.com. Minaudière, Reece Hudson ($1,295). Barneys New York, 3040 M St. NW, 202-350-5832; barneys.com. Booties, Christian Louboutin ($1,595). Saks Fifth Avenue, Mazza Gallerie, 301-657-9000; saks.com
Styling by Kadeem greaveS; modelS: valery leSSard and vera CaSagrande for PartS modelS
STYLE Accessories
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STYLE Spotlight shoe news
SOLE-LY YOURS
POLO’S FIRST-EVER WOMEN’S COLLECTION ARRIVES IN DC. Ralph Lauren has defined luxe American sportswear for more than four decades. And this fall, the iconic designer offers clothing with a casual sophistication in mind for men and women. For Polo’s first women’s collection, Lauren highlights an edgier all-American aesthetic with Southwestern blanket coats, leather bomber jackets, floral silk dresses, and tartan skirts. A floral frock layered underneath a tweed schoolboy blazer and shearling-lined leather vest looked particularly striking on the runway, as did a pinstripe blazer with a plaid overcoat and leather leggings. New to the brand’s DC boutique, the spirited collection is not to be missed. 1245 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-965-0905; ralphlauren.com
// arm candy //
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Tory Burch ($495). 1211 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-337-1410; toryburch.com
COVETED STYLES AT SAINT LAURENT TYSONS GALLERIA
A statement plaid cape, oversize schoolboy blazer, and patent leather riding boots are among this season’s best looks in Saint Laurent’s fall collection, featured at its new 2,422-square-foot Tysons boutique (SHOWN ABOVE). The French fashion house unveiled a 1960s-inspired lineup of shift dresses, blazers, and overcoats cast in rich tartan, tweeds, and velvet. A sumptuous houndstooth cape is most noteworthy, as are black patent shoulder bags with silver straps and knee-high riding boots. Tysons Galleria, 703-760-0701; ysl.com
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HAND PICKED Clients can customize their own Prada shoes starting at $745.
GRAY IS THE NEW BLACK
Dolce & Gabbana ($2,495). Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 202-966-9700; neimanmarcus.com
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Jeweler Ann Hand has opened a 2,200-square-foot Georgetown boutique that is debuting an exclusive line of trend-driven statement pieces curated by Hand’s granddaughter, Ashley Bronczek. 3236 Prospect St. NW, 202-333-2979; annhand.com
FALL’S BEST CARRY-ALLS COME in shades from pewter to charcoal.
Rebecca Minkoff ($395). Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 202-966-9700; neimanmarcus.com
Ralph Lauren ($2,500). Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 202-966-9700; neimanmarcus.com
Giorgio Armani ($2,395). Saks Fifth Avenue, Tysons Galleria, 703-761-0700; armani.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN LEIJONHUFVUD (SAINT LAURENT)
Lauren’s Latest
debut
Known for its vampy stilettos, Prada is now debuting a unique bespoke program where shoppers can design their very own pair at the label’s brand-new Tysons Galleria boutique. Clients can choose from nine styles, including a classic pump, a peep-toe, and a platform, as well as five heel heights ranging from kitten to sky-high. Shoes are rendered in suede, satin, or Saffiano leather, and come in saturated shades of cherry, lilac, and Kelly green, as well as classic hues like nude, black, and blush. A unique monogramming service adds the final touch with your initials stamped on each sole. Tysons Galleria, 703-245-3438; prada.com
// ON TREND //
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STYLE Time Honored
understated elegance
The no-nonsense women of washingTon indulge in The season’s sTaTemenT-making Timepieces ThaT look incredibly luxe.
Elegance and austerity are not mutually exclusive. A number of respected watch brands are catering to the demands of savvy Washington women who want high quality and design at a sensible price. These exceptional timepieces satisfy both by being on trend and on budget. For more watch features and expanded coverage go to capitolfilemagazine.com/watches. CF
clockwise from left: From Longines, this stainless steel Primaluna watch ($2,675) is accented with Top Wesselton VVS quality diamonds. It is water-resistant to 30 meters. Tourneau, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Arlington, VA, 703-414-8463; longines.com From Frédérique Constant, this Classics Art Deco watch ($2,995)—crafted in stainless steel with a convex sapphire crystal—houses a quartz movement and boasts a motherof-pearl dial. Tiny Jewel Box,
1147 Connecticut Ave., 202-393-2747; frederique-constant.com From David Yurman, this Classic watch ($2,800) is a 30mm quartz Swiss-made timepiece that offers elegant appeal. Tysons Galleria, 703-245-3515; davidyurman.com Crafted in stainless steel and set with diamonds, this Tudor Glamour Date watch ($5,100) houses a self-winding mechanical movement and is water-resistant to 100 meters. Radcliffe Jewelers, Towson
Town Center, Towson, MD, 410-321-6590; tudorwatch.com accessories, from top left: Meisterstück Solitaire tribute to the Montblanc fountain pen, Montblanc ($1,150). Tysons Galleria, 703-734-5101; montblanc.com. Bag ($3,400) and wallet ($580), Prada. Tysons Galleria, 703-2453438; prada.com. Scarf, Brunello Cucinelli ($1,455). Neiman Marcus, 5300 Wisconsin Ave., 202-9669700; neimanmarcus.com
Styling by ChriS Stone
by roberta naas photography by jeff crawford
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STYLE Fragrance At his workshop in the south of France, Jean-Claude Ellena was inspired by the leather used to make classic bags like the Hermès Oxer duffel (far right) to create his Cuir d’Ange fragrance (right).
“I realIzed that each leather had a dIfferent scent, and the most beautIful smelled of flowers.” —jean-claude ellena
A stunning new frAgrAnce from Hermès tAkes its inspirAtion from iconic leAther hAndbAgs—And sensuAl french literAture. by mandi norwood When Jean-Claude Ellena became “the nose” of Hermès 10 years ago, his first port of call was the maison’s leather vault in Paris. Providing specialized storage for the skins that form the brand’s iconic luggage and handbags, “it was a marvelous treasure,” Ellena recalls, “an Ali Baba’s cave, where each piece of leather was arranged by characteristic and color. “There I saw and touched
the most beautiful leather, even some that weighed only a few grams in my hand, so soft that I hardly dared to touch it,” he says. “I realized that each leather, tanned naturally, had a different scent, and the most beautiful and expensive pieces smelled of flowers…. I was seized by happiness and decided right then that I wanted to create a perfume inspired by leather.” This month, 67-year-old
Ellena’s dream is realized in the form of Cuir d’Ange (angel leather), a fragrance that’s both gentle and assertive, shifting between delicate heliotropes and woody hawthorn, bashful violets and narcissi, and unrestrained musk. As with all fragrances, there are layers of notes: the top notes that provide the first fragrant impression, the middle ones that form the
epiphany at the Hermès vault, provided the compelling concept Ellena needed for his next fragrance masterpiece. Tell us more about the connection you make between literature and fragrance. I am a writer of smells. For me, perfume is more a poetic creation than a concept. It touches us, moves us, fires our imagination. I have a writer’s approach. I tell stories with perfume. Perfumers all use the same ingredients and raw materials. It’s their writing talent that makes the difference. Why are you inspired by the author Jean Giono? I see literature—with a capital L—as significant. It has always fueled my imagination, but it’s true I have a special relationship with Jean Giono, which must derive from our Provençal origins and how we understand the world. Why did it take 10 years to create Cuir d’Ange? It’s a slow process—and very continued on page 46
photography by richard schroeder (ellena); courtesy of hermès (bag, cuir d’ange)
Eau, My Word!
heart of the scent seconds after application, and the base notes that linger long after the perfume has dried on the skin. With Cuir d’Ange, the first spray bursts into a generous— but not overly floral—bouquet that’s just sweet enough for a woman and yet robust enough for a man. Minutes later, it settles into a gorgeous veil of caramel, pipe tobacco, and a sprinkling of breezy wildflowers. It feels beautiful on the skin, too, like cool, expensive, powder-soft suede—“angel leather,” asserts Ellena, referencing the words of early-20th-century French author Jean Giono, who has been a source of inspiration for Ellena for over three decades. In his autobiography, Jean le Blue (Blue Boy), Giono describes his father in his cobbler’s workshop, “busy making shoes in angel leather for some god with a thousand feet.” For Ellena, who compares his process of creating fragrances to that of writing a book, Giono’s phrase “angel leather,” combined with his
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STYLE Fragrance Jean-Claude Ellena uses the simplest tools—pen, paper, smelling strips (left)—and his finely tuned nose to create fragrances for Hermès.
contInued from page 44
demanding. The hardest thing is [figuring out] how I am going to translate the concept into a physical presence. Until the moment comes that the product matches the idea in my head, I put it aside; I come back to it later, I work on it. That’s why it can take 10 years. Cuir d’Ange is appealing for both women and men. How did you accomplish that? I don’t think smells have a gender any more than colors, sounds, or tastes do. Unfortunately, societies have created codes that we find difficult to break from. These codes are a framework that help us live in an increasingly complex world, but one from
which we sometimes want to be free. For me, perfumes are like works of art and, as such, aren’t intended for men or women, but for all mankind. In your book, The Diary of a Nose: A Year in the Life of a Parfumeur (Rizzoli, $25), you say there is a misconception that your perfumes only contain natural ingredients, nothing artificial. I see all ingredients as smells, whether they’re natural or artificial. I love them all. I don’t differentiate between them, so long as they serve my idea. The advent of chemical ingredients has given us a much broader olfactory palette. How lucky we are! What are your own
personal favorite scents? The smell of human skin without perfume—my wife’s and my children’s. Tell us about your studio. Why did you choose to have it in Grasse? I live and work in the south of France near Grasse, the perfume capital. I was born there. It’s an incredible space, steeped in history, filled with light and smells. The workshop I come to every morning is a house designed in the ’60s and built into the side of a hill. The workshop is open; the doors are never closed. My work tools are sheets of paper, a pencil, a fountain pen, an eraser, smelling strips, and smelling-strip holders. The laboratory is at the far end of the house, as far as possible
from my office, so that I’m not distracted by the smell. I work exclusively from memory. You have created many iconic fragrances, including Van Cleef & Arpels’s First and Bulgari’s Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert. Do you consider Cuir d’Ange to be a new classic? I sincerely hope so—to have a perfume that stands outside of time, a perfume beyond fashions and trends. What’s the difference between French and American tastes in fragrance? For Americans, the notion of cleanliness dominates. Pleasure is allowed if it’s useful—for example, smelling clean and having good longevity—whereas
French-style perfuming likes a bit of controversy and the body’s own smells. How did you finally realize your vision for Cuir d’Ange? Was it a “voilà!” moment? Suddenly, an instant will come when you say, “That’s it! That’s what I was looking for.” Creating a fragrance is a terrible and terrifying process because I’m the kind of person who is continually dissatisfied until that moment comes. And then the pleasure is very short. Like sex—French-style! cuir d’ange is number 12 in hermès’s hermessence collection of perfumes and is available exclusively in hermès stores. tysons corner, 703-506-4546; hermes.com CF
photography by richard schroeder
“I don’t thInk smells have a gender any more than colors, sounds, or tastes do.... for me, perfumes are lIke works of art.” —jean-claude ellena
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CULTURE Hottest Ticket EVENT INFO
Labor Day Capitol Concert, National Symphony Orchestra, US Capitol West Lawn, Sun., August 31, 2014, at 8 PM
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CAPITOL CONCERTS
CAPITOL CONCERTS
THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA KICKS OFF ITS 2014–15 SEASON THIS LABOR DAY WITH A FREE CONCERT ON THE NATIONAL MALL. BY BILLY MITCHELL The dog days are trickling away, so grab your family, a blanket, and a picnic basket this Labor Day weekend and head to the Capitol’s West Lawn for the National Symphony Orchestra’s free Labor Day Capitol Concert. The 30-plus-year tradition features an eclectic mix of genres, with some patriotic favorites thrown in to celebrate the holiday. “We’ll be doing show tunes, Broadway, country music, bluegrass—just a variety of patriotic and American favorites,” says NSO Executive Director Rita
Shapiro. You’re sure to hear “America the Beautiful” and “The StarSpangled Banner,” among other traditional pieces. Last year’s show featured a classical and Americana medley, with work from legendary composers John Williams and Mark Isham. And again in 2014, Steven Reineke, the orchestra’s prominent Pops conductor, will lead the ensemble. A change of pace before the kids return to CONTINUED ON PAGE 50
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CulturE Hottest ticket EvEntful SummEr Don’t miss these other noteworthy DC events to round out the season. Dirty Dancing, August 26– september 14 Relive the iconic ’80s summer-set flm with the National Theatre’s performance of Baby and Johnny’s love story. Sing along to nostalgic hits, like “Hungry Eyes” and “Do You Love Me?” The national Theatre, 1321 pennsylvania ave. nW, 202-628-6161; thenationaldc.org
Library of congress nationaL book festivaL, August 30
“The Labor day concerT is an opporTuniTy To siT up cLose and hear The orchesTra in a very reLaxed fashion.” —rita shapiro conTinued froM page 49
school, the Labor Day concert is a chance to relax and get intimate with the music in the beauty of late summer. And for the orchestra, Shapiro says, it’s a chance to give back to the community. “Hopefully it’s a lovely evening under the stars—something thousands of people look forward to every year,” she says. “It’s an opportunity to sit up close and hear the orchestra in a very relaxed fashion. They kind of let their hair down a little bit.” While the symphony’s Labor Day concert brings summer to a memorable close, the Kennedy Center’s 2014–15 season will just be getting into full swing. Pink Martini, a worldrenowned “little orchestra” featured in The sopranos and Brangelina’s Mr. & Mrs.
smith, stops by the Kennedy Center for a trio of performances, led by Reineke, September 11 through 13. As the season proceeds, a mix of popular and classical compositions will grace audiences. With several performances laden with the classics of master composers Bach, Stravinsky, Schubert, and Mozart, classical aficionados will get their fix in 2014. Those cautious of diving right into the legendary symphonies are in for a few treats, too. Things may get eerie as John Mauceri conducts three multimedia performances October 23 to 25, integrating the haunting music from Tim Burton’s films, such as edward scissorhands, batman, and The nightmare before christmas. As a backdrop to the National Symphony Orchestra performing
Danny Elfman’s scores, the stage will be backlit with visuals from Burton’s movies and storyboards. Virtuoso violinist and UN Messenger of Peace, Midori, plays the Kennedy Center the nights before and after Halloween. And speaking of the holiday, the orchestra will perform in full costume on October 26, a delight for the trick-or-treaters in your life. Fans of Cirque du Soleil won’t want to miss the Reineke-conducted Cirque de la Symphonie December 11 through 13. Much like the traveling circus arts show, the Kennedy Center’s holidaythemed rendition will showcase aerialists, jugglers, and more. for a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit kennedy-center.org. The John f. Kennedy center for the performing arts, 2700 f st. nW, 202-467-4600 CF
After a decade on the National Mall, The National Book Festival will relocate to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center this year. Still, the indoor fest will display as many literary works and authors as years past, plus new events, such as an evening panel discussion with flm experts, followed by a screening of a movie adapted from a classic book. The Walter e. Washington convention center, 801 Mt. vernon pl. nW, 888-714-4696; loc.gov/bookfest
Dc shorts fiLm festivaL, september 11–21 Crowned the “Coolest Short Film Festival” by Moviemaker Magazine, the DC Shorts Film Festival is the largest short-movie event on the East Coast, featuring flms from all around the globe. In 2013, the festival narrowed down more than 1,200 flms from 51 nations to just 152 for festivalgoers. 1317 f st. nW, ste. 920, 202393-4266; dcshorts.com
season opening baLL concert, september 21 For the National Symphony Orchestra’s major fundraiser, Steven Reineke and the Kennedy Center’s music director Christoph Eschenbach will co-conduct a performance in tribute to incoming Kennedy Center president Deborah Rutter. After the performances, an elegant dinner will precede the black-tie ball. The unforgettable night will feature performances by Grammy-winning violinist Joshua Bell and Broadway star Kelli O’Hara, with a French twist to bring it together. 202-416-8102; kennedy-center.org
photogrpahy courtesy of capitol concerts
Hundreds will gather on the mall to hear the orchestra’s lively program.
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A S I N G L E C I T Y B L O C K . H I G H LY A D VA N C E D S T Y L E
On the Metro Red Line, Friendship Heights Station 5471-5481 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD • www.thecollectionatchevychase.com
culture Art Full The Cherry Blossom Cloud by Charles Juhasz-Alvarado was a temporary sound sculpture for the 2012 edition of the 5x5 Project.
public art arrives in Dc with the september unveiling of this year’s 5x5 project. A prodigious public art installation will pop up throughout the city in September—on the streets, in the parks, and in unexpected places. And that’s the point—to surprise DC residents and visitors as they go about their day-today lives. The 25 temporary sculptures are designed to make us stop and see our surroundings from an altered, artistic, and sometimes provocative perspective. The 5x5 Project, organized by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, will provide a platform for five internationally recognized curators to stage contemporary art interventions throughout all four quadrants and eight wards of DC. Each curator has selected five artists to present site-specific works that explore a principal idea—all relating to the rich history, diverse cultures, and physical landscapes of DC. Launched in 2012, 5x5 returns for its second iteration, and DCCAH enlisted curators Lance Fung, Shamim M. Momin, Stephanie Sherman, Justine Topfer, and A.M. Weaver to respond to DC as an assembly of small communities. DCCAH Executive Director Lionell Thomas says, “5x5 certainly highlights the city as a world-class cultural destination, though this project also involves the community in that it takes art out into the neighborhood… allowing the community to be a part of the creative process.” One such installation will take over an empty lot close to the Southwest Waterfront, where curator Lance Fung will construct “Nonuments,” a largescale sculpture park. As chief curator of Fung Collaboratives, a group that organizes art exhibitions worldwide, Fung’s first DC project is dedicated to the
by kristin guiter
“ordinary people, the ideals of democracy, and to the common struggles of humanity,” he says, “addressing themes of human trafficking, global warming, and immigration. This piece is about recognizing the everyday hardship of life and the ability of Washingtonians not only to survive but to flourish.” In less off-the-beaten-path locations, such as the I-295 corridor, curator A.M. Weaver will tackle social typecasts by asking spectators to question negative images of African-American males. “Ceremonies of Dark Men” will show 30-by-10-feet photographs with corresponding poetry captions. Weaver tapped Larry Cook, a local artist and professor of photography at George Washington University, for a piece from “Regalia”—his recent series of portraits of young black men posing in postdoctorate robes. Cook’s pictures are intended to combat persistent stereotypes by putting forth inspiring images of the black male. His photograph Regalia 2 will be installed near 14th and U streets NW, an intersection steeped in historical significance. Curator Justine Topfer’s exhibition “(home)land” studies the cross-cultural nomadic lifestyle prevalent today. “The show grapples with the relationship between self and place in a world of transitory identities and contested geographies,” she says. “Within the context of America’s political homeland, DC, this exhibition excavates the idea of a ‘homeland’—no longer simply one’s native land, but rather a plurality of associations and ideas of belonging, alienation, histories, and memories.” 5x5 opens September 6 and will be on view through late December; 5x5project.com. Visit capitolfile-magazine.com to read this full article. CF
photography courtesy of 5x5
A PoP Art PoP-UP
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Culture spotlight Michelle Obama’s stunning red gown that Jason Wu designed for the 2013 inaugural ball is drawing in visitors from now until January 2015.
// fall shoWs //
Cirque du soleil: aMaluna
Why Gatsby?
on view
The First Ladies A crowd-pleasing exhibition, the Smithsonian’s “The First Ladies” celebrates a centennial anniversary. What started out as a small, curated collection of just 15 gowns in 1914 has grown to include a dress from each presidential administration and more than 1,000 other items, including china and jewelry. Unique to the exhibition right now is a contemporary offering with First Lady Michelle Obama’s second inaugural gown—the ruby-colored chiffon Jason Wu number she wore to the ball in 2013—on loan from the White House to the National Museum of American History until January 19, 2015. Also on display currently are Grace Coolidge’s flapper-style evening gown, the yellow-silk dress worn by Jackie Kennedy to the Kennedys’ first state dinner in 1961, and the slate-blue crepe gown Eleanor Roosevelt wore to the 1933 inaugural ball. The dresses and other items featured in the ever-evolving show—one of the Smithsonian Institution’s most popular—are rotated in and out to keep them in good condition. The latest version of the exhibit opened in November 2011 and features 26 gowns on display along with more than 60 other items. The oldest gown in the Smithsonian’s collection belonged to Martha Washington, while the oldest inaugural dress belonged to Andrew Jackson’s niece Emily Donelson, who wore it to Jackson’s 1829 inaugural ball—his wife, Rachel, died just a few months before it took place. Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, 202-633-1000; americanhistory.si.edu
This September Maureen Corrigan—Washington Post’s Book World writer, NPR’s Fresh Air book critic, and critic-inresidence and lecturer at Georgetown—releases her latest book, So We Read On: How The Great Gatsby Came to Be and Why It Endures (Little, Brown and Company, $26). The tome takes a deeper look at The Great Gatsby—a book Corrigan claims most of us were too young to fully understand when we first read it in high school—and what makes it a literary classic. The book is Corrigan’s second; her first, Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading, was published in 2005 ($16). Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-364-1919; politics-prose.com
Following the success of Totem in 2012, Cirque du Soleil returns to the DC area to celebrate its 30th anniversary with its latest show—its 32nd production— Amaluna. Directed by Tony Award–winning director Diane Paulus, Amaluna tells the tale of a love between a queen’s daughter and a young suitor on a mysterious, goddess-governed island guided by the cycles of the moon. In keeping with the Cirque tradition that offers a wildly vivid and imaginative experience, Amaluna immerses its audiences in a spectacle of lights, an exhibition of acrobatics, and the added visual interest that comes with more than 130 costumes, courtesy of costume designer Mérédith Caron, made of almost 800 different items. Tickets to Amaluna, under the Big Top at National Harbor, range from $35 to $495, with shows scheduled through September 21. The Plateau at Downtown National Harbor. 165 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, MD, 800450-1480; cirquedusoleil.com/amaluna
A scene from Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna.
MonuMental WoodWork In a new exhIbIt by guest curator MIlena KalInovsKa—on display September 16 through December 27—the Kreeger Museum pays homage to Emilie Brzezinski, a Swiss master sculptor who lives in Northern Virginia and has spent the past 20-plus years chain-sawing, chopping, and hand-chiseling found wood into unique works of art. 2401 Foxhall Road NW, 202-337-3050; kreegermuseum.org
photography courtesy of smithsonian’s national museum of american history (first ladies); charles William pelletier (cirque)
bibliofile
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PEOPLE View from the Top
Real estate RockstaR
photography by Stephen VoSS
Andy FlorAnce modernizes the commercial real estate market while growing his dc-based global business. by roland flamini
Andy Florance, seen here at CoStar’s downtown headquarters, parlayed his love for programming and economics into a multimillion-dollar business.
Andy Florance has an easy, infectious laugh. It’s the laugh of a man who knows the funny side of life when he sees it. And Florance has a lot to be jovial about. At 51, he is the founder and chief executive of the CoStar Group, a company that provides online information, analytics, and marketing services to the multifamily and commercial real estate industry. CoStar transformed the way commercial real estate brokers do business: replacing haphazard old practices and dragging the industry into the 21st century. “We created a significant evolution in commercial real estate with high-quality data and better technology— and at a much lower cost,” says Florance, who founded CoStar’s predecessor 28 years ago in his Princeton dorm. “The industry had no data.” Interviewed recently at the continued on page 58
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PEOPLE View from the Top “We created a significant evolution in real estate With high-quality data and better technology—at a much loWer cost.” —andy florance
Andy Florance and members of the CoStar Group ring the opening bell for the NASDAQ Stock Market.
computers weren’t prevalent enough to warrant the purchase of such a program, so he opted instead for print. The book was Cornerstone, a monthly tome containing the information Florance had processed, and DC was the starting point because Florance is a native Washingtonian. (His father, Colden “Coke” Florance, is one of Washington’s leading architects and building preservationists.) When technology caught up with Florance’s scheme, he sold Cornerstone and started the CoStar Group, which began life as the Realty Information Group. The reception in the brokerage business was mixed, at best. “Each time we go into a city, be it DC, New York, Glasgow, or London, at first half the market regards us with real suspicion and aversion, and half the market embraces us,” Florance admits. “Some of the big houses reacted very poorly— shouting, screaming; there was even discussion of cement shoes in [New York’s] East River,” he chuckles. “But many thought it was great.” And it was. Today, CoStar has more than four million properties in its database, roughly $500 million in revenue, and 2,400 employees across North America, the UK, and France. In addition to its preeminence in commercial real estate listings, CoStar has expanded into the apartment market, and is the leader in buying and selling US farms, ranches, and timberlands, a bonus for the country appeal surrounding the DC metropolitan area. Yet the greatest achievement of CoStar is how it compiles complex and seemingly infinite data into its comprehensive commercial real estate database— the largest of its kind—which clients can use to interpret the market like never before. And Florance’s other great achievement? Perhaps founding CoStar while managing to stay out of the East River—or the Potomac, for that matter. CF
Florance accepts the Public Company Trendsetter of the Year Award by Transwestern.
community connection: Andy Florance feels strong ties to his DC home. helping hand Florance has raised funds for
a “Healing Garden” being built at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, on the roof deck adjoining the Intensive Care Unit, where young patients can go out, play, and sit among the trees. on the hilltop “My kids are the fourth
generation of our family to live in Cleveland Park [the hilltop area of northwest DC]. I am defnitely drawn to the Washington National Cathedral. The sound of the [church] bells has been in my life since childhood.” presidential place Florance renovated a historic house in Cleveland Park on whose grounds the summer home of President Cleveland once stood, giving the area its name. easy being green “The whole green thing is my hobby,” says Florance. The CoStar Group building is platinum LEED-certifed, and the company’s hundreds of vehicles are all hybrid Toyota Priuses.
photography Courtesy of NasDaQ (NasDaQ); Courtesy of traNswesterN (traNswesterN)
company’s platinum LEED- certified headquarters downtown, Florance had as much background information about this reporter as I had about him, and he was quick to show it. Information is what CoStar collects and peddles in a multibillion-dollar industry, which, until his company came along, Florance argues, frequently based its trading on wrong assumptions. For example, in Washington, the rule of thumb in commercial real estate had been that when an office building became vacant, it remained empty for six months before it was leased again. But CoStar produced data to show that the average vacancy is actually 420 days, and that had a different set of implications for investors. “I love looking at a market that has operated in a certain way for 100 years and then finding ways to organize it better,” he says. The commercial real estate market is one he’s been looking at since his days as an economics major at Princeton in the 1980s. As an early computer whiz, he was bitten by the cyber bug at his prep school, where he first got into writing software. The two interests converged when he decided to create a go-to service for brokers and developers that made available, in one place, the relevant data on individual buildings—occupancy history, vacancy rates, rents—so they could more accurately assess what the property was worth. But how to locate the information? Major brokerage houses had their own jealously guarded research departments, but the smaller companies had to fend for themselves. Florance’s solution was cumbersome, time-consuming—but available. He scoured the DC government tax rolls, among other sources, for commercial buildings and force-fed the mass of information into a program of his own design. His concept was ahead of its time;
CoNTINUED FroM PaGE 57
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PEOPLE Dynamic Duo Arti Anand and Komal Kushalraj’s company, Numari, lets women tailor sophisticated businesswear to their personal styles and preferred cuts.
Custom Fashion at a Push of a Button It is a conundrum with which many women are familiar: discovering a dress that garments range in price from $160 to $235. The resulting product is sophisticated and in tune with current trends. is almost perfect. But for Numari founders and DC-area residents Komal Kushalraj and Arti Anand, raising a hemline or adding sleeves to one of their “Komal and I come from the consulting world, so much of the line is day-tonight career wear. It’s aimed at the professional woman,” Anand says. designs is far from a hassle. In fact, it’s an integral part of their business model. Correspondingly, the color palette consists mostly of neuThe idea for their line of customizable dresses first began tral tones like black, navy, and camel. “Our line is all percolating when the two friends—both with MBAs—disINSIGHT: about minimalistic, chic, and classic styles, with just a litcovered their mutual interest in the influence of technology Straight from the runway: tle bit of edge,” Kushalraj adds. “Our customer is a on fashion. Inspired by brands such as Warby Parker and Project Runway star Bert Keeter fashion-forward woman who appreciates great cuts and Rent the Runway, they noticed a sizable hole in fashionable helped design the preview collection. quality fabrics.” Many of the dresses use ponte di roma women’s clothing that was also easily tailored to each indiLocaL connection: Kushalraj fabric: “It looks chic, and it’s very comfortable,” Anand says vidual. In October 2012, over a glass of wine and stacks of was raised in India and moved to DC in of the material. notes, Numari—a portmanteau of nuovo, meaning “new” in 2009. Anand was born in Maryland While a brick-and-mortar location isn’t in the works just Italian, and almari, Hindi for “closet”—was created. “We’re and now lives in Fairfax, Virginia. yet, sales thus far have been good. “The goal is to grow in building a brand that’s really redefining a woman’s wardrobe a controlled way, where we’re still delivering that great into better-fitting, more functional clothes,” Anand says. The process is very straightforward: Customers browse the dress designs customer experience,” Anand says. As for who those future customers may be? online, choose their favorite, and then customize both the length and sleeves. “The first lady would be fantastic!” she laughs. “She is a smart, powerful Each woman’s exact measurements are sent along with the order to ensure a woman with a really strong sense of style, who also resides in the nation’s capiperfect fit. Incredibly, the total turnaround time is only three weeks, and the tal. She would be one that we’d love to dress.” numari.com CF
photography by evan sung
Washingtonians Arti AnAnd and omAl ushAlrAJ are making custom-fit apparel more convenient and affordable With their start-up, numari. by juliet izon
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PEOPLE Talent Patrol INSIGHT: DC love:
Small worlD:
“It’s a very intellectually stimulating city; there are always new policy ideas and political battles being fought.”
“At the Whole Foods at Foggy Bottom, I’d run into Harry Reid, Karl Rove, NPR’s Scott Simon, all at the same location, though not at the same time. [The market] is like a small city.”
Coffee break:
Tynan Coffee & Tea in Columbia Heights. off the CloCk: GettinG arounD:
Uber and Capital Bikeshare.
Playing tennis in the West End on 23rd and in Georgetown on Volta.
New Face of the News
Young journo Daniel lippman is quite possiblY Washington’s next Mike allen. Nick Massella For Daniel Lippman, doing anything other than what he’s doing now is unimaginable. Politico announced the full-time hire of Lippman in June as a researcher-reporter working alongside the venerable Mike Allen in the production of “Playbook,” the publication’s morning must-read newsletter. Having joined Politico in a part-time capacity in February, Lippman was well-known by top talent at the Rosslyn news outlet even then. In 2009, Politico profiled Lippman for being recognized by Washington media as the GW student with a penchant for e-mailing reporters to flag misspelled names, grammatical errors, and broken hyperlinks in published pieces of work. “Since I read so much news, I’d notice errors and typos,” Lippman says, “I just thought, it only takes me a couple of minutes to send off a quick note, and they can fix the story so thousands of readers won’t see that inaccuracy in there.”
But his record of corresponding with some of the nation’s top political writers didn’t just begin when he moved to DC from Connecticut, where he penned articles on national politics for his high school paper, The Hotchkiss Record. “While I was in high school,” Lippman recalls, “the Bush White House had a thing called ‘Ask the White House,’ which was a Web forum where they brought in Cabinet officials to answer public questions.” Lippman routinely participated, and doing so led The New Yorker to do a “Talk of the Town” piece on him in 2005, when he was just 15. After graduating from GW in 2012, Lippman interned with The Wall Street Journal and The Huffington Post before traveling to Antakya, Turkey, to cover the Syrian civil war. There, he reported on the Syrian refugee crisis for CNN’s website and, for The Huffington Post, on injured Syrian civilians who crossed into Turkey. With the 2016 presidential election fast approaching, Lippman hopes to be involved in Politico’s coverage of it, “maybe on the trail or following a particular candidate.” And he describes working for Allen—the face of Politico— and assisting him in the production and delivery of “Playbook” as “inspiring.” “[Mike Allen] knows what Washington will talk about the next day and what people want to read. Politico encourages its reporters to write stories no one else has, to push for details, and to really understand the behind-the-scenes story,” says Lippman. “What Mike has told me is that the most important thing is your work—it’s not a clock-in or clock-out. It’s more about, ‘Are you writing interesting articles? Is ‘Playbook’ serving its readers and continuing to inform people who are reading it?’ “I keep in mind that you can’t get too close to your sources; you have to write what the truth is for the readers— they’re the most important thing. Politicians have their own PR folks, so we serve our readers.” At just the tender age of 24, Lippman promises a media trajectory that we’re excited to follow—for the next 40 years or so. CF
photography by stephen voss
As a student at George Washington University, Daniel Lippman became well-known for e-mailing the nation’s top reporters to correct errors he found in the news.
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PEOPLE Spirit of Generosity
clockwise from top left:
With Youth in Mind
two former ambassadors share why they support SaSha Bruce Youthwork, celebrating 40 years of helping dc’s at-risk youth this september. BY amBaSSadorS Stuart BernStein and paul frazer Stuart Bernstein, American Ambassador to Denmark, 2001–2005: “My great-grandparents arrived in Washington from Eastern Europe in the late 1800s. Growing up as a fourth-generation Washingtonian, I felt a sense of gratitude for their courage and foresight to seek a better opportunity for their family. This city has been so good to us, providing a wonderful community and the good fortune to be in business here for more than 50 years. I learned early on from both of my parents the
importance of giving back and helping others, and most importantly, to help those who aren’t so blessed. My parents were constantly involved with charities, and my father, Leo, taught us to ‘always give 17 ounces to the pound.’ This is the spirit of leadership and generosity I grew up with and share with my kids and grandkids today, and it’s what prompted me to get involved with Sasha Bruce Youthwork, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a dinner at the British Embassy on September 23.
“Founded by its current executive director, Deborah Shore, Sasha Bruce Youthwork leads the campaign to prevent youth homelessness in our nation’s capital. Since its inception, it has connected more than 13,000 homeless youth with strengthened families. Yet after all this time, the Sasha Bruce House remains the only emergency youthspecific shelter in DC. “When I was asked by President George W. Bush to serve this country as an ambassador in 2001, it was the greatest honor of my life.
“i learned from my parents the importance of giving back and helping others who aren’t so blessed.” —stuart bernstein
As a proud American, I truly believe in American democracy—that all people are created equal and that everyone should have the
same opportunities. In reality, this isn’t always the case. In a city and a country as rich as ours, that so many continued on page 66
photography by zbigniew bzdak/chicago tribune/mct via getty images (obama); eli meir kaplan (frazer)
Paul Frazer and Dr. Tina Alster with Wilma and Stuart Bernstein; President Barack Obama painting a wall at the Sasha Bruce House in 2009; a mother and her baby who are part of SBY’s Olaiya’s Cradle, an independent living program for homeless youth and their children.
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PeOPLe spirit of generosity Charity register
SBY’s workforce development program.
Opportunities to give. 2014 Wolf Trap Ball
The cause: Wolf Trap seeks to enhance the performing arts in the local and national communities through artistic and education programs that provide accessibility to the arts for all audiences. President: arvind Manocha
“SASHA BRUCE ENGAGES YOUTH AT THE MOST CRITICAL MOMENTS IN THEIR LIVES AND WORKS ON THEIR LONG-TERM WELL-BEING.” —paul frazer
should remain homeless or underserved is unconscionable; 3,000 youth are homeless in our city. “It is hard to imagine if it were my own children who were on the streets. So when we hear firsthand from homeless youth of their struggles, often through no fault of their own, and how Sasha Bruce has saved their lives, it really hits a soft spot. Take, for example, the story told by Charmia Carolina, a 21-year-old mother of two beautiful daughters. Charmia became homeless when she was in the eighth grade. With the help of the dedicated staff at Sasha Bruce, Charmia learned marketable skills, raised her daughters lovingly, and now has a full-time job and great prospects for her future. She said of her experiences, ‘No one cared for me until I came to Sasha Bruce…. Now I feel like it is one big family. I think everyone deserves at least an opportunity.’”
ConTinuED from pagE 64
Paul Frazer, Canadian Ambassador to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, 1992–1994: “As a parent first, I cannot imagine what life would be like for my son if he were to face the incredibly daunting challenges of the homeless, without the opportunity of a consistent education or the basic support that a family provides. “After several years of working abroad, I relocated my family permanently to Washington, DC, where we have established an ongoing sense of community. My wife, Tina Alster, and I have been
involved in a variety of organizations that touch on education, discrimination, the arts, and health. “We became involved with Sasha Bruce Youthwork because of a personal conversation. For us, it was the Sasha Bruce board chair, Tracy Bernstein, who so passionately articulated the mission and activities of the agency. Sasha Bruce engages youth at some of the most critical moments in their lives and patiently works on a series of steps that reflect an investment in the long-term well-being of that person. SBY recognizes the critical importance of confidence building, of helping youth work through an at-times lengthy process of personal development, and of providing them with the tools to obtain the education and skills to enable him or her to move to a greater level of personal achievement in their lives. How could we not see an opportunity to support this organization that is so positively transformative? “Why should a young person have to devote each day to social and economic survival rather than to the basics of just being a young person? Life is challenging enough under normal circumstances; let’s not lose an opportunity to help those who need it most. Our youth represents our future as a community and as a society; we cannot dodge the challenge to assist in any way possible.” Sasha Bruce Youthwork will be holding its 40thanniversary Celebration Dinner at the British Embassy on September 23. To attend and to support the work of SBY, contact James Beck at 202-675-9340 or jbeck@ sashabruce.org. CF
SuSan G. KoMen HonorInG THe proMISe The cause: Honoring the promise helps provide funding for community grants in the national Capital region, an area that has the highest incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer in the united States. Founding chair: David M. rubenstein How to help: Honor the community of Komen survivors with an evening of entertainment at the John f. Kennedy Center for the performing arts on September 18. Become an advocate for the Cure for $500, which includes an orchestra seat and ticket to the post-performance pink party. 972-855-4384; komen.org
CHarITyWorKS DreaM Ball The cause: CharityWorks chooses one military nonproft organization and one nonmilitary organization annually, and assists them with fundraising and community service throughout the year. Founder: leah Gansler How to help: enjoy an evening of cocktails, dining, and dancing to beneft Tragedy assistance program for Survivors (TapS), Teach for america, and Don Bosco High School at the national Building Museum on September 27. Tickets are $700. 703-2860758; charityworksdc.org
KeVIn SpaCey In ConCerT The cause: The Kevin Spacey foundation is a nonproft organization that raises funds for grants and scholarships to help young aspiring artists with an interest in the performing arts, including drama, dance, music, and flm. Founder: Kevin Spacey How to help: enjoy Kevin Spacey in concert Monday, September 29, at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Center for the arts, followed by dinner and an afterparty. Tickets are $100. kevinspaceyfoundation.com
photography by eli meir kaplan (bernstein)
Stuart Bernstein with, from left, Kenya Massie, Ra’Nesha Lee, and Kellie Forde, who were aided by SBY.
How to help: Help support the foundation’s renowned arts and education programs at Wolf Trap’s signature black-tie fundraising event on September 13 at the filene Center stage. purchase a patron reservation for $750 or a VIp reservation with a plus-one for $1,500. 703-255-4030; wolftrap.org
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INVITED Actor Jon Bernthal and media strategist Doug Thornell support the Humane Society at its annual gala.
photography by alfredo flores
Humane Society 60tH anniverSary Benefit Gala The humane SocieTy of the
United States celebrated its 60th anniversary—and 10 years with Wayne Pacelle as the organization’s CEO—at its Benefit Gala on June 28 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The black-tie event was hosted by iconic actor
and writer Ben Stein and was attended by special guests actor Jon Bernthal, author Kathy Freston, and HLN’s Jane Velez-Mitchell. Other notable attendees included Robin Quivers, Thomas McMillen, and Rep. Jim Moran. continued on page 70
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INVITED Kitty Block with a pup rescued from Yulin, China
Eric Bernthal and James Walker
Melanie Kahn, Arthur E. Benjamin, and Tara Loller
Yvonne Bennett and Robin Quivers
Ben Lawson and Katie Jan
Ben Stein and Jane Velez-Mitchell
Katie Hansberry, Alex Shashlo, Victoria Ramm, and Dane Waters
Dr. Mathieu and Lenka Glassman
Thomas McMillen and Rep. Jim Moran
CAPITOL FILE AND
Aspen Peak, together with The Atlantic, hosted an exclusive VIP dessert and Champagne reception on June 27 in honor of the Aspen Ideas Festival. Held on the rooftop at the Dancing Bear Aspen residences, nearly 150 attendees gathered downtown to kick off the festival’s 10th anniversary. Guests sipped Gruet Champagne and enjoyed desserts by Brexi Brasserie, while
the evening culminated in a nightcap chat with Steve Clemons of The Atlantic, Reuters President and Editor-inChief Steve Adler, and Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Capitol File Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Thorp introduced the panel. Local Aspenites mingled with Ideas Festival attendees and Bezos Scholars on the opening night of the anticipated 10-day festival, titled “Imagining 2024.”
Lucy and Zane Kessler
Laurence and Shannon Rosoff
Steve Clemons, Elizabeth Thorp, and Sen. Joe Manchin
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Miranda KaufmanWaldron, Lauren Evans, Eleni Savopoulos, and Cynthia Klein
Scott Summit and Sarah Bridges
Ken Grabow and Pamela Ross
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALFREDO FLORES PHOTOGRAPHY (HUMANE SOCIETY); MATT POWER (ASPEN)
ASPEN IDEAS FESTIVAL KICK-OFF RECEPTION
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I N 1 9 2 8 H A R RY WA R D M A N D E V E L O P E D H I S M O S T I C O N I C BU I L D I N G A N D E S TA B L I S H E D A S TO R I E D L E G AC Y I N WA S H I N G TO N ' S H I S TO RY.
I N 2 0 1 5 T H I S L A N D M A R K E D R E S I D E N C E W I L L RE O P E N I T S D O O R S TO U N V E I L D E B O RA H B E RK E PA RT N E R S ' L AV I S H RE S TO RAT I O N O F 3 2 H I S TO RI C H O M E S.
T WO - T O F O U R - B E D RO O M R E S I D E N C E S SALES BEGIN THIS FALL
Priced from $2mm
WA R D M A N T O W E R . C O M
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INVITED Criswell Maserati turned photo booth.
Stephanie Carter and Ashley Koff
Michael Reimer, Cristian Becker, Chase Pike, and John Piedrahita
Linda Roth, Lynda Erkelitian, and Michelle Delino
Maha Hakki and Vann Ashe
Elizabeth Chu, Alex Whetzer, Scott Greenberg, and Lauren Hallford
Kate and Matt Lynk
CAPITOL FILE SUMMER ISSUE CELEBRATION CAPITOL FILE CELEBRATED its summer
issue with CityCenterDC, in partnership with the Apartments at CityCenter, on Thursday, July 17 on the alfresco Plaza at CityCenter. The event fêted the charitable initiative benefiting The Humane Society of the United States with a colorful summer cover, created by Peter Max, which is being auctioned on Charitybuzz. More than 250 guests enjoyed the breezy summer night
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DJ Tye
Renee Eisman and Mark Guthrie
with gourmet bites from incoming CityCenterDC restaurants, Mango Tree and RareSweets, and refreshing sips from Early Mountain Vineyards and Moët Ice Impérial. The Plaza, outfitted with pops of color by Events by Andre Wells and Capital Party Rentals, featured two Criswell Maseratis, one acting as an interactive photo booth with images printed on-site by SocialLight.
Virginia Goode, Lauren Hakim, and Channing Gibb
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY BROWN/IMIJINATION PHOTOGRAPHY
Meredith Tomason
Over-the-top florals by Multiflor deck the bars.
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Photographed by Jef fer y Salter - Special Thanks to Jason Binn & Niche Media
CHRIS BOSH A ND THOMAS BEGUIRISTAIN
Visit www.bestbuddies.org to learn how to get involved.
Best Buddies is a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Results Driven, Nature Inspired.
INVITED Guests kept cool with Moët Ice Impérial Champagne.
Now Available at Nusta Spa Sylvia Bergstrom, Joe Zorc, and Marin Hagen
Now thru September 30, book any
Vignettes courtesy of AmericanEye and J. Lambeth
Naturopathica Facial and receive ($30 value).
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SUMMER GARDEN SOIRÉE CAPITOL FILE AND COLDWELL BANKER CARES, a charitable arm of the
real estate firm, hosted a chic summer garden soirée benefiting DC Central Kitchen at the Textile Museum’s properties and gardens, listed for $22 million by Sylvia Bergstrom, Marin Hagen, and Joseph Zorc of Coldwell Banker, on June 25. Outfitted with décor from Washington Design Center showrooms, AmericanEye, J. Lambeth, and Stark Carpets,
Tanya Blosser and Donnie Winter Mute
the spacious grounds were open to attendees to tour. Guests were also treated to Moët Ice Imperial Champagne—a perfect summer bubbly served over ice—and gourmet offerings by Windows Catering, including caviar and prosciutto bites. The event raised funds for DC Central Kitchen and offered a design package giveaway with indoor-outdoor home furnishings generously donated from AmericanEye, J. Lambeth, and Stark Carpets.
Shari Gronvall and Liz Levin
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY BROWN/IMIJINATION PHOTOGRAPHY (SOIRÉE); JOY ASICO (AWARDS)
a complimentary product
www.nustaspa.com • 202.530.5700
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INVITED Mike and Carrie Hillegass
Gigi Gabr, Alexandra Villard, and Arnaud de Borchgrave with Shafik Gabr
Amb. Theodore H. Kattouf, Gamal Helal, and Heba Elkoudsy
Laurie Gilbreath and Zeynep Dereli
Amb. Mary Ourisman, Leo A. Daly III, Grega Daly, and Dr. Susan Blumenthal Gwen Holliday and Didi Cutler
Hon. Sean O’Keefe
Meridian Global leadership awards Meridian international Center hosted the Meridian Global Leadership Awards on Tuesday, June 10, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. The ceremony honored M. Shakif Gabr, chairman and managing director of ARTOC Group, and the Hon. Sean O’Keefe, former chairman and CEO of Airbus Group, Inc.
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taste so Many Dinners (so Little time) The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm serves up exquisite, locally harvested fare such as this crab croquette with lemon squash, pickled radish, warm garlic aioli, fennel, borage flowers, and sunflower kernels.
Patowmack Perfection
photography by jonathan timmes
this fall, sample the season’s sustainable, Gourmet deliGhts at an orGanic VirGinia farm that serVes a side of country Quiet. by nevin martell It’s a bit of a trek to get to Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville, Virginia, but it’s more than worth the nearly hour-and-a-half drive from downtown DC. The last mile of your journey takes you across the Potomac River on the baby-blue-hued Point of Rocks Bridge. Moments later, you turn up a steep gravel driveway leading to the sprawling 40-acre property. Perched on the ridgeline overlooking the sinuous, snaking river below, the glass-
walled restaurant with transparent ceilings feels like a haute hothouse. Co-owner Beverly Morton Billand bought the land in 1986 and transformed it into one of the first organic farms in Virginia. In 1998, she decided to host a dinner to showcase her sustainably grown goods and ingredients from the region. It was a bare-bones operation. She cooked the meal herself and hosted the event in the barn. The evening continued on page 78
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taSte So Many Dinners (So little time)
Stay a While
and new potatoes in sour cherry juice with toasted Stilton, surryano ham, onion ash, creamed chard, and fresh herbs; the glassed-in dining room offers views of the Potomac; chef Tarver King.
ConTInuED FRoM PAgE 77
ended with guests piling into the back of a tractor-pulled trailer to go stargazing. In the intervening years, she built The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm and turned over the culinary side of the operation to a series of professional chefs. Today, Tarver King, a prodigiously talented chef who delights in surprising flavor combinations and artful presentations, heads up the kitchen. The 36-year-old toque traveled his own long and winding road to get to Patowmack Farm. His career began under three-Michelinstar chef Alain Jackmin at now-defunct Le Chambord, in Virginia Beach, before he moved to Thomas Keller’s award-winning flagship in Napa Valley, the French Laundry. Further down his résumé you’ll find a sojourn to Bray, England, at Heston
Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck as well as the Waterside Inn nearby, both with three Michelin stars. In 2009, he returned to the US to take the head position at the Ashby Inn in Paris, Virginia. There he earned accolades galore for his forward-focused, local-loving cooking and cemented his reputation as one of the best chefs in the capital region. Late last summer, he announced his departure for Patowmack Farm. “A part of me wanted a new challenge and to try something different,” says King. Some of the draw was the farm itself and the surrounding community rich with farmers and food artisans. This bounty inspired King to offer three different prix-fixe tasting menus. The farm’s indoor and outdoor gardens supply nearly 100 percent of the herbs and
vegetables, which are highlighted on the Grown menu. Epicurean expeditions into the nearby forests yield wild ingredients—such as ramps, spruce tips, chickweed, and berries— which are showcased on the “Found” menu, alongside sustainably sourced seafood. And the “Raised” menu features pork from Heritage Hollow Farms, beef from Ayrshire Farm, hares from Longenecker Rabbit Farm, and chickens raised on-site. The restaurant serves dinner Thursday through Saturday, along with weekend brunches and a monthly Sunday supper. This relaxed schedule was another attraction for King. “We have a lot of time to experiment and try things, which I’ve never had the ability to do,” he says. “It’s a good thing, because not all of my ideas work out.”
Recently, he’s been rethinking fried green tomatoes—as an ice cream. After a number of false starts, he decided to flash-freeze ping-pong-size balls of a tomato custard base. King deep-fries the spheres after a breading of sourdough crumbs, à la minute. The result is totally unexpected and yet surprisingly familiar. The golden sphere pops when you bite through its crackly crust, flooding your mouth with slightly melted ice cream possessing all the invigorating flavor of a young tomato recently pulled from the vine. “We’re always trying to come up with new ways to do things and create theatrics,” King says. The journey never ends when you choose to dine at Patowmack Farm. 42461 Lovettsville Road, Lovettsville, VA, 540-822-9017; patowmackfarm.com CF
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Each of the four rooms has been decorated to capture a passion of the B&B’s owners; our favorite is the top-foor Steeple Suite, with its queen-size lace canopy bed. 12 W. Third St., Frederick, MD, 301-682-4111; hillhousefrederick.com stone Manor B&B
Surrounded by sprawling vineyards and verdant woodlands, this charming manse (shown above) sits in a bucolic lap of luxury. Breakfasts showcase eggs from the on-site brood, house-made jams, and local ingredients. 13193 Mountain Road, Lovettsville, VA, 540-8223032; mycountryretreat.com
photography by jonathan timmes
clockwise from far left: Beef brisket
It would be a shame to drive all that way out to Patowmack Farm only to return immediately after your meal. Here are three outstanding nearby options where you can stay for the night.
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TasTe Cui-scene
Hole in the Wall Sometimes you have to take the road less traveled in order to reach the most memorable destinations. These three clandestine restaurants showcase unforgettable food that’s worth the detour. Take a trip to Paris without AirFrance—Paris, Virginia, that is. The backcountry burg is home to the Ashby Inn (692 Federal St., Paris, VA, 540-592-3900; ashbyinn.com), an enchanting auberge featuring world-class New American cuisine from Executive Chef Dave Dunlap. “The menu evolves every day,” he says. “It depends on what’s good at the time.” From springtime through autumn, he loves showcasing fresh produce grown in the on-site gardens. The chef-turned-gardener raises a colorful variety of vegetables, from ruddy radishes and sunset-hued carrots to heirloom green beans and sweet Walla Walla onions. Request a table in the enclosed patio so you can enjoy the view of this bounty in bloom and the mist-wreathed Blue Ridge Mountains. Every Thursday morning, Aaron McCloud ascends the steps from Cedar (822 E St. NW, 202-6370012; cedardc.com)—the lower-level eatery in Penn Quarter where he helms the kitchen—to the farmers market down the block. There the executive chef picks up just-harvested vegetables, fresh fruit, foraged wild plants, and bison—the rest of his wild game, including boar, venison, elk,
and rabbit, comes from at least a little further away. Back at the restaurant he transforms these ingredients into forward-thinking American fare. “It’s rustic-refined,” he says. During his star-making tenure at the restaurant, he has cooked for a number of high-profile guests, including First Lady Michelle Obama. These A-listers don’t faze him, though. “I’d rather cook for 100 average Joes who leave the restaurant with a smile,” he says. This charming Chinese restaurant in Northern Virginia is a family affair: Eddie Tsui opened Peking Gourmet Inn (6029 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 703-671-8088; pekinggourmet.com) back in 1978 as a simple carryout counter. (He passed away in 1998.) Now his children and grandchildren preside over a widely expanded eatery that boasts 290 seats and a wall of fame displaying pictures of VIP diners, including John Travolta and George H.W. Bush. As the restaurant’s name implies, Peking duck is the house specialty. Last year, it sold 72,319 of them—almost 1,400 a week. There’s only one day you can’t order one: Thanksgiving. “My grandfather said, ‘Everybody needs one day off a year,’ so my entire family gets together and has a feast,” says third-generation manager Bobby Tsui. “We need that one day for the duck population to regrow itself.” CF
from above: The
Ashby Inn in Paris, Virginia, serves up creative farm-to-table fare, like this radish salad; chef Aaron McCloud plates artful dishes at Cedar in Penn Quarter; the Peking Gourmet Inn’s specialty, duck, comes with homemade pancakes, spring onions, and hoisin sauce.
photography by Molly M. peterson (salad); Jonathan tiMMes (peking gourMet inn); courtesy of cedar (Mccloud)
These hidden gems may be small and discreeT, buT They offer boldly flavored, showsTopping fare. by nevin martell
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We’re there for all animals. #1 in cruelty prevention—attacking the root causes of puppy mills, pet overpopulation, animal fghting, factory farming and other problems #1 in animal rescue and sanctuary—more than 118,000 animals cared for in 2013 #1 in professionalizing the feld of animal care and welfare through our training conferences, educational materials, publications and standard setting The HSUS receives top ratings from: •
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Join us in celebrating animals and confronting cruelty.
taste Cheers! On the DOwn LOw Stay abreast of the top new local cocktail bars and the protocols of each. Ivy and Coney
Private “liquor lockers” are available for regular patrons at this Midwestern-themed bar. 1537 7th St. NW, 202670-9489; ivyandconey.com dram & GraIn
Text for reservations two to three weeks out. In the cellar of the Jack Rose Dining Saloon, 2007 18th St. NW; 202-607-1572 The Sheppard
Leave a voicemail to make a large-party reservation, otherwise it’s frst come, frst served. Look for a green
light on the exterior denoting when the bar is open. 1337 Connecticut Ave. NW, 2nd Fl., 202-744-4253 harold BlaCk
Book a table at cityeats.com/ dc.Or test your luck as a walkin. Above Acqua Al 2, 212 7th St. SE, 202-540-0459 ChaplIn CoCkTaIl Bar
Like Charlie himself, this 1920s-inspired Shaw addition has some humor—try the “laughing gas” cocktail. 1501 9th St. NW, 202-644-8806; chaplinrestaurantdc.com
The New SpeakeaSy
There’s someThing abouT having a high-profile drink in a low-profile spoT. by kayleigh kulp
Area bars like the Gibson, PX, and the Columbia Room set the precedent years ago for the modern-age speakeasy, characterized by a discreet location, specific entry procedures, and an environment suitable for dates as well as important business meetings. Now, a new crop of lounges are creating even more sultry, intimate environments for sipping labor-intensive craft cocktails and ratcheting up the city’s drinking standards. “There is a certain art to what we’re doing down here,” says the vest-and-tieclad Trevor Frye, beverage director for Dram & Grain under the Jack Rose Dining Saloon. “And if I were down here wearing what I wear on my motorcycle, it wouldn’t be the same.” Customers text Frye on a “burner” phone to snag hard-to-get Friday and Saturday night reservations—made for 7, 9, and 11 pm and organized in a Google
document. Here, guests can try cocktails with exclusive ingredients not available at Jack Rose, like the Maiden Voyage, which uses a large ice cube—made of bitters, Benedictine, and vermouth—in a glass of rye and cognac. “We want to make enjoying good drinks and food sexy and fun again,” says Vinoda Basnayake, co-owner of The Sheppard, a new Dupont Circle cocktail lounge named after the Senator who spearheaded DC’s drinking ban in 1917. “The point of the place is to have incredible drinks and let people enjoy the experience. We don’t want to be overly serious.” The Sheppard, which features a unique bar-food menu designed by Top Chef alum Spike Mendelsohn, signals it is open with a green light outside. Once inside, patrons take an elevator to the second floor of an office building to get there. Discreet cocktail dens also come with a set of rules. Dram & Grain does not permit loud talking, cell-phone calls, or standing at the bar. Guests should also exit quietly and have patience while bartenders make involved concoctions. “Speakeasies are supposed to be dark, secretive, sexy, mysterious, a bit scandalous,” adds Basnayake. “We have that covered—it’s why we have a strict ‘no pictures’ policy.” Despite all the guidelines, these cocktail lounges want to balance customization with unpretentiousness. Harold Black’s beverage director and GM Maro Stanicic once named a cocktail after a regular for the patron’s 30th birthday. The speakeasy is one where everyone is welcome, but bartenders know their styles might not suit everyone. “We never want to be exclusive. But we only seat 28 at any given time,” says Stanicic. “We’re hitting a good balance of neighborhood folks who sneak in during the week and others on the weekend who make a night out of it.” CF
photography by jonathan timmes
Despite what’s on its front door, Ivy and Coney’s low-key speakeasy offers a small but well-curated list of spirits, beer, and snacks inspired by the owners’ Chicago and Detroit origins.
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YOU ARE WHERE YOU LIVE
At The Apartments at CityCenter, you are where you live. And you can’t imagine living anywhere else. Combining the quality, amenities, and service of a luxury hotel with the convenience of the perfect downtown location, this is a residence like no other. Spacious studios to penthouse residences are all leasing now. Schedule a private tour. 888.697.6418 ApartmentsAtCityCenter.com 825 Tenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
ST. JUDE
Heart
of
Saturday, September 13, 2014 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Neiman Marcus 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington DC 20015
Tickets: $150
•
Friend of St. Jude: $500
DC’s most stylish women and men come together for a fabulous morning of fashion, showcasing the Fall 2014 Brunello Cucinelli collection. Guests will enjoy a taste of Italy, followed by a formal runway show presentation.
For more information, please contact Lisa Galik at 703.351.5171 or lisa.galik@stjude.org
Emcee: Doug Kammerer Event Co-Chairs: Jocelyn Greenan & Rachel James
ª
stjude.org/heartoffashion
Facebook: http://bit.ly/SJFashion
#HeartofFashion
TaSTe Spotlight bibliofile
eat, MeMorY
Lace Up YoUr Boat ShoeS
District Edition
new in town
michelin-star chef Daniel BouluD brings his nyc eatery to washington. A staple in the Big Apple, Daniel Boulud’s DBGB Kitchen and Bar at long last comes to Washington. This September, the award-winning chef and veteran restaurateur opens the casual French-American brasserie-tavern DBGB at CityCenterDC in Penn Quarter. Prepare yourself to indulge: The seasonal, locally sourced menu will be similar to the one in NYC with many of the same signature dishes. While the full raw bar will stay exclusive to New York, DC patrons can look forward to a succulent daily oyster selection. At least two of the juicy house-ground burgers will come to DC, with a new Washingtonian version to boot. Look forward to sampling an extensive house-made sausage menu—in New York there are no less than nine varieties—as well as a small selection of house-made charcuteries including pâtés, ham, and rillettes, and, exclusive to DC, a seafood-stuffed cornet. And this satellite location can also expect to see a long list of draft beers (and more than 75 by the bottle), a daily prix-fixe option, and Washingtonians’ favorite, a weekend brunch menu. The opening represents a return—Boulud’s first professional presence in the nation’s capital since leaving his post at the European Commission roughly three decades ago. We’re looking forward to welcoming him back. danielboulud.com
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One of the latest Georgetown openings, Reese Gardner’s nautically inspired Orange Anchor, in Washington Harbour, highlights native New Englander Allan Javery’s menu of duck-confit corn dogs, lobster and shrimp-salad rolls, and other seasonal small bites and local seafood fresh from its farm-to-table scratch kitchen. The craft bar features local ingredients, freshly squeezed juices, and roughly 40 rare rums—including an orange-infused option. The rustic, nautical environment, codesigned by Maggie O’Neill of SwatchRoom, is inspired by American dock bars and a luxury yacht interior. 3050 K St. NW, 202-590-0153; orangeanchordc.com
Copper Clad THis fall, all-Clad launCHes a new line, C2 Copper Clad ($1,599), available locally at Bloomingdale’s. The stunning 10-piece set offers the same highquality All-Clad fans expect with the stylish, warm fnish of copper. So pretty, in fact, you might not know whether to cook with them or hang them up for display—we recommend both. Tysons Corner, 703-556-4600; bloomingdales.com
photography by Sabin orr (boulud)
toast
Nevin Martell—whose ink regularly flls the pages of this section—launched his sixth book this summer: Freak Show Without a Tent, an autobiography of sorts, chock full of food-related (and other) anecdotes highlighting the Martell family’s world travels. He calls it “a memoir misadventure that is equal parts National Lampoon’s Vacation, David Sedaris, and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.” How did you go from pop culture to food writing? I grew up as the son of a restaurateur and a mother who loved to cook, so I’ve always had a deep appreciation for food. A revelatory dinner at the Inn at Little Washington inspired me to start thinking beyond band profles and album reviews. How did this book come about? Sometimes there’s a story inside you that you feel compelled to tell. I’ve been dreaming about writing this book for more than a decade. I didn’t know it was going to have such a strong food-focused element until I started writing. Going through old journals and talking to my family made me realize how important food has been. nevinmartell.com. Find the book at Trohv, 232 Carroll St. NW, 202-8292941; trohvshop.com. Read the extended version of this interview at capitolfle-magazine.com.
CApIToLfI Le-MAGAzINe.CoM
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2014 Fair Chance Butterfy Bash Honoring Carrie & David Marriott
Celebrity Emcee Chris Cooley
Fair Chance improves the lives of children in Washington, DC’s most underserved communities by selecting promising, youth-serving nonprofts and providing them with free, comprehensive expertise in organizational management for up to two years. A Fair Chance partnership leads to stronger leaders, measurable results, increased impact and stability, and double the children served. Butterfy Bash ticket and sponsorship information at fairchancedc.org.
Friday, November 7
Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium | Tickets at fairchancedc.org | Lfeigenbaum@fairchancedc.org
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taste On the town
clockwise from left: Fashion veterans James
Cornwell and Elaine Mensah enjoy a night out at Farmers Fishers Bakers, where they dine on gnocchi with shrimp scampi and leafy greens, accompanied by guacamole made tableside.
The Dish on DC Fashion
Celebrity stylist James Cornwell and filmmaker elaine mensah disCuss where they like to dine— and the high points of dC style. by leslie quander wooldridge
You two are close now, but did you always get along this well? elaine Mensah: We met in early 2007 at a photo shoot for Fashion Fights Poverty. Funny enough, when we first met, James was so mean to me. [Smiles]
James Cornwell: I was not. What? [Laughs] eM: There was a male model, and I wanted James to put black eyeliner on the model. And James said, “Black eyeliner is so overdone.” [Laughs] And then Beyoncé played on the radio, and [ James] dropped it like it was hot right in the middle of the set. And I was like, On second thought, he’s cool. The rest is history. Fast-forward. elaine, you wrote, directed, and produced your film. how long was the process? eM: The film, from inception to when I released it, took two and a half years. I wanted to put a spotlight on DC in a way that hadn’t been done before. JC: Anything Elaine does, I say yes to. I love fashion in DC. And I knew it was going to be very special. eM: I didn’t feel scared when I was doing it. I felt scared when I had all the footage and had to put it all together. I had never made a movie, and it is a process. I had 50 hours of content to whittle down. It was 100-percent self-financed. JC: It’s been an amazing journey. continued on page 88
INSIGHT: Where:
Farmers Fishers Bakers, 3000 K St. nW, Washington Harbour, 202-298-8783; farmersfshersbakers.com When:
First Bake: Mon.–Fri., 7:30 am–10 am Lunch/dinner: Mon.– thurs., 11:30 am –10 pm Fri., 11:30 am–Midnight Sat., 2 pm–Midnight Sun., 2 pm–10 pm Brunch: Sat.–Sun. 9:30 am –2 pm
photography by jonathan timmes
James Cornwell sports a natty ensemble that includes a silverplated antique skeleton-key necklace by James Cornwell Styling and spiked boots. He stands out, but his attention is on Elaine Mensah, founder of the creative and strategic fashion firm Svelte and the mind behind the new fashion documentary the politics of Fashion: dc unboxed. She looks chic herself in H&M knitwear and Kedem Sasson trousers, acquired from the DC boutique Upstairs on 7th. As the two sit in a private booth at Georgetown’s Farmers Fishers Bakers, Cornwell tucks Mensah’s hair behind her ears periodically, ensuring that she looks lovely in photos. As they discuss their food and Mensah’s film—which includes appearances by Robin Givhan, Lynda Erkiletian, Aba Kwawu, and even Cornwell himself—they laugh together all night.
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taste On the town Diners pack the restaurant for its sustainable fare, including seared tuna with farmers beans and heirloom tomatoes (left).
“I love the food here at farmers fIshers bakers. It’s so fresh. It’s so lIght. thIs place suIts my personalIty.” —elaine mensah have never tasted anything like it. It’s extremely bold and flavorful without being bitter. James, you’re sipping Champagne now. Is that your favorite? JC: I’m a bubbles guy. You can sip, enjoy over dinner, even party with it. I have two favorites: Veuve Clicquot and one that [singer] Myýa gets for me, Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial. EM: I’m a nondrinker. But this Pineapple Scratch soda [which has pineapple syrup made in-house with fresh pineapples, mint, and lime] is amazing. The DC food industry is booming. Is fashion next? EM: The success of the food industry is like a template for the fashion industry. Washingtonians are really savvy about how they eat—about lifestyle in general. Fashion looks at food and says, “We can mirror this.” JC: They absolutely work together…. I hope people as a whole can take a look at themselves as being fashionable and stop looking at DC as “not a fashionable city.” Fashion is here. EM: We shouldn’t try to be New York or LA— JC: We shouldn’t try to be anything more than we are. CF
other top eats in town According to James Cornwell and Elaine Mensah Oya
The stylish set fock to this Asian-French fusion eatery in Penn Quarter. Stop in for weekday happyhour specials of sushi rolls, appetizers, cocktails, wine, and beer that last from 5 to 8 pm Monday through Friday. 777 9th st. nW, 202-393-1400; oyadc.com CO CO. Sala
At this chocolate boutique lounge, try the asparagus and kale tart with goat cheese, smoked almonds, Champagne vinaigrette, and chocolate pretzel bits. For dessert, opt for the Fetish, a signature cocktail of chocolate-infused vodka, strawberry foam, and a chocolate-dipped strawberry. 929 f st. nW, 202-347-4265; cocosala.com MalMaISOn
In a converted warehouse on the Georgetown waterfront sample modern French fare for lunch weekdays, dinner Wednesdays through Saturdays, or brunch on the weekend. 3401 k st. nW, 202-817-3340; malmaisondc.com
photography by jonathan timmes
contInued from page 86 When you get a few creative minds together that really want to do something great for the community—and the industry we’re in—the sky’s the limit. EM: This, for me, is like my ode to the city. Speaking of the city, you’re both fans of Farmers Fishers Bakers. Why do you keep coming back? EM: I love the food. It’s so fresh. It’s so light. I’m a relaxed chick. [Smiles] This place suits my personality. As you can see from my bowl [she looks at the empty vessel and laughs], I thoroughly enjoyed it. The shrimp was cooked to perfection. JC: Everything here is conscious of our environment, even down to the details in our handmade guacamole on the table. The guacamole is really the best I’ve ever had. Where else do you dine? EM: As a byproduct of the film, I am way more locally aware. There’s so much great food in this city. I love Oya. I love Co Co. Sala; they have that signature chocolate, and it’s also a cute place to have meetings. JC: I stopped at Malmaison before I came here because of their amazing cold-brewed coffee. I
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DiamonD Jubilee
Donna Karan celebrates 30 years in fashion with her eponymous brand and shares her strong commitment to conscious consumerism. by elizabeth e. thorp photography by randall slavin
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T “MY CLOTHES ARE FOR REAL WOMEN. I’M A REAL WOMAN.”
he S Stephan Weiss Studio iin New York’s West Village creativity for artist and entreused us d to b be the h center of cre late husband of fashion icon preneur Stephan Weiss, la p Donna Karan. Now, it is where Karan feels most at D home. The loft serves as a center for raising consciousness and inspiring meaningful change in the areas of well-being, cultural cultu preservation, and chilthrough Karan’s Urban Zen dren’s empowerment thr this stunning, 8,000-squareFoundation. I met her at th with walls of windows and foot, two two-level level space wi filled with Weiss’s art and curios from their travels and life together; it’s beautiful and very personal. We have much to discuss, as Karan has had a big year; she is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Donna Karan International. Patti Cohen, Karan’s longtime friend and her executive vice president of marketing and communications for 30 years, welcomes me and offers me food that is laid out on a huge wooden table, explaining which items are vegan, which are gluten-free. A naturally tightly wound, type-A person, I find myself relaxing immediately and think how lovely this environment is—tranquil world music, healthy foods, a fresh breeze entering from the attached Japanese-style rooftop garden. The studio feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of a big city. I’m experiencing Karan’s and Urban Zen’s mission concomitantly: Like her foundation, she shares the principles of holistic living and encouraging wellness through a lens of spirituality and connectedness. This is how Karan lives her very big life and no doubt has had a positive impact on her 30-plus years as a visionary in the fashion industry. Karan launched her eponymous company with Weiss in 1984. Her first collection focused on “Seven Easy Pieces” that could be mixed and matched and take women from day to night. The core of the collection was a bodysuit. Arriving to the studio in a robe, fresh-faced, with
damp hair, Karan looks a lot younger than her 65 years. (I make a mental note to take up yoga.) Our chat takes place while Karan gets her hair and makeup done. She is curled up in a chair, ready to talk, totally oblivious to the people working on her. Of her big anniversary, Karan says, “It seems like yesterday [that it all began], although the middle area gets a little gray. I’m in the midst of writing my autobiography right now. I’m reflecting back on the whole thing, and it’s really interesting how much I’ve forgotten!” For the Donna Karan brand 30 years later, Karan espouses that—funny enough—it feels more valid today than it was in the beginning. The bodysuit was based on yoga, and Karan practiced yoga before it was cool. We joke that only Karan and Sting were the only token yogis back then. “Everything I designed then is much more understandable now,” she says. Remember the Donna Karan dress that then-First Lady Hillary Clinton wore to the Governors Ball at the White House 21 years ago? It was Karan’s coldshoulder dress that was widely discussed by mainstream and fashion media. Her concept for this dress is very simple: No one ever gains weight on their shoulder. “It is the one place I guarantee that will never show a wrinkle, never gets fat,” says Karan. “The shoulder is always your best asset. Everything else, you can cover up.” Karan remains just as focused on her philanthropic endeavors as she is on her clothing brand. She realized early in her career that she could only dress people on the outside, not “address” people on the inside. She reveals that she just lost her assistant, Clarissa Block, in April to ovarian cancer, which Karan first tackled philanthropically with the late Harper’s Bazaar Editorin-Chief Liz Tilberis in 1998 when no one ever discussed the disease. That year, Karan founded Super Saturday New York in the Hamptons with Tilberis, to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, of which Tilberis was then president. “For me,
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beauté: Armani Luminous Silk foundation in #9 ($69). CUSP Georgetown, 3030 M St. NW, 202-625-0893; giorgioarmani beauty-usa.com. Tom Ford Traceless foundation stick in Tawny ($80). Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-657-9000; tomford.com. Guerlain Terracotta bronzer in #4 ($52). Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 202-966-9700; neimanmarcus.com. M.A.C. Mineralize blush in Warm Soul ($27), eye shadow in Mulch ($15), and lipstick in Freckletone ($16). Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, 240-744-3700; maccosmetics.com. YSL waterproof eye pencil in Black Ink ($30). Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 202-966-9700; neimanmarcus.com. Kérastase Volumactive spray ($40). kerastase-usa.com
Makeup by Berta Camal Hair by Joyce Cohen
photography by tk; illustration by tk
Belted embroidered coat ($12,000) and over-the-knee, open-back suede boots ($1,995), Donna Karan New York. Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 202-966-9700; donnakaran.com. All other clothing and accessories are Karan’s own personal Urban Zen clothing.
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philanthropy and commerce was always something that I believed in very, very strongly. We started this with the Seventh on Sale Gala [in 1990] to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic. How do you bring consciousness to the consumers, to the retailers, and to the world at large?”
O
ver the past three decades, Karan has focused on conscious consumerism. It’s who and what she is, and the core of her personal and professional philosophies. Through her Urban Zen Foundation, she hopes that the educational system will embrace teaching students about yoga, the body, the mindbody connection, nutrition, and meditation. Knowing that I have three daughters, Karan talks about a workshop she went to on spirituality for kids, and she notes that these are basic teachings that we don’t make time for anymore in our lives. “We are all—myself included—so overwhelmed with the issues we’re dealing with today. What’s happening in Washington is really scary. You’ve got two forces fighting one another instead of saying, ‘We need to solve this problem.’ We’re so stuck in our own dimension that we’re not considering what’s the best end result. This is why I started Urban Zen.” When Karan first launched her brand, she’d intended to start a little company that filled some fashion needs—like trying to make a pair of jeans that actually fit. She jokes that it was because her daughter Gabby was pilfering her clothes. “My daughter would go in my closet and wear my $20,000 beaded gown… and wear it to school with her cowboy boots. That’s why I started DKNY, because she was stealing all my clothes,” says Karan with a laugh. “And then I had to put a lock on my closet door!” Karan is very grateful that some of the people who started with her all those years ago still surround her, including Cohen. This core, longtime loyal team helps Karan stay balanced and participate in all areas of her life—fashion, philanthropy, family, and friends. An active grandmother to seven grandchildren, Karan starts her yoga and meditation practices at 8 am daily. She likes to have the early morning to herself—once she gets going, it’s a million miles an hour until night. While she’s always been tireless, she recently felt so exhausted that she went to her doctor only to be diagnosed with Lyme disease. However, she credits her yoga practice for warding off a bad
case of the disease and helping her most severe symptom, lethargy in the morning. Quickly and enthusiastically, we change tracks and start talking fashion, focusing on a rack of gorgeous Donna Karan clothes from the Fall 2014 collection. For Washingtonians, Karan recommends her stunning black and gold belted embroidered coat from the fall line (see photo opposite). It can be worn over pants, jeans, or a black dress, and offers just enough “bling” to be sexy but also sophisticated. Karan loves this collection because it balances masculinity and femininity and is—in her own words—“iconically Donna Karan.” I tell her how I appreciate that her clothes are friendly to women who have curves. “Yes! Oh, they are! They’re for real women,” says Karan. “I’m a real woman.” Her other favorite pieces in her collection include the scarf dresses, specifically this season’s belted halter handkerchief cocktail dress. It’s all about the scarf and the body, and harkens back to the first collection with the bodysuit. You can cover up what you want or need to cover up, and show what you want to show. “I love doing it,” says Karan, “because you can play it any way you want to play it, and go from day to night easily with the tailoring and the chiffon.” Following our interview, I get a tour of the studio. Karan shows me her late husband’s photo book and points out some key pieces in the studio that she loves. She gets dressed for the first set of shots, looking radiant, simultaneously making sure everyone is being “addressed” on the inside. Karan asks if I have eaten and tells me to check out the Stephan Weiss shoe sculpture on the first floor before I leave—it’s one of her favorite works. I spend some time appreciating the shoe sculpture and am warmed by the living love letters that Karan has created to her late husband. Though she starts to walk me down to show me personally, she is wrangled back to the photo shoot. For a woman with a glamorous, billion-dollar fashion empire, she sure is normal—nicer than normal, even. When asked if she has any specific goals for the next 30 years, Karan thoughtfully responds, “It’ll take more than 30 years to accomplish all I want to do—my Urban Zen Foundation is just taking off; I have endless design ideas, wellness centers I’d love to create, so many new places to travel. Like I always say, it’s what I haven’t done that excites me. To be continued....” CF
“We are all so overWhelmed With the issues of today. What’s happening in Washington is really scary. you’ve got tWo forces fighting one another instead of saying, ‘We need to solve this problem.’”
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A FOREIGN AFFAIR Postwar tensions in the District come to light through 1940s-insPireD fashion. photography by tony duran styling by martina nilsson
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Windowpane plaid coat, Yigal Azrouël ($2,200). Hu’s Wear, 2906 M St. NW, 202-342-2020; husonline.com. Black wool turtleneck, Salvatore Ferragamo ($1,490). Tysons Galleria, 703-748-7620; ferragamo.com opposite page: Crepe dress
with embroidered collar, Valentino ($4,390). valentino.com. Matte tights, Falke ($59). Relish, 3312 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-333-5343; falke.com
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Cashmere trench coat, Ralph Lauren Collection ($5,995). 1245 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-965-0905; ralphlauren.com opposite page: on ryan: Cashmere turtleneck,
Etro ($1,050). Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 202-966-9700; etro.com. Trousers, Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane ($890). Tysons Galleria, 703-760-0701; ysl.com. Cambridge wing ox, Cole Haan ($258). Tysons Galleria, 703-506-2115; colehaan.com
on brittany: Rolanda wool herringbone jacket ($1,350), Scelta cashmere mohair knit sweater ($795), and wool jersey skirt ($525), Max Mara. Tysons Galleria, 703-556-6962; maxmara.com. Viennana suede pumps, Christian Louboutin ($1,095). Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-657-9000; saks.com
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Confetti petal-print satin shell ($995) and skirt ($1,495), Monique Lhuillier. Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 202-966-9700; neimanmarcus.com. Gloves, Emporio Armani ($295). Tysons Galleria, 703-761-3103; armani .com. Handbag, Giorgio Armani ($2,095). Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-657-9000; saks.com. Burgundy leather loafers, Tod’s ($795). Saks Fifth Avenue, see above
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Cardinal houndstooth plaid and guipure jacket ($3,890) and skirt ($2,390), Oscar de la Renta. Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-6579000; saks.com
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on ryan: Shirt ($550)
and trousers ($890), Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane. Tysons Galleria, 703-760-0701; ysl.com. Glasses, Sunday Somewhere ($225). Federal Store, 2216 14th St. NW, 202-518-3375; sundaysomewhere.com on brittany: Darika dress, Escada ($1,625). Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 202-966-9700; neimanmarcus.com
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Embellished top ($7,675) and feather skirt ($4,325), Jenny Packham. Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 202-966-9700; neimanmarcus.com. Godiva flats, Sergio Rossi ($545). sergiorossi.com
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on brittany: Coat ($3,875) and shoulder bag ($3,795), Versace. Tysons Galleria, 703-448-5554; versace .com. Matte tights, Falke ($59). Relish, 3312 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-333-5343; falke.com. Burgundy leather loafers, Tod’s ($795). Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-6579000; saks.com
on ryan: Shirt ($550)
and trousers ($890), Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane. Tysons Galleria, 703-760-0701; ysl.com. Cambridge wing ox, Cole Haan ($258). Tysons Galleria, 703-506-2115; colehaan.
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Silk blend coat ($4,425) and blue leather D-Cube bag ($1,595), Tod’s. Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-657-9000; saks.com. Shirt, Barbara Bui ($390). barbarabui.com beauté: Giorgio Armani fluid master primer ($57), Luminous Silk foundation in #6.5 ($62), fluid sheer foundation in #2 ($62), and Lip Maestro in Ecstasy ($33). Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 202-966-9700; giorgioarmanibeauty-usa .com. Smashbox Halo highlighting wand in Pearl ($32) and Limitless liquid liner pen in Dark Black ($22). Sephora, 3065 M St. NW., 202-338-5644; smashbox.com. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat in #3, ($41). Cusp, 3030 M St. NW., 202-625-0893; yslbeautyus.com. Bumble and Bumble thickening hairspray ($28). bumbleandbumble.com. Oribe texturizing spray ($42). Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 202-9669700; oribe.com
Hair by Rob Talty at Magnet Makeup by Steeve Daviault Models: Brittany Burke at Factor Women McKenna at Ford Ryan Young at LA Models
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photography by rEportErS aSSoCIéS/gaMMa/gaMMa-rapho vIa gEtty IMagES
Elizabeth Taylor bedecked with Bulgari jewels at the film premiere of Lawrence of Arabia in in Paris, 1963.
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STYLE Slug Goes Here
The BeauTy of
Bulgari Bulgari has enchanted tastemakers and power brokers with its exquisite pieces for 130 years, establishing a glamorous heritage and creating a legacy of true luxury. By Roberta Naas
all jewelry images courtesy of bulgari
S
ince 1884, the House of Bulgari has dazzled and delighted the beau monde with its style and elegance. This year, as the Italian brand celebrates its 130th anniversary, it embarks on a series of projects that recount a rich past with a visionary eye to the future. “Bulgari’s 130th anniversary is a celebration of the classic style, craftsmanship, and design that makes the brand timeless,” says Andrea Mitchell, store manager of Bulgari Chevy Chase. “We toast our devoted and loyal clientele who have contributed to our success.” As a part of its anniversary celebration, I recently had the privilege of joining Bulgari in Rome on behalf of Capitol File. Among the activities of the multiday gala event in the Eternal City: the unveiling of the newly refurbished flagship boutique, the announcement of its cultural support of the city of Rome, and—the pièce de résistance—a tour of the brand’s gemstone room and craftsmanship laboratory.
Bulgari is one of the biggest purchasers of top-quality colored gemstones in the world. At any given time, the company’s workshops have thousands of jewels on the premises for masters to design statement pieces and collections. In a single well-lit room—with walls lined in sketches and colorful concepts for necklaces, brooches, bracelets, earrings, and rings—was a table brimming with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, amethysts, citrines, and other gems, as well as wax boards and tools. Seeing that—even for someone who has reported on jewelry for decades—made me feel like the proverbial kid in a candy store. “Bulgari is known for its use of big stones and for combining colors,” says Lucia Silvestri, Bulgari’s creative director. “When most houses were creating single-color gemstone necklaces and brooches, we were mixing gems and colors for artful presentations that left people breathless. It is very important for us to bring together rare stones with semiprecious stones of all colors for dramatic appeal. That is our signature.”
from top left: The Parentesi cocktail ring ($9,450) is created in 18k white gold with amethyst and pavé diamonds; the 18k white-gold Ultimate Temptation Serpenti necklace (price on request) features more than 100 pear-shaped, step-cut, brilliant-cut, and pavé diamonds.
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Artful Origins
EvOlutiOn Of stylE Pinpointing what draws attention to Bulgari is easy: The brand has established an inimitable style that is timeless. The original intricate Byzantine designs paved the way for the lavish and elegant Art Deco styles of the 1920s, when pendants, brooches, tiaras, and wristwatches came into popularity. Bulgari’s prominent use of large diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires in its pieces became a signature of the brand. Stunning floral motifs that brought together multiple colored gemstones in one piece stole the limelight in the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s. It was a time of great innovation for Bulgari. In the decades to come, the brand developed new methods of gemstone carving and setting, metalworking, and gold engraving that brought Bulgari world renown for presenting jewelry as art. The next step for the brand was to create jewelry not just for special occasions but also to wear all day—while maintaining Bulgari’s elevated style.
photography by tk; illustration by tk
“When most houses were creating single-color gemstone necklaces and brooches, we were mixing gems and colors for artful presentations that left people breathless.” –lucia silvestri
Almost since its inception, Bulgari’s aesthetic has been about color, texture, and romantic appeal. That may well be due to the brand’s Greek ancestral roots that date back to the early 1800s, when the Voulgaris family of silversmiths created Byzantinestyle works of art. Residing in a small village in the Pindus mountain range, the family was adept at making unique silver belts, buckles, earrings, and sword sheaths. They passed the art form from generation to generation, eventually landing with the creative scion Sotirio Voulgaris, who was also an astute entrepreneur. Sotirio relocated to Italy and established his first jewelry shop in Rome in 1884. As the business flourished, he Italianized his name and opened his second Bulgari store, and his first on Via Condotti, in 1894. (It would be another decade before a third boutique was established at the current landmark address—Via Condotti, number 10, at the foot of the entrancing Spanish Steps.) Throughout the ensuing century, the familyowned and -operated Bulgari thrived. Family members contributed different aspects to the business: talent for design, expertise in precious gemstone selection, and business acumen. Together they built an empire based on vivid and evocative jewelry designs that were so enthralling and intriguing that they quickly caught the eyes of socialites and celebrities, of politicians and aristocrats. The glamorous Clare Boothe Luce—who, as the first American woman to hold a major ambassadorship, was posted in Italy—was particularly fond of the brand, as were Sophia Loren, Jayne Mansfield,
Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor. Bulgari creations have also captivated leading men. Celebrities such as Richard Burton, Eddie Fisher, and Kirk Douglas frequented the store in search of perfect gifts for their beloveds. American artist Andy Warhol, ever obsessed with color and design, never missed a chance to visit the store when in Rome, calling Bulgari the “best exhibition of contemporary art.” Today Bulgari can be seen on the wrists of such boldfacers as Naomi Watts, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts, and Jessica Lange.
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from top: The Elizabeth Taylor necklace from Bulgari’s Heritage collection features 16 step-cut Colombian emeralds (totaling 60.50 carats) surrounded by brilliant-cut and pear-shaped diamonds; Jack Lemmon and his new wife at the time, Felicia Farr, window shopping on Via Condotti; the entrance to the newly refurbished Taylor Room, where Elizabeth Taylor spent time with Gianni Bulgari while filming Cleopatra; the façade of Bulgari on Via Condotti in the 1920s.
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This evolution manifested in some of the house’s most iconic collections, developed in the latter half of the 20th century: Parentesi (using straight and curved interlocking elements); Bulgari Bulgari (incorporating the brand name into the designs); Tubogas (malleable gold coil designs); and Serpenti (the beloved serpent collection). “We always strive for dynamic designs that offer color, creativity, and top-quality craftsmanship,” Silvestri says. Whether it is one of the brand’s milliondollar unique offerings or a $1,000 production, every piece results from expert handcraftsmanship. Bulgari has an elaborate team of designers and an equally complex manufacturing process, with every step being closely monitored by Bulgari for quality control. “We hire our craftsmen right out of school and then train them ourselves to learn the Bulgari style,” says Massimo Di Valentini, Bulgari’s high jewelry internal workshop manager. “In addition to their schooling, it takes about seven to eight years to learn our style and implement our standards.”
opposite page: photography by reporters association (lemmon); storefront (bulgari historical archive)
Timeless TempTaTions With its rich roots firmly in mind and in celebration of the 130th anniversary, Bulgari releases an exquisite anniversary collection inspired by Rome and offering global appeal. The collection, now in Bulgari boutiques, includes a high-jewelry Serpenti necklace, extraordinary limited editions, a re-edition of the B.zero1 ring, precision timepieces, a new fragrance, and accessories embellished with gemstones. The one-of-a-kind Ultimate Temptation necklace reinterprets the iconic snake motif. It is set with more than 60 carats of fancy-shaped diamonds in a mosaic pattern that is a deft blend of superlative design and craftsmanship. Exactly 70 diamonds trace a path along the snake’s tail, leading to a spectacular 12.16carat diamond drop. Further highlighting this motif, Bulgari releases three elegant diamond Serpenti pendants on a necklace that resembles scales. Each Serpenti pendant is clad in diamond pavé and features a burst of color via a fancy-cut mandarin garnet, rubellite, or emerald center drop. The mandarin garnet is a 30.97-carat pear-cut rare stone; the 13.86-carat rubellite is cut in a geometric shape; the 23.75-carat emerald swings freely in a drop cut that respects the stone’s natural shape. On a more approachable level, Bulgari has also created a pink gold and bronzed ceramic B.zero1 Roma ring. The piece merges the Bulgari Roma logo with a Tubogas inspiration, symbolizing the brand’s respect for its Roman origins and its visionary look to the future. Another large endeavor to honor its anniversary was Bulgari’s renovation of its Via Condotti 10 boutique. For this project, the brand hired acclaimed
architect Peter Marino. The redesign—with rich woods, Italian marble, and a new watch room—will serve as the inspiration for all future Bulgari boutique openings and updates. Marino even paid close attention to a small secret room with sliding doors that was the “salottino Taylor,” where Elizabeth Taylor often spent time during her work in Rome on the famous epic Cleopatra. The salon was reachable through a secret door from a private courtyard. While it has been closed for decades, Marino brought it back to service, ready for today’s VIPs. “The renovations in the boutique clearly make it a store for the future,” says Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari worldwide. “His creativity in combining the historic aspects of the building with timeless woods, paints, and other touches makes it something we can emulate in future boutiques.” Additionally, in an effort to pay homage to the Eternal City, from which the brand continually draws design inspiration, Bulgari has become the sole financier of the restoration of the famed Spanish Steps—just minutes away from the store and the focal point of the celebrated street. CF
“In addition to their schooling, it takes [craftsmen] about seven to eight years to learn our style and implement our standards.” –massimo di valentini
The Serpenti watch from Bulgari’s High Jewelry collection is crafted in 18k pink gold and features a double-spiral bracelet set with brilliantcut diamonds and turquoises (price on request).
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photography by Mark Deeble anD Victoria Stone/MarkDeeble.worDpreSS.coM
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The PrIce of Ivory With the ever-expanding worldwide market for luxury goods, African elephants are being hunted to extinction for their valuable tusks. Here, Chelsea Clinton shares her passion for these exceptional animals and the Clinton Foundation’s efforts to save them. by elizAbetH e. tHorp
I
t’s an unimaginable horror. Satao, an iconic male African bush elephant who was born in the late 1960s, should have lived a natural life of 70 years. But he was found dead in Kenya’s Tsavo East National Park in June. Poachers took down Satao, who weighed an estimated seven tons, with a single poisoned arrow to his flank. His signature ivory tusks, which weighed more than 100 pounds each and touched the ground, had been hacked off. The Tsavo Trust, a conservation group that monitors the elephant populations of Tsavo in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Services, knew Satao well because of its focus on protecting large “tuskers” who are lucrative targets for poachers. But Satao was so horribly butchered that the conservation groups who tracked his every move for years could not immediately identify him. They searched for him in the park for more than a week in the hopes that they might spot him, before he was confirmed and pronounced dead, two weeks after the day of his death. Why would anyone want to kill the world’s largest land mammal—a highly intelligent species with a lifespan nearly as long as a human’s? An animal with powerful family bonds, a memory that far surpasses ours and spans a lifetime? Through years of research, scientists have found that elephants are capable of elaborate thought and deep feeling. In fact, the emotional attachment elephants form toward family members may rival our own. Elephants mourn deeply for lost loved ones, even shedding tears and suffering depression. They have a sense of empathy that projects beyond their species and can even extend to others in distress. So why are these gorgeous creatures being slaughtered? It’s for that objet d’art on your mantelpiece, the necklace in your jewelry box, the hair ornament on your dresser, and the ivory keys of your custom piano. While elephant poaching has been a grave challenge at different times in the last century, it has recently risen to alarming levels. In 2012, some 35,000 African elephants were killed, about one-tenth of the remaining population, representing the worst mass slaughter of elephants since the international ivory
trade was banned in 1990. Roughly the same number were killed last year as well. African forest elephants in particular have been devastated by poaching and have declined by about 76 percent since 2002. At this rate, African forest elephants could effectively be extinct over the next decade. The wildlife trade is one of the world’s most profitable criminal activities and ranks fifth globally in terms of value—estimated at $7 billion to $10 billion a year, behind the trafficking in drugs, people, and oil, and counterfeiting. Increasing consumer demand for ivory, especially in Asia, is causing the price of ivory to skyrocket, fueling the illegal trade in elephant ivory and the mass slaughter of elephants in Africa. Today’s ivory traffickers are well-organized syndicates that function as transnational criminal networks and often participate in trafficking drugs and weapons, and some have links with terrorist networks. According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as much as 70 percent of elephant ivory is transported to China, where it is sold for up to $1,500 per pound and carved into jewelry, religious figurines, and trinkets. In September 2013, at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) annual meeting, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton unveiled an $80 million endeavor to stop the ivory trade. The Partnership to Save Africa’s Elephants (the first big international cause championed by Hillary Clinton after she stepped down as secretary of state) collaborates with the Wildlife Conservation Society, World Wildlife Fund, African Wildlife Foundation, International Fund for Animal Welfare, the Nature Conservancy, Conservation International, and 11 other nongovernmental organizations to halt the decline of African elephants. Chelsea Clinton, due with her first child in the fall, still keeps a packed schedule at the foundation, passionately promoting initiatives close to her heart: empowering women and girls, promoting clean drinking water, combating childhood obesity, and stopping the elephant poaching crisis. Capitol File sat down with Clinton, vice chair of the Clinton Foundation, to talk about her efforts to save African elephants.
opposite page: Satao, a male bush elephant born in the late 1960s, was killed for his tusks in Kenya’s Tsavo East National Park earlier this year.
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“Stop the
killing, Stop
the trafficking, and Stop
the demand.”
photography by max orenstein/clinton foundation. opposite page: barbara kinney/clinton foundation (clinton); mike hill/getty images (elephants); alvaro canovas/getty images (garamba national park); jean liou/afp/getty images (weapons)
Elephants continue to be slaughtered for ivory at an alarming rate. serious intentions, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation allocated more funds to Years ago it was a major issue, then it quieted down until CGI’s 2013 this project. Now because of the security dynamics, we have US Marines trainannouncement. When was the first time you learned about the horror of ing Gabon rangers because it’s not only about protecting the elephants; it’s about protecting the security of the country. Gabon, like so many countries where elephant poaching? I remember vividly: My mother’s parents moved to Arkansas right before poaching is happening, is being preyed upon by armed groups who are destabiChristmas in 1987, and I remember my grandparents asking what I wanted for lizing forces throughout West Africa and East Africa. Tell me more about security concerns and Christmas. My grandmother said, “We’ll give you a government cooperation. membership and a subscription to anything that The Marines are in Gabon, and Interpol is now part you want,” so I picked National Geographic and posof our CGI commitment. The FBI is working with sibly Greenpeace or Conservation International. Interpol, as are various national intelligence groups Even though I was a kid in Arkansas, I was so fascibecause increasingly, poaching is part of the most nated by the wider world and just as fascinated by nefarious activities throughout Africa—whether it’s animals. It was also the real awakening of the envirunning guns or people or drugs—so there’s a real ronmental movement. security interest not only for the countries that are 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth affected but for all of us to stopping poaching. was a book that resonated with me as a kid, and I Having lived through 9/11, I think people will just wanted to know everything I could about what be very interested to know that poaching has was happening with the environment and conserdirect links to terrorism and Al Qaeda in vation. I was so shocked that elephants were under North Africa. such duress, and the only thing that I could do was The trafficking of animal parts is the [fifth] most to ask my grandparents to continue to support lucrative illegal activity, after people and drugs. And organizations that were trying to save the eleincreasingly it’s the same people and groups that are phants as my Christmas present every year. engaged in all of those nefarious activities. There’s You had very progressive grandparents to irrefutable evidence that Al Qaeda in North Africa, give you philanthropic subscriptions instead the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda and the of a Barbie. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the My grandfather always gave me a remote-controlled Janjaweed from Sudan coming into Uganda and device. It was my grandmother who was very much the DRC are all engaged in poaching because, the social consciousness, and then my grandfather sadly, ivory is an easily accessible commodity to would give me the cool, shiny new toy. them. It’s become a lubricant that continually Last September, the Clinton Foundation greases the wheels between the shipment of drugs, announced a three-year, $80 million commitguns, and people. ment to combat elephant poaching. How does I don’t think many people realize the brutality CGI coordinate this gigantic undertaking involved when elephants are killed for ivory. with so many different partners? It is true that, increasingly, poaching is militaristic, First, by bringing them all together. It was the first but that doesn’t make it any less brutal. Elephants time that many of these organizations had come —Chelsea Clinton can’t survive without their tusks. Another miscontogether, and the first order of business was to ception that exists in much of the world is that taking understand the landscape of who was doing what off the tusk is like extracting a tooth. Elephants cannot live without their tusks; and where. That hadn’t been mapped. There are three parts of the CGI commitment: You stop the killing, stop the it’s crucial to their survival. trafficking, and stop the demand. One of the first things we did was assess what What happens with the ivory after the elephants are killed? Is there a each organization was doing and where there were the gaps—whether func- supply chain or black market? tionally or geographically—so that the additional monies could be invested in The tusks are removed from an elephant carcass and then trekked out to a port. In East Africa, a lot of ivory flows out of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, or Mombasa helping to fill those voids. Or they could be used to double down on strategies that were working: the and Kenya up and down the coast, and it largely goes to Asia. China by far is the biggest market; Vietnam and Thailand are also signifiHoward G. Buffett Foundation made an investment in Gabon, because Gabon had already started to increase its emphasis on conservation, increase its num- cant markets. The vast majority [of ivory] is transported in tusk form. When it ber of rangers and ranger training to try to protect its elephants. Because of their gets to China, it then is cut down and made into commodities and luxury
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Chelsea Clinton photographing wild elephants during her 2013 trip to Africa. Elephants form deep emotional bonds with family members that may rival our own.
photography by tk; illustration by tk
While working to protect elephants in Garamba National Park in the DRC, park rangers show a tusk they confiscated.
Government-issued weapons for fighting poachers and tusks seized in Chad’s Zakouma National Park. In the last decade, 90 percent of the park’s elephants have been poached.
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Be active in the Battle to stop elephant poaching.
“Each day, it is estimated that 96 elephants are brutally killed in Africa for their ivory. Only a global movement will end the slaughter and help to ensure the survival of this magnificent animal. The Clinton Foundation is an important part of this movement,” says Cristián Samper, president and CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society. “Secretary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton have used their leadership to bring attention to the threat facing Africa’s elephants and to help gather partners across the globe to join together in this fight. We are working on all fronts to stop the killing, and to stop the trafficking and demand for ivory.” to learn more aBout this crisis and to make a donation, go to:
african Wildlife Foundation: awf.org clinton Foundation’s partnership to save africa’s elephants: clintonfoundation.org conservation international: conservation.org international Fund for animal Welfare: ifaw.org nature conservancy: nature.org Wildlife conservation society: wcs.org World Wildlife Fund: worldwildlife.org
wildlife trafficking, my mom recommended Judith McHale—who worked for my mom in the State Department, liaising on conservation efforts there—and she’s now chairing the commission. We fully support everything the administration has done and strongly support an ivory ban here at home. We think that’s a critical move for the United States to make—not only for our own moral standing, but also because there is no argument for ivory being indispensable. There are very good substitute materials—whether it’s for a piano or a musical pick, or any of the utilitarian uses of ivory—so we really have been deeply enthusiastic about the commission’s work. I understand you’re doing something during Fashion Week regarding ivory trafficking and elephants? Yes, the details are still being worked out. Most of the major luxury goods houses don’t use ivory. The challenge is: How do we help their products become substitutions for ivory, in East Asia, in particular? Something like a Louis Vuitton bag or an Hermès scarf or Donna Karan dress— how can those become the same types of status symbols that ivory historically has been? Also, how can we work with the fashion industry here in the United States to raise awareness about this issue so that American consumers become aware of why you should never buy ivory? How can someone who is reading this help? One, don’t buy ivory, which sounds self-evident, but it isn’t. You’ll see stores that still sell ivory, because there is no carbon-dating equivalent for ivory. It’s impossible to assess its age, so a lot of new ivory gets laundered through antique stores. It’s just very important to not buy ivory. The second thing is to support organizations that are really making a difference in this fight (see sidebar), to support our partners—whether that’s big organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society, which has the most extensive efforts throughout Africa, or more localized organizations like the African Wildlife Foundation, which is helping to provide economic opportunities to many of the vulnerable communities around parks, often through eco-tourism programs. There’s such a range of organizations that are doing tremendous work that are part of our CGI commitment—yet even more work could be done if there were even more resources to do it. And also use your voice to help educate others about why this issue is so important, particularly given the number of misconceptions around ivory. An elephant must die to take a tusk, so I think that’s really where young people can help play a big role, using their voice off-line and online, because a lot of people just don’t know what a tragedy elephant poaching really is, not just for the elephants but for the most affected communities. Ultimately we all bear the responsibility. CF opposite page: African elephants in the Masai Mara game reserve, Kenya.
opposite page: photography by ben Cranke//getty images
Save the elephantS
goods—whether it be ivory Buddhas, chopsticks, hair clips, or the handles of a luxury handbag. Why the high demand for ivory in Asia? In China, historically, ivory has been synonymous with ascension into the middle class and prosperity. One of the challenges along the continuum with trying to stop the demand is to find replacement products—so that ivory is no longer synonymous with rising affluence, but that, say, a Louis Vuitton handbag could be. When you went to Africa last summer, what did you learn about elephants and conservation from being on the ground? We talked about elephants everywhere; we were where there are indigenous elephant populations—from Malawi up to Tanzania. In Tanzania we were in Tarangire National Park; it was amazing not only to see the elephants in all of their magnificence but also to see the families of elephants, to understand on a deeper level why it’s so important that the matriarchs—which are increasingly the ones that are killed because they’re the oldest and have the biggest tusks—not be slaughtered. Without the guidance of those older figures, often it’s hard for younger families to survive. And the park rangers are in such peril protecting the older elephants. Yes. What was arguably even more powerful was meeting the rangers on the frontlines of this effort—more than a thousand rangers have been killed over the last decade protecting elephants and other wildlife—meeting these courageous rangers who are putting their lives on the line. They feel called to this work for the elephants’ sake, but also recognize this is important to their country’s future. Why do you think elephants mean so much to you and your mother? The first elephants that I saw were in the Little Rock Zoo when I was little. What I felt then was just magnified profoundly later when I went with my mom to Africa as a teenager, then most recently last year. It is this sense of a family, ultimately—the family unit of elephants and the affection and the commitment to their families and to the other elephant families in the area. Also, elephants are so crucial to their ecosystem. They’re sort of the honeybees of the African savannah or their forest environments. So that mix of an appreciation for the affection and family love that is so tangible with understanding of how crucial they are to other animal families has resonated with me from a young age, and it still continues to affect me. It’s almost a year since you and your mother announced CGI’s $80 million elephant poaching commitment. Can you share any progress reports? When President Obama undertook [the fight against]
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“Don’t buy ivory. Support organizationS that are really making a Difference. anD uSe your voice to help eDucate otherS.”
photography by tk; illustration by tk
—chelSea clinton
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haute property Sylvia van Vliet Ragheb is at home among the stunning works she has acquired, including a painting by artist Essam Marouf and sculptures in bronze by Armen Agop.
Where the Art Is
at her renovated McLean Manse, art deaLer Sylvia van vliet Ragheb showcases noteworthy works froM a host of MiddLe eastern stars. by james servin
photography by tony brown
When art and jewelry dealer Sylvia van Vliet Ragheb first set eyes on the McLean, Virginia, property she was to call her home in 1998, she was visiting friends who lived across the street. She and her husband, Tarek Ragheb—the founding chairman of the African Business Aviation Association and former vice president of Gulfstream sales—had been stationed in Cairo, Egypt, and were in the market for a residence in the States. They loved the idea of making a home away from home in McLean in proximity to good friends. Plus, “It’s right across from the Potomac,” notes van Vliet Ragheb. The only problem was the house itself: She disliked nearly everything about it. “There was wood paneling inside—it had been built in the ’70s—and it was really rundown.” continued on page 120
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Haute property a Hot ’Hood around tHe Beltway
Works such as School by Galila Nawar and First Flyer Lesson by Adel el Siwi clad dining room walls.
“This house is so zen. i don’T like cluTTer. i like Things really sTraighTforward and easy. i’m very no-nonsense.” —sylvia van vliet ragheb conTinued from Page 119
It took 13 years, two renovations, and a revolution for van Vliet Ragheb to bring the residence up to her standards. The violent Egyptian uprising of 2011 motivated the Raghebs to make their American investment property a haven for themselves as well as a showplace for the Middle Eastern art that van Vliet Ragheb represents with business partner Randa Fahmy. “On regular trips to DC over the years I’d been noticing that there was no emphasis on Middle Eastern art here,” says the Netherlands native, who studied in Paris before meeting her husband and moving to Germany, Saudi Arabia, then Egypt. “Since I had been living in Egypt for 19 years and was involved in the cultural and local art scenes there, I felt obliged to give back to the country where I had lived for so long.” Launching Syra Arts in 2012 with Fahmy to raise awareness
of artists from Egypt and the Middle East, van Vliet Ragheb has elevated the public profile of an eclectic roster that includes sculptor Armen Agop, visual artist Nermine Hammam, and painter Helen Zughaib. The Egyptian artists’ works were first shipped to an art fair in Palm Beach, then put on display at the Washington Design Center for six months, then sent to the Egyptian Embassy for three months, and finally landed in van Vliet Ragheb’s McLean home, where they are casually displayed. “On occasion I open my house to a select group to view the art,” she says. Carefully selected creative works surround van Vliet Ragheb. Canvases of lightfilled, seemingly transparent figures by Essam Marouf are displayed on her soaring living room walls that were extended to 25 feet after a 2006 renovation that added a third floor. The art changes frequently, and it can do so because of the
neutral, minimal palette van Vliet Ragheb has established. Among the few works that make the cut are organic sculptures by Armen Agop in the living room and kitchen and a cherished piece of petrified wood from Bali. Curved, low furnishings by Baker anchor the space, while walnut floorboards are set sideways to give an impression of more space. “This house is so Zen,” she says. “I don’t like clutter at all. I cannot have knickknacks or little details. I like things really straightforward and easy. I’m very pragmatic—and very no-nonsense.” Instead of stockpiling art, van Vliet Ragheb lives with favorites until they find owners, a process that can be tricky when it comes to letting pieces go. At the moment, she feels torn about the two Marouf canvases in her living room. “They totally fit in my home,” she says. “They’re so serene and mystical. I almost consider them mine. I think I should keep them.” CF
in its storied past, mclean, virginia, counted Jfk and Jackie, rfk and ethel, Queen noor of Jordan, and gore vidal among its residents. Today, with the homes of Pat Buchanan, dick cheney, newt gingrich, and the cia, the attractions of mclean go deeper than eye-pleasing community planning or ofthe-moment trendiness. “historically, it’s a very stable area with great schools and incredible access to washington, dc,” says eugene davidzon, a broker with TTr sotheby’s international realty of mclean (703-982-0852; ttrsir.com). “government employees have been living in homes here for the last 40 to 50 years. The turnover rate is low—that’s what keeps the values up.” Those values can be steep. “you won’t fnd many homes in mclean under $700,000,” says Tim heil, a realtor at keller williams (703-307-7177; kw.com), “and they are being grabbed up by builders to tear down.” among the 500plus mclean properties listed at yeonas & shafran real estate (703-790-3330; yeonasandshafran.com), several are vacant lots (starting at about a half acre), ranging from roughly $1 million to $3 million. “in the case of older homes in mclean,” says dean yeonas, principal and broker partner of yeonas & shafran, “the value of the lot can exceed the value of the house on it.” But there are plenty of homes in mclean with cachet and staying power. “There are two zip codes in mclean—22101, inside the beltway, and 22102, outside the beltway,” says yeonas. “inside the beltway, you tend to fnd smaller lot sizes, a half acre or less, and more traditional land planning. Typically, houses inside the beltway have 1950s- and 1960s-style architecture. outside the beltway, there tend to be larger lots of one acre or more.” yeonas & shafran has a listing for a new six-bedroom on 1.5 acres at 1171 chain Bridge road, inside the beltway, priced at a staggering $24 million, as well as two six-bedroom mansions outside the beltway: a gated estate situated on fve acres with Potomac views at 606 Boyle lane is listed at $12.98 million and a 20,000-square-foot mansion with its own ballroom, theater, and indoor pool at 1005 founders ridge lane, for $12.9 million. new homes (in the 10,000-square-foot range) built on one-acre lots off of spring hill road are selling for between $3 million and $5 million. resale values are strong. “Before the 2006 fnancial crisis, mclean homes sold at the very top of the market,” says yeonas. “The prices have held very well historically, and even today, almost 10 years later, we are selling houses at 5 percent above those numbers.”
photography by tony brown
Mclean’s access to the city, a top school system, and valuable property make it a prime location for home ownership.
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haute property estatements
Living Large While Scaling Down
Buyers are downsizing But ramping up on luxury with high-end, custom spaces. by amy rose dobson
kitchens, the luxe details touch on every aspect of how buyers will live in the space—with dressing rooms instead of closets, home office areas with subtly incorporated shelving for printers, scanners, etc., and tall windows that let sunlight stream in. Natural light is a coveted feature for most buyers, but it’s usually one of the most challenging aspects for developers working in DC— especially when converting existing row houses into condos. Theo Adamstein, an agent with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty (202-285-1177; ttrsir.com), who previously cofounded Adamstein & Demetriou Architects (ad-architects.net), says developers use different styles for different ends of the house. To stay consistent with nearby homes, they preserve the front façade but install floor-to-ceiling windows in the rear, and exclusive homes can have triple glazing and high-quality insulation so the interior stays quiet. A two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath in the Q14 building near Logan Circle shows how floor-to-ceiling windows let in views without the street noise (1401 Q St. NW, PH 605, $1,799,000, listing agent: Alexander Venditti, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, 202-550-8872). Downsizing doesn’t mean giving up on having lavish living space. As Adamstein says, many buyers, “swap something larger for something that is much more luxurious.” CF
from top: CityCenterDC
features custom designs, including fantastic luxury outdoor amenities that offer city views; the penthouse at 1401 Q Street NW boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that expand a home using natural light; the Q Street residences’ triple-glazing and insulation allow for views without the street noise.
photography by sean shanahan (1401 Q st.)
The Washington, DC, condo market has seen a resurgence in the past few years with demand increasing at some never-before-seen paces. Looking back to May—a peak selling month—prices were up 5.1 percent for condos compared to 2013, yet single-family detached houses only went up 2.3 percent, according to the local multiple-listing service MRIS. However, all this demand for less living space doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury. Rather, developers have found ways to bring fine living into the smallest of homes, like those of empty nesters who are downsizing. The latest crown jewel to be added to DC’s high-end condo market is CityCenterDC (9th St. NW between H and I Streets, 202-232-2022; residences atcitycenterdc.com). Sen. Claire McCaskill and Attorney General Eric Holder have purchased multimillion-dollar condos in this building, where luxury is evident everywhere—despite the fact that plans for one-bedrooms start at only 690 square feet. One of the principal architects on the project, Kirsten Scott of Foster + Partners (fosterand partners.com), explains that elegance isn’t about size—it’s about the unique features within. “People walk into these spaces and know that no one can go into the Molteni & C Dada showroom and buy these kitchens. That level of tailoring and design is what appeals to the clientele,” she says. In addition to the custom-made
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The annual JERSEYS OFF THEIR BACKS raffle at Nationals Park offers fans the chance to win game-worn, autographed jerseys off the backs of the players! All proceeds beneft Dream Foundation community initiatives. Participants need not be present to win. RAFFLE TICKET PRICE
DRAWING
$5 each
Sunday, 9.28
WHEN SOLD
PRIZES
9.23–9.28
Game-worn, autographed Nationals jerseys
WHERE TO PURCHASE
Nationals Park, at the Community Clubhouse in Center Field Plaza
For more information:
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Before
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INVITED
Rep. Trey Gowdy
Kathryn Rand, Chris Chamser, and Penny Lee
Former Congressman Steve Buyer and PGA Tour Pro Chip Beck Chris Womack, Tom Rinsku, Jim McCool, Sen. Saxby Chambliss, and Bryan Anderson
NGS CONGRESSIONAL SHOOT-OUT
Dr. Tim Oeltmann, Katherine Friess, and BR McConnon
GOLF SPORTSMEN AND ENTHUSIASTS showed their prowess at the NGS Golf Digest Congressional Shoot-Out in partnership with the PGA Foundation and Children’s National Medical Center. On June 23, golfers competed in a shoot-out tournament, raising funds for several charitable organizations including No Greater Sacrifice, PGA Foundation, Armed Services YMCA, Helping a Hero, Dixon Center, and Thanks USA. Brian Mogg and Jeff Gove
Jordan Lofton
Signed Nationals jerseys were up for silent auction.
Screech
Nationals bench coach Randy Knorr, pitching coach Steve McCatty, and hitting coach Rick Schu
Gio Gonzalez and Lea Moures
NATIONALS DREAM GALA THE CHARITABLE ARM OF THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS , the Washington
Nationals Dream Foundation, celebrated its annual Dream Gala at the new Marriott Marquis on May 31. More than 600 guests bid on a plethora Denard Span and Shadonna Copeland
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of signed sports memorabilia and entertainment packages during the live and silent auctions, netting more than $243,000 for the organization. Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez got in on the fun by helping out auctioneer Jeff Randall during the live auction. Ashley Phelps and Doug Fister
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY BROWN/IMIJINATION PHOTOGRAPHY; KIRK T. ROSTRON (PGA); NEIFFER PHOTOGRAPHY (NATIONALS DREAM GALA)
Sen. Lindsey Graham with Legrand Strickland
CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM
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INVITED Kate Goodall
Dr. Ryuji Ueno and Dr. Sachiko Kuno
Thomas Hody and Katie Macko
Kathleen Dur and William Erickson
Amanda and Tammy Mendelson with Janie Macklin
S&R WASHINGTON AWARDS GALA
Rory Pullens, Liz Sizer, and Septime Webre
A GROUP OF five talented artists and musicians were honored on May 31 at the S&R Foundation’s Washington Awards Gala at the historic Halcyon House in Georgetown. Guests enjoyed an innovative dinner by James Beard Award– winning chef Eric Ziebold and a special joint performance by the Evermay Chamber and The Washington Ballet.
Cartier doorman Jahmar Jones
CG and Nancy Appleby with Jan Roosenburg Aniko Gaal Schott and Keiko Kapla
BE DAZZLED: HILLWOOD GALA
Hande and Shwan Kassim with Fariba and Reza Jahanbani
HILLWOOD MUSEUM CELEBRATED
the opening of its latest exhibition with a gala on June 3 on the lunar lawn of the sprawling estate. Formerly the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, the event fêted her expansive and dazzling collection of Cartier gems, accessories, and décor, on exhibit through December 31. Meredith Summer and Sara O’Keefe
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Jason Solounias and Tanya Gabrielian
Michael Rankin and Trish Yan
Mirella and Dani Levinas with Sue Albrecht
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOY ASICO (S&R WASHINGTON AWARDS GALA); DOMINIQUE FIERRO(CARTIER)
Tracy Key, Mark McFadden, Lilian Jorgensen, and Katherine Ferguson
CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM
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ALL THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS
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INVITED Amb. Kenichiro Sasae
Lalie and Michael Tongour
Kate Goodall, Dr. Sachiko Kuno, and Roxanne Roberts
Philippe Auguin, Anne Kline Pohanka, and Andrew Jorgensen
OPERA BALL
GUESTS ATTENDED THE 2014 Opera Ball hosted by ambassador of Japan Kenichiro Sasae and his wife at their official residence on Nebraska Avenue NW, on June 7. Partygoers enjoyed music, dancing, and dessert inspired by the tradition of Japanese hospitality. The Opera Ball is Washington National Opera’s largest fundraiser, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the opera’s artistic, educational, and outreach programs. Eric Motley and Stephanie Smith
Penny and David Yao
David Rubenstein
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALFREDO FLORES PHOTOGRAPHY
Said and Shamin Jawad
INVITED
Amb. Claudio Bisogniero and Laura Denise Olivieri with Ian O’Neil and Trip McLaughlin Kevin McDonnell
Josh and Steph Polis with Peter and Katya Lambis
Darcy Langdon and Britlan Malek
Allison and Dr. Kurt Newman
A COUNTRY BARBECUE AMBASSADOR OF ITALY Claudio
Bisogniero and his wife, Laura Denise, hosted A Country Barbecue at their official residence, Villa Firenze, on June 5. The outdoor affair, which included Texas-style barbecue and a Bellini bar, benefited The Children’s National Hearing and Speech Center. Alixine Hauck, Julie Rienzo, and Anne Brooks Rudzki
Jesse Levin and Josh Bourne
Kathryn Minor
NATURE DOESN’T NEED PEOPLE. PEOPLE NEED NATURE. Human beings are part of nature. Nature is not dependent on human beings to exist. Human beings, on the other hand, are totally dependent on nature to exist. The growing number of people on the planet and how we live here is going to determine the future of nature. And the future of us. Nature will go on, no matter what. It will evolve. The question is will it be with us or without us. If nature could talk, it would probably say it doesn’t much matter either way. We must understand there are aspects of how our planet evolves that are totally out of our control.
© R OBIN B MO MOO O R E/ I LC P
But there are things that we can manage, control and do responsibly that will allow us and the planet to evolve together.
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We are Conservation International and we need your help. Our movement is dedicated to managing those things we can control. Better. Country by country. Business by business. Human by human. We are not about us vs. them. It doesn’t matter if you’re an American, a Canadian, or a Papua New Guinean. You don’t even have to be particularly fond of the ocean or have a soft spot for elephants. This is simply about all of us coming together to do what needs to be done. Because if we don’t, nature will continue to evolve. Without us. Here’s to the future. With humans.
CONSERVATION.ORG
8/4/14 4:15 PM
SPECTACULAR NEW BUILD Tis sensational new home was designed by award winning Barnes/Vanze architects and built by acclaimed Zuckerman Partners combining historic elements and integrity with today’s fnest amenities. 3528 Ordway Street NW Washington DC 20016 Ofered at $6,500,000
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freely speaking
Three for Me, One for You A working mom’s confessions About bAck-to-school shopping. by Lucy cLeaveLand
deal), it’s pretty rare that I get the chance to shop in an actual retail store. Instead, I rely on a few rounds of online shopping at Net-aPorter for back-to-school buys. There are certain times of the year when I most poignantly feel the difference between being a stay-at-home mom and one who logs 12-hour days at the office—back-to-school season being one of them. Thank goodness you don’t go to Sidwell or St. Albans, where the fall picnics are reminiscent of an Oscar de la Renta catwalk, complete with duck-lip pouts and hand-on-hip poses. Frankly, I don’t have the time to be one of those “Gold Bangle” moms at Landon who struts her stuff at the Azalea Garden Festival, or a Blessed Sacrament mom who has six wardrobe consultations before choosing an outfit for the annual fundraiser. These mamas need to keep it real. But what if this is our reality? I love you and look forward to your sighs and eye-rolling, topped off with a grand finale—your tantrum du jour—as we do a fashion show of my new back-to-school outfits in the living room. We’ll work on your back-to-school wardrobe later. Love, Mom CF
illustration by daniel o’leary
Dear kids, Great news! While you were at camp, I started the back-to-school shopping. I know, you don’t want me to buy anything without your approval, but rest assured that it’s all high-end, grade-A stuff. And most fun of all—for me, that is—you don’t get to wear it. Mommy may be just a tad (well, okay, a lot) competitive, and I certainly could not resist the opportunity to nail a few kick-ass deals at the Premium Outlets on the way home from Rehoboth Beach. If there is any chance of me scoring the best finds for myself—er, I mean, us—I must start shopping before DC empties out for August recess. Of course, sneakers, jeans, and backpacks are on the list, but you’re not the only ones who want to hit September with some fresh soles, of-the-moment threads, and a gorgeous new bag. Everyone, specifically moi, needs to spruce up her fall wardrobe. That handbeaded cowl-back gown at the St. John’s outlet will be perfect for the Meridian Ball, and those boots from Gucci are timeless. Given the demands of raising you two beautiful, high-achieving kids and my 60-plus-hour workweek (I’m kind of a big
“Thank goodness you kids don’T go To sidwell, where The fall picnics are reminiscenT of an oscar de la renTa caTwalk .”
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The Fleisher Group w/Long &
FosTer reaL esTaTe, Inc.
Extraordinary European Style Villa Private Estate Setting Welcome to this incredible custom-built masterpiece reminiscent of the fnest grand European manor homes. Gated and secured entry gates introduce a private drive with courtyard parking. The dramatic two-story center hall foyer with bifurcated staircase presents a traditional foor plan featuring spectacular formal living and dining rooms ideal for full scale entertaining. A true gourmet chef’s kitchen with expansive center island adjoins a wonderful family room as well as a sun-flled breakfast room and is highlighted with a two-sided freplace while serving as a centerpiece for comfortable informal family living. Eight distinct freplaces, exotic custom iron railings, complex ceiling designs and gorgeous maple and hardwood foors are found throughout this home incorporating the fnest materials and expert workmanship. An incredibly beautiful 2-plus acre lot with lush professional landscaping serves as a serene backdrop to perhaps the fnest swimming pool complex with unique water features normally reserved for fve star international hotels. Ideally located in close in Potomac only minutes to the pulse of Washington DC and the vibrancy of downtown Bethesda, the home is also convenient to two major airports. Offered at $5,995,000.
thef leishergroup Marc Fleisher www.thefleishergroup.com 202.364.5200 x 2927 (O) 202.438.4880 (C)