Washington Life Magazine - February 2008

your guide to LIFE UnDER 40

PLUS:

inside the world of gate-crashers

MOUNt Kilimanjaro rock ’n’ roll re-designs Kennedy Center Honors embassy row Japan

Ian Schrager’s boutique mega-deal

The Young & THE guest List

Isabel Ernst on Art Basel MIAMI beach

ARE YOU ON IT?

february 2008 • $4.95

Washington Life

Brooke daley, will thomas and pamela Brown get fashionable at L2 lounge. PG. 67

Next generation chefs, artists, diplomats, and more!

Bachelors and Bachelorettes, AND Spring fashion at Cady’s Alley

EXCLUSIVE

PARTIES! PARTIES! PARTIES!

Think you had a bad date? wait until you read these! pg. 16

“Praise youth and it will prosper.”

– Irish Proverb

The world is growing by more than 70 million people a year.

CHEVRON is a registered trademark of Chevron Corporation.

The CHEVRON HALLMARK and HUMAN ENERGY are trademarks of Chevron Corporation. ©2007 Chevron Corporation. All rights reserved.

So is that a problem, or a solution?

rease, ing to inc ing u n ti n o c p n populatio ons in the develo lso planet’s a illi is m y r rg fo e n With our fe e d for n lity of li a a from u m q e rs d e a r e th and s 25 y aily, ou d d e e g n in v ’s e ro p today. ryon world im meet eve ergy than we use to d n A . more en growing er we take 50% l and pow while now may e fu e th ping all ehicles, nd develo businesses and v Finding a , ne of the s e ur hom ould be o ce. o c r t, n fo e d m e fa ne iron tion will g the env ur genera o protectin s e g n e same chall nd in the greatest u fo n is s s self. Whe succe manity it ensuring u ish, h r to : u d o y e fl e e k The this n wed to d o ll te a , a is re c s o s t overc me posse place tha e on, and it we all k ir p ta , s e to e iv u y r the uniq n its abilit work, ingenuity, d has prove rd t. a n h e f o m it mankind it ir omm . It’s a sp sure of c any issue mall mea the planet. s o n d n a to courage ch other, ss, to ea e c c u s o T tion. s the solu e m o c e b ed has lem… to succe The prob s u will s e iv r at d g. And it energy th beginnin n e a th m e . u c e h com This day sin rrows to re every any tomo m been the e p a h of s to s ul source be with u st powerf o m e th ing s in tapp elves.

So join u rld. Ours o w e th in y an do. energ an race c m u h e th h what And watc

c o n t e n t s

67

f e b r u a r Y

2 0 0 8

special feature

56

The young and the guest list .

society

64

CRASHERS: BARBARIANS AT THE GATE

embassy row

107

irishamaee! japan opens its customs

EDITOR’S LETTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 CONTRIBUTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

fyidc WHO’S NEXT Sarah Coburn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 SOCIETY pop What was your worst date ever? . . . . . . 16 insider’s guide Hearts and Hyperculture, brunch, and baubles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 social calendar Save the date . . . . . . . . . . . 22

91

pollywood MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

Charlie Wilson’s girls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Matt Gerson honors Jack Valenti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

DIPLOMATIC DANCE

Hollywood on the Danube, goodbye to the Bordons . . . . . . 54

LIFESTYLES WL FASHION .

Caught out in Cady’s Alley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Trend Report .

Tie a yellow ribbon ’round the Givenchy . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

74

Masters of Tiffany Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Lila Castellaneta and Ermenegildo Zegna talk shop . . . . . . 79 Janet Donovan at Art Basel Miami Beach . . . . . . . . . . 80

PAINT THE TOWN .

A fresh coat of paint from local talent . . . . . . . . . . . 82

107

art & auction .

Rubenstein snags the Magna Carta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Sotheby’s International Realty holiday art show . . . . . . . . 85

ON THE COVER: ON BROOKE: Leila Rose blue cocktail dress ($1,250); Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700. Kenneth Jay Lane silver cone earrings ($66); Wink, 3109 M St. NW, 202-338-9465. ON PAMELA: Louis Vuitton cruise short sleeve blouse ($1,823); Louis Vuitton, 1-866-VUITTON. Ralph Lauren white cotton pants ($398); Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700. Gorjana silver metallic square bracelet ($80); Wink, 3109 M St. NW, 202-338-9465. ON WILL: Ben Sherman charcoal sport coat ($199), graphic black t-shirt ($30), and Diesel dark wash jeans ($218); South Moon Under, 2700 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, Va., 703-807-4083. Photo Tim Coburn. Style Lana Orloff and James Cornwell.

Clockwise from TOP: ON FLAVIOUS: Cotton pink dress shirt ($155) and wool black dress pants ($215); Reiss Washington, 1254 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-944-8565. Von Zipper black aviator sunglasses ($135); South Moon Under, 2700 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, Va., 703-807-4083. ON DOMINIQUE: Mango multicolored retro dress ($54), yellow head scarf ($6), and white patterned leather belt ($13); All from Mango, Tysons Corner, Va., 703-506-2646. Tory Burch black with gold buckle shoes ($276); Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700.

14K yellow gold hoop earrings ($160); Boone & Sons Jewelers, 5550 The Hills Plaza, Chevy Chase, Md. 301-657-2144. Marc Jacobs black sunglasses ($105); South Moon Under, 2700 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, Va., 703-807-4083. Jimmy Choo Rio white drummed leather bag ($1,495); Jimmy Choo Boutiques, www.jimmychoo.com or 1-866-JCHOO-US. Lamborghini Gallardo; Capital Dream Cars, www.capitaldreamcars.com, 703-785-9357. Photo Tim Coburn. Style Lana Orloff and James Cornwell. See PAGE 67. / Amb. Ryozo Kato, baseball fan (Photo by Gary Landsman) See PAGE 107. / Juicy Couture crown jewel minnie shoulder bag ($225). Neiman Marcus. See PAGE 74. / Lobby of the Ian Schrager’s Gramercy Park Hotel. See PAGE 91.

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26 the dish .

Order up! Serving up the hottest chefs under 40 . . . . . . . 86

Luxury Travel .

Ain’t no mountain high enough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

HOTEL WATCH .

Ian Schrager brings Marriott magic to new, local ventures . . . 91

WHAT’S HOT: DESIGN .

Dabney Doswell updates your space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

LIFE OF THE PARTY WL exclusives “Let Your Motto Be Resistance!” at National Portrait Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Red Cross Kickoff at Bonnie McElveen Hunter’s . . . . . . . 43 Celebrating Peter Jennings and “A Reporter’s Life” . . . . . 50 Michael Maccoby on “The Leaders We Need” . . . . . . . . . 51 R.E.M’s Mike Mills and Hope for Home in New Orleans . . 52

114

Oasis of Hope at the Embassy of Yemen . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Once Upon a Prom at Neiman Marcus . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Habatat Galleries opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Tattoo Bar’s opening night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

88

WL-Sponsored Events The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates the big 3-0 . . . . . . 26 Fight Night dons gloves, smokes cigars . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 The Corcoran 1869 Society’s Fall Fête . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Washington Performing Arts Society benefit . . . . . . . . . . 34 27th Annual Choral Arts Society Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Starlight Starbright Midatlantic 1st Annual Wine Dinner . . 38 The “Style Party” at Space Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Andrea Tedesco trunk show with Wink and Rosa Mexicana . . 99

WASHINGTON SOCIAL DIARy

30

Nightlife Charting the club scene . . . . . . . . . . . 94 PARTIES! PARTIES! PARTIES! . . . . . . . . . . . 100 AROUND TOWN Travels with Charlie . . . . . . . . . 102 OVER THE MOON Literary lions in horse country . . 104 THIS TOWN Forty-nothings? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

home life historical landscapes .

A ministering angel and a Samaritan scribe . . . . . . . . . . 118 open house On the market and ready to move . . . . 120 re news Meet the new neighbors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Clockwise from TOP: Kennedy Center Honoree Steve Martin and YoYo Ma brunching at the Four Seasons. (Photo by Tony Powell) See PAGE 26. / Bamboo Vine Floor Vase. See PAGE 114. / Quincy Jones and Jim Kimsey at Fight Night. (Photo by Tony Powell) See PAGE 30. / Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. (Photo by Katie Tarbox) See PAGE 88.

M A G A Z I N E

LIFE

WASHINGTON

Discover the Beauty of a Miller’s Fur.

Wa s h i n gto n ’s P r e m i e r e Luxu ry L i f e st y l e M aga z i n e S i n c e 1 9 9 1

Editor in Chief

Nancy Reynolds Bagley Executive Editor

Michael M. Clements editorial Director

Katie Tarbox

deputy EDITOR

Christina Wilkie associate EDITOR

Beth Farnstrom Copy Editor

Claudia Krieger columnists

Janet Donovan, Renee Drake, Donna Evers, Ann Mah, Mary Mewborn, Vicky Moon, Gail Scott, and Donna Shor Contributing Writers & Editors

Lila Castellaneta, Dabney Doswell, Isabel Ernst, Donna Evers, Matt Gerson, Michael Maccoby, Mike Mills,Yona Park, Ian Schrager, and Angela Valdez creative Director

J.C. Suarès

art director

Bridget Manifold photo editor

Paul Simkin

Contributing Photographers

Jonah Koch, Gary Landsman,Tony Powell, Kyle Samperton, and Gail Scott stylists

Lana Orloff and James Cornwell Advertising Director

Kelly Ginter

new york account Executive

Sara Padob

Senior account Executive

Alexandra Misci

Account Executives

Anna Croll and Theodore Wilhite executive assistant

Ali Ballard

web technologies development

Ernesto Gluecksmann, Infamia, Inc.

Sale Now In Progress

interns

Karyn Casper, Rahul Cherian, Kim Loan Lam, and Kristin Welch Founder

Vicki Bagley Chairman, Executive Board

Gerry Byrne

S I N C E

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6900 Wisconsin Avenue Chevy Chase, MD • 301.656.3877 Tysons Galleria McLean, VA • 703.734.3877 www.millersfurs.com

associate publisher

Anaïs de Viel Castel

Luxury brand manager

Krista Bullion

Chief Executive Officer

Soroush Richard Shehabi

Washington Life magazine publishes ten times a year. Issues are distributed in February, March, April, May, June, July/August, September, October, November and December and are hand-delivered on a rotating basis to over 150,000 homes throughout D.C., Northern Virginia and Maryland. Additional copies are available at various upscale retailers, hotels, select newstands and Whole Foods stores in the area. For a complete listing, please-consult our website at www.washingtonlife.com. You can also subscribe online at www.washingtonlife.com or send a check for $49.99 (one year) to: Washington Life Magazine, 2301 Tracy Place NW, Washington D.C., 20008. BPA audited. Email us at info@washingtonlife.com with press releases, tips and editorial comments. Copyright ©2007 by Washington Life. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial content or photos in any manner without permission is strictly prohibited. Printed in the United States. We will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

Tysons Galleria 1776M International Drive 571.730.1900

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editor’s letter

Underaged to Perfection The Young and the Guest List: are you on it, or is it past your bedtime?

P

laywright and critic George Bernard Shaw once quipped,“Youth Lamborghini we used as a getaway vehicle. is wasted on the young.” More or less, this translates to “youth is Speaking of the young reaching extraordinary heights, we follow Katie a wonderful thing – what a crime, therefore, to waste it on mere Tarbox to the tippy-top of Mt. Kilimanjaro in our Travel section.We also children.” It’s what the neighbor yells at It’s A Wonderful Life’s timid explore adventures at sea-level;WL gets the details on the best nightclubs, Jimmy Stewart, who just can’t muster up the gumption to plant one on Donna restaurants, artists and events this month in Nightlife,The Dish, Paint the Reed; it’s what Shaw himself likely muttered Town, and (of course) our Parties! Parties! under his breath while penning Pygmalion, as Parties! pages, with February’s finger pressed visions of cold marble lying unresponsive to firmly on the pulse of the under-40 set. the touch mixed – like T.S. Eliot’s April – with While your average twenty- and memory and desire. Shoulda, woulda, coulda thirty-something schlubs are still “month– but frankly, just too tired.The ultimate – to to- monthing” it in Logan and Shaw, WL harness the vitality of youth and team it with knows the truly forward-thinking young the wisdom of an elder statesman – is rarely mogul is clued-in to real estate investments. reached. When achieved, this marriage of These kids don’t rent; and if they do, you will and wit is something to celebrate. WL’s can be sure it’s their second address and it Young & the Guest List returns with this end comes with a slip at the marina. What’s the in mind.While some come from old money, latest in luxury location-scouting? The real all have the freshness and vigor of a ’30s estate impresarios behind Washington Fine Hollywood ingénue: they’re world-shakers, Properties dish in our Home Life section. love-takers and all-around play-makers.

We bring you a detailed look at the We set the scene with a run-down Kennedy Center Honors, as well as an of the year’s best under-40 events, the exclusive excerpt of Michael Maccoby’s hottest bachelors and bachelorettes, top “The Leaders We Need,” coverage of tracks (thanks to Deep Dish’s manager, Peter Jennings’ “A Reporter’s Life,” Oasis Arash Shirazi, for dishing deep on his of Hope at the Embassy of Yemen, the Ipod contents) and profiles of the “bright Red Cross Kickoff at Bonnie McElveen Nancy Bagley and Soroush Shehabi at the young things” who are making their way Hunter’s residence and “Let Your Motto Kennedy Center Honors. (Photo by Tony Powell) to the top ... in record time. Angela Valdez Be Resistance” at the National Portrait tracks the rocky road to success with an Gallery. We were also the proud sponsors in-depth look at the social climber’s last resort – party-crashing. And, of Fight Night, the WPAS Opening Night, the Corcoran 1869 Society’s while Japanese Ambassador Ryozo Kato may not have made the age Fall Fête, the Choral Arts Society Gala and the Starlight Starbright limit cut for the Y&GL, his youthful enthusiasm (check out that photo Children’s Foundation 1st Annual Wine Dinner. Looking ahead, mark of him in full baseball uniform!) more than meets the mark in Executive your calendars for the March of Dimes Gourmet Gala and the Phillips Editor Michael Clement’s Embassy Row excursion.

Collection Gala, both in April.

Often, the young are prone to faddism; however, keeping au courant can be a positive thing – check out our Trend Report, where yellow, blingy and slinky are the words to shop by … this month, at least. Just watch where you shop, as we hear the paparazzi have been hounding our young luminaries recently.We captured the commotion on Cady’s Alley in this month’s fashion feature – thanks to ’razzi royale Tim Nancy R. Bagley Coburn, stylists Lana Orloff and James Cornwell, and our wunderkind Editor in Chief models Pamela Brown, Brooke Daley, Will Thomas, Grant Allen and Readers wishing to get in touch with Nancy can email: letters@washingtonlife.com Dominique Dawes. Thanks to Capital Dream Cars for the yellow

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WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

© 2007 Cartier

Caresse d’orchidées par

Tysons Galleria (703) 749-4664 - The Collection at Chevy Chase (301) 654-5858 www.cartier.com

contributors

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

1

Leila Castellaneta is the wife

of Italian Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta. Raised in Tehran, she lived in New York, London, Paris and Rome before moving to Washington. This professed fashion lover interviews Ermenegildo Zegna in celebration of his Tysons Galleria boutique opening.

2

Tim Coburn is an award-winning photographer with a concentration in commercial work. He has been working as a professional photographer since 1996. Coburn brings his capable eye to The Young & The Guest List fashion shoot.

3

James Cornwell is a resident

hairstylist and makeup artist for PR at Partners Salon and Tim Coburn Photography. Cornwell coifs our Young & the Guest list fashion shoot.

4

Janet Donovan is the founder and

president of Creative Enterprises International, a Washington publicity firm whose clients include celebrities, authors, politicians and publications. She created and hosted The Beltway Broads radio show and writes Hollywood on the Potomac. Donovan takes us behind the scenes of The Kennedy Honors.

5

Dabney Doswell is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, where she earned a double major in painting and film. Before launching her own firm, Doswell assisted Barney’s creative director Simon Doonan, served as the public relations coordinator for the Guggenheim Museum and designed furniture for Knoll. Doswell discusses modern design trends in “Home Life.”

6

12

Renee Drake’s diverse career in the

arts brought her to Washington, where she curated the U.S. Department of State’s Art in Embassies Program. She next became the managing editor of Sotheby’s Preview magazine. She contributes to “Art and Auction.”

7

Isabel Ernst, is CEO and owner of Ernst Development, a real estate and design firm which builds very contemporary but thoroughly livable spaces. She is also a member of the Washington National Opera Board and dedicates a significant part of her time to charitable work. Ernst takes us to Miami for a look at Art Basel/Miami.

8

Donna Evers has over 30 years

experience in Washington real estate and has spent as many years collecting stories on its history. Her firm, Evers & Co, is the largest independently femaleowned brokerage in the area. She makes frequent appearances on radio and television to report on the local real estate scene and pens “Historical Landscapes.”

9

Matt Gerson is executive vice president of public policy and government relations, for the Universal Music Group, oversees the company’s interaction with the U.S. Congress and the Administration and coordinates its work with entertainment industry trade associations. He fondly remembers the late Jack Valenti and details the Woodley House benefit screening of Charlie Wilson’s War. 10 Gary Landsman has been a photographer images for over 20 years. His extensive experience ranges from shooting still-life subjects to full-scale interior architecture to documenting the

corporate and advertising lifestyle. Most recently, he adds shots of the Japanese Embassy Residence – featured in “Embassy Row” – to his portfolio.

11

Michael Maccoby is president of the Maccoby Group and has a Ph.D. from Harvard University, where he directed the Program on Technology, Public Policy and Human Development from 1978-90. He teaches leadership at the Brookings Institution and Oxford University’s Said School of Business. Maccoby excerpts The Leaders We Need, his latest book.

12

Mike Mills is best known as the bass player of the band R.E.M. Mills recently performed at a benefit for Hope for Home, which supports displaced musicans in New Orleans. He contributes to our event coverage in this issue.

13 Entrepreneur Ian Schrager, chairman and CEO of Ian Schrager Company, has achieved international recognition for concepts that have revolutionized both the entertainment and hospitality industries since the 1970s. Schrager’s latest venture, a partnership with Marriott International, will create a new brand of as many as 100 boutique hotels. He shares details about his project in “Hotel Watch.”

14 Washington City Paper staff writer, Angela

Valdez takes us behind the ropes in our feature “Barbarians at the Gate,” where she explores party crashing in Washington.

Corrections: In the Holiday 2007 issue on page 128, Rep. Kendrick Meek was mis-identifed.

On pg. 116 WL misidentified Marvin as Marvin’s and Eric Hilton as Eric Holmes.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

FYIDC

What’s hot in fashion, beauty and travel | The Insiders Guide, Society Pop and The Social Calendar

Up-and-coming soprano Sarah Coburn, daughter of Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn and a former Miss Oklahoma, will star as Asteria in the Washington National Opera’s spring production of Tamerlano.

WL: What’s on your iPod? SC: Usually the opera that I am learning or studying at the time. Also, The Police, Michael Jackson, Cake, Justin Timberlake, Chris Rice, Watermark, Renée Fleming and Bach.

WL: When did you become interested in opera?

SC: I started thinking about it seriously in graduate school. Before, I liked to sing “operatically” around the house.

WL: The most difficult role you have played?

SC: Linda di Chamounix – it is a marathon.

WL: What surprises you most about your adult life?

SC: That childhood is over.

WL: Something that’s been your mind lately is…

SC: How irritating it is to turn on the television and see that American pop culture is the only thing on the news.

WL: Your life would be simpler if…

SC: I had more closet space.

Who’s Next Charismatic soprano Sarah Coburn P h o t o b y s ta c y b o g e y

14

WL: What do you worry about the most?

SC: I worry quite a bit before performances.

I guess that it is pretty typical to worry that one will forget the words or sing out of tune!

WL: What do you most love about Washington?

SC: The architecture and history. It is such a beautiful city.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

MCLEAN VA Tysons Corner Galleria 703 556 6962, WASHINGTON DC The Collection at Chevy Chase 202 333 9010

FYIDC | society pop

MY disaster DATE

We’ve all been there: with dates Who turned into a horror story.

Here are six Young & The Guest listees brave enough to share their stories…

Hadley Gamble

Omar Popal

Sarah Baker

“I went out to dinner with his parents and promptly tripped on my new gown and tumbled down the stairs.”

“The girl kept saying I looked like a celebrity, only to tell me it was Jeff Goldblum. I asked for the check. My next date said I reminded her of Marcus Schenkenburg. We stayed for dessert.”

“After a delicious dinner and wonderful conversation we decided to go dancing. I ran into some friends and went over for a quick chat. I looked up and my date was with someone else on the dance floor.”

Seyhan Duru

Katie Rost

Joseph Robert, III

“I was visiting New York City and got a call from a friend who wanted to set me up. It turned out my blind date was a girl I had dated three years previously in the Hamptons. We had a very bad break up.”

“I was at an event with Kevin Spacey, whom I’ve had a monster crush on. The only time he noticed me was to pose for photographs. Later as I recounted this rudeness that it was pointed out to me that Kevin Spacey had never actually asked me out on a date and had never met me before.”

“I was set up with this junior (I assumed college) at a local girls school. I spoke with her on the phone and arranged to pick her up at her parents’ house. On our date, she told me how she was a cheerleader. Then she told me how she couldn’t wait to graduate from high school!”

E B T ’ DON MINE

FORG ET WE M ET

LOVE

NOT

YOU

FYIDC | the insider’s Guide to washington Recipe for Homemade Romance Tweak familiar traditions on Valentine’s Day with local and artisanal specialties.

1. Black Fig High Fragrance candles from the Chesapeake Candle Company. Local entrepreneur Mei Xu’s sexy scents are sure to create a slow burn at your house. $9.99, www.chesapeakebaycandle.com

Make 2 Years’ Salary Last Forever If your love is truly boundless, The Secret Kiss of the Roses Ring is available now at the recently opened De Beers boutique in Tysons Galleria. This 6.89 carat stunner is a D (flawless) color, pear shaped, rose cut diamond with a fancy intense pink 0.69 carat diamond and 1.79 carats of white pavé diamonds set in platinum. $500,000; 1763 M International Drive, McLean, Va.; 703-821-1422

Party like its Carnival in Rio On the 5th of February, the biggest party on the planet will reach its pinnacle in Rio de Janeiro, so join in the Carnival fiesta at Washington’s best Brazilian restaurants, Fogo de Chão in Penn Quarter, and Chima Brazilian Steakhouse in Tysons Corner. If you’d like to keep the festivities in your living room, try the following recipe for Brazil’s national cocktail, the Caipirinha.

Fogo de Chão, 1101 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 202-3474668; Chima, 8010 Towers Crescent Dr., Vienna, Va.; 703-639-3080; Cabana Cachaça rum, $33.99 for 750ml at Cathedral Liquors; 3000 Connecticut Ave., NW.

2. Handmade chocolates from Artisan Confections. Fresh chocolates by local chocolatier Jason Adelman are so much more flavorful than something that’s been in a cardboard box for weeks. 4815-B Lee Highway, Arlington, Va.; 703-239-0616; Hours: 10-6 Monday to Friday, 11-5 Saturday, closed Sunday.

3. A blooming fruit tree. Skip the typical roses and surprise your beloved with a blooming calamondin orange tree from Washington’s favorite garden store, Johnson’s Florist and Garden Center. The trees will bloom and produce fruit in a sunny window all year long, and Johnson’s will deliver your gift in an elegant pot of your choosing. $29.99 for the tree, plus pot and delivery charge. 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-244-6100

Cachaça is a light, smooth Brazilian rum made from sugar cane and ideal for cocktails.

2 oz. Cabana Cachaça Brazilian Rum

In the bottom of a glass, muddle together

1 tsp granulated sugar 1/2 lime, quartered

the lime wedges and sugar. Add Cabana

Club Soda Ice

4. For more “adult” treats, Night Dreams, with locations in Bethesda and Tysons Corner, gets consistently high reviews for selection and customer service. 4866 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, Md.; and 8373 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va.; 703-556-883

Calamondin orange trees will bloom indoors and produce fruit all year.

18

Cachaça, a splash of club soda and plenty of ice. Mix well. Pour into an old-fashioned glass, turn up bands like Jota Quest on your MP3 player, and enjoy the flavors of Rio.

GENIUS FROM JAPAN The arts of Japan will arrive in Washington en masse this month at the Kennedy Center’s Japan! Culture and Hyper Culture exhibition, a two-week, all encompassing celebration of the arts and culture of the island nation. The festival will feature the work of 450 artists in more than 40 performances of music, dance, and theater, including 15 premieres. Be sure to stop by the “Robotopia Rising” exhibit for a glimpse into what the future holds. Festival runs from February 5-17 at the Kennedy Center; for schedules and tickets visit www.kennedycenter.org.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| February

2008

| washingtonlife.com

OPEN AND UNFORGETTABLE The St. Regis Washington, D.C. redefines elegance after a landmark restoration.

Discover the presidential style and bespoke service of the most prestigious hotel in our nation’s Capital, desirably located just two blocks from the White House.

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FYIDC | THE Insider’s Guide TO WASHINGTON Jet-Setter’s Guide to Social Kissing February’s the season for smooching, but before you plant a big, wet one, you might want to review the rules.

1. Know who you’re kissing. Spanish and Dutch kissers go right cheek first, while French kissers go left. Italians can kiss in either direction – keep your eyes open to avoid painful nose–cheek collisions.

2. Kiss by the numbers. The French usually like two kisses per cheek, but in Brittany three is de rigeur, and Parisians expect four. In Belgium, peers get one kiss, but a ten-year age difference between kissers warrants three.

3. Show some restraint. Try not to over-kiss Belgian women. Kiss any French person you like, but stick to a handshake unless you really know the Italian, German, or Brit.

4. A rhyme and some reason: Lips don’t touch hands with wedding bands. Air-kiss a married woman’s hand, lest she think you want to seduce her. Unless, of course, you are trying to seduce her.

5. Final notes. No matter whom you’re social-kissing, cheeks alone may touch – lips shouldn’t land on anything but air.

The newly restored and refurbished St. Regis Washington D.C. offers a Valentine’s Day escape for couples.

Sweet Little Vacation Escape your surroundings on Feb 14, and be one of the first to experience the completely renovated St. Regis Washington, D.C. The Valentine’s Day “Suite Romance” package at the landmark hotel includes a couples massage in suite and a butler drawn bath with bath petals, candles, music, champagne, fresh oysters, and passion fruit. $999; 923 16th Street, NW; 202-638-2626

Reservations are recommended for the wildly popular weekend brunch at Peackock Cafe in Georgetown.

Brunch of Champions On a recent Saturday morning, the scene at Peacock Cafe was soo chic that we have to give it a nod. The crowd ran the gamut, from regulars like Tommy Quinn and Michael Saylor to ambassadors, Bush appointees and hip young nightlifers. It’s no wonder they have recently opened a second restaurant, Peacock Grand Cafe downtown, complete with lunch and dinner for the K Street crowd and an even greater selection of wine and spirits. Peacock Cafe; 3251 Prospect Street NW; 202-625-2740; Peacock Grand Cafe; 2020 K Street NW; 202-530-2020

20

Double Dipping Whether you prefer a dip a deux (wink, wink) or a solo soak, Thymes Kimono Rose Bath Salts are sure to leave all parties pleasantly waterlogged.The pretty envelopes are filled with moisturizing salts that contain rosehip oil to help rejuvenate and repair. $6.00 per packet, available at Blue Mercury, 3059 M Street, NW; 202-965-1300

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| February

2008

| washingtonlife.com

FYIDC | social calendar Visit Washingtonlife.com’s online calendar for information about local benefits and galas.You can also post your event online, where it will be viewed by millions and be considered for our print edition.

February AN EVENING OF SPOKEN WORD AND SONG WITH PATTI SMITH

01

7:30 p.m.; Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium of the Donald W. Reynolds Center; $40 for archives members, $50 for nonsponsored members; business attire. Contact 202-633-8768.

WL

10TH Annual Gourmet Gala: Mardi Gras for Kids

05

5:30 to 9:30; National Building Museum; $350; business attire.

Contact 202-633-8768 or www.aaa.si.edu.

mowas-cny@mohg.com.

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Valentine Pops Gala

6th ANNUAL “FOR THE LOVE OF SIGHT” VALENTINE’S PARTY FOR THE FOUNDATION FIGHTING BLINDNESS

08

6:30 p.m. cocktails and silent auction; 8:00 p.m. dinner; 9:00 p.m. concert; Hilton McLean Tysons Corner; black-tie; tables at $3,000, $5,000, and $7,500.

Contact Ann Morrison at 703-563-1990 or amorrison@fairfaxsymphony.org.

WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA WOMEN’S COMMITTEE: MOONLIT TAJ MAHAL

09 WL sponsored

13

6 p.m. reception; 7 p.m. dinner; Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; business attire; $1000; Platinum Heart Table(s) sponsorship at $25,000 each. Contact Jessica Marks at 202-364-3438.

D.C. ACTION FOR CHILDREN’S 3RD ANNUAL CAPITAL CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN AWARDS LUNCHEON

6:30 p.m.; Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; black-tie; $500; sponsorships start at $1000 per individual; Contact Elizabeth Early at 202-295-2449.

CHINESE NEW YEAR AT THE MANDARIN

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6 -8 p.m; Mandarin Oriental Ballroom; business attire or traditional Chinese costume; invitation only. Contact

15

11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Four Seasons Hotel; business attire; $100. Contact Susie Cambria at 202-234-9404.

25th ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER FOR NATIONAL PRESS FOUNDATION

28

6:30 p.m.; Hilton Washington Hotel; $300; black-tie. Contact Kashmir Hill at 202-663-7298.

cultural notes FEB 8 – MAR 6

AFI Silver presents THE COMPLETE COEN BROTHERS at the AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center; $9.75.

Contact Connie Pool at 301-495-6747. jan 15 - mar 2

The Shakespeare Company presents ARGONAUTIKA at the Lansburgh Theater; $55. Contact 202-547-1122.

Save the Date for these WL-SPONSOREd events april 1: march of dimes gourmet gala april 4: phillips collection gala Gladys Abi-Najm, Doreen Gentzler, and Eunice Mazloom at the 9th Annual Gourmet Gala in 2006. (Photo by Sean McCormick)

22

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| FEBRUARY

2008

| washingtonlife.com

THE LS. Unprecedented.

DUST OFF YOUR SENSE OF WONDER. Allow us to challenge the notion that you’ve seen it all before: the Lexus LS 460 L, a work of art taking the form of an automobile.

Consider the elongated shape for more interior room. The world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission, providing more fluid shifts for a smoother ride. Or, when it comes time to parallel park, the available Advanced Parking Guidance System* which handles the chore practically by itself.

It’s one of the few creations we can recall that promises to move you physically and in many other ways as well.

lexus.com

*The Advanced Parking Guidance System requires driver brake control. Always look around outside the vehicle and use mirrors to confirm clearance.

Vehicle shown with available equipment. Lexus reminds you to wear seatbelts, secure children in rear seat, obey all traffic laws and drive responsibly. ©2007 Lexus.

www.breitlingforbentley.com

PRESTIGE AND PERFORMANCE. Each inspired by its own “winged B” symbol, Breitling and Bentley share the same concern for perfection. The same extreme standards of reliability, precision and authenticity.The same unique blend of prestige and performance. Whether in the Breitling workshops or in the Bentley factory in Crewe, cutting-edge technology is placed in the service of noble traditions.

Symbolising this communion of ideals,Breitling participated in styling the instrumentation of the Bentley Continental models, the most powerful ever built by Bentley.

EXCLUSIVITY AND TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE.

For devotees of fine mechanisms, Breitling has created a line of exceptional chronographs named “Breitling for Bentley”. Representing the culmination of sophisticated aesthetic research, these wrist instruments mirror the signature features of the famous British car manufacturer. Dedicated to the automobile world, they incorporate several exclusive technical characteristics, including a variable tachometer, and are propelled by high-performance “motors” patiently assembled by watchmakers at the peak of their art.Time is the ultimate luxury.

The greatest luxury in life is time.

Savour every second.

BENTLEY MOTORS

life OF THE party

WL-sponsored, Hosted and exclusive events | The Kennedy Center Honors, Fight Night, Choral Arts, and the Corcoran 1869 Society FĂŞte

Actress Vanessa Williams makes a splash on the red carpet at The Kennedy Center Honors, where she performed for honoree Diana Ross. (Photo by Tony Powell)

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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25

life of the party | hollywood on the potomac

Oh, Kennedy!

Washington’s annual Kennedy Center Honors soirée saunters in all of its A-list glory from the Mandarin Oriental to the Kennedy Center By jan et d o n ovan

serving up some stars Should Webster update the dictionary, The Kennedy Center Honors weekend could define the word “lavish.” The luncheon for the honorees at the Kennedy Center – followed by the State Department dinner and a second meal hosted by the Turkish Ambassador for donors – all vied for Saturday’s top prize, while The White House and The Four Seasons hosted dueling pre-gala receptions. Although there was a well-stocked celebrity presence at the brunch (hosted by Liz and George Stevens) for the 30th Kennedy Center Honors at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s Café Mozu, one thing was conspicuously absent – late humorist Art Buchwald. Nonwithstanding his graceful leave of planet Earth last January, his aura was felt everywhere. Any psychic could have predicted that, as well as Art, who wrote a book called You Can Fool All of The People All of The Time.

The entrance table where he held court in previous years with longtime pal Ethel Kennedy remained the place to see and be seen, even in his absence.

The greet-and-chat crowd included Ted Kennedy, Jr.; Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi; BET founder Bob Johnson; Susan Blumenthal; Rep. Ed Markey; Red Cross chairman Bonnie McElveen–Hunter; Mandarin Hotel developer Alan Novak; actresses Christine Baranski, Gloria Reuben of “ER” and Michelle Lee; Andrea Mitchell and Alan Greenspan; violinist Itzhak Perlman; cellist YoYo Ma; and comedian Martin Short. Among honorees, Steve Martin and Leon Fleisher were in attendance.

Close by, political satirist Mark Russell was loading up on breakfast American style but avoided the lavish sushi spread.“I stay away from karaoke and sushi,” quipped Russell. “It’s what I call Japan’s revenge for World War II.” Justice Stephen Breyer chatted up CBS’s Sunday Morning national correspondent Rita Braver.

Singer songwriter Lyle Lovett, there to honor Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, made up for the less than accommodating Cameron Diaz, whose interaction with guests was basically nil. There with his fiancée, guests caught Lovett between coffee and Danish. “I’ve

never actually met Brian Wilson, but I’ve gotten to participate in the Honors several times before. When you study a song to learn it, it gives you an even greater appreciation of the artist. In this case it gave me an even greater appreciation of the depth of [Wilson’s] musicality. Last night I got to sing his song God Only Knows at the State Department dinner.

They toasted him and said it was one of the most beautiful songs ever written,” said Lovett.

“I never get nervous performing,” said young American Idol winner Jordin Sparks. “But this time, I am a bit – the President is going to be there, and Diana Ross. She’s so beautiful. Is it weird to say that?” Some then went on to The White House, others home to regroup.

The main event There were two reasons why you couldn’t miss Aretha Franklin: First, she was in a bright yellow gown with a gold and green shawl; and secondly because she was so unpretentious. “I’m delighted to be here,” she said with conviction. She was actually only one of a few stars who entered the VIP reception. Many celebrities, to the chagrin of the high rollers, skipped the red carpet in favor of another color: The Green room.

Once guests made it past the German shepherds, which raised eyebrows, they were greeted by Kennedy Center President Michael Kaiser. Doing the line were Tom Ridge, Mack McLarty, Mandy and Mary Ourisman (she in a red satin dress), Johnny Damgard and Mark Shriver.

“We are here to see Diana Ross,” said former Afghan Ambassador Isaaq Sharyar.

“Hafizah and I love her.”

“I’ve been coming here for 20 years,” said D.C. Councilwoman Carol Swartz. “It’s very exciting, although it’s impossible to get tickets now. I’m here with my daughter; it’s her first time. My husband and I came here when it first started.”

It’s impossible to get the whole program into a column so we will say this about that: Cameron Diaz

Robert DeNiro and his wife Grace Hightower

w l sp o n s o r e d

Kennedy Center Honors: the Red Carpet

Martin Scorcese

The Kennedy Center Photos by Tony Powell

Diana Ross

Christine and Stephen Schwarzman

Steve Martin

Terrence Howard and Zulay Henao

WA S H I N G TON L I F E

John Pyles and Barbara Harrison

| february

2008

| washingtonlife.com

Leon Fleisher

Victoria and Ted Kennedy

Liz and George Stevens Jr.

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Joanna Breyer, Elaine Wolfensohn, Andrea Mitchell, and Rep. Jane Harman

Steve Carell and Dr. Susan Blumenthal

w l sp o n s o r e d

Lyle Lovett and April Kimble

PRe-Honors Brunch

Top: Maxine Isaacs, James Johnson, and Wilma Bernstein.

Bottom: Rhoda Glickman, Debbie Dingell, and Dan Glickman

The Mandarin Oriental, Café Mozu Photos by Tony Powell

Adam and Tracy Bernstein

Yo-Yo Ma and wife Jill Ma

Dina Merrill and Stevie Eller

The honorees were actor Steve Martin, singer Diana Ross, pianist Leon Fleisher, director Martin Scorsese and Beach Boy Brian Wilson. “With their extraordinary talent, creativity, and perseverance, the five 2007 Honorees have transformed the way we, as Americans, see, hear, and feel the performing arts. We will forever be thankful for the great gift they have shared with us,” said Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman.

Highlights of the evening were Hootie and the Blowfish’s performance of “California Girls” that drove President Bush and first lady Laura Bush to join guests in a standing ovation; Robert De Niro’s tribute to director Martin Scorsese; Steve Carell’s wickedly humorous speech about Steve Martin; a captivating rendition of “Reach Out and

28

Ethel Kennedy and Paul Pelosi

Touch Somebody’s Hand” by Yolanda Adams in honor of Diana Ross (who actually looked like she was enjoying herself) and the poignant documentary on pianist Leon Fleisher’s life.

The post-performance dinner party in the Kennedy Center’s Grand Foyer brought out lots of gawker-stalkers.

Good thing Miss Ross was in a good mood when guests who were caught off guard kept bumping into her while she was engaging Martin Scorsese. Wilson remained sweet but subdued at his family table; Steve Martin most graciously

Rep. Rahm Emanuel, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, and Bob Johnson

posed for photos; Vanessa Williams unbelievably gorgeous but solitary at a mostly empty table.And as for Miss Diaz, who knows?

She left as she came.

Martin and Nancy Short

Bynum Hunter, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Bynum Hunter Jr., and Madeline McElveen

Ambassador Mary Ourisman

Pamela Brown with Alex and Lillian Erdeljan

Linda Cooper, Dan Drennan, and Sarah Horton

Beth and Ronald Dozoretz w l sp o n s o r e d

Honors Pre-Show Reception Four Seasons Hotel Washington

Juliet Gerber-Voss and Laura Ginsburg

Photos by Tony Powell

w l sp o n s o r e d

honors sponsor Dinner Embassy Residence of the Turkish Ambassador Photos by Tony Powell

Linda and Michael Sonnenreich

Tugce Tari, Tim Prestridge, and Anna Rowe

Tobia and Linda Mercuro

Gulgun and Turkey Amb. Nabi Sensoy

life

of the

party | fight night

Joe Robert Jr., General Peter Pace, and Lloyd Hand

Denise Baker and Jake “The Raging Bull” LeMotta

Mayor Adrian Fenty and former Mayor Tony Williams

wl sponsored

Fight Night Washington Hilton & Towers Photos by Tony Powell

THE EVENT: This annual, boys-only boxing event

Marvis Frazier and Joe Frazier Round three heating up

Bob Johnson and Quincy Jones

30

– founded by philanthropy heavyweight Joe Robert Jr. – attracted 1,200 to the Washington Hilton. With the Mayor in the house, it was probably easier to light up the hundreds of cigars smoked during the four rounds of the professional boxing – this year marked the first where a special smoking “waiver” was granted. Chaired

by Chuck Kuhn and Fred Schaufeld, the event raises just over $1 million for Fight for Children, which invests in over 150 children’s charities catering to the needs of low-income youth. THE GUESTS: Joe Robert’s “brother from another mother” Quincy Jones, Michael Powell, billionaires Mitch Rales and Steven Rales, actor Chris Tucker, singer (and preacher) MC Hammer and boxing legends Joe Frazier and Michael Spinks.

Chris Tucker and Frank Raines

Mitch Rales

Hall of Fame boxer Michael Spinks

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

Gilbert Randolph and Scott Gilbert

Neil Cohen and Lisa Scala

Hall of Fame boxer Aaron Pryer

Justice Antonin Scala, Secretary of HUD Alphonso Jackson, and Bill Coleman

MC Hammer and Jeff Coles

Marc Fleisher and Kevin Bass

Michael Powell, Marina Maslov, and J.T. Taylor

Mark Kimsey and Jim Kimsey

Chris Talvarides

Gerrit Parker and Raul Fernandez

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

Daniel Stanzione, Jeong Kim, and Frank D’Amelio

31

life

of the

party Aileen Xenakis, Mary McNaugher, and Kate Gormley

Amy Holmes and Ben Sheffner wl sponsored

Fall FÊte

Camilla Loveid, Judy Mayka, Carissa Maguire, and Victoria Michael

The Corcoran Gallery of Art Photos By Tony Powell

Andrea Landers and Janie Torchio viewing the Annie Leibowitz exhibit Meredith and Kimberly Faucette

THE EVENT: “An evening of glamour in natural black and white” at The Corcoran Gallery of Art 1869 Society dance party, which drew over 500 to the museum. THE SCENE: Young art lovers enjoyed a buffet catered by Design Cuisine and inspired by the Ansel Adams and Annie Leibowitz exhibits. Christiana Vodka provided plenty of mixed drinks and VIPs enjoyed exclusive access to the bridge and a champagne bar. Most partygoers adhered to the black and white dress code, upping the evening’s glamour factor.

Rochelle Behrens and Mathew Haller

Josie Taylor, Carl Becker, and Laura Long

James Weichert and Elizabeth Hill

32

Bernard Harkless and Elizabeth Chu

Danielle O’Hara, Sara Studebaker, Lindsay Craig, and Caroline Stouffer

Peter Kossakowski and Anissa Masters

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

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life

of the

party

Robert Duvall, Mary Mochary, and Jaylee Mead

Jacqueline Mars and Joyce Kessler

Charles and Diane Bruce

wl sponsored

WPAS Opening Night The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts Photos by Tony Powell

THE EVENT: A seated dinner on the roof of the Kennedy Center with an A-list crowd that included three Supreme Court Justices (Ginsburg, Alito and Scalia), actor Robert Duvall, the Mars Family, ambassadors and social types including chairwoman Rachel Pearson, Nini Ferguson and Tandy Dickerson.

Yo-Yo Ma provided a “suite” dessert after the meal when he performed contemporary cello compositions accompanied by piano. THE SCENE: Perhaps one of the most underplayed dinners in Washington, but nearly every seat was filled with a power player. Afghan Amb. Tayeb Jawad and his wife Shamim served as honorary patrons and inspired the delectable spiced lamb entrée.

Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia

Martha-Ann Alito, Justice Samuel Alito, and Hanayo Kato

Sidney Werkman, Bitsey Folger, and Paul Greenhalgh Pat Stern and Neale Perl

Luciana Duvall, Eric Motley, and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter

34

Rachel Pearson and Nini Ferguson

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

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| washingtonlife.com

W H ER E DIST I NGUISH ED M EETS DEL ICIOUS.

Now more than ever The Willard Room at the Willard InterContinental ÂŽ is the place to dine in Washington. Enjoy tableside service of exquisite French-inspired cuisine in an intimate setting with an extensive selection of wines from our wine cellar. For breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner, The Willard Room will provide an exceptional meal and unforgettable memories.

Do you live an InterContinental life?

Call 202.637.7440 or visit www.washington.intercontinental.com Š2007 InterContinental Hotels Group. All rights reserved. Most hotels are independently owned and/or operated.

life

of the

party

Susan Reichardt, Finnish Amb. Pekka Lintu, and his wife Laurel Colless

Simon and Marcelle Cooper

Cathy Jones, Whitney Delphos, and Debbie Sigmund

George and Sarah Vassilliou wl sponsored

27th ANNUAL CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY GALA John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

By Donna Shor Photos by Kyle Samperton

THE EVENT: With help from the honorary patrons, the Ambassador

Norman Scribner and Debra Kraft

Steve Tanger , Nini Ferguson, Charlotte Ferguson, and Caldy Whitredge

of Finland Pekka Lintu and his wife, Laurel Colless, the gala’s theme, In the Glow of Northern Lights, echoed Scandinavia in its décor and the dinner menu that followed a concert of Christmas music. Norman Scribner, the artistic director and founder of the 190-voiced choral group, included carols by Finnish composers, including the great Sibelius. The embassy cultural attaché, Pekka Hako, after five minutes of witty coaching, led the audience as they sang (more or less) Silent Night in Finnish.

Wyatt Dickerson, Sen. John Warner, Jeanne Warner, and Tandy Dickerson Cindy Jones

Michael Saylor, Rynthia Rost, Katie Rost, Joe Buccine, and Joel Limmerick

Ben and Liz Brown with Betsy Holleman ,and Bob Wilson

36

Nels and Kirsten Olson

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

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historic integrity

modern living

green design

Reserve a piece of

history made modern

at

woodley-wardman.com or call 202.319.9666 x1 w w w. m m g d e v e l o p m e n t . c o m

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logan Park

the woodley-wardman

the hillingdale

the wardman house

life

of the

party | starlight midatlantic

Cathy Merrill, Nels Olson, and Juleanna Glover Ali Wentworth and Sissy Yates

wl sponsored

Starlight midatlantic 1st Annual exclusive Wine Dinner Michel Richard Citronelle

and

Dina Mackney and Susan Ascher

8th Annual Taste of the Stars Gala Four Seasons Hotel

Jennifer and Alexander von Bismarck

Photos by Tony Powell

The Event: A weekend of parties to benefit Starlight

Olvia Demetriou and Theo Adamstein

Britlan and Fred Malek, Jr.

38

Starbright Children’s Foundation - MidAtlantic, which brings entertainment and activities to seriously ill children and their families. The Scene: On Friday, an elegant wine dinner at Citronelle for generous supporters featured two “99 point” wines among others, and seven delicious courses. The party continued on Saturday, when a much larger group of supporters gathered at the Four Seasons for dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing ‘till late.

Amy and Paul Hugo

Curtin Winsor, III

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Dave and Kirsten Pollin

| fe b r u a r y

2008

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life

of the

party | starlight mid-atlantic

Mia and Jamie Walton Russ Schriefer, Charles Ommanney, and Margaret Reid Carter and Smythe Kannapell Mark Ein and Sarah Rosenwinkel

Mandy Delk and Debbie Winsor

Paul Dougherty with Steve and Soo Peer

Winston Bao Lord and Liz Roberts

Patrice King-Brickman and Anne Pingho

Jim and Marcia Rosenheim

Garden of Earthly Delights Model

William Sanders, Chet Thaker, Julie Dobson, and Rebecca Sanders

Rick Genderson and Jeffrey Zell

Ì>ÃÌ VÊ V>Ì

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Ì>ÃÌ VÊë>

/ iÊÜ À `½ÃÊ ÃÌÊ ÕÝÕÀ ÕÃÊ Ìi Ê}À Õ«ÊV iÃÊÌ ÊÌ iÊÜ À `½ÃÊ ÃÌÊ« ÜiÀvÕ ÊV ÌÞ°

Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. 1330 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024, USA Tel: +1 (202) 554 8588 Fax: +1 (202) 554 8999 www.mandarinoriental.com

life

of the

party

Four-time Grammy-award-winning opera singer Jessye Norman

Zach Freeman and April Holder

wl sponsored

James Hudson, Fred Cooke, and Vernon Jordan

Let Your Motto Be Resistance The National Portrait Gallery Photos by Tony Powell

THE EVENT: Guest curator and photo-historian Deborah Willis selected images from the National Portrait Gallery’s vast archives to create this celebration of the African American community. Cocktails and a touching speech by First Lady Laura Bush ushered in this first exhibition for the new African-American Museum, which is currently without a permanent home. THE SCENE: Power players and political activists were in the majority. On hand: Marc Pachter, director of the National Portrait Gallery; Allen Weinstein, archivist of the United States; Anne-Imelda Radice, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services; Pilar O’Leary; Vernon Jordan; Royal Kennedy; Jewell Robinson; and several members of Congress.

Brenda Winstead

Rep. Doris Matsui with Lonnie Bunch III Sheryl Kolasinski with Pilar O’Leary

Ann Jordan and Anne Ashmore Hudson

42

Marie Johns and Charlene Drew Jarvis

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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| washingtonlife.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO TEATRO GOLDONI’S CHEF NICOLA AMROUNE ONE OF TEN U.S. CHEFS CHOSEN FOR 2008’S CHEFDANCE AT THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL IN PARK CITY, UTAH

for reservations call 202-955-9494 w w w. t e at r o g o l d o n i . c o m w w w. c h e f d a n c e . c o m

pollywood

Where Politics, Hollywood, Media and Diplomacy Meet | Meet the Press, Charlie Wilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s War, and The Leaders We Need

Jeff Zucker, Tim Russert, and Steve Capus at the Meet the Press 60th Anniversary party at the Newseum. (Photo by Tony Powell)

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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pollywood | media spotlight

Charlie Wilson’s War The girls, the gossip and the Jacuzzi that changed history By jan et d o n ovan

Charlie’s Girls Although former Rep. Charlie Wilson missed the Washington screening parties for the movie version of George Crile’s New York Times bestselling book, Charlie Wilson’s War he wanted to make it perfectly clear that his recent heart surgery has not affected his love life.

The book-turned-Hollywood-flick was based on his covert dealings in Afghanistan.

Deemed the largest undercover operation in history, Wilson decided to bring down the Soviet Empire “his way,” and he did. The operation bore all of his trademarks: A stiff drink, beautiful women, and a lot of nerve.

He was called the wildest man in Congress, a rogue CIA agent and a man who changed history. But what Wilson likes to be called best is a ladies’ Blair Zucker, Vans Stevenson, and Mary Margaret Valenti at the 11th man. It’s no wonder Annual Woodley House Movie Benefit. (Photos by Kyle Samperton) that female guests at the screenings were Janet Ginsburg and her flamboyant Texas parties,” said Barbara Boggs, to all asked the same former colleagues carried which Ann Hand added, “I just remember that question: “Were you on like school girls.What there was a large cowboy boot hanging from one of Charlie’s girls?” most people didn’t realize his front door, and when we walked in, the first Now, there were is that the “Angels” were thing I saw was this big hot tub in his bedroom Charlie’s girls and brilliant and knew more where people would mill around.” there were “Charlie’s about the issues than “It’s a great book and a great movie,” said girls.” The former their boss.

Ray Benton. “Yes, I knew him, but nothing is what it seems; The Uptown Theatre we can talk about in public.” the latter were the screening to benefit “The joy of seeing Charlie Wilson’s War Ann Pincus and Cokie Roberts staffers who would Woodley House was in Washington is that we all knew him,” said come to be known as preceded by a party at Cokie Roberts. “The question is, can Tom “Charlie’s Angels.” Both types were represented Spices packed with Charlie’s friends. “I used to Hanks possibly do Charlie Wilson well?” While at the screening, and although the former weren’t visit him in his office,” said former colleague Jim historians link his operation to the rise of the talking, the latter were.

Symington. “You’d walk in and think you had Taliban, perhaps a quote of Charlie’s from an The “Angels” were Charlie’s foxy staff who happened in on a Hollywood set. I never saw so unrelated article in The Lufkin Daily News says ran his office during his 24 years in Congress. many beautiful women in one place in my life.” it best: “I’ve always considered myself a selfMore than a dozen showed up at the December The evening was dedicated to late MPAA chief made man. And that relieves the Lord of a lot screening at the Warner Theatre, and they had Jack Valenti, and his widow Mary Margaret of responsibility.” a blast reminiscing about their “Charlie Days.” was there sharing her Charlie stories, as were so Readers wishing to get in touch with Janet can Still looking “hot” despite the passage of time, many of the guests.“Everyone knew him and his email: columns@washingtonlife.com.

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WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| FEBRUARY

2008

| washingtonlife.com

Honoring Jack The night was billed as a fundraising screening of Charlie Wilson’s War for Woodley House, but the night belonged to Jack and Mary Margaret

By M at t G e r s o n

J

ack Valenti, a beloved Washington luminary, enriched the lives of a great many people.

From cabinet secretaries to interns, from Hollywood celebrities to those who worked behind the cameras, he taught us all about human nature and common sense through Texas witticisms, quotes from the classics, and rules passed on by his mentor, Lyndon Johnson.

Today many reveal the lessons learned with a Jack story or a Jackism – such as the call I got that began, “Matt, the ox is in the ditch.” The New Yorkers among us now know that means a project is in big trouble. I answered,“Remember the three most important words in the English language: ‘wait a minute.’” He replied, “Well, I didn’t know if you would advise that or ‘hunkering down like a jackass in a hail storm.’”

Recently, a former Motion Picture Association of America staffer told me, “I had to testify last week and couldn’t get him [Valenti] out of my head. I wrote it and rewrote it and practiced it a dozen times. Best of all, I kept it mercifully brief.”

Rule number one for Jack was that character is defined by loyalty. In Washington and Hollywood people often desert their socalled friends at the first whiff of public disfavor.

Not Jack – he insisted that you never abandon someone who was going through a rough time.

He always stood with a beleaguered colleague.

At Jack’s funeral, actor Kirk Douglas captured the essence of his longtime friend when he said, “Your problems became Jack’s problems.”

You didn’t have to be Spartacus to receive that kindness. One day when an MPAA employee told Jack that a mechanic would not give back his car, Jack immediately called Williams and Connelly.

I have this vision where within hours former Supreme Court clerks are in the auto body shop ready to battle. Of course, the car was returned – probably with a complimentary tank of gas. Jack was there for us – he would never cut and run.

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2008

Jack and Mary Margaret in an earlier time: a black and white photo from their wedding day on June 1, 1962 and together on the front lawn of the White House in 1964 with daughter Courtenay and two of President Johnson’s prized pooches.

Jack rejected the partisanship that gripped Washington. On the day the MPAA headquarters was named the Jack Valenti Building, Republican Senator Ted Stevens said of this LBJ Democrat, “Jack works across the aisle because he doesn’t see an aisle. It is the root of his success and what others ought to emulate.”

But the best weapon in his arsenal was his wife, Mary Margaret. In her thoughtful, refined and understated way she was the sounding board who set him straight when his own political instincts were temporarily out of kilter. One Friday when the MPAA was in the throws of a debate on depictions of violence he set out a plan – which, frankly, didn’t have a whole lot to it. When we reconvened on Monday morning Jack announced a change in strategy.We were somewhere between livid and confused and when he saw my quizzical look he simply said, “It was Mary Margaret – she shamed me all weekend.”

| washingtonlife.com

Washington is fortunate Mary Margaret deployed that same sense of judgment and persistence – mixed with a large helping of compassion and a network of committed friends – to help turn Woodley House into a nationally recognized program. On a daily basis, Woodley House now provides a continuum of consumer centered care for over 200 persons with mental disabilities. Jack loved “bragging on” her devotion to those whose lives it enhanced, and the way in which she helped its services to grow and prosper.

If Jack were here to read this tribute I know I would receive a handwritten note thanking me profusely. And it would conclude with the mock dismay that only he could get away with – “the accolades were a bit brief, but what the hell.”

For more information on Woodley House go to www.woodleyhouse.org

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pollywood | media spotlight

Tim Russert and Bob Dole

Betsy Fischer

Kristen Silverberg, David Gregory, and Dina Habib Powell

wl exclusive

Meet the Press 60th Anniversary The Newseum Photos by Tony Powell

THE EVENT: Cocktails and a first look at the Newseum in honor of

Ann Hand and Tucker Carlson

the longest running television show in the world, “Meet the Press.”

THE SCENE: NBC President Jeff Zucker, “Meet the Press” host Tim Russert and executive producer Betsy Fischer held court at the party, greeting a long queue of A-listers that included former presidential candidates, media royalty and cabinet officials. Party-goers got a sneak peek at the much delayed Newseum, which is set to open this year.

Interactive museum exhibits include an opportunity for visitors to record a “stand-up” in front of the White House, play a computer game to chase a story, and view a collection of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs. THE GUESTS: Maureen Orth, Ted Koppell, Sen. Bob Dole, Tom Daschle and Sally Quinn.

Tiki Barber and Katie Murphy

Charles Ramsey and Sen. Ted Kennedy

Dirk Kempthorne

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Tom Daschle

Fred Fielding, Dana Perino, and Bob Woodward

George Stephanopoulos

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Steve and Jean Case

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

George McGovern

Gwen Ifill

Alan Neuharth, Ben Bradlee, Shelby Coffee, and Charles Overbay

Robert Novak, Pat Buchanan, Greg Mueler, and Charlie Black

Sen. John Kerry and Lani Hay

John McLaughlin and Ann Stock

Mark Russell, Willard Scott, and Robert Bazell

Michelle Jaconi and Philip Alongi

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Susan Eisenhower and Bob Dole

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

Peter Cherukuri and Patrick Gavin

49

pollywood | media spotlight

“Peter Jennings: A Reporter’s Life”

David Kerley, Lisa Koenig, and Mark Reford

Andrew Cockburn and Judith Kipper Elizabeth Drew, Lynn Sherr, and Joan Pincus

w l e x cl u s i v e

“Peter Jennings: A Reporter’s Life” Book Party Residence of Mit Spears and Kyle Gibson Photos by Tony Powell

THE EVENT: Old friends from the Washington media world and

Bob Schieffer and Mit Spears

beyond came together at Mit Spears and Kyle Gibson’s Georgetown house to celebrate the release of “Peter Jennings: A Reporter’s Life”, a heartfelt oral history of the legendary news anchor. THE SCENE: Ted Koppel came down from New York for the party, while locals Tim Russert and Bob Schieffer livened things up, as did coeditors Kayce Freed Jennings, Kate Darnton and Lynn Sherr. THE GUESTS: Margaret Carlson, Bob Barnett, Nina Totenburg, and Katty Kay.

Ted Koppel and Tim Russert Billy Campbell, Kyle Gibson, and Tom Bettag

Angus Yates and Claire Shipman

Kate Darnton and Peter Osnos

50

Roger Mudd

Bob Boorstin, Margaret Carlson, and Kayce Freed Jennings

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

pollywood | author spotlight

The Leaders We Need, And What Makes Us Follow

By Michael Maccoby

T

o protect our environment, gain energy independence, protect us from aggressors, ensure health care for all, improve education, and strengthen the economy, we need leaders working for the common good. But it’s not enough for would-be leaders to propose promising policies.They won’t be leaders unless they can mobilize followers. And the people they need to mobilize, especially the most competent knowledgeable workers, reject autocratic bosses.They don’t want to be told what to do; they want to be engaged as collaborators in achieving a purpose.

They want to be persuaded not ordered. But people often reject the leaders they need and follow those they should reject. We can’t afford that now. In an age of manufactured identities, we must strengthen our ability to see through the mask, to understand those who aspire to lead us.

Author Michael Maccoby

Here’s some of the questions we should ask ourselves as we listen to candidates for president: •

•

• •

•

Do they respond to the challenges and stress of the campaign without losing their sense of humor?

Do they understand both the threats and opportunities we face, and do they have a vision of America that will mobilize people? Do they spark hope and not fear?

Do they emphasize issues that will bring us together?

Do they bring us into their own internal dialogue in a way that inspires confidence? Or do they just recite scripted policies?

Do they show courage to stand up for the common good against narrow interests?

wl exclusive

“The Leaders We Need” Book Party Cosmos Club Photos by Tony Powell

The Event: A gathering to celebrate Michael Maccoby’s book “The Leaders We Need,” in which Maccoby, an expert in the field, revises the psychology of leading from the perspective of followers. The Scene: Hosted by Jane and Sidney Harman, Izette Folger, Max Maccoby, Nora Maccoby Hathaway, Rachel Pearson, and Beth and Ron Dozoretz along with the Harvard Business School Press, the event brought together an eclectic mix of public and private sector minds.

Dr. Ronald Dozoretz and Bitsy Folger

Carole Feld, Marianna Gray, and Janice Kim

Hadley Truettner, Dan Robison, and Izette Folger

Mel Estrin, Rachel Pearson, and Suellen Estrin

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| no v e m b e r

2006

| washingtonlife.com

Juleanna Glover and Dal LaMagna

51

pollywood | exclusive

Hope for Home

We guarantee Eric and Sharapat Kessler never had a house party like this before – R.E.M’s Mike Mills entertained and 150 guests raised $20,000 for New Orleans musical legend Al “Carnival Time” Johnson. Mills tell us how he got involved

By MIKE MILLS

I

visited New Orleans 15 months after Hurricane Katrina and was deeply affected by what I saw. It looked like a nuclear bomb had gone off.There’s nothing like seeing that kind of destruction firsthand.When there’s a pickup truck in a tree, you know it’s big.

It was very apparent to me that the response was extremely disorganized at the Federal level. The fact that so many residents of New Orleans were still struggling after the disaster was shameful.There was a strong sense that if something good was going to happen, they’d have to do it themselves.

Mike Mills, bassist and co-songwriter for the band R.E.M, and Kevin Among the citizens deeply affected Cordt groove to raise money for displaced New Orleans musicians.

by Katrina were New Orleans musicians, (Event photos by Vicky Pombo) who in many cases saw their communities In the midst of the turmoil, I witnessed completely destroyed. I can’t think of another city musicians helping other musicians. Pro-artist in the world that’s so identified with music as New groups such as Sweet Home New Orleans, Arabi Orleans. America needs a cultural heart as much as Wrecking Krewe, the New Orleans Musicians an economic one, and the importance of helping Relief Fund and Future of Music Coalition all these people transcends geography. Unfortunately, worked to ensure that the city’s musicians could many of the city’s musicians were still in desperate return to their homes and communities. need of assistance.

And the efforts continue. The December

Hosts Eric and Sharapat Kessler

52

John Kardon and Al “Carnival Time” Johnson

“Hope for Home” party to benefit Al “Carnival Time” Johnson took place at the home of Eric and Sharapat Kessler, and was co-organized by Michael Petricone, Sweet Home New Orleans and Future of Music Coalition. It was my pleasure to perform not just in a solo set, but also backing up a true New Orleans music legend, Al Johnson.

It’s always a humbling experience to sit in with people who have been playing music for longer than I’ve been alive. Such moments help me rediscover my innate love of music. It also felt really good to see the people in D.C. respond so positively, and I had a great time.

There’s still a lot to be done to put the city back together. Donations are always appreciated, but residents — particularly older individuals — still need volunteers to go down to help clear debris from their houses. It’s incredibly important that we never forget New Orleans, its spirit and what it means to American culture.

For more information go to www.futureofmusic. org and www.sweethomeneworleans.org

Dave Ballard and John Stroud

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

Gary and Renee Gadson

2008

| washingtonlife.com

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pollywood | diplomatic dance

Doors Swing Both Ways Arrivals and departures in the New Year By gail scott

Coming Home to Georgetown Korda Studios, a recently opened $125 million Former Swedish Ambassador Henrik facility in Etyek, just outside Budapest, where Liljegren and his glamorous Turkish wife he hopes to “rejuvenate Hungary’s film Nil are back, this time on a different kind of industry and bring my country back on to the diplomatic mission. The retired ambassador is international film scene.” now the senior political/diplomatic advisor Locals are already referring to the town to the president of the Saab Group, Northern as “Etyekwood,” and betting that this worldEurope’s largest high tech defense and civil class studio will help to make Hungary more security company. competitive in today’s global filmmaking market.

This diplomatic duo is particularly thrilled to finally see the House of Sweden resting This Dance is Over gracefully on the banks of the Potomac in After four years, Argentina’s Ambassador lower Georgetown. After all, it was their idea: José Octavio Bordón (“Pilo” to his pals) and to build the first his wife Mónica and only embassy have returned home, on the r iver. leaving behind many But the Swedish American friends.

Foreign Ministry, This academic and too worried about seasoned politician flooding, said “no” will be remembered at first. as a favorite tango Later, when Jan partner with a great Eliasson became sense of humor. the ambassador, “I will not do there was another anything when I go attempt, along with home,” he quipped, some calculated just before leaving.

Recently returned former Swedish Ambassador cheerleading from “My wife will go Henrik Liljegren and his wife Nil in front of the House Kate and Alan back to work but I of Sweden, a project they have championed for more Novak. Finally, after will just stay home. I than a decade. (Photo by Gail Scott) more years, this can’t get a job. If all stunning Georgetown landmark was approved. the people in Washington who promise to visit Ironically, flood waters inaugurated the House of us really do come, we’ll have non-stop company.

Sweden before the King and Queen could do so. That would be great, and that’s why I’m staying home - so I can welcome each one!”

Hollywood on the Danube The Bordóns plan to follow the American Former Hungarian Ambassador András presidential campaigns closely. “We loved Simonyi, who charmed American audiences campaigning,” remembered Mónica, “…I was as a passionate rock’n’roll electric guitarist my husband’s pollster, so it was up to me to with his band, The Coalition of the Willing, give him the bad news.” is now in the movie business. Simonyi was Readers wishing to get in touch with Gail can just appointed board chairman of the new email: columns@washingtonlife.com.

54

(Photo by Justin Kriel)

Who’s Next?

Four for Veronica Valencia WL: How do you describe your role?

VV: My husband, Arturo Sarukhan is the

Ambassador of Mexico, so this is my job, and I take it very seriously. I want to do as much goodwill for Mexico as possible.

WL: Do you feel Mexican, American or a

little bit of both?

VV: I have a Mexican father and an American mother but I feel very proud to be Mexican.

WL: Do you enjoy life in Washington?

VV: It’s a dream come true. I fell in love

with Washington when I first came here to attend American Universtiy.

WL: Any pressing concerns?

VV: Since 9-11, Americans have become

afraid of so many things that are foreign.

Mexicans are such peaceful, hardworking, fun-loving, family-oriented and very, very loyal people.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

pollywood | diplomatic dance

Yemeni Amb. Abdulwahab Al-Hajjri and Tom Friedman

Nadia Bilbassy and Samira Azzam

wl exclusive

Oasis of Hope Dinner Residence of the Yemeni Ambassador Photos by Tony Powell

The Event: Yemeni Ambassador Abdulwahab Al-Hajjri hosted a dinner to benefit the U.S. Committee for Refuges and Immigrants, which works for refugee and immigrant relief and rights. Guests enjoyed sambusa and shafeet at the Yemeni-themed buffet, and New York Times columnist Tom Friedman conducted an informative Q & A. There was also a raffle of once-in-a-lifetime finds, including a chess set once owned by the President of Iraq. The Guests: Nini Ferguson, Jackie Strasser, Joe Reeder, Josh Meyer, Colleen Connors, John Danilovich, and Phillipine Amb. Willy Gaa.

Fariba and Reza Jahanbani with Jane Arraf

John Danilovich and Joe Reeder

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

Josh Meyer and Colleen Connors

2008

| washingtonlife.com

55

special feature | THe young & the guest list

&

The Young THE guest List WL names the future leaders of washington

S

ince its debut two years ago, our annualYoung & The Guest List issue has created quite a buzz.

The issue sells out in three days; we’re bombarded with lengthy nomination letters; and last year, more than a few wannabes tried to crash the party.

We understand why it’s a big deal.

This is the only time the spotlight shines on the under-40 set, whose formidable accomplishments include best-selling books, multi-million dollar companies,

and congressional seats; not to mention being mayor of this city.

Each year, a committee compiles a list of young Washingtonians who contribute significantly to the vibrancy of our city. Often, the listees are unknown or overshadowed by their bosses (these range from the President Bush to financial heavyweight David Rubenstein); they may go out only rarely, preferring to spend Friday nights writing groundbreaking policy papers

on Africa or helping to cinch an election for their candidate. Don’t let this fool you. These are the faces of the future of Washington, who – albeit behind the scenes for now – are an integral part of making this country work. Listees range from the president of the Corcoran 1869 Society to members of Congress to award-winning filmmakers and authors. What they all have in common, however, is plenty of style, smarts and savoir-faire.

Above, from left to right: Michelle and Adrian Fenty, Kirsten Pollin, Joel Limmerick and Katie Rost, Phillippe Cousteau, and Mae Haney Grennan and Michell Haney Maddux.

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WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

From left to right: Jason Van Buren, Bill and Pilar O’Leary, Alexandra Cousteau, Alexis Tobin, Amy Holmes, Ashley Taylor, Tim and Tracey Chi, and Carlos Gutierrez Jr.

MAYOR Adrian and Michelle Fenty

Something on TheIr minds…

“We envision a school system in our nation’s capital that sets an example for the world to follow.”

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Abbott (Sara) Miss Huma Abedin Mr. and Mrs. Tom Adams (Sasha) H.R.H. Princess Iman Al-Hussein of Jordan H.E.The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir Mr. Mazen Al-Jubeir Mr. Grant Allen Mr. Michael Allen Miss Roshanak Ameli-Tehrani Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Arundel (Kara) Mr. and Mrs. Bret Baier (Amy) Miss Sarah Baker Mr. Douglas Barnes Ms. Monica Barnes Mr. Neil Barrett Mr. Patrick Bateman Miss Molly Bingham Mr. Robert “Bo” Blair Miss Joanna Block Mr. Trey Bohn Miss dANIELLE “Nellie” Boone Miss Ericka Boone

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

Mr. j. quinn Bradlee Mr. Eric Braverman Mr. Lee Brenner Miss Clara Brillembourg Mr. and Mrs. Robin Brooks (Maya MacGuineas) Miss Pamela Brown

Mr. Seyhan Duru Mr. Ebong Eka Mr. Samuel Farnum The Honorable and Mrs. Adrian Fenty (Michelle) Mr. and Mrs. Raul Fernandez (Jean-Marie) Miss Deborah Fine

Mr. Warren Brown Miss E. Coventry Burke Miss Barbara Bush Miss Jenna Bush Mr and Mrs. William Canfield (Paige) Mr. Tony Capuano Mr. and Mrs. Tucker Carlson (Susan) Mr. Carroll Cavanagh Mr. G. John Cecchi Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cherukuri (Emily Lenzner) Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Chi (Tracey) Miss Alexa Chopivsky Mr. George Chopivsky, III Mr. Jared Cohen Miss Julia Cohen Mr. Elbridge Colby Mr. Ryan Costello Miss Alexandra Cousteau Mr. Phillippe Cousteau Miss Lindsay Czarniak Miss Brooke Daley Miss Tara Davis Miss Dominique Dawes Miss Jordan Delphos Mr. Caesar Devoto Mr. Raymond “Tripp” Donnelly, III Miss Tarah Donoghue Mr. and Mrs. Ross Douthat (Abby) Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Downey (Michelle Jolin)

Mr. and Mrs. Sean Fine (Andrea Nix) Miss Karen Finney Mr. Justin Fishkin Mr. Nathaniel Fogg The Honorable Harold Ford, Jr. Mr. Adam Frankel Mr. Wesley Fricks Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Furukrona (Carolina) Mr. James “Tripp” Fussell, III Miss L. Hadley Gamble Mr. Robert Garza Mr. Patrick Gavin Mr. Yoav Gery Mr. Chuck Ghoorah

| washingtonlife.com

Tarah Donoghue

Something on her mind…

“With so much campaign buzz about what our government will look like in the future, I hope Washingtonians still recognize the amount of work to be done in the present.”

57

special feature | THe young & the guest list

The Young & The Guest List

Graduates

A

A year in review

s we rang in 2007, the Town Hall and the newly bubbling embarrassing postings on Gryphon Room, but it seems that Late Night Shots and regular the traditional Georgetown scene has attendance at longtime favorite bars disseminated throughout the city. This gave way (for the most part) to the could be because newer and better adoption of more serious causes and venues keep opening up downtown; K forays to sophisticated lounges. While Street Lounge began a domino effect the under-forty set has always been that now includes Lima, Lotus, Fly, transient, last year held especially and The Park. Other factors include notable changes and moved this crowd the splintering decline of the Bush/ closer to international leader status.

Cheney ’04 campaign fraternity, and First out of the gate was the the rash of hot new residential real Washington Ballet Jeté Society gala, estate downtown. which brought together the younger As the 2008 campaigns heat up, “scene” for a much anticipated annual we’re bound to lose some of our dance party. In the dead of winter, favorites to the heated battles for people hiked to the Italian Embassy middle-American swing states. We for one of the best parties of the year. never see Clinton’s leading lady, Huma The committee sold 500 tickets with Abedin, anymore, and Sarah Lenti an additional 300 on the waiting list. just left for New Mexico to head up In total, an impressive $70,000 was a major congressional race. Journalists raised for The Washington Ballet, are hitting the road, too. Alexander proving that this set is capable of Marquardt is holed up in Nevada making significant donations. More for CNN, and John Dickerson sends importantly, it set the tone for a year his dispatches from small-town USA. during which The Young & The Alex Pareene, the former Wonkette 2007 was a whirlwind year for Jenna Bush: a best-selling book, an Guest List have contributed much editor, just flat out left us for where he engagement and an impassioned campaign for AIDS/HIV support. more to the city’s cultural vibrancy belongs (New York City), as did 2007 than pleasing imagery. The Y&GL learned that A year ago, you could walk into a handful Y&GL cover boy Marco Minuto, who moved a good party can also help to serve a greater of Georgetown bars and – without question to New York to practice law. Sadly, no amount cause. Events sold out in record numbers, – recognize at least 20 faces, if not more. of lamenting on LNS has brought more Gucci including Fashion for Paws, the Courage That’s no longer the case. There are still plenty models to town.

Cup, and the Corcoran 1869 Society’s Fall of people standing outside of Smith Point, Looking ahead, we predict that Wesley Fête In addition to the society charity Fricks (newly elected Capitol Club staples, many more Y&GL’s established president), Princess Iman Al-Hussein new nonprofits and foundations, and (recently returned to D.C.), and Brooke “Jenna Bush may be the poster worked har to support causes ranging Johnston (Miss United Kingdom, here child for the Y&GL – she traded from military families to the local for a year covering politics) will become her partying, tequila days for school systems. Jenna Bush may be the bigger names in the coming months. poster child for the Y&GL – In 2007, We’re waiting with bated breath months in South America writing a she traded her partying tequila days for for what 2008 brings. But between compelling book about AIDS, which months in South America, where she the elections, the weddings (Jenna and raised money for UNICEF.” wrote a compelling book about AIDS, Henry) and the Olympics, all signs point which raised money for UNICEF. toward a very good year.

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WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

From left to right: Roland and Diana Reynolds, Karen Finney, Katharine Weymouth, Michael Allen, Kirsten Lodal, Lindsay Stroud, Ray Regan, and Mike and Laura Manatos

bret baier

Something on his mind…

“Our seven month old son, Paul, just started giggling…

Full on belly tickling, body shaking giggling. It makes my wife, Amy and I crack up – there’s nothing like it. During a crazy election season – and very busy days at work – I want to spend more time remembering the sound of that giggle…until the next time I get home to hear it again.”

Ms. Juleanna Glover Mr. Constantine Gogos Mr. John Gogos Mr. and Mrs. Jonathon Gould (Piper) Mr. Garrett Graff Miss Ellen Grantham Miss Charlotte Grassi Mr. and Mrs. Ande Grennan (Mae Haney) Mr. Carlos Gutierrez, Jr. Miss Erika Gutierrez Mr. and Mrs. Bret Haber (Jennifer) Mr. John Hanshaw Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hartley (Gretchen) Miss Crosby Haynes

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Herrick (Lindsay) Mr. Eric Hilton Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Himmelman (Kirsten Lodal) Mr. Frances Hoang Miss Amy Holmes Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Howard (Rebecca) Mr. Erik V. Huey Mr. Anthony Imamura Mr. and Mrs. David Israelite (Sonya Medina) Mr. and Mrs. David Jacobs (Gigi) Mr. and Mrs. Griffin Jenkins (Kathleen) Miss Brooke Johnston Mr. Joel Kaplan Miss Meredith Kelly The Honorable Patrick Kennedy Mr. Bruce Kieloch Mr. Joseph Patrick Kildea Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Kimbell (Jessica) Mr. P. Joseph Konzelmann Mr. Michael Kosmides Mr. Reed Landry Mr. David Lat Mr. Julie Lee Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Lehmann (Ana Marie Cox) Miss Sarah Lenti Mr. Joel Limmerick Miss Tanya Lombard Mr. Winston Bao Lord Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Madden (Joyce) Mr. and Mrs. Victor Maddux (Michelle Haney) Mr. and Mrs. Michael Manatos (Laura Evans) Mr. and Mrs. David Marriott (Carrie) Miss Jaclyn Mason Mr. John Mason

| washingtonlife.com

Tunes we’re digging …

Arash Shirazi u One Republic, “Come Home” u Ne-yo, “Because of You” Nathaniel Fogg u The Bravery, “Public Service Announcement” u Flight of the Conchords, “Business Time” CROSBY Haynes u George Strait, “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” u Good Charlotte, “I Don’t Want to be in Love” Brooke Daley u The National, “Brainy” u Kanye West, “Everything I Am” Katie Rost u Kanye West, “Good Life” u Blue Oyster Cult, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” Erik Huey u The Arcade Fire, “(Anti-Christ Television Blues)” u The Surreal Mccoys, “The Velvet Rope of your Heart” Paul Wharton u Diana Ross, “It’s My Turn” u Chiara Civello, “Last Quarter Moon” Erika Gutierrez u One Republic, “Stop and Stare” u Citizen Cope, “Sideways”

u

Now Playing

The Young & The Play List

special feature | THe young & the guest list

From left to right: George Chopivsky, III, John Cecchi, Charlotte Grassi, Warren Brown, Kristen and Nels Olson, Coventry Burke, Pamela Sorensen, Eric Mullen and Kelly Craighead, and Erika Gutierrez

Pamela Brown

Something on her mind…

“Often times, I wonder what my life would be like if I grew up in a different culture, such as India or the Middle East.”

Miss Lauren Mason Mr. Robert Matheson Mr. Robert McGrail Miss Michelle McMurry Mr. flavious mihaies Mr. and Mrs. Eric Mullen (Kelly Craighead) The Honorable Patrick Murphy Mr. Brad Nirenberg Mr. Jonathon Novak Mr. Osmar Nuñez Mr. and Mrs. William O’Leary (Pilar) Mr. J. B. Olinger Mr. and Mrs. Nels Olson (Kristen) Mr. and Mrs. Peter Oppenheim (Katie) Miss Allison Parent Mr. SAM PATTEN Mr. Roby Penn Mr. and Mrs. David Perlin (Skye Raiser) Mr. Adrian Perry Miss Leah Pisar Mr. and Mrs. Dave Pollin (Kirsten) Mr. Omar Popal The Honorable Adam Putnam

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Mr. Ray Regan Mr. and Mrs. Roland Reynolds (Diana) Ms. Andrea Rodgers Mr. Michael Romeo Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Rosenheim (Elizabeth) Miss Katie Rost Dr. George Ruiz Mr. Amin Salam Dr. and Mrs. Shahram Salemy (Sarah) Mr. Robert Saliterman The Honorable Linda Sanchez Mr. Pirooz Sarshar H.E.The Ambassador of Mexico Arturo Sarukhan and Veronica Valencia Mr. Aurelien Seydoux Mr. Arash Shirazi Mr. Ali Shirazinia Mr. Wright Sigmund Mr. thomas Snedeker Mr. Pamela Sorensen Miss Allison Starling Miss Jane Gable Stockton Mr. Matthew Stoller Mr. Lindsay Stroud Mr. Brendan Sullivan Miss Lisa Sun Mr. Adrian Talbott Mr. and Mrs. Devin Talbott (Lauren) Mr. Sharam Tayebi Miss Ashley Taylor Mr. Joshua Thomas Mr. Will Thomas Miss Alexis Tobin Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Tracy (Norah O’Donnell) Mr. and Mrs. Lars Tray (Ada Polla)

Mr. Iman Tyson Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Underwood (Blair) Mr. Richard Valentine Mr. Jason van buren Miss Anne VanMeter Mr. and Mrs. Adam Waldman (Ashley Allen) Mr. Jibby Waldorff Mr. and Mrs. Clark Wallace (Katherine) Mr. John Wallace Mr. Lee Wang The Honorable and Mrs. Kevin Warsh (Jane Lauder) Ms. Katharine Weymouth Mr. Paul Wharton Mr. and Mrs. Burton White (Jill) Miss Elizabeth Wiley Mr. Brian Williams Mr. Andrew Wright Mr. Edoardo Zegna

sara abbott

Something on her mind…

“My father suffers from Alzheimer’s, and lately his health has been waning, so I’ve ramped up my involvement. I know this won’t cure him – but through it, I might be able to help someone else.”

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

sensational singles “Either/Or” with Washington’s Most Eligible (and available!)

Grant Allen

Dominique Dawes

Francis Hoang

29, Leo, venture capitalist, squash player, do-gooder, and one great looking guy.

31, Scorpio, Olympic gold medal gymnast, coach, speaker and all around over-achieving sexy babe.

34, Libra, hot-shot young lawyer in the West Wing, swing dancer, chef, UN peacekeeper, Japanese sword master, and bon vivant.

Snooze button or early bird: “Snooze.

on time or fashionably late: “Right

Sports Club L.A. or Down Dog Yoga:

My most creative moments of the day come concocting reasons for sleeping an extra eight minutes.”

on time – actually I’m a little early.”

Sports Club L.A.

Scrabble or Twister: “Twister, of course!

Play by the rules or question

I am a gymnast. I will win.”

authority: Question authority

New Year’s Eve or fourth of July:

Amstel Light or Veuve Clicquot:

Brooks Brothers or Zegna: Zegna

Ciroc!

Fiction or non-fiction: “Biographies.

Time to relax or get going: Always

Fourth of July Jeans or slacks: “I’d happily wear jeans

time to get going

Because it’s better to learn from others’ mistakes than your own.”

Tomboys or princesses: Princesses

Ethnic treats or All-American eats:

Traditional wedding or write your

RBV or green tea: RBV

Ethnic treats

own vows: Write your own vows

to work every day.”

P h oto of d om ini qu e dawe s by R oy Cox; ph oto of a ras h s hira zi by r on aira

Allison Parent

Arash Shirazi

Annie VanMeter

33, Aries, lawyer, dog owner, tennis player, and fly-fishing Texan with a penchant for race car drivers.

33, Virgo, president of Bullit Bookings music agency and agent for the über-hot electronic duo Deep Dish, alt. mogul and high-octane hipster.

26, Aries, art student, philanthropist, Junior Leaguer, and self-deprecating sweetheart.

Manolo Blahniks or barefoot in the park: Cowboy boots

Pragmatist or dreamer: Dreamer

Manolo Blahniks or barefoot in the

Middle of nowhere or middle of the

park: “Both. I like to take off my Manolos to go barefoot…”

Trust fund boys or techie

party: “Middle of the party, looking for

entrepreneurs: Finance junkies

the next party.”

Ocean or swimming pool:

Caffeine junkie or high on life:

“Swimming pool, preferably raining”

High on life

Scrabble or Twister: Scrabble

Phillips or Corcoran:

Cafe Milano or Café Deluxe:

Trust fund boys or techie

“I volunteer for both, so…”

Cafe Milano

entrepreneurs: “I’ll take either one!”

Ballroom or dirty dancing:

Beauty or brains: “I’d get in trouble if I

Gold Cup or Wizards Game: “I’m from

Strictly ballroom

answered this one honestly.”

Kentucky, so I’ve got to go with the horses.”

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

Pretty Woman or Love Actually:

Pretty Woman

61

special feature | THe young & the guest list

get to know the Y&GL five people you need to know TOM ADAMS The president and CEO of the world’s foremost language learning company, Rosetta Stone, takes a moment to translate the lingo of his life. hometown?

My life would be simpler if…

Stockholm, Sweden

Everyone spoke Swedish - though that would make the world less interesting.

favorite vacation spot?

Zanzibar,Tanzania

Whom do you look up to?

What do you do in your free time?

Cooking, biking and squash.

Arnold Schwarzenegger favorite restaurant and meal?

What three songs make up your

Chef ’s Tasting Menu at Rasika.

personal soundtrack?

something that most people don’t

Khaled - Aiicha; Dido – Bourne Ultimatum; Gran Canto de Puerto Rico – Azuquita pa’l Café

know about you?

favorite junk food?

IKEA’s Swedish meatballs

I’m not especially good at learning languages, even though I speak several fluently. movie you watch over and over again?

Lost in Translation

Brooke Johnston Miss U.K. wins the hearts of Washingtonians, assisting with coverage of the presidential primaries as a broadcast journalist.

Favorite sports teams?

Things you can’t live without?

Chelsea Football Club (soccer…), although I’ve recently been introduced to the Wizards and Redskins.

Tofu, travel, and The Simpsons.

Favorite restaurant and meal?

Neyla. I’ve been a vegetarian for 15 years, so I love Lebanese food. It has a great selection of meatless dishes.

Something most people don’t know about you?

I play a lot of chess. I once drew with [Russian Grandmaster ] Anatoly Karpov.

62

What worries you?

I don’t really worry about anything. I’m generally pretty relaxed and positive.

What do you most love about D.C.?

I love that D.C. is a sophisticated and intellectual city. And I really love all my wonderful new friends.

What do you least like about D.C.?

The level of poverty and homelessness.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

Constantine Gogos This Lincoln Property Co. real estate superstar combines Southern charm with East-Coast savvy.

Something most people don’t know about you?

That I’m really a homebody. I like being at home and cooking at home. I pretty much believe that if you can do something fun when you’re out, it’s going to be more fun at home.

Describe your personal style.

I dress traditionally British but with a Texas touch, like belt buckles and cowboy boots.

I got my first pair when I was two, and I’ve

built my collection up to more than I can mention.The craftsmanship on cowboy boots is incredible.

Things you can’t live without?

My dogs; ladies; Johnny Walker Blue; and cigars. I have my own cigars made in Florida and I have my own label, CBG.They’re mild, with Connecticut wrappers.

My life would be simpler if…

Hmmm, I have a boat. And my life would be simpler if I did not have a boat.

Joanna Block The president of Kiron Global Strategies is also an avid equestrienne, Georgetown basketball fan and strawberry-cupcake-lover. sports teams you root for?

The First Chukker Polo Team, the Yankees, the Knicks, the Redskins, and the Washington Wizards.

Predictions for Georgetown

I also started my own business when I was uncertain, and it has been a tremendous success. favorite junk food?

basketball?

Strawberry cupcakes from Baked and Wired in Georgetown.

The tall guy, Roy Hibbert, will bring them back to a winning season.

something most people don’t know

What are you most proud of?

I ride horses in the desert in Kuwait.

about you?

My horseback riding accomplishments;

Justin Fishkin After seven years in the Big Apple, this 29 year-old native son returned home to launch his own hedge fund and keep closer tabs on his labor of love, digital indie label Holster Records.

Vacation spot?

What scares you?

Tamarindo Diria,Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Sharks. But not enough to keep me dry.

In ten years I will be…

my life would be simpler if...

Still at my desk. Closer to a beach. Hopefully affecting positive change.

The market opened at noon.

What are you most proud of?

Crepes at Café Bonaparte; Pizza at Sette Bello

My parents. 36 years of marriage and counting.

Something most people don’t know

Favorite restaurant and meal?

about you?

I sing loudly when I drive alone..

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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2008

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63

special feature | society

Barbarians at the gate

The Strange World of Uninvited Guests

Illu st ration by J C Sua rè s.

By An g el a Vald e z

64

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| FEBRUARY

2008

| washingtonlife.com

I

n December, Vanity Fair published an or Kuwait. The Saudis, Chaffee says, “don’t shindigs are charity fundraisers, crashing isn’t obituary for the Washington social entertain much.” And when they do, there’s no cute for long.“When you start getting into your scene.The capital city ain’t what it was, booze. “Dry receptions are less interesting,” he 30s, you’re basically defrauding a charity.” the magazine lamented. Power-hungry says, adding, “for the crasher.”

Some party-goers are satisfied with achieving Our own government is the stingiest at something for nothing. They want to graze on lobbyists have replaced Georgetown hostesses, and instead of writers and artists the door. No one gets past the name-checkers free canapés and guzzle drinks from the open bar. they invite policy wonks and vapid blondes to at White House parties if they’re not on the Others are willing to exchange cash for social their exclusive, and dull, soirées. It’s a shame, list. Not even the chairman of the Holocaust capital — a sign that, in Washington, power still although the article makes you wonder if Museum, who arrived, uninvited, at the über- trumps money. One local security expert says there’s anyone left to shed a tear. elite White House Hanukah Party one recent tuxedoed wannabes have shoved hundreds of Naysayers aside, one tradition has endured year. He stood outside in the cold and made dollars his way for the chance to get in on the through this period of decline. Party-crashing his case, and he was sent back home like a last 20 minutes of a black-tie event at the Ritz or is still a Washington obsession. common crasher, according to a source who the Hilton. Offers of sexual favors aren’t unusual Consider, for example, the cadre of young men regularly attends the event. (The next year, he either, he says. A few devilish boyfriends have who make a yearly assault on a certain urged their own dates to take one for male-dominated gala at the Washington the team, in the broom closet.

For those who value quality over Hilton. They’ve shown up nine years in a row—and get caught every time. boyfriends have even urged their own dates to quantity, a handful of big events top The guys arrive in casual attire, khakis take one for the team…in the broom closet.” the list: The White House holiday and button-downs, and carry albums of parties, major media anniversaries, photographs documenting past brushes and of course, Fight Night. Perhaps the most sought-after invitation in Washington with fame. At first, they tried to pass themselves and several colleagues were on the list).

Some of the most crash-worthy events are is the Bloomberg party after the White House off as reporters. Now they’ve moved on to less confrontational means, forcing their hands into private affairs that don’t get coverage in glossy Correspondent’s dinner. Ever since a 2004 New discarded wrist bands and inching through service magazines. The young Republican hostess York Times story on the shenanigans of uninvited exits. Sometimes, they coordinate distractions in Juleanna Glover throws the kinds of parties that guests, the party’s hosts have started asking for the hopes of getting at least one of the gang into suggest Vanity Fair got it wrong. For raucous ID at the door. That didn’t stop one journalist the smoke-filled ballroom. Their yearly busts gatherings at her Kalorama home, she invites from finagling past the threshold with her date. and dull attire suggest the young men care more guests from a spectrum of political viewpoints, Without ID, they announced themselves as Mr. about the thrill of the caper than getting in. most of them reporters, Hill staffers and and Mrs.Thomas Friedman.

Washington has a long history of notorious The boys are not alone. This annual event consultants.The best chemistry, she says, happens also attracts door-busters with more earnest when some feisty media type loosens up and crashers. They call event planners to accept aims. One year, security officers interrupted a lets rip a controversial remark. (One of the most invitations they never received, or RSVP on young woman making the rounds with a stack reliable performers in Washington: Christopher behalf of someone they aren’t. According to of baseball-style business cards with her photo Hitchens, after a few sips). Glover says crashing one partygoer, everyone (except this reporter, on the front and a phone number on the back. isn’t much of an issue at her parties, since the apparently) knows about the young woman The lady claimed “modeling” as her business. only people who know about them are those who refers to herself as an Middle Eastern Her colleagues have long favored the event who get her personal welcome. As it turns out, princess, and parlays her bogus royal title into for its choice clientele: wealthy men drinking invitees tend to pass along the welcome, which regular invitations. (No one believes her for a whiskey without their wives. accounted for the close quarters at one recent second, but they generally don’t care.) Then Veteran party-chronicler Kevin Chaffee, the party for Washington Post writer Dana Milbank. there’s the well-placed couple, with Near social editor of The Washington Times, says the Glover doesn’t seem to mind the crashers.“I like Eastern connections, who promised a major professional crashers know how to pick their meeting new people,” she says. contribution to get into a Washington National Like more refined methods of social Opera gala, and never paid a cent. targets. Embassy shindigs are the easiest to breach, Whatever their methods and motivations, he says. One look at the State Department’s climbing, party-crashing doesn’t necessarily Diplomatic List will net a calendar of National condemn the culprit to a life of shame. If the crashers haven’t stopped trying to get past Days for each foreign mission. Crashers dress you’re good-looking or rich or charming the guest list. Maybe the glory days are gone, approporiately and show up late. enough, you might just get away with it. or more likely, were never as glamorous as we Of course, not all nations are as welcoming “It’s one thing if you’re an attractive college imagine. But so long as the parties are still as, say, the French. Don’t even think of crashing student and you’re just having some fun” worth crashing, the epitaph on the Washington the parties thrown by Russia, Britain, Israel Chaffee says. But since so many of the city’s big social scene will have to wait.

“A few devilish

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| FEBRUARY

2008

| washingtonlife.com

65

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lifeStyles

Fashion, Art, Collectibles, Dining, and Travel | Chefs Under 40, Washington’s Next Generation Artists, and Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Brooke daley at cafe leopold Julie Haus yellow chiffon top ($198); Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700. Louis Vuitton cruise shorts ($1,215); Louis Vuitton, 1-866VUITTON. Cole Haan yellow croc print heels ($375); Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700. 14K yellow gold amethyst charm bracelet ($595) and 14K yellow gold amethyst cocktail ring ($850); Boone & Sons Jewelers, 5550 The Hills Plaza, Chevy Chase, Md. 301-657-2144.Jimmy Choo Tasha green wild nappa bag ($1,295); Jimmy Choo Boutiques, www.jimmychoo.com or 1-866-JCHOO-US.

A Day in the life Our hot, successful Young & the Guest Listers go about their daily routines and explore Cady’s Alley…

Tim Coburn Style by L a n a O r l o f f hair and Styling by J a m e s C o r n w e l l Photography by

M a k e - u p,

w i t h P r @ pa r t n e r s H a i r : L o r e t ta J a m e s o n w i t h P r @ pa r t n e r s S h o o t Ass i s t a n t s : A m a n d a C o n s e c o a n d M e l i ss a G r a d y w i t h P r @ p a r t n e r s

Flavious Mihaies at contemporaria Writes and consults on globalization as a research associate at the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies.

He is a fundraiser and consultant for Agora Partnerships, a D.C.-based non-profit dedicated to helping socially responsible entrepreneurs in emerging markets. Originally from France, he received a joint masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in political science and international relations from Britianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oxford University. He is a singer, a Krav Maga aficionado, and an avid cook.

Ben Sherman charcoal sport coat ($199), RVCA green t-shirt ($29), Diesel jeans ($218), and Von Zipper black aviator sunglasses ($135); South Moon Under, 2700 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, Va., 703-807-4083.

dominique dawes valets in style Olympic gold medalist turned motivational speaker, spokeswoman and coach. A UMD graduate, she has represented the Girl Scouts and Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty, been a supporter of CARE’s “I Am Powerful” campaign and been a mentor with the Hoop Dreams scholarship program in Washington, D.C. Her motivational CD, “Envision,” is available at www.

DominiqueDawes.com.

Louis Vuitton Mahina XL bag ($3,000) and Dahlia ankle strap sandals ($1,160); Louis Vuitton, 1-866-VUITTON. Robert Rodriguez green ruffled top ($264) and Rock & Republic dark wash denim jeans ($222); Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700. Gorjana gold teardrop earrings ($65); Wink, 3109 M St. NW, 202-338-9465. 14K yellow gold Asch Grossbardt bangle bracelet ($8,800); Boone & Sons Jewelers, 5550 The Hills Plaza, Chevy Chase, Md. 301-657-2144. Lamborghini Gallardo ($1000 for 12 hours rental, M–TH); Capital Dream Cars, www.capitaldreamcars.com, 703-785-9357.

Grant Allen cruises the canal Allen is a venture capitalist at Core Capital Partners, a $350 million early stage private equity fund. A writer and entrepreneur, the Duke engineering and Wharton M.B.A. graduate co-founded the Ocular Melanoma Foundation, a research and advocacy entity focused on eye cancer, in honor of his ophthalmologist father. He has also worked overseas with his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s philanthropy, International Cooperating Ministries, and advises FareShare, a D.C.-based non-profit providing MetroCards to homeless veterans.

Zegna Sport grey solar jacket ($995), navy and white hooded sweater ($325), navy metallic denim jeans ($335), and green gym kit ($450); Ermenegildo Zegna, Tysons Galleria, Va., 571-730-1900.

Brooke Daley (and poppy) This legislative assistant on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was the youngest staff member on a recent committee fact-finding mission looking into U.S. foreign assistance programs.

Last summer she traveled to Nicaragua, Honduras, Bangladesh, Rwanda and Tanzania. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a double major in Diplomatic History and English and will be attending law school in the fall. Brooke loves anything involving sports, travel or wine.

Dior by John Galliano Legend trench in zebra ($5,990) and Folies black suede shoes ($695); Christian Dior Boutique, 5510 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-652-2911. 18K white gold pavĂŠ diamond flower cocktail ring ($4,950), 18K white gold diamond butterfly pendant ($2,950) and 18K white gold diamond earrings (price upon request); Boone & Sons Jewelers, 5550 The Hills Plaza, Chevy Chase, Md. 301-657-2144. Gold double-rimmed metallic headband ($19.95); South Moon Under, 2700 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, Va., 703-807-4083.

PAMELA BROWN at l2 This weekend morning anchor is also a general assignment reporter with ABC7/ WJLA-TV and NewsChannel 8. Outside of work, she enjoys involvement in the community and volunteers with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America. She is a broadcast journalism graduate of the University of North Carolina and a rabid Tarheels fan. Pamela is also an avid equestrienne who loves to travel.

WILL THOMAS at l2 Anchors the weekend editions of FOX 5 News at 5, FOX 5 News at 10 and The Edge at 11. The EMMY award winner has reported on the September 11th attacks and the disappearance of Chandra Levy, and has traveled around the world, covering political conventions and breaking international stories. Outside of work, he serves on the board of the National Kidney Foundation.

WILL: Scotch and soda brown sport coat ($140), tailgate purple t-shirt ($35), seven for all mankind dark wash jeans ($183), and Leather Island by Bill Lavin graffiti watercolor belt ($39); South Moon Under, 2700 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, Va., 703-807-4083. PAMELA: Louis Vuitton cruise short sleeve blouse ($1,823); Louis Vuitton, 1-866-VUITTON. Ralph Lauren white cotton pants ($398); Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700. Kenneth Jay Lane silver metallic square bracelet ($80); Wink, 3109 M St. NW, 202-338-9465.

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DIOR by galliano babe pink clutch satin ($3,800).

Christian Dior, Boutique, 5471 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md.,301-986-8715.

MIU MIU raso shine slide with jewel and grosgrain bow ($550). www.saks.com.

TEMPLE ST. CLARE 18K Gold Butterfly Rock Crystal with rose cut mixed sapphires ($17,500) and 18K Gold Arno necklace ($2,900).

Available in March at www.templestclair.com.

DEVI KROELL wooden clutch ($1,590). Hu’s Shoes, 3005 M St. NW, 202-342-0202.

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REBECCA TAYLOR magenta beaded mini dress ($336). Urban Chic, 1626 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-338-5398.

Nanette Lapore Rosa Cha

74

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| fe b r u a r y

2008

| washingtonlife.com

GUCCI white GG plus boston bag with yellow leather trim ($640-$530). Gucci, 5481 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-986-8902.

PEDRE silvertone yellow/ white bicolor strap watch ($68). The Cottage Monet, Rockville Town Center, 36 Maryland Ave., Rockville, Md., 301-279-2422.

yellow

fever D

esigners and fashionistas have already caught it, and it’s spreading like wildfire – Spring runways were full of yellows offering an easy transition from a stark winter into a more glorious spring. Shopping for something new? Opt for ecru, mustard, or canary. But be forewarned, this color is not for the meek. – Yona Park

CLUB MONACO yellow cotton trench ($229); available March. Club Monaco, 3235 M St. NW, 202-965-2118.

KOOBA Nelli bag ($635). Neiman Marcus, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-9700.

Shoshanna Phillip Lim

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lifestyles | trend report

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sweet seduction EBERJAY petites fleurs bra ($42) and knicker ($32). Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000.

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he ritual of seduction is an art form that is nearly archaic in our fastpaced, gratify-me-now society. Bring it back in style with some sexy and subtle under-style. Linger in a hot bath, lather scented lotion over your limbs and slowly don these lacy pieces. The act of dressing can be just as seductive as disrobing. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Yona Park

BELLABUMBUM olivia cami ($51) and loungepant ($65). Coup de Foudre Lingerie, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-393-0878.

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JUICY COUTURE cupcake couture boyshorts set ($45). Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000.

Chantelle Caprice green/rose demi cup bra ($115) and thong ($68).

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JODI GALLAER lingerie vintage red chemise ($59).

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lifestyles | Fashion Event Ashley Taylor and Barbara Harrison

Kendall and Maryann Forward

The “It” Party at Neiman Marcus Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie Chevy Chase

Pamela Sorenson and Sarah Elder

Photos by Tony Powell

THE EVENT: An afternoon of cocktails, bites from Jaleo and Jack’s, manicures and contemporary fashions to benefit “Once Upon A Prom,” a non-profit organization dedicated to providing prom dresses to underserved schools. THE SCENE: NBC4’s Barbara Harrison, Lisa Sun, and Carolina Furukrona took in a fashion show which included modern designers Alice + Olivia, Milly, and Theory.

Shoppers enjoyed tunes spun throughout the afternoon.

Guests nibbled on bites from Jack’s and Jaleo while shopping From left, fashions by Milly, Alice & Olivia and Nanette Lepore.

lifestyles | life of the party

Yun Chong, John and Pat Condon, Irene Bartell, and Mary Boulware wl exclusive

Masters of Tiffany Design Tiffany & Co. Photos by Paul Simkin

THE EVENT: Friends and clients gathered for cocktails to celebrate Round, the latest collection for Tiffany & Co. by legendary jewelry designer Elsa Peretti, whose Bean and Heart designs have become iconic symbols of this preeminent jeweler. The guests: Jean Wolf, Kathy Williams, Frank and Dianne Arcarro, Andrew and Rebecca Howard, Gail Santucci, and Kevin and Donna Marvin.

catering by design 703.979.9400 â&#x20AC;˘ WWW.DESIGNCUISINE.COM

Melanie and Victor Mathur

Rebecca and Andrew Howard

Diane Ray Brown, Frank Arcaro, and Mary Adams

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Kathy Williams and Jean Wolf

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lifestyles | fashion icon

On Italian Elegance Lila Castellaneta, wife of Italian Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta, shares a few fashionable moments with Gildo Zegna Lila Castellaneta: What do you think

our heritage.

has given Zegna so much staying power in the notoriously fickle fashion industry?

Ermenegildo Zegna: We control every aspect of the production process from the best raw materials to creating our fabrics. I think this has enabled us to maintain steady growth and innovation without being subject to fashion trends.

LC: Where do you envision the brand

in ten years?

GZ: Starting in 2010, we will celebrate our 100-year anniversary, and the current expansion of our retail presence is a key element to increasing sales and global brand awareness.

LC: What is the interplay between

LC: Your new Tysons Galleria boutique

is the first Zegna shop in the Washington area. What attracted you to the region?

GZ: We have had our eyes on the D.C. area for a while and we thought that the development of Tysons Galleria was the best opportunity.

We are expecting a very eclectic and internationally minded customer.

the house of Zegna and your more adventurous Z Zegna collection?

GZ: Ermenegildo Zegna is pure sartorial Ermenegildo Zegna and Lila Castellaneta at the Italian residence for a dinner in honor of Ermenegildo Zegna’s new Tysons Galleria luxury. Z Zegna and Zegna Sport are boutique. (Photo by Vicky Pombo) our accessible luxury collection, the former more fashionable and the latter LC: You represent the third generation running more active sportswear oriented. the family business. Does that have a significant meaning for you?

LC: Describe the ideally well-dressed man.

GZ: Yes, very much so. My grandfather, GZ: The Zegna man is always discreet in his Ermenegildo, started the company in 1910 uniqueness and elegance, and he greatly values in Trivero, a small town in the Biella Alps. He high quality product; yet, his confidence comes focused on selection of the best raw materials from being comfortable in how he presents and innovation in creativity, the production himself. Personality comes first. process, and the promotion of the brand.

My uncle, Aldo, and my father, Angelo, LC: Does history play in the creative process took over management of the company at Zegna? in the ’60s, leading the ready-to-wear GZ: Yes, it does. We have one of the richest business into high-end markets. In the archival textile collections in all of Italy, and ’80s, our vertical integration process each season we draw inspiration from different was completed with the opening of pieces from within in the archive. our first boutique. With today’s third generation, led by my LC: What are some of the strongest trends in cousin, Paolo Zegna, as menswear this spring? chairman and myself, GZ: Spring/Summer 2008 is all about a clean as CEO, we have over silhouette, light and airy fabrics and also 550 stores worldwide. innovation in design. Our company is very We are very proud of environmentally conscious. It is in that spirit that we created the Solar Jacket – the world’s Collections from first luxury jacket that can recharge a mobile Ermenegildo Zegna and Zegna Sport are both phone, iPod or handheld communication available at Ermenegildo device, by harnessing the sun’s energy.

Zegna, Tysons Galleria, Va., 571-730-1900.

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lifestyles | paint the town

Performance artist Shana Lutker debuts “Hear it Here” at Art Basel Miami Beach 2007’s “Art Perform.”

Art Costco for

Billionaires Welcome to sunny Miami – and to Art Basel, the yearly event at which the art world becomes a world unto itself. We follow Washington’s art collecting contingent and soak up the rays, artists and million-dollar deals.

By jan et d o n ovan

L

a Vida Loca. The only reason not to go back to Art Basel this year would be because we hadn’t recovered from last year’s event. Held in Miami in early December, Art Basel is the largest and most prestigious art show in the United States. It features modern and contemporary art and is like Mardi Gras, New Year’s Eve, and Cinco de Mayo rolled into one. Think Lear Jets, Ferraris, Maseratis, celebrities, supermodels, and conspicuous consumption. And we haven’t even gotten to the art yet.

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For art junkies Aniko Gaal Schott and Marsha Ralls, the sights and sounds of Art Basel evoke a sense of unreserved abandon: a kaleidoscope of sumptuous, creative activity blended with street vendors and sidewalk DJs. “It’s fascinating to be in a global stampede of art where $400 million can be spent in four days – and it’s equally fascinating to observe the very subtle ways of making a deal,” said Gaal Schott, a Washington-based interior designer.

For Ralls, a Georgetown gallery owner, it’s a place to replenish her stock and discover

new artists while they’re still affordable. “Art is organically grown – it is the spirit of the community,” said in a recent interview.

Murano at Portofino in Miami Beach, the South Florida home of Washingtonians Hilda and Arturo Brillembourg, served as welcome mat for the Washington contingent’s first party (where guests included JoAnn and John Mason). Cohosted by Isabel and Ricardo Ernst, the abundant art and the spectacular view were preludes to an unforgettable week.

“It’s a unique chance to witness contemporary

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Bikinis, Mojitos, and Raushenbergs: Life’s a Beach at Art Basel Miami By isabel ernst

T Above: Michael Sonnenreich, Virginia Shore, and John Mason. Right: Mark T. Smith with his piece, REHAB (Photo by Janet Donovan).

“It’s fascinating to be in a global stampede of art where 400 million dollars can be spent in four days.”

creativity in the span of a couple of days; it charges one’s batteries for the rest of the year,” Hilda Brillembourg remarked.

Sotheby’s Institute of Art – which offers courses in “Contemporary Art” and “The Business of Art” as part of a preparatory program for careers in many sectors of the international art world – was spearheaded by Advisory Board Member JoAnn Mason. “Art Basel is a chance to mingle with collectors, curators, dealers, critics and art enthusiasts from all over the world. Sotheby’s student program is for those who want a more in-depth experience during the fair,” Mason said.

The morning call was to the gallery of Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz, a structural phenomenon well known in art circles. Guests also appreciated the croissant and jelly laden breakfast with Cuban coffee on the sprawling lawn, which gave one ample opportunity to soak in the sun and floral scents of Miami.

“Here are some recent acquisitions,” Isabel Ernst explained, giving guests a guided tour of her former childhood home.“My mother [Rosa de la Cruz] spends part of her year traveling, especially to Germany, where she visits artists and galleries. She is not really a collector, but a patron.

When she commits to a work, she commits to

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the artist by following the artist’s career; she really enjoys helping out younger artists,” Ernst said.

“I was totally captivated by new digital art and art forms,” said Gaal Schott, recalling the weekend. “I was especially impressed by those that Rosa has among her collection: Christopher Wool, Kelly Walker and Jonathan Meese. The linen art of Sergei Jensen, the Polish paintings of Paulina Olowaka and the installation art of Felix Gonzales Torres were amazing.”

She continued: “The de la Cruz collection was my favorite treat; so cutting-edge; it was a feast for the eyes. To share these works of art with 1,000 people each day for breakfast was the ultimate generosity. Meeting artist Jorge Pardo, whose work as a designer of lighting fixtures, sculptures and paintings demonstrates the deep connection between designer and artist, was a privilege.”

The four-day visual marathon, which the New York Times referred to as “art Costco for billionaires,” showcased more than 2,000 artists and nearly as many celebrities in hot pants.

“It’s hard to describe the scale and breadth of Art Basel Miami Beach; it simply must be experienced firsthand,” said Washington artist Mark T. Smith, who showed his own work there.

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he 2007 Art Basel Miami Beach became a romp in the sun for artloving Washingtonians joining 40,000 other hipsters for the biggest art-o-rama this side of the Atlantic.

From December 59, over 20 parallel fairs included over 1,115 galler ies selling new, chic, fantastic, progressive, transgressive, and ironic art from global artists (not Isabel Ernst to mention parties, parties, parties, Miami-beach style).

What was there? Shoes and watches, children’s toys and sex toys, kaleidoscopes, aprons, corn houses, a potato-powered camera that photographed the sun before being stolen, giant canvases, 600 nudes in a hotel, medicine cabinets, sequins, Paris Hilton painted by a mental patient, chains, candy, art, and Art, and maybe a little junk, too.

When Paul McCarthy’s Chocolate Santas failed to satisfy, the svelte, Perrier Jouetsipping crowd eyed Jorge Pargo’s exhibition “House” at MOCA and The Moore Space’s show, “French Kissin’ in the U.S.A,” which showed works from 19 new French artists.

Craig Robins and Dacra Development sponsored exhibitions in the Miami Design District that merged art and design.

Rosa and Carlos Cruz’s guests admired Latin-American art in the couple’s waterfront home. The Rubells opened their museumhome to 2,000 guests, who donned latex gloves before eating croissants, eggs, and bacon at a post-postmodern buffet.

For the slim, stylish Washingtonian with money (and pasty skin) to burn, the 2007 Art Basel Miami Beach was the place to see, be seen, and see Art. 2008’s fair can only be a must-go show – let’s hope the Mojitos wear off by then!

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lifestyles | PAINT THE TOWN

New School in Session

In Washington, artistic regimes change more subtly than the every-fourth-year fracas of politics By beth farnstrom

I

t’s a new year. Out with the old, sure; but it’s nigh on impossible to separate modern art from its influences. The two are so densely enmeshed that separating original from borrowed is like sifting the Augean Stables for one particular horse’s handiwork. Nevertheless, we’d like to talk about the new class. It’s been argued by certain sage citizens that Washington’s art has entered a boom period these past few years – one imagines that credit must be divvyed up between the Class of 2008 and its artsy antecedents. Here’s hoping this postmodern pep rally pays adequate tribute as we venture onto Washington’s artistic playing field. WL spoke to emerging – and established – talent about creating art in the District.

What does it mean to be an artist in Washington?

Colby Caldwell: Politics will always be top

dog here, and most everything else continues to percolate in its own little universe. D.C. does

have a rich history culturally and musically – think of [’80s punk record label] Dischord and the [old] Washington Project for the Arts.

When I first got here, the gallery scene was still primarily based in Dupont Circle. Ewing, Jones Troyer, Tartt, and Middendorf were the more prominent spaces. Now it has pockets on 14th, Florida, 7th, Dupont and Mt. Rainer, among others.

As the city is preoccupied with politics and the Redskins, artists are left to their own devices for the most part. Trial and error can take place without the wilting scrutiny that comes with L.A. and New York City zip codes.

You can make your work at your own speed, not necessarily the speed of the market.

James Huckenpahler: There’s less money floating around for the arts than New York City or LA. However, it’s cheaper to get by as a young artist in D.C. than in New York.

Why live there when you can catch a bus up?

That’s what most of the collectors do. D.C. is, relatively speaking, an artificial city – most

of the wealth and education comes and goes with administrations. And people associated with administrations – policy makers, lobbyists, even non-profit watchdogs – can’t always afford to challenge the political and cultural status quo. Could you image a Kara Walker installation in the White House? I’ve heard that D.C. has the most literate population in the U.S., which impacts the intellectual climate in the art scene – there’s been much more conceptually challenging work in the last ten years: the continued success of Martin Irvine [the director of Irvine Contemporary] is proof of that.

Lisa Marie Thalhammer: The existence of approachable non-profit visual art exhibition spaces, like Transformer, really sold me on the city.

James Huckenpahler: Earlier this decade, there were collectives like Decatur Blue and Signal 66. I was with Fusebox from its conception until they closed, and though it was a commercial gallery, it was definitely a team effort – from defining the mission to mopping

Colby Caldwell has been awarded the Excellence

Lisa Marie Thalhammer has received

in Photography Award as well as the Eugene Weiss Scholarship. He is currently assistant professor of art at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and has served on the faculty of the Corcoran College of Art and Design for many years. Caldwell has been a bulwark of the local art scene for more than 20 years.

numerous arts awards, including the Amsden Award, the Hollander Family Foundation Award, the Daniel Macmorris Scholarship, the Warner Ferguson Service Scholarship and the Jacobs Prize.

Thalhammer recently received a SPP grant from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

Writer and performance artist Holly Bass has presented her work at the Kennedy Center, the Whitney Museum and the Experience Music Project (Seattle). Critics have hailed her performances as “mesmerizing” (The Village Voice), “eloquent”(The Washington Post) and “affecting” (The New York Times).

James Huckenpahler lives in Washington,

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is represented by Hemphill Fine Arts, and is recovering nicely from his recent solo exhibition, “Mindless Pleasures.” His work can be seen in the exhibition “15 for Philip: Fifteen Artists Look at Arts Patron Philip Barlow,” from January 12 February 16, 2008 at Hemphill Gallery.

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the floors on opening day, we all pitched in, even artists who weren’t represented. In general, artists, collectors and gallery owners are really raising the bar locally. In response, local museums are paying more attention and creating more opportunities for D.C. artists.

Holly Bass: I definitely feel like there’s some kind of zeitgeist happening here and now that’s similar to the punk movement or the early ’80s art scene at dcspace. There’s a lack of pretension in D.C. that’s really refreshing.

James Huckenpahler: The real estate boom here has also created big opportunities for artists. More people have the luxury to own art – not just financial luxury, but spatial luxury.

People actually have the room to surround themselves with sensual experiences: not just small pieces, but ones with scale and scope.The urban architecture from the 1920s through the mid-’90s didn’t really allow for that.

Above: Huckenpahler’s “inferno,” 2007; Top right: one of Thalhammer’s Lot Lizards series, “D04 C07,” 2007; Bottom right: Caldwell’s “gestus (11),” 2006.

When did art become your focus?

James Huckenpahler: The real turning point

for me was in the summer of ’85, when I read an interview with Brian Eno that introduced me to John Cage, Steve Reich and the notion of working procedurally.

Colby Caldwell: In my “Europe between the Wars” class at Appalachian State, my papers quickly became filled with more photographs than words. The professor suggested I might

is Art an interaction between viewers and the artist?

James Huckenpahler: If you make art for

yourself, it’s therapy. In my mind, art is, by definition, meant to be seen. People looking at a work add layers of interpretation to the piece that accumulate over time, making it more valuable. Think of the Mona Lisa; it’s been viewed and reproduced a million times in a million contexts. It’s been praised, questioned, parodied, copied, referenced and transformed.

All of those things have added both cultural – and monetary – value to the work.

Lisa Marie Thalhammer: The images artists make live outside them and take on a larger life.

As viewers, we all have our own subjectivity and set of experiences that we bring to a work of art.

Holly Bass: I do multidisciplinary performance, so I’m physically present in the interaction between audience and art. I always have a concept in mind. For instance, with my current pieces “(Uppity Negroes on) Parade” and “Pay Purview,” I’m very focused on booties and the representation

Holly Bass in “Diary of a Baby Diva.”

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look into a different field of work. But it was meeting the photographer Joe Mills as a guest artist in my second year photography class that gave me a sense that alternatives existed.

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of black women in popular media.

How to create anything unique?

James Huckenpahler: I’m conscious of my

influences; I evaluate my own work by questioning when I’ve extended my influences, not just copied them. Someone – it may have been Hans Ulrich Obrist – asked Gerhard Richter if painting was dead, and he responded that painting is not dead just like sex is not dead. Originality and significance are not the same thing.

Lisa Marie Thalhammer: Everything is about influence.You cannot escape it. Pure originality does not exist.

Colby Caldwell: By continuing to be artists when they’re old.

Holly Bass: I don’t worry about originality too much. Everything these days seems to be about nostalgia and referencing the past – even in popular media.We’ve already got “I Love the ’90s,” and we haven’t even gotten through the current decade yet. I think it’s best to be ballsy and confident about your work. I stand by what I make. And I’m prepared to frame it in different ways for different audiences, because ultimately this idea of distinguishing oneself is more about the art market than about the creative process, isn’t it?

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lifestyles | art and auction

Off the Charts

David Rubenstein buys the Magna Carta for $21 million

By Renee Drake

O

n December 18th in Sotheby’s New York auction rooms a buyer purchased one of the most important manuscripts in existence for the staggering price of $21,321,000.

Luckily for America, the patriotic buyer was David Rubenstein, a co-founder of The Carlyle Group, global private equity firm. The royal document being offered on the podium that evening was none other than the world famous Magna Carta, the most famous document in existence. For 22 years, it had been on view

The Magna Carta, issued by King Edward I in 1297 and is considered the most important document ever offered at Auction.

“Over the years, millions

of people visiting the Rotunda had viewed the Magna Carta, which is widely considered to be “the birth certificate of freedom.” alongside the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States at the National Archives in Washington.

Originally owned by the Brudnell family of Deene Park, Northhampstonshire, England, since the late 14th century, the document was acquired by the Perot Foundation in 1983 and immediately placed on exhibition in the United States in the Rotunda of the National Archives so it could be seen in America. When the Perot Foundation decided to offer the document at public auction to generate proceeds to benefit its charitable activities, the extraordinary document was at risk of vanishing from public view in America. Upon hearing of the upcoming sale, Rubenstein, who had visited the Archives several times to view the manuscript was convinced that it needed to stay in America. Rubenstein, who worked in the White House during the Carter Administration, decided to bid on the document so that he could restore it to the exhibition space at the National Archives.

Over the years, millions of people visiting the National Archives had

viewed the Magna Carta, which is widely considered to be “ the birth certificate of freedom.” Dated 1297 and issued by King Edward I, the iconic vellum manuscript is the original charter enshrining the rights of man into English law. The Magna Carta, which is Latin for “Great Charter,” expresses the fundamental idea that no man is above the law, and it required the king to renounce certain rights, respect legal procedures and accept that his will could be bound by law.

The copy sold by Sotheby’s is one of fewer than 20 examples of the Magna Carta, one of only two copies outside of England and the only one ever likely to be sold publicly. Its spirit is dear to Americans as it is considered to be the inspiration for the founding fathers of America when they asserted their rightful liberties from King George III and the English Parliament.

After becoming the successful buyer at the sale, Rubenstein, who intends to place the document back on view at the National Archives, said, “ Today is a good day for our country. I am an American citizen; I work in Washington, D.C., 300 feet from the National Archives.This document stands the test of time.

There is nothing more important than what it represents. I am privileged to be the new owner, but I am only a temporary custodian.

This is a gift to the American people.”

Readers wishing to get in touch with Renee can email: columns@washingtonlife.com.

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Lifestyles | paint the town Michael Rankin, Greg Gaddy, and Dave Jenks

Beth and Peter Powning with Brian Gable and Alyssa Sager

Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international realty Holiday Art Show The Ground Floor Gallery Photos by kyle samperton

The Event: The Ground Floor Gallery (1918 S St. NW), co-owned by Adam Berg and David Lane, opened for an intimate holiday art preview, sponsored by Tutt, Taylor and Rankin Realty and hosted by Carroll Dey and Greg Gaddy.

Estelle Baumhauer with Tim Brockhoff

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse provided tasty treats for art appreciators. w l e x cl u s i v e

HABATAT GALLERIEs Tysons Corner, Va. Photos by Mark Burron

The Event: Habatat Galleries hosted an exclusive opening featuring the sculpture of artists Peter Powning and Tanija and Graham Carr. Gallery owners Jay and Lindsey Scott welcomed guests eager to view the exquisite glasswork and mixed media sculpture; beverage sponsor Stella Artois provided the beer, Chima Brazilian Steakhouse the tasty tidbits.

Gerry Coates, Greg Busch, and Matt Lamm

Delicate glass sculpture filled the attractively appointed display cases.

Jay and Lindsey Scott

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Elsa Gebreyesus, Tanja Bos, and Alex Lofgren

Caroll Dey with Kathleen Ralston

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lifestyles | the dish

The Young and Delicious Eight of the city’s top chefs – all under the age of forty – reveal what it takes to create good food, during those intensely hot, blood-boilingly stressful and amazingly sublime fourteen-hour days By ann mah

A

h, professional cooking. “It’s a NW), a sleek wine-centric restaurant with fresh, young person’s game,” chef, author modern fare. “Eventually, knees start to go.” For and culinary adventurer Anthony these chefs, this means striving for success early.

Bourdain has said. Indeed, despite “Eventually, it’s more about teaching other people this town’s predilection for age over beauty, a to cook,” says Ethan McKee, 30, chef at the healthy, flock of talented young chefs environmentally conscientious has descended upon the capital, eatery Rock Creek. (4917 making it one of the country’s Elm St., Bethesda, Md.) “Once hottest dining scenes. you become a chef, the important “D.C. isn’t as stringent and thing is to become a good manager, crazy a dining town as New York,” organizer and teacher.” It also means says Barton Seaver, executive developing your own cooking style chef and partner at Hook (3241 says Nico Amroune, 38, chef at M St. NW), “but young chefs are Teatro Goldoni (1909 K St. given a chance to make some NW). “To be successful, you have headlines.” Seaver, 28, has certainly to be yourself.” attracted the spotlight at his chic Though only 38, Cathal Georgetown restaurant, which Armstrong, chef and owner of serves responsibly sourced seafood Restaurant Eve (110 S. Pitt and local products: “The way St., Alexandria) – which features Americans eat is changing. It’s a elegant, regional American new form of environmentalism.” cuisine – and The Majestic Local products also play a and Eamonn’s A Dublin significant role at the FrancoChipper, has already stepped into modern CityZen (1330 Maryland the role of mentor.“When you act Ave. SW), where executive as a good leader, people will follow chef Eric Ziebold, 35, has been you,” he says. His executive chef at inspired by Amish-raised shoats, The Majestic (911 King St., or baby pigs (the tender meat is Alexandria), Shannon Overmiller, “to die for,” he says), which arrive 31, is grateful for his guidance. whole. Ziebold strives to use the Top chefs under forty (top to right): “I’ve learned the proper ways in all animal from nose to tail. “Because Barton Seaver, Eric Ziebold, Haidar aspects of the business,” she says.

Karoum, Ethan McKee, Cathal I’m younger, guests assume my Armstrong, Nicola Amroune, James For these young chefs, success food will be hyper-modern,” he Muir, and Shannon Overmiller comes with a price: a lack of says. “But I have a reverence for personal life. James Muir, 30, traditions.” Still, the long hours – not to mention regional executive chef of Rosa Mexicano in-house butchering – are demanding.“Cooking, (575 7th St. NW) says,“There are a lot of restaurant breaking down pigs – this is physical work, very industry relationships. I guess we’re the only people taxing,” he says. who understand each other.”

“It’s like being an athlete,” says Haidar Karoum, Have any comments or dining suggestions? Email 33, chef and co-owner of Proof (775 G St. WL at: columns@washingtonlife.com.

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Just what the chef ordereD What do you eat when out of the kitchen?

James Muir (Rosa Mexicano): A great

burger with fries from Matchbox, or Pizza Paradiso’s four cheese pie.

Major regret?

Cathal Armstrong (Restaurant Eve): When I was 19, I opened

my first restaurant in Dublin. I closed it one night to go to the pub and the food critic came. favorite region of cuisine?

Eric Ziebold (CityZen): French

is comfort food, what I enjoy eating on a primal level; Japanese because of the way they balance things. I find it mesmerizing.

Nico Amroune (Teatro Goldoni): New, modern American cuisine comes off really strong, with its combination of French, Italian, and Spanish. favorite vegetable?

Barton Seaver (Hook): There is

nothing I love more than artichokes. guilty pleasures?

Shannon Overmiller (The Majestic): Cheese curls.

Haidar Karoum (Proof)

Organ meats.

EthanMcKee (Rock Creek): I don’t feel guilty about eating.

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A Casual yet Sophisticated Neighborhood Eatery Come Find Out what The Washington Post Deemed

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Make A Reservation Online at www.townhalldc.com 202.333.5640 2218 Wisconsin Ave. Free Parking Available

“I reached the summit at 8:00 a.m. on a Friday morning. I was hallucinating by the end, having climbed15,000 to 19,340 feet over an eight-hour hike. I was so happy I cried; however, it was so cold that my eyes immediately froze shut.The week-long climb had been so demanding that I couldn’t even open my mouth. My last rational thought was that I had done something I had never believed possible.”

Touch the Sky A journey to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro with Abercrombie & Kent B y K A TIE T A RBO X

W

e rode the long, winding dirt roads from the Arusha Mountain Lodge to the Machame Gates in Range Rovers. Motion sickness required my eyes to be firmly shut for most of the trip toward the 19,000-feet tall mountain. On the flight from Nairobi, upon hearing that the airplane was flying at a lower altitude than the mountain, I began to seriously question my nerve.

Six months previously, I had signed up for

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the climb on a whim; I’d read an article about a group of overweight men in their fifties who got in shape and had successfully made it to the top. Kilimanjaro is unique – it’s the tallest mountain whose summit can be reached without using any technical gear.

After a little research, it became clear that the only choice in terms of comfort and safety was Abercrombie & Kent, frequently ranked as the world’s most luxurious travel outfitter.

As it is known for offering private jet tours to exotic locales, I figured A&K would probably offer escalator service right to the top. But they warned me that despite a success rate of over 90 percent, it wouldn’t be a leisurely stroll.

I enlisted a personal trainer from the Sports Club/LA, a man whose business card (in the interest of full disclosure) should have read “making your life miserable for six months.”

I ran, swam and lifted weights almost every

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lifestyles | luxury travel

“Above the tree LINE land the clouds and with no sign of life, it was hard not to think you were walking on Mars.”

day. My new motto became “There’s no stop button on the mountain.” My climbing partner and best friend, Ken, wasn’t as maniacal about training (but, to his credit, he runs marathons).

In July, we left for Arusha via London and Nairobi. Upon arrival, we went on a pre-hike – which Ken dubbed “hiking in vain” – around Arusha National Park. We met the ten other eager climbers who would form our party and our guide, Abel, who had almost 500 journeys to the top under his belt. Before we arrived, A&K had sent detailed instructions in a leather binder with packing lists, immunization requirements and visa instructions. It was therefore surprising to learn that some of the hikers didn’t pack parkas, waterproof pants or even hiking poles. One girl planned to get to the top wearing only jeans.

The following day we drove to 6,000 feet above sea level, or the starting gate of the Machame Route (also known as the Whiskey Route). While there are less strenuous paths to the top, this is the most scenic and popular.

At the gates, we signed a book documenting every traveler who sets foot on the mountain.

The sherpas kept on coming and packing up more boxes of food, potatoes and bottled water. One carried fresh eggs on his head while juggling watermelons in his hands. On average, each person warranted six sherpas: one to carry luggage, one with bottled water, one to transport the tent and the remaining three to tote the week’s food supply. In print, it seems excessive; on that mountain slope, it was anything but.

The first day, we climbed from 6,000 to 10,000 feet through dense rainforest on a muddy path. Much of the trek was through red mud and up many, many stairs. Quickly, the dynamics of the group began to fall into place. Peter, a doctor from Texas, was a life-long bird watcher. He spent the months leading up to our trip studying Excel spreadsheets of birds in Tanzania. His goal was to see 50 “lifers,” meaning 50 birds that he would see for the first time in his life. Accompanying Peter were his teenage daughter and sister from Hong Kong. Simonetta, a luxury accessories designer, was the trip’s Annie Liebowitz and carried several

cameras. Chris and Mitch, a fit couple from New York City, were the group’s pacesetters and kept us moving along at a good clip. Gillian and Alan were a couple from Chicago who held hands the entire time. Tim, a doctor from Kentucky, and his daughter rounded out the group. Everyone was strongly motivated to reach the top. Mitch was doing it for his 50th birthday, Gillian wanted to prove that women over 40 could do it, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could successfully complete one of the most physically demanding challenges. I didn’t think it was possible.

At 10,000 feet, we signed the books at the first overnight camp. I put on my Ugg boots and made hot chocolate with marshmallows.

We were encouraged to bring such “tastes of home” with us, and I can’t emphasize enough how crucial these were. Before dinner, the sherpas brought us each a bowl of hot water to wash our hands and feet.

The twelve of us crammed into the food tent for a meal of bread and soup. There was always a carb-loaded choice, such as corn or potatoes. Even more potatoes or pasta followed, sometimes potatoes and pasta in the same dish.

The main meal had meat: chicken, beef, or even fish, along with vegetables. Dinner was usually over by 9 p.m. then, we would discuss

the following day’s climb and go to bed.

An achievement in itself: every day, the guides were able to provide three hot meals – several courses each – for the group. At 12,000 feet, I had fresh guacamole with chips. Every morning we ate sausage, eggs and bacon. The cook’s specialty was fried bananas with a papaya sauce, and though I had lost much of my appetite to altitude, I couldn’t stop eating them.

I had a medicine chest with me; for days, I had been taking altitude sickness pills called Diamox. The important thing is to go “polli polli” – Swahili for “slowly, slowly” – while drinking plenty of water. Our guides were militant about rehydrating. By the second day, I was suffering from mild headaches, similar to a faint ice cream headache.These twinges came and went throughout the day, even after being on a steady diet of Advil every couple of hours.

I never threw up or had bad stomach cramps or nosebleeds, but the altitude was intense enough that several people had to turn around.

Our exhaustion levels mounted as we climbed higher and as the terrain became increasingly foreign. We started in a rainforest and then hiked through a desert that turned into a barren landscape dotted with big boulders. All in all, we moved through five distinct climate zones. Above

Most hikers watch the sunrise from Stella Point, located just 300 feet from the highest peak, Uhuru Point.

lifestyles | luxury travel

the tree line and the clouds, it was like walking feet remained, I was suddenly re-energized. I was my porter, I wouldn’t have pictures from the top. on Mars or a comparably alien landscape. Some going in and out of consciousness. Sometimes, I Ken and I hugged and then spent a few minutes days we walked over large plateaus, while others was certain my dead grandmother was cheering looking down. It was so high that we could see the found us on our hands and knees climbing up me on. I imagined that the large mittens dangling curvature of the earth; we began to understand the large walls. off my poles were dogs attacking me. We all true scope and scale of our planet. Someone said My body never felt right. One has to it was like finishing three marathons back-topass wind about twelve times an hour back. Simply put, it was awesome. when moving through these altitudes, an I underestimated the climb down, which unglamorous secret about the hike. Our was equally as difficult as the climb up. Dirt enthusiasm as a group waned, and I found got in my lungs, and I couldn’t breathe.When myself relying more and more on Ken for I returned to base camp, we had one hour strength. to sleep. I drank three juice boxes and then On our sixth night, we stopped early descended to 10,000 feet.All in all, 20 of these at Camp Barafu. I didn’t even pretend to 24 hours were spent hiking. sleep. At 11:30 p.m., I readied myself for We spent one last night on the mountain the final climb. I struggled into six layers and then walked straight downhill for three on my top half, including a down parka, hours. It was with mixed emotions because and four layers on the bottom (I was I was so excited I had made it and yet, it still cold the whole time). I was winded was best to be cautious about our joy since walking from the sleeping tent to the food half of our group didn’t. At the bottom tent. At these heights, three breaths are we were presented with certificates to equal to one taken at sea level. document our success.

An hour into the hike, my legs began We headed back to the lodge, popped to give way. As we were scrambling over champagne and said our goodbyes. Ken gravel (known as scree) at a nearly vertical graciously gave me the first shower, and I incline, it was hard not to slip backwards. stood under it for over an hour. It was almost a profound religious experience. I’d never Even with headlights on, we had no idea of the path that just seemed to endlessly The author and Ken at Uhuru Point, the tallest point in Africa at 19,341 felt so alive. feet.

At that height, you can see the curve of the earth and 360 degree zigzag. We were tired; however, if we After returning home, I found this views of the African landscape. stopped, we would freeze as quickly as our quote by Aleister Crowley from his first “camel packs” of water had. The only times I became machines with no rational thought other attempt to climb K2, “I had done it myself and found myself picking up my pace was to get than the common goal of reaching the top. found not only that the pearl of great price was past the numerous hikers vomiting or suffering At 7 a.m., we reached Stella Point, which sits worth far more than I possessed, but also that from heart palpitations by the side of the path. 300 feet from the tallest part of Kilimanjaro. We the very peril and privations of the quest were I strongly questioned whether I was going to watched the sun rise and then began our final themselves my dearest memories.” I couldn’t have a heart attack, as my heart was beating at push (another hour) to Uhuru Point, the ceiling agree more. what seemed (to me) an excessive rate. At that of Africa. Despite reports to the contrary, there is point, half of our group turned back. I decided still plenty of snow and glaciers to walk through. Abercrombie & Kent, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, that no matter what, I would finish.

When I finally reached Uhuru, I was so tired that $4,450 per person, 800-554-7016 or visit www.

When our guide announced that only 2,000 I couldn’t even open my mouth. If it wasn’t for abercrombieandkent.com.

7 Average number of days it takes to hike to the top and back down.

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Kilimanjaro by the numbers 50 19,341 Average number of miles you will hike to the top..

Height in feet of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain and the world’s tallest freestanding mountain.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

25,000 Number of people who attempt the “Kili Climb” each year. Only 40 percent make it and about 10 people a year die on the mountain.

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lifestyles | exclusive

Marriott Books a Modern Master Building on the success of iconic hotels like Gramercy Park and The Delano, Ian Schrager teams up with Marriott to bring his award-winning vision to Washington

By Ian Schrager

Above left: A guest room in Ian Schrager’s celebrated Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City. The hotelier is famous for his quirky, original aesthetic. Above right: The lounge of the Gramercy Park Hotel captures Schrager’s trademark combination of decadent luxury with modern art and whimsical design elements.

P

eople today are more sophisticated than ever before, and they understand and appreciate good design, quality, and originality in ways that would have been unthinkable just a few decades ago.

They will not accept derivatives, and they want the ethos and soul of a hotel to be authentic and have both character that’s entirely unique.They also expect and deserve impeccable, modern and gracious service that is both personalized and luxurious, yet down to earth. It’s the ultimate balancing act of these apparent contradictions to create a hotel that is simultaneously specific and customized yet universal.

This is the reason that Marriott and I decided to collaborate on a new vision and a plan to radically rethink the boutique hotel, and to catapult into the present by capturing the spirit of the times. The new brand we’re

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| FEBRUARY

2008

creating reflects changing The hotels will average 150lifestyles and caters to a 200 rooms, each reflecting the vast, underserved market of best of the cultural and social guests who expect a unique milieu of its location and of experience from a boutique the times. hotel, not merely a place to The brand’s unifying sleep. We intend to make aesthetic is its approach and this type of lodging widely attitude to the modern lifestyle accessible and available for rather than its appearance, with the first time in key lodging design and architecture derived destinations across the globe, from the scale, location and and to everybody around the Hotelier Ian Schrager’s new atmosphere of the individual world who wants it. properties. This brand is about partnership with Marriott will allow I’m excited about how him to expand the unique vision that an attitude, about a feeling infuses all of his properties. quickly our concept is being rather than a look. Our embraced, with 10 locations signed up within partnership allows us to open these hotels on six months of announcing our partnership and a grand scale, something that wasn’t possible many, many more in the pipeline. It’s fitting before our collaboration. I just love the scope that Washington D.C., will be one of first sites. of it.

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Te l : 2 0 2 . 2 3 4 .8 4 0 0

P h ot o b y C r i s M o l i n a fo r T h e P h ot o g r a p h e r s G a l l e r y

Washington so c ial d ia r y Night Life, Around Town , Over the Moon, Michael Strange and exclusive parties, parties, parties!

Narges Gheissari, Nina Ossanlou, Shahdeh Ammadi and Elizabeth Hill play in the Corcoran Gallery of Arts famed atrium at the 1869 Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fall FĂŞte. (Photo by Tony Powell)

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Washington so c ial d ia r y

nightlife

Top of the cork-pop charts WL breaks down the club scene into bite-sized pieces

By Ed I E VAN H O R n

Club

Signature Sip

Notable Nibble

Famous Patron

Fun Fact

Lotus Lounge 1420 K St. NW

The Lotus Mojito (champagne and watermelon)

The Sashimi Martini

The Redskins

POTUS at Lotus: Rock the vote with Hilarytinis and Obama-ramas

Lima 1401 K St NW

The Mojito (Bacardi)

Empanadas

Quincy Jones

Stands for lime, not the capital of Peru.

Tattoo 1413 K St. NW

The Tattoo (Captain Morgan Black Tattoo, pineapple juice, peach schnapps)

The Tattoo Artist (portfolio sampler)

Freddy Cordoza

VJs mix tunes on a monster 136-inch TV set.

The Park @ 14th 920 14th St NW

The Jackie O (Plymouth Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Sage)

Salmon and chicken sliders

Ronnie Chowdry

A network of “ambassadors” are used to talk the place up

Indebleu 707 G St NW

The Mangotini (Idol Vodka, Fruja mango liqueur, fresh mango)

Port Blaine crab cakes

Dave Chappelle

Lounge has mattresses, swinging sofas and tons of cushions.

Fly 1802 Jefferson Pl. NW

The Blue Sky (Redbull, Sky Vanilla, Blue Curacao)

Airplane peanuts festoon the tables

Jamie Foxx

Try Snow Queen, a premium wheat vodka from Kazakhstan.

Maté 3101 K St. NW

Mango Martini (Captain Morgans Mango Rum, mango purée, triple sec, grenadine)

Volcano Roll

Mick Jagger

Named for the South American herbal tea.

Who’s Next?

WL: What do you do in your free time?

Five for Alain Kalantar

AK: I don’t know if I have much of that, considering

AK: Tehran, Iran

that I work five nights a week and have meetings during the day at least three times a week.Also, I have my one-year-old son to look after.

WL: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

AK: Standing on a bench watching my son play soccer and screaming at the referee. I can’t wait!

WL: Occupation?

WL: What surprises you most about adult life?

AK: I am the co-founder of JetsetMafia.com.

AK: How quickly days go by. It seems like once

I’m also a nightclub promoter and the managing partner of Josephine Lounge.

you get to be over 25, someone pushes the fast forward button. It’s crazy!

Nightlife impresario Kalantar lends his Midas touch to exclusive club Josephine Lounge.

WL: What’s your hometown?

(Photo by Beth Farnstrom)

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Washington so c ial d ia r y

nightlife

Marci Bregman and Eric Lund

An interior shot of Tattoo Bar

Hannah DeGoey and Chris Valentine

wl exclusive

Camilla Giordano and Nathan Howar

Grand Opening of Tattoo

Caroline and Lloyd Lagos

Tattoo Bar Photos by Welby Luk

The Event: If â&#x20AC;&#x2122;80s hip-hop legends Run DMC ever reunite, hip new bar Tattoo should be a shooin to host the tourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kickoff party. The crowd at the opening night celebration of this Michael Romeo (owner of Lotus Lounge and FUR) venture was young, gorgeous and grooving to the juke en masse.

Michael Romeo and David Karim

Noushin Nourbakhash and Jessica Elledge

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Yulia Grigoriela

Michael Francis, Alisha Burnett, and Jame Commadore

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Professional Man Prima Moda Fine Italian Men's Wear 1619 K Street NW, Washington, DC 202-466-6255 On the corner of 16th and K Street One block from the White House

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Washington so c ial d ia r y

nightlife

Heather Halsey, Tara DeNicolas, and Heather Guay

Roberta Bardawil

Who’s Got Style Party The Space Photos by Welby Luk

THE EVENT: A gathering to celebrate “all things stylish” in conjunction with WL’s November style issue. In attendance were the divas and divos who graced the cover, as well as a host of fashion industry professionals and others who fancy themselves part of the city’s style vanguards. Guests sipped conversed and enjoyed food provided by OZ restaurant in the Space’s chilled lounge atmosphere.

Travis Price and Heidi Hess

Jorge and Abigail DeCasanova

Erika Gutierrez and Paul Wharton

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WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Bruce and Alia Johnson

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2008

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Washington so c ial d ia r y

Fashion Event

Pam Hillman and Claudia Helming

Paige Speyer and Lauren Mason

wl sponsored

Andrea Tedesco At Wink

6645 Old Dominion Dr. McLean, VA 22101

10 - 6 Monday - Saturday 12 - 5 Sunday

703-356-WREN(9736)

info@wrenanddivine.com wrenanddivine.com

Wink Boutique Photos by Jonah Koch

Our E-Commerce Site and Gift Registry will be launching this month! www.wrenanddivine.com

The Event: There was little else a girl could want at Wink boutique’s pre-

The

Christmas shopping event: 15 percent off all purchases, Rosa Mexicano’s signature pomegranate margaritas and guacamole, and a viewing of Andrea Tedesco’s modern semi-precious jewelry. Patrons packed the store to browse through cocktail dresses and designer jeans. THE GUESTS: Wink co-owners Lauren Mason and Paige Speyer opened their doors for longtime pals and shoppers including Ashley Taylor, Jill Daschel and Lisa Koenig.

Fishburne

experience L E A D E R S H I P

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FMS IMAGE © 2007 SCHARETGPICTURES.COM

SM

Washington so c ial d ia r y

Parties! Parties! Parties!

CharityWorks at Ralph Lauren, Christine Pelosi at the National Press Club, and Mystique’s Wish Party

É CharityWorks Executive Diretor

Miriam Pollin and Maria Trabocchi kick off the holiday season with cocktails and a shopping benefit at Ralph Lauren Tysons Corner.

Å Actor and activist Danny Glover and Donna

Edwards at an event for Edwards’ congressional campaign in Maryland’s 4th District. (Photo by Maurice Fitzgerald)

Ñ Faye Wickersham and Ken Morrissette toast with Ralph Lauren signature cocktails before shopping for gifts.

Å Author Christine Pelosi and DNC member-at-large James Roosevelt celebrate the release of her first book, Campaign Boot Camp.

Ñ Christine’s mother, Speaker Å NBC4 Sportscaster Lindsay Czarniak

catches up with CharityWorks founder Leah Gansler at Ralph Lauren. (Photos by Tony Powell)

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of the House Nancy Pelosi and Mark Aronchick receive an autographed copy of the book at the National Press Club. (Photos by Tony Powell)

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Å Mystique owner

Elizabeth Mandros Miller helps Marcia Herzog select jewelry.

All customers received a $100 shining star wish card towards their purchases.

Å Briana Webster-

Patterson and Richard Patterson

É Shoppers enjoyed

step into Mystique Jewelers in Alexandria, Va., for some holiday shopping during the “Wish Party.”

cocktails provided by P.I.N.K. Vodka, which is infused with guarana.

(Photos by Tony Powell)

Fishkin, Nick Barquin, and John Frekko host their annual holiday reunion party, this year benefiting the Rost Foundation.

Snowden, Laura Rinaldi, and Nathalie Diamantes at Van Cleef & Arpels for a shopping benefit for the Pediatric AIDS/HIV CARE, Inc.

É Bettina Bell and

Tessa Horst, finalists

Ñ Cindy Kim window

on ABC’s The Bachelor and Washington natives, find their way home for the reunion at Napoleon bistro.

(Photos by Zaid Hamid)

shops at Van Cleef & Arpels.

(Photos by Vicky Pombo)

| fe b r u a r y

Roxana Jahanbani, Natalia Luis, Sheeza Mahmood, Antonio Luis, Cidalia Akbar, Fariba Jahanbani, and Shaista Mahmood. (Photos by Vicky Pombo)

Å Chris Mclean, Justin

Å Co-host Courtney

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Å Cartier’s Santa visits the Children’s National Medical Center with

2008

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Washington so c ial d ia r y

around town

Travels with Charlie Socialites by the barrel, Wilson’s Washington fêtes and holiday cheer redux

By Donna Shor

the story behind the story There would have been no Charlie Wilson’s War without the dramatic trip to Afghanistan taken by Joanne Herring, a Houston socialite and talk show hostess; yet it never got into the screenplay. Neither did the humanitarian soldier-of-fortune and sometime Houston visitor Charlie Fawcett whose smuggled note said: “Come immediately. Bring film equipment.

The world doesn’t know what’s going on here.” She went, disguised as a man and packed into a barrel.

Washingtonians attending balls and embassy galas 25 years ago remember well the fun and laughter, gowns and jewels of this curvy ZsaZsa Gabor blonde (played

by Julia Roberts in the movie).

She gave lavish parties here and in Houston; one such welcomed Prince Bandar to Washington as the Saudi Arabian ambassador.

Fawcett guided Joanne and her barrel into the war zone, where he was training the mujahideen freedom fighters – shoeless boys and weaponless men defending their villages against air strikes.

Joanne interviewed them for Courage is Our Weapon, the documentary they filmed; he got pal Orson Welles to narrate, and they set off to tell the world.

Congressman Charlie Wilson (played by Tom Hanks in the film) was a slim, handsome Texan, seven feet tall in his cowboy boots, widely known around Washington as a “harddrinking, skirt-chaser,” which flamboyant Charlie never denied. He barely knew Joanne then, though she was later his fiancée.

A longtime anti-communist, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan made her an activist.

Seeking Washington support, she urged Wilson

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to come to Houston, see their film and meet the legendary Fawcett, who has been the subject of 18 books. Stirred by Fawcett’s account,Wilson pledged his Congressional committee clout to quietly find anti-aircraft weapons for the Afghans. The most surreal covert operation in U.S. history was launched.

Civil War on the side of the Republican cause against Francisco Franco; he flew for the RAF over London when it was pounded in WWII; enlisted in the French Foreign Legion, and aided humanitarian efforts in the Congo and Hungary.

In Marseilles, he joined Quaker Varian Fry in a dangerous Schindler’s List operation, saving Jews from the gas chambers. “To get them out, I married eleven young girls,” he says “but never had a honeymoon.”

Wilson summed it up “You can go anywhere in the world…wherever people are in danger… and you are likely to hear the name of Charlie Fawcett.”

KALEIDOSCOPE Easy to spot: Timothy and P.J. Trudeau; he’s in trimmest suit, she’s the one in top-to-toe Chanel, even to the sunglasses. This sartorially secure pair ran an especially warm gala to benefit the National Rehabilitation Hospital, with Bulgarian ambassador, Elena Eleven ambassadors and their wives were among the guests at Giorgio and Anna Maria Via’s party honoring the Mexican Poptodorova in a star turn. She caught ambassador. SHOWN L-R: Diane Duenas (Costa Rica); Monica Bordon (Argentina); and Norma Lee Funger. (Photo by Donna Shor) everyone’s eye with her handsome, newly-clipped pale blonde locks, a change At a fascinating dinner four years ago, from her signature mass of red curls, and she moved Isaaq Sharyar, the former ambassador of hearts when she spoke of the hospital’s dedicated Afghanistan, honored his friend Fawcett with work … It was a Totah-ly terrific party for 350 a dinner for 100. (Among the guests were socialites and politicians at Annie and Sami Totah’s Wilson and another longtime Fawcett friend, Potomac home.Their walls are lined with plaques the late Garnett Stackelberg, who knew honoring Annie, who always has some cause up her him and his wife April in London, where the satin sleeve…Two more standout holiday parties North-Carolina-born Fawcett now lives.) were hosted by Brenda and Jacques de Suze in Charlie Wilson spoke of Fawcett’s amazing Potomac, then Issa and George Ludlow’s buffetlife: in Rome, where he made movies-- acting and-billiards. Gertie d’Amecourt saw daughter in or directing over 100 in 23 countries, and Nicole declared champ, but son Guy was the nicknamed ”the king of the Via Veneto” by biggest winner: he had just married pretty Marian Warren Beatty; in Paris, where he wrestled del Prieto Christmas Eve. to pay his art school tuition. Mild-mannered, he isn’t swashbuckling, yet he volunteered for Is there an event Around Town should know about? the Lincoln Brigade, fighting in the Spanish Email columns@washingtonlife.com.

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Washington so c ial d ia r y

over the moon

Literary Lions in Horse Country Middleburgers pen fox-filled folios, Gorby’s cousin shows primary colors BY vicky moon

ARTISTIC INSPIRATIONS Artist Yuri Gorbachev was in Middleburg for a showing of his paintings at The Byrne Gallery. His lively, primitive work incorporates strong Russian motifs, bright primary colors and robust red accents. Animals (of course) are a popular subject: “Blue Cat on a Red Table,” “Sill Life with Parrot and Flower” and even “Jester on Horse.”

“His technique is evocative of Russian enamels – he uses at least a dozen layers of finishing glaze, which gives it a luster,” says gallery owner Susan Byrne.

Yuri began his artistic career in ceramics. In the early 1990s, upon emigrating to the United States, he switched to oil on canvas. A cousin of former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, Yuri now lives and works in New York. His work can be seen at the Louvre, the China Club in Hong Kong, the Hyatt Regency in Perth, Australia, the collections of Brooke Shields, Mick Jagger, Senator Edward Kennedy and now … in several Middleburg residences.

LOCAL SCRIBES The peaceful surroundings of Middleburg have long provided inspiration for local writers.The late Jane McIlvaine McClary wrote many novels, including A Portion For Foxes, a roman-a-clef about life in Hunt Country. Some folks are still trying to match the fictional characters with the reallife ones.

In 1956, Jane co-wrote a non-fiction book called My Antarctic Honeymoon: A Year at the Bottom of the World with Jennie Darlington, who is the real character in this true tale.

Jennie, who lives at the appropriately named Chilly Bleak Farm, was married to the late adventurer Harry Darlington.

(Some folks in Washington will remember his mother, Ethel Garrett, who saved the circa 1828 columns from the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol and underwrote their permanent installation at the National Arboretum in the mid-1980s.)

Harry “Skipper” Darlington, Jr. and daughter Cynthia Beyer and son-in-law Charles Beyer also live in Hunt Country.

Rita Mae Brown was at the Horse Country Saddlery in Warrenton, signing copies of her latest book, The Tell Tale Horse. In the novel’s first pages, the body of a naked woman is found inside a tack shop closely resembling the one at which the book signing took place…. Rita Mae has cleverly

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Charley Matheson’s new book is called Hunting Sketches on the Run.

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Casanova huntsman Tommy Lee Jones with writer and horsewoman Rita Mae Brown.

“written in” several locals, including shop owner Marion Maggiolo. Publisher’s Weekly said it best: “Suspects abound among the wellheeled and well-mounted….”

Nani Power’s Feed the Hungry: A Memoir with Recipes is due out in April. Her previous books were Crawling at Night, The Good Remains and The Sea of Tears – a character-driven novel set in a Washington hotel.

Noel Grove was a staff writer at National Geographic for 25 years. While there, he wrote numerous articles and two books. Noel and his wife, Barbara Payne (managing editor of the Loudoun Times Mirror in Leesburg), have lived in this area for 28 years.

Noel’s latest book, The Lure of Loudoun: Centuries of Change in Virginia’s Emerald County, is rich in detail and is sure to serve as a historical reference for years to come. Coauthor Charles Poland, Ph.D., a Loudoun native, contributed information based on his academic dissertation.

While researching the book, Noel says he was “astounded to learn that, contrary to everything I’d ever been taught, the European colonists did not defeat the Indians with superior technology. They killed them off

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inadvertently by diseases against which the natives did not any immunity.”

Chapters in the book include: “Horse Country” and “The Last Days of Unchallenged Agrarianism.” The vintage photos, maps, and ephemera – along with color photos – add to the context.

Noel is currently doing final edits on a novelistic true story of a murder trial he covered years ago. “I trace the killer’s life and try to explain his actions,” he relates. He’s also starting research for another book, this one about two women – one of whom had poor health, ghastly looks, and yet became admired – and one who seemingly had everything and yet ended up in prison.

Journalist and historian Marc Leepson’s latest book is Desperate Engagement: How a Little Known Civil War Battle Saved Washington, D.C. and Changed American History. It’s an account of the Civil War Battle of Monocacy and Confederate General Jubal Early’s march on Washington.

Marc and wife Janna live at Chilton, the former home of late Washington attorney Hobart Taylor.

Marc says of his research revelations: “It really was a matter of hours, maybe a day at most. If Wallace had not held Early up for an entire day at Monocacy (July 9, 1864), Grant would not have had time to bring troops from Richmond to defend the city.”

Charley Matheson, an architect by training, reveals his artistic side in a handsome tome: Hunting Sketches on the Run, a collection inspired by his following of the hounds. A life long foxhunter, Charley began riding with Casanova Hunt, where his grandparents owned Spring Hill Farm. He has ridden with Orange County Hunt since 1970.

Charley began these sketches in September 2006. “I thought it’d make an interesting visual diary,” he says. The elegant artwork, notes and narrative are printed on super-fine eggshell paper by Mowhawk. The most enjoyable part of his project? “Sitting alone in advance of hounds and preparing to sketch the moment when a fox breaks.”

Tally Ho. Readers wishing to contact Vicky Moon can email: columns@washingtonlife.com.

| washingtonlife.com

Who’s Next?

Five for Jane Stockton The owner of The True Studio in Middleburg dishes on life, love and guilty karaoke pleasures.

WL: Occupation?

JS: Professional photographer

and owner of The True Studio in Middleburg,Va. WL: What are you most proud of?

JS: Professionally: The work that we did

with Habitat for Humanity and Oprah Winfrey in aid of the families that experienced such tragedy on the Gulf Coast. Personally: my marriage.

WL: What is your favorite restaurant and

meal?

JS: Chez Francois, Great Falls,Va. The meal: mushroom soup, mushroom crepe, and the vegetarian special.

WL: What is something most people

don’t know about you?

JS: I am a huge fan of karaoke. I didn’t say I was good, just a fan!

WL: What do you most love about

D.C.?

JS: I love its proximity to everything.

We are surrounded by the beauty of land and country as well as the buzz of the city, and we’re not too far from the beaches or mountains.

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home life

embassy row, real estate news and home design | A Rock ’n’ Roll Re-design and Washington Fine Properties’ Tom Anderson

zen and now Ambassador Ryozo Kato has served for six years overseeing strengthening bi-lateral ties while enjoying the splendor of Japan’s traditional-meets-modern ambassador’s residence.

By Michael M. Clements Photography Gary Landsman

I

home life | embassy row

t’s a snowy December evening and a black-tie crowd of Japanese businessmen, embassy staff, U.S. Foreign Service alumni, and influential Japanese-Americans are congenially milling about the Four Seasons Hotel ballroom. They have gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Japan America Society of Washington, D.C. After several rounds of loud woodblock clops (in lieu of Washington’s de rigueur bell chime) and some brisk tableside business card exchanges, guests settle into their seats. Former Vice President Walter Mondale, who served as ambassador to Japan during the Clinton era, speaks first. He begins with a joke and finishes with fond recollections of his time in Japan.

Former Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta follows with an equally polished and respectful speech.The evening stays true to form, format, and formality ... until Ambassador Ryozo Kato, Japan’s longest serving post-World War II ambassador to the U.S., takes the podium.

Kato is unassuming and approachable with a splash of patriarchal charm. Although having operated for nearly four decades in Japanese foreign policy, he maintains a youthful quality that, without a doubt, has helped ensure his success.

He begins his speech: “In olden times, in England and Scotland, when someone gave a toast, they would stand on a chair and put one foot on the table. I like this. It’s more my style.”

The guests laugh, sharing perhaps for the first time that night, a light-hearted moment.

An Opening Pitch Kato’s ability to navigate his way through a speech as well as Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs - while gaining the trust of Americans and Japanese alike - has enabled him to maintain and cultivate the Japan-U.S. alliance through tumultuous post 9-11 times. During his diplomatic career, he has become deeply respected in both countries. On a personal note, it has also offered him the opportunity to throw opening pitches at ten different major league ballparks along the way, including Yankee Stadium and here in Washington.

Previous page: A long hallway in classic Japanese style, which connects the main house with the tea house. Right: Ambassador Kato and Mrs Kato take a moment to feed the carp in the residency’s Koi pond. The tea house in the background was first built in Japan and then reassembled at the residence.

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“CHANGE COMES SLOWLY, if ever, to the interiors of 4000 Nebraska Ave. NW.” WA S H I N G T ON L I F E

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“Each room

can only have one piece of art.”

The highlight of the main dining room, which can seat up to 60 guests, is a screen painting by well-known Japanese artist Matazo Kayama entitled “Four Seasons.” Residence architect Isoya Yoshida mandated that each room have only one piece of art.

During our interview at his office in the embassy’s residence, I inquire more about his passion for baseball – I can tell instantly tell he has a passion for the game.

“It was a great thrill to throw a first pitch at the Nationals game,” he boasts with a gleam in his eye. But then, feigning humility, he adds, “but I threw it a bit too high.”

He is a baseball aficionado – and he has the baseball memorabilia collection to prove it.

“One of the rarest collector’s items I have is a baseball signed by both Willie Mays and Joe DiMaggio,” he says.

He also has a 1955 New York Yankees autographed baseball; an autographed home plate from Coors Field; a bat autographed by Ted Williams and another signed by an entire Nationals squad; a personally signed baseball from Cal Ripken, Jr.; and enough autographed jerseys to make a teenager give up Xbox360. Forever.

Throughout our trip down memorabilia lane, his wife, Hanayo Kato, has sat silently amused – after nearly 35 years of marriage she is well-

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acquainted with her husband’s passion for baseball.

Meanwhile, I can’t help but wonder how in the world he convinced her to convert the music room of the residence into a shrine for major league baseball memorabilia. I’m convinced that in later years he will playfully list this among his many foreign policy achievements.

Architecturally Speaking Change comes slowly, if ever, to the interiors of 4000 Nebraska Ave. NW – late architect Isoya Yoshida mandated it that way.

“Mr.Yoshida said that each room can only have one art piece, so everything is already set. Luckily, that means I don’t have to worry about it,” Mrs. Kato says, adding: “But in the private areas we have hung some of our own art. Recently, we added wheelchair access to the garden. But basically we stay true to Mr.Yoshida’s vision.”

This vision has brought distinct themes to each room. The Grand Salon’s autumn motif, for example, is achieved through leaf patterns on the hand-loomed wool carpet and a reed

design which has been woven into the cloth wall paper. The room’s shoji, or sliding paper screens, add a classic Japanese touch.

In the main hallway, the small salon and dining rooms, grand and unabashedly modern chandeliers drive the look and feel without stealing away the simplicity of the rooms’ overall style. Custom-made by Minami Tada, the chandeliers both illuminate and serve as inspiring ceiling sculptures.

Step into the tempura room and, thanks to the bamboo touches, it feels like one has entered a high-end Japanese restaurant. The room serves as an intimate dining room where guests are served directly from behind a bar.

The residence’s formidable art collection is not to be overlooked. Since the rooms are spacious with tall ceilings – and designerYoshida instructed that each has only one artwork – the pieces tend to be very large. Higashiyama Kaii’s “Clouds Arising in the Deep Mountain” is 9.75’ x 7.17’; Shinoda Toko’s “Destination” is 11.5’ x 7.17’; and Kayama Matazo’s, “Four Seasons,” at 19.7’ x 5.8’, rounds

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home life | embassy row

out the main dining room in grand style.

Groundbreaking for the residence began in 1974 with work completed in 1977.

Yoshida was in charge of the basic design, which emphasizes the simplicity of traditional Japanese aesthetics. The flat-roofed, reinforced concrete structure, with a stone-covered exterior, has two floors above ground and two below. In total, the residence covers 70,130 square feet of total building space.

All total, the full grounds cover eight acres and include a European-style garden, a Japanese garden, a pool, tennis court, and a cabana. One of the most distinctive features of the residence is the tea house, which is adjoined to the modern main building by a traditional wooden and redcarpeted passageway that borders the placid Koi pond that connects the tea house with the main house, thus seamlessly joining past with present.

“I try to have tea parties once or twice a year,

but it is getting difficult because we are so busy,” Mrs. Kato says. “We have a real tea house, a very good one, built behind the office ….”

“A very authentic one,” her husband interjects.

“Yes, it’s an old tea house that was disassembled in Japan and shipped here. It was placed close to Rock Creek Parkway.The traffic sounds like water is near; I pretend it’s a waterfall,” she muses.

The Consummate Diplomat Hardly a laughing matter are Amb. Kato’s responsibilities as Japan’s point person for one of America’s most important bi-lateral allies.

“The Japan-U.S. alliance is quite solid,” he is quick to point out, “Japan is the most reliable ally of the United States in the Pacific. We are very proud to be so.” It doesn’t appear that having a new prime minister in Yasuo Fukuda will change that. One thing that is shared among [Japanese Prime Ministers] Koizumi,

Abe and Fukuda is that each has clearly stated that the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign policy is and will be the Japan-U.S. alliance. In that sense there is a commonality,” he says.

Kato has now visibly switched his demeanor as talk of baseball and gardens has moved on to matters of state. On Japan-U.S. economic relations, he stays on message: “The relations will grow stronger,” he states.“In the ’80s and ’90s, we witnessed many trade conflicts between the United States and Japan. Since then, the situation has changed dramatically. Our economies are steadily integrating, which are number one and two [in the world]. For instance, speaking of automotive industries, which used to be the focus of the trade conflicts, critical perceptions of Japanese automotive companies have diminished – today, some people believe that Toyota is an American company.”When asked about industries in which the two governments should cooperate for future

Left: The Main Hallway embodies the combination of contemporary and classic Japanese styles which is a distinguishing design point of the residence as a whole. Right: Ambassador Kato and Mrs Kato in the Grand Salon, which is characterized by an autumn theme and sliding paper doors.

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Left: A personally autographed baseball for Amb. Kato from Cal Ripken, Jr. Right: Inside the emabssy’s tea house where Mrs Kato holds traditional tea ceremonies several times a year. The straw “tatami” mats, the hanging scroll and the minimalist “ikebana” flower arrangement are common trademarks of Japanese tea rooms.

development, Kato added, “The governments of Japan and the United States need to cooperate, particularly in development of advanced technologies, such as space technologies, advanced medical treatment and those required in addressing environmental issues such as climate change.”

Like many diplomats, Kato is quick to drop an analogy. His favorite is equating his job to that of a gardener. “A garden doesn’t beautify itself,” he begins, “it needs constant care on a daily basis: watering, weeding and pruning. If we fail to do that, just a tiny bit, the garden can become brown, and the weeds start growing.That is what I have been basically doing for the past six years – watering, pruning and weed pulling.”

When I ask where China fits into the equation, he treads carefully, answering:“Between Japan and the United States, we share fundamental values.

Based on these values, Japan and the United States are allies of each other.With China, on the other hand, Japan shares common interests. Japan and China can establish a mutually beneficial relationship based on common interests. For example, both countries share interests in the field of energy security. Oil is shipped from the Persian Gulf to Japan and East Asia. Therefore, Japan and China strongly share strategic interests to maintain security of the sea lanes.”

On relations with North Korea and the ongoing six-party talks, he is more open. Kato previously served as the Director-General of the Asian Affairs Bureau in Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs – he is particularly well-versed on the subject.

“We have made it clear to North Korea and

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the remaining members of the six-party talks, that Japan is ready to help North Korea financially as we helped South Korea a long time ago in 1965 with economic assistance. But this economic assistance will not start to flow into North Korea until we normalize our relations, and such normalization will not take place until nuclear issues, missile issues and abduction issues are resolved.”As of today, the Government of Japan has identified 17 Japanese citizens as victims of abduction by North Korea, five of whom returned to Japan. Despite Japan’s effort, however, there has still been no persuasive explanation from North Korea concerning the remaining abductees.

At Ease in Washington Having served as ambassador to Washington for the past six years (in addition to previous diplomatic assignments as a diplomat in the ’60s and ’80s), Kato has settled comfortably into life here.

“When I first started to work for the embassy as a junior official, there was almost nothing on the Arlington side of the Potomac; no shopping centers or department stores nearby,” he recalls.

These days, the couple relax by getting outside, strolling, and bird watching.“In our own backyard, many birds come to our feeder,” Mrs. Kato says, “we have Osprey and we have some Blue Heron that come for our Koi [fish].We also like to go out to the Patuxent River area when we can.”

Another aspect of American life that the couple has taken to is philanthropy. “It always amazes me the number of organizations we

have been asked to help,” Mrs. Kato says, adding, “It’s different than in Japan. Here you have so many groups working on collecting funds for so many meaningful causes. We cannot do everything but we try to accommodate as much as possible. I concentrate on children and medical issues, such as diabetes for children.”

The Ambassador’s charitable focus is on U.S. veterans. He explains: “We like to express our gratitude to service people. It is something that I started in 2001 – to have a reception for wounded soldiers from places like Iraq and Afghanistan. We invite them and their families to our garden for a barbeque. It’s just a small thing we can do for them.”

In the immediate future, the Katos will be enjoying the unprecedented “Japan! Culture + Hyperculture” two-week event at the Kennedy Center.The exhibition – which runs from Feb. 7 to Feb. 17 – includes a variety of Japanese art forms from plays, music, animae, and manga to a robotics display entitled “Robotopia Rising,” the last of which Amb. Kato finds particularly exciting.

“I’m intrigued by Japanese robotics,” he says, “three years ago at the lantern lighting ceremony for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, it was a very cold day. Most of the presenters cut their speeches short. I, instead, had a robot from Sony speak for me.” He finishes with smile, “It was much more popular than if I would have spoken.”

What can’t a robot replicate? Kato’s charm and history of strong relations under his watch.

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home life | what’s hot design

Rock ’n’ Roll Make-over Rob Jewell is a successful thirty-something entrepreneur who wanted to turn his Canalfront Georgetown condo into a rocking roast. Here is how we did it

By Dabney Doswell

A spin on symbolism

To create a musicial motiff, the living room rug was custom-designed to mimic the shape of a guitar. In complementary fashion, the dining space mimics a record player with a round rug, a round dining table, and a side chair which resembles a record needle. The Led Zeppelin photographs bridge the two spaces and add to theme. (3D Renderings by ARC Renderings)

By dabney doswell

A

t 31, Rob Jewell is already a tech-savvy entrepreneur and the successful CEO of Gratis Internet. He came to me in November to turn his airy 2,500-square-foot condo – complete with two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Canal on Water Street in Georgetown – into a rock ’n’ roll infused bachelor pad.

This style-loving client thrives on work and “making things better.” More often than not, that process includes the steady blare of Led Zeppelin in the background (did someone say, “I want to be a rock star?” ). Thus was my design edict: transform this gorgeous space into a rocking condo.

The stunning warehouse unit was originally (and lovingly) furnished by Jewell and his mother; a noted interior decorator in North Carolina. It included a touch of home comfort and familiarity. I didn’t want to totally abandon their vision, but I did want to upgrade the look. In the end, I did my best to blend what Rob and his mother had done with modern pieces that relfected Rob’s personality and love for music and, especially, Led Zeppelin.

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The result was a slick and fun collaboration of contemporary comfort, individual style and, of course, harmony. And visual harmony – like a pleasing melody – is created by an interplay between furniture, texture and space.

Much like a hit song, a successful room has to have rhythm. The pieces we included function as the lyrics of this space, creating Jewell’s own personal stairway to contemporary heaven.

Kenneth Cobonpue Wave coffee table to depict motion ($750). Muleh, 1831 14th St. NW, 202-667-3440.

Minotti Jagger sofa chosen of course for its style and name from ($15,825). Contemporaria, 3303 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-338-0193.

Ango Midnight Moon suspension light ($920). Muleh, 1831 14th St. NW, 202-667-3440.

Foscarini Twiggy floor lamp ($2,022).

Contemporaria, 3303 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-338-0193.

Minotti Leger table in solid iron ($962). Contemporaria, 3303 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-338-0193.

Paolo Lenti Linea chaise ($4,020). Contemporaria, 3303 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-338-0193.

Paolo Lenti Tondo rug, diameter 79” ($2,328).

Contemporaria, 3303 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-338-0193.

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home life | real estate feature

Tom Anderson, Bill Moody, Marc Schappell, and Dana Landry decided to found their realty firm, Washington Fine Properties, while surfing in 1998. (Photo by Justin Kriel)

Bulls in a Bear market The founders of Washington Fine Properties share their thoughts on the current real estate market, advice for sellers and why small is beautiful

T

he purchase of Washington’s historic “carriage trade” realty firm, Pardoe Real Estate, by corporate giant Cendant, Inc. (now Realogy) in 1998 left an opening in the greater Washington real estate market for an independent firm designed specifically to handle the area’s most valuable properties, and the unique needs of the buyers and sellers. Enter Tom Anderson, a 25 year veteran of Sotheby’s; Bill Moody from Pardoe; Dana Landry, and Marc Schappell, who decided while surfing in 1998 that it was time

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to leave the big boys and the homogeneous firms behind, and branch out. Eight years later, Anderson and his partners are the big boys, and the firm they founded, Washington Fine Properties, handles a startling pertcentage of the sale and purchase of the most valuable properties in the area. WL recently sat down with the founders of WFP to talk about the current state of the luxury real estate market, what should be “top of mind” for buyers and sellers today, and how four friends from diverse backgrounds have managed to put

together one of the hottest real estate firms in Washington.

WL: How is the market doing? What have

been the effects of the sub-prime debacle and the general tightening of the credit markets?

Bill Moody: There is definite caution in today’s

market. Not everything is selling as quickly as it used to. However, the good news is, there is a “good market” in any market, and for well priced properties, activity continues to be very strong.

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Right now there is a lack of good inventory, which keeps demand high for the special offerings.

We are also in the nation’s capital, which has a constant movement of purchasers into our market.

The sub-prime debt debacle has primarily affected buyers without liquidity, and these are less often our buyers.

and catered to the “carriage trade.”What impacted your decision to remain a boutique firm?

the leverage it gives each agent with their buyers and sellers. One of the key factors that differentiates WFP from other firms is that we marc SCHAPPELL: To have the intimacy of run our company like a business.We have fewer, a “carriage trade” firm, where knowledge more experienced agents, and all of our people sharing is paramount, you must impose “limits are required to attend weekly sales meetings and to growth.” Our model is underpinned by the property tours. This strengthens the firm with most experienced, high performing agents in teamwork and camaraderie, creating a powerful WL: People generally associate Washington the markets we serve, and it’s a delicate balance, network. Agents share information regarding Fine Properties with the very high end of the but we have no aspiration or interest in moving their new listings, purchasers’ desires in the market, but not as much with the market, market trends and success mid-range, or lower range. Is this stories. This keeps all of our agents fair? “ahead of the market” and working for our clients in a common direction as a ‘fine property’ are the unique qualities it TOM Anderson: Not really. While team. It’s like having 80 agents on your we are known for the high end, over listing team, and our clients appreciate offers compared to other similar listings 50 percent of our sales are under the feeling of having an entire team in the same price range.” $1 million. “Fine properties” are behind their listing. National statistics not defined by price; they exist in show that 17 percent of all listings are all price ranges, from small homes sold by the firm with which they are to magnificent estates. What defines a “fine towards the volume driven or franchise driven listed; because of our team approach, WFP sells property” in the market are the unique qualities models that are so prevalent today. That’s more over 40 percent of its listings in-house. that it offers compared to other similar listings about “corporate growth” than it’s about client in the same price range. Our focus is on satisfaction.

WL: The four of you are a partnership of offering these fine properties, while providing equals, which is an accomplishment in itself. the highest degree of service to our sellers and WL: As a carriage trade firm, how do you What have been some of the keys to making purchasers that they each deserve. match the national and international reach of this work over the long term? the larger franchise firms?

WL: What’s the most important advice you marc SCHAPPELL: From the outset, the would give someone who wants to sell their tom ANDERSON: We are members of the most four of us were blessed with complementary, property today? established international networks, and we not competing, talents. Bill brings to the personally know the finest local firms in all the partnership an “agent’s perspective” because bill MOODY: Right now pricing should be luxury markets worldwide. We once belonged that is what he does everyday. He is not key to all buyers, and for sellers, an agent’s to a single network, but with the advent of so involved in the day to day running of the strength and credibility should be foremost many more powerful networks, publications, business. I focus on the strategic issues, in their minds. The market has changed today, and websites, we felt we owed it to our clients corporate development and recruiting. Dana and a seller has to be careful. Select the best to join a handful of the best networks, and not is our principal broker, and runs the company brokerage firm who can provide you with the limit our reach with just one. operationally. Tom works with all of our most powerful marketing platform and the agents on agent development opportunities, strongest agent to effectively take your property WL: A number of the area’s most successful keeps our marketing on-point, and runs our into the market, and guide you on price. Be realtors are all members of Washington Fine Fine Properties International Program. We careful not to listen to hollow promises from Properties. As the founders of the firm, how do each know what we are responsible for, and agents who tell you what you want to hear… you maintain collegiality and competitiveness respectfully hold each other accountable.

Remember, they will be representing you in among your colleagues, many of whom have the marketplace, and their strength or weakness been in real estate for their entire careers?

WL: What was the highest sale your company will be the difference between a successful or achieved this past year? disappointing sale.

Dana Landry: Our agents are the key to the success of our firm. They’re terrific. But as tom ANDERSON: The sale of a magnificent WL: A number of other real estate firms in this good as any one agent may be, they all benefit home in Georgetown that sold north of $25 market have grown and consolidated significantly from the power they have as a group. I like to million. To honor the owner’s privacy, I can’t over the past few years, while WFP has stayed small reinforce the importance of teamwork and say more.

“What defines a

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home life | historical landscapes

The Angel and the Poet A ministering angel and a Samaritan scribe cross paths at the Old Patent Office

BY Donna Evers

T

he fates of two remarkable people – Clara Barton and Walt Whitman – intersected during the Civil War at the Old Patent Office Building, now the National Portrait Gallery and Museum of American Art. Washingtonians may be surprised to learn that this magnificent building, newly renovated and re-opened in 2006 (and whose portico entrance was designed as an exact copy of the Parthenon in Greece), was once used as a hospital. Both Barton and Whitman held jobs as clerks in this building; during the war, they both volunteered there as nurses.

A feminist before there was such a word, Barton was also a nurse before the advent of the modern nursing profession. She started the first free public school in this country and was the first woman to work as a clerk in the Patent Office, where she insisted on getting the same pay as the men.This didn’t sit well with the other employees, and she was soon harassed out of a job.When the war broke out, the Army Medical Department was unprepared to deal with the overwhelming number of casualties and the gravity of the injuries. Barton raised money for medical supplies and brought them to the war zones herself. She became known as the “Angel of the Battlefield” at Antietam on the longest, bloodiest day of the war. Legend has it that while giving a fallen soldier a drink of water, she felt her dress rustle. Looking down, she found that a bullet had passed through her sleeve and hit the soldier she was helping, killing him instantly.

She met Whitman at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Already a famous poet and journalist, Whitman was there looking for his brother, who had been reported wounded. His aid to the fallen men on the battlefield would

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Above: Clara Barton’s home is now a National Historic Site. Right: Walt Whitman, affectionately known as the “Good Gray Poet”

forever influence his writing and his outlook on life. Both Barton and Whitman eventually ended up in Washington, where over 50 makeshift hospitals had been erected to accommodate casualties from both sides of the fight.

Whitman penned a haunting account of the scene at the Patent Office hospital. The wounded – as many as 800 patients at some points in the conflict – were placed on cots on the floor among tall glass display cases, which held the models of inventions. The cots were arranged this way to facilitate access to models of particular inventions by examiners, inventors and the general public.

Clara Barton attended to the wounded men in these hallways. Whitman, with his rumpled clothes and wide-brimmed hat, was a welcome visitor, bringing food, tobacco and writing materials to the patients. He once brought ten gallons of ice cream to one of the hospitals.

He fed it to wounded soldiers, some of whom, he said, could “not possibly live, yet … quite enjoyed it.”

At the war’s end, Whitman got a job with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, housed in the Patent Office Building.

Upon finding a copy of The Leaves of Grass, a supervisor fired Whitman, saying that the poems were “injurious to the morals of men.” Friends campaigned for Whitman to be reinstated, referring to him as “The Good Gray Poet,” a name that stuck with him for the rest of his life. The campaign worked, and he was given another government job.

After the war, Barton went to Europe to recuperate from typhoid fever and discovered a Swiss organization called the Red Cross, which was given immunity to go into war zones and help wounded soldiers.When she brought the concept back to her own country, she was distressed to find that the government would not endorse it. The Civil War was so devastating that government officials, not yet anticipating involvement in foreign wars, truly believed the country would never again go to war. She finally prevailed and founded the American Red Cross, the accomplishment for which she is best known. She retired and died in 1912, in Glen Echo, Maryland, where her home is now a National Historic Site open to the public.

Walt Whitman is revered as one of the great poets of American literature, but in Washington, in the darkest days of the Civil War, he was the kind, gray-bearded gentleman who brought food and cheer to wounded soldiers. The man who sat through the night by the cots of the sick and dying, holding vigil so that a wounded soldier would not have to die alone, earned the respect that goes with the title, “The Good Gray Poet.”

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MCLEAN, VA

Magnificent chateau built with exceptional craftsmanship and design. Extraordinary and elaborate details throughout. A rare offering. $17,500,000.

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Perfectly sited on an exclusive two block street in one of Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most desirable neighborhoods. This handsome three-story residence has exceptional style and grandeur, great privacy with mature gardens, terraces and pool. $10,000,000.

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OLD TOWN, VA

On one of McLeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grand detached most soughtManor House after streets, this w/6,500 sq ft of spectacular home exquisite space. boasts everything a Designer kitchen, buyer wants! Only 31â&#x20AC;&#x2122; drawing room, the best materials home theater, two and the finest car garage. Superb craftsmanship throughout. $4,500,000.

Georgetown/Kalorama alternative. $3,495,000.

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WATERGATE

Elegant renovation of this 3,060 sq ft unit overlooking garden/pool/ river. Master suite with double closets, padded silk walls and imported bathroom tiles & fixtures. Custom-made Italian Gourmet kitchen w/top-of-the-line appliances. $2,250,000.

Julia Diaz-Asper 202.256.1887

WEST END

Incredibly functional two bedroom, two and a half bath at the Ritz. 1,760 interior sq ft plus rare 500 sq ft private terrace overlooking the courtyard. Hotel amenities, toprated fitness center, valet parking. $1,149,000.

Jonathan Taylor 202.276.3344

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One of Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great residences, this brick and limestone faced historic residence exemplifies the best of Beaux Arts architecture. Located among other historic mansions on Embassy Row. $4,500,000.

Jonathan Taylor 202.276.3344 Michael Rankin 202.271.3344

MCLEAN,VA

10,000 sq ft masterpiece with six enormous bedrooms, seven full baths, three half baths, three fireplaces, two wet bars, library, staff quarters, sauna, game room, home theater and three car garage. $2,795,000.

Kimberly Casey 202.361.3228 Daryl Judy 202.380.7219

CRESTWOOD

WATERFRONT

KALORAMA

KALORAMA

Classic 1942 colonial 2,400 sq ft three prominently bedroom, three features well bath unit with proportioned fireplace at rooms with high Harbour Square. ceilings, chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Six balconies, kitchen w/top-ofthree exposures, the-line appliances, tons of views and luxurious master suite with private office, and upgrades complete this elegant home. $1,200,000. landscaped backyard. $1,795,000.

Brent Jackson 202.263.9200 Michael Rankin 202.271.3344 Rob Sanders 202.744.6463 John Mahshie 202.271.3132

Spacious three bedrooms, two full baths, lightfilled condo boasts historical elegance and warmth. With a renovated kitchen, fireplace, parking and plentiful closets, it is perfect for gracious entertaining.

Kimberly Casey 202.361.3228 Daryl Judy 202.380.7219

Glamorous 1,462 sf loft with 11 ft ceilings, two bedrooms, two baths, den & walls of windows.

Open floor plan, plentiful closet space & modern kitchen w/granite counters, SS appliances. Garage parking included.

Kimberly Casey 202.361.3228 Daryl Judy 202.380.7219

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Š MMV Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Les Bords de lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Epte a Giverny, used with permission. Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International RealtyÂŽ is a licensed trademark to Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated, Except Offices Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated.

home life | open house

European Splendor Gracious properties evoke Majorca, the Loire Valley, and Sloane Square Up at the Villa 2943 Benton Place, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008

Listing: Samu Qureshi W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors Contact: (202) 641-0501 samu.qureshi@longandfoster.com

In the highly prized Massachusetts Avenue Heights neighborhood, this property is reminiscent of a Mediterranean villa, and located on a quiet street in the heart of Embassy Row. Renovated and expanded from two houses built in 1918 and 1927, the residence features a three-level hexagonal tower looking out over a pool and garden. The grounds contain one of the largest cherry trees in the city. The house features ten bedrooms, ten full baths and three and a half baths. The main level features a twostory foyer with an S shaped staircase, and the lower level includes a two bedroom staff suite with living room and mini-kitchen. Other amenities include an elevator, wine cellar and two large kitchens for caterers and chefs.

Asking : $18,500,000

Chez Vous 1009 Crest Lane McLean, VA 22101

High on a hill in one of McLeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious neighborhoods, this residence incorporates distinctive architectural details, high ceilings and extensive millwork. In addition to large public spaces and a chef â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen, it contains a music room, library, media room, billiard room and exercise room, plus flexible space on the top level. Five bedrooms and five baths comprise the second level, and the lower level has a sixth bedroom and full bath, both equipped for handicapped access.

An elevator rises from the lower level to the main floor, and the gated courtyard offers parking for several cars. A separate one-car garage houses a studio/guest suite above, while a free-form heated swimming pool includes both a spa and waterfall.

Asking: $4,500,000 Listing Agents: Judy Lewis (202) 256-0522 JLewis@ttrsir.com

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Michael Moore (202) 262-7762 MMoore@ttrsir.com

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home life | open house Georgian jewel 2475 Kalorama Road, N.W. Washington, DC 20008

Located in the prestigious neighborhood of Kalorama, this house dates to 1925 and features a brick and limestone façade, as well as many original details throughout. The four-level residence includes a two-car garage, private side terrace, service kitchen, and a private garden and pool.

The house features 6 bedrooms, 5 and a half baths, and an in-law suite on the lower level. The living roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marble fireplace, combined with the two story foyer, dining room, library with wet bar, and chef â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen help facilitate large and small-scale entertaining. A side garden leads to a large pool surrounded by slate patios. The lower level features an exercise room, au-pair suite, a laundry room and rooms for storage.

Asking: $3,795,000

Listing: Jim Bell Washington Fine Properties (202) 607-4000 jim.bell@wfp.com

Cleveland Park classic 3307 Macomb St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008

Located in Cleveland Park, this 1919 residence was restored and renovated in 1998-1999.The property is in move-in condition with 7 bedrooms and 4 and a half baths. In addition to the living room, kitchen and dining room on the first floor is a breakfast room, wet bar, powder room, library and exceptional family room with barrel vault ceiling.

An atrium leads to a sunny lower level with 2 bedrooms, full bath, an extra kitchen, family room and separate rear entrance. The second floor has 3 bedrooms in addition to the master suite.

Asking: $2,900,000

Listing: Judi Cochran Long and Foster Real Estate Contact: 202-944-8400 judi.cochran@longandfoster.com

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GivinG Back 10

A Socially Responsible Approach to Real Estate With Greg and Eden on your side in a real estate transaction, you will receive the most comprehensive customer service and you will be giving back to the charity of your choice.

A 10% donation from every commission they earn is given to charity. Whether you choose to donate to a national cause or a local charity, the choice is yours.

Buying or selling a home is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. Therefore, it is important that you choose real estate professionals who will represent your interests wholeheartedly. Giving Back 10 is Greg and Eden’s way of honoring your relationship as well as promoting the development and well being of the community in which you live.

Your next real estate transaction can change the world!

To learn more about how your favorite charity or cause can receive a 10% donation the next time you buy or sell a home, simply give Greg or Eden a call today.

Reach Greg or Eden directly: Gregory Nelson • gregory.nelson@verizon.net Eden Ellis • edenellis@aol.com Phone: 202-364-3640 WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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home life | real estate news

An Educated Decision Higher learning – evidenced by these buyers’ résumés – pays off in real estate

By Mary K. Mewborn

Left: Located in Georgetown, the four bedroom, three-and-a-half bath property at 3312 N Street NW once belonged to Karl Daniel Heininger. Right: 4929 Glenbrook Road in Spring Valley has been purchased by Randal Quarles of the Carlyle Group. Quarles served as Undersecretary of the Treasury in the Bush administration.

The District Attorney C. Hope Eccles and her husband Randal K. Quarles. have spent $4,587,500 for 4929 Glenbrook Road in Spring Valley.

Quarles joined the Carlyle Group last year, having previously served as Undersecretary of the Treasury during the Bush administration.

Prior to that, he was a partner with the law firm Davis, Polk & Wardwell in their New York and London offices. They have three young children, and their new home has six bedrooms, eight full baths and one half bath.

William F. X. Moody and Robert Hryniewicki of Washington Fine Properties represented the couple in the purchase.

The sellers were Geraldine A. and John C. York, Jr., founder and managing partner of the investment company Georgetown Capital Corporation LLC. Washington Fine Properties agents Donald Corin and Ted Gossett

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represented the Yorks.

Washington Fine Properties’ William F. X. Moody and Robert Hryniewicki were also the listing agents for 3312 N Street, NW in Georgetown. The four-bedroom home with three and a half baths had belonged to Karl Daniel Heininger. When the purchaser, Andrew Richard Adler, went to closing, he paid more than any other home buyer in the District that week: $2,995,000.

Christian and Nora Hohenlohe sold their stunning Wesley Heights residence at 2710 Foxhall Road NW to venture capitalist Dale Lefebvre for approximately $2.7 million. The beautifully designed home was built in 1961 and features a circular driveway, embassysized living room with wood floors, banquetsized dining room with two lighted china cabinets, commercial-sized kitchen, octagonal library, charming drawing room with a stone

fireplace, two-bedroom guest suite with private entrance, covered patio, walled garden with custom landscaping and two rooftop decks overlooking a national park. Kara Sheehan with Washington Fine Properties was both the listing and selling agent.

Judge Robert E. Sharkey and wife Phoebe now own an original Arthur Cotton Moore-designed house. Built in 1980, the international-style residence is located at 4514 Foxhall Crescent NW and had been the home of J. Wendell Crain, who died in 2006 at age 88. Crain was an executive-in-residence at George Washington University’s School of Business, where the student and alumni center is named for him.

The beautifully maintained three-bedroom house and its tranquil garden went for a mere $1,225,000 after having been listed for $1,495,000.

The Sharkeys’ deal was struck with the aid of Long

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.

GeORGetOwn 202.944.8400 fOGGy BOttOm 202.296.5200 fRienDshiP heiGhts 202.364.5200 Chevy Chase 202.363.9700

LONG & FOSTER REALTORS ®

fOxhall 202.363.1800 wOODley PaRK 202.483.6300 Chevy Chase/uPtOwn 202.364.1300 BethesDa Gateway 301.907.7600

POtOmaC/RiveR falls

ClevelanD PaRK

KensinGtOn

Gorgeous 3 finished level Colonial featuring side-load garage, fabulous new gourmet table-space 2007 kitchen, sunroom addition, 4 bedrooms and 3 baths up, 1st-floor family room with fireplace and built-ins, beautiful master suite with luxurious bath, large level fenced yard with deck and patio.

Sought-after pool/tennis community. $1,449,998.

This magnificant 1919 house was completely restored in 1999 and includes 7 bedrooms, 4 full baths & a 1/2 bath.

In addition to the 1st floor boasts a skylit breakfast room off the kitch & exceptional family room with barrel vault ceiling.

Skylit atrium leads to a sunny lower level located 2 floors above ground with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen, large family room and separate entrance. The 2nd floor has 3 bedrooms in addition to the master suite & the top floor features a skylit bedroom with bathroom.

Enter this Charming Cape Cod and Be WOWED by the Most Incredible Expansion / Renovation You Could Ever Imagine! Approximately 4,400 Sq Ft! Designer Finishes and Quality Craftsmanship Abound in this Exquisite 5 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath Home. Seeing Is Believing! $1,195,000.

Sharyn Goldman 301.529.7555 BethesDa Gateway OffiCe 301.907.7600

Sharyn Goldman 301.529.7555 BethesDa Gateway OffiCe 301.907.7600

Judy Cochran 202.415.1510 Edina Morse 202.277.4224 GeORGetOwn OffiCe 202.944.8400

GeORGetOwn Georgeous Victorian with a wonderful vista overlooking Visitation grounds. Enjoy 4 floors of spacious living and even parking! This special house has a terrific pool for hot summer days. Unique mantels and some interesting architectural features. Loaded with light and close to all of the amenities of Georgetown. $2,775,000.

Margaret Heimbold 202.812.2750 GeORGetOwn OffiCe 202.944.8400

g eorgetoWn l ong & Foster is D elighteD to a nnounCe that a l an W all h a s J o i n e DLONG o u r& FOSTER te am o F a sso Ciates

Spectacular Stone Tudor, totally renovated, incredible details. 22’ Marble Foyer w/Triple Mahogany Palladian door-, dramatic Great Room w/gorgeous 30’ Vaulted Ceiling and massive 2-story Stone FP. Gourmet Kitchen w/Granite Island. 5BR, 5.5BA, Library. Swimming pool in walled courtyard. On 1/3 acre corner lot w/leafy views, convenient to downtown DC and Silver Spring. $2,100,000.

Dianne Bailey 301.980.5354 Chevy Chase OffiCe 202.363.9700

Ray Stevens 410.822.1414 Lacaze Meredith Real Estate 410.822.1414

W W W. longanDFoster.Com

COlOnial villaGe

OxfORD, mD Traditional Oxford street presence with contemporary interior boasts glass and decks on the waterside creating an artistic and inspired living environment at this spectacular home. Spacious and open, three levels offer every option one would expect, including a porch patio and panoramic vistas from each deck. $2,450,000.

DuPOnt CiRCle

Chevy Chase, DC

2027 Hillyer Place. Gorgeous, renovated, Victorian townhouse located on Washington’s best kept secret.

Half a block to the Phillips Collection and Dupont Metro. This spacious home is finished on four levels (5BR/5BA/2PR/5FPL) with many fine details. Marble entry. Beautiful central staircase & skylight, 11 ft ceilings, refurbished original hardwood floors. Professional chef’s kitchen with butler pantry and granite counters. Deck off kitchen and family room. Separate basement entrance. Elevator. 2 car parking. $1,995,000.

Exquisite 8-year-old 4-level end unit townhome with great character and charm. 3 bedrooms, 2 full + 2 half baths including spacious master suite with fireplace. Gourmet eat-in kitchen, family room with fireplace, deck, 2-car garage, three exposure offering lovely views throughout. $1,250,000.

Scott Polk 202.256.5460 GeORGetOwn OffiCe 202.944.8400

*Number of listings coming under contract from September 30th-October 30th 2007 by the top brokers as reported in the Metropolitan Regional Information System(MRIS).

In select areas

Pam Ryan-Brye 202.276.6902 Bethesda Gateway OffiCe 301.907.7600

home life | real estate news

Dave Lougee and wife Danni purchased this resort-style contemporary on Runner Road in Great Falls.

and Foster’s Nancy Itteilag and Janet Whitman.

Maryland Thanks to Kimberly Casey and Daryl Judy with Tutt, Taylor, and Rankin Sotheby’s International Realty, 10811 Alloway Drive in Potomac has sold for $2 million. Built in 1962, this W.C. & A.N. Miller designed home in Potomac Falls Estate underwent $1 million worth of renovations in 2001.

It features seven bedrooms and five and one-half baths, including a two-bedroom, two-bath in-law suite. There is also a terraced swimming pool area, tennis court and twocar garage. The new owners are Carol and Jeff Groh. The seller was Tamara Salisbury, co-founder of The National Foundation for Cancer Research.

Chairman of Miller and Long Construction John McMahon and his wife Dorothy paid $2,890,000 for penthouse number 18B at the Somerset in Chevy Chase. The 3,600 square-foot condominium located at 5600 Wisconsin Avenue NW has wrap-around balconies with spectacular views.

It was listed for B. Franklin Kahn Trust by Long and Foster realtor Nancy Itteilag.

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Virginia Dave Lougee, president of the Broadcasting Division for Gannett Co., Inc., and wife Danni have purchased a resort-style contemporary on Runner Road in Great Falls. Situated on three acres, with a large deck, swimming pool and sports court, the fully renovated fivebedroom home was well worth the asking price of $1,595,000.

Weichert realtors Sue Huckaby and Karen Briscoe were the selling agents. Long and Foster’s Nina Koeppen listed the property for John and Heidi Lesinski. Mr. Lesinski is co-founder of Leland Group Commercial Real Estate LLC and specializes in brokering deals in the Shenandoah Valley and along Interstate 81 in both Maryland and Virginia. He is also a retired Marine Corps Colonel and actively supports the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, which college tuition money for the children of military personnel killed in action.

Paul and Virginia Glenn have sold their five-bedroom house at 10607 Creamcup Lane in Great Falls to James M. Sack of the law firm Sack, Harris and Martin. Sack is vice president and general counsel of NVR, Inc., the parent company of Ryan Homes, Rymarc

Homes, Fox Ridge Homes, NV Homes and NVR Mortgage. He has also served as secretary and general counsel for PETCO, an American energy company specializing in the Mediterranean. Born in 1951, Sack graduated with honors from the University of Chicago before going on to study law at Boston University and at Georgetown University. In recent years, he established a research fellowship for University of Chicago history majors. He also serves as chairman of the Organization for Autism Research.

By press time, 11521 Foxclove Road in Oakton is expected to have changed hands.

Businessman James Yeatts will likely receive almost $2 million for his Fairfax County home, thanks to Long and Foster realtor Sharon Hayman. The prospective buyers are former XO Communications, Inc. executive Kathy Isaac and her husband Chris, a patent attorney with Finnegan Henderson. Rowena Wolf of Long and Foster is representing the couple in their purchase of the house, which boasts a swimming pool, spa, pond and patio.

Please send real estate news items to columns@washingtonlife.com.

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Together we can turn your dream into a reality 2113 S Street NW

$2,995,000

Beautiful Kalorama home! 5BRs, 4.5 BAs. Very spacious & elegant five story brownstone with open floor plan. Well over 7,000 square feet with gorgeous hardwoods.

Gourmet kitchen, separate living room and dining room with fireplaces and high ceilings. Fabulous entertaining space including 4th story great room and expansive private roofdeck. Lower level has been entirely renovated and could be an ideal au pair suite. 2 car pkg. Steps to Dupont Metro, restaurants, & nightlife.

BANK OF AMERICA CAN CREATE THE RIGHT MORTGAGE SOLUTION FOR YOU. Our experienced mortgage specialists strive to develop smart, flexible mortgage solutions for people like you, because we appreciate our neighbors. At Bank of America, we can help you turn your dream of homeownership into a reality with:

David Kranich

1321 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20036

(202)262-2055 realtorkranich@aol.com

• Simple processing with less paperwork • Fast loan approvals and closings • Competitive rates and a variety of financing programs Call me today to find out how we can work together to get you into your new home.

Jason R. Gold Mortgage Specialist Office: 202.624.3768 Fax: 866.755.9633 1801 K. St. Suite 440 Washington, DC 20006 jason.r.gold@bankofamerica.com

Credit subject to approval. Normal credit standards apply. Programs, rates, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC ~ Equal Housing Lender © 2006 Bank of America Corporation

7908 Paloma Court Bethesda, MD 20817 Luxury custom home with 9500 finished sq ft built by renowned builder, Rosemark Homes. All stone & brick exterior on a premium cul-de sac that is almost 15,000 sq ft and minutes to downtown bethesda or the district line.

The grand 2 story foyer & elegant living room & dining rm are a prelude to what awaits inside this 7 bedroom, 6 & 1/2 bath home. A magnificent kitchen, breakfast room, family room and sunroom all overlook the backyard, patios, & decks. This home is light & bright with walkout basement, & pella transom windows & doors, ideal for indoor/outdoor entertaining. The library, sitting rooms, built-ins, detailed molding, extensive designer lighting, and designer granites & marbles are just a few of the appointments this home has to offer. A must see! Contact Greta Nicoletti at 301-229-1009.

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. GretaNic@aol.com Office: 240-497-1700

INTERNATIONAL OFFERING

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Chevy ChAse, MArylAnD

Chevy ChAse, MArylAnD

BethesDA, MArylAnD

turn of century brick estate on nearly acre and a half. gorgeous public rooms, including grand foyer and ballroom. Ample bedrooms and staff quarters, heated pool and spa. truly special and exceptional offering in our marketplace. $7,400,000

exquisite georgian home sited on one of the prettiest streets in the heart of the Village. Approx. 9,000 sq.ft. provide for grand entertaining & comfortable living spaces. 8BR, 7.5BA. High ceilings, elevator, private garden & more. $3,500,000

eDgeMOOR - Rare opportunity to purchase this major edgemoor estate, white Chimneys. exquisite english-style manor home sited on 1 acre double lot with pool and tennis. 6 BR, 5.5 BA, 7 fireplaces, 4-car garage. $7,600,000

Liz Lavette Shorb

Sherry Davis

Sherry Davis

301-785-6300

INTERNATIONAL OFFERING

301-996-3220

INTERNATIONAL OFFERING

Chevy ChAse, MArylAnD

PotoMAC, MArylAnD

impressive Villa overlooking a private enclave of homes, 10’ ceilings, Paliadian windows & beautifully scaled rooms. On acre+ lot w/pool & terrace! 5BRs, 4BAs, 3 car garage. $2,395,000

MeRRY gO ROUND FARM - Created by wood Visions with generous spaces and perfect proportions.

Cherry hardwood floors, private baths with each bedroom & spectacular flow. Private, level yard, perfect for a pool. $2,485,000

Florence Meers Donald Corin

202-487-7100 202-288-1772

Anne Killeen

301-706-0067

301-996-3220

INTERNATIONAL OFFERING

PotoMAC, MArylAnD Peace and tranquility abound in this idyllic 2-acre wooded setting backing to parkland. Custom 9,000 sq. ft. tudor w/2-story solarium, 1st & 2nd floor master suite, granite/stainless steel kitchen & more. 4 car garage.

Churchill. $1,995,000

Anne Killeen

301-706-0067

AU PArk, WAshington, DC

kent, WAshington, DC

ClevelAnD PArk, WAshington, DC

Only 1 remains in quiet enclave of 4 new construction homes near shopping & Metro. Spacious 6 BR, 5.5 BA. Sun-filled kitchen/family room and parking.

New LiStiNg! Light filled 4 BR, 3.5 BA Colonial w/ formal Living and Dining Room, Kitchen with breakfast bar, lower level with recreation room, flagstone terrace, large side lot and one car garage. A MUSt See!

Detached colonial in prime location. 4 BRs, 3.5 BAs, newly-finished hdwd floors, crown molding, warm, inviting room colors and 1-car garage. Near shops and restaurants of the wisconsin Ave Corridor. $995,000

Anne Hatfield Weir Heidi Hatfield

Ellen Morrell Carrill McKenzie

Jane Howard Ellen Morrell

202-243-1635 202-243-1634

202-365-0196 703-966-6283

INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS • LOCAL AFFILIATE

202-365-7524 202-728-9500

WASHINGTON, D.C. GEORGETOWN BETHESDA/CHEVY CHASE POTOMAC NORTHERN VIRGINIA WFP.COM

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202.944.5000 202.333.3320 301.222.0050 301.983.6400 703.317.7000

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georgetoWn, Washington, dC

MClean, Virginia

Forest hills, Washington, dC

Distinguished 4 bedroom flat-front Federal with garden & garage. Light-filled interior. Period integrity has been meticulously maintained. Fabulous Master BR suite.

Renovated to absolute perfection. $3,200,000

WATERFRONT!! - Chain Bridge Rd. - 2005 French Chateau style residence w/the finest craftsmanship.

Stunning Panoramic views of the Potomac. $6,995,000

Situated on 1.25-acre lot overlooking Rock Creek Park, 1929 Tudor has stone pillared entrance, 7 BRs & 6.5 BAs.

Karen Nicholson McLean

William F. X. Moody Robert Hrynieiwicki

202-256-0474

INTERNATIONAL OFFERING

202-243-1620

202-728-9500

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BerKley, Washington, dC

georgetoWn, Washington, dC

Spectacular expansion and renovation with georgeous water views. Gourmet kitchen, spacious family room, designer finishes and custom landscaping. 5BRs & 4.5BAs.

Classic 3BR/2BA Victorian complete with high ceilings, crown moldings, large windows, wb fireplaces, renovated table space Kitchen, lovely front and rear gardens, and 1BR/1BA LL Suite with separate Kitchen and entrance. $2,195,000

Kara Maddux Louise B. Williams

Ellen Morrell Patrick Chauvin Matthew B. McCormick

202-320-2963 703-405-4880

Nancy Taylor Bubes

202-256-2164

Kent, Washington, dC Great light, walls of windows, skylights, soaring ceilings, master suite, 3 total BRs, 3.5 BAs, finished lower level & private deck.

Ellen Morrell Patrick Chauvin Matthew B. McCormick

202-728-9500

Bethesda, Maryland

K aloraMa, Washington, dC

georgetoWn, Washington, dC

Gorgeous large Cape Cod on quiet cul-de-sac, sited on 2nd largest lot in Westmoreland Hills - almost 2/3rds of an acre! 6BRs, 4 BAs, seasonal vistas of Reservoir, fabulous pool, sport court, & so much more! $1,799,000

NEW PRICE – 75K Price Reduction. Gourmet Kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances (SubZero & Viking), hdwd floors, high ceilings, 2 BRs and 2 Bas. $639,000

Renovated Federal TH adjacent to Rose Park! Hardwood floors, open and bright 28’ living/dining room, brand new kitchen, 3 BRs, 1.5 BAs, Private patio & garden. $999,000

William F. X. Moody Robert Hrynieiwicki

William F. X. Moody Robert Hryniewicki

Kara Sheehan

301-928-8495

202-243-1620

INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS • LOCAL AFFILIATE

202-243-1620

Washington so c ial d ia r y

this town

The Fortynothings

Call them the true tweeners – not old enough to know about JFK (first hand) and not young enough to enjoy the spoils of youth. the ’60s generation seems lost in the woods

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mindset of the 40ish male, especially since his wife dressed as Mikhail Gorbachev. Seriously, all that was needed to make this cork pop was some LSD in the champagne punch. But everyone behaved because this is, after all,Washington.

Here are some facts about the 40s: It’s when we face our first intimations of mortality, and cross the bridge from eternal youth to aging.

We notice the ride has changed and we’re not as thrilled by the sharp curves and deep dips that used to make us giddy with infallibility. There are gray hairs and crow’s feet and the debate over “do I or don’t I” when hearing others praise Botox, dermabrasion, acid peels, nips, tucks and everything else on the overhaul menu. Just remember, it creates a fork in the road. In one direction is Pamela Harriman and in another Jocelyn Wildenstein.

The cruelest turn is when children begin to fly out of the nest and we’re left at the breakfast table, sitting across from only each other, while the big Peggy Lee question hits smack between the eyes: is that all there is? And the next question: do you keep dancing or do you jump ship? It’s not so much that a lot of people divorce in their 40s, but it is the decade when looking around becomes a possibility, which can then evolve into divorce in the 50s or 60s. It’s now when the tracks are laid for the next 40 years, because that’s all you’ve got if you are among the fortunate.

Milestones, markers, goals, dreams – they all come to roost in your forties. For women it’s marriage and babies, especially if having one –

a marriage and/or a baby – is still an unfulfilled ambition. For men, it’s about the top job. Is it on the horizon, within reach, or not likely to happen? If it hasn’t happened by 45, it may never. As times have changed, women have put the baby issue aside for careers while men have put careers aside for family. Now, the bell tolls for both.

Then there’s the simple agony of the pervasiveness of youth, whether it confronts you while paging through a fashion magazine, going to a film, walking down the street, or stepping onto a jet and taking a glance into the cockpit. Younger people are everywhere and they are gaining ground. Suddenly, you wish you lived in China, where people in their 90s are revered as the masters of the universe.

Sigh. Back to my friend’s party where I, Joan Jett, found myself on the dance floor with the birthday boy, Michael Jackson, trying to rock it to Van Halen’s Jump – not a pretty sight.

Spent and sweaty, we retreated to a sofa. “It was easier 20 years ago with a head full of blow,” he said. “Roger that,” I laughed, as much at his words as his melting “white face” make-up and the sparkly solo glove. Why do we try so hard?

Is it because 45 is close enough to 30 that we think we can turn back the hands of time?

“Look on the bright side,” I told him. “In five years you’ll be 50, born again and able to start over without having to make any excuses.” Or, he can move to China.

Readers wishing to get in touch with Michael can email her at: mstrange@washingtonlife.com

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Il lustrat ion by J.C. Sua r è s

O

nce upon a time 40 was the old 50, but now that baby boomers have made 50 the new 30, what’s a 40-something to do? In the aging game, it can’t be worse than to have been born the year Kennedy died, or soon thereafter, because almost everybody who came before you knows something you’ll never know and, they’ll be smug to admit, are all the cooler for it. In this time on earth, those in their 40s really are a lost generation – the fortynothings. They never made it on to anybody’s radar. They didn’t have to fight the Vietnam war, STD’s hit in the decade of their sexual prime, and, horror of horrors, that same decade, the ’80s, gave us big hair, glam rock and Jimmy Carter. (We love Jimmy now, but, seriously, he was a downer when he had the big job.)

Even among the crop of presidential candidates only Barack Obama was born in the ’60s. Indeed, what is a 44-year-old to do?

These questions were on the mind at a friend’s 45th birthday soirée that occurred on one of the coldest days of winter (another insult). It was a costume party, of course, and do I need to tell you it’s not a pretty sight to see middle-agers done up as Olivia Newton-John, Pat Benatar, Deborah Harry and Gene Simmons.

Mr. Strange went as Walter Mondale while I was Joan Jett, an intentionally improbable couple.

The birthday boy himself was Michael Jackson, which should have clued us all in to the troubled

By michael strange

WASHINGTON, D.C. GEORGETOWN BETHESDA/CHEVY CHASE POTOMAC NORTHERN VIRGINIA WFP.COM

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K alorama, Washington, DC

K alorama, Washington, DC

Rarely Available! Extraordinary 4 level rowhome featuring Formal entertaining rooms, exquisite arch. details, Gracious marble entry foyer, hardwood floors, ornate Fireplaces, large kitchen/family room w/fpl, private Terrace. Garage + 2 spaces. $2,500,000

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