Washington Life Magazine - February 2007

Farewell Mayor Williams: CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ABDO, BERRY, EIN AND VALENTI FEBRUARY

MAD ABOUT MODERN APARTMENT ZERO AT THE WYOMING

THE MYSTIQUE OF LADY DI

ROLAND FLAMINI EXAMINES A ROYAL LEGACY 10 YEARS ON

SPRING FASHION

ON WASHINGTON’S HOTTEST YOUNG SOCIAL PLAYERS

WILL THE DEMOCRATS CHANGE THE SOCIAL SCENE? WL ZEITGEIST WITH KEVIN CHAFFEE, MARY ANN AKERS AND PATRICK GAVIN

GREAT BRITAIN! INSIDE MILLER’S RESIDENCE, THE BERKELEY AND DUKES HOTEL

EXCLUSIVE

FEBRUARY 2007 • $3.95

WASHINGTON LIFE

Marco Minuto in Ralph Lauren Black Label and Erika Gutierrez in Gucci

THE YOUNG

GUEST LIST AND THE

ARE YOU ON IT?

PLUS: PARTIES, PARTIES, PARTIES !!!

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WL SPONSORED EVENTS Choral Arts Society Holiday Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Starlight Starbright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thanks U.S.A. Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Freer and Sackler Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Young Benefactors of the Smithsonian Jolly Holiday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker Tea . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WL EXCLUSIVES

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Luncheon for Friendship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LIFE OF THE PARTY

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Generation Engage IChat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

National Museum of Women in the Arts Fall Benefit . . . . .

Art Buchwald Honored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bill Dunlap Honored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fete for Gore Vidal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Innocents in Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Children’s Law Center Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tiffany’s celebrates Frank Gehry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rock Concert at the Hungarian Embassy . . . . . . . . . .

Holiday Party Montage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cocktails at the Weiss’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Aspen Institute Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

T.H.E. Artist Agency’s Birthday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

REAL ESTATE & DESIGN FINANCIAL ROUNDTABLE with Ed Mathias, Hilda Ochoa-Brillembourg, Brian MacDonnell and William Mundy . . . . . . . . . . .

INSIDE HOMES The Wyoming meets Apartment Zero . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WHAT’S HOT DESIGN Modern Furniture . . . . . .

REAL ESTATE NEWS by Mary Mewborn . . . . . .

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OPEN HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Occa Coee Table in wengĂŠ-colored veneer, $759 to $799 (From Bo Concept, 3342 M St. N.W.); Mary Kate Robbe and Alison Smith at “Tea with the Nutcrackerâ€?; Princess Diana dances with actor John Travolta at the White House in 1985; Model in Badgley Mischka at the Saks Brunch; and Jane Seymour at the W A Jandel S H I N G Holiday TON LIF E | S E PGina T E MAdams BER actress | washingtonlife.com National Museum of Women in the Arts Fall BeneďŹ t

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WL SPONSORED EVENTS Choral Arts Society Holiday Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Starlight Starbright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thanks U.S.A. Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Freer and Sackler Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Young Benefactors of the Smithsonian Jolly Holiday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker Tea . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WL EXCLUSIVES

100

Luncheon for Friendship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LIFE OF THE PARTY

82

National Museum of Women in the Arts Fall Benefit . . . . .

Art Buchwald Honored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bill Dunlap Honored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fete for Gore Vidal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Innocents in Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Children’s Law Center Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tiffany’s celebrates Frank Gehry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rock Concert at the Hungarian Embassy . . . . . . . . . .

Holiday Party Montage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cocktails at the Weiss’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Aspen Institute Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

T.H.E. Artist Agency’s Birthday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

REAL ESTATE & DESIGN FINANCIAL ROUNDTABLE with Ed Mathias, Hilda Ochoa-Brillembourg, Brian MacDonnell and William Mundy . . . . . . . . . . .

INSIDE HOMES The Wyoming meets Apartment Zero . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WHAT’S HOT DESIGN Modern Furniture . . . . . .

REAL ESTATE NEWS by Mary Mewborn . . . . . .

32

OPEN HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Occa Coee Table in wengĂŠ-colored veneer, $759 to $799 (From Bo Concept, 3342 M St. N.W.); Mary Kate Robbe and Alison Smith at “Tea with the Nutcrackerâ€?; Princess Diana dances with actor John Travolta at the White House in 1985; Model in Badgley Mischka at the Saks Brunch; and Jane Seymour at the W A Jandel S H I N G Holiday TON LIF E | S E PGina T E MAdams BER actress | washingtonlife.com National Museum of Women in the Arts Fall BeneďŹ t

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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

SEVENTEEN Eighty-Niners

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nancy Reynolds Bagley EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Michael M. Clements EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Katie Tarbox ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Clay Gaynor STYLE EDITOR

Lana Orloff COPY EDITOR

Claudia Krieger COLUMNISTS

Janet Donovan, Renee Drake, Donna Evers, Vicky Moon, Mary Mewborn, Gail Scott and Donna Shor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & EDITORS

“...some of the best dishes I have ever tasted...” fodors.com “...one of the city’s hottest restaurants year-round...” gayot.com

Jim Abdo, Corinne Bensahel, Max N. Berry, Kevin Chaffee, Katrina Corcoran, Mark D. Ein, Roland Flamini, Ann Geracimos, Ed Mathias, Katie Rost and JackValenti CREATIVE DIRECTOR

J.C. Suarès PHOTO EDITOR AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR

Paul Simkin

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Stacey McGhee

GRAPHIC ARTISTS

Elizabeth Demers, Mark Drefs and Barton Kelecava CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Edgar Becerra, Clay Blackmore, Adam Daicy, Joey Figuerido, Zaid Hamid, Immanuel Jayachandran, Kyle Samperton, Paul Simkin and Yvonne Taylor ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Kelly Ginter ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

“...modern American cooking has found a home...”

Washingtonian “...chef Nathan Beauchamp ‘pleases demanding palates...’” zagat.com

Alexandra Misci SALES AND MARKETING ASSOCIATE

Joseph Losardo EVENTS COORDINATOR

Sarah Croke EVENTS ASSISTANT

Anna Croll CONTROLLER

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Alexandra Kunzig OFFICE MANAGER AND ACCOUNT ASSISTANT

Wesley Crisostomo WEB TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT

Ernesto Gluecksmann, Infamia, Inc. INTERNS

Jessica Deibel, Beth Farnstrom and Shane Shehabi FOUNDER

Vicki Bagley CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE BOARD

Gerry Byrne CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Soroush Richard Shehabi 1226 36th Street, N.W. in Georgetown Reservations: 202.965.1789 Jacket Required Complimentary Valet Parking 1789Restaurant.com

Washington Life magazine: Celebrating Washington’s Social Scene and Power Elite, 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 $35.99 (one year) to: Washington Life Magazine, 2301 Tracy Place, NW, Washington D.C., 20008. BPA audited.

To post or view events on our interactive online social calendar, visit www.washingtonlife.com and click on “social calendar.” To contribute ideas or provide feedback 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. Magazine format by Wayne DeSelle Design / www.deselle.com

Š 2005 Cartier

What extraordinary love looks like

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Oh, To Be Young…

T

he ever-loquacious Lucille Ball once said “the secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.”

So, for all of you healthy 41 year-olds who swore to me you were 29 … I’m on to you. I mention this only because 40 is the magic cut-off for The Young and the Guest List. The good news is we still consider 40 to be young – which certainly keeps the 37-year-olds happy. The bad news is, that doesn’t help if you’re 41. As for me, let’s just say 29 sounds about right. Honestly. Now, where’s my salad?

If there were lingering questions about D.C. lacking youth and beauty, turn to our spring fashion shoot featuring those on our The Young and The Guest List … I mean, really, could Dabney Langhorne Doswell, Carlos M.Gutierrez Jr., Erika Paola Gutierrez, Megyn Kelly, Marco Minuto, Melanie N. Roussell and Michelle Persaud be any hotter? Like others on the list, they embody a combination of professional acumen, philanthropic participation and social style that exemplifies what it means to be young Washington society.

Thanks to Ralph Lauren, Blush,Valise, Carol Mitchell, Saks 5th Avenue Men’s Store, Ann Hand, Adeler Jewelers and Cartier; photographer Yvonne Taylor, stylist Lana Orloff and executive editor Michael Clements for making it happen.

S

ocial gawkers Kevin Chaffee, Mary Ann Akers and Patrick Gavin delve deeper into the Washington social scene in the WL Zeitgeist this month.

The tempestuous trio wonder if going politically blue can cure the city’s party blues. Plus, they breakdown the L.A. to D.C. celebrity scene – does lack of Hollywood success motivate B- and C-listers to seek attention the shores of the Potomac?

Certainly “lack of success” is something former Mayor Anthony William’s legacy will not be associated.We take a look back at his two terms through the eyes of four prominent Washingtonians: Jim Abdo, Max Berry, Mark Ein and Jack Valenti. A special thanks to Jim for providing a photo of Tony

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catching some “quality time” with a cigar in Jim’s tractor (Take note Adrian – this might have been the secret of his success.)

Writer Roland Flamini explores a different legacy this issue – that of the late Princess of Wales. He views the current state of Diana’s mystique through the lens of the critically-acclaimed film The Queen and preparations to commemorate the 10th anniversary of her death.

M

ystique is something the Kennedy Center Honors always has – and this year’s awardees, Zubin Mehta, Dolly Parton, Smokey Robinson, Steven Spielberg and Andrew Lloyd Weber, did nothing to diminish that. Enjoy our red carpet coverage and find out what really happened to Jessica’s “Working 9 to 5” number. There’s no doubt musician John Legend would have nailed a Smokey Robinson tribute if he’d had the chance. Katie Rost interviews Legend for WL this issue, catching the Grammy awardwinner after his show-stopping Howard University homecoming performance.

Show-stopping could also be With new mayor Adrian Fenty at used to describe David Smith Ester Coopersmith’s celebration and Ra‘ed Alawadhi modern for then newly appointed Speaker Apartment Zero twist on their of the House, Nancy Pelosi.

Kalorama residence in the historic Wyoming building. Modern is also the theme for our Design section. Thanks to Bo Concept, Ligne Roset and Vastu for supplying the trendy looks.

On the party front, WL was a proud sponsor of the Choral Arts Society of Washington, the Freer and Sackler Gala,ThankUSA Gala,Young Benefactors of the Smithsonian Jolly Holly, Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker Tea, and Starlight Starbright – and don’t forget to save the date for the WL-sponsored Washington National Opera Midwinter Gala on February 3 andCorcoran Ball on March 02..

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

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FEBRUARY

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CONTRIBUTORS

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JIM ABDO is the president and CEO of

Abdo Development, a development and construction company that specializes in luxury residential and retail developments. He sits on a number of boards, including the D.C. Preservation League, the D.C. Building Industry Association and Arena Stage. He is currently chair of the Development Committee to the Washington Convention Center Authority Board.

2 CORINNE BENSAHEL is a French journalist who writes on architecture, interior design and contemporary art for French magazines such as Le Figardo and Architectural Digest. She also developed a line of fine jewelry and travels the world to find stones for her clients. She recently became the correspondent for DIAMAID. 3

MAX N. BERRY is a lawyer specializing in

international trade, representing industries and countries throughout Europe and the United States. He served under Presidents Carter and Reagan as chairman and president of the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation.

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CLAY BLACKMORE is an established

portrait and wedding photographer. His client list includes such luminaries as Larry King, Forrest Whitaker and Jenna Elfman and events as diverse as the PGA and inaugural balls.

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KEVIN CHAFFEE

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is the Assistant Features Editor and Society Editor of The Washington Times.

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6 JANET DONOVAN is the founder and president of Creative Enterprises International, a Washington, D.C., publicity firm whose clients include celebrities, authors, politicians and publications. She created and hosted The Beltway Broads radio show and writes the column Hollywood on the Potomac.

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7 RENEE DRAKE has had a diverse career in the arts. While living in Washington, D.C., she was a curator for the U.S. Department of State’s Art in Embassies Program. She moved to become the managing editor of Sotheby’s Preview magazine and Art at Auction. After eight years, she left Sotheby’s to make the documentary film The Way Back.

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8 MARK D. EIN is the founder and chief executive officer of Venturehouse Group, LLC. He received his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Finance and his MBA from the Harvard Business School. He is a native of the Washington area and has ties to various organizations throughout the region.

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ROLAND FLAMINI spent almost three decades

at Time magazine, mostly as a foreign correspondent. He has been an opera enthusiast since his teens, and bears the scars for it: Soprano Renata Scotto once chased him across the San Francisco Opera stage brandishing an umbrella.

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ED MATHIAS is the managing director of The Carlyle Group. Mr. Mathias holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where he presently serves as a trustee.

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VICKI MOON has chronicled the lives of the rich, the not-so-rich, the famous and the not-sofamous for more than twenty years. She has covered local murders and prominent lives in Middleburg,Virginia, for People Magazine and The Washington Post and has written about Middleburg’s hunt balls, steeplechase races and parties for Town and Country, Millionaire, Veranda and Southern Accents magazines.

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LANA ORLOFF is WL’s style editor and a personal stylist.With many years of experience and a love for shopping and fashion, Lana offers style and image management, closet and wardrobe organization, special events styling and makeovers, among other services. Lana also styles and consults for international celebrities.

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KATIE ROST is a Washington D.C. native and international fashion model. She runs the Ronald F. Rost charitable foundation and has a skin care line, Body by Katie Rost. Katie graduated from Boston University with a degree in broadcast journalism.

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GAIL SCOTT, author of Diplomatic Dance:The New Embassy Life in America, was Washington’s first solo TV anchorwoman. Covering the world’s most powerful diplomats for The Washington Times and The Washington Diplomat, she also produces Smithsonian Associates’ “Top Embassy Chefs,” organizes monthly Junior League diplomatic events and creates ambassadorial briefings for leading educational institutions. www. gailscott.com.

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DONNA SHOR is an internationalist who has lived in five countries on three continents, climbed the Great Wall of China, tracked tigers in Bangladesh, raised twins in a Provencal mas and a Bordeaux wine chateau, and hobnobbed with greats from Peck (Gregory) to Picasso (Pablo). She has written widely, from the National Geographic to the Paris-based International Herald Tribune.

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JACK VALENTI is the current president of the Friends of The Global Fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and senior consultant to the Motion Picture Association of America. He served as Lyndon B. Johnson’s special assistant, and is the previous president and CEO of the MPAA. He was born in Houston and has a B.A. from the University of Houston and an M.B.A. from Harvard.

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YVONNE TAYLOR was born in Washington D.C and remains one of the region’s top fashion photographers. Her work has graced the pages of Allure, Glamour, Italian Vogue, and Elle among many others. Her work is modern and defines a range of authentic beauty and the emotional space.

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

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FEBRUARY

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C A L E N D A R

Visit Washingtonlife.com’s online social calendar to view numerous galas and events, or post your event, which will then be considered for our print edition and our annual Balls and Galas Directory.

FEBRUARY

CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOUNDATION GALA Catholic

Community Services honors philanthropists and charitable citizens at a black tie gala where notable guests will include benefit chairs John Delaney and April McClain Delaney, as well as Donald W.Wuerl, Roman Catholic archbishop of Washington.

The Trinity Irish Dancers’ terpsichorean stylings will thrill attendees and 4th Annual Voice of Hope recipients alike; 6:30 p.m.

– midnight; Hilton Washington Hotel; $350 for individuals with sponsorship opportunities available; Contact Sarah Arnett at (202) 7724392 for more information.

WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA MIDWINTER GALA STOCKHOLM CITY OF NORTHERN LIGHTS Santa

Lucia, harbinger of light in a dark Scandinavian solstice, could engineer no better celebration of winter cheer than this evening of

Washington Opera Midwinter Gala 2006. Photo Courtesy of Vicky Pombo

cocktails, dinner and dancing.

Under the patronage of Swedish ambassador Gunnar Lund, the gala celebrates SPONSORED Stockholm, Sweden’s seat of culture and capital city. Silent and live auctions, followed by surprise entertainment in the lavishly decorated Andrew Mellon Auditorium. 6:30 p.m. – midnight;

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Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; $500 for individuals; Contact Angela Olson at (202) 295-2486.

RD ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL DINNER Much like the famous

Friar’s Roast, which lambasts celebrity icons, the Washington Press Club Foundation’s annual bash promises a temporary detente between members of Congress and the reporters who cover them.This convivial dinner will be emceedd by Bob Schieffer, with Rep. John Boehner and Sen. Edward Kennedy providing verbal entertainment while promoting the Foundation’s commendable goal of encouraging diversity in the media. 6:30 p.m. reception, black tie optional; Dinner and

program 8 p.m.; $175 per person; The Ballroom of the Ritz Carlton Washington Hotel; contact WPCF Executive Director Suzanne Pierron at 202-393-0613 for more information.

George Allen, Jennifer Berry and Donald Graham 62nd Annual Congressional Dinner

ALVIN AILEY DANCE THEATER

The National Building Museum; sponsorship opportunities; Contact www.neafoundation.com for more information.

GALA Acclaimed tour-de-force

performances for a half century have cemented the Ailey’s group’s reputation in dance lore; this “improbable force of dance nature” returns to the Kennedy Center for an opening night celebration which will include the classic “Revelations,” one of the group’s seminal works. Dinner and dancing follow the performance. 7 p.m.; The

FAIRFAX SYMPHONY VALENTINE POPS GALA

“Virginia is For Lovers” has never been more apropos: the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra invites lovers of beautiful music to “Memories & Melodies,” its annual Valentine Pops Gala.This event includes dinner, a silent auction and a ballroom pops concert by the FSO. 6:30

Kennedy Center; tickets start at $500; Contact (202) 636-8745.

THE NEA FOUNDATION’S TH ANNUAL SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION GALA Laissez

p.m. cocktails and silent auction; 8:00 p.m. dinner with concert to follow; Sheraton Premiere at Tyson’s Corner; $300 per person; tables of 10 available for $7,500, $5,000, and $3,000; Contact Ann Morrison at (703) 563-1990.

les bon temps rouler with venerated tennis legend Billie Jean King, children’s author extraordinaire Eric Carle and celebrity host Avery Brooks at this black-tie fete. Masks are optional, but dedication to social consciousness is definitely an NEA requirement.

The event’s proceeds benefit Gulf Coast libraries ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. Reception

CEG’S ND ANNUAL HEARTBREAKER’S

BALL The Heartbreaker’s Ball

benefits the American Heart Association and features DC Soul –a local super-group whose members have toured with musical legends such as Wilson Pickett, Peaches & Herb and

at 6:30 p.m.; Dinner at 7:30 p.m.;

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

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comedian Bill Cosby and the pop group Hootie & the Blowfish are featured along with a silent auction, dancing, and a chance to win one of two high-end Benzes. It’s no wonder the society hopes to raise $20 million at this ultimate marriage of networking and largesse. 6:30 p.m.; Black tie

the Casuals. “Festive Valentine’s attire” is suggested. 9:00 p.m.

– 2:00 a.m.; The City Tavern Club in Georgetown; $65 for ladies, $75 for gentlemen (all tickets will be $80 at the door) VIP: $100 per ticket; contact www. capitolentertainmentgroup.com for more information.

BE PASSIONATE THE STUDIO THEATER’S WINTER GALA

This night of 1940’s glamour promises to thrill the senses with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and an elegant seated dinner on the Studio Theater’s stages and open arenas.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Photo courtesy of Paul Kolnik

Studio Theater, 14th and P; Contact Madeline Smith at (202) 232-7267 ext. 372.

“PRIMED” WASHINGTON PROJECT FOR THE ARTS/ CORCORAN ART AUCTION GALA The WPA

invites the discriminating art patron to view –and acquire— critically acclaimed and exciting

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new pieces selected by five local and esteemed curators from the works of up-andcoming young artists as well as established talents. Cocktails 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Dinner 7:00 p.m.; Silent Auction 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; cocktail black or winter white attire; Corcoran Gallery of Art; $250 per person; Contact the WPA/C at (202) 639-1828 for more information.

The evening also includes hot licks and cool swing furnished by a live band and a sneak peek at The Passion of the Crawford, Lypsinka’s latest. Proceeds support the artistic, educational and community facets of the theater. 6:30 p.m.; $350; The

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

Lionel Richie Leukemia Ball 2006

FEBRUARY

THE NINTH ANNUAL GOURMET GALA “MARDI GRAS FOR THE KIDS” St. Jude’s Research Hospital

presents a tasty bash celebrating “food, friends, and children” to benefit its legendary children’s medical care. More than 30 top chefs will tantalize the tastebuds of business, financial, and political leaders at this “Fat Tuesday” spectacular. Over the last eight years, this event has raised more than $1,000,000 for the famous hospital.

5:30 – 9:30 p.m.; The National Building Museum; $250; Contact Kevin Gianotto at (800) 336-3083 for more information.

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MONTRÉAL UNDERGROUND

Some of Montréal’s best musical performers, video artist and a DJ help transform the Smithsonian’s underground Ripley Center concourse into a nightclub offering a taste of things to come at the 8th MUTEK International Festival of Music, Sound and New Technologies. 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.; 1100 Jefferson Drive S.W.; $25 per ticket; visit www.si.edu for more information.

formal; Sponsorship opportunities; The Washington Convention Center; Contact EdithWooten at (202) 306-0708 for more information.

MISSION POSSIBLE GALA– FROM DARKNESS TO SUNSHINE

NARSAD, the leading donorsupported organization dedicated exclusively to funding psychiatric research, SPONSORED hosts a black-tie gala dinner. Every dollar raised goes directly to research due to two family foundations pay all of the administrative costs. Black-tie

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optional; Tickets start at $250; Canadian Embassy; contact naradgwdc@aol.com or visit www.narsad-dc.org

LEUKEMIA BALL Support

one of the nation’s toprated voluntary health agencies—the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has raised $411 million for research since its inception in 1949—at this black tie gala. This year

Gladys Abi-Nam and Helen Thomas Eighth Annual Gourmet Gala

SAVE THE DATE WL SPONSORED

Corcoran Ball, March 2

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F .Y. I . D . C .

Cinématographe Lumière; Panorama of Grand Canal as Seen from a Boat, 1896, 50 feet; Producer: Alexandre Promio; camera: Alexandre Promio

MOVING PICTURES AMERICAN ART AND EARLY FILM The Phillips Collection; 1600 21st Street, N.W. February 17 – May 20. For more information: visit www. phillipscollection.org

BLOWN AWAY Your inner child is calling you. Answer at the

st Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival on March 31 at the Washington Monument from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call (202) 357-3030.

Thomas A. Edison Company; The Kiss, 1896; half-tone flip book of Edison film

e THE BARD COMETH All the world’s a stage, but everything Shakespeare is set just for D.C. as the Kennedy enter presents Shakespeare in Washington from January to June 2007. The celebration showcases a splendid array of all things Shakespearean—including A Midsummer Night’s Dream ballet at the Kennedy Center and a screening of Richard III at the AFI Silver Theater. For more information visit www. kennedy-center.org/programs/ festivals/06-07/shakespeare.

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f ST CENTURY SAKS Don’t be surprised when your next purchase at Saks Fifth Avenue comes wrapped in packaging bearing an unfamiliar logo. The venerable department store unveiled its new insignia (the starting point was the store’s classic calligraphy logo created in 1973) in January.

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

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UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DESIGN This fall, Dom Perignon will unveil a limited edition ice bucket designed by Marc Newson — named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2005 — to hold a magnum of the spirit. It will be available in D.C. exclusively at Apartment Zero (406 Seventh Street, N.W.), the $1,000 objet d’art comes in Newson’s signature lime green.

THE PUCCI PROJECT The Georgetown Inn gets a makeover by way of furniture designer and gallery owner Ralph Pucci and LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels — Hotel Ralph Pucci will open in fall 2007. For more information, visit www.luxuryresorts.com or call 1-877-LXR-XOXO.

ANNIVERSARY ON ICE New York City’s Rockefeller Center Ice Rink — which has become a Big Apple landmark in the decades since it opened on Christmas Day in 1936 — celebrates its 70th anniversary this season. To mark the occasion, take advantage of the “SkateA-Date” package if you’re in New York this winter. The $70 package includes VIP skating (no lines!) and dinner for two at Rock Center Café, which overlooks the rink.

For more information visit www.rapatina.com/iceRink.

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F .Y. I . D.C . R O M A N C E A SWEET DEAL Treat your sweetheart right with this edible heart-shaped light or dark chocolate box of DeBrand chocolatier’s truffles; $95. For more information or to order, visit www.debrand.com. f LOVE IN SEVEN LANGUAGES “I Love you” — in Spanish, English, German, Hebrew, Italian, Chinese and French — is embroidered on the left leg of each boy short in this package from Mary Green; $105.

Available at Sylene, 4407 South Park Ave., Chevy Chase, Md.; (301) 654-4200.

THE SWEET LIFE AT THE RITZ With the “Be My Chocolate Valentine” package from the Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown, (overnight accommodations, chocolate bath cocktail presentation, chocolate lover’s breakfast in bed, etc.) your special evening (and morning) are sure to be sweet; prices starting at $449.

The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown

The lobby lounge at the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown

Famoso Restaurant

LOVE BITES The fastest way to your sweetie’s heart? Their stomachs, of course. Try the couple’s special at Famoso Restaurant: a four-course pre-fixe menu, complimentary parking, live entertainment and heart-shaped pendant from Tiffany & Co.; $270.

Famoso Restaurant, 5471 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md.; (301) 986-8785.

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c ADULT ENTERTAINMENT Valentine’s Day is made for cocktails — either for celebrating or drowning sorrows. Make your favorite (or try something new) with X-Rated Vodka and Fusion Liqueur; $29.99 (vodka) and $27.99 (Fusion Liqeuer). For more information, visit www.xratedvodka.com.

f THINK PINK She will if you give her something from Victoria Secret Pink’s Valentine’s Day collection, inspired by the most romantic city in the world — Paris. Elle l’aimera! “I See Paris” underwear, $7.50. Available at Victoria’s Secret; for more information and store locations, visit www.victoriassecret.com.

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FEBRUARY

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RESERVE HER HEART

Tea Cellar at Park Hyatt Washington

Turn up the romance at these four Washington hot spots

TEA FOR TWO AT THE PARK HYATT WASHINGTON

THE MELTING POT 1220 19th St. N.W. • (202) 857-0777

1201 24th St. N.W. • (202) 419-6755 The Park Hyatt offers the ultimate tea time: black, vintage pu-erh, herbal, royal white and green teas.

There are more than 50 rare and exotic blends from all over the world, including some that are considered aphrodisiacs. Take your loved one for a romantic afternoon in the chic lounge and enjoy a pot — or two — with pastries.

The romantic effect of the fondue pot cannot be underestimated; this communal act has both endearingly clumsy moments — dropping the bread in the lava-esque sea of Gruyere — and eternally sweet ones. There’s no better excuse to feed your date than a foot-long fork, as it preserves a respectful distance while remaining intimate.

Book a table in the romantic Lover’s Lane section and enjoy a chocolate fondue prepared tableside.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL

1330 Maryland Ave. S.W. • (202) 554-8588

1226 36th St. N.W. • (202) 965-1789

Want to stay in? Consider the Sensual Delight package at the five-star Mandarin Oriental hotel, which includes Champagne, chocolate fondue, assorted fruits and cakes, in-room movies and even a “Kama Sutra Game.”

Led by award-winning executive chef Nathan Beauchamp, 1789 provides a charmingly romantic ambience replete with silk-shaded lamps, roaring wood fires and Limoges china. Relaxed country-inn elegance and an extensive wine list assure an unforgettable evening.

THE SCENT OF LOVE Give the “Love to Love You” package from Lush — which includes a “Sex Bomb” bath bomb, “Ohh La La” lavender-infused soap and other goodies — for a steamy (and fragrant) holiday; $34.95. Available at Lush; 3066 M St. N.W.; (202) 333-6950.

e FLOWERS IN A BOTTLE Tom Ford Black Orchid Perfume in a limited-edition black crystal bottle designed

by Tom Ford for Lalique; $600 for a halfounce bottle. Available at Neiman Marcus.

f FOR DECORATION ONLY Don’t bite into these

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THE SECRET OF JEWELRY WASHINGTON LIFE What is this obsession we have with jewelry?

JORGE ADELER Since the beginning of mankind, jewelry has been consistently present. It is represented in every culture and on every continent. It touches the soul and evokes passion and joy. Jewelry has been used to express friendship and commitment as well as to show respect for religious figureheads in some cultures and gods in others.

gemstones I use originate. I meet the miners and learn about the “romance” of each gem.

WL So, the “value” of jewelry often exceeds its intrinsic worth.

JA Yes, because it ties to the spirit, heart and soul of the gift giver as well as to the recipient.

WL What makes a design a success?

AD When a person comes to me to design something to commemorate a wedding, birth, anniversary, promotion, graduation or any number of other monumental occasions, it requires my rapt and complete attention to what emotion and sentiment that person wants that piece to convey. That is what will make the design a success.

WL Is that something you are conscious of when you design a piece?

JA I focus on the hopes, dreams and emotions of my clients to inspire and drive my designs. I also visit the countries where the

chocolates! I R I D E S S E cultured chocolate Tahitian pearl and cognac diamond circle drop earrings in 18K gold; $2,225. Available at Iridesse, Tysons Galleria, McLean, Va.; (703) 356-6222.

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1789 Restaurant

WL What about the desire of the customer?

JA It is equally important that I understand what vision my clients have when designing a piece. What emotions do they wish the piece to represent? Love, passion, success, promise ... all of this helps me to create that special one-of-a-kind “time capsule” that masks as a “jewel.”

— Jorge Adeler is CEO and Founder of Adeler Jewelers

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P O L L Y W O O D

TH

29 ANNUAL

KENNEDY CENTER HONORS December 3 • The Kennedy Center Opera House PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

Zubin Mehta

Dolly Parton

Smokey Robinson

Steven Spielberg

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Birthplace: Mumbai, India Accolades: Main conductor of the new opera house of the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències in Valencia, Spain; Musical Director for the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic from 1978 to 1991.

Birthplace: Sevierville, Tennessee Accolades: Seven-time Grammy winner, twenty of her albums have reached gold and platinum status.

Parton has appeared in the films Steel Magnolias and 9 to 5. Two of her songs, 9 to 5, from the movie of the same name, and Travelin’ Thru, for Transamerica were nominated for Academy Awards.

Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan Accolades: As a member of The Miracles and a solo artist, he recorded 70 Top 40 hits. He received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Howard University in 2006, and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner.

Birthplace: Cincinnati, Ohio Accolades: Two of his films, Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan earned him Academy Awards for Best Director. Schindler’s List also won Best Picture. He was nominated by the Academy for Best Director Oscar six times and seven of his films have been nominated for the Best Picture.

Birthplace: London, England Accolades: He has composed 13 musicals and numerous accolades, notably: three Tony awards, three Grammy awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. His company, The Really Useful Group, produced two of the longest-running shows in Broadway history, Cats and The Phantom of the Opera.

Pictured with Frances Robinson.

Pictured with Kate Capshaw.

Pictured with Madeleine Lloyd Webber.

Pictured with Nancy Mehta.

It’s

the Oscars of Washington; what Sundance is to independent film; the Superbowl of D.C. celebrity, if you will — and certainly the only party in town even Washington Life readers have a hard time getting into. For the uninitiated, the Kennedy Center Honors involves several A-list-packed events: Honorees are feted at a Kennedy Center luncheon, White House reception, a State Department banquet, a more casual brunch at the Mandarin Oriental’s venerable Café Mozu and finally a red carpet gala performance at the Kennedy Center Opera House. Aside from the glitz and history of the awards, the event also represents the Kennedy Center’s most important annual fundraising event – a rarity in this “oh, no not another award show” era. The Kennedy

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Center Honors are also unique in that honorees neither perform nor give acceptance speeches and they must agree to attend.

The Scene: The whole world has heard about Jessica Simpson’s nonplussed tribute to Dolly Parton, which led to Simpson running off the stage to no applause. Awards founder George Stevens, Jr. explained a few days later at the Q&A Café at Nathans that Simpson re-shot the performance after the show – not the first time that had occurred, he diplomatically added (although, he did admit the other instances were for technical reasons.) Simpson ultimately requested that her performance (or lack there of) be pulled. Fashion was also a hot topic as when First Lady Laura Bush found herself in a $8,500 Oscar de la Renta couture clash with

not one, but three other women at the White House reception in the same dress (apparently the other women didn’t “get the memo”.)

The Guests: The toughest ticket in town saw 2,000 attendees headlined by President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and wife Lynne, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Sergeant and Eunice Shriver, Sen. Ted Kennedy, Carrie Underwood, Jessica Simpson, Reese Witherspoon, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Kenny Rogers, Barbara Walters, Sen. John McCain and wife Cindy, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and his wife, NBC News reporter Andrea Mitchell, Sarah Brightman, violinist Itzhak Perlman, Reba McIntyre and Liam Neeson.

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Shania Twain

Reese Witherspoon

Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson

Jessica Simpson

Carrie Underwood

Josh Groban

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

Sen. Joseph and Hadassah Lieberman

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Reba McEntire

Joan Collins

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Rep. John and Debbie Dingell

Alan Greenspan and Andrea Mitchell

Sen. John and Cindy McCain

Bob and Pat Schieffer

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James Johnson, Vernon Jordan and Maxine Isaacs Tom Hanks, Pincus Zucherman and Sydney Harman

KENNEDY CENTER HONORS BRUNCH December 4 • CafÊ Mozu, Mandarin Oriental PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

Peter Brown, Barbara Walters, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Madeleine Webber

THE SCENE CafĂŠ MoZU was again the place to be for a starstudded and decidedly causal (for Washington) Honors brunch.

In a endance were some of Hollywood’s ďŹ nest mixing with the Washington power elite. Steven Speilberg and Tom Hanks took turns in photo ops with newly appointed Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi; Sen. Ted Kennedy shared a tempting photo-op with Smokey Robinson; Dolly Parton added a shot of smile expresso to the morning aair and Rita Wilson, Andrew Lloyd Weber, the late Art Buchwald and Barbara Walters rounded out the star power.

Paul Pelosi, Nancy Pelosi and Paul Pelosi Jr.

Mary Margaret and Jack Valenti

Ted Kennedy and Otis Williams

Dolly Parton

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

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Smokey Robinson and Michael Kaiser

Bella Barden, Don Barden and Alana Barden

Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson

George Lucas and Mellody Hobson

George Stevens Jr. and Ben Bradlee

Becky and Bill DeVoss

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Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw

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Michael Saylor and Karin Tanabe

Christie Weiss, Connie Carter and Anne Weir Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg David Deckelbaum, Terri Robinson and Jim Bell Fran and Gant Redmon

Thomas Nowotny and Austrian Amb. Eva Nowotny

Charles Epps Jr., Roselyn P. Epps, Roselyn E. Epps and Executive Director Debra Kraft

Katie Rost, Donna Limerick and Joel Limerick WL SPONSORED

THE CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON’S TALES FROM THE VIENNA WOODS December 18 • The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

BY GAIL SCOTT PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

Austrian Ambassador Eva Nowotny and her husband Professor Thomas Nowotny proudly served as honorary patrons for the Choral Arts Society’s 26th Holiday Concert and Gala at the Kennedy Center. Popular Artistic Director Norman Scribner presented festive Christmas Music featuring mezzo-soprano Jennifer Larmore and the American Youth Philharmonic. The young musicians particularly charmed the audience who heartedly sang along. Then, 750 patrons, in white- and black- tie and ball gowns, crowded into elevators to dine and dance on the Roof Terrace level. Inspired by golden artwork from Gustav Klimt, this Viennese gala included an elegant Austrian dinner and an international silent auction. Anne Hatfield Weir chaired this major fundraiser which brought in $650,000.

Sen. John Warner and Gant Redmon

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Barbara Harrison

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7TH ANNUAL TASTE OF THE STARS GALA November 22 • Four Seasons Hotel PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

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THE EVENT A black-tie gala, “Bo les and Baubles: Treasures from the Cellar and Vault,â€? for the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation’s Mid Atlantic Chapter. The event’s proceeds (over $500,000) will support programs that provide comfort for seriously ill children and their families. THE SCENE Tom Shelton of Joseph Phelps Vineyards emceed and donated a magnum of the 1994 Insignia for each table. A total of $500,000 was raised. Everyone le with an A/X Armani Exchange gi bag. THE GUESTS Cochairs Sharon Dougherty, Jocelyn Greenan and Kristen Olson, Michael and Emma Beck, Sidley Austin Brown and Thacher ProďŹƒ', and Reid and Holly Walker.

Cathy Merrill Williams and Paul Williams

Kristen Olson and Sharon Dougherty

Bill and Irene Koegel

Kimberly Holland and Kirsten Pollin Tom and Laurie Shelton

Courtney Sullivan Brown and Roger Brown

Mike, Allison and Tenna Carone

Carrill McKenzie, Tom Quinn and Georgia Shallcross

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Jocelyn Freenan and Diane Rae Brown

Smythe and Carter Kannapell

Phil Musser and Norah O’Donnell

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Page Evans and Nini Ferguson

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Ambassador Gunnar Lund, Adrian Talbott, Justice Stephen Breyer, and Justin Rockefeller

Robyn Vitarello, Meghan Martin and Chris Dawe

Nate Breyer and Nathalie Tcholagher

GENERATION ENGAGE ICHAT November 30 • The House of Sweden PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

Arturo Brillembourg and Tomas Bostrom

THE EVENT GenerationEngage celebrated its interactive dialogue between young adults and civic leaders through Apple’s iChat videoconference. THE GUESTS Co-founders Devin Talbo' and Justin Rockefeller; board members Anthony Edson, Ali Samadi and Cate Edwards; and Sen. Jay Rockefeller and his wife Sharon.

Rebekah Gray and Michelle Bowen

Dean D’Angelo, Phil Deutch and Kirsten Lodal

Ollie Rosen, Jason Camsky and Karl Bach

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Lauren Talbott, Bud Talbott and Ava Talbott

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Marcia Jackson and Edi Gutierrez

Sole Adeler Garcia, Wendy Adeler Hall, Graciela Adelar, Jorge Adeler and Valentina Adeler Armour

Justice Alberto Gonzalez with Rachel and Casey Akins*

Frank Snellings and Sen. Mary Landrieu

Mark Cellus Alexander and Harry Wingo

Lanier Ward and Deanna Okun

WL SPONSORED

THANKSUSA GALA November 14 • Andrew Mellon Auditorium

Mike Simpson and Ray LaHood

John Byington, Linda Byington and Ann Okun

Kate Greenberg, Neil Greenberg and Lina Martin

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THE EVENT: A gala to raise funds for the ThanksUSA scholarship program, which provides education to the spouses and dependents of military personnel in active duty. Mumm champagne sponsored a champagne reception before an elegant sit-down dinner. THE SCENE: Dr. Clifford L. Stanley, president and CEO of Scholarship America, General Richard B. Myers (Ret.), and Jorge Adeler of Adeler Jewelers (who donated the $100,000 grand prize for the treasure hunt) spoke about the importance of providing educational assistance to military families. Senators Carl Levin, John Sununu, Mary Landrieu, Jack Reed, Ted Stevens, and Reps. Norm Dicks also spoke. THE GUESTS: Co-chairs Lynne Pace, Deanna Tanner Okun, Wendy Adeler Hall; Senator Debbie Stabenow and her husband, Tom Athans; Congressmen Ray LaHood, Jeff Miller, and Michael Simpson; and A'orney General Alberto Gonzales.

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*PHOTOS COURTESY OF THANKSUSA

PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

Everything else is just a gym.

The Sports Club/LA is not just about what’s new.

It’s about what’s next – in fitness, in service, and in luxury.

100,000 sq. ft. of Luxurious Space I Personalized Service I Yoga I Pilates I Splash Destination CitySpa I Specially Designed Group Exercise Studios with Innovative Classes I Basketball and Squash Courts I Lap Pool, Steam Rooms,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THANKSUSA

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www.TheSportsClubLA.com • 800.775.4109 1170 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC • New York • Boston • Miami • San Francisco • Los Angeles

O F T H E PA R T Y

Gilan Tocco Corn, Jane Seymour and Linda Hohenfeld Slatkin

Susan Blumenthal

Keith Lippert and Caroline Boutté

Rosella Taffa and Ondine Langford

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS FALL BENEFIT November 2 • National Museum of Women in the Arts PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS

THE EVENT The museum’s 20th anniversary, a benefit event for its Shenson Chamber Music Concert series, which provides free concerts by women composers and performers. THE SCENE Jane Seymour, actress and artist, was the honored guest. Actor Morgan Freeman and his wife Myrna Colley-Lee (a supporter of the museum) were the first on the dance floor. THE GUESTS Co-Chairs Irene Natividad and Gina Adams, and museum founders Wallace and Wilhelmina Holladay.

Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman

Janice Adams, Judy Esfandiary and Mary Mochary

Wilhelmina Holladay, Pat Bush and Nancy Stevens

Gina Adams, Jane Seymour and Irene Natividad

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Climis and Carol Lascaris

Andrea Roane, Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman

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Winton and Wallace Holladay Jr.

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Mallory and Diana Walker Polly Cutler and Bob Woodward

Jim Kimsey and the late Art Buchwald

Ruth See

“Hi, I’m Art Buchwald and I died.�

1925–2007

DIVINE PROVIDENCE? December 14 • The Residence of Ambassador and Madame Levi e of France

BY JANET DONOVAN PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

At this point, it’s hard to know if Art Buchwald has been playing tricks on us or if life has been playing tricks on him; either way, the outcome works. It’s been nearly a year since “Artie� checked into hospice and almost that long since he checked out.

Somewhere in between, he’s been having the time of his life.

Such was the case at the residence of French Ambassador Jean-David Levi'e and his wife Marie-Cecile, who bestowed upon him the coveted Commandeur des Arts et Le res at a book party in his honor for Too Soon to Say Goodbye. “It strikes me now since you are here, that you became famous for your love of France,� Amb. Levi e emphasized.

The well-founded consensus among guests as to Art’s popularity was pure and simple: He’s FUN. “I’ve known Art forever and he’s never changed,� said Ethel Kennedy. “He’s always been great fun.� “When I played tennis with him early on he was a wonderful player and always very amusing,� chimed in long-time friend and arts patron Olga Hirshhorn. “His columns get be er and be er.� “I just love him — that’s all,� said Ben Bradlee. The Washington Post, of course, is Buchwald’s home paper. “This town sits at the feet of presidents, but presidents come and go. Buchwald goes on forever,� Sam Donaldson said.

Whether luck, uke, providence or medical miracle – it doesn’t ma er.

Ambassador Levi e said it best: “We hope that your plane remains grounded for a long, long time.â€? Sadly, it took o on January 17, 2007.

French Amb. JeanDavid Levitte and Ben Bradlee

Jack Valenti, Mary Margaret Valenti, Jan Smith, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and Sam Donaldson

Francois Rivasseau, Madame Levitte, Natalie L’Oiseau and Elizabeth Rivasseau Sissy Yates and Gabriella Smith

Larry Walke, Patricia Jenson and Larry French Caroline Croft

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Quinn Bradlee and Angus Yates

Rachel Newman, David Hsu, Rick Zigler and Sarah Cunningham

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Kenneth Morgan and David Trigiani and Alisa Newman Hood James Monroe andBaba LudoGroom Hood

Lucky Roosevelt and Bill Dunlap Wyatt and Tandy Dickerson

HONORING BILL DUNLAP December 6 • The Residence of James Kimsey PHOTOS BY ADAM DAICY

THE EVENT Friends of Bill Dunlap gathered at a cocktail affair for the release of Dunlap, a comprehensive monograph of his art. Jim Kimsey hosted the affair in his favorte entertaining spot, his newly restored Frank Lloyd Wright guest house . THE GUESTS Joe Robert, Sen. Thad Cochran, Katherine Wood, Nicky Bera, Frank Lloyd Wright biographer Meryle Secrest, E.J. and

Mark Plockton, Sue Pendleton and Arthur Navarro

Carol Joynt and Henry von Eichel

Jamie Romas, Reid Avett, Claire Avett and Janey Moskowitz

Kay Webber, Finlay and Willee Lewis with John Habard

Mark Plotkin, Phil Hanes and Arthur Navarro

Sharon and Bruce Bradley with Lisa Lambert and Jeff Scarborough

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Nancy and Rick Ordway

Willam and Lovida Coleman

Frank and Carol Miller

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Chef Fabrizio Aielli of Teatro Goldoni & Special guests of Ristorante Lineadombra “Not the only modern restaurant in Venice, but maybe the best.” – New York Times

Request the pleasure of your company for an evening of fine Venetian cuisine & wine to celebrate

7:30 PM Tuesday, February 20, 2007 Honorary Queen and King: Judith Martin (“Miss Manners”) & Eric Denker (Senior Lecturer, National Gallery of Art) $200 per person to benefit SAVE VENICE 1909 K Street NW Washington DC RSVP: katygoldoni@aol.com or 202-955-9494 Festive attire. Masks optional.

Complimentary valet parking

O F T H E PA R T Y

Carol Schwartz, Judy Bachrach and Ruth Bachrach

Monika von Eichel and Pamela Aparicio

FETE FOR GORE VIDAL November 16 • Gore Dean Antiques PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

Deborah Gore Dean, Gore Vidal and Nina Gore Auchincloss Straight

THE PARTY: A powerhouse cocktail soirée to celebrate the release of Gore Vidal’s memoir Point to Point ???

Navigation. Half-sister Nina Gore Auchincloss Straight and cousin Deborah Gore Dean hosted the “welcome home” affair for the former hometown boy, who discusses his unique Washington upbringing in the book.

THE SCENE: Gore Vidal held court amid friends and admirers who included Polly Kra), Liz Stevens, Kevin Chaffee, Susan Eisenhower, Walter Isaacson, Chris and Kathleen Ma'hews and Jack and Mary Margaret Valenti. Many reminisced about stays with Vidal at his Ravello, Italy villa — John Dickerson spent part of his honeymoon there with his wife, Anne. THE GUESTS: Christopher Hitchens, Bill and Jamie JanetRomas, Langhart Cohen, Reid Avett, Jane Hitchcock and Tandy and Wya' Dickerson.

Claire Avett and

Janey Moskowitz

Jamie Pawlik and Deborah Gore Dean

Gerald Rafshoon and Janet Langhart Cohen

Walter Isaacson, John Dickerson, Gerald Rafshoon and Jack Valenti

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Kathleen and Chris Matthews with Claire Shipman

Spider Pawlik

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Christopher Hitchens

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Ceviche / silver spr ing

o

n

O F T H E PA R T Y

Massumeh Farhad with Paul and Elaine Marks

Ann Geracimos and British Amb. Sir David Manning WL SPONSORED

Merilyn Phillips Hodgson and Dickenson Miller

FREER AND SACKLER GALLERIES GALA November 2 • The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art PHOTOS BY IMMANUEL JAYACHANDRAN

THE EVENT: A 100th anniversary gala to celebrate Charles Lang Freer’s generous gi of his collection of Asian and American art to the Smithsonian. THE GUESTS: Gala commi ee members Marjorie Billington, Shannon Fairbanks, William A. Nitze and Ann Nitze, Jeanne L. Phillips, Jillian Sackler, Donald and Taylor Ensenat, British Amb. Sir David Manning and Lady Catherine Manning, Jim Nicholson, James Billington, librarian of Congress; Justice Stephen Breyer and his wife Joanna, Justice Antonin Scalia and his wife Maureen, Esther Coopersmith, Jerey P. Cunard, Amb. Richard M. Fairbanks III, Nancy and Hart Fessenden, Patricia and Walter Moore and Mary McFadden.

Alexandra de Borchgrave

Guests enjoyed walking through the collection at the gala

Louise Cort, Jerey Cunard and Helen Jessup

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William Haseltine and Jillian Sackler

Leedom Leerts and Mariko Ikehara

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Carolina Furukrona, Ray Regan, Amy Anda and Joanna Block

Patricio Gremaldi and Judy Goldberg

WL SPONSORED

YOUNG BENEFACTORS OF THE SMITHSONIAN HOLIDAY PARTY December 8 • Smithsonian Castle PHOTOS BY ADAM DAICY

THE EVENT Young Smithsonian supporters made merry at the 17th annual Jolly Holiday party. THE SCENE Guests danced the night away as the DJ spun tunes. Santa Claus visited and partied with everyone who was nice AND naughty. Proceeds went to The Smithsonian Associates and the YB Culture4Kids Fund. THE GUESTS Robert Tack, Michelle Caldwell Huckaby, Andrea Dempsey, Anna Kimsey and John Woodall.

Kristen and Arman Daie

Katie Busch and Wayne Winterling

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Joanna Block and Anna Lee

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Stacey Machis and Mark Tervakoski

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Peter Marx and Darby Gingery

Nahid Rezai and Tonya Potter Adler

Michelle and Kevin Houlihan FASHION & STYLE

SAKS JANDEL HOLIDAY BRUNCH December 10 • Saks Jandel PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

THE EVENT Saks Jandel’s holiday brunch benefit for the Research and Discovery Fund at the National Children’s Medical Center. THE SCENE Guests talked with designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka, before the designers presented their Spring-Summer 2007 collection. THE GUESTS Co-chairs Ardis and Doug Eby and Cindy and Evan Jones; Amanda Polk and Michelle Fenty.

Neil Livingstone and Cynthia Tsai

Joanne Schneider and Susan Plichard

Sharon Bradley and Diane Ray Brown

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Mark Badgley and James Mischka

Ardis and Doug Eby Arthur Marx and Debbie Boone Meisel

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Cindy Jones, Rhonda Wilkins and Debbie Sigmund

Sherry Foxman and Amanda Polk

Katy Sadeghian and Dawn Saul

Rebecca Fishman, Lori Missylee and Michelle Fenty

Chris Fraley and Toni Marx Evan Jones and Howard Wilkins

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Models in Badgely Mishka

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Aimee Lehrman, Sharon Bradley and Ludmilla Cafritz

Rui Huang, Giselle Alvarez, Megan Shoare and Diana Albrecht FASHION EVENT

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE LUNCHEON AND OSCAR DE LA RENTA FASHION SHOW November 6 • Saks Fi h Avenue, Chevy Chase PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

Mai Abdo and Pat Skantze THE EVENT A luncheon and fashion show hosted by Saks Fi h Avenue, along with Pennie Abramson and Shelley Mulitz, to showcase Oscar de la Renta’s spring 2007 collection. THE SCENE The Mary Day Award was presented to Shirley Feld in honor of her lifetime support and commitment to the Washington Ballet, the event’s beneďŹ ciary.

Kenneth Feld, Bonnie Feld, Shirley Feld, Nicole Feld-Strauss and Alana Feld

Shelley Mulitz and Pennie Abramson Models in Oscar de la Renta 44

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O F T H E PA R T Y

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS BENEFIT FOR INNOCENTS AT RISK November 28 • Van Cleef & Arpels PHOTOS COURTESY OF FILM MAGIC

THE EVENT A shopping cocktail party to beneďŹ t Innocents at Risk, a non-proďŹ t that ďŹ ghts human traďŹƒcking. Ten percent of all sales went to the cause — a wish list ensured that purchases made a er the party would be included in the donation. Sales totaled $54,340. THE GUESTS Van Cleef & Arpels manager Eleonora MolďŹ no, founder Deborah Sigmund, and cochairs Dianne Bruce and Isabel Ernst.

Natalia Luis and Cidalia Luis-Akbar

Eleonora MolďŹ no and Deborah Sigmund

Tina Fitzgerald Hollerman and Deirdre Kloski

Emily Miller and Dondi Dahlgaard

Elizabeth Beck and Mariella Trager

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Dondi Dahlgaard

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WL ZEITGEIST

Angelina Jolie at the Kuwait Embassy

George Clooney heats up the White House Correspondents Association Dinner

Social Sea Change WL discusses the social scene with three plugged-in journalists.

Will Pelosi help changethe social scene?

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With the swearing in of new Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi and the Democrat resurgence Washington became a different town and the parties are likely to change as well.

In our annual Z eitgeist, Washington Life sat down at the Mandarin Oriental’s CafÊMozu with Kevin Chaffee, society editor of The Washington Times;Patrick Gavin, columnist for The Examiner and editor of FishbowlDC; and Washingtonpost.com reporter Mary Ann Akers to discuss the changing social landscape and the role of the media covering it.

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“THERE ARE AN AWFUL LOT OF B-LIST STARS and starlets who get told by their agent and their publicist that their last movie wasn’t so great and all of sudden there’s a new

SPOKESPERSON FOR RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME.”

MARY ANN AKERS

KEVIN CHAFFEE

PATRICK GAVIN

– KEVIN CHAFFEE WL How many nights do you go out?

KEVIN CHAFFEE People say to me: “You must

go out every night.” But actually, I don’t. There are some months when you do go out a lot, but there are other times of the year, in summer for example, when things are dead. You either have nothing to go to or you have five things in one night.

The essential thing is that everybody is competing for the same 800 or 1,000 people in Washington who get 95 percent of all the invitations. They’re all over-invited and a lot of them don’t even want to go out.

WL What’s your favorite event to go to?

MARY ANN AKERS Casual events at which

Hill staffers and even members of Congress are more relaxed, maybe knocking a few back and, therefore just a little looser than they are at work.

KC I rarely see Hill people, except for a few old school dining-out senators like Ted Stevens and Pat Leahy. House members being seen off the Hill are almost unheard of, except for Ed Markey and the lamented Mark Foley.

MA The White House Correspondents Association Dinner is a really good time because there are always some really fun dynamics going on.

WL Do you still think it’s the big ticket?

MA I do and I’m not just talking about the after party. Everyone wants to go before, during and after, and there’s a lot of buzz.

PATRICK GAVIN The White House Correspondents has the buzz. The energy in the air is so clear.

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One of the reasons is that it is one of the few big parties that is pretty democratic. As long as you dress up, you can get into the Hilton for the preparties. You can’t get into the Bloomberg after party, but you can probably get into Reuters or whatever second tier party there is. Everybody is super excited. You get all these 20-year-old kids who probably have never seen Tim Russert in their lives and it’s adorable.

KC What’s not adorable is the fact that they start drinking at 6 o’clock then drink all through the dinner. Then they go to their after parties and post after parties and by that point they are blotto.

MA One of my favorite events of the whole year was going to Patrick Leahy’s fundraiser with The Grateful Dead. He was close with Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir. It’s a blast.

What’s really fun about it is all of these very button-downed Washington politicos in the room with true Deadheads who have crashed. It’s at the Ritz-Carlton: the Dead playing at the Ritz!

heads of state , supermodels, fashion designers — people love it.

WL Are more celebrities coming to Washington?

PG Washington [types] shrivel like raisins because

of George Clooney’s star power.

KC Hollywood stars often feel quite humble to be

here because they think what we do is so serious and important.

MA Movie stars are following in the model of Bono or Angelina Jolie. Celebrities have become lobbyists.

They’re having an impact because the staffers and even the members really find it cool. They get meetings that a lot of regular lobbyists might not get. Isaac Hayes came to Capitol Hill to

WL Do senators bring out their dancing

teddy bear shirts?

MA Absolutely. Pat Leahy wears his and his

wife wears hers.

PG It always interesting when you bring in an outside element — Hollywood, music, sports.

KC Everyone in Washington is so sick of seeing each other all the time. If somebody fabulous from outside shows up — foreign

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Cafe mozu was the perfect backdrop for the wl zeitgeist

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lobby for the recording industry.

Jewel came for a bill to end so-called drive-through mastectomies. Will it make a difference in the end? Who knows.

KC I don’t want to take anything away from some of these stars who have their causes, and if you look at someone like Bono, or Elizabeth Taylor with AIDS, or Michael J. Fox with Parkinson’s, they do make a difference. But there are an awful lot of B-list stars and starlets who get told by their agent and their publicist that their last movie wasn’t so great and they’d better get me some headlines, and all of sudden there’s a new spokesperson for Restless Leg Syndrome or whatever.

I find a lot of it to be very shallow.

PG You can also look at it both ways — that it’s not necessarily always a career benefit. Bono has managed to navigate really well because he makes sure he does both sides. He doesn’t play the partisan [game].

Michael J. Fox campaigned for a particular candidate and certainly burned some bridges.

WL It’s comical when you get a press

release with a “big” name and then you Google them and find out they were only the police officer in Miss Congeniality 2.

PG What’s even more funny is that it works.

PG He’s got a great aura. And that voice!

KC I have to say I think our new mayor, Adrian Fenty, is going to be huge.

WL Who do you think gets the

most invitations?

PG There are some chiefs of staff who get invited to everything.

KC Jack Valenti still turns heads. He’s very much Washington, but also very much Hollywood.

PG Wolf Blitzer goes out too much but he turns heads.

MA George Stephanopoulos certainly does, but I don’t see him out a lot.

PG Katie Couric, but the era of the mega anchors is gone — none of the current anchors have giant status.

They haven’t earned it yet.

When Len Downie goes out, which is probably twice a year, it’s a big deal. He’s notoriously anti-social.

MA If Keith Olbermann showed up at a party, heads would turn like crazy because Democrats have fallen in love with him. They think he’s fabulous.

KC Christopher Hitchens is a good, intelligent, funny and provocative guy. John and Irene Danilovich are well liked.

MA One of the big power couples is Tony and Heather Podesta. He ran Pennsylvania for the Democratic Party very successfully. She’s held many fundraisers for Democratic candidates who won their races.

Loris Diran and Pia Agostini

Dr. and Mrs. Peter Coccaro

CARTIER SUPPORTS THE CHILDREN’S LAW CENTER December 5 • Cartier, Chevy Chase, Md PHOTOS BY ADAM DAICY

THE EVENT Cartier hosted a cocktail party benefiting The Children’s Law Center’s programs to assist impoverished children in Washington. THE SCENE Guests delighted themselves with the array of Cartier merchandise.

Ten percent of the evening’s sales went to the Center. THE GUESTS The Center’s development director Mickie Ballo a and board member Mariella Trager, and Cartier regional manager Fariba Jahanbani.

Jill Bruno and Jocelyn Greenan

WL What faces do you see out

regularly? Who are the faces that still turn your head?

KC Anybody in the Cabinet on up.

Any time you get Rove, Cheney...

PG It would probably be the order of succession to the presidency: Bush, Cheney, Pelosi … .

MA One person who turns heads everywhere is Barack Obama. He’s a huge rock star. Also Rahm Emanuel.

He won the House back for the Democrats.

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WL How will the new rules limiting

entertainment of public officials affect the scene?

MA I won’t be meeting my sources out at the Capitol Grille any more. I’ll be meeting them at Stetson’s.

Jocelyn Greenan, Kristen Olsen and Sharon Dougherty

WL Who do you think will lose

their luster? Do you think we’ll see Rumsfeld out?

MA Rummy is already out. He lost his luster a long time ago.

Fariba Jahanbani and Sogol Afsharjavan

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Sharon Bradley

Lorraine Wallace and Diane Ray Brown

THE FRANK GEHRY COLLECTION FOR TIFFANY & CO. LAUNCH October 26 • The Residence of Sharon and Bruce Bradley PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIFFANY’S

THE EVENT Tiffany & Co.’s vice president, Diane Ray Brown and Sharon and Bruce Bradley hosted the launch of renowned architect Frank Gehry’s impressive jewelry line. Gehry is the first designer in 25 years commissioned

by Tiffany to create a special collection. THE SCENE Guests enjoyed the thrill of trying on and admiring the distinctive pieces.

A first class valet ´ for a first class soiree.

Tiffany jewelry designed

by Frank Gehry

Tiffany jewelry designed

by Frank Gehry

Mary Adams and Daniella Gittman

Jim Abdo and Bruce Bradley

Valet

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WL FEATURE

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nthony Williams was the unassuming, unpolitical, bowtied mayor who came into office with just the right mindset and skills the District needed to save it from itself.

Count yourself lucky, Washington. He provided gumption and guts enough to raise the city’s reputation in the eyes of the country and the world — not to mention giving residents in the region a sense of selfrespect that had long been lacking in the political arena.

He never was more than he said he was, and that was enough. Beginning life as a foster child who didn’t speak until way beyond the norm, he graduated from Yale.Yes, his legacy is mixed. But aware of the importance of the bottom line in civic affairs, he was determined to bring development to the city to increase the tax base.What got left behind, perhaps, were transportation matters, the importance of good relations with Council members, and affordable housing for an increasingly strapped low and middle class worker base.

As a personality, he could be acerbic and ascetic, sly or grimacing. Few dared criticize his smarts, however. He kept to his program with a protective wife by his side. Keeping to her philosophy of never giving interviews, Diane Simmons Williams did not agree to be photographed with her husband for his farewell portrait in Washington Life. Asked to provide a few words of advice for the incoming mayor and his wife, she demurred — as did Tony Williams through Diane. “Keep your thoughts to yourself ” is about all she offered along this line. As did he until the end when he let loose with some sharp-tongued retorts to criticism about his contributions to the city. But that is his privilege, and will be more so now as a private citizen settling into a private office in Anacostia and considering a range of new options for his next phase.

But, first, a vacation in Argentina, which no one dared call a taxpayerfunded public relations jaunt. – By Ann Geracimos

Thoughts on a job well done

Gone Country

BY JIM ABDO I remember the first time Mayor Williams and Diane came out to our country house.They arrived on a Friday evening to be celebrate Diane’s birthday with us for the weekend. The Mayor looked tired and stressed from a long week. It wasn’t until after my wife Mai’s dinner and a glass of Scotch under the stars that “The Chief ” (which is what I call him) started to relax. I remember telling him that one of my favorite ways to decompress is to climb in my tractor and bush-hog the hay fields.

I woke up the next morning around 6:30.

The Chief was already up with his first cup of

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coffee, reading on the porch. The first thing he said to me was, “So tell me more about this tractor.” Ten minutes later we’re out by the barn, I’m topping off the diesel, going over instructions on the controls, the hydraulics and gears. He gives me a quick thumbs up, closes the cab door and off he mows.

Four hours go by. I’ve now been downgraded to using the small open air tractor and am being harassed by horse flies, bees and the day’s heat. Meanwhile, the Chief is sitting pretty in the glass enclosed cab of the big tractor, with the AC blowing, my Johnny Cash CD playing and a nice cigar in his mouth. I radio him, asking,“Have you had enough, or should I bring out diesel?” He radios back, telling me to “bring more fuel and a few more cigars.” Meanwhile, I’m wondering how long is this going to last.

It’s now been five years since I’ve cut the main fields. The Chief has mowed them every year … at least twice a season. I look forward to him no longer being mayor.We’ll get to spend more time together. And he’ll be on the small tractor.

My Mayor, My Friend

BY MARK D. EIN I distinctly remember the first time I met Tony Williams. We were seated together at a lunch shortly after he took office and he immediately impressed me as a very smart, practical and thoughtful man. What he may have lacked in flash, he made up for with substance. I remember

thinking this is the kind of man we need to lead our city. After lunch, he was surrounded by District residents — each of whom had an issue that they wanted him to solve or a problem that they wanted him to fix. I was struck not only by how accessible people viewed their mayor but also by their hunger for a leader who would take concrete actions to improve life in their city.

Over the years, I built a personal friendship with the Mayor and Diane that would include going to dinners, celebrating birthdays, attending basketball and baseball games and working on projects and causes to help the city. I got to know the man who led our city and built great respect for his character and determination to effect change and make D.C. a better place. I could see also the frustration and the toll of criticism — not because he took it personally, but because it was standing in the way of getting things done. When we would go out, nothing would make me happier than the steady stream of people expressing appreciation for the specific things that he had done.

Tony Williams leaves behind a city that is wellpositioned to thrive into the future. Historians will look back on the Williams administration as an inflection point in Washington’s history — a period where we went from a laughingstock to respected and from nearly bankrupt to as financially strong as any city in America. When you see Mayor Williams on the street, please tell him how much you appreciate what he did — he earned it and deserves it.

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The Mayor wears a BRIONI navy pin-striped suit; $4,995 (Saks 5th Avenue The Men’s Store, Chevy Chase, Md.) / BRIONI blue dress shirt; $475 (Saks 5th Avenue The Men’s Store, Chevy Chase, Md.) / CHARVET silk tie; $170 (Saks 5th Avenue The Men’s Store, Chevy Chase, Md.) Photo by Clay Blackmore; styling by Lana Orloff.

When you see Mayor Williams on the street, please tell him how much you appreciate what he did — he earned it and deserves it.

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Anthony Williams: One of Washington’s Historic Heroes

BY MAX BERRY In introducing Mayor Williams many times during the past eight years, I have often stated that he has done more good for Anacostia than all of the other mayors in Washington’s history put together. I believe this to be a fact, and it is an indication of how great this Mayor has been to the benefit of all parts of our Nation’s Capital.

He has brought significant numbers of low income housing to Anacostia and many other parts of our city.

Williams has done a remarkable job stimulating new retail establishments, restaurants, hotels, apartments and other valuable enhancements to our city. This reflects an economic boom under the Mayor’s reign. Each achievement means more jobs created, and significant tax revenues for our District’s treasury. When Williams was director of the control board, our city was bankrupt and a disgrace internationally. Foreign embassy personnel often tried to avoid coming to Washington because they considered it “hazardous duty.” Williams changed this,

and has built a city, over eight short years, of which we can all be proud of, and which is held in high esteem throughout the world. He made the hard decisions that he promised during his initial campaign.

Tony Williams is not the typical politician. He, with Councilman Jack Evans, championed bringing baseball to Washington and they succeeded. Had other mayors accomplished this, they would have received a ticker tape parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.Tony Williams got boos for something which we will all enjoy and cherish for many generations. He balanced our books and got us out of bankruptcy. He has not received the accolades, cheers and credit he deserves for a job very well done. These words echo the thoughts of many citizens of the District who appreciate these efforts of this Mayor. Tony won’t be forgotten.

The People’s Mayor

BY JACK VALENTI Being mayor of a major U.S. city is akin to solving the Rubik’s Cube in a new format every day. Very few mayors go on to to higher office because a mayor makes dozens of key decisions each day and offends

hundreds of voters in the doing. A mayor is closer to the daily morale and practical grind of everyday living — humdrum yet highly important things like scouring the streets in a snowstorm, picking up garbage, making streets safe, paving over the potholes that rattle the bones of the strongest built cars.These are the diurnal journeys of voters and voters can be snarlingly tough on mayors when these daily chores go undone.

Tony Williams can step down feeling a harmony of both relief and pride. He was a healer in the city, never reproachful or imperial, never an emotional rouser unsettling various segments of his constituency.

Rather he was comfortable in his skin and comforting to the unreason of various political groups.

You saw him at public events. He reached out, alongside Diane, his wife, to folks in every area of this international city — multi-colored and a bewildering quilt of cultures. People want to know their mayor cares about them, cares deep inside his gut, and most folks can tell how deep and how real is the emotion.

They knew Tony Williams cared and that made a difference. That’s why Tony can pass the mace of office on to Adrian Fenty and know that he did his best. And his best was pretty damn good.

D D

INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATION TOAST TO MAYOR WILLIAMS November 8 • The Residence of the Argentinian Ambassador PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

L

Stan Kasten, Peggy Sewell and Mark Tuohey

Shamim Jawad, Afghani Amb. Said Jawad, Former Mayor Anthony Williams, Kathy Kemper and Argentenian Amb. Jose Octavio Bordon

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Isabelle Ernst and Former Mayor Anthony Williams

Chris Caine, Bob Okun and Larry Burton

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Diana Negroponte and Denise Thymes

Frank Saul

Michelle Fenty, Rima Al-Sabah and Diane Williams

Rim Khalil, Princess Nouf Bint Fahad and Sedi Flugelman

FAREWELL TO MAYOR WILLIAMS November 29 • The Kuwaiti Residence PHOTOS BY VICKY POMBO

Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Cherto with his wife Meryl Vicki Sant Ali Wentworth and Dale Mathias

Leo and Grega Daly

Anita and Tim McBride

Mayor Adrian Fenty, Kuwaiti Amb. Salem Al-Sabah and Former Mayor Anthony Williams

Barbara Harrison, John Pyles, John Dingell and Maurice Sonnenberg

Iraqi Amb. Samir Sumaidaie and his wife Mai with John Negroponte

Chris and Lorraine Wallace with Steve Wyatt

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Wilma Bernstein, Georgette Mosbacher and Stuart Bernstein

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W L F E AT U R E

THE MYSTIQUE OF

DIANA With films such as The Queen making cinematic waves and 10th anniversary remembrances of her death quickly approaching (including the “Concert for Diana” in Wembley Stadium that William and Harry have planned), Roland Flamini takes a moment to dissect the current state of the late Princess’s legacy

Opposite page– Diana’s wedding dress is preserved in a glass case at her family home, Althrop.Above– Princess Diana at her photogenic best in Mario Testino’s exhibtion of never-before-seen images. The Kensington Palace show opened in November 2006 and closes this spring. The dress she wore was auctioned in New York and raised $13 million for charity. Left– Diana, Princess of Wales attending the Royal Gala performance of ‘Swan Lake’ at Royal Albert Hall. (AP Photo/Tim Graham Picture Library)

T

he trouble with the movie The Queen is Helen Mirren’s performance. Her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II is so uncannily accurate that, by extension, it wraps the film in an authenticity it doesn’t entirely deserve. There is no question that the British royal family needed prodding big time to react to Diana’s fatal car crash in Paris; for a while, the Windsors were paralyzed like deer caught in a car’s headlights. Nor is there any doubt that Tony Blair showed courage, for a newcomer, in all but manhandling the queen

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in the direction of a more compassionate family response. But steering the monarch in what they consider to be the right direction is what British prime ministers are supposed to do: it goes with the territory. Also, anyone who knows the story is well aware that the queen privately consulted a wide variety of people before concluding that her first instinct was wrong and her new prime minister’s was right.

Director Stephen Frears’s film is correct in its premise that Diana’s tragic death stirred a vast groundswell of public grief the likes of which had never before been seen in the British Isles, and that furthermore the queen and her family at first completely misread the public mood.

The filmmaker’s

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anti-monarchist message is in the fictional embellishments. Queen Elizabeth’s sadness at the death of a stag, which presumably is supposed to be a metaphor for the princess’s death (Diana herself is hunted by predatory photographers, and ultimately killed), is clever but sheer fantasy.

Unlike in the film, Earl Spencer received no applause in Westminster Abbey for his tribute to his sister; only an awkward, shocked silence that he should of chosen such an occasion to deliver a flinty, angry denunciation of the press, the royal family, and the circumstances that had conspired against the “unique, complex, extraordinary, and irreplaceable Diana.” But the film needs him as a hero to play against the stuffiness of the royals, a role in which he is from all accounts miscast. Left out of the movie, for example, was Spencer’s aggressive vow from the pulpit that what he called “the blood family” (the Spencers) would assume responsibility for Diana’s two sons,William and Harry.

He made no mention of the boys’ father, Prince Charles, sitting a few feet away.The family, Spencer said, would see that William and Harry “are not simply immersed by duty and tradition but can sing as (Diana) openly planned.” To hear those words from him on the screen a decade later would have been to realize that there is no evidence of an indefatigable Spencer effort to be a decisive influence in the life of the two princes (he says he exchanges e-mails with them).

In the closing sequence, the queen, having earned our admiration by rising to the occasion, turns waspish in her meeting with Blair. No drop of royal gratitude is allowed to trickle from her cold demeanor. So the irony is that while Helen Mirren has clearly fallen in love with the character, the rest of us are not allowed to do the same. The royals are stuffy, out of touch, and ungrateful into the bargain. But even as the queen leads her tenth prime minister into the garden of Buckingham Palace, Diana’s presence is Helen Mirren’s stoic portrayal of the monarch in The Queen earned her the best actress award at the Golden Globes and placed her as the frontrunner at the Oscars.

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Left– The Princess of Wales dances with actor John Travolta at the White House in 1985. Looking on in background is President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan. (AP Photo/Tim Graham Picture Library).

Below– The “Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain” was re-opened in May 2005 in London’s Hyde Park after four months of repairs. (AP Photo/Jane Mingay)

Kate Middleton, Prince William’s girlfriend, at the Sovereign’s Parade at Sandhurst Military Academy. (AP Photo/Tim Graham)

support to Diana’s main causes, including help for HIV-AIDS victims, the anti-landmine campaign, and needy children, but was forced to shut down its operations for nearly two years because it had

trough-like fountain was constructed in Hyde Park in Diana’s memory. But wading in the water – the very purpose of the design – had to be barred because children kept slipping and suffering injury.

THE PRINCESS’S MEMORY was posthumously tarnished by lovers coming out of the woodwork, by the clumsy management of the foundation set up in her name, “The Diana, Princess of Wales Trust”, and the tackiness of her brother’s memorial/museum to her at the family home, Althrop. already fading. Oddly enough, in the end, the film is a reminder that there is no Diana-shaped hole in British public life.The Windsors have not faded into obscurity without her movie star glamour. Contrary to Elton John’s song at her funeral, Britain is not “a nation lost” without her soul.

Partly, the princess’s memory was posthumously tarnished by lovers coming out of the woodwork, by the clumsy management of the foundation set up in her name, “The Diana, Princess of Wales Trust”, and the tackiness of her brother’s memorial/museum to her at the family home,Althrop.The trust was established (following instructions in her will) to give financial and other

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poured millions into an ill-judged lawsuit against the Franklin Mint, an American company that was marketing Barbie-like Princess Di dolls.

In life, Princess Diana was one of the world’s most famous people; in death, she lies in an unmarked grave. Earl Spencer claims that Diana was buried on an island in the middle of an ornamental lake on the family estate and not stone marks the exact location – a protection, he says, against anyone seeking to exhume her body!

Never mind that people in the local village claim that in reality the princess is buried with the other Spencers in the family vault in the parish church.

In London, after a long controversy, a circular

There are also the stories of Diana’s own desperate insecurity and paranoia that were even mentioned in the recent Lord Stevens report on her death. In one episode she had confided to her disbelieving lawyer that she would be killed in a car accident. According to the Stevens report, the lawyer, Lord Mischon de Reya, had recorded in his diary that the princess had told him “that reliable sources, which she did not name, had informed her that by April 1, 1996, whether in an accident in her car such as a pre-arranged brake failure or by other means, efforts would be made, if not to get rid of her then at least to see that she was so injured as to be declared unbalanced.”

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Her ambivalent love-hate relationship with the media was legendary. Earlier this year, an executive from Dukes Hotel in London revealed to a couple of Washington journalists that on the day that her divorce from Prince Charles was announced, Princess Diana went to Dukes to visit Lucia Flecha da Lima, her close friend since the days when the latter’s husband had been Brazilian ambassador to Britain. A swarm of photographers and reporters besieged the main door, and a large crowd had also gathered.

“I offered to arrange for her to leave by the rear entrance where there were no photographers, but she said no, ‘They’ve come to see me and I don’t want to disappoint them,’” the hotel owner recalled. When Princess Diana appeared at the front door, she feigned surprise and annoyance at the crowd of photographers, as though she had not been warned that they were there. She stalked to her car protesting, “Oh, leave me alone!”

Whether Blair “saved” the monarchy or merely bought it more time is an intriguing question.

At 80, Queen Elizabeth II enjoys enormous public respect, not to say affection.The British monarchy is still criticized as marching boldly into the 19th century, but the most recent Buckingham Palace polls show that only 19 percent of the people want a republic, up a mere 1 percent in over 30 years. It’s the succession that makes some people nervous, centered on doubts whether Prince Charles – who in many ways is considered more conservative than his mother – can maintain that stable course.

What if, some people ask, Charles (now 58) were to step aside in favor of Prince William? Wouldn’t that breathe new life into the monarchy and make it mean something to the younger generation? That option – improbable as it may be – is likely to

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gain strength if William follows the conventional wisdom and marries pretty Katherine (Kate) Middleton, his girlfriend since college.

Comparisons with Princess Diana are inevitable, but the differences are probably greater than the similarities.

Diana’s marriage to Charles was arranged, the idea having been hatched, no doubt over gin and tonics, by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and her great friend Ruth, Lady Fermoy, Diana’s maternal grandmother. Diana was a shy, 19-year-old who had led a sheltered life. Charles was 32, and it was an open secret in royal circles that the heir to the throne was in love with someone else, namely Camilla Parker Bowles.

Prince William and Kate Middleton are contemporaries (she’s 25 this month, William is 24) who met at St Andrews University and later shared a house with two other students.

Diana may not have been “royal” but she belonged to one of the oldest aristocratic families in England, older than the Windsors. Kate’s background is well-to-do middle class, with her father a successful businessman and her mother a former flight attendant who has an on-line business selling children’s party supplies. Like Diana, William’s girlfriend shows promise as a fashion plate, and a recent Washington Post report said she “wore smart clothes that seem unwilling to wrinkle.” So far, however, as the photo-bounty on her head soars to $50,000 for an exclusive bikini shot, she has withstood the paparazzi onslaught with a clear eye and determined chin.

But, if the marriage rumors are true, for her the battle is just beginning.

Lastly, a footnote on the film.

Frears makes a cinematic reference to the Flecha da Limas in a scene in which Robin Janvrin, the queen’s secretary, places before Elizabeth for her signature a “letter of condolence to the widow of the Brazilian ambassador.” What, one wonders, is the story behind that?

| washingtonlife.com

57

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SOCIETY

THE YOUNG AND THE GUEST LIST There is a certain je ne sais quoi about a party and much like romantic chemistry it’s either there or it’s not. More o en than not it’s the guests of a party, which add the fair that makes an event a success or “just another party.”

Our 2nd annual The Young and the Guest List presents Washington members of society under 40, who, to cut to the chase, are the je ne sais quoi of the young social scene. The list represents a generation of social up and comers and firmly established personalities, who have proven themselves through their philanthropic and professional efforts, and style. Our social commi ee welcomes suggestions at wl@washingtonlife.com.

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A

Miss Huma Abedin Mr. James Alefantis Mr. Michael Allen Mr. Steve Andronico

B

Mr. and Mrs. Brett Baier (Amy) Mr. Patrick Bateman Miss Sarah Baker Mr. Sanju Bansal Ms.Veronique Bardache Mr. Neil Barrett Mr. John Barnett Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Barth (Mary) Miss Clara Brillembourg Mr. Julian Berger Miss Elizabeth Berman Ms. Molly Bingham Mr. Robert “Bo” Blair Miss Eleanor Boone Miss Tara Boone Mr. Robert Boswell Ms. Nicole Boxer Mr. Quinn Bradlee Mr. and Mrs. Mark Brzezinski (Carolina Furukrona) Mr. and Mrs. Robin Brooks (Maya MacGuineas) Miss Pamela Brown Mr. Warren Brown Miss.Coventry Burke Miss Barbara Bush Miss Jenna Bush

C

Miss Amy Cada Mr. Tanner Campbell Miss Rebecca Canan Mr. and Mrs. Bill Canfield (Paige)

GET TO KNOW PAMELA BROWN Reporter, News Channel 8 This newly-minted reporter’s typical day runs close to ten hours. It begins with the 8:30 a.m. segment, News Burst – which she likes to describe as a quick “here’s what you need to know.” That’s followed by a 9 a.m. editorial meeting where she’ll pitch two or three story ideas. “I choose the angle I want to take, look at the videos, pick all the sound bytes, do some stand-up or live shots, and watch over the editing of the news package.” Her schedule is hectic, but she clearly loves it. At just 23, she already has extensive

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Mr. and Mrs. Carlo Cecchi (Lisa) Mr. and Mrs. Enrico Cecchi (Andrea) Mr. G. John Cecchi Mr. Ross Chanin Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Chi (Tracey) Miss Alexa E. Choi Miss Alexa Chopivsky Mr. George P. Chopivsky, III Miss Emily Cohen Mr. Jared Cohen Miss Julia Cohen Mr. Elbridge A. Colby Mr. Kenneth C. Collins, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Franck Cordes (Jody Arlington) Miss Alexandra Cousteau Mr. Phillippe Cousteau Miss Makeba Coyoka Miss Whitney Cumming

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Mr. and Mrs. Francis Colt de Wolf, III (Nathalie) Miss Jordan Delphos Miss Nunu Deng Mr. Caesar Devoto Mr. and Mrs. Philip Deutch (Marne Levine) Mr. and Mrs. John Dickerson (Ann) Mr. Duncan Dixson Mr. Jay Dixson Mr. Raymond “Tripp” Donnelly, III Mr. Ross Douthat Miss Tarah Donoghue Miss Dabney Langhorne Doswell Miss Jill Dowell Mr and Mrs. Kevin Downey (Michelle Jolin) Mr. Seyhan Duru

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Miss Shelley “Sarah” Elder Miss Valerie Emerson Miss Kristina Ennix Ms. Page Evans

experience in broadcast journalism via internships at CNN’s New York Bureau, MTV and the Today show, among others. She credits her mom – pioneer female sportscaster Phyllis George – for her drive to succeed: “My mom always said that you have to start early.” She is the youngest reporter at the station.

She says, “At first, it was like, ‘Who is this girl?’ but the people I’ve worked with have been great. It’s worked out well.” For now, she is content at where she is, but dreams of interviewing Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton someday. “I interned for her in the summer of 2004, and I would love to give the world a better picture of her.”

Left to right: Mayor Adrian Fenty, Michelle Fenty, Christina Wilkie, Elbridge Colby, Mae Haney Grennan, Lisa Ling, Charlie Fox, Nick Mele, Jerry and Kenya Pierce Santos, Pamela Sorensen, John Cecchi and Patrick Gavin.

Mr. James Hess Mr. Jeffrey Himmelman Miss Amy Holmes Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Howard (Rebecca) H. R. H. Prince Hashim Hussein of Jordan H. R. H. Princess Iman Hussein of Jordan Mr. Scott Hutchinson

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Miss Dana Farouki Mr. and Mr.s Ramsey Farouki (Shiva) Mr. Michael Feldman The Honorable and Mrs. Adrian Fenty (Michelle) Mr. and Mrs. Raul Fernandez (Jean Marie) Miss Deborah Fine Miss Karen Finney The Honorable Harold E. Ford, Jr. Mr. Nathaniel Fogg Mr. Charles B. Fox Mr. Wesley Fricks

I

Mr. Anthony Imamura Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Ingersoll (Honor) Mr. and Mrs. David Israelite (Sonya Medina)

J

G

Mr. and Mrs. David Jacobs (Gigi) Mr. and Mrs. Griffin Jenkins (Kathleen) Mr. Brian Jones

Miss L. Hadley Gamble Mr. Patrick Gavin Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Gergen (Heather) Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gewirz (Cleo) Mr. and Mrs. Steven Gewirz (Katrina) Mr. Trevor Gibbons Mr. Charles Goorah Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Gould (Piper) Mr. Matthew Jessee Mr. Garrett Graff Mr. Jeffrey Y. Grappone Miss Charlotte Grassi Miss Melissa Grassi Mr. and Mrs. Andre Grennan (Mae Haney) Mr. Carlos Gutierrez, Jr. Miss Erika Gutierrez

K

Mr. Joel Kaplan Ms. Megyn Kelly Miss Katherine Kennedy The Honorable Patrick Kennedy Mr. Rheza Khadiri Mr. Jeffrey Kimbell Miss C. Anna Kimsey Mr. Mark Kimsey Mr. Joseph P. Konzelmann

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Mr. Pack Sergeant Lamb Mr. Steve Lamb Mr. Reed Landry Mr. Mathew Lapinski Mr. Christopher Larsin Mr. and Mrs. David Leavy (Katie) Mr. and Mrs. Chris Lehmann (Ana Marie Cox) Miss Sarah Lenti Miss Emily Lenzer Mr. Joel Limerick

H

Mr. and Mrs. Brett Haber (Jennifer) Mr. and Mrs. John Halpin (Jamie) Mr. Theodore Halstead Mr. John Hanshaw Mr. Scott Hanson Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hartley (Gretchen) Mr. and Mrs. Jason Herrick (Lindsay)

GET TO KNOW JARED COHEN Author and Member of the Policy Planning Staff in the Office of the Secretary of State Jared says his true calling came from “a random series of events.” Still, his career history makes sense – he spent his undergraduate years at Stanford University and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University in the U.K. where he graduated with a Masters’ degree in International Relations. Most of his education, however, comes from “the global classroom.” He has traveled to Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon – where he examined the countries’ role in the changing post-9/11 landscape – and ventured to

Africa to study the issues of genocide and democracy. His recently-published book, One Hundred Days of Silence: America and the Rwanda Genocide (Rowman & Littlefield, 2006) examines the reasons behind the U.S. government’s non-intervention there while his forthcoming book, Children of Jihad: Journeys Into the Hearts and Minds of Middle Eastern Youth (Penguin Books/Gotham Division) harks back to his conversations with youth in the Islamic world. His perspective comes in handy at his job on the policy planning staff at the State Department. “One of the rewards of being an author is sharing your story with millions of people,” he says. “I’m still getting my feet wet at State.”

Left to right: Clara Brillembourg, Andrea Rodgers, Chris Gottscho, Rachel Pearson, Katie Rost, George Chopivsky, III, Carolina Furukrona, Charles Fox, Paul Wharton, Kirsten and Dave Pollin, and Amy and Brett Baier.

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LATE NIGHT SHOTS AND POLO

A LOOK BACK B Y E D I E VA N H O R N

L

ast year will go down in history as a time of seismic shifts in the nation’s political landscape, and few Americans felt these changes more acutely than young Washingtonians. Many Republican staffers and lobbyists, who had arguably set the tone of Washington’s junior social scene for nearly a decade, found themselves pounding the pavement in their Guccis, while their Democratic successors were busy scoring interviews, group housing and second hand suits. Change, in Washington, is both perennial and revolutionary, and if 2006 taught us anything it should be that the gates of the capital are not gates at all; they are revolving doors.

So be kind to your departing right-wing roommates, and give a big Blue welcome to the new idealists.

Despite political upheaval and grim news on the wires, young Washington still managed to have a lot of fun last year in addition to giving generously to many causes. Some of 2006’s best parties included the Bachelors and Spinsters Ball, the opening of Fly, and the Black and White Ball.

How many hosts does it take to screw in a disco ball? Apparently, 15, judging by the countless Thursday night bar “parties” on young D.C.’s favorite new Website, Late Night Shots, an “exclusive” social networking site where Washington’s young and rowdy continue the party in cyberspace. LNS members rate bars and restaurants, maintain photo profiles and participate in unregulated chat forums, where the quality of the posts ranges from embarrassing to “I’m embarrassed to be

62

Above, top to bottom– Salvatore Ferragamo, Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras and Juan Salinas-Bentley heat up the polo grounds at the Courage Cup / Hadley Gamble and John Cecchi at Play, one of the new hotspots in DuPont Circle.

reading this.” In the nine months since it was founded, the site has attracted more than a thousand members, along with a healthy dose of well-deserved grief from the sharp tongues over at wonkette.com. LNS is also making strong headway into the e-vite market, with invitations that include the photo profiles of fellow partygoers.

We all suffer from atmosphere-ADD, and

in 2006 the winds of change swept many of us from Georgetown over to Dupont Circle, where the resurgence of some classic clubs, and the opening of a few new ones, helped to make a once passe party strip hot again. Clubs such as Fly, Lima, K Street and Play all caught our attention (for at least...15 minutes) I think we all left our MasterCards at one of these bars but didn’t bother to go back and check.

Should a ten-minute taxi ride fail to satisfy your wanderlust – never fear, there’s always grad school (a.k.a. the new college). More specifically, grad school in England. So if you or someone you live with is interested in joining the expat club, your options are as follows: 1. If you’ve got the smarts, set your sights on an Oxford M.Phil. and start applying today for your rightful position in the next administration. 2. Alternatively, if you’ve got the shillings and a note from your mom, then pack your T. Anthony bags for a fabulous party (I mean, Master’s degree) at LSE. If you don’t plan to share a posh flat with Lord Snogsalot, no worries, you can still have a taste of the Oxbridge lifestyle by way of the new yoga – court tennis. Forget “om shanti,” this arcane English sport (think 15th century) involves a wooden racquet and hand-sewn balls. In 2006, it became a favorite among the scotch-slugging Waspy set.

Luckily it’s fairly easy to pick up, provided you’ve played enough “lawn tennis” (i.e. normal tennis).

Additional bonus: McLean, Va. is home to one of just nine courts in the U.S., so you’re practically guaranteed a national ranking just for showing up.

Speaking of wooden sticks and drinking games, the sport of kings (Polo, of course) rode into town with a vengeance last summer, spurred on by the opening of the Great Meadow Polo Grounds. Young Washingtonians turned out in

“How many hosts does it take to screw in a disco ball?

APPARENTLY 15”

Mr. Terrell Limerick Miss Lisa Ling Miss Tonya Lombard Miss Kristen Lodal Mr. Winston Bao Lord

M well-heeled droves to down champagne at the Courage Cup and support some very good causes in the process.

When Washington’s most ‘eligible’ young ladies aren’t busy stomping the divets, they were likely to be found reliving their glory days at Tri Delt through its local post-graduate arm, the Madison Club. This bevy of future desperate housewives reportedly raised a whopping $8,300 for charity last year through a combination of kissing booths, bake sales and wet t-shirt contests. In 2006, the girls of “The Madison” got Mad in Plaid, Giddy in Green and Tickled in Pink. For updates, check out latenightshots.com.

When it comes to celebrating life’s milestones, I’m all for doing what comes naturally, so it came as no surprise when Georgetown’s favorite restaurant (read: bar) entrepreneur, Bo Blair, became a father in early 2006, he feathered his nest with a new nightclub. Blair’s first Georgetown venture, Smith Point, is one of Washington’s most successful restaurants (read: bars), evolving from a low-key “list only” club (inaugural class), into a certified hot-spot (class of ’02), a media phenomenon (Jenna Bush, Valedictorian ’04) and, eventually, a “Georgetown Institution,” (according to patron Emily “Sluttypants” Morgan, W&L Class of ’08). Bo’s latest speakeasy, 2519, is due in the spring and will cater to a “more sophisticated” crowd. I don’t even know the password, but Blair’s broad promotional reach and loyal following all but guarantee 2519’s success. Bravo, Bo. Congrats on your new family, and thanks for nearly a decade of `80s tunes and vodka reds.

Thank you, as well, young Washington, for all the energy, diversity and style you bring to our city, and for the incredible support you’ve shown for so many worthy causes. Bottoms up, kids!

Miss Nora Maccoby Mr. Kevin Madden Mr. and Mrs.Victor Maddux (Michelle Haney) Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Malek, Jr. (Britlan) Mr. and Mrs. Michael Manatos (Laura Evans) Mr. Michael Matthews Mr. Thomas Matthews Mr. and Mrs. David Marriott (Carrie) Mr. Richard Marks Miss Jaclyn Mason Mr. John Mason Miss Lauren Mason Mr. and Mrs. John Murdoch Matheson (Susan) Mr. Robert Matheson Mr. Michael Matthews Miss Patricia McCabe Mr. Nicholas Mele Mr. Benjamin Meredith Miss Mary Beth Metrey Mr. Marco Minuto Mr. and Mrs. Eric Mullen (Kelly Craighead)

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Mr. Alethia Nanco Mr. Thome Nicoalli

GET TO KNOW LAUREN MASON AND PAIGE SPEYER Co-owners, Wink and Blush boutiques Washington might be run by political fervor, but every stylish woman in town knows fashion runs a close second – yet, only if you know how to maximize your look. Fortunately, style gurus such as Lauren Mason and Paige Speyer, who own Wink in Georgetown and Blush in Potomac, Md., abound.

Lauren and Paige both grew up locally – their mothers “were always friendly,” they say. They went their separate ways until reconnecting again at Jackson Hole in the summer of 2003. Paige was running her mother’s clothing boutique and thinking about moving back to Washington while Lauren was looking to reinvent her career. The following October “they broke bread and talked business” at Two Amys Pizza. “We have a good mix of skills; mine in fashion and Lauren in business,” says Paige, whose fashion experience comes from stints at Hermès in New York and Giorgio Armani and London. Lauren’s

Mr. Matt Nickel Mr. Brad Nirenberg Mr. Paul Nitze Mr. Jonathan Novak

O

Mr. and Mrs. William O’Leary (Pilar) Mr. and Mrs. Jack Oliver (Rachel) Mr. and Mrs. Nels Olson (Kristen) Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Olson (Michelle) Mr. Joshua Overbay

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Mr. Alex Pareene Mr. Sam Patten Miss Angel Paulson Mr. and Mrs. David Perlin (Skye Raiser) Miss Michelle Persaud Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Pierce-Sanatos (Kenya) Miss Leah Pisar Miss Ada Polla Mr. and Mrs. Dave Pollin (Kirsten) Mr. Omar Popal The Honorable Adam Putnam

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Mr. Ray Regan Mr. and Mrs. Hans Reimer (Angela) Mr. Christopher Reiter Mr. and Mrs. Roland Reynolds (Diana) Mr. Timothy Reynolds Miss Lucinda Robb

corporate resume includes the likes of Lehman Bros. in New York. By January 2004, they were leasing a space in Georgetown. Two months later, Wink opened its doors and welcomed customers whose craving for chic clothing was satisfied with fashion from Diane von Furstenberg, Trina Turk, Milly, Seven and James Perse. Last July, they opened Blush, “a store for the sophisticated suburbanite.”

Lauren Mason

Paige Speyer

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BY NIGHT ...

BLUE GIN Fly accomodates 130 at capacity ... which means ge ing a table is the best way to travel.

206 Wisconsin Avenue NW The Scene: Upscale, adult crowd (25+) dance to local DJs spinning house; delicious, bite-sized morsels and “Blue Gin Star” (chilled gin, simple syrup, fresh lime juice, starfruit garnish) are served in chill, down-tempo lounge atmosphere.

WL Take: One of the most sophisticated bars in Georgetown; a nice change from the others that tend to draw a college crowd (or those who still want to hang with them.)

Best Night: Thursday

DRAGONFLY 1215 Connecticut Ave NW The Scene: The big three (Red, 18th Street Lounge and Local 16) welcome a fourth into the family: Dragonfly’s minimalist spage-age décor, succulent sushi and sake-tinis provide a mellow alternative to nightclubbing frenzy.

WL Take: One of the best places to find an international crowd and strong house music.

Best Night: Saturday

Bo le service around town tends to start at $500 for a prime spot on Saturday night.

18TH STREET LOUNGE 1212 18th St, NW The Scene: Started a decade ago by musical act Thievery Corporation, this linchpin of the experimental music scene attracts scenesters with live bossa nova, cool jazz and candlelit couch seating.

WL Take: A nightlife staple that consistently turns out the party set.

Best Night: Thursday

9:30 CLUB 815 V St. NW The Scene: Over 300 shows a year provide 1,200 with headlining acts. Two levels offer two different viewpoints: the floor for dancing and the upper floor for the voyeurs.

WL Take: From the Wu-Tang to Justin Timberlake and all the indie-rock groups in

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between, the 9:30 club brings all the best acts to the city.

Best Night: Depends on who’s performing

FLY 1802 Jefferson Pl NW The Scene: Licensed pilot and hiphopper opens whimsical airline-themed club with limited capacity; make reservations or be prepared to drop some serious cash for table service. Hand-selected DJs spin while sexy waitresses dressed as airline attendants pass out silver-foiled peanuts.

WL Take: Chic, small club that’s fun for celebrating birthdays and special group occasions.

Best Night: Friday

PLAY 1219 Connecticut Ave NW The Scene: A respite from all the work we do during the week. “Play” evokes the rowdy cheer of Animal House; stripper poles, DJ booths, and free shots. The fun is mandatory ... fancy dress is not.

WL Take: Only place in town that encourages you to dance on the sofas – how can you not love that?

Mr. Joseph Robert, III Miss Lisa Rockefeller Miss Andrea Rodgers Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Rosenheim (Elizabeth) Mr. Adam Rosman Miss Katie Rost Miss Melanie Roussell

Mr. Joseph Toce Mr. and Mrs. Geoff Tracy (Norah O’Donnell) Mr. Brendan Touhey Mr. Sean Tuohey

S

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick G. Underwood (Blair)

U V

The Honorable Linda Sanchez Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sanchez (Elissa Rubin) Mr. and Mrs. B. Francis Saul, III (Dawn) Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Sears (Starr) Mr. David Shuster Mr. and Mrs.William Slover (Laura McGifford) Ms. Pamela Sorensen Mr. Thomas Snedeker Miss Allison Starling Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Steel (Lee Satterfield) Mr. and Mrs. Edward Stettinius (Sarah) Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stettinius, Jr. (Regina) Mr. Drew Stroud Miss Kimball Stroud Mr. Lindsay Stroud Mr. Brendan Sullivan

Mr. James van Wynen Miss Jennifer Villanueva

W

Mr. and Mrs. Adam R. Waldman (Ashley Allen) Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Walker (Nicole Bagley) Mr. and Mrs. Clark Wallace (Katherine) Mr. John Wallace The Honorable and Mrs. Kevin P. Warsh (Jane Lauder) Mr. Lee Wang Mr. David Weiss Ms. Katherine Weymouth Mr. Paul Wharton Mr. and Mrs. Burton White (Jill) Mr. Charles Edward “Ward” Williams, Jr. Miss Christina Wilkie Miss Elizabeth Wilner Mr. James Woodyard

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Mr. Adrian Talbott Mr. and Mrs. Devin Talbott (Lauren) Mr. Arash Tayebi Miss Ashley Taylor Mr. Joshua Thomas Miss Alexis Tobin

GET TO KNOW TIM CHI AND LEE WANG Co-founders of Blackboard software and Wedding Wire Lee Wang and Tim Chi were undergraduates at Cornell University but never met until they interned together at Kingston Technology in Fountain Valley, Calif. It was there they realized they had similar entrepreneurial and technological interests.

By graduation, they were eager to develop a new software solution aimed at making the classroom more mobile. In 1998, they founded Blackboard. com – a revolutionary software that transformed learning in thousands of campuses across the U.S. Chi and Wang both said “It outgrew the start-up phase very quickly.” By 2004, Blackboard was a public company listed on NASDAQ and almost every major university in the country was using it.

They next wanted to create another solution that

Z

Mr. Ryan Zimmerman

involved education and technology focused on problem solving. However, progress slowed as bit as Tim began planning his wedding. Always the entrepreneur, Tim began to work with Lee on a business plan for an online wedding planning platform. What emerged was WeddingWire.com, a website aimed at simplifying the wedding planning process for engaged couples and wedding vendors.

Their rationale for targeting the wedding market?

Simple: 2.2 million couples wed in 2006 and spent an estimated $120 billion doing it. With Lee and Tim’s wedding project management tools, they’re hoping couples fall in love with the site. Financially, their business plan is based on getting a proverbial slice of the wedding cake – they get a referral fee for every compatible couple-vendor match. Now, that’s a good match.

Left to right: Christopher Reiter, Dana Farouki, Tara Boone, Alexa Choi, Joseph Robert, III, Pamela Brown, Alex Pareene, John Dickerson, Virgina Haas and Ross Chanin.

Lee Wang and Tim Chi

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NETWORK. CELEBRATE AND GIVE BACK SOCIETY

MARQUEE EVENT

WE’RE ABOUT

HOW TO GET IN

COST

The Phillips Collection/ Contemporaries

Sunday concerts; Thursday Artful Evenings

Sponsoring special exhibits, art acquisitions, educational programs

(202) 387-3036 or via e-mail at: membership@ phillipscollection.org

$100 per membership

The Corcoran 1869 Society

Fall Cocktail; Spring Black Tie

Discovering and supporting “artists of tomorrow,” fundraising for the Corcoran, networking, educational opportunities

1869society@ corcoran.org or call 202.639.1753

$105 ($55 for individual membership plus $50 to add 1869 Society access)

The Friends of the National Zoo (F.O.N.Z.)

Carnaval; National ZooFari; Sunset Serenades

Increase facilities, advance animal welfare, provide biological education

www.nationalzoo. si.edu/JoinFonz/join or call 202.633.3034

$65 for YP and CRC benefits

Generation O for the Washington National Opera

Exclusive invites to cocktail receptions with Opera patrons

Spreading the love of opera to younger generations

www.dc-opera. org/experience/ generationo

Varies

Studio Theatre

Inside Studio fundraiser; Readers Theater presentation; Annual invite-only cocktail party

The Studio District Neighborhood Initiative; Arts Motivating Youth

Information for Intimate Friends is available from Morey B. Epstein at 202232-7267 or morey@ studiotheatre.org

S.O.M.E Sustainers; Annual Junior Gala

Private non-profit organization that exists to help the poor and homeless of our nation’s capital.

some@some.org or call 202.797.8806 extension 1008

So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.)

Smithsonian Young Benefactors

Montreal Underground; YB Gala

Smithsonian “Voices to Access” program, fundraising for Smithsonian

Members $250-499 Friends $100-249

Varies

Memberships by $35 basic phone (202-357membership; 3030) or mail: $65 YB/Resident Young Benefactors, Associate P.O. Box 23293, Program; Washington, DC $600 indidual 20026-3293 (include sponsor name, address & membership. phone)

Left to right: Winston Bao Lord , Rebecca Canan, Omar Popal, Chirs Larsin, Ken Collins, Jr., Jane Lauder, Kate Gewirz, Ashley Taylor, Joe Toce, Josh Overbay, Emily Henman and Leigh Nisonson

66

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OFFER EXPIRES 3/31/07.

MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

News From All Over Midwestern radio, CNN at Christmas and the new magic number

BY JANET DONOVAN

The Yellow Brick Road Jim Bohannon took

The Jim Bohannon Show may be heard from 10 p.m. to midnight on CBS affiliates across the country.

Believe it or not It’s true — Wolf Blitzer

left the set of The Situation Room long enough to play at CNN’s Christmas party at Teatro Goldoni. Whether he sat down for the sumptuous buffet prepared by Chef Fabrizio Aielli is anyone’s guess because the marathon anchorman delivers the news from an upright position four hours a day.

it and landed in Washington. First as backup for Larry King’s radio show, then as successor. Since then, the velvetvoiced Midwestern talk show host from Missouri has been inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame and most recently received the Hackes Award from The Radio & Television News Directors Association during a luncheon at Maggiano’s. Besides accolades that included excellence, intelligence, wit and professionalism, the consensus and emphasis was that “Jimbo” is a down-to-earth, regular nice guy.

So what’s up with all this Midwestern nice-guy stuff of which we’ve been reminded of late? Sitting beneath a portrait of President Gerald Top– David Carmen, president Ford at a subsequent dinner at the of the Carmen Group, Roxanne Little of Project 312 and Robert Palm, he talked about that appeal Bobb, president of the D.C. following the president’s funeral. school board on stage at the “Midwesterners are nicer, slooooower, “Back to D.C.” party. Bottom– not as aggressive, not as ambitious. In Radio host Jim Bohannon holds the Hackes Award, presented to the beginning I was offended by that him by the Radio & Television and then I realized that I was really News Directors Association. given a great leg up because people underestimate you. They set the bar so low that Now you see him, now you don’t you can go: ‘Hey, look at me. I’m brilliant. I can Democratic political operative James Carville add two plus two.’ If you excel at a very low made the rounds while trying to catch up with standard by a large measure, you’re a genius.” spouse Mary Matalin, Republican political Take that Calvin Coolidge (a quintessential operative. Now that the Dems have taken easterner). back Congress, will this mean a kinder, gentler There are 124 Midwesterners in the Congress. Carville? Let’s hope not — how else would Does that mean a kinder, gentler partisanship? we find politics amusing?

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The CNN gang — Andrea Koppel, Jamie McIntyre, Candy Crowley and Suzanne Malveaux — traded news with Bill Press, Chris Berry, Harry Jaffe, Alicia Mundy, John McCaslin and Lynn Sweet. Sadly, the party was a month too soon for an Obama swimsuit poll.

Do the math From now on, 110 (as in the

110th Congress) is the magic number. Congress uses it, as does the Carmen Group. The D.C. lobbying firm famous for hip holiday parties used it on 1/10 by throwing their “Welcome Back to D.C. Party 110” at the Carnegie Library.

It’s also rumored that 1010 party goers showed up despite the President’s speech, but thankfully no one actually counted.

“We knew 2007 would be a year of significant change,” said CEO David Carmen.

“With major developments in Congress, a new mayor, a new D.C. Council and more, we wanted to give our friends and the people we work with regularly an opportunity to come together and celebrate our unique D.C. context.

People really got this and it turned out to be the right time to have a great time.”

Guests included Robert Bobb, president of D.C. School Board; Rep. James Walsh; Council Member David Catania; John Hager, assistant secretary for education; Liberian Amb. Charles Minor; Lesotho Amb. Molelekeng Rapolaki; and Amb. Amadou Lamine Ba of Senegal.

The party also launched TCG’s sponsorship of “I Have a Dream” Foundation Project 312.

Alas, not everyone’s good at math.

Overheard elsewhere That Montpelier,

Vt.’s, claim to fame is that it has no McDonald’s — compliments of Washingtonian’s Garrett Graff at the surprise pre-wedding party for Washingtonpost.com columnist Mary Ann Akers and Newsweek’s Michael Isikoff hosted by Jen Burton and Eric London. Also, that Mary Ann was having withdrawal symptoms from the news while planning her wedding and honeymoon — compliments of friends.

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

|

FEBRUARY

| washingtonlife.com

HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC John Roberts and Andrea Koppel

Lisa Sylvester and Jamie McIntyre

CNN HOLIDAY MEDIA PARTY PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

Zain Verjee and Donna Brazile

Wolf Blitzer and Ed Henry Diana Harstein and Peter Beinart

John Cochran

Michael Bauer, Lynn Sweet and Paul Begala

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

| H O L I D AY

| washingtonlife.com

Taking the Hill Democrats have been trying to for years, this time they did. But for those who didn’t make the 110th Congress, the stories are compelling, especially the cases of more than 50 veterans known as the “Band of Brothers 2006.” Running for Congress was a battle for which they weren’t prepared.

So why was Iraq veteran Tammy Duckworth, who lost both legs in the war, as well as her campaign, smiling at the screening of Taking the Hill at George Washington University? Because in the end, it’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game — and that they did well.

The filmmaking team of Brent and Craig Renaud were on hand to welcome five of the veteran candidates they followed throughout their campaigns. Most had no political experience, money or contacts. “All of us are underdogs,” said Duckworth. Eric Massa called himself a “no-name, no-money” candidate who nevertheless believed he had what it takes to win. He didn’t. On the other hand, new Pennsylvania Congressman Captain Patrick Murphy did. A reason to smile.

Everybody Eats There If you’re thinking Café Milano, you’re right.

Despite a rowdy crowd on a recent Saturday night to hear international rock star Keenia, you couldn’t miss the back room where Kathleen Turner engaged friends with some good old Irish pub jokes. Joined by Mara Gibbs, co-author of EET, filmmaker Vivien Lesnik Weisman and Sen. Maria Cantwell, the actress (who is starring in The Kennedy Center’s production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf) could have easily fit The Washington Post’s review of her performance: “Acidly funny.”

Weisman interjected stories from her complicated past. Man of Two Havanas, her documentary on her father Max Lesnick, is the intricate portrait of a Cuban journalist and childhood friend of Fidel Castro who left his country for Little Havana in Miami. It’s a story straight out of a spy novel in which her family is the epicenter, headed by a father who remains steadfast in his determination to reunite the two Havanas.

Stay tuned for its imminent release as well as Gibbs’s book in May.

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W L E N T E R TA I N M E N T W L E N T E R TA I N -

Legend in the Making John Legend lives up to his very presumptuous name with, “Once Again,” the follow-up album to his three-Grammy-winning debut, “Get Lifted.”

BY K ATI E R O ST

ohn Legend is a musician with a quiet confidence about him. He is energetic. He is powerful. He knows he is outstanding, but fearlessly reveals his vulnerability. He is imperfect, he is perfect, he’s jaded, he’s in love, he gave it his all, but still cheated; he’s sorry, and he wants you to feel that. ...this man is telling you his truth. After a great performance at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium, I thought I’d find out more.

KATIE ROST You are consistently described as “soulful” by reviewers and fans, what does that mean to you?

JOHN LEGEND To me, being soulful isn’t really a conscientious thing. If you have to over-think about it or plan it, it ain’t really soulful. Soulfulness comes through being honest and authentic (not contrived) in writing and singing. It also can be conveyed through your instrumentation and arrangement. I made sure not to overproduce the songs. I wanted them to sound natural and organic. I think that’s why people use that term “soulful” to describe my music.

song). After figuring out the musical accompaniment, I start singing along to figure out the vocal melody that I want to go with for the song.

Then I mumble lyrical ideas until something starts to stick.

Finally, I write all my lyrical ideas down until it really starts to come together into stanzas and verses that build into a full story. I’m pretty methodical about writing.

John Legend at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium during homecoming `06.

ROST Do you ever feel scared by the intimacy you create with your audience?

LEGEND I’m not afraid of the audience feeling close to me. But, I would warn my fans that just because you know my song lyrics doesn’t mean you know every aspect of my life. I reserve the right to make things up and draw from things I observe in other people’s lives to round out the stories.

great design, great service. I also stay at the Park Hyatt sometimes. They have great service there, and they always put me in a nice suite that has a baby grand piano in it.

LEGEND I start with the musical accompaniment.

ROST Washington is a very political city. Do

ROST Any wild nights?

Sometimes, I write the musical accompaniment on the piano by myself (e.g., “Again”). Sometimes, I sit with a guitarist who plays some chords and I join in (e.g.,“Show Me”). Sometimes I work with a producer who has already made an instrumental track (like on “Save Room,” in which the instrumental track samples “Stormy”, a ’60s pop

politics find a way into your music?

LEGEND I subtly reference some of my political views in a couple songs on this album, especially “Coming Home.” But I try to make the political issue of the war personal by talking specifically about the individuals who have to execute our unfortunate policy decision, the soldiers themselves.

LEGEND When I come to D.C., I don’t usually

ROST Tell me about your song writing

ROST Where do you stay and what do you

like to do when you visit D.C.?

LEGEND I’ve stayed at the Mandarin Oriental;

process.

“BEING SOULFUL ISN’T REALLY A CONSCIENTIOUS THING IF YOU HAVE TO OVER-THINK ABOUT IT OR PLAN IT IT AIN’T REALLY SOULFUL ” — JOHN LEGEND

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have much time to be a tourist. I do have a few friends here, so I try to get dinner or drinks with them at a low-key spot when possible. I like some of the big clubs in D.C. when I’m looking to party in a more public way. Love [formerly known as Dream] is usually a lot of fun.

ROST What music by other artists is turning you on these days?

LEGEND I like the new Killiers album a lot. I also like the Gnarls Barkley album and Amy Winehouse.

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THE MODERN

CLASSIC

With hints of romance reminiscent of Paris’s grand cafés, the newly-opened Napoleon Bistro and Lounge in Adams Morgan was the perfect place for Washington Life to mix spring fashion with some of The Young and the Guest List’s hottest invitees.The result? … A modern classic look P H O T O G R A P H S B Y Y V O N N E TAY L O R ST YLED BY LANA ORLOFF M A K E - U P A N D H A I R B Y C A R O L A M Y E R S A N D C R Y S TA L M A R I A W H I T E H E A D PRODUCED BY MICHAEL CLEMENTS

Dabney Doswell in Rozae Nichols, Marco Minuto in Ralph Lauren Black Label and Megyn Kelly in Dolce & Gabbana. Full credits inside.

Napoleon Bistro and Lounge, 1847 Columbia Rd N.W., 202-299-9630 WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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DABNEY LANGHORNE DOSWELL works as a Senior Designer with the Interior Design firm Barry Dixon. She is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design with a double major in painting and film. She returned home to Washington D.C. in `06 after working for David Easton and Charlotte Moss in New Yotk City. She serves on the steering committee for The Washington Ballet’s Jeté Society. Look for Dabney this spring in WL’s interior design column!

THIS PAGE Nicole Miller dress, $400 (Valise, Washington D.C.); Custom designed citrine (43.70ct) and garnet pin/pendant featuring a hand applied hammer finish, $9,890; 18k hammer link chain, $3,800; 14k handmade garnet (12.29ct) ring with .15ct of diamond accents, $2,560; custom dangle “gypsy” earrings with 3.0ct of garnets $3,690; large 18k gold cuff bracelet, $5,200 (All jewelry, Adeler Jewelers, Great Falls, Va.) PREVIOUS PAGE Rozae Nichols navy dress with copper strap, $284 (Blush, Potomac, Md.); 14k hand made pin/pendant featuring 24.41ct amethyst with checker board faceting and .30ct diamonds, $5,980; 14k ring with an 8.77ct amethyst and over .50ct of diamonds, $3,890; custom designed dangle amethyst earrings with hand applied hammer finish and diamonds, $2,998 (All jewelry, Adeler Jewelers, Great Falls, Va.)

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MEGYN KELLY is a general assignment reporter for FOX News Channel (FNC). She reported on the confirmation hearings for Samuel A. Alito, Jr., the retirement of Sandra Day O’Connor, the Terri Schiavo case, the indictment of Scooter Libby and the legal troubles of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. Kelly earned a BA in Political Science from Syracuse University and a J.D. from Albany Law School.

Dolce & Gabbana silk champagne dress, $2,995 (Carol Mitchell, Tysons Galleria, McLean, Va.); 14k yellow gold South Sea Baroque pearl earrings, $1,998; 11.0 mm Fresh Water pearl and hand applied hammer finish ring, $2,285 (All jewelry, Adeler Jewelers, Great Falls, Va.)

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CARLOS M. GUTIERREZ, JR. is a global human rights activist, particularly through his advocacy for democracy in Cuba and as a supporting member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Recently, he completed a Master’s Degree from Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business and he also holds a Political Science degree from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

Dolce & Gabbana black blazer, $1,495 with grey dress pants, $375; Dries Van Noten white shirt with a white tie, $395 and silk scarf, $435 (All from Saks 5th Avenue Men’s Store, Chevy Chase, Md.)

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ERIKA PAOLA GUTIERREZ recently completed her undergraduate degree at Western Michigan University with a major in communications and a minor in philosophy. She is currently a presidential appointee at the United States Department of Labor working in the Policy office. She plans to attend graduate school to receive an MBA in Marketing.

“FOR SPRING 2007, LOOK FOR MODERN SHORT AND FLOATY DRESSES. THE LOOSE STYLE CAN BE SLIMMING AS LONG AS YOU KEEP THE SLEEVES AND LENGTH SHORT. ADD PRETTY GIRLY COLORS AND FLORAL PATTERNS FOR ADORNMENT – TRY TULIP SKIRTS, BELL SLEEVES AND LITTLE BOLERO JACKETS. KEEP THE SLIM PANTS ... AND DON’T FORGET CORK OR WOOD HEELS!” – WL Stylist, Lana Orloff

Hollywould black belted dress with gold accent, $575 (Blush, Potomac, Md); Cartier Himalya yellow gold & diamond necklace, $22,975; Monica yellow gold & diamond hoop earrings, $9,100; Crash yellow gold & diamond watch, $30,200 (All from Cartier, Chevy Chase, Md.)

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MELANIE N. ROUSSELL (right)

serves as the press secretary and Spokesperson for the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee under Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) She is a native of New Orleans, La. and a devoted Saints fan, who enjoys taunting Redskins fans at D.C sports bars. When not working, she attends charity benefits such as the Joy of Sports Gala and lounges at U Street hotspot Jin.

MICHELLE PERSAUD (left) is a Potomac, Md. native, who attended University of Maryland in College Park before entering law school at George Washington University. She is counsel for the U.S. House Judiciary Committee and recently ventured into the Hill’s social scene by co-founding Chic Productions, a company dedicated to planning events such as a recent celebration for the swearing-in of a congressional committee chairman.

ON MELANIE: Saint Grace Brown wrap dress, $142 (Blush, Potomac, Md); Mother of pearl necklace, $75 and multi-stone earrings, $45 (Ann Hand, Washington D.C.); Custom designed 14k green tourmaline ring with a hand-applied hammer finish, $2,998 (Adeler Jewelers, Great Falls, Va.) ON MICHELLE: Rozae Nichols red & navy dress, $440 (Blush, Potomac, Md); Black and gold long necklace and black dangle earrings, $55 (Ann Hand, Washington D.C.)

MARCO MINUTO is a third-year student at Catholic University School of Law. He is onethird of the brains behind Chatcreator.com and developer of Saxbys Coffee – an innovative coffee house concept expanding throughout the country, and founderof the Pope John Paul II Education Fund , which aids financially needy students of good character and high academic achievement to continue their education at a Catholic high school of their choice.

Ralph Lauren Black Label suit, $1,295, twotone pin-striped dress shirt, $250, and pink polka dot tie, $145 (All available at Ralph Lauren Chevy Chase, Md. and Polo.com)

D I P LO M AT I C DA N C E

(1) Speaker Nancy Pelosi is greeted by Italian Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta and his wife Lila at the Italian Embassy during a dinner held in Pelosi’s honor (2) Outgoing Saudi Ambassador Prince Turki Al-Faisal, who resigned from his post after less than two years on the job (3) British Ambassador Sir David Manning, Virginia Hall’s niece Lorna Catling and French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte at the French Residence for a reception honoring the late Hall (4) Fabiola de Gallegos, wife of the Ecuadorian Ambassador, Debbie Sigmund, founder of “Innocents at Risk” and Kathleen Diamond, founder of Crossway Community at the Ecuadorian Residence

2

The Italians serenade Nancy Pelosi, spying with the British and the French, plus international romance

BY G A I L S COT T

3

4

Brazilian Ambassador Roberto Abdenur and his petite wife Maria-Izabel also left at January’s end to retire. Disarray at home leaves Lebanon’s Ambassador Farid Abboud waiting for orders for his next post in Tunisia. After election results, Mexico’s Carlos de Icaza went home in January but Nicaragua’s Salvador Stadthagen chose to stay and leave diplomacy.

France, Britain Honor American Spy

I Left My Heart in San Francisco Nancy

Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the House, and 600 of her closest friends swooned while Tony Bennett and James Taylor serenaded her during the dinner hosted by Italian Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta and his fashionable wife Lila. Other ready-to-party, high-profile female Democrats attending this “no-media-allowed” event included Sen. Barbara Boxer, Madeleine Albright and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who lives just up the street.

Swinging Doors After shocking diplomatic

Washington with his abrupt resignation on Dec. 12 after less than two years as Saudi ambassador, Prince Turki al-Faisal returned to his office on January 8 with still no word on what’s happening. Sources say Prince Turki’s hopes to replace his ailing older brother as the Saudi foreign minister are all but dashed. Looks like Prince Bandar bin Sultan, former dean of the diplomatic corps here, will win this top job. King Abdullah’s trusted foreign policy advisor Adel alJubeir, who is surprisingly not a royal family member, is expected to be en route to Washington as the next Saudi ambassador.

Prince Turki’s wife, Princess Nouf, remains in Europe.

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On the 100th anniversary of her birth, French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte and British Ambassador Sir David Manning paid tribute to the late Virginia Hall, a Baltimore native who many call the greatest female American spy.

During WWII, she helped train and co-ordinate members of the French Resistance. She became a Member of the Order of the British Empire and was the only civilian woman to receive America’s Distinguished Service Cross in World War II. She died at 78 in Washington on Bastille Day, July 14, 1982.Virginia Hall was not well-known until recently when the British discovered that although she was presented with the British medal, she had never received the accompanying paperwork signed in 1943 by King George VI and his mother, Queen Mary.

“This one American lady, a journalist from The Washington Post based in Paris, had the courage, the faith and the vision to help France…In the darkest hour of our long history,” Levitte said with emotion.

Life Preserver Debbie Sigmund’s “Innocents

at Risk” charity, which raises awareness of the increased international trafficking of women and children, will hold its first major fundraiser on April 19 at the Library of Congress. Over the last three years, more than a dozen

embassies have hosted monthly awareness meetings for this cause. In December, Ecuador’s Fabiola Gallegos opened her handsome Kalorama residence to discuss this exploding problem and collect holiday gifts for Crossway Community, an innovative program for at-risk mothers and their children providing not only housing but preschool education and intensive life skills development.

We praise Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry for creating a free national hotline to provide assistance 24/7 for immediate response and rescue of trafficking victims. For more information: www. innocentsatrisk.org or (202) 237-0036.

Honoring Moreno Former Colombian

Ambassador Luis Alberto Moreno, now president of the Inter-American Development Bank, is the Latino Student Fund’s special honoree for this year’s gala on March 9. LSF Founder Rosalia Guttierrez-Huete Miller says,“This year’s theme, “Son Caribeño” (or “Caribbean Beat”), is in honor of our Diplomatic Chairs Flavio and Minerva Espinal of the Dominican Republic, who are extremely dedicated to improving educational opportunities wherever they are.” To help the Washington area’s talented Latino students meet their educational dreams, call (202) 244-3438.

Do You Know Embassy Row? • Turkish Ambassador Nabi Sensoy and his wife Gulgin will be celebrating their first Valentine’s Day as a married couple • Finland’s Ambassador Pekka Lintu held his new baby girl Julia and the presidency of the EU at the same time during the second half of 2006

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P H OTO C R E D I TS : ( 1 ) J O C E LY N AU G U ST I N O (4 ) GA I L SCOT T

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Madame Stendhagen

Rory Beelek and Cynthia Revesz

Hungarian Amb. AndrĂĄs Simonyi, Skunk Baxter and Daniel Poneman

HANGIN’ WITH THE HUNGARIANS December 1 • The Embassy of Hungary

BY DONNA SHOR PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

Katie Reilly, Kelly Naku, Margaret Naku and Erin Naku

Rick Szabo Massumi and Amber Gallop

Attila BakrĂł-Nagy, IllĂŠs Retkes, Captain Carlos Calvillo and Tibor Nemes-Nagy

Esther Coopersmith, Theodore Bikel and Tamara Brooks

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THE EVENT When Washington’s Rock ’n’ Roll diplomat, Hungarian Ambassador AndrĂĄs Simonyi, gets a request to help a charity, he knows what’s wanted: A gig by the Coalition of the Willing, the R & R band he formed. It’s a group of high-achieving suits who happily let their hair down performing gratis for a good cause. It was shirtsleeves and steam at the Hungarian embassy when they played to 500 clapping and swaying 20-to-60-somethings, including tycoons, ambassadors and World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, all rock fans. The beneďŹ t raised over $30K for the families of three Budapest ďŹ reďŹ ghters who died on duty. Onstage, Ambassador Simonyi, loving it, joked, played guitar and sang with the band, which comprises guitarist Je “Skunkâ€? Baxter, once with Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, but now a Pentagon counter terrorism adviser; guitarist Daniel Poneman, a former presidential aide, now a honcho at a global advisory ďŹ rm; as is bassist Lincoln BloomďŹ eld, who was formerly an assistant secretary of state. The band’s drummer is the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, Alexander Vershbow, or, when Vershbow is in Seoul, it’s Dan McDermo', director of a workplace investment board. THE GUESTS Nada Simonyi, trim in black trousers, greeted their guests, including Mary Mochary, Esther Coopersmith, Brenda and Jacques de Suze, Nicole D’Amecourt, Cyd Evere', and an imposing man named Ted with an a ractive wife. Someone, on hearing Ted’s last name, said, “Oh, like Theodore Bikel.â€?

Surprised, the Broadway singing star and ďŹ lm actor answered “I AM Theodore Bikel.â€?

Nada Simonyi and Paul Wolfowitz

Danny McDermott John Parkerson

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Dan Kyle, Marvin Millwe and Matt McCormick

Togo and Gail West

Craig Powell and Tricia Chan

Juan Umanzor, Jesse Kaye, Thomas Cook and Marnie Abramson

Margot Wilson, Ginny Chew and Beth Wainwright

Larry Pratt, Isabel Cruzet and Gregg Busch

Christopher Ritzert and Elizabeth Blakegler

Table decorations at Roy Pfautch’s party

HOLIDAY AROUND TOWN

Washingtonians continued their holiday party traditions by hosting annual get-togethers. Kai Reynolds, Asheel Shah, Andy Shuckra and Je Miller gathered a real estate crowd at Child Harolde. Gregg Busch made merry with close to 100 guests at his Kalaroma manse (which was recently purchased by the principality of Monaco). And Roy Pfautch continued his decades-old party with close friends at The Willard Hotel.

Tom Anderson, Bobbie Brewster and Marc Schappell

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*PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROY PFAUTCH

PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

Barbara Zucherman and Terri Robinson

Connie Carter and James Braeu

Alison Reynolds, Sejal Shah and Susan Jerch

Alexis Konownitzine, Mila Salaza and Sheila Simkin

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROY PFAUTCH

David Bediz and Dwight Mortensen

Michael Desantis and Je Blum with Alex and Nick Desantis

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Debbie and Devon Winsor

WL SPONSORED

William Holt, Michael Harreld Jr., Susan and Michael Harreld Sr.

TEA WITH THE NUTCRACKER Jack Valenti, Jan Smith December 10 • The Willard Intercontinental and Sam Donaldson

BY DONNA SHOR PHOTOS BY IMMANUEL JAYACHANDRAN

Ali and Elliott Stephanopoulos

Tia Cudahy, Eleanor Walsh, Evie Hardart and Virginia Shore

THE EVENT: For members of Washington’s youngest theater-going set, it was just a hop from the National Theatre and The Washington Ballet’s “Nutcrackerâ€? to the Willard InterContinental Hotel for a special tea party. THE SCENE: A er the enchantment of the shimmering spectacle, small guests found themselves surrounded by dozens of Nutcrackers at the fun-ďŹ lled session of cocoa and cakes.

TWB’s imaginative artistic director Septime Webre, by changing the ballet’s Old European se ing to an 1882 Georgetown drawing room, gave the youngsters (and probably a few parents) some instructive glimpses of famed personalities. Webre transformed the heroic Nutcracker into George Washington, and the arch-enemy Mouse King into hated George III of England. With amusing topical comments and historic local ďŹ gures such as the early-se ler Anacostian Indians and the eloquent ex-slave abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, Webre’s version is Washington-themed, even to the anachronistic but beautifully blooming DC cherry trees. Choreographers, conductors, performers—Petipa, Balanchine, Baryshniko, even Disney and Duke Ellington—all had their way with “The Nutcracker,â€? but Webre’s ground breaking vision, while respecting the beloved classic, is wonderfully fresh and innovative. THE GUESTS: Among those accompanied by ospring (or their ospring’s ospring) were Bob Schieer, Gahl Burt, Ali and George Stephanopoulos, Pat Skantze and Jack Evans.

Brooke and April Delaney

Mary Kate Robbett and Alison Smith

Anna Parker and Sarah Glover

Shira Klinger and Scarlett Kao A “Suite� Pair

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Christine, Katherine, John and Jack Evans

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Tricia Lott, Mary Regula and Joyce Murtha

Sandie Knollenberg and Janet Blanchard

Megan Beyer Evelyn DiBona and Susan Allen

Suellen Estrin, Lynda Webster and Joanne Kemp

Debbie Dingell Marlene Malek and

Lynn Blitzer and Rhoda Glickman

WL EXCLUSIVE

CELEBRATE FRIENDSHIP HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

Lynn Wyatt and Buffy Cafritz

November 30 • The Four Seasons Hotel PHOTOS BY ADAM DAICEY

THE EVENT: Debbie Dingell and Marlene Malek hosted a luncheon that toasted bipartisan friendships. THE SCENE: Guests dropped their names into a fishbowl for seating arrangements, giving everyone the opportunity to meet new friends. THE GUESTS: Buffy Cafritz, Lynn Wya', Capricia Marshall, Cindy Somerville, Jackie Dodd, Lynn Blitzer, Mary Podesta, Nancy Zirkin, Gale Gilbert, Megan Buyer, Sandy Knollenberg, Suellen Estrin, Susan Allen, Becky Gonzales, Meryl Chertoff, Marcia Jackson, Jackie Leavi', Diane Bodman, Deni Mineta, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, Lynda Carter, Norah O’Donnell, Abby Blunt, Rita Braver, Nancy Brinker, Ann Compton, Linda Daschle, Rima Al-Sabah, Gabriela Febres Cordero, Rhoda Glickman, Barbara Harrison, Ann Jordan, Mary Kennedy, Maureen Scalia, Roxanne Roberts and Tricia Lo'.

Capricia Marshall, Molly Raiser and Gail West

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Jan Boyer, Eric Felten and Solange Boyer

Leslie and Mary Fahrenkopf

Michael Feldman and Pamela Brown

Liz Roberts, Dave Roberts and Helgi Walker

COCKTAILS AT THE WEISS HOME December 9 • The Residence of Jeffrey Weiss and Juleanna Glover Weiss PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

THE EVENT A cocktail party to benefit Horton’s Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children who live in Washington’s Ward 8. THE SCENE Power hostess Juleanna Glover Weiss, known for her bipartisan affairs, opened her salon for more than 200 guests. THE GUESTS Lloyd and Ann Hand, Haim Saban, Greg Kelly, Geoff Morrell, Jessica Yellin, Norah O’Donnell, Christopher Hitchens, Mike Allen, Alex Pareene, Michael Hirsh and Tom Toles.

Capricia Marshall and Alex Pareene

Allison O’Connor, Jeffrey Weiss and Liz Roberts

Tom Toles

Juleanna Glover Weiss, Rebecca Glover and Elizabeth Glover

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Ann Hand and Frank Fahrenkopf

Patrick Gavin and Alex Pareene

Jennifer Yuille and Michael Allen

Michael Mosettig

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Queen Noor and Leonard Lauder Samia Farouki

Kevin, Brynne and Johnny McNulty Keith Berwick and Christopher Kolade

THE ASPEN INSTITUTE 23RD ANNUAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS DINNER November 1 โ ข The Rainbow Room, New York PHOTOS BY SCOTT RUDD OF THE PATRICK MCMULLAN AGENCY

THE EVENT A black-tie award gala to honor Vรกclav Havel, former president of the Czech Republic and the Goldman Sachs Group. THE GUESTS: Chair Anne Welsh McNulty, Peter Kraus, Jerry Murdock, and Eric Schwartz. Also in a endance were Aspen Instituteโ s president Walter Isaacson and board chairman Leonard Lauder, trustee Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, and former Secretary of Treasury Robert Rubin.

Anne Welsh McNulty and Madeleine Albright

Walter Isaacson, Vรกclav Havel and Lynda Resnick

THIS MONTH ONE IN A MILLION/REAL? TO BE OR NOT TO BE/A PRAYER FOR ADRIAN/MOVING FORWARD/THERE IS NOTHING LIKE THESE DAMES/ KALEIDOSCOPE

WITH DONNA SHOR

AROUND TOWN ` Members of the Library of Congress’ Madison Council — RAJA SIDAWI MONIQUE DUROCDANNER KERBEY CLARK EDWIN COX AND JOAN WEGNER — enjoy the 2006 Kluge Prize Gala festivities at the Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building on December 5, 2006. b Swedish Ambassador and Washington International School parent GUNNAR LUND (left) greets Head of School RICHARD HALL and World Bank manager MICHELE DE NEVERS at a reception at the House of Sweden honoring major donors to the WIS “Gateway to an International World Capital”.

` TONY BORGIA and

c ANDRIEA BUTLER CHARRISSE JORDAN IONE JAMISON ILLIA MILES LAURA GOVAN NICHOLE THOMAS KEISHA BOOTH MISTYE RUFFIN and SONIA DANIELS at Jordan’s home for a Washington Wizards wives baby shower honoring Jamison, Govan and Shalaun Newton.

TERRY ROBINSON with ADAM and TRACY BERNSTEIN at Indebleu for an afterparty following a screening of the film Bobby.

ONE IN A MILLION

Gardecki , who founded the

It’s great to be one in a million, but one in 500 isn’t bad either; especially when the French ambassador says you’re one in only 500 Americans to be named Chevalier of the Legion d’Honneur since 1802, when Napoleon created the award. Decreed by President Jacques Chirac, Ambassador Jean-David Levitte granted the coveted title to Wilhelmina Holladay for her service to French art through the National Museum of Women in the Arts she founded and directs.The late Art Buchwald, a long-time Paris resident and Paris chronicler, earned one as well. So now it’s 501.

international piano competition with her husband John. Impromptu conga lines broke out, plumed masks were donned, and there were two sparkly embassy redheads, Bulgarian Ambassador Elena Poptodorova, and Hanna Reiter, wife of the Polish ambassador. Memorable Moment: Margo Deekman Illes, wife of the ambassador of Suriname, explaining to her tablemate Nancy Dunton how to check if pearls are the real thing: Rub them together, fakes roll like ball bearings; real ones are slightly scratchy.

A PRAYER FOR ADRIAN

TO BE OR NOT TO BE

The WIPAC Gala was as lively as its president, bubbly Chateau

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When the D.C. Commission on Women honored Virginia Hayes Williams at the Mayor’s Toys for

Tots party, son Anthony Williams, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton and Women’s Commission chairperson Christine Warnke all made speeches. (Christine’s 11-year old son John made his speech when he presented Mayor Williams with the toys.) Then compassionate Virginia rose to speak of incoming Mayor Adrian Fenty, asking the crowd to “Hold him in your hearts and your prayers. He will make mistakes — I make them, so do you — but he is a good man, and he will be a good mayor.”

MOVING FORWARD Viola Herms Drath, political

essayist and author of ten books, honored Sen. Chuck Hagel

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at a reception she hosted at DACOR/Bacon house launching Nebraska professor Charlyne Berens’s book Chuck Hagel: Moving Forward. Charismatic Hagel, often a maverick who follows his own convictions, is on the short list for 2008. Guests included Gen. Ed Rowney; Rep. Jeff Fortenberry; and several former U.S. diplomats, among them Richard Burt, Esther Coopersmith, and Brandon Grove.

Viola has garnered a few titles and honors herself: executive committee member of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy; recipient of the William Flynn Peace Initiative Award; and delegate on disarmament to the U.N. She is author of a seminal work promoting the reunification of Germany.

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` KATIE PRESTON, senior marketing manager, Hickok Cole Architects; KATY MURNANE, traveling exhibitions coordinator, Corcoran Gallery of Art; and JESSICA LAWRENCE of Hemphill Fine Arts at Hickok Cole’s “Art Night” at their Washington office.

c Actress MEG GILLENTINE sings to GILBERT MEAD at Arena

c JONATHAN TAYLOR of Tutt, Taylor & Rankin Sotheby’s International Realty;

Stage’s celebratory Next Stage Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental on December 4, 2006. Mead and his wife Jaylee have donated more than $35 million to Arena Stage’s effort to build a new theater complex.

FRED BAHRAMI MICHAEL RANKIN, of Tutt, Taylor & Rankin; and JOHN MAHSHIE on December 13, 2006 at a cocktail reception honoring Bahrami, a real estate developer, upon his completion of the new Q-14 residences in Logan Circle.

NOTHING LIKE THESE DAMES

KALEIDOSCOPE

Les Dames d’Escoffier, t h e g o u r m e t f o o d i e p ro s , celebrated the bir thday of Georges Auguste Escoffier (19th century “King of Chefs, and Chef of Kings”) and the 25th anniver sar y of the founding of their D.C. chapter at a ver y special black tie dinner hosted by Marie-Cécile Levitte at the French embassy residence. Among the guests was dynamic Dame Barbara Fa i rc h i l d , e d i t o r o f B o n Appetit, who a few days later was feted at Charlie Palmer’s Steak House by chef Bryan Voltaggio who ser ved hor s d’oeuvres from her stunning new Bon Appetit Cookbook.

Indefatigable Frida Burling arrived at Shelley and Bruce Ross-Larson ’s cocktail party carrying three invitations. “I loaned my car to my assistant today, and she’s dr iving me around tonight, so I can make all the stops.” Many Georgetown neighbors were among the guests in the Ross-Larson’s landmark house, where for years Susan Mary Alsop held her legendary salon.

Seen were Alsop chum Kevin Chaffee ; Michael Sullivan ; art critic Blake Gopnik and his wife (Cate Blanchette look-alike) Lucy Hogg ; Ann and William Nitze , and Carmen Petrowitz, just back from an idyllic European stay at the Austrian castle of Count

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Heinrich Matthias von Thurn …

Local publisher Jeremy Kaye of Bartleby Press is happy two of his authors are in the news. Jacques Haeringer of L’Auberge Chez François is making history as the first chef to have a show on the History Channel. He wrote the Chez François cookbook of classic Alsatian cuisine, and Two for Tonight recipes for romance.

Also, Dennis Quaid will play the coach in Universal Pictures’s The Express, based on Robert C. Gallagher ’s Bartleby Press account of the life of Syracuse University running back Ernie Davis and his battle with cancer … Cathy Lanier , D.C.’s new chief of police, wowed the group of BWW’s (Brainy Washington

Women) when she spoke at the Christmas luncheon of Mary Waters’ Potomac Society at the Robin’s Nest of the Willard Hotel …Many present had Austrian ties when Vienna-born Gertie d’Amecourt gave a party for visiting Monica Tuerk , wife of the former Austrian ambassador.

Hot-shot Georgetown developer Anthony Lanier was born there, and Sylvia Mitchell’s parents were the Wilfred Platzers, a popular Austrian ambassadorial couple when posted here; (her husband Glen’ s father was Howard Mitchell, the National Symphony Orchestra conductor.)

If there’s an upcoming event Around Town should know about, send advance word to Donnashor@aol.com.

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O F T H E PA R T Y

love, actually

Victoria Prouty, Mary Boulware, Yun Shen Chong, Elena Russo, Monica Martin, Synthia Harris and Ashley Cassidy

T.H.E. ARTIST AGENCY ANNIVERSARY PARTY November 18 • Muleh PHOTOS COURTESY OF T+H+E+ ARTIST AGENCY

THE EVENT A birthday celebration for T.H.E. Artist Agency’s which celebrated 21 years of being a premier modeling agency. THE SCENE: Guests arrived wearing t-shirts they were sent to decorate prior to the party. Judges Andrew Blecher, Liz Defaria, Edward Allen, Anton Papich, Martha Pheeny and Donna Hamaker picked custom-designed t-shirts. DJ Heather Femia and Grammy-nominated band Groove Collective entertained the stylish crowd. THE GUESTS: T.H.E. president Lynda Erkiletian and vice president Elizabeth Centenari, Travis Price, Kevin Chaffee and Will Thomas.

Elizabeth Centenari and Paul Wharton Kevin Chaffee

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violet

ULTRA

Stephanie Cooper, Aleta Spitaleri, Christopher Cooper, Lynda Erkiletian and Christopher Reiter

Travis Price and Deborah Kalkstein

FLOWERS 88

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H O T E L

W A T C H

LONDON

Classic Luxury and Hidden Gems Miller’s Residence, Dukes Hotel and The Berkeley — check into three of the city’s top-rated hotels

BY KEVIN CHAFFEE

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89 The Berkeley’s Caramel Room

THE BERKELEY Wilton Place Knightsbridge, London SWIX 7RL Telephone: 44 (0) 20-7235-6000 Fax: 44 (0) 20-7235-6000 Toll-free reservations: 1-800-637-2869 E-mail: reservations@maybourne.com Web site: www.the-berkeley.co.uk

discriminating guests. The hotel is essentially low-key with little in the way of lobby bustle, although there are excellent people-watching opportunities during the chi-chi “Pret-a-Portea” in the Caramel Room each afternoon, when fashionistas gather to sip Assam while nibbling on smoked salmon and delicious pastries made over in the style of the world’s top designers: Balenciaga striped chocolate eclairs, Valentino zesty lemon floral crunches and the like.

The Location With an ideal address in the

The Drawbacks Restaurant patrons often

heart of tony Knightsbridge,The Berkeley is mere steps from Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Sloane Street designer boutiques. Hyde Park is close by and the Knightsbridge tube station only a couple of blocks away (not that many guests are likely to be spotted “Underground”).

compete with residents for taxis, causing a bit of a wait especially when it rains (which in London is almost every day). Guests wishing to imbibe $25 cosmopolitans in the famed Blue Bar need to negotiate with a brusque bouncer who seems more eager to accommodate the trendy crowd of Sloane Ranger, Arab and Russian regulars who smoke and carouse there until the wee hours.

The Guests The Berkeley is one of the best hotels in London and takes pride in pampering a posh international clientele that includes royalty, presidents, prime ministers and pop stars. Madonna got a special wooden floor installed in her suite so she could do proper yoga and the hotel didn’t mind redecorating the better part of an entire floor to accommodate an Arab potentate who stayed for three months at stupendous cost. Otherwise, you’ll see lots of international businessmen and well-heeled couples, some with children in tow.

The Draw Ultra-luxe with superior service meeting the highest expectations of

Accommodations Comfort abounds in the 214 rooms (including 65 suites), which are individually decorated by top interior designers in a mixture of modern and English country house styles. Expect plush carpeting and upholstery, exquisite window treatments, superior beds and enormous marble bathrooms along with all the modern conveniences (flatscreen TVs, Internet, etc.) one requires in a fivestar accommodation. Most views are minimal, so if that’s important ask for a room to the right of the hotel entrance facing the lovely square containing St. Paul’s Church.

Dining

The Berkeley’s famous Blue Bar

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Petrus, featuring chef Marcus Wareing’s “theatrical” cuisine, has earned one Michelin star since its opening three years ago and remains one of London’s best and most beautiful restaurants. Try the lobster Arnold Bennett or the sweetbreads with fresh almond velouté for dinner, topped off with a pineapple pannacotta

with diced watermelon granité and coconut crisps for dessert, but be prepared for the bill, which can easily top $600 for two even with a low-end $100 bottle of wine. Boxwood Café, Gordon Ramsay’s Manhattan-style eatery, is a stylish, more relaxed choice for simpler but high quality fare, especially the salads, lobster rolls, roast suckling pig sandwich and sugared doughnuts with yogurt ice cream.

Amenities If your idea of hotel nirvana is an indoor swimming pool, the Berkeley’s magnificent rooftop facility (rare in London) is for you. Attached to a gym and spa, it is hardly ever crowded even though non-resident “members” are allowed in. A few leisurely laps are the perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing, shopping or both.

The Bottom Line Standard room with queen bed, $450-$900; deluxe junior suite, $900$1,775; one-bedroom suite, $1,460-$2,430; garden pavilion suite, $7,800.

DUKES HOTEL St. James’s Place London SWIA 1NY Telephone: 44 (0) 20-7491-4840 Fax: 44 (0) 20-7493-1264 Toll-free reservations: 1-800-381-4702 E-mail: bookings@dukeshotel.com Web site: www.dukeshotel.com

The Location Tucked away in its own flower-filled courtyard in the heart of London, mere steps from Mayfair, St. James’s and Green parks, the theater district and high-end shopping destinations that include Savile Row, Bond and Jermyn streets and the Burlington Arcade.

The Guests Old Money types — Boston Brahmins, Main Liners and the like — feel at home here, as do businessmen and diplomats who wouldn’t dream of staying anywhere else.

The Draw A discreet oasis for those preferring privacy and essentially English charm without “grand hotel” ostentation. Dukes is quiet, elegant and comfortable with super-friendly staff

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MILLER’S RESIDENCE 111a Westbourne Grove, London 44-207-243-1024; www.millersuk.com Rooms from $290 to $445 per night.

luxurious furnishings (many antique) and attractive works of art. Cushions and pillows are pleasingly plumped several times a day and the beds are equally soft and comfortable.

The marble bathrooms have powerful showers, fluffy towels and robes and top-notch Moulton Brown toiletries.

The Bar While the small and smoky bar at Dukes is known as a hideaway for hush-hush business deals and the odd assignation, the Martini ($28) prepared by longtime Italian barista Tony Micelotta has given it true fame.

Said to be the most delicious Martini in the world, it is poured — never shaken or stirred.

(Gulp two in a row and the concoction may prove lethal.) Ancient spirits are also a specialty, and if you feel like splurging, sample a snifter (about one-sixth full) of the Lucian Foucault 1811 Napoleon Cognac at 200 quid ($390) a pop.

The discreet entrance to Dukes Hotel

Amenities A small but fully-equipped

who greet you by name from the moment you check in and see to your every need thereafter.

Special touches include floral arrangements, votive candles and complimentary bottles of wine in the rooms. The veddy proper room service tea (with luscious sandwiches, cakes and scones with clotted cream) is an absolute must.

health spa features cardiovascular exercise equipment linked to a cardio theater sound system, and a steam room. Beauty treatments and massages are also available.

The Bottom Line Standard room, $500; classic/superior/luxury doubles, $580-$750; suites, $800-$1,850.

The Drawbacks Many rooms are rather wee (Dukes was once called Britain’s “smallest castle”) and have limited views, so ask to see another if you don’t like the first one you are shown.

While the excellent breakfast is on a pricey par (about $60) with other first-rate London establishments, it does seem rather outrageous that berthing a car there costs just more than $100 per day.

Accommodations Each room is furnished in the style of a particular English period: Georgian, Regency, Edwardian, etc., and features

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One of the many well-appointed rooms at Dukes Hotel

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ackrats, rejoice! Collectors have a kindred soul in Martin Miller, proprietor of London boutique hotel Miller’s Residence (the name is apt — Miller and his Romanian-born wife, Ioana Beju, live onsite).

Located in trendy Notting Hill, the hotel is packed with furniture, art and an eclectic mishmash of bibelots picked up at shops, flea markets and auctions over the years. Miller knows antiques — in 1969 he started Miller’s Antique Price Guide, the first published listing of antiques prices. Coincidentally, the hotel is also close to the Portobello Road antiques district and other funky Notting Hill shopping stops.

Miller’s Residence, opened in 1997, is a home away from home for artists, models, actors and businessmen who like warm and inviting surroundings, a full English breakfast every morning and gratis drinks from the hotel’s well-stocked bar at any time of day or night. (Please note that Miller is also the purveyor of Miller’s Gin, an award-winning spirit he launched in 2003.) The kitchen is open to guests looking for a nocturnal snack as well, and in winter the drawing room fireplace blazes until the wee hours.

Rooms and suites continue the mix-and-match vibe. Each is named for an English Romantic poet with the decor reflecting the writers’ spirit. Blake, Byron, Keats, Coleridge, Shelley, Browning, Tennyson and Wordsworth all get the treatment. All the accommodations are stuffed with antiques, from a fourposter Chippendale bed in the Byron room to the early 18th-century furniture and paintings that give the Blake room the feel of a rooming house of that period.

Described as “an antidote to Minimalism” by a glossy fashion magazine not long ago, Millers remains a well-guarded secret kept by guests who stay over and over again.

Pictured above– Proprietor Martin Miller — center, in chair — entertains during a “typical” night at Miller’s Residence

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A R T AT A U C T I O N

American Classics Hopper, Rockwell and Wyeth Establish New Auction Records at Sotheby’s November 29th Sale of American Paintings

BY RENEE HARRISON DRAKE

T

he American Paintings, Drawings and Sculpture sale on November 29th at Sotheby’s proved that collectors are still willing to pay top prices for iconic works by artists like Edward Hopper, Norman Rockwell and N.C.Wyeth. Existing sales records for these three artists were broken in the crowded salesroom when Hopper’s Hotel Window, Rockwell’s Breaking Home Ties and N.C. Wyeth’s Stand and Deliver all soared well above their pre-sale estimates when offered to collectors in New York.

The highest selling lot, Hopper’s Hotel Window, was hammered down for $26,896,000, a price far exceeding the previous record for his South Truro Church that sold in 1990 for $2,420,000.

The painting is a classic example of the artist’s exploration of urban isolation in America.

Hopper acknowledged that the subject was an improvisation of hotel scenes he had witnessed in his walks through the Thirties from Broadway

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to Fifth Avenue in New York. According to Dara Mitchell, director of Sotheby’s American Paintings Department,“Hopper’s bold, realist style and distilled compositional format reinforce the psychological power of Hotel Window and have close connections to many elements of film noir.

Self-imposed solitude, the result of the individual’s disappointment in human interaction, was a societal ill that defined the American experience as depicted by both Hopper and the auteurs of contemporary fiction and film.” Formerly in the Thyssen Bornemisza Collection, Hotel Window was sold in 1987 to Malcom Forbes. In addition to its excellent provenance, the painting had been widely exhibited in America and abroad.

Norman Rockwell’s Breaking Ties was discovered early in 2006 behind a wall in the Vermont home of noted cartoonist Don Trachte.

Trachte had purchased the painting directly from the artist in 1960 and had later made a replica of the painting. That replica had been exhibited in museum shows and was believed to be the original until the recent discovery of the original was found in a secret hiding place in Trachte’s home. The painting first became known to Americans when it appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post’s September issue of 1954.The painting depicts a Depression-era rancher waiting for a train with his son who is going off to college, and it underscores the generation gap in families of post-World War II America. Estimated to fetch between $4 and $6 million dollars, the painting exceeded those expectations when it was hammered down for $15,416,000, breaking the previous record for Rockwell of $9,200,000 established in May of 2006 and setting a new auction record for the artist.

The swarthy pirates depicted in N.C.Wyeth’s Stand and Deliver appeared on the cover of Life Magazine’s September 1921 issue. Like his teacher Howard Pyle, Wyeth frequently painted pirates which were a popular subject during America’s Golden Age of Illustration. Paintings of these intimidating buccaneers were often included in his illustrations for Scribner’s illustrated classics, most notably in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. As most of the dynamic pirate paintings N.C. Wyeth executed remain in the hands of his family or on exhibition at The Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, it is rare to have one appear at auction.

Estimated to achieve between $1 and $1.5 million, Stand and Deliver was purchased by an anonymous buyer for $2,032,000.This price is the first for the artist to break the million-dollar barrier, well above the previous record of $896,000 for the artist at auction.

Left– Edward Hopper; Hotel Window; 1955, Oil on Canvas; $26,896,000 Above,top to bottom– Norman Rockwell; Breaking Ties; 1954, Oil on Canvas; $15,416,000 / N.C. Wyeth; Stand and Deliver; Circa 1921, Oil on Canvas; $2,032,000. Photos courtesy of Sotheby’s

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F I N A N C I A L R O U N DTA B L E

Winning in Wealth Management ED MATHIAS Please describe your

T

here are as many ways for wealth to grow and flourish as there are for it to shrink and disappear.Wealth management is a burgeoning financial service in the Washington region as people strive to propagate and protect their assets. This month’s roundtable discussion focuses on the many investment tools and strategies available to high net-worth individuals and families. Racing to the financial finish line is much like a marathon; by training beneficiaries, aiming for flexible fund choices, and building a strong monetary base, it is possible for wealth to endure for generations.

Hilda Ochoa-Brillembourg is the president and CEO at Strategic Investment Group.

She is a Fulbright Lifetime Achievement Awardee.

Brian J. MacDonnell is the senior vice president at SunTrust Bank, and has extensive professional experience in the financial services industry.

William T. Mundy

Ed Mathias

is the senior vice president at Wachovia Bank and sits on the board of The Financial Planning Association.

is the managing director of The Carlyle Group and graduated with an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

firm’s investment approach.

WILLIAM MUNDY We wo r k with people who want to create, preserve, or transfer wealth to the next generation.

MATHIAS And these are primarily

older people?

MUNDY Not these days. We have young and successful people who are thinking about what they want to do with the money they’ve created.

HILDA OCHOA-BILLEMBOURG We’re a global asset management firm that identifies inefficiencies, which conserves capital. Our open architecture platform allows us to hire the best people to actively trade securities.

BRIAN MACDONNELL My group focuses on helping individuals in the preservation of wealth growth and transfer for several generations.

MATHIAS How do you feel about

the perception that Washington is an attractive market because of its large, high net worth population?

MUNDY Washington is one of our top two or three markets on the East Coast. The number of providers in the city who offer financial planning and wealth management services is an indication of the area’s success.

MACDONNELL Loudoun County—

previously considered a farming county—is now the richest in the country. Montgomery and Fairfax counties have always been held in high esteem as well.

MATHIAS What is the minimum account size your firms will accept from an individual investor?

MACDONNELL We work with the following ranges—$.5 million, $1 to $5 million, and $10 million and up.

MUNDY We deal with a minimum of $2 million of liquid assets. Our sweet spot is between $5 and $25 million.

OCHOA-BILLEMBOURG $5 million.

MATHIAS What are some

long-term issues of concern confronting your clients?

MACDONNELL Statistically, 70 percent of wealth does not transfer past the second g e n e r a t i o n a n d t h a t ’s a concern.

“HEIRS TEND TO DEVELOP INSECURITIES ABOUT THEIR OWN ABILITY TO GENERATE MORE WEALTH” — HILDA OCHOA-BRILLEMBOURG

disciplined process for the client to determine exactly what they need, now or in the future, to retire in the lifestyle to which they are accustomed. We have a variety of statistical models that we use to help them to do that.

MACDONNELL “How much you need to live?” seems to be the toughest question out there, because people don’t know what they’re going to need in the future.

That’s when you sit down and do a financial plan and you work through that number.

OCHOA-BILLEMBOURG The

major concern that intergenerational wealth transfer creates is how to manage and motivate human capital.

Children who inherit wealth find it hard to motivate themselves to overcome the normal stresses of life, and because they develop great insecurities about their own ability to generate more wealth, they tend to use it up. Between taxes, poor planning, bad investments, and poor human capital management, the third generation becomes poor again.

their life expectancy a n d s t i l l h ave something left for their heirs?

MUNDY For the second part of your question, I think an individual can withdraw somewhere between 4.5 to 5 percent from the principal and not outlive their resources, depending on what their age is.

MATHIAS Does that mean their

MATHIAS These days, people can

possibly live 35 to 40 years after retirement. How does that affect your strategy? How do these people cover their needs, protect their assets against inflation, cover

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portfolio must earn well above those percentages so as to reinvest a portion as protection against inflation?

MUNDY Correct. When we come across this specific issue, there is a

MATHIAS Do you see this as a major concern?

MUNDY Yes. Even if someone is immensely wealthy, they still want to ensure that they have enough and that they won’t become destitute or dependent on their children.

OCHOA-BILLEMBOURG People tend to underestimate the amount of money they will need to retire on. To resolve that, a lot of people have to go back to work.

MATHIAS Do non-financial issues come up dur ing the planning process?

MUNDY Absolutely. Where do you want to live? Do you want to go back to work? The trend is that more people want to have a good quality of life in retirement, and they equate that to meaningful contributions, either in work or to foundations or charities.

MATHIAS Let’s talk about a subject

that holds interest for all Washing-

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tonians: real estate. Do you have an opinion on the market and the implications for your investors?

MACDONNELL The housing market in Washington is always dynamic.When I talk to clients, I’m not particularly worried about the housing market or what impact it will have on their retirement, unless they did not have a level of financial assets where they could weather a potential temporary storm in the real estate market.

MUNDY The housing market is great here. One of the things I worry about is the lack of diversification.

Some people are very heavily into real estate, and when you get a turn like we’re going through now, it’s painful for them.

MATHIAS People typically don’t

consider their aggregate portfolio: financial assets, retirement plans, real estate, a potential inheritance, etc. What are your thoughts on overall diversification?

OCHOA-BILLEMBOURG I think they need to be put together because real estate is not a liquid asset, and the house you live in is less liquid than any other asset. Transaction costs are very high. Look at your portfolio, including and excluding your first and second homes, to assess how bad things can get before you actually have to liquidate and if you could. liquidate.

MATHIAS What are the biggest

or most common mistakes that individual and institutional investors make?

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OCHOA-BILLEMBOURG

services tomorrow than they need today. So, I would focus on mega trends and find industries and/ or companies that complement those mega trends.

M AC D O N N E L L T h e aging population is the place to look.

Diversifying into the wrong asset at the wrong time.

MACDONNELL Lack of diversification.

MATHIAS

T h e r e ’s a n old adage that one doesn’t get rich with a diversified portfolio…

OCHOA-BILLEMBOURG That is true but the only way t o p re s e r ve we a l t h is by diversifying. People think they have a very welldiversified portfolio if they have 50 percent in stocks and 50 percent in bonds. They don’t. Although it looks like it’s a 50/50 portfolio, in fact, about 75 to 80 percent of your risk will be dependent on the equity market.

MATHIAS There’s tremendous interest today in China and India. Are you actively pursuing such opportunities?

MUNDY Investors are interested.

Over the last x number of years, people realize that we’re in a global economy, and talk to us about how they can diversify their assets beyond domestic opportunities.

They ask about China and India, and the impact that will have on markets today and more importantly, in the future.

OCHOA-BILLEMBOURG Institutions have investments in emerging markets ranging from 2 percent to a little over 10 percent of their total portfolios. We anticipate that over the next 20 years, 50 percent of world equities will be in emerging markets.

MATHIAS Today’s sophisticated

investor tends to be concerned

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MATHIAS An extremely

“THERE IS NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THE IMPACT OF THE REAL ESTATE MARKET ON RETIREMENT UNLESS YOUR ASSETS CAN’T WEATHER A POTENTIAL TEMPORARY STORM” — BRIAN MACDONNELL

about the long-term value of the dollar.What do you think about non dollar-denominated investments?

OCHOA-BILLEMBOURG We think the dollar is fairly valued in purchasing power but it’s really not fairly valued in terms of the trade imbalances between the United States and the rest of the world.

MATHIAS My guess would be that very few individuals have anything that approximates that.

MUNDY M y e x p e r i e n c e i s that customarily people might have somewhere between 10 to 20 percent.

MACDONNELL I was going to say 10 to 15 percent.

MATHIAS F o r a s t a n d a r d portfolio, what percentage of assets in today’s markets should be allocated internationally?

OCHOA-BILLEMBOURG For high net worth individuals, between stocks and bonds, easily between 30 and 50 percent of assets are outside of the United States.

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t h re e t o f ive ye a r s, w h i c h industr ies do you think hold extraordinary promise?

OCHOA-BILLEMBOURG “Clean” or “greening” industries are the place to go.

MUNDY We have an ag ing population that will need different

important issue for District residents is the full tax exemption for municipal bonds. Should most investors have a portion of assets in municipal bonds?

MUNDY Sure, if it’s appropriate for the individual case. For people in the tax brackets that that we focus on, municipal bonds are a very important part of their asset allocation.

OCHOA-BILLEMBOURG I agree.

Today, they’re not particularly attractive because the yields are not that high compared to some of the yields you’re getting on high-quality stocks. So even on an after-tax basis, you are coming out ahead with some large cap quality stocks, relative to municipal bonds.

MATHIAS Can you make a

projection of what the inflation rate and stock market return rate might be over the next five years?

OCHOA-BILLEMBOURG Inflation, 3 percent plus 4 percent growth in the stock market; I think you’ll get 7 to 8 percent in the equity market.

MUNDY Over the next couple years, high single digit to low two digit returns, which is the norm for the market over a given period of time.

MACDONNELL I think you’re r ight on the cusp of the double digits.

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Bethany Beach, Delaware

OCEAN VIEWS • NORTH BETHANY 270 Yards to the Beach! With sweeping vistas of the ocean and bay from multiple decks, this large townhome with four-bedrooms plus den and top floor great room will please all beach goers.

Excellent rental history. $825,000

IN TOWN • BETHANY BEACH This wonderful five-bedroom, four-full-and-onehalf-bath Oceanside home is an outstanding offering with lovely architecture, fine finishes and a location that will please any beach enthusiast being just 1.5 blocks to the beach. $1,795,000

CANALFRONT • SOUTH BETHANY This appealing canal front four-bedroom (potential for a fifth), three-full-and-one-half-bath home has a dramatic great room with soaring ceilings, lots of large windows and a top quality remodeled kitchen with new stainless steel appliances. $1,100,000

NORTH BETHANY OCEANBLOCK Casual five-bedroom, three-bath beach retreat is situated only lots off the uncrowded, guarded beach in a secluded, private and gated community with pool and tennis. $1,795,000

THE SALT POND BETHANY BEACH This new four-bedroom, three-full-andone-half-bath home with loft and den perfectly suits year-round living or casual beach lifestyle in a resort community with numerous amenities. $879,000

OCEANBLOCK FENWICK ISLAND Luxury abounds this beautifully appointed new four-bedroom plus loft and den oceanblock designer furnished home.

Alluring views of the ocean.

Would make an outstanding rental. $1,290,000

OCEANBLOCK BETHANY BEACH The ultimate ocean block five-bedroom, four-full-and-one-half-bath new home in the town of Bethany with large screened porch, multiple decks and verandas, elegant finishes and an open floor plan. $2,449,000

Feel The Difference

800.851.8997 Pam Adkins

Leslie Kopp

Cell 302.858.7997

302.542.3917 Cell

Sales Associate

pam@bestofbethany.com leslie@bestofbethany.com Office: 302.539.9040 x 207

www.BestofBethany.com

INSIDE HOMES

MAD ABOUT MODERN Lawyer David Smith and graphic designer Ra ‘ed Alawadhi’s renovated apartment melds modernity and warmth PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTOINE SCHNECK WRITTEN AND STYLED BY CORINNE BENSAHEL

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hen David Smith and his partner Ra ‘ed Alawadhi decided to renovate their new apartment, they wanted to create a modern space without the coldness of many contemporary apartments. After much investigation, Smith, a business lawyer, and Alawadhi, the creative graphic designer for the contemporary furniture store Apartment Zero, decided to hire talented architect Robert M. Gurney to design the space.

Located in the Wyoming, one of the oldest buildings in Washington, the Kalorama apartment was a sequence of rectangular, contiguous rooms with small windows and no charm. Despite the challenge, Gurney thought the old building could be readily adapted for a modern lifestyle.

Opening Page- The living room and kitchen. Notice the o oman, designed by interior designer Therese Gurney, which is used as both a place to sit and as a coffee table Above- Another shot of the living room with a view of the ceiling’s circular cutout and the sofa from B & B Italia. The cabinetry in the living room continues the geometric theme found throughout the apartment Le The guest bedroom, where some of David Smith’s art collection is on display

Reducing the space to its skeleton, the architect had very clever ideas to rebuild walls with interesting shapes, giving him the opportunity to camouflage columns and technical utilities like air conditioning units.

Playing with forms, the architect mixed circles and squares, making the space more playful and dynamic. From the entrance, where vases from Contemporaria Washington are on display, one

and red painted walls were easily mixed with deep blue surfaces, reinforcing the coziness of the apartment.

Interior designer Therese Baron Gurney, the architect’s wife, chose the modern furniture to fit such a fluid space. She shopped extensively and selected the best Italian brands, from B&B Italia for the sofa to Flos for the lighting, to create the effect Smith and Alawadhi desired.The oversized leather

includes works by Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns and Roy Lichtenstein.

The two-bedroom apartment is now organized around a central living room and a very cozy and high-tech kitchen. Alawadhi is a great cook and wanted to have all the facilities to entertain people, both in small and large parties. The living room is a comfortable space with a huge circular cutout in the ceiling and

“REDUCING THE SPACE TO ITS SKELETON, the architect had very clever ideas to rebuild walls with interesting shapes, giving him the opportunity to camouflage columns and technical utilities like air conditioning units. Playing with forms, the architect mixed circles and squares, making the space more playful and dynamic.” can see through the open shelves the beginning of the living room as if looking through a window in the wall.

Gurney used a variety of materials — such as aluminum walls in the bedroom enveloping a flat screen television — to reinforce the modernity of the space. Colors — both serene and bright — are everywhere. Mahogany wood

ottoman, designed by Therese Gurney herself, became a centerpiece in the leaving room and has been used as both a place to sit and a coffee table. Smith and Alawadhi were careful to choose beautiful pieces of quality furniture with timeless style — such as chairs from McMurray Design and the stools and table from Maya Lynn Knoll Studio — to match Smith’s art collection, which

The master bedroom, with its unique aluminum wall which envelops the television. The bedding, by Aero, is available at Apartment Zero Right- The master bath reflects the modernist feel found throughout the apartment

geometrically shaped cutouts and display spaces in the wooden cabinetry.

While still working as a graphic designer at Apartment Zero, Alawadhi also directs interior design projects. It’s no surprise that his vision of contemporary spaces is a combination of high tech modernity and traditional warmth and comfort.

Obviously, there’s no place like home.

D E S I G N

c The LIMO BED is the definition of modern with clean-cut edges and boxy shapes. Also shown are the drawer unit and nightstand, completing the modern look. Limo bed, $999; Drawer unit, $329; Nightstand, $199.

Bo Concept 1763 U International Dr., McLean, VA 22102, (703) 556-4444, www.boconcept.us.

f This OCCA COFFEE TABLE, shown in wengécolored veneer, is unlike any other. Complete with two fold out leaves for eating or entertaining; it even has a storage space underneath. Prices range from $759 to $799. Bo Concept 3342 M St. N.W., (202) 333-5656, www.boconcept.us.

f

S

leek lines and smooth surfaces are back in style. Modern furniture is the new look for America’s twenty-somethings and beyond.

Often shown in vibrant colors or boxy shapes, the style has a futuristic twist. If you are in the market, numerous stores in the Washington, D.C. area offer these contemporary pieces.

BY JESSICA DEIBEL

The TOGO SEATING COLLECTION, designed in 1973, is still one of the best selling collections in 2006. Its classic and comfortable design will never go out of style. $10,315. Ligne Roset, 3306 M St. N.W., (202) 333-6390, www.lignerosetdc.com.

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Looking to save floor space? This custom built WALL-MOUNTED MEDIA SYSTEM, from Brazil can be made to fit your wall. System averages approximately $2,000 per panel. The system shown here is $10,000. Vastu, (202) 234-8344, www.VastuDC.com.

A modern interpretation of a wing chair, this custom made NEWCASTLE CHAIR is the perfect spot to relax after a long day’s work. It is available in thousands of textiles and nine wood stains. $1960.

Vastu, 1829 Fourteenth Street, N.W., (202) 234-8344, www.VastuDC.com.

The NOMADE EXPRESS SOFA BED is modern at its best. With a simple yet stylish design, it is reminiscent of 1930s classics. $3,455. Ligne Roset, (202) 333-6390, www.lignerosetdc.com.

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ALBEMARLE TERRACE

19,000 sq ft of living space, these four residences offer a comfortable, convenient and elegant living situation. The original estate house is a fine example of the Colonial Revival style and the three others evoke the ethos of the Craftsman style. $10,600,000.

John T. Mahshie 202.271.3132

MCLEAN, VA

Michael Rankin Daryl Judy

202.271.3344 202.380.7219

Jonathan Taylor Michael Rankin

GEORGETOWN

This rarely available 2BR/3BA flat in The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown, features views of the Potomac and Key Bridge, 24hour concierge service, 2-car garage parking (valet available), fitness club and spa privileges. $2,495,000.

Jonathan Taylor 202.276.3344 Michael Rankin 202.271.3344

CHEVY CHASE

NEW LISTING, Exceptional property offers an impressive 5,300 square feet of luxury living in exceptional privacy.

Vaulted ceilings, walls of glass, and beautiful redwood throughout enhance the character of this home. $1,900,000.

Rick Leverrier 202.957.7777 Barbara Zuckerman 202.997.5977

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NEW LISTING, Grand Georgian revival. Sited on a corner lot with exceptional scale and architectural details. 2 car garage. $3,250,000.

DUPONT

Carroll Dey

New renovation of this classic Washington Victorian provides mid-century modern elegance integrated with the warmth of tradition. Within walking distance of museums, galleries and cafes. $2,095,000.

Michael Rankin 202.271.3344 Jonathan Taylor 202.276.3344

Greg Gaddy

GEORGETOWN

Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce

Shawn Breck

Charming rowhouse located across from Tudor Place within walking distance of Georgetown shops and restaurants.

Features 5BR/3BA, wood floors, original details, large living room with fireplace, built-ins, high ceilings and private garden for your inspiration. Parking. $1,895,000.

Daryl Judy 202.380.7219

and Donald L. Hill, Jr. have joined our firm.

WEST END

Serenity in the City. Luxurious light filled 2,450 sq ft penthouse at The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton featuring 3BR/ 3BA, 3 terraces.

24 hr. concierge. Hotel and valet service available. $1,850,000.

Patricia Holley 202.379.8901

KALORAMA

NEW LISTING, Spectacular custom built 7,000 sq ft residence on nearly one acre. Superior finish work and design. $3,400,000.

MCLEAN, VA

Build your dream home on nearly an acre of land located in McLean, Virginia very close to the Washington, DC line. $1,199,000.

Michael Rankin

202.271.3344

SILVER SPRING

Luxury living inside the Beltway!

Built in 2005, this lovely 4 BR/5.5 bath home boasts 12 ft ceilings, gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry, coffered ceiling fam rm. A short walk to subway and downtown SS. $950,000.

Stacie Turner 202.494.8220

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Š MMV Sotheby’s International Realty AfďŹ liates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Les Bords de l’Epte a Giverny, used with permission. Sotheby’s International RealtyÂŽ is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty AfďŹ liates, Inc. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each OfďŹ ce Is Independently Owned And Operated, Except OfďŹ ces Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated.

Grand European-style estate home located on 2 beautifully landscaped acres. Interior perfect for grand entertaining with embassy-sized rooms and elegant finishes. McLean $11,000,000

Privately sited on a wooded 3 acre lot this new custom home will satisfy those with the most discriminating tastes. Gorgeous interior has every luxury one would expect. McLean $3,895,000

Stately 7 bedroom custom home with grand formal rooms. Exquisite detailing includes magnificent woodwork, intricate mouldings, hardwoods w/inlays & more. Great Falls $3,650,000

Dream New Custom Home! A Must See! Fabulous interior finishes, top-of-the-line appliances, great floor-plan perfect for elegant entertaining or casual family living. Great Falls $3,499,000

Warm colors and English accents welcome people into this new custom home located in sought-after Franklin Park. This 4 story Georgian cottage was designed and built by Morris-Day. McLean $2,200,000

REDUCED! Best value in Great Falls! Gorgeous Sagatov designed and built colonial in sought-after Falcon Ridge. Sun-filled interior and private, wooded exterior. Great Falls $2,099,000

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R E

N E W S

THE DISTRICT • MARYLAND • VIRGINIA THE DISTRICT Treasury Secretary Henry Merritt “Hank” Paulson Jr. has reportedly purchased the Massachusetts Avenue Heights property known as “The Villa” for $4.3 million.

A prominent Wall Street insider, Paulson served as CEO and chairman of Goldman Sachs prior to his confirmation last June.

In one of his first public appearances as secretary, Paulson triggered the “Inequality Debate of 2006” by listing the gap between America’s rich and poor as one of this country’s top four long-term economic concerns. Paulson’s own net worth has been estimated at more than $700 million. He was born in Palm Beach, Fla., and raised on an estate in Barrington Hills, Ill.,where he still owns a home. In 1970, he received an M.B.A from Harvard. In 1968 he earned his B.A. in English Literature from Dartmouth, where he met his wife Wendy during his senior year. The couple’s new five-bedroom,

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BY MARY K + M EWBORN four-bath home is spacious and light filled with an open floor plan that allows guests to flow easily through the reception hall and living room onto a stone terrace that adjoins a scenic and serene park. Paulson, who has been described as an avid nature lover, apparently purchased the property located at 4567 <4nd St﹒﹐ N﹒W﹒, from Rampa R. Hormel, president of the Global Environment Project Institute and a recipient of the United Nations Environment Program Global 500 Award.

Marvin Hamlisch and his wife Terre Blair have sold their Georgetown pied à terre for $1.75 million. Although the couple’s primary residence is in New York, Blair bought the 4\ 5 Q St﹒﹐ N﹒W﹒ property four years ago, and with Hamlisch conducting the National Symphony Orchestra Pops, it had been a convenient

| washingtonlife.com

abode. Now the couple has decided that hotels are even more convenient. A testament to Blair’s talent and taste, the 1910 Federalstyle home has been meticulously renovated with a richness and refinement one rarely finds in modern times. There are exquisite window treatments, fabric wall coverings, and an unusual copper canopy shading a portion of the private terraced garden. The threebedroom townhouse with three and a half marble baths boasts eleven-foot ceilings with impressive moldings and recessed lighting, oak floors, mahogany built-ins, four fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, paneled master study, an au-pair suite and a media room with a highdefinition audio/visual system. The new owner is C. R. Milano Partnership. Long and Foster’s Terry Robinson helped facilitate the sale.

Robinson was also the listing agent for 44<\ Peter and Mary Hayes have sold 921 Towlston Rd. in McLean for $3.1 million to Timothy and Kimberly Riffe

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]th St﹒﹐ N﹒W﹒, representing seller Pat Mitchell, the former head of PBS who has moved to New York to oversee the Museum of Television and Radio. The buyers paid $1.85 million for the four-level, six-bedroom home with a fabulous contemporary three-story glass addition, five fireplaces and a secluded heated swimming pool with a wooden deck backing Battery Kemball Park. Long and Foster’s Rember Burthey was the selling agent.

MARYLAND The spectacularly situated property located just one mile north of the District border at ^^]] MacArthur Blvd﹒ in Bethesda has sold for $4.1 million. Set high on a hill, the 1.93-acre property has a sweeping 180degree view of the Potomac River at Little Falls and is the site of a Fort Sumner outpost known as Battery Alexander, where a Civil War trench remains as yet unexcavated. The seller is the estate of journalist Chalmers M. Roberts, the famous chief diplomatic correspondent for the Washington Post.

Roberts, who died last April, acquired the property in 1945 and built the house in 1951. The new owner, who currently resides in Georgetown, apparently plans to raze the

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existing two-level brick flat-roofed house and build a new home overlooking the falls.

Washington Fine Properties agents William F. X. Moody and Joanne Pinover listed the property for $4,650,000. The selling agent was Washington Fine Properties’ Carrill McKenzie.

VIRGINIA By press time, ]4 Towlston Rd﹒ in McLean is expected to have gone to settlement for $3.1 million. Built in 1986 by renowned local builder Eugene Cullinane, this elegantly appointed brick Colonial sits on 3.65 wooded acres with a stream, yet is just minutes from the District. Featuring exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, there are hardwood floors on the two upper levels and beautiful wall moldings throughout.

Brickwork adds a touch of Old World charm to the large center island kitchen, as do the five fireplaces and six sets of French door leading to the patio, pool and flagstone terrace. There are four bedrooms and four and a half baths, including the master suite and luxurious marble bath. There is also a formal dining room, a large living room, a richly paneled study with built-in shelves, a sunlit family room, gym and media room. The sellers are Peter and Mary

Hayes. Peter Hayes is a former vice president of Microsoft.The buyers are Timothy and Kimberly Riffe.Weichert’s Penny Yerks was instrumental in facilitating the sale.

In Great Falls, ^45 Innsbruck Av﹒ has sold for $3.625 million. The impressive five-acre estate with rolling hills, mature trees and professional landscaping overlooks the lake at Innsbruck. The house features a marble foyer with a floating staircase, a newly constructed four-car garage and a recently remodeled lower level with a second kitchen complete with custom cabinetry, granite counters and topof-the-line appliances. The buyer is Anthony S. Piszel. The seller was David W. Black.

Weichert’s Sue Huckaby was the listing agent.

Susan Koehler was the selling agent.

Please Send Real Estate News Items to: renews@washingtonlife.com Clockwise from top left– David W. Black sold 627 Innsbruck Ave. in Great Falls to Anthony S. Piszel for $3.625 million / Pat Mitchell, former head of PBS, sold 2238 49th St., N.W. for $1.85 million /The 180-degree view of the Potomac River at Little Falls from 6699 MacArthur Blvd. in Bethesda, which recently sold for $4,100,000. The property belonged to journalist Chalmers M. Roberts, the famous chief diplomatic correspondent for the Washington Post

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O P E N

H O U S E

Yes, You Can Dream ...

MODERN MASTERPIECE P ST N W WASHINGTON D C EVERYTHING AND THE KITCHEN SINK • Designed for the current owner by the world-famous Arthur Cotton Moore, this stunning contemporary home is an architectural masterpiece. Built in 1978 around a 200-square-foot courtyard, it features more than 5,000 square feet of extraordinary living space and boasts guest and exercise wings, a heated swimming pool, four bedrooms, four and a half baths, and a wellappointed study. Among many unique aspects are its futuristic appearance, aura of privacy, and unusual details such as circular windows.

Offered: $5.9 million Listed: Terry Robinson, Long & Foster Real Estate, (202) 966-6223

AVAILABLE IN AVENEL ABBEY TERRACE POTOMAC MD OWN A WATERFALL • One of the most beautiful

residences available at Avenel in recent years, this Kirstein custom-built three-level Colonial offers stunning views of a designer garden adorned with waterfalls. Highlights of the 13,703-square-foot house include a limestone foyer, two fireplaces, chef ’s kitchen, two-story family room, an oversize mahogany-paneled library, spacious living room, formal dining room, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, two powder rooms, game room, home gym, exterior sports court, and three-car garage. Amenities in this Montgomery County retreat include private surveillance and full landscaping maintenance.

Asking: $2,295,000 Listing: Nancy Itteilag, Long & Foster Real Estate, (202) 905-7762

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EMBASSY ROW

MASSACHUSETTS AVE N W WASHINGTON D C BE LESOTHO’S NEIGHBOR • This gorgeous neo-Georgian with limestone columns is one of the

most prominent houses along Embassy Row and one of the premier offerings in Washington.

Built circa 1926, it has been reconditioned to include all modern amenities and luxurious finishes while maintaining the original character of the home. Ideal for formal entertaining, it possesses perfectly proportioned public rooms with classical detailing. The receiving parlor has marble floors, a chandelier, crown molding, and a large fireplace. The elegant living room has Palladian windows, a carved stone fireplace mantle, and French doors with arched transoms opening to the rear veranda and multi-tiered garden. The banquet-size dining room boasts a crystal chandelier plus matching sconces, Palladian windows, and a fireplace.There are four large bedroom suites, an elevator, wine cellar, butler’s pantry, and abundant parking.

Asking: $4.750 million Listing: William F. X. Moody (202) 243-1620, Robert Hryniewicki (202) 243-1622 and Carrie Carter (202) 243-1655, Washington Fine Properties, LLC

THE RITZ-CARLTON, GEORGETOWN

SOUTH ST N W D WASHINGTON D C LIFE’S A RITZ • This fabulous rarely available unit has two bedrooms, three bathrooms and features tenfoot ceilings and walls of glass with southern exposure, plus a 520-square foot terrace affording exceptional views of the Potomac River, Key Bridge and the Kennedy Center.

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown provides the finest in luxury living ,with amenities such as in-home dining and catering services, 24hour concierge service, fitness club and spa privileges, two secure garage spaces, and valet parking.

Asking: $2,495,000 Listing: Jonathan Taylor (202) 276-3344 and Michael Rankin (202) 271-3344, Tutt, Taylor & Rankin Sotheby’s International Realty

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OVER THE MOON

IT’S A GO

BY VICKY MOON

L

ast summer, polo aficionados were in a swivet when Nacho Figueras, the handsome Argentinean polo playing/Ralph Lauren model, came to town to swing his mallet at the Ambassadors’ Cup, joining a plethora of handsome polo players, fetching young women and diplomats.

Now, it appears as if we’re going to top that one. Get out the white gloves and your best bonnet because the British are coming. The prattle around the paddocks out here is that a polo match of royal proportions will take place at the 1,100-acre Morven Park in Leesburg. We are ecstatic to hear HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh may attend the Americas Cup Polo match on May 12 as part of their visit to Virginia for the 400th anniversary of Jamestown.

Polo guru Charlie Muldoon is among those sprucing up the pitch to assure level play. Dashing polo player and Oasis Vineyard owner Tareq Salahi is working on details as chairman of the event. The word is, a British team will face off against a team of U.S. riders. No names to report yet, so watch this space for details.

No Glow Meanwhile, the locals are charged up over the possibility of Dominion Virginia Power erecting a 240-mile line that will cut through this beloved corner of the countryside.The plans call for 15-story towers transmitting 500,000 volts.

But folks out here aren’t going

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to take this lying down. Just like they fought back Disney, the powerful Piedmont Environment Council is bringing out the big guns. Longtime resident and Academy Award-winning actor Robert Duvall spoke on the subject at Beverley Mill, a Civil War battlefield not far from his farm in The Plains. An estimated 100 soldiers were killed at the mill on August 28, 1862 in a showdown between commanders Lt. Gen. James Longstreet and Brig. Gen. James Ricketts.

Rep. Frank Wolf and our favorite weatherman, Willard Scott, were on hand. “We should not be solving tomorrow’s power problems with yesterday’s technology,” Middleburg resident and conservation activist Missy Janes said.

All Aglow Commander John P. Molière recently organized a reception at Middleburg American Legion Post 295 in which Sen. John Warner (a longtime presence in this community, most notably while married to actress Elizabeth Taylor) was given a commemorative plaque for his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II and as a Marine Officer during the Korean War. Warner was also presented with a Letter of Recognition from Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson with the comment, “There is no better friend to the veteran.” In addition, former Virginia State Department Commander Brett Reistad gave the

| washingtonlife.com

Top to bottom– Georgia Herbert, attorney for the Piedmont Environmental Council, Mike Morency, Piedmont Environmental Council board member, and Willard Scott — everyone’s favorite TV weatherman-- at a press conference to oppose Dominion Power’s plans to erect a series of power line towers through the Piedmont and horse country / Luciana Duvall, Robert Duvall and Missy Janes at the same press conference. Duvall spoke at the event

senator a plaque commemorating “Sixty Years of Public Service.”

Dana Reuter, owner of the Red Fox Inn, and Diane Brown of Tiffany hosted a luncheon to benefit the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter at the Red Fox. Sue Curtis, director of the shelter,

gave a talk and then it was time for the door prizes. It seems that Ann or Anne was the lucky name for the day ... Ann Ritonia won a nice bauble from Tiffany and Anne Hazel took home a lovely equine inspired scarf from Hermès.

Elaine Broadhead hosted the

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Clockwise from above– The Middleburg Hunt — hounds and all — comes through town during the morning session of the Middleburg Christmas Parade / Santa Claus arrives in Middleburg — via horse, of course / Penny Denegre and Jeff Blue, joint masters of the Middleburg Hunt, lead the parade through town

Community Leadership Network brunch at her home Glen-Ora (the estate once leased by President Kennedy and his horse-loving wife, Jackie).The party was a book signing celebration for On Shifting Ground: Muslim Women in the Global Era, which was edited by Fera Simone.

The Sheila C. Johnson Performing Arts Center at Hill School was packed for the eighthgrade production of “Guys and Dolls.” Many parents and grandparents attended in order to watch their children and grandchildren perform. But there was a big buzz in the air for one

110

Clancey Yovanovich. Her mother, Robyn Yovanovich, is director

of drama at Foxcroft and has performed with the Middleburg Players for years. Clancey, (who will attend Foxcroft next year) played the part of Miss Adelaide and sang with great aplomb.

Gone Away The Annual Christmas Parade in Middleburg takes place in two parts.

In the morning, members of the Middleburg Hunt, dressed to the nines in formal hunting attire, come down the main street following the huntsman and the hounds.

Joint Masters Jeff Blue and Penny Denegre led the riders on December 2nd as folks lined up along the sidewalks for a spectacular ride through town. The afternoon procession included tenor Carl Tanner riding in a carriage with his producer Maureen Hanley, who owns Fox Chase Farm. They were followed by representatives of many local organizations including the Middleburg Library Book Worm, the West Highland Terrier Rescue with dozens of Welsh Corgis, big red fire engines and, of course, Santa Claus.

One needed not even consider

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the long haul to New York City for that other parade. In Middleburg, children waiting on the curb scoop up massive amounts of candy tossed from the “floats.” And speaking of scooping … in addition to horses, there were llamas on parade. All of which produced “puddles” of youknow-what along the street.Where else but Middleburg could you find an official pooper-scooper?

Reggie Dawson, co-chairman of the parade, did the honors with his shovel. Monday through Friday he is senior vice president of the Middleburg Bank. “I shovel it everywhere I go,” he said.

| FEBRUARY

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T H I S

T O W N

My Friends And Their Addictions

BY M I C H A E L ST R A N G E

A

s we embark on the New Year, with all its dodgy resolutions, there’s no better time to take a look at my friends and their addictions. All my nearest and dearest are considering giving up their vices, but should they? Marriage, though sometimes wonderful, can make a vice necessary because, you know, over the long haul there has to be something to tamp down the migraines, the ennui and the enduring question, “Is this it?” No one can know the interior of another’s marriage. However, I’m always the first to say, “Darling, if a little of this or that makes it better, why the heck not?”

There are the girls who can’t get through the day without a V.O.P, as in Vicodin, Oxycontin, or Percocet (interestingly, always supplied by the friendly social doctors). These women choose pills to avoid tattletale breath or bloodshot eyes. When one particular friend declines a cocktail, I know

getting through the day, another because that one didn’t quite hit the spot, and then a few more when the hunter-gatherer returns to the nest in need of love and attention. Too often he arrives home sullen, because of a spat with his girlfriend, who’s sullen herself because he sleeps with her only on Saturday at noon after golf at the club and before the evening’s dinner plans with the wife. (Note: That’s why among married men in this town, most of the sex happens between noon and three on weekends.)

Then there are the stoners. Don’t be naive – Washington has plenty of A-list soirées where the high and mighty are, indeed, high. One celebrated Georgetown author particularly amuses me because she’s the last one you’d expect to be as proficient with her command of the written word as she is with a pipe and some E-Z Widers.

As much as she loves to get blitzed, part of the

My addiction? Well, I certainly have one, and like my girlfriends with theirs, it gives me a sense of marital security. But while my habit is dosed often and well, it is not something I take (though someday Mr. Strange might disagree). A littleknown personal detail is that my stepfather was

“WASHINGTON HAS PLENTY OF A-LIST SOIREES WHERE THE HIGH AND MIGHTY ARE INDEED HIGH ONE CELEBRATED GEORGETOWN AUTHOR PARTICULARLY AMUSES ME BECAUSE SHE’S THE LAST ONE YOU’D EXPECT TO BE AS PROFICIENT WITH HER COMMAND OF THE WRITTEN WORD AS SHE IS WITH A PIPE AND SOME E-Z WIDERS ”

114

appeal is the renegade turn-on that comes from knowing she has credit absolutely everywhere, but has to pay cash to her dealer, whom she met, coincidentally, while in the jury pool at a drug trial. He arrives at her front door every couple of weeks with an ounce of rare premium medical marijuana packed discreetly in a Saks Jandel bag.

Before he’s down the steps and out the gate, she’s rolling a fatty, and most certainly inhaling.

The girls with their dolls and their drinks and their doobies are my personal favorites, but there are also, among my friends, the routine shopping addicts, Botox addicts, fitness freaks and gamblers; caffeine addicts, food addicts … and a sex addict here and there, as well – but, they are somewhat ho-hum compared with my mood-altering pals.

a notorious espionage professional who long ago taught me the value of a private, numbered Swiss bank account. My vice, and a good one, is my account at a discreet little bank in Geneva – and there’s not a chance I’m giving it up in a resolution this NewYear or any other. I believe a woman’s best addiction is providing for her own little self.

Readers wishing to get in touch with Michael can e-mail her at: mstrange@washingtonlife.com

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

|

FEBRUARY

| washingtonlife.com

IL LU STRATION BY J.C. SUA RÈ S

she’s already, shall we say, “up” there. But she smiles agreeably at her self-obsessed children, and her clueless husband, who has one of those jobs with a security clearance, and who I’m told does have a pulse and a sense of humor, though he fooled me.

She needs something to keep her otherwise lively personality at low volume, so not to challenge the order of things, and thus preserve the happy family.

Where do I begin with the girls who get quietly sloshed? The empty-nesters do it at lunch, because they can.The mothers who make a show of carpool (as in,“Look, it’s not my maid or house man who’s picking up Billy; it’s me!”) get the car safely parked in the garage around 5 o’clock and then start their own engines. They have one glass of wine with the evening bath to celebrate

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The Dresden is a testament to European elegance. This 3 BR, 2.5 BA unit is a rare offering of grandeur & convenience. Full service, 24hr desk, parking. $1,650,000

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