Washington Life Magazine - Holiday 2006

award winners: Obama, Cousteau, Mercer, Torrey, ernst, o’Leary and Smith HOLIDAY

WA S H I N G TO N ’S P R E M I E R LUXU RY L I F E S T Y L E M AG A Z I N E S I N C E 1 9 9 1

2007 SOCIAL LIST WASHINGTON’S

Ann Hathaway at the NIAF gala

SOCIETY PLAYERS

MAMA MIA!

A BOTCHED CIA KIDNAPPING A SACKED SPY CHIEF ... INSIDE THE ITALIAN JOB GONE BAD

George W. Bush at NIAF

BY JEFF STEIN

ALL TOO COMMON WHEN ROYALS CHOOSE TO MARRY “BENEATH THEIR STATION”

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi

ELVIS LIVES!

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS OF THE KING IN ’56 FROM GOVINDA GALLERY

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE PLUS: PARTIES! H O L I DAY 2 0 0 6 • $3.9 5

WASHINGTON LIFE

PARTIES! PARTIES!

THE 2006

SUBSTANCE & STYLE

ON THE COVER: Pilar O’Leary in MaxMara and Pampillonia Jewelry

ISSUE

HOT CARS • HOLIDAY WINE GUIDE DAVID PATRICK COLUMBIA

Micro sheared white mink coat by Michael Kors.

Warm wishes for the Holidays.

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C O N T E N T S H O L I D A Y

2 0 0 6

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

THE SEASON’S HOTTEST ITEMS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR NICE LIST

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

JEFF STEIN ON THE CIA’S BOTCHED KIDNAPPING OF EGYPTIAN CLERIC ABU OMAR

SOCIAL LIST

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WHO’S WHO

WASHINGTON’S SOCIETY PLAYERS

COVER STORY

SUBSTANCE & STYLE

FEATURES

FAST COMPANY

The New Year’s Hottest Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MEN OF SUBSTANCE & STYLE Philippe Cousteau, David Mercer, Barack Obama and Dr. E. Fuller Torrey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE & STYLE Isabel de la Cruz Ernst, Pilar O’ Leary and Gabriela A. Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

VERBATIM

NY Social Diarist David Patrick Columbia . . . . . . . . .

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HIGH SOCIETY Royal Blood Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

POLLYWOOD

C’est Chic French Film Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ELVIS IN ‘

Alfred Wertheimer’s photos of the King . . . . . . . . . . . .

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CONNOISSEUR Holiday Wine Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PERFORMING ARTS Beneath the Veil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WL SPOTLIGHT

Conflict Diamonds with Ronnie Mervis . . . . . . . . . .

FASHION & BEAUTY MEDSPAS

The latest evolution of beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FASHION FIGHTS POVERTY

Interview with Escada President Lawrence De Paris . . . . .

ON THE COVER Pilar O’ Leary, a woman of Substance & Style, wears a Maxmara purple

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wrap dress; $930, available at MaxMara, Chevy Chase, Md.; Pampillonia Lady heart 18 Kt white gold 5-drop Necklace, $10,210, and Lady Heart 18 kt 3-drop earrings, $15,225; available at Pampillonia, Chevy Chase, Md THIS PAGE FROM TOP: David Mercer, one of Washington Life’s 2006 Substance & Style winners; Britain’s Prince William, a player in Roland Flamini’s examination of royal bloodlines; David and Alice Rubenstein, two members of Washington Life’s 2007 Social List; pink crocodile clutch with crystal frog brouch by Pink Moon, $280, available at Valise, 1624 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., (202) 333-3622; Elvis Presley wows the crowd in his prime. See more of Alfred Wertheimer’s iconic photos of the King in “Elvis in ‘56.”

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COLUMNS HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC

by Janet Donovan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ART AND AUCTION by Renee Harrison Drake . . . .

DIPLOMATIC DANCE by Gail Scott . . . . . . . .

MEDIA SPOTLIGHT by Janet Donovan . . . . . . . .

AROUND TOWN by Donna Shor . . . . . . . . . .

OVER THE MOON by Vicky Moon . . . . . . . . .

THIS TOWN by Michael Strange . . . . . . . . . . . .

DEPARTMENTS EDITOR’S LETTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CONTRIBUTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CALENDAR OF EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FYIDC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WHO’S NEXT Alex Pareene. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TRAVEL 20 days in Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WL SPONSORED EVENTS National Italian American Foundation. . . . . . . . . . .

Spices and Rices Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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WL’s Born to Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MaxMara Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kettle for a Cause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WL EXCLUSIVES Farwell Fetes for Karim and Luma Kawar . . . . . . . . . .

Coco Bensahel’s Birthday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Paul Wharton’s Birthday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LIFE OF THE PARTY Phillips Collection Black & White Ball . . . . . . . . . . .

Fall Gold Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Young Concert Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

American Task Force of Palestine Gala . . . . . . . . . . .

Unmasking Mental Illness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Baily, Banks & Biddle Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best Buddies Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Harvard’s 02138 Launch Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

REAL ESTATE & DESIGN INSIDE HOMES

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Casa Franco Nuschese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

REAL ESTATE NEWS with Mary Mewborn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

SNAPS FROM TOP On safari with the Orient Express in Africa; Chloe Bensahel, Coco Bensahel and Clementine Lavignon at Coco’s “Dreaming in Pink” 40th birthday celebration; Samia Farouki and Luma Kawar at a farewell party honoring her husband, Jordanian Ambassador Karim Kawar; model in Escada at “L’ Automme a Washington” at the Ritz Carlton, Washington, D.C.; The 2008 Audi R8 (top speed: 187 mph), featured in “Fast Company,” your guide to the new year’s ho est rides.

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The Finest Designer Furs WA S H I N GTO N ’S P R E M I E R E LUXU RY L I F E ST Y L E M AGA Z I N E S I N C E 1 9 9 1

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nancy Reynolds Bagley EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Michael M. Clements EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Katie Tarbox ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Clay Gaynor FASHION EDITOR

Lana Orloff COPY EDITOR

Claudia Krieger COLUMNISTS

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

Mary Apick, Katrina Corcoran, Deborah K. Dietsch, Roland Flamini, Ann Geracimos, Carol Joynt, Karim Kawar, Jean-David Levitte, Ed Mathias, Ronnie Mervis, Chris Murray, Leslie Sbrocco, Jeff Stein and Paul Wharton CREATIVE DIRECTOR

J.C. Suarès

PHOTO EDITOR AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR

Paul Simkin

GRAPHIC ARTISTS

Féraud • Michael Kors • Rindi • Guy LaRoche Carolina Herrera • Zuki • Oscar de la Renta• Bisang Mary McFadden • Zandra Rhodes • Vera Wang

Ben Banks, Elizabeth Demers, Mark Drefs, Forest Evashevski, Barton Kelecava, Kathy Prisco Klein, Laurie Kwak and Paul Perlow CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Clay Blackmore, Adam Daicy, Joey Figuerido, Zaid Hamid, Immanuel Jayachandran, Jonah Koch, Nancy Ostertag, Kyle Samperton, Paul Simkin and Rachel Smith ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Kelly Ginter ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Alexandra Misci SALES AND MARKETING ASSOCIATE

Joseph Losardo EVENTS COORDINATOR

Sarah Croke CONTROLLER

Harrison Jett DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Alexandra Kunzig OFFICE MANAGER AND ACCOUNT ASSISTANT

Wesley Crisostomo WEB TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT

Ernesto Gluecksmann, Infamia, Inc. INTERNS

Heather Brewster, Anna Croll, Kendra Gilbert and Shane Shehabi FOUNDER

Vicki Bagley CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE BOARD

Gerry Byrne

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Soroush Richard Shehabi In Memory of Laurie Kwak

6900 Wisconsin Avenue Chevy Chase, MD • 301.656.3877

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Tysons Galleria McLean, VA • 703.734.3877 www.millersfurs.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 ©2006 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

EDITOR’S LETTER

A Season of Substance & Style

O

ne of my favorite things to do during the holidays (besides shop, of course) is help choose our Substance & Style award winners. It never ceases to amaze me how many remarkable individuals call the Washington metro area home. My annual style reminder is particularly heartening since, like you, I grow tired of people (usually Angelinos and New Yorkers) claiming Washingtonians don’t have any … style, that is.Well, maybe they’re right: we don’t wear sunglasses, vintage jeans and sandals to events, nor, when we open our closets, do we have only black, darker black and not-so-dark black to choose from. In Washington we have our own style and I like it, thank you very much.Why? Because style in Washington connotes substance just as much, if not more than fashion. Style here is understated, and both internal and external.

Our seven Substance & Style award winners exemplify this fusion. Their work in our community, region and nation is as notable as their outward appeal. Congratulations to our Men of Substance & Style: Philippe Cousteau, David L. Mercer, Senator Barack Obama and Dr. E. Fuller Torrey; and our Women of Substance & Style: Isabel de la Cruz Ernst, Pilar O’Leary and Gabriela A. Smith .We are proud to have you as our 2006 award winners, and we’re looking forward to seeing you all atVilla Firenze on January 17th for our annual Substance & Style awards party!

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ubstance and style is also in abundance in our WL 2007 Social List. This year marks our 15th foray into listing the area’s top society players – as well as my seasonal foray into answering an annual barrage of questions, which usually begin with “Why wasn’t I…?” To which I always answer:“It’s been fifteen years and I still haven’t made it onto the WL Social List!” New York society writer David Patrick Columbia does a better job of tackling this question in this issue’s Q&A Cafe at Nathans.

The other question I hear around this time of year is, “Have you done your Christmas shopping yet?” To which I always answer: “You mean for this year or last?” Joking. But, if you are like me and you still have … one or two little gifts left to pick up, you’ll love our Holiday Gift Guide and run down of ’07’s hottest cars.‘Tis the season to spend with family, or more appropriately, ‘tis the season to just simply spend!

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Spending time in jail might be former military intelligence service chief Nicolò Pollari’s holiday this year. Spy expert Jeff Stein reveals in the “The Italian Job” that the repercussions of the CIA’s Italian kidnapping of Egyptian cleric Abu Omar in 2003 are still being felt from Rome to Washington.

Roland Flamini’s feature on the modern state of royal marriage might not involve espionage, but it’s not without intrigue. The veteran journalist and esteemed social observer explores why so many royals are opting to marry “beneath their station.”

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merica has its own obsession with royalty; one of our de facto kings is Elvis Presley.

Thanks to the ever-artistic Chris Murray, we get an intimate glimpse into the young performer’s life at 21 via Alfred Wertheimer’s photography from “Elvis at 21: New York to Memphis,” an exhibit that runs through December 30 at Murray’s Govinda Gallery (Nancy Pelosi was there opening night).After your trip down rock ’n’ roll memory lane, how about a trip to Africa with editorial director Katie Tarbox?

Or, for a journey closer to home, turn to Inside Homes and explore Café Milano owner Franco Nuschese’s Cleveland Park house. Our own journey through the area’s social scene takes us to a number of special spots this month, including the going away parties held for Jordanian Ambassador Karim Kawar and his wife Luma.

Also recently, WL was a proud sponsor of the National Italian American Foundation gala, the inaugural C’est Chic D.C. French Film Festival, the Asia Society’s Rices and Spices Gala, and the Max Mara opening in Chevy Chase. Moving forward, keep your eyes open for WL-sponsored events such as Choral Arts Society of Washington on December 18th and the Washington Ballet’s Jete Society Dance Party on January 19th.

Lastly, during this time when family means so much, our hearts go out to those who won’t be able to be with their loved ones this year. It reminds us all how special family is.

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

| H O L I D AY

| washingtonlife.com

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

CONTRIBUTORS

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MARY APICK Since childhood

Mary Apick has been winning awards for her roles in various films both in Iran and in America. She is active in many social projects, which focus primarily on improving the lives of women and children around the world.

Among them are “Roots of Peace,” which helps clear landmines and reducing their use in the Middle East as well as video projects geared toward culture appreciation and remaining active as a spokesperson before the U.S. Congress and elsewhere.

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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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DMITRY CHETVERUKHIN

Internationally acclaimed photographer Dmitry Chetverukhin was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and early on discovered a love for photography as a means to explore the people and places that he encountered. Music and theater as recurring themes in his work.

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KATRINA CORCORAN is a freelance writer for several local and national publications, and has published her work in the Washington Examiner, Marie Claire, and international editions of Cosmopolitan, FHM, Seventeen, and Good Housekeeping. She also works full time as a researcher at a trade association, and has a Master’s degree in international communication from American University. She lives in Washington with her husband, Sean.

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DEBORAH K. DIETSCH writes

about architecture, art and design for The Washington Times, The Washington Post, and numerous magazines. Trained as an architect, she has authored several books and serves on Baltimore’s Urban Design and Architecture Review Panel.

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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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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 was 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.

8 DONNA EVERS has more than 30 years experience in residential real estate in the Washington Metro marketplace. She is the broker and president of Evers & Co. Real Estate, the largest independent woman-owned and run residential brokerage in the area. Evers researches and reports on Metro area history on her radio show, Real Estate Today.

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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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ANN GERACIMOS, who reports on fashion, food, home design and consumer trend and is the Washington Times senior features reporter. She is well acquainted with the ins and outs of Washington’s social scene.

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CAROL JOYNT has worked with

such respected organizations as the Washington bureau of United Press International, TIME Magazine and CBS Evening News. With producing roles on Larry King Live, USA Today the TV Show, Nightline and Hardball with Chris Matthews her reputation has grown over the years as she has covered stories ranging from anti-war protests to film projects for the National Gallery of Art. She owns and operates Nathans restaurant, the home of the Q & A Café.

12 KARIM KAWAR grew up in Amman, Jordan and graduated from Boston College in 1987 with a B.Sc. in management, finance and computer science. On September 25, 2002 he presented his credentials to President Bush and on July 1, 2002 was appointed Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United States and the Republic of Mexico.

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

| H O L I D AY | washingtonlife.com

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his credentials to President Bush on December 9, 2002. Born in 1946 in the south of France, Amb. Levitte earned a law degree and is a graduate of Sciences-Po (the renowned Institute for Political Science in Paris) and of the National School of Oriental Languages, where he studied Chinese and Indonesian. He has successfully handled several international negotiations, including resolution 1441 on Iraq. He has had a distinguished career in the French foreign service, serving on the staff of two French Presidents and holding various senior positions.

14 RON MERVIS Local diamond purveyor Ron Mervis hails from South Africa with relatives still living and working Mervis operations in Johannesburg, making his business more personal than most.The Mervis name has thrived in the diamond industry for nearly a century.With stores in Virginia,Washington, D.C., and Maryland he continues to bring quality jewelry to the metro area.

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JEAN-DAVID LEVITTE presented

VICKI MOON has chronicled the

lives of the rich, the not-so-rich, the famous and the not-so-famous 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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CORRECTIONS In the 0ctober ‘06 issue, WL incorrectly identified HE the Ambassador of Canada Michael Wilson and his wife, Margaret Wilson, in the 2006 Ambassadors Directory. In the 0ctober ‘06 issue, WL incorrectly identified HE the Ambassador of the Netherlands Christiaan Kröner in the 2006 Ambassadors Directory.

WL regrets these errors.

20

CHRIS MURRAY is the founder and director of Govinda Gallery in Washington, D.C. For over thirty years, he has organized more than two hundred exhibitions of many of the nation’s leading artists. Since 1995, Murray has featured Alfred Wertheimer’s work in several exhibitions, including his first major one-person exhibition in 1997 at Govinda Gallery. Murray continues to represent and exhibit Wertheimer’s photographs. Murray also has edited a number of books on music and photography.

17

LANA ORLOFF & SONYA PATE

have joined to form PSI (Personal Shoppers, Inc.), a nation-wide personal shopping and style consulting company which offers style and image management, gift buying and global shopping tour experiences. www.psishoppers.com

18

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.

19

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.

20 LESLIE SBROCCO is the awardwinning author of Wine for Women and a regular columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle. Her work has appeared in publications such as O, The Oprah Magazine; Family Circle; Redbook and Working Mother. She is the host of the Emmy-nominated show Check Please! on PBS and appears regularly on national radio and television including the Today show and CNN. 21

JEFF STEIN is an editor and

investigative reporter of long standing, specializing in U.S. intelligence, defense and foreign policy. In Sept. 2002, he became the founding editor of “CQ Homeland Security, a daily news website from Congressional Quarterly.

An Army Intelligence case officer in Vietnam, Jeff is now Congressional Quarterly’s National Security Editor and SpyTalk Columnist. A frequent contributor to The New York Times and The Washington Post, he was deputy foreign editor for UPI during the 1980s. He appears regularly on CBS, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News Channel,The BBC, and NPR as a commentator on national security issues.

22

PAUL WHARTON is a popular

style expert who has been featured on MTV, VH-1 and E! He writes the “Ask Paul” column for Elle Magazine’s Ellegirl.com and contributes to national news and talk shows as a fashion and lifestyle expert. Paul is the CEO of Evolution Look Online and Evolution Look Modeling Agency. He lives and works in Washington and New York.

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

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Voted Best Place to Buy a Diamond: Washingtonpost.com BEST BETS Voted Best Wedding Rings: W*USA9 A-List Top 100

C A L E N D A R

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

p.m.; Performance at the Warner Theater, tea at the Willard Hotel; $29, $79 and up; Contact (202) 362-3606, events@ washingtonballet.org or www.ticketmaster. com for more information.

FOCUS FOR CHANGE BENEFIT DINNER AND CONCERT

WITNESS, an organization that trains human rights defenders to use video to document abuses, highlights its efforts in Burma. Peter Gabriel and Gael García Bernal co-host this year’s gathering.

Featuring musical performances by Paul Simon and Angélique Kidjo along with a unique items and experiences auction;

Mina Nguyen and Viet Lee at the 2006 Choral Arts Gala

DECEMBER

WASHINGTON BALLET’S “NUTCRACKER” TEA PARTY Children of all ages

can enjoy a performance of “The Nutcracker” followed by tea, treats and photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy. With elements of Washington D.C. history laced through this ballet and blooming cherry blossoms on the set, this is a unique Washington event; 1

22

at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Dinner and an awards ceremonies celebrate the honorees for their contributions to human rights, global peace and active involvement in humanitarian causes; 6 p.m.; Park Hyatt

achieve financial independence;

Hotel, Washington; $500 and up; Contact midatlantic@afhu. org or (202) 478-9699 for more information.

Celebrating mind, body and spirit, this event offers complimentary pilates, yoga, barre and fitness classes, skin care demonstrations, discounted SomaFIT gift packages and refreshments throughout the day. Although open to the general public, interested participants must sign up in advance for classes and personal training sessions;

JWI’S WOMEN TO WATCH AWARDS GALA LUNCHEON

Ten Jewish women will be honored from across the country and one local woman will receive the Community Leadership Award. Proceeds from the event benefit JWI’s Women’s Economic Security Fund, which supports programs that give at-risk women and girls the resources to

9:15 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Ritz Carlton Washington; $100 and up; Contact www.jewishwomen.org for more information.

SOMAFIT HOLIDAY HEALTH FAIR

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; 2121 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.: Free; Contact Matt Hagan at (202) 332- 3928 or info@somafit.com for more information.

6 p.m.; Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, NY; $750 - $100,000; Contact www.witness.org/events or events@witness.org for more information.

GALA SCOPUS AWARD DINNER

General Colin Powell and former Ambassador to Denmark Stuart Bernstein and his wife Wilma will be honored to benefit the Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace

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

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This years honorary patron include Austrian Ambassador Eva Nowotny. The gala includes dinner, dancing and silent auction; 7 p.m.; The

to raise funds for DanceDC, Washington Ballet’s introductory program for school children. This years theme is “upstairs at the speakeasy” with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served throughout the night; 8 p.m. - midnight; Italian

Kennedy Center; $500 - $2500; Contact John Chappell at (202) 244-3669 or www. choralarts.org for more information.

Embassy; Starting at $75; Contact Heidi Schroeder at (202) 362-3606 X125 or hschroeder@washingtonballet.org for more information.

JAMES BOND LICENSE TO THRILL NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA

Celebrate in key James Bond locations around the world and welcome 2007 with a bang at this party hosted by Euronet International.

Tina Mayer and Ryan Brier at the Washington National Ballet’s Jete Society Benefit, 2005

AN EVENING IN VIENNA-VIENNESE

BALL Dance to polkas, Strauss waltzes and the Radtesky Grand March at this black-tie event presented by The Hospitality and Information Service (THIS).

Champagne and Austrian desserts will be served and music from around the world will be performed by Washington’s Con Brio Orchestra; 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.; Meridian House; $90; Contact Mrs. Robert Bocek by 12/11 at mbocek@verizon.net or www. viennesewaltz.org/meridian for more information.

CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON Tales from

the Vienna Woods will be the theme of this year’s 26th annual holiday SPONSORED concert and gala.

WL

24

SUGAR & CHAMPAGNE AFFAIR The Washington

Humane Society raises funds to fight against animal cruelty.

Equinox Restaurant will provide free-flowing champagne as local pastry chefs prepare treats for guests and their four-legged friends. Photographer Traer Scott will make a special appearance and sign copies of her new book

Shelter Dogs for those attending; TBA; Palomar Hotel; TBA; TBA for more information.

FEBRUARY

OLD TOWN BOUTIQUES THIRD ANNUAL WAREHOUSE SALE For one day only,

Alexandria’s upscale shops will hold a price-slashing extravaganza that includes Hysteria, MYSTIQUE Fine Jewelry Designs, Tutto Bambini and Appleseed maternity and baby boutique, among others.

The event has become a New Year shopping highlight for the past two seasons; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Champagna Center, Old Town Alexandria; Contact Elizabeth Todd at (703) 548-7105 for more information.

VIP and Presidential Admission 7:30 p.m.

- 2 a.m., Regular Admission 9:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Jurys Washington Hotel; $139 - $250 and up; View www.euronetinternational.com/ NewYearsEveDC for more information.

DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN

Three levels of entertainment, decorations, food and party favors will help ring in the new year at a formal New Year’s Eve celebration.; 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Grand Hyatt, Metro Center; $100-$175; Visit www.downtowncountdown. net for more information.

JANUARY

WASHINGTON BALLET’S JETE SOCIETY DANCE PARTY An

evening of energetic dancing at for young professionals gathering

SAVE THE DATE Washington National Opera Midwinter Gala, February 3 Best Friends Foundation Rock ‘n’ Roll Gala, February 10

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

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ALEX PAREENE

Alex Pareene, the witty and controversial new editor of Wonkette.com, makes his livelihood from the scandal and gossip surrounding the Washington political scene. After Ana Marie Cox’s departure last January the 21-year-old Pareene had big shoes to fill, and he’s successfully perpetuated the Wonkette’s reputation.

WASHINGTON LIFE Hometown?

ALEX PAREENE Minneapolis, Minnesota.

WL Where did you go to school?

AP: I went to New York University, where I studied playwriting and, eventually, journalism. Until I went broke. Then I became, like Woody Allen and Mary-Kate Olsen, a NYU dropout.

WL Why did you move to D.C.?

AP: Because an eccentric English millionaire told me to. At the 2005 Gawker Media Christmas party, my boss, Nick Denton, kept pulling me aside and saying things like, “Have we talked about D.C. yet?” until it became very apparent that he wanted me to move to a city I’d never been to and take over a beloved gossip blog. Terrifying.

WL What is your greatest fear?

AP: It’s 7 a.m., the Vice President has just shot Chuck Schumer on the floor of the Senate, my wireless connection goes out, and, uh, I’m out of coffee.

WL East Coast vs. West Coast?

AP: East Coast all the way. I hate driving, beaches, hippies and the sun.

WL Favorite time of Day? AP: Dawn, but only if I’ve been out all night. Otherwise, quitting time.

WL How has the Wonkette changed since you took over from Ana Marie Cox? AP: Ana was already friends with a lot of D.C. media types when she did the site, so one important difference is that I often don’t meet people until after I’ve written incredibly mean things about them.

WL Have you ever retracted any postings you’ve made? If so, which ones?

AP: There’s the occasional rumor that gets shot down, but we always make sure to put those things out there as “rumors that might not be true,” not as cold, hard, verified fact. So nothing too huge, though I did say I thought the Mark Foley emails were fakes for about ten minutes, just before all hell broke loose.

WL What do you do for fun?

AP: Karaoke. I’m a pretty decent drummer too, so if anyone’s looking for one, I can get my kit out of storage.

WL Favorite book?

AP: Pale Fire, Gravity’s Rainbow, Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ‘72, Lucky Jim and The Portable Dorothy Parker.

WL Which D.C. journalists do you admire?

AP: Sy Hersh, Raghubir Goyal and Karen Feld.

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

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PH OTO CR E DIT: PAU L SI MKIN

WL Drink of choice?

AP: Bourbon on the rocks, but neat will do in a pinch.

All the magic of the season, wrapped up with a bow.

From our family to yours,

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Jack Valenti, Jan Smith and Sam Donaldson Franco Nuschese with Catherine Reynolds and Antonin Scalia

Tania Pava and Jennifer Berry

Ann Hathaway and RaďŹ&#x20AC;aello Follieri

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President George W. Bush

Tommy Lasorda, Samuel Alito and Alan Alda

Max Brooks and Mel Brooks

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

Silvestro and Linda Conte

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WL SPONSORED

NATIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION GALA WEEKEND October 19 and 20 • Washington Hilton and Towers

BY JANET DONOVAN PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

Anna Maria Louisa Italiano. Here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson. Anne Bancro will always be remembered as every young man’s fantasy for seducing Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate. Posthumously inducted into the NAIF Hall of Fame at their 31st Anniversary Gala, the award was presented by Alan Alda and accepted by her husband Mel Brooks.

“We were married for 41 years”, said Brooks. “We fought every day and made up every night. One of the great make-ups produced my son Max Brooks.” “When they asked me to speak tonight they said ‘be short’: I said - you’re confusing me with Jack Valenti.”

“I am glad to give this to you, despite the fact that your family is from Calabria and mine is from Sicily,” said Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia when presenting the Public Service Award to fellow justice Samuel Ailito Jr. Referring to the unforeseen opportunities in America, Alito joked “Many years ago someone told Yogi Berra that a Jewish man had been elected as mayor of Dublin, Ireland.” Yogi’s response? “Only in America.”

More VIP’s walked the red carpet than there are coliseums in Rome, including Tommy LaSorda, Vic Damone, Anne Hathaway, Neil Sedaka, Gina Lollobrigida and Nancy Pelosi.

Award recipient music icon Frankie Valli took the audience down memory lane. “I can still hear my father when I told him I wanted to be a singer. He said, ‘What kind of work is that?’” What a Night!

Italian Amb. Giovanni Castellaneta and Leila Castellaneta

Gina Lollobrigida

Giulio Tempesta, Cindy Hayes and Joseph Cerrell

Jerry Valli and Frankie Valli

Antonin Scalia

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Ann and Bill Nitze, Dana Farouki and Shannon Fairbanks

Secretary of HUD Alphonso Jackson and Marcia Jackson

FAREWELL TO JORDANIAN AMBASSADOR KARIM KAWAR AND LUMA KAWAR October 12 and November 17 • British Embassy and The Phillips Collection PHOTOS BY EDGAR BECERRA AND VICKY POMBO

Luma Kawar gathers with close friends

THE EVENT It was quite a send off for two of Washington’s most beloved diplomats, Jordanian Ambassador Karim Kawar and his wife Luma. From an extravagant black-tie dinner designed by David Tu era at the Phillips Collection hosted by Huda and Samia Farouki to a more intimate black-tie affair hosted by British Ambassador Sir David Manning and Lady Manning, a total of eighteen parties were held in the couple’s honor. (Esther Coopersmith also hosted a farewell dinner.) THE SCENE Andrew and Kathleene Card, Queen Noor, Alma and Joe Gildenhorn, Ricardo and Isabel Ernst, Chris and Kathleen Ma hews, Tom Friedman and Saudi Ambassador Prince Turki Al-Faisal were among those toasting the Kawars at the Faroukis’ party in a comedic but endearing video produced about the couple’s time in Washington called “Meet the Kawars.” THE MEMORIES From the moment they arrived in August of 2002, the Kawars actively embraced the community and helped to build bridges between the U.S. and Jordan. Luma started a “Cultural Series” at the Mosaic Foundation which brought in international speakers, in addition to starting the Jordanian Chapter of the International Womens Forum. Over the years the couple graciously hosted many prominent Washingtonians including First Lady Laura Bush, Vice President and Mrs. Cheney and many cabinet members. They will be missed.

A NEVER-ENDING MISSION

By Karim Kawar As Luma and I reach this significant stage in our lives and careers, we’re torn by the decision we make! A er having the honor of representing our country for four and a half years in the “capital of the world,” we had to put our family first and return home to Jordan even though this period has been the most fascinating of our lives.

Despite the political complexities of this city, we’ve always enjoyed the civility of the debate, the quality of conversation and the cultural inspiration it afforded us.

The Washington community has been most engaging. It allowed us to share our culture and contribute our thoughts, opinions and perspectives. Our lives have been enriched by the various interactions we’ve had.

Although Arabs are known for their generosity (Muslims give a minimum of 2.5% of their net worth to charity every year), Americans are equally generous, not only in their unmatched philanthropy but also in their volunteerism. These charitable endeavors affect individual lives in the most positive way.

Luma and I have not met anyone in the United States who does not support at least one cause.

We leave Washington feeling that our mission is a never-ending one. In this multicultural world, it is essential that we respect our cultural differences, and at the same time, emphasize our shared values.

Obstacles and barriers are artificial. To pursue our mission, Luma and I have established a non-profit foundation, “Bridges of Understanding.”

Jordanian Amb. Karim and Luma Kawar, Queen Noor, Lady Manning and British Amb. Sir David Manning

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Washington is one of those places that once you’ve experienced you never want to leave. As we return to our extended family in Jordan we realize that we also have an extended family and a second home here.

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Palestinian Amb. Afif Safieh and Crystal Safieh Jacqueline and Marc Leland with Anne Johnson

Theresa and Jack DeGoia

Lucky Roosevelt

Jordanian Amb. Karim Kawar, Samia Farouki, Luma Kawar and Huda Farouki

Saudi Amb. Prince Turki Al-Faisal and Princess Nouf bint Fahad

Melanne and Phillip Veveer

Marlene Malek, Calvin Cafritz and Pamela Aparicio

Lloyd Hand with Jackie and Ken Duberstein

Ann Hand, Hilda Ochoa Brillembourgand Donna McLarty

Pat Mitchell and Beth Dozoretz

Fred Malek and Egyptian Amb. Nabil Fahmy

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Anthony Gershenson and Zach Schram

Kenneth Morgan and James Monroe

Sarah Henley and Elizabeth Hill

Kimeilen Kimmelman and Dan Oliver

Keith Lipert and Caroline Boutte

Alisa Newman Hood and Ludo Hood

BLACK AND WHITE BALL November 4 • Hotel Palomar PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

THE EVENT The Phillips Collection Contemporaries gathered to raise funds for the Phillips’ Photography Acquisition Fund while stimulating appreciation for modern art in a younger generation. THE SCENE An open bar, hors d’oeurves, live dance band and raffle kept guests jubilant throughout the evening. THE GUESTS Museum Curator Stephen Phillips, Patrons Coordinator Joan Mulcahy, Michael Singer, Brian and Maria Faith, Caroline Bou e, Rebecca Robinson, Laura Blackwelder, Chris Meyer, Simone Katchay and Victoria Hood.

Jamie Romas, Reid Avett, Claire Avett and Janey Moskowitz

Anthony Baumruk and Victoria Hood

Yisel Ramos, Kevin Roberts and Megan Matthews

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Brian Taylor, Lisa McCurdy and Stephen Phillips

Anthony Gershenson, Kate Boldvan and Michael Gershenson

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Maria Chiara Ferrari and Jennifer Camel-Touq

Marisol Lomadrid and Flor Castillo D R

WL EXCLUSIVE

John Mason, Jacqueline Bernhard, Nini Ferguson and Coco Bensahel

David Mercer and Leah Pisar

CORINNE “COCO” BENSAHEL’S 40TH BIRTHDAY November 3 • The Residence of Ricardo and Isabel Ernst PHOTOS BY RUSSEL HIRSHON AND KYLE SAMPERTON

The host committee sings an original song for the birthday girl.

Graham Wisner and Raissa Nicholson

36

Ghislaine Boreel

THE EVENT A “Dreaming in Pink” birthday celebration for Coco Bensahel’s 40th birthday hosted by gal pals Grace Bender, Isabel Ernst, Sedi Flugelman, Suha Husseini, Deb Johns, Pascaline Steiner, Mariella Trager and Suzie Trees. THE SCENE The Hillandale home was illuminated with hues of pink lighting and large portraits of Bensahel photographed by Russell Hirshorn. Most guests “thought pink” with their socks, ties, dresses and shoes. Henry von Eichel went so far as to have his fingernails painted a shade of magenta. A er a buffet dinner, the hosts serenaded the honoree with lyrics to the tune of “Thank Heaven for Li le Girls,” before Pierre Olivier Bensahel sang his wife a French song entitled, “You are the one formi...formidable.” DJ Menan accompanied Yolanda Graves, who was singing Motown classics until very late. “It was the first party that Washingtonians were dancing a er 9 p.m.,” Bensahel said. THE GUESTS Ghislaine Boreel, Gwen and Stuart Holliday, Septime Webre, Graham Wisner, Ann Jordan, David Mercer, Hilda Ochoa Brillembourg and Keith Lipert.

Sedie Flugelman and Olivier de Chilaz

Princess Anna Maria Al-Senussi

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Carter Eltzroth, Mariella Trager and Nick Trager

David Smith and Raed Alawadhi Brad Kamard and Ricardo Ernst

Anthony Lanier Tommy Leadman and Peter Nash

John Mason and Vernon Jordan

Deb Johns and Izette Folger

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Suzie Trees and Ann Jordan

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Ully Werner and Pierre-Olivier Benshael

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O F T H E PA R T Y

YOUNG CONCERT ARTISTS BENEFIT October 17 • The Residence of Sir David and Lady Manning PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

THE EVENT A benefit concert and dinner to support Young Concert Artists, which helps discover young talent and introduce them to the national stage. THE SCENE British pianist Graham Sco , alumnus of YCA, performed before guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner at the British embassy residence. THE GUESTS Arnaud and Alexandra de Borchgrave, Nash and Aniko Gaal Scho , Walter and Didi Cutler, Calvin and Jane Cafritz, Robert and Luciana Duvall and Irene Danilovich.

Maria Felice Mekouar, Moroccan Amb. Aziz Mekouar and Sir David Manning

Robert Duvall, Gilan Tocco Corn, and Keiko Kaplan

Lady Manning, Didi Cutler and Aniko Gaal Schott

Stefania Conrad, Willee Lewis and Bitsey Folger

Irene Danilovich and Amb. Mary Ourisman

Vibeke Lofft

Thomas and Wendy Simpson

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Nash Schott and Susan Weiland

Jim Kimsey and Christine Vermillion

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

Nini Ferguson and Sidney Werkman

| H O L I D AY | washingtonlife.com

O F T H E PA R T Y

“Cultural Couture” was the look of the evening Film Director Mira Nair and Gala Chair Shigeko Bork

WL SPONSORED

ASIA SOCIETY’S THIRD ANNUAL SPICES & RICES GALA September 16 • Embassy of Australia PHOTOS BY NANCY OSTERTAG

THE EVENT In the midst of its 50th anniversary, the Asia Society marked its 3rd annual celebration of cuisine and culture with a gathering under the stars of the Southern Hemisphere. How did they accomplish this feat in the Northern Hemisphere? Simple — the ceiling of the main hall of the Australian embassy has an exact replica of that nation’s evening sky! THE SCENE Eleven different Asian embassies served dishes for a diverse group of guests; an artist painted Chinese characters for free; Balinese dancers performed; CBS News Correspondent Joie Chen provided the introduction; and acclaimed film director Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding, Namesake) gave an inspirational speech a er being recognized by the group for her work. Members of Dance Asia Alliance treated Mira with a wonderful dance choreographed to soundtracks from her many films. THE GUESTS Australian Amb. Dennis Richardson and wife Be y, New Zealand Amb. Roy Ferguson and wife Dawn; Hevré Houdré, Shigeko Bork, Janice Kim, Yoshie Ogawa and David Merrill.

Indian Deputy Chief of Mission Raminder Singh Jassal and Smita Jassal

CBS News Correspondent Joie Chen

New Zealand Amb. Roy Ferguson, ReneCo, Carolyn Brehm, Australian Amb. Dennis Richardson and Stephen and Diane Piper

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Dancers perform a “Panyembrama” Balinese welcoming ceremony

Asia Society Washington Center Executive Director Joseph Snyder and Alexandra de Borchgrave

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Diane Rae Brown a nd Roya Kingdom

JoAnn Mason and Lauren Mason WL SPONSORED

Kathie Douglass Stone, Suzy Gershman and Karen Fawcett

WL HONORS SUZY GERSHMAN October 6 • The Residence of Vicki Bagley PHOTOS BY ZAID HAMID

THE EVENT A ladies luncheon for Born to Shop best-selling author Suzy Gershman, an international expert on retail and trade. THE SCENE: It was a leisurely Friday a ernoon lunch for guests to catch up with friends and learn shopping tips for their next trip to Paris, Hong Kong or London. THE GUESTS: Michelle Fenty, Rima Al-Sabah, Pa i Cumming, JoAnn Mason, Catherine Bartels, Aniko Gaal Scho and Martha Slagle.

Ruth Noble “Baba” Groom

Willee Lewis and Aniko Schott Niolu Animi

Rebecca Fishman, Michelle Fenty and Rima Al-Sabah

Catherine Bartels, Kevin Chaffee and Linda Stern

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Martha Slagle

Jim Stone

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

Judy Esfandiary

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J.P. London, Jennifer Burkhar, Larry Fisher, Suellen Estrin, Maria Fisher and Melvyn Estrin

Charles Seilheimer Jr. and Sheila Johnson Morgon Rodgers, Mackenzie Ennis, Madeline Terpilowski and Aberle Rodgers

Stephanie Orasin

Holly Mason and Aleksandra Slowinska

Matt Ritter, Alex Macatuna and Paul O’Donnell

Landon Gibbs and Christi Davidson

VIRGINIA GOLD CUP October 21 • Great Meadow The Plains, Va

Robin Levin and Barbara Sharp

By Donna Shor PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

Meredyth Makris, Steven Andronico and Kimberly Martin

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

THE EVENT The 69th Running of the International Gold Cup Races: steeplechase, hurdle, timber and flat racing. THE SCENE Lavish tailgate picnics, hospitality tents and terrier races with every dog having his day. Philanthropist-businesswoman Sheila C. Johnson singing the National Anthem, beautifully. WINNERS: Germany took The FEGENTRI World Cup, with Stefanie Hofer atop Armata Stables’ Orsay; Jody Pe y riding Augustin Stables’ Ghost Valley took the Gold Cup. THE SPECTATORS The Arthur Arundels; Chanel 4’s Bob Ryan; C-Span’s Stephanie Green; Katrina Piano; writer-producer-director Ron Maxwell and the trio of Nini Ferguson, Nina Auchincloss Straight and Mimi Abel-Smith, who rode as a team for ten years.

| H O L I D AY | washingtonlife.com

Honor Guards

43

GIFT GUIDE

WRAP IT UP

Make wishes come true with the season’s hottest items

JEWELERY ÉOLD SCHOOL CHARM

Vintage Moonstone necklace with diamonds and sapphires. The necklace can be converted into two bracelets and a brooch. The piece is an Art Deco original produced in 1925; $145,000; available at Tiny Jewel Box, 1147 Connecticut Ave., N.W., (202) 393-2747.

ÉA GIRL’S BEST FRIEND

18k white gold diamond necklace by Cheri Dori; $3,600.

Available at Continental Jewelers, 1010 Connecticut Ave. N.W., (202) 833-3366.

TENNIS ANYONE? Ñ 18k white gold 5 strand diamond tennis bracelet; $32,500. Available at Boone and Sons, 5550 The Hills Plaza Chevy Chase, Md., (301) 657-2144; 1025 Connecticut Ave. Washington D.C., (202) 7854653; and Tysons Galleria, McLean, Va., (703) 734-3997.

HEAR THEM RING Å

ÉGOLD AS ICE

Ice Flower Necklace in pink gold, 14 carats; $38,100; Bailey Banks & Biddle, Tysons Corner, Va., (703) 883-1400

La Doña de Cartier Ring in 18K rose gold and diamonds; $3,500; available at Cartier locations at Tyson’s Galleria, McLean, Va., (703) 749-4664 and 5471 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., (301) 654-5858.

PLAY DRESS UP Ñ

Earrings with fancy yellow diamonds in 18k white gold; $3,585.00; available at Quest Fine Jewelers, 8430 Lee Highway Fairfax, Va., (703)204-0111.

É WHITE CHRISTMAS

SILVER BELLS Å

David Yurman Signature Oval Collection earrings in sterling silver, blue topaz, and pavé diamonds; $2,450; available at Finks Jewelers Dulles Town Center, 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Dulles, Va., (571) 434-6540

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Snowflake necklace, Platinum set with 365 round diamonds; Price available upon request. Available at Van Cleef & Arpels, 5454 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md. (301) 654-5449.

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BEAUTY ÉHONEY FOR YOUR HONEY

Jo Malone’s Nectarine Blossom & Honey fragrance combines nectars of peach, plum and black currant with honey; $110; available at Saks Fi h Avenue, 5555 Wisonsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md, (301)657-9000; Tysons Galleria, McLean, Va, (703) 761-0700.

Ç BLACK GEM

Armani’s elegant pallete with four new jewel eye shadows and shimmering compact face powder in a Swarovski crystal studded case; $65; available at Saks Fi h Avenue, 5555 Wisonsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md, (301)657-9000; Tysons Galleria, McLean, Va, (703) 761-0700.

FROST AND SHINE Ñ Chanel’s intense lip gloss comes in a variety of colors; $25; available at Neiman Marcus.

Å SCENTS APPEAL

Marc Jacobs gi set: a black Marc Jacobs clutch paired with classic EDP Spray; $90; available at Nordstrom, Tysons Corner, (703) 761-1121 and Montgomery Mall, (301) 365-4111.

É BUMBLING AROUND There won’t be any bad hair days this holiday season with Bumble and bumble’s “Light Kit”, which includes styling lotion, Bb Shine and Classic Hairspray; $55; for more information visit www. bumbleandbumble.com.

Å DEFY AGING

Wellmedica’s “Ultimate Anti-Aging Package” combines, science, art and technology to reverse the effects of DNA damage at the cellular level and make dull, sun damaged, wrinkled skin healthy, radiant and firm. Price available upon request; WellMedica, 1801 Robert Fulton Drive, Suite 540, Reston, Va, (703) 787-9866.

É SHIMMERING STOCKING STUFFER

Six gli ering shimmer lip glosses — all in one sleek pale e; $40; available at Saks Fi h Avenue, 5555 Wisonsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md, (301)6579000; Tysons Galleria, McLean, Va, (703) 761-0700.

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BUNDLED JOY Ñ

A collection of Molton Brown’s relaxing Yuan Zhi bathing gel, moisturizer and candle in a purple box with signature brown ribbon; $97; available at Neiman Marcus.

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MEN É SHAVING AS AN ART FORM

Shave like a professional with the “Art of Shaving” kit; $100; available at Neiman Marcus.

CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN Ñ

Outfit the men in your life in Manfacto, a madeto-order men’s line featuring fine Italian fabrics with functional designs and unique touches, recently launched by Café Milano owner Franco Nuschese; www.manfacto.com.

Å RIDE LIKE LANCE Ride in style on the Trek Madone SSL 6.9, the same bike Lance Armstrong piloted to seven Tour de France wins; MSRP $8,249.99; visit www. trekbikes.com for local dealer information.

É WORKING CLASS HERO Dean & Deluca’s signature lunchbox with an ounce of Siberian Sturgeon, crème fraîche, a pair of spreaders, a flask and a two-layer tiffin; $195; available at Dean & Deluca, 3276 M Street N.W., (202)342-2500.

THE GIFT OF SPEED

Ç MANCOUNTRY

Send your favorite guy on a “mancation” to Scotland with the “Corrour Lodge” package from Dream Escapes. The trip includes accommodations for seven men in a remote hunting lodge in the Highlands where daily activities include golf, deer hunting, fly fishing, whisky tasting and gourmet dining. The fiveday Corrour Lodge package starts at $10,100 per person; for more information visit www.

Skip Barber Racing School courses are offered at nearby Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia and Virginia International Raceway in Danville, Va. Three day racing school holiday special for $3,595; gi certificates available from $50; for more information contact speed@skipbarber.com or (800) 221-1131.

ON THE CUFF Ñ BVLGARI 18kt yellow gold and onyx cufflinks. $1,150; available at Bvlgari at The Collection at Chevy Chase, (301) 986-8610.

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TIMELY GIVING Å

SKYRACER steel watch with a silver dial and silver sub dials on a Crocodile strap, $4,830; CHRONOMATIC EVOLUTION 18k rose gold and steel watch with an ivory dial on an 18k rose gold and steel Pilot bracelet, $7,550; both available at Finks Jewelers Dulles Town Center, (571) 434-640.

LUCK O’ THE IRISH Å

CREED originally created its Green Irish Tweed for Cary Grant. Give this classic scent and any of the men on your shopping list will have the air of a Hollywood legend; $190 for 4 oz. bo le; available at Neiman Marcus.

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FASHION & LUXURY Ç URBAN CHIC

Loeffler Randall Hedda Bow Ballerina flat; $349. Available online at www. urbanchiconline.com and 1626 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., (202) 338-5398

TIME IS MONEY Ñ

The A. Lange & Sohne Turbograph “Pour le Merite “ is a one-of-a-kind master complication — only 51 such timepieces will be available worldwide; $460,000; available upon special request at Liljenquist & Beckstead, Tysons Galleria. (703) 448-6731.

MUSEUM QUALITY Ñ

A one-of-a-kind brooch from The Frank Gehry Collection for Tiffany & Co. pa erned a er the floor plan of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, featuring 692 bague e and 14 square-cut diamonds set in platinum; $1 million; for more information visit Tiffany and Co. at 5481 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., (301) 657-8777 or Fairfax Square, 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va., (703) 893-7700.

Å BVLGARI

BVLGARI Celeste bag in grey velvet with stingray strap and crystal details; $900; available at Bvlgari, The Collection at Chevy Chase, 5481 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase Md., (301) 986-8610.

É FUR YOU WITH LOVE

Russian Barguzine Sable Jacket by Guy Laroche; $25,000; Scanglow Natural Mink Stroller Coat by Rindi; $7,700; Silk Taffeta Hooded Taupe Jacket with Fox and Sheared Mink Trim by Guy Laroche; $3,900; available at Miller’s Furs locations at Tysons Galleria, Va., (703) 734-3877 and 6900 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., (301) 656-3877; www.millersfurs.com.

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É DON’T FUR-GET

Faux sable coat; $499; available through Fabulous Furs, www. fabulousfurs.com or (800) 848-4650.

Å GROOVY ASSORTMENT

Haute chocolatier Vosges presents its chocolate truffes in a custom made Swarovski crystal and lucite box with a CD and 28-bage booklet chronoicling African American influences on music history; $275; available at www.vosgeschocolate.com.

WINK WINK Ñ

The Laetitia dress by Diane von Furstenberg; $1,200. Available at Wink, 3109 M Street, N.W., (202) 338-9465.

The view from a Manha an quintess property

SMALL SCALES Ñ

Pink crocodile clutch with crystal frog brouch by Pink Moon; $280; available at Valise, 1624 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., (202) 333-3622.

CATCH A DREAM HOLIDAY

Å HANOI ROCKS

Jimmy Choo Hanoi shoe; $960; available at Jimmy Choo at the Collection at Chevy Chase, (240) 223-1102.

FOUNTAINS OF YOUTH Ñ

Build your kids their own backyard water park (includes 26 splash-filled features) with Waterplay’s customizable package, available exclusively through Neiman Marcus. Starting at $100,000. For more information call (877) 9NM-GIFT.

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Leave home without leaving home.

“Quintess, Catch the Dream,” is a luxury destination club that lets members vacation at a number of dream homes worldwide — 37 homes in 24 coveted destinations to be exact, including Aspen, Jackson Hole, New York City, Cabo San Lucas, Napa Valley, London and Paris. All private homes or condo residences are valued at $4 million or above, come fully equipped and include amenities such as OnQ: 365 days a year, 24 hours a day concierge service. Members pay a onetime deposit of $175,000 (based on the type of membership plan desired), which is completely refundable during the first year of membership and 80 percent refundable a er that. Members also pay annual dues. www.quintess.com and www.dcr.com.

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BOOKS É THE EMPEROR’S CHILDREN

By Claire Messud, $25 (Knopf); A page-turning novel about three friends from Brown University who are struggling to make it in their early thirties in New York society. Messud’s comedic and clever prose sheds new light on a common tell.

Å A PHOTOGRAPHER’S LIFE -

É THERMADOR TASTE OF AMERICA THE GREAT AMERICAN OVEN COOKBOOK

By Annie Leibovitz, $75 (Random House); This must-have coffee table book by Vanity Fair’s mostcelebrated photographer includes portraits of Johnny Cash, Nicole Kidman, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Keith Richards, Michael Jordan, Joan Didion, R2-D2, Pa i Smith, Nelson Mandela, Jack Nicholson, William Burroughs and George W. Bush with members of his cabinet.

By Karen Kaplan and Chef Bradley Ogden, $39.95 (BSH Home Appliances Corporation); Thermador released this cookbook to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first builtin wall oven. With 50 recipes from cooking enthusiasts representing each state, this book is ideal for anyone who loves to bake.

BAREFOOT CONTESSA AT HOME EVERYDAY RECIPES YOU’LL MAKE OVER AND OVER AGAIN Ñ

Å OUR STATES A FAMILY ADVENTURE ACROSS AMERICA

By Lynne Cheney and Robin Preiss Glasser, $17.95 (Simon & Schuster); Lynne Cheney, an American history scholar and wife of Vice President Dick Cheney, draws on a lifetime of study and travel for Our 50 States.

Ç WORLDCHANGING A USER’S GUIDE FOR THE ST CENTURY

Edited by Alex Steffen, $37.50 (Abrams); Wri en by leading thinkers who believe that the means for building a be er future lie all around us, Worldchanging is packed with the information, resources, reviews and ideas that give readers the tools they need to make a difference.

By Ina Garten, $35 (Clarkson Po er); Food Network star Ina Garten compiles signature recipes that are comfortable yet elegant. With beautiful photographs and simple ingredients, this book is for both beginning cooks and seasoned gourmets.

É JOY OF COOKING TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

By Irma Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker and Ethan Becker, $30 (Scribner); The anticipated 75th anniversary edition of Rombauer’s kitchen classic is still as indispensable as past editions and includes new and updated recipes.

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2007 Mercedes-Benz SL600 Roadster

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Sticker shock: $132,775 Under the Hood: 510 HP twin-turbo charged V12 engine 0-60: 4.4 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph Hot Point: Remember the 1956 SL Roadster?

The new SL600 helps celebrate 50 years of history with this updated classic. For those with an affinity for hot-off-the-line, vintage sports car and horse power, take these hot wheels for a test drive in Horse Country.

Get It: 8545 Vienna, washingtonlife.com W ALeesburg S H I N G T O NPike L I F ERoute AY |Va., | H O L I D7, (800) 283-5038; www.tysonscorner.mercedescenter.com

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640

Sticker shock: Starting at $330,000 Under the Hood: 640 HP V12 engine 0-62: 3.4 seconds Top Speed: 200 mph Hot Point: When you’re punching out at a whopping 8,000 rpm in this “raging bull,” you know you’ve reached the pinnacle of high performance.With a body built almost entirely of carbon fiber, and an even more aggressive appearance, the LP640 might not be the most practical car on the block, but it certainly makes a strong case as the crème de la crème of ‘07.

Get It: 45235 Towlern Place, Dulles, Va., (703) 478-3606; www.fwash.com

2007 Tesla Roadster

Sticker shock: $100,000 Under the Hood: 100% electricnoncombustion engine with solar power option 0-60: 4 seconds Top Speed: Over 130 mph Hot Point: Go green and leave your friends red with envy. At a cost of only once cent per mile, this “alternative sports car of the future” has an expected distance of 250 miles on one charge. Be a true car enthusiast and enthusiatically say “no” to big oil with this energy efficient and fun ride.

Get It: (650) 413-4000; www.teslamotors.com

2007 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible LT2

Sticker shock: Starting at $52,000 Under the Hood: 6.0L V8 400HP 0-60: 4.1 seconds Top Speed: 198 mph Hot Point: Corvette debutted in 1954 with its Blue Flame inline-6 and 2-speed automatic - we’re pretty sure the 2007 version has some upgrades, like the 18 mpg city/28 mpg hwy rating and convertible top. In fact, the kind people at Chevrolet tell us this is the fastest, most technologically advanced Vette in the brand’s 53 year history.

Get It: 5929 Georgia Avenue, N.W., (202) 723-0100; www.curtischevy.com

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2008 Audi R8

Sticker shock: Estimated to be around $110,000 and $130,000 Under the Hood: 420 HP V8 engine 0-62: 4.6 seconds Top Speed: 187 mph Hot Point: Talk about hands on, with a maximum of only 15 cars per day being built at the plant in Neckarsulm, Germany, specialists have time to inspect each individual part in this Leman-inspired sports car.You shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to get your hands on it as well.

Get It: Rockville Porsche Audi 1450 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md. www.rockvilleporsche-audi.com; 301-881-0900

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With seven area dealerships, Lindsay offers the best brands on the road today, matched with unbeatable customer satisfaction and award-winning service.

Lindsay Lexus of Alexandria 703-931-3000 | Lindsay Cadillac of Alexandria 703-998-6600 Lindsay Saturn of Woodbridge 703-490-4600 | Lindsay Saturn of Alexandria 703-998-5600 Lindsay Chevrolet of Woodbridge 703-670-8181 | Lindsay VW of Dulles 703-880-8000 Lindsay Ford of Wheaton 301-949-4060 | Lindsay Collision Center 703-647-4500

2007 Bentley Arnage RL Sticker shock: Starting at $212,990 Under the Hood: 400 HP 6.75 Liter V8 engine 0-60: 5.7 seconds Top Speed: 179 mph Hot Point: Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? The Arnage is a mobile office with communication services, a computer and writing desk, modern game consoles and LCD screens. Plus, hey, it’s a Bentley.

Get It: 7020 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Md., (888) 802-5533; www.euromotorcars.com

2007 Jaguar XK

Sticker shock: $75,500 Under the Hood: 300 HP V8 engine 0-60: 5.9 seconds Top Speed: 150 mph Hot Point: No need to wax philosophical about hidden corrosion, the XK is layered with the stuff during the final stages of production then placed into an oven. When the wax melts, it seals cracks that might become problems down the road. Butcher, baker, candlestick maker? Go for candlestick maker.

Get It: 1592 Springhill Road,Vienna,Va., (800) 730-2861; www.rosenthaljaguar.com

2007 Lexus LS460L

Sticker shock: $71,000 Under the Hood: 380 HP V8 engine 0-60: 5.4 seconds Top Speed: 130 mph Hot Point: The ultimate way to avoid the District’s questionable “parallel parking” rules.

The LS460L is equipped with an intelligent park system, not to mention the world’s first and only eight-speed transmission.

Plus, with an internal 30 GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation system capable of holding 2,000 songs, those boring Beltway commutes can become … slightly less boring.

Get It: 15625 Frederick Road, Rockville, Md., (301) 340-0900; www.355.com

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FOREIGN AFFAIRS

On the Trail of a CIA “Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight” From Milan to Washington

BY JEFF STEIN

The situation, she says, is “delicate.”

She lifts her espresso and smiles. Here, in the sleek, Italian chancery on Embassy Row, with soft autumn sunlight pouring into the palazzo-like atrium, it seems all wrong to talk about terrorism, kidnapping and torture.

And, as it turns out, she won’t.The Italian press attaché has agreed to see me only because it is her job to show Italy’s best face to American reporters— and she does it well with a brilliant smile.

She will concede only that it is a “difficult” period for Italy and the United States.

The embassy staff cannot publicly discuss the subject that has been roiling the waters between Rome and Washington for the past four years: The CIA’s abduction of a suspected al-Qaeda terrorist off a narrow street in Milan in 2003.

Not that Rome’s diplomats here know much, she and other Italian diplomats insist. The chancery, a rose-hued, splintered cube designed by world-class architect Piero Sartogo, houses an embassy of foreign ministry career professionals.

The staff is, in the words of another Italian official who must remain anonymous, a mere “observer” With his ouster, SISMI intelligence chief Nicolo Pollari became the highest-level Italian official to lose his job over the abduction case, widening suspicions that the previous Italian government collaborated with the CIA more closely than has been acknowledged.

Egyptian defense attorney Montasser al-Zayat, the lawyer for Muslim preacher Osama Hassan Mustafa Nasr also known as Abu Omar, in his Cairo office, Nov. 1, 2006. The abduction of Abu Omar is one of the few known cases of supposed “extraordinary rendition” – the secret CIA program of apprehending terror suspects and sending them to other countries where some are allegedly tortured. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

in the spy scandal, which has been a sensation back home but slow to garner major coverage here. The real action, they say, is unfolding inside the top floors of their respective justice ministries and intelligence services.

In late November, Italian Minister of Justice Clemente Mastella was expected to decide whether to accept a relentless Milan prosecutor’s request that Italy formally ask the United States to hand over 26 Americans, most believed to be CIA operatives, for arrest and trial for kidnapping.

Mastella visited Washington in October for a hush-hush meeting with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Close observers here and in Italy say it’s highly unlikely that Mastella will be moved by the pleas of the prosecutor, Armando Spataro, a legend for his fearless pursuit of the Sicilian mafia and terrorists alike for over three decades.

And in the slight chance that Mastella does forward Spataro’s request, say legal and intelligence specialists, it is unimaginable that the Bush administration—or any U.S. administration— would try to force the CIA to turn over its operatives for carrying out the orders in the

Bush administration’s clandestine program of “extraordinary renditions.”

On the other hand, Spataro’s legion of admirers say it would be unwise to underestimate the persistence of the motorcycle-riding, mustached prosecutor, whose love of American jazz, and long distance running—he competed in the 1999 Chicago marathon, finishing high in the throng—are well known.

“He’s one of the most experienced prosecutors in Italy. He’s completely honest,” Stefano Dambruoso, who handled anti-terrorism cases as a Milan magistrate until 2005, told the Chicago Tribune last year.

“We’re not political,” Dambruoso explained.

“When we have a case, we have to investigate.

“We go against left and right in the same way.”

Leo Sisti, one of Italy’s top investigative reporters for many years, met Spataro in the 1970s. Both were young crusaders taking on the Mafia and the Red Brigades, the Marxist terror group. It was a line of work that could get them both killed.

“Spataro is relentless,” Sisti told me. And clever.

“At the same time the Red Brigades and their offshoots were murdering hundreds of people for political reasons,” Sisti said, “he was one of the magistrates who promoted a bill to reduce the prison terms of its members’ prison terms in exchange for distancing themselves from the idea of armed struggle and renouncing their former comrades-in-arms.”

Spataro’s steady progress against the CIA has generated headlines in Europe, inflamed Italian public opinion, and already claimed its first highprofile victims: Nicolò Pollari, Italy’s top spy, his deputy and one other official from SISMI, the military intelligence service. Pollari was sacked on Nov. 20 over allegations that he secretly helped the CIA abduct the al-Qaeda suspect and paid

journalists to spy on Spataro.Two of his underlings have already been arrested, raising the specter that Pollari, too, may soon be as well.

The prosecutor has been helped in no small measure by the CIA operatives’ now infamous screw-ups, which have made them a global laughingstock, not to mention fugitives from justice. Despite the absence of an extradition demand, warrants for their arrests have been issued throughout Europe, spoiling any thoughts they may have had of shopping trips to London or summers in the south of France.

Three years later, the Italian job can still make intelligence professionals slap their foreheads.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” a CIA man with nearly 30 years in clandestine operations told me over the phone one recent night. “Is this the gang that couldn’t shoot straight?”

Their undoing began almost right from the get-go.

A CIA surveillance team had been secretly following Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, an Egyptian also known as Abu Omar, around the streets of Milan since late 2002. Omar, a member of the radical group al-Jama’a alIslamiya, frequented a Milan mosque that was a hotbed of pro-al-Qaeda sentiment. Because he

In late November Romeʼs Minister of Justice, Clemente Mastella, was expected to decide whether to accept a relentless Milan prosecutorʼs request that Italy formally ask the United States to hand over 26 Americans, most believed to be CIA operatives, for arrest and trial for kidnapping.

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was associated with a terrorist organization, the counterterrorism police already had a wiretap on his home telephone.

On February 17, 2003, the CIA pounced. Two men in police uniforms stopped Omar on a back street near the Center for Islamic Culture, which he visited daily, and demanded to see his papers.

Then a white van pulled alongside.

Omar vanished.

Problem: a passerby witnessed the snatch, and described it to police. Summoned by police, Omar’s wife also said that her husband had gone missing on Feb. 17.

Spataro’s office got new warrants for wiretaps on the phone in Omar’s house, and waited.

Fourteen months later, the phone rang.

It was Omar, calling home from Egypt. He told his wife he had been shoved into a van, blindfolded, taken to an air base a couple of hours away and bundled into a jet, which flew him to Egypt. Omar said he had been turned over to interrogators who brutally tortured him for over a year.

The police were eavesdropping on the conversation. Spataro was able to jump-start his investigation.

In October 2005 he laid out his case for subpoenas in more than 200 pages of documentation.They described how investigators

Italian Minister of Justice Clemente Mastella (left) met with Condoleezza Rice in late October. Both State Department and Italian sources were tight-lipped on discussions, if any, they had regarding Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr’s extradition case.

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analyzed logs of cell phone traffic from broadcasting towers on the day of the abduction,

Lady’s problems have entered a new phase.

Unlike most members of his erstwhile team,

On February 17, 2003, the CIA pounced. Two men in police uniforms stopped Omar on a back street near the Center for Islamic Culture, which he visited daily, and demanded to see his papers. Then a white van pulled alongside. Omar vanished. which allowed them to trace the snatch team’s movements from Milan to the U.S. air base at Aviano. By questioning authorities there, police were able to identify the chartered jet that ferried Omar to Egypt, including its tail number. As it turned out, the same jet was used in other CIA “rendition” operations from Europe.

Spataro’s investigators had vacuumed Milan.

They obtained the operatives’ hotel, credit card and rental car records, passport numbers and, in many cases, photographs. Some of them had used their real names, as well as their cover ones, for transactions during the operation—an inexplicable violation of a cardinal rule of espionage.

Adding to the CIA’s embarrassment, the records revealed that the snatch team arrived three months before grabbing Omar, staying in luxury hotels and running up tabs in top restaurants, evidently giving themselves generous breaks from their stressful mission.

The alleged mastermind of the operation, Robert Seldon Lady, was officially a U.S. diplomat in Milan at the time of the abduction. Police investigating Omar’s disappearance intercepted Lady’s cell phone calls to his wife in Milan, which had originated in Egypt.

When the initial police investigation surfaced, he left for Honduras, which the police also discovered by intercepting calls to his wife. They raided their home north of Milan. In the garage, they found a trash can with and unexpected mother lode: operational papers and partially erased computer hard disks. Among other clues, they contained Lady’s investigation of escape routes and a surveillance photograph of Omar on the street where he was kidnapped, taken 33 days before he disappeared.

| washingtonlife.com

he no longer has diplomatic immunity, because he retired in 2004. Now, in an irony the former spy must bitterly appreciate, it is he who may be snatched if he leaves U.S. soil.This time, of course, it will be legal.

Some officials in Washington may be watching Nicolo Pollari’s downfall with more than the usual discomfort of seeing a friend in trouble.

An intense, hawk-faced bureaucrat with a Nixon-like propensity for out-of-channel skullduggery, Pollari was present at a secret, December 2001 meeting in Rome with a shadowy group of Americans who wanted to discuss plans to overthrow the Iranian government.

The meeting was called by Michael Ledeen, the American Enterprise Institute scholar often found at the center of international intrigue, most famously in the so-called Iran-Contra scandal of the Reagan years. With him came Manucher Ghorbanifar, the notorious Iranian arms dealer and intelligence fabricator, also at the heart of Iran-Contra. From Washington came Larry Franklin, a Defense Department Iran specialist (later convicted of leaking classified information to the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee); and Harold Rhode, part of secret Pentagon project to prove that Saddam Hussein was hiding weapons of mass destruction.

At that same meeting, according to reports that surfaced much later, Pollari pulled aside Ledeen to complain that the CIA station in Rome had rejected sensational intelligence gathered by SISMI: documents showing Niger was selling tons of uranium to Saddam Hussein.

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Despite being obvious forgeries, the documents were embraced by the White House as its prime causus bellum for the invasion of Iraq.

Pollari ostensibly would have much to tell Spataro’s investigators about the fabricated Niger documents. Another interested party is the incoming Democratic chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, John D. Rockefeller IV of West Virginia, who has vowed to get to the bottom of the pre-war intelligence on Iraq.

Pollari’s name crops up again, this time at the

The White House issued a semi-denial. “No one present at that meeting has any recollection of yellowcake [uranium oxide] being discussed or documents being provided,” Rice’s NSC spokesman Fred Jones told the New York Times.

Italy responded that Pollari met mainly—and only briefly—with Rice, without divulging further details.

Four years later, multiple investigations are underway in Europe into secret arrangements government officials may have made with the CIA

slipped into the Military Commissions Act that Congress passed in October. The legislation revised the War Crimes Act of 1996, narrowing what constitutes an atrocity against prisoners— effectively removing water-boarding and other interrogation techniques from the category, say analysts.The bill also made the revision retroactive to Nov. 26, 1997, meaning that perpetrators who might have once been prosecuted as war criminals are now exempt.

“The theory that the new … law will

The legislation revised the War Crimes Act of 1996, narrowing what constitutes a war crime – effectively removing water-boarding and other interrogation techniques from the category. It also made the revision retroactive to November. 26, 1997, meaning that perpetrators who might have once been prosecuted as war criminals are now exempt. for airfields, hidden detention centers and, of course, torture. At the same time, innocent individuals snatched by the CIA, interrogated in secret prisons and then unceremoniously released are filing suits in the U.S. to hold someone responsible.

According to a potentially explosive story by freelance investigative reporter Matthew Cole in a forthcoming issue of Gentlemen’s Quarterly, Rice herself green-lighted the “black op” to snatch Abu Omar.

It was the only such one in Europe not conducted jointly with a host country’s counterterrorism police, Cole says.

The State Department did not respond to a query on the matter.

Meanwhile, an Italian official close to the Abu Omar investigation says that no official should take solace from a little Judge Armando Spataro, one of the magistrates investigating the alleged CIA kidnapping of Egyptian cleric Abu Omar, arrives at the San Vittore prison in Milan, noticed provision

White House on September. 9, 2002, according to later reports suggesting that he discussed Niger’s alleged sale of uranium to Iraq with then-White House national security advisor Condoleezza Rice and her deputy, Stephen Hadley. It was also a time when the administration’s clandestine abductions of suspected al-Qaeda terrorists was in full swing.

(Abu Omar would be whisked away about six months later.)

Italy, July 7, 2006. Spataro questioned Marco Mancini, head of the counterespionage at Italy’s SISMI agency, who had been detained in the prison since his arrest over the case. (AP Photo/Tonino Sgro’) 60

exempt the CIA defendants from prosecution here is incorrect,” a source close to the Italian investigation said. “Our prosecutions are not subordinate to other [nations’] laws.

“The crimes were committed on Italian territory,” agrees legal scholar Joanne Mariner, director of the Terrorism and Counterterrorism Program at Human Rights Watch in New York, which is pressing for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the culpability of U.S. officials, in particular former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, in torture. (Retired Gen. Mike Dunlavey, who headed Guantanamo’s Task Force 170, gave a sworn statement to the Army Inspector General last March saying Rumsfeld was “personally involved” in the abuse of a particular detainee.)

“Italian courts aren’t going to be moved by this law” (the Military Commissions Act), Mariner said in a telephone interview.“But nobody thinks [the U.S.] will extradite the CIA people ... So that kind of moots that question.”

Instead, perhaps as early as this spring, Italian sources say, Armando Spataro will try the Abu Omar case in absentia. With charts, telephone records, hotel receipts and the passport pictures of the CIA agents, he will lay out a lock-tight case that will almost certainly lead to guilty verdicts.

Unfortunately for Spataro, however, the defendants’ table will be empty.

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S O C I E T Y

WA S H I N GTO N LI FE ’ S AN N UAL

SOCIAL LIST L

ists will always be with us: the stylish do’s and frightful don’ts; the hopeful ins and hopeless outs; and the good, better and best of everything to reassure people that there is, possibly, an orderly progression in human affairs.

There always are lists of resolutions to accompany the New Year; lists of promises to keep, others to renounce. Lists of cards sent and received. A list of lists that clutter the desk, fill the screen, bother the mind.

When it comes to an A to Z compilation of people on a social list, it may be best to think of the names as friends on the one hand, and, ideal dinner guests on the other. The custom provides continuity with the past and suggests a life lived to the fullest in a city of infinite possibilities that has no need to apologize for itself as a fascinating seat of power where versatility is key.

Invariably, each year Washington attracts an ever more vibrant mix of artists, financiers, politicians, philanthropists, journalists, musicians, athletes

A

H.E. the Ambassador of Brazil Roberto P﹒ Abdenur and Mrs. Abdenur (Maria) Mr. and Mrs. James Abdo (Mai) Mr. and Mrs. William Abel-Smith (Mimi) The Honorable and Mrs. Tyler Abell (Bess) The Honorable David C﹒ Acheson Mr. Theo Adamstein and Ms. Olvia Demetriou Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Addison (Sylvia Ripley) The Honorable Madeleine K﹒ Albright Mr. and Mrs. Braddock Alexander (Denise) The Honorable and Mrs. Clifford Alexander (Adele) Mr. and Mrs. Joe L﹒ Allbritton (Barbara Jean) Mr. and Mrs. Michael Allen (Kara Kennedy) Senator and Mrs. Lamar Alexander (Honey) H. E. the Ambassador of Kuwait Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Sabah and Sheikha Al-Sabah (Rima) The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia His Royal Highness Prince Turki AlFaisal Al-Saud and Her Royal Highness Princess Nouf bint fahad Mrs. Stewart J﹒O﹒ Alsop (Elizabeth) Mr. and Mrs. Robert Altman (Lynda Carter) Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ansari (Karen) The Honorable and Mrs. Jamie Aparicio (Pamela) Mrs. R﹒ W﹒ Apple﹐ Jr﹒ (Betsey) Mr. and Mrs. Arthur W﹒ Arundel (Margaret)

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and businessmen and sometimes a combination of one or more of these in a single person. With the election past, more Democrats are making their mark in the political realm and so their numbers have grown in prominence.

Ambassadors and their wives are more and more available. Even our Supremes – Supreme Court justices to the rest of the world – are becoming more visible now that Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. is comfortable with television.

Use the compilation as you see fit. It’s always good to have a handy reference for knowing how to spell some wildly intriguing combination of vowels and consonants, especially those with an extra foreign twist.

Help with titles, invitations, charity drives, thank-you notes, and, above all, those little pleasantries that enhance life (and Washington Life) and make manners – and memories – matter. ~Ann Geracimos Mr. and Mrs. John Arundel (Christine) Mrs. Martin Atlas (Liane) H.E. the Ambassador of Israel Daniel Ayalon and Mrs. Ayalon (Anne)

B

Mr. Smith Bagley and the Honorable Elizabeth Frawley Bagley The Honorable Howard H﹒ Baker and the Honorable Nancy Landon Kassebaum H. E. the Ambassador of Colombia Carolina Barco Mr. and Mrs. Robert Barnett (Rita Braver) Mr. Michael Barone Mr. and Mrs. Charles L﹒ Bartlett (Martha) Mr. and Mrs. Harry Belin (Susan) Mr. and Mrs. Morton Bender (Grace) Pamela Mrs. W﹒ Tapley Bennett﹐ Jr﹒ (Margaret) Aparicio The Honorable and Mrs. William J﹒ Bennett (Elayne) Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Berman (Lea) The Honorable and Mrs. Stuart A﹒ Bernstein (Wilma) Mr. and Mrs. Max Berry (Heidi) Mr. and Mrs. Albert J﹒ Beveridge﹐ III (Madzy) The Honorable and Mrs. James H﹒ Billington (Marjorie) Mrs. Worth Bingham (Joan) The Honorable and Mrs. Robert O﹒ Blake (Sylvia)

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Mr. and Mrs. Antony Blinken (Evan Ryan) Mr. Huntington T﹒ Block Representative and Mrs. Roy Blunt (Abigail) Mrs. Francis Boardman (Ann) Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hale Boggs (Barbara) Mrs. Samuel Bogley (Rose Marie) Count and Countess Peder Bonde (Clarissa) Mrs. Daniel J﹒ Boorstin (Ruth) Ms. Ghislaine Boreel Nancy Brinker Senator Barbara Boxer and Mr. Stewart Boxer Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin C﹒ Bradlee (Sally Quinn) Mr. and Mrs. David G﹒ Bradley (Katherine) Mrs. B﹒ Rionda Braga (Mary) Justice and Mrs. Stephen G﹒ Breyer (Joanna) Mr. and Mrs. Arturo E﹒ Brillembourg (Hilda Ochoa) The Honorable Nancy Brinker The Honorable and Mrs. William E﹒ Buffy and Brock﹐ III (Sandra) z William Cafrit Mr. and Mrs. Raymond C﹒ Brophy (Jeanette) Mr. and Mrs. Preston Brown (Eva) Mrs. Ronald H﹒ Brown (Alma) Mr. and Mrs. E﹒ Edward Bruce (Marnelle) Ms. Maggie Ohrstrom Bryant Mr. and Mrs. William L﹒ Bryant (Aliki) The Honorable and Mrs. Zbigniew Brzezinski (Emilie) Mrs. Ruth Hale Buchanan Mr. and Mrs. Wiley T﹒ Buchanan﹐ III (Janis) Mr. and Mrs. Childs F﹒ Burden (Elaine) Mr. and Mrs. I﹒ Townsend Burden﹐ III (Valerie) Mrs. Edward B﹒ Burling﹐ Jr﹒ (Frida) Col. U.S.A.F. (Ret.) and Mrs. Howard L﹒ Burris (Barbara) Mrs. Gahl Hodges Burt The Honorable Richard R﹒ Burt Miss Elizabeth A﹒ Burton The President of the United States George W﹒ Bush and First Lady Laura Bush Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Bush (Margaret) The Honorable Harry Flood Byrd﹐ Jr﹒

C

Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Cafritz (Jane) Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Cafritz (Ludmilla) Mrs. Peggy Cooper Cafritz Mr. and Mrs. William N﹒ Cafritz (Buffy) Mrs. Charles A﹒ Camalier﹐ Jr﹒ (Anne) Mr. and Mrs. F﹒ Davis Camalier (Lynda) Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cantacuzene (Elizabeth) Mr. and Mrs. Rodion Cantacuzene (Melissa) The Honorable and Mrs. Mortimer M﹒ Caplin (Ruth) The Honorable and Mrs. Andrew H﹒ Card﹐ Jr﹒ (Kathleene) Mr. and Mrs. Bernard J﹒ Carl (Joan) Ms. Margaret Carlson The Honorable and Mrs. Richard W﹒ Carlson (Patricia)

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Mr. and Mrs. Tucker Carlson (Susan) The Honorable and Mrs. Frank C﹒ Carlucci (Marcia) Mr. and Mrs. James Carney (Claire Shipman) Mr. and Mrs. Jorge E﹒ Carnicero (Jacqueline) Mr. and Mrs. Jorge J﹒ Carnicero (Susan) Mrs. Neil Carothers﹐ III (Katryna) Mrs. Constance Carter Mrs. McGhee Carter (Marsha) Mr. and Mrs. Tom Carver (Katy Kay) Mrs. Eugene B﹒ Casey (Betty) Mr. and Mrs. Henry C﹒ Cashen﹐ II (Diana) H.E. the Ambassador of Italy Giovanni Castellaneta and Mrs. Castellaneta (Lila) Mr. and Mrs. Giuseppe Cecchi (Mercedes) Mr. Kevin St﹒ C﹒ Chaffee Mr. and Mrs. David Challinor (Joan) H.E. the Ambassador of Singapore Heng Chee Chan Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane, Episcopal Bishop of Washington, and Mrs. Chane (Karen) Mr. and Mrs. Aldus H﹒ Chapin (Dolly) The Honorable and Mrs. John E﹒ Chapoton (Sally) The Honorable and Mrs﹒ O﹒ Donaldson Chapoton (Mary Jo) Ms. Ellen MacNeille Charles Mrs. Robert H﹒ Charles (Oatsie) Prince and Princess David Chavchavadze (Eugenie) The Vice President of the United States Richard B﹒ Cheney and Mrs. Cheney (Lynne) The Secretary of Homeland Security and Mrs. Michael Chertoff (Meryl) Mr. and Mrs. Brice McAdoo Clagett (Diana) Mr. and Mrs. Henry C﹒ B﹒ Clagett﹐ Jr﹒ (Jeanne Begg) Mr. Page B﹒ Clagett The Honorable and Mrs. Raymond C﹒ Clevenger﹐ III (Leslie) The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton Mr. and Mrs. Calvin H﹒ Cobb﹐ Jr﹒ (Olive) Mr. and Mrs. John Cochran (Barbara) Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Cockburn (Leslie) The Honorable and Mrs. William S﹒ Cohen (Janet Langhart) The Honorable and Mrs. William T﹒ Coleman (Lovida) Mrs. H﹒ Dunscombe Colt (Armita) Mrs. Catherine Conover Mr. and Mrs. Richard T﹒ Conroy (Sarah Boothe) The Honorable Esther Coopersmith The Honorable Holland H﹒ Coors Mr. Robert Corby Dr. and Mrs. Milton Corn (Gilan Tocco) Mr. and Mrs. Warren J﹒ Cox (Claire) Mr. and Mrs. Robert H﹒ Craft﹐ Jr﹒ (Margaret) Mrs. Dillon-Smyth Crocker (Roma) Dr. and Mrs. William H﹒ Crocker (Jean) Mrs. Brittain B﹒ Cudlip Mr. Charles T﹒ Cudlip Ms. Andrea Bruce Currier Davis and Lynda Camalier Ms. Lavinia Currier

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The Honorable and Mrs. Walter L﹒ Cutler (Didi) Mr. and Mrs. James M﹒ Cutts (June)

Jack and Theresa DeGoia

D

Mr. and Mrs. Leo A﹒ Daly (Grega) Mrs. Albert de Ponton d’Amecourt (Gertrude) Mr. John M﹒ Damgard﹐ II The Honorable and Mrs. John J﹒ Danilovich (Irene) Miss Rebecca P﹒ Darlington The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas A﹒ Daschle (Linda Hall) Mrs. Stuart C﹒ Davidson (Sally) Mr. and Mrs. Jack Davies (Lynn Williams) Mr. and Mrs. Wade Davis (Gail Percy) Mrs. Donald S﹒ Dawson (Virginia) Mr. and Mrs. Arnaud de Borchgrave (Alexandra) Mr. and Mrs. Michael K﹒ Deaver (Carolyn) Mrs. Howard de Franceaux (Barbara) Mr. and Mrs. John “Jack” DeGoia (Theresa) Mr. and Mrs. William A﹒ Delphos (Elizabeth) Mr. and Mrs. Philip Deutch (Marne Levine) Mr. and Mrs. Francis Colt de Wolf﹐ III (Natalie) Mr. and Mrs. Charles J﹒ Di Bona (Evelyn) Mr. and Mrs. C﹒ Mathews Dick﹐ Jr﹒ (Maizie) Mr. and Mrs. John Dickerson (Ann) Mr. and Mrs. C﹒ Wyatt Dickerson (Tandy) Representative and Mrs. John Dingell (Debbie) The Honorable Paula J﹒ Dobriansky Senator and Mrs. Christopher Dodd (Jacki) Senator Elizabeth Dole and The Honorable Robert Dole Mr. and Mrs. Placido Domingo (Marta) Mr. and Mrs. Sam Donaldson (Jan Smith) Mr. and Mrs. John Donovan (Linda) Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Dozoretz (Beth) Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dubin (Elizabeth) Mr. and Mrs. Spottiswood P﹒ Dudley (Blair) The Honorable and Mrs. Robert W﹒ Duemling (Louisa) The Honorable and Mrs. Joseph D﹒ Duffey (Ann Wexler) The Honorable Clive L﹒ Duval﹐ III Mr. and Mrs. Robert Duvall (Luciana)

E

Mr. Mark Ein Mr. James P﹒ Elder﹐ Jr﹒ Mr. and Mrs. Richard England (Lois) The Honorable and Mrs. Donald B﹒ Ensenat (Taylor) Dr. and Mrs. Ahmad R﹒ Esfandiary (Judy) Mr. and Mrs. Melvyn J﹒ Estrin (Suellen) Mrs. Benjamin C﹒ Evans﹐ Jr﹒ (Jan) Ms. Page Evans The Honorable Jack Evans Mrs. Rowland Evans﹐ Jr﹒ (Catherine)

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F

H.E. the Ambassador of Egypt and Mrs. M﹒ Nabil M﹒ Fahmy (Nermin) The Honorable and Mrs. Richard M﹒ Fairbanks﹐ III (Shannon) Mr. and Mrs. A﹒ Houda Farouki (Samia) Mrs. Norman Farquhar (Elinor) Mr. and Mrs. David Felton (Elizabeth Drew) The Mayor-Elect of Washington, D.C. and Mrs. Adrian Fenty (Michelle) Mr. and Mrs. Luca Ferrari (Maria Chiara) Mrs. Sydney McNiff Ferguson Mr. and Mrs. Raul Fernandez (Jean Marie) Mr. and Mrs. George M﹒ Ferris﹐ Jr﹒ (Nancy) The Honorable Julie Finley Mr. John D﹒ Firestone Mrs. Hamilton Fish (Mary Ann) Mrs. William H﹒ G﹒ FitzGerald (Annelise) Mr. and Mrs. Roland Flamini (Diane) Mr. and Mrs. Maximo Flugelman (Sedi) Mr. and Mrs. Robert T﹒ Foley (Carol) Mr. and Mrs. Lee M﹒ Folger (Juliet) Mrs. Nancy McElroy Folger (Bitsey) Mr. and Mrs. Neil C﹒ Folger (Izette) Representative Harold E﹒ Ford﹐ Jr﹒ Mr. and Mrs. Paul Fout (Eve)

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Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Goldberg (Diana) Mr. and Mrs. John C﹒ Gore (Antonia) Mr. George K﹒ Graeber Mr. and Mrs. Donald Graham (Mary) Mrs. Burton Gray (Deecy) The Honorable C﹒ Boyden Gray Mr. and Mrs. Hermen Greenberg (Monica) Mrs. David Greenewalt (Charlotte) The Honorable and Mrs. Alan Greenspan (Andrea Mitchell) Mr. and Mrs. G﹒ Lauder Greenway﹐ II (Abigail Adams) Ms. Nelse L﹒ Greenway Mr. and Mrs. David Gregory (Beth Wilkinson) Mrs. Richard B﹒ Griffin﹐ Jr﹒ (Sheila) Mrs. Ruth Noble Groom Mr. and Mrs. Edwin S﹒ Grosvenor (Deborah) Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert M﹒ Grosvenor (Mary Helen) Mrs. Melville Bell Grosvenor (Anne) Miss Sarah A﹒ Grosvenor The Honorable Brandon H﹒ Grove﹐ Jr﹒ The Secretary of Commerce and Mrs. Carlos Gutierrez (Edi) Mr. and Mrs. Achille Guest (Judith)

H Sharon and Bruce Bradley

Mrs. Yolande Fox Representative and Mrs. Rodney Frelinghuysen (Virginia) The Honorable and Mrs. William E﹒ Frenzel (Ruth) Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Friedman (Ann) Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Friendly﹐ Jr﹒ (Pie) The Honorable and Mrs. Craig L﹒ Fuller (Karen)

G

The Honorable L﹒ Ebersole Gaines Mr. and Mrs. Stanley N﹒ Gaines (Gay) Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Gansler (Laura) Dr. and Mrs. Jacques Gansler (Leah) Mr. Arthur W﹒ Gardner Mr. and Mrs. William B﹒ Garrison﹐ Jr﹒ (Mary) Mrs. Melvin Gelman (Estelle) Ms. Ann Geracimos The Honorable and Mrs. David Gergen (Anne) Mr. and Mrs. Bernard S﹒ Gewirz (Sarah) Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gewirz (Cleo) The Honorable and Mrs. Joseph Gildenhorn (Alma) Mrs. Christina Ginsburg (Ina) Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Mr. Martin Ginsburg Miss Susan Ginsburg The Honorable and Mrs. Daniel Glickman (Rhoda) Mr. and Mrs. Donald Glickman (Mia Martin)

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Mr. and Mrs. Robert Haft (Mary) Mrs. Randall H﹒ Hagner﹐ Jr﹒ (Adlumia) The Honorable and Mrs. Gilbert Hahn﹐ Jr﹒ (Margot) The Honorable and Mrs. Alexander M﹒ Haig﹐ Jr﹒ (Patricia) Mrs. Najeeb E﹒ Halaby (Libby) The Honorable and Mrs. Lloyd N﹒ Hand (Ann) Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hardhart (Virginia Shore) Representative Jane Harman and Mr. Sidney Harman Dr. William Haseltine Miss Holidae Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A﹒ Hayes (Theo) Mrs. John W﹒ Hechinger﹐ Sr﹒ (June) Mrs. Richard M﹒ Helms (Cynthia) Mr. and Mrs. John Henry (Ann Crittenden) Mr. and Mrs. Michael Herrald (Susan) Ms. Anita G﹒ Herrick Mr. and Mrs. Jason Herrick (Lindsay) The Honorable and Mrs. Christian A﹒ Herter﹐ Jr﹒ (Catherine) Mr. Gary F﹒ Heurich Mr. Robert M﹒ Higdon﹐ Jr﹒ Mr. Robin Hill Mrs. Joseph Hirshhorn (Olga) Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Hitchens (Carol Blue) Mr. and Mrs. James Hoagland (Jane Stanton Hitchcock) Mrs. Walter J﹒ Hodges (Margaret) Mr. and Mrs. Christian C﹒ Hohenlohe (Nora) Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Holladay (Gwen) Mr. and Mrs. Wallace F﹒ Holladay (Wilhelmina) Mr. and Mrs. Wallace F﹒ Holladay﹐ Jr﹒ (Winton) Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hollensteiner (Letitia Baldrige) The Honorable and Mrs. Linwood Holton (Virginia)

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Mrs. Outerbridge Horsey (Mary) Mr. and Mrs. Outerbridge Horsey (Georgina) Mr. Arthur A﹒ Houghton﹐ III Mrs. Linda L﹒ Houghton Mr. and Mrs. Edmond N﹒ Howar (Margaret) Mrs. Patricia E﹒ Howar Mrs. Raymond J﹒ Howar (Pamela) Miss Janet Howard Representative Steny Hoyer Mr. and Mrs. Hadlai A﹒ Hull (Ann) Mr. and Mrs. John E﹒ Hunnicutt (Catherine) Mr. and Mrs. Al Hunt (Judy Woodruff)

Mr. and Mrs. Austin H﹒ Kiplinger (Gogo) Mr. and Mrs. Knight A﹒ Kiplinger (Ann) Mr. and Mrs. Todd L﹒ Kiplinger (Dana) The Honorable Jeane Kirkpatrick Mr. Peter J﹒ Knop Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Koch (Susan) Mr. and Mrs. Edward Koch (Doro Bush) Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kogod (Arlene) Mr. and Mrs. Ted Koppel (Grace Anne) The Honorable Thomas Korologos and the Honorable Ann Dore McLaughlin Mrs. Polly Kraft Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Krakora (Mary)

I

L

Mr. and Mrs. David Ignatius (Eve) The Honorable and Mrs. Paul R﹒ Ignatius (Nancy) Mrs. Frank N﹒ Ikard (Jayne) Mrs. Walter D﹒ Innis (Pauline) Mr. John Peters Irelan Mr. and Mrs. Walter Isaacson (Cathy) Mrs. Eugene Istomin (Marta)

J Dr. and Mrs. Aaron G﹒ Jackson (Alexine) The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Mrs. Alphonso Jackson (Marcia) Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Newell Jacobsen (Robin) Mr. and Mrs. Simon T﹒ Jacobsen The Honorable and Mrs. Andrew Jacovides (Pamela) H.E. the Ambassador of Afghanistan and Mrs. Said Jawad (Shamim) Mr. and Mrs. John Jeppson (Giselle Theberge) Mr. and Mrs. Freeborn G﹒ Jewett﹐ Jr﹒ (Joan) The Honorable and Mrs. Clay Johnson﹐ III (Ann) Mr. and Mrs. James A﹒ Johnson (Maxine Isaacs) Mr. Robert Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Vernon E﹒ Jordan (Ann) Mrs. Ross Joynt (Carol)

K

Mr. Michael Kahn Mr. Michael Kaiser H.E. the Ambassador of Japan Ryozo Kato and Mrs. Kato (Hanayo) Mr. and Mrs. Alan Kay (Dianne) Mr. and Mrs. Marvin L﹒ Kay (Dolly) General (U.S, M.C. Ret.) and Mrs. P﹒ X﹒ Kelly (Barbara) The Honorable and Mrs. Jack Kemp (Joanne) Ms. Kay Kendall Justice and Mrs. Anthony M﹒ Kennedy (Mary) Senator and Mrs. Edward M﹒ Kennedy (Vicki) Mrs. Robert F﹒ Kennedy (Ethel) Senator and Mrs. John F﹒ Kerry (Teresa Heinz) Mr. James V﹒ Kimsey Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Kinney (Ann)

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Mr. and Mrs Cameron J﹒ LaClair﹐ Jr﹒ (Mary) The Honorable and Mrs. James C﹒ Langdon﹐ Jr﹒ (Sandy) Mr. and Mrs. Chiswell Dabney Langhorne﹐ Jr﹒ (Barbara) Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Lanier (Isabelle) Mr. and Mrs. Climis G﹒ Lascaris (Carol) The Honorable and Mrs. Paul Laxalt (Carol) Mr. W﹒ David Lawson﹐ IV Senator and Mrs. Patrick Leahy (Marcelle) Mr. and Mrs. Robert E﹒ Lee﹐ IV (Carew) Dr. and Mrs. LaSalle D﹒ Leffall﹐ Jr﹒ (Ruth) Mr. LaSalle D﹒ Leffall﹐ III Mr. and Mrs. James Lehrer (Kate) Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lehrman (Aimee) Mrs. Egbert G﹒ Leigh (Lucinda) William and The Honorable and Mrs. Marc E﹒ Leland (Jacqueline) Janet Cohen Mr. James H﹒ Lemon﹐ Jr﹒ Mr. and Mrs. Ted Leonsis (Lynn) Mr. and Mrs. Dani Levinas (Miella) H.E. the Ambassador of France Jean-David Levitte and Mrs. Levitte (Marie- Cecile) Mr. and Mrs. David Levy (Carol Feld) Mr. and Mrs. H﹒ Finlay Lewis (Willee) Senator and Mrs. Joseph Lieberman (Hadassah) Mrs. Alexander C﹒ Liggett (Priscilla) Mr. and Mrs. R﹒ Robert Linowes (Ada) Mrs. Sol M﹒ Linowitz (Toni) Mr. and Mrs. Scott Alan Logan (Lydia) Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pillsbury Lord (Gay) Mr. Winston Bao Lord

Gwen and Stuart Holladay

M

Ms. Nora Maccoby

The Honorable and Mrs. John D﹒ Macomber (Caroline) Mrs. William S﹒ Mailliard (Millicent) Mrs. Christopher J﹒ Makins (Wendy) Mrs. Martin F﹒ Malarkey (Elizabeth) The Honorable and Mrs. Frederic V﹒ Malek (Marlene) The Honorable and Mrs. Charles T﹒ Manatt (Kathleen) H.E. the Ambassador of the United Kingdom Sir David Manning and Lady Manning (Catherine)

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Mr. Kinsey Marable Ms. Ann W﹒ Marchant Representative and Mrs. Edward Markey (Dr. Susan Blumenthal) Mr. and Mrs. David S﹒ Marriott (Carrie) Mr. and Mrs. Richard E﹒ Marriott (Nancy) Mr. and Mrs. J﹒ Willard Marriott﹐ Jr﹒ (Donna Rae) Mr. and Mrs. Forrest E﹒ Mars﹐ Jr﹒ (Deborah) Ms. Jacqueline Badger Mars Mr. and Mrs. John F﹒ Mars (Adrienne) Mrs. Virginia Cretella Mars Dr. and Mrs. Robert Marshall (Caprcicia) Mr. Guy Martin Mr. and Mrs. Jurek Martin (Kathleen Newland) Mr. and Mrs. John J﹒ Mason (JoAnn) Mr. and Mrs. John Murdoch Matheson (Susan) Mrs. Buchanan Matheson (Bonnie) Mr. Charles T﹒ Matheson Mr. Robert R﹒ Matheson Represntative Doris Matsui Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Matthews (Kathleen) The Honorable and Mrs. Charles McC﹒ Mathias (Ann) Mr. and Mrs. Ernest N﹒ May﹐ Jr﹒ (Betty) Mr. and Mrs. Terence (Terry) McAuliffe (Dorothy) Senator and Mrs. John McCain (Cindy) Mrs. John S﹒ McCain﹐ Jr﹒ (Roberta) His Eminence Theodore Cardinal McCarrick Senator Mitch McConnell and Secretary of Labor Elaine Lan Chao The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas F﹒ McLarty﹐ III (Donna) Mr. and Mrs. John McLaughlin (Cristina Vidal) Mr. and Mrs. Richard McLellan (Diana) The Honorable Juliette Clagett McLennan The Honorable and Mrs. Robert S﹒ McNamara (Diana) Mr. and Mrs. William F﹒ McSweeny (Dorothy) Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Mead (Jaylee) H.E. the Ambassador of Morocco Aziz Mekouar and Mrs. Mekouar (Maria Felice) Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mele (Victoria) Mr. David Mercer Mrs. Philip Merrill (Eleanor) Mr. and Mrs. Richard Meyer﹐ III (Karon Cullen) Mr. and Mrs. Theodore A﹒ Miles (Buffy) Dr. Wendell G﹒ Miles Mrs. G﹒ William Miller (Ariadna) Mr. and Mrs. James P﹒ Mills﹐ Jr﹒ (Deborah) The Honorable and Mrs. George Mitchell (Heather) The Honorable Mary V﹒ Mochary The Honorable and Mrs. Toby Moffett (Myra) Mr. and Mrs. C﹒ Braxton Moncure (Deborah) The President of the Inter-American Development Bank Luis-Alberto Moreno and Mrs. Moreno (Gabriela) Nancy Pelosi Mrs. William S﹒ Moorhead (Lucy) Mr. and Mrs. William S﹒ Moorhead﹐ III (Erika) Mrs. Wendy Burden Morgan

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Mr. and Mrs. Robert Moses (Patricia Kluge) Mr. Eric Motley Mr. and Mrs. Roger H﹒ Mudd (Emma) Mrs. Pat Munroe (Mary) Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Murray (Carlotta) Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J﹒ Murray (Evelyn)

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David and Alice Rubenstein Mrs. John U﹒ Nef (Evelyn) Mr. and Mrs. Robert C﹒ Nelson (Julia) The Director of National Intelligence and Mrs. John D﹒ Negroponte (Diane) Mr. and Mrs. William V﹒ Newlin (Louisa) The Honorable and Mrs. William T﹒ Newman﹐ Jr﹒ (Sheila Johnson) Mr. and Mrs. Robert C﹒ Nicholas﹐ III (Lynn) Dr. and Mrs. Thomas P﹒ Nigra (Jane) Mr. and Mrs. William A﹒ Nitze (Ann) Her Majesty Queen Noor al-Hussein of Jordan Mr. Gerson Nordlinger﹐ Jr﹒ Mr. Franco Nuschese

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Princess Alexis Obolensky (Selene) Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and the Honorable John O’Connor Mr. Christopher Ogden Mrs. Diana Ogden (Deedy) Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Ohrstrom (Lilla) Mrs. George L﹒ Ohrstrom﹐ Jr﹒ (Jacqueline) Mrs. Ricard R﹒ Ohrstrom (Allen) Mr. Christopher Olsen (Michelle) Mr. and Mrs. Christopher O’Neill (Chib) The Honorable and Mrs. John R﹒ Ottina (Mollie) The Honorable Mary Ourisman and Mr. Mandell J﹒ Ourisman

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The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff isner General Peter Pace and Mrs. Pace (Lynne) Graham W Her Imperial Majesty Farah Pahlavi Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Reza Pahlavi (Yasmine) Mr. and Mrs. William Cushing Paley (Alison) Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pawlik (Deborah Gore Dean) Mr. George L﹒ Peabody Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm E﹒ Peabody (Pamela) Mr. and Mrs. Payson R﹒ Peabody (Karin) Mr. and Mrs. Haven N﹒ B﹒ Pell (Mina) Representative Nancy Pelosi and Mr. Paul Pelosi Mr. and Mrs. Mark Penn (Nancy Jacobson) Mr. Joseph G﹒ Perpich and Ms. Cathy Sulzberger The Honorable and Mrs. Charles H﹒ Percy (Loraine) Mr. and Mrs. Lucian Perkins (Sarah Tanguy) Mrs. Harold C﹒ Petrowitz (Carmen)

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Mr. Roy Pfautch Mr. and Mrs. John E﹒ Pflieger (Donna) The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas R﹒ Pickering (Alice) Mr. and Mrs. Philip W﹒ Pillsbury﹐ Jr﹒ (Nina) Mr. and Mrs. Walter H﹒ Pincus (Ann) Mrs. Sally Engelhard Pingree Mr. and Mrs. John Podesta (Mary) Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Podesta (Heather) Mr. and Mrs. John Jay Pohanka (Lola) Dr. and Mrs. Ken Pollack (Andrea Koppel) Mr. and Mrs. Abe Pollin (Irene) Mr. and Mrs. Herman Porten (Regina) Mr. and Mrs. Norman S﹒ Portenoy (Winifred) The Honorable and Mrs. Colin L﹒ Powell (Alma) Mr. and Mrs. Earl A﹒ Powell﹐ III (Nancy) Mr. and Mrs. Rick Powell (Dina) Lady Previn (Heather) Dr. and Mrs. Jerold J﹒ Principato (Marjorie) Mrs. Robert E﹒ Pumphrey﹐ Jr﹒ (Lisa) Miss Judy Lynn Prince Mr. and Mrs. Frederick H﹒ Prince (Diana) Mr. and Mrs. John Pyles (Barbara Harrison) Mr. and Mrs. Eben Pyne (Nancy)

Mrs. Otto J﹒ Ruesch (Jeanne) The Honorable and Mrs. Donald H﹒ Rumsfeld (Joyce) Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood Rush (Jacklyn) Mr. Tim Russert and Ms. Maureen Orth Mr. David E﹒ Rust Mrs. L﹒ Nicholas Ruwe (Nancy)

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Mrs. Anwar Sadat (Jihan) Mr. and Mrs. Roald Sagdeev (Susan Eisenhower) Mr. and Mrs. John Safer (Joy) Mr. and Mrs. William Safire (Helene) Miss Patricia Bennett Sagon Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Samperton (Kim) Mr. and Mrs. Roger Sant (Victoria) Mr. and Mrs. John A﹒ Sargent (Susan) Mrs. Stanley J﹒ Sarnoff (Lolo)

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Mr. and Mrs. Whayne S﹒ Quin (Ursula) Mr. and Mrs. J﹒ Eugene Quinn (Margy)

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The Honorable and Mrs. Gerald Rafshoon (Eden) The Honorable Mary (Molly) Raiser Gen. and Mrs. Joseph Ralston (Dede) The Honorable and Mrs. Donald Rappaport (Susan) Mrs. Elizabeth B﹒ Rea Mr. and Mrs. Randolph W﹒ Renchard (Lila) Mr. Percival L﹒ Reynolds﹐ Jr﹒ Mr. and Mrs. R﹒ Roland Reynolds (Diana) Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Reynolds (Catherine) The Secretary of State Condoleezza H﹒ Rice Mrs. Walter T﹒ Ridder (Marie) The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas J﹒ Ridge (Michele) The Honorable and Mrs. Charles S﹒ Robb (Lynda) Mr. Joseph Robert﹐ Jr﹒ Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Robert (Cokie) Ms. Roxanne Roberts Senator and Mrs. John D﹒ Rockefeller﹐ IV (Sharon) The Honorable and Mrs. Frederick B﹒ Rooney (Evelyn) Mr. and Mrs. Kermit Roosevelt (Priscilla) The Honorable Selwa S﹒ Roosevelt Mr. and Mrs. Robert M﹒ Rosenthal (Marion) The Honorable Jonathan Rose and The Honorable Susan Porter Rose Mr. and Mrs. Karl Rove (Darby) Mr. and Mrs. David Rubenstein (Alice)

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Mai and Jim Abdo

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Mr. and Mrs. B﹒ Francis Saul﹐ II (Tricia) Mr. and Mrs. B﹒ Francis Saul﹐ III (Dawn) Justice and Mrs. Antonin Scalia (Maureen) Mr. Nicholas B﹒ Scheetz Mr. and Mrs. Nash Whitney Schott (Aniko Gaal) Mr. Robert C﹒ Schwartz The Honorable Carol Schwartz The Honorable and Mrs. Brent Scowcroft (Marian) Mrs. Betty Knight Scripps His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile Selassie The Honorable and Mrs. Ivan Selin (Nina) The Honorable and Mrs. William S﹒ Sessions (Alice) Mr. and Mrs. Scott Seydel (Pat Mitchell) His Excellency and Mrs. Ishaq M﹒ Shahryar (Hafizah) Mr. James E﹒ Shallcross Mr. Victor Shargai Rear Admiral, U.S.N. (Ret.) and Mrs. Tazewell Taylor Shepard﹐ Jr﹒ (Jan) Mrs. Donna Shor Mr. and Mrs. Mark Shriver (Jeanne) The Honorable and Mrs. R﹒ Sargent Shriver﹐ Jr﹒ (Eunice Kennedy) Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Shriver (Linda) Mrs. Hugh S﹒ Sidey (Anne) The Honorable and Mrs. Leonard L﹒ Silverstein (Elaine) Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Slatkin (Linda Hohenfeld) Mrs. Jonathan W﹒ Sloat (Jane) Mr. and Mrs. Albert H﹒ Small (Shirley) The Honorable and Mrs. Lawrence Small (Sandra) Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bland Smith﹐ Jr﹒ (Niente) Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Smith (Sally) The Honorable and Mrs. Marion H﹒ Smoak (Mary Frances) Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Snyder (Tanya) Mr. and Mrs. Michael R﹒ Sonnenreich (Linda) Mr. and Mrs. Gene Sperling (Alison Abner) Mr. and Mrs. David J﹒ Steel (Susan Watters) Mr. and Mrs. George Stephanopoulos (Alexandra Wentworth) Mr. and Mrs. James Morgan Sterling (Lisa) Mrs. Isaac Stern (Linda) Mr. and Mrs. Paul G﹒ Stern (Patricia) Mr. and Mrs. Edward R﹒ Stettinius (Sarah) Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stettinius﹐ Jr﹒ (Regina) Mr. and Mrs. George C﹒ Stevens﹐ Jr﹒ (Elizabeth) Senator and Mrs. Ted Stevens (Catherine) Mrs. Potter Stewart (Andy) Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Stock (Ann) Mrs. Walter J﹒ Stoessel﹐ Jr﹒ (Mary Ann) Mrs. Auchincloss Straight (Nina) The Honorable Robert S﹒ Strauss Mr. and Mrs. Henry Strong (Malan) Mr. A﹒ Michael Sullivan﹐ Jr﹒ Mrs. Mary H﹒ Davidson Swift The Honorable and Mrs. James Wadsworth Symington (Sylvia)

Mrs. W﹒ Waverly Taylor (Edmee) Mrs. Daniel J﹒ Terra (Judith) Mr. and Mrs. Evan Thomas (Oscie) Mr. and Mrs. Philip Thomas (Patty) Mrs. Benjamin W﹒ Thoron (Violet) Mr. and Mrs. William R﹒ Tiefel (Norma Kline) Mr. and Mrs. Maurice B﹒ Tobin (Joan) Mr. and Mrs. Vladimir S﹒ Tolstoy (Suzanne) Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J﹒ Trachtenberg (Francine) Mr. and Mrs. Geoff Tracy (Nora O’Donnell) Mr. and Mrs. Michael Traeger (Mariella) Mr. and Mrs. Bowdoin C﹒ Train (Georgia) Mrs. Marjorie Legaré Hardy Train The Honorable and Mrs. Russell E﹒ Train (Aileen) Mr. and Mrs. Alexander B﹒ Trowbridge﹐ Jr﹒ (Eleanor) The Honorable and Mrs. Joseph Davies Tydings (Kate)

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U

Mrs. William Howard Taft﹐ III (Barbara) Mr. and Mrs. William Howard Taft﹐ IV (Julia)

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Betsey and Bill Delphos

Representative and Mrs. Tom Udall (Jill Cooper) H.E. the Ambassador of Russia and Mrs. Yuri V﹒ Ushakov (Svetlana)

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Mr. and Mrs. Jack J﹒ Valenti (Mary Margaret) Mr. and Mrs. Jim Valentine (Kathy Kemper) H.E. the Ambassador of Belgium Baron Franciskus van Daele and Baroness van Daele (Christiane) Mr. Christopher T﹒ van Roijen Mr. and Mrs. Peter P﹒ van Roijen ﹙Beatrice) Mr. and Mrs. Phillip L﹒ Verveer (Melanne) Dr. and Mrs. Giorgio G﹒ Via (Anna Maria) The Honorable and Mrs. Richard N﹒ Viets (Dorette Fleischman) H.E. the Ambassador of Norway Knut Vollebaek and Mrs﹒ Vollebaek (Ellen) Mr. and Mrs. Henry von Eichel (Countess Monika Apponyi) Mr. and Mrs. George Vradenburg (Trish)

lene Fred and Mar

Malek

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Mr. and Mrs. Mallory Walker (Diana) Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Walker (Nicole Bagley) Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Wallace (Lorraine) Mrs. French Carter Wallop Mr. and Mrs. Redmond Walsh (Tia Cudahy) Senator and Mrs. John W﹒ Warner (Jeanne) The Honorable and Mrs. Mark Warner (Lisa Collis) Miss Virginia Warner Mr. and Mrs. William W﹒ Warner (Kathleen) Mr. and Mrs. Kevin T﹒ Warsh (Jane Lauder) The Honorable and Mrs. C﹒ Langhorne Washburn (Judith) Mrs. Walter E﹒ Washington (Mary) Mr. Septime Webre The Honorable and Mrs. William H﹒ Webster (Lynda) Mr. and Mrs. Eric W﹒ Weinmann (Mary) Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Weiss (Juleanna) Dr. Sidney Werkman The Honorable and Mrs. Togo D﹒ West﹐ Jr﹒ (Gail) Ms. Katherine Weymouth Mr. and Mrs. Henry C﹒ Wheelwright (Celeste) Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wheeler (Carol) Mrs. Byron R﹒ White (Marion) Mrs. Charles Sheldon Whitehouse (Janet) Mr. and Mrs. George Will (Marie) Mr. and Mrs. Curtin Winsor﹐ III (Deborah) The Mayor of Washington, D.C. and Mrs. Anthony Williams (Diane) Mrs. Virginia Williams Mr. and Mrs. Wesley S﹒ Williams﹐ Jr﹒ (Karen) Mr. Graham Wisner The Honorable and Mrs. James Wolfensohn (Elaine) The Honorable Paul Wolfowitz Mr. and Mrs. Robert Woodward (Elsa Walsh)

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Albert and Shirley Small

Septime Webre

R﹒W﹒ “Johnny” Apple

ViCurtis Hinton

Charles H﹒ Atherton

Richard H﹒ Howland

Gladys Bendetsen

Renee Kraft

Amie Willard Block

Christopher J﹒ Makins

Dr﹒ C﹒ Warfield Clark Trudi Davis

The Honorable Leonard H﹒ Marks

Gen﹒ Donald S﹒ Dawson

Philip Merrill

Doda de Wolf

The Honorable G﹒ William Miller

Eleanor Tydings Ditzen Lalla Dodge

Prince Alexis Obolensky

The Honorable William H﹒G﹒ FitzGerald

Dr. Robert E﹒ Pumphrey﹐ Jr﹒

Betty Beale Graeber

Lillie Lou Rietzke

Mariana Grove

Eleanor Ritchie

Dorcas Hardin

Helen Strauss

Mrs. Warren Zimmerman (Corinne)

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S U B S TA N C E & S T Y L E

WASHINGTON LIFEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

2006

SUBSTANCE & STYLE AWARD WINNERS M E N O F S U B S TA N C E & S T Y L E

Philippe Cousteau, David L. Mercer, Senator Barack Obama and Dr. E. Fuller Torrey W O M E N O F S U B S T A N C E & S T Y L E

Isabel de La Cruz, Pilar O'Leary and Gabriela A. Smith

PH OTO CR E DIT: PAU L SI MKIN

Our annual Substance & Style Awards honor outstanding individuals who have worked to improve the quality of life on the Washington, D.C., metropolitan, Mid-Atlantic, national and, in many cases, international levels. Our awardees' generosity and talents perfectly complement their graciousness. It is a privilege to recognize them for their many contributions.

Like those from previous years, they truly exemplify this fusion of positive intent, grace and social impact.

P H O T O G R A P H Y C L AY B L A C K M O R E S T Y L I N G L A N A O R L O F F E D I TO R I A L K AT R I N A C O R C O R A N MAKE-UP COROLA MYERS HAIR SAMANTHA HOMED & FAIK HALICI

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LIVING A LEGACY NAME Philippe Cousteau OCCUPATION Environmentalist (Co-founder, Earth Echo International) HIS SUBSTANCE Educating the public about caring for the environment HIS STYLE Laid-back chic

Each family has a unique story, but only a few have a defined purpose like the Cousteaus. Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the celebrated deep sea explorer, opened up the mysteries of the ocean to the world. His son, Philippe Cousteau Sr., was a devoted marine environmentalist who propagated the phrase “our water planet.” Philippe Pierre Cousteau, 26, continues the work of his late grandfather and father at Earth Echo International (www.earthecho.net), an organization he founded along with his mother, Jan, and his sister, Alexandra. Earth Echo educates the public about environmental and conservation issues, and inspires individuals to become better stewards of our water planet.

Also, Philippe is the chief ocean correspondent for the Discovery Channel’s, Animal Planet, as well as a producer for National Public Radio’s weekly environmental program, Living on Earth. On both mediums, his work turns caring for the environment into a living classroom, making environmental issues accessible and understandable. As an avid writer and lecturer, he promotes the mission of Earth Echo: “EVERYTHING we do makes a difference, and ALL of our choices have consequences.” Philippe is an insatiable adventurer, whose paths has taken him from exploring the highlands of New Guinea to providing humanitarian aid in war-torn Sarajevo. Throughout his travels, he says that he has learned that exploring the connections between humans and the environment is as important as exploring nature itself.

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ARTFUL LIVING NAME Isabel de la Cruz Ernst OCCUPATION Art patron, philanthropist, real estate developer HER SUBSTANCE Ensuring the preservation of art and life HER STYLE Updated classic

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sabel de la Cruz Ernst is certainly a global citizen. She was born in New York City to Cuban parents, and spent most of her growing years in Madrid, Spain before her family moved to Key Biscayne, Fl. She attended high School in Switzerland before moving to Washington to study at Georgetown University, where she obtained a double major in French and Italian and a minor in Business. She was one the first Latinas to earn an MBA from Georgetown University. Isabel is a devotee of history and the arts; in fact, she lovingly

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restored the historic Hillandale Mansion as her home, where she lives with her husband, Ricardo, a Georgetown University professor, and their four children. After the reconstruction and redecoration, she established her own real estate development company, Ernst Development, which is a refection of her own aesthetic as it aims renovate and build very contemporary but thoroughly livable spaces.

Her work has been published in many local and international magazines. She is also a member of the Washington National Opera Board and dedicates a

significant part of her time to charitable work with organizations such as Refugees International, the Seed School and Innocents at Risk. She and her husband are avid collectors of contemporary art and are loyal supporters of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

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SURE SHOT NAME David L. Mercer OCCUPATION Lobbyist/Political Strategist (Founder and President, Mercer & Associates, Inc.) HIS SUBSTANCE Spreading holistic political principles HIS STYLE Beltway best

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avid Mercer has always believed that “You can’t score points if you’re not on the court.” The phrase has shaped much of his professional and personal life — from his political career to his corporate expertise and nonprofit experience. David’s charitable causes go beyond the organizations he supports. His philanthropic activities are based on another personal principle: “Money invested and reinvested in people yields the greatest dividends.” He draws strength from his multifaceted experience and gives back to his community, not just financially, but through sound advice and counsel, providing opportunities for youth to engage and develop to their fullest potential. His work with Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts is proof of that. Aside from his charitable work, David heads up Mercer & Associates, his government affairs and strategic advisory firm that has represented clients as Verizon, Ernst & Young, Honeywell and the Smithsonian Institution on a host of public policy or lobbying issues. In his nomination, Hoop Dreams founder and president Susie Kay said "David has a wonderful way of supporting individuals, causes and organizations that he believes in and energizing and inspiring others to do the same … he challenges others to get involved, and not just sit on the sidelines.” Further proof that he lives and breathes at the center of the court.

VERSACE navy blue pin-striped suit, $1570 (Versace, Tyson’s Galleria, McLean, Va.) / French blue dress shirt (his own) / VERSACE blue tie; $115 (Versace, Tyson’s Galleria, McLean, Va.) / VERSACE black leather dress belt; $370 (Versace, Tyson’s Galleria, McLean, Va.)

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THE NEXT GENERATION NAME Barack Obama OCCUPATION U.S. Senator HIS SUBSTANCE Defining American issues in the 21st century and beyond HIS STYLE Political panache

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arack Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s childhood experiences gave him the global insight and initiative he has today. He grew up in Hawaii and Indonesia, moved to New York, and graduated from Columbia University. He moved to Chicago to become a community organizer with a church-based group to improve living conditions in neighborhoods plagued by crime and lack of employment. While the group had some success, he realized that improving the communities meant

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changing laws and politics. He earned a law degree from Harvard University, and became the first AfricanAmerican president of the Harvard Law Review before returning to Chicago to practice as a civil rights lawyer and teach constitutional law. The culmination of his advocacy efforts led him to run for the Illinois State Senate, where he served for seven years. His legislative record is exemplary: He worked with both parties to create such landmark programs as the state Earned Income Tax Credit, which in three years provided

over $100 million in tax cuts to families in Illinois. He also pushed through an expansion of early childhood education program. Sen. Obama has made waves in the Senate by tackling challenges in the global economy.

He has fought to help veterans get disability pay and is working with the Veterans Affairs Department to prepare for the return of the thousands of U.S. service personnel who will need years of care after Iraq and Afghanistan. Above all, he is most proud and grateful for his wife, Michelle, and his two daughters.

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CON SABOR! NAME Pilar O’Leary OCCUPATION Director, Smithsonian Latino Center HER SUBSTANCE Increasing awareness of Latino culture HER STYLE Flawless refinement Life is all about the journey, and few people have a passage as purposeful as Pilar O’Leary’s. She worked as a high-powered lawyer in New York for JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs before moving to Washington to work at Fannie Mae. Then she decided to leave the corporate world to pursue a more fulfilling vocation – increasing awareness of Latino heritage and history at the illustrious Smithsonian Institution. Pilar is responsible for fulfilling the Center’s mission to foster understanding and appreciation of Latino history and culture through the use of the Smithsonian’s museums and collections. Under her direction, the Center has awarded more than $1.2 million in federal funding to more than 20 projects. She also launched the “Young Ambassadors” program, a national educational initiative for Hispanic high school seniors gifted in the arts. The program provides 24 students selected out of a nationwide pool of applicants an opportunity to receive an educational grant and spend a week in an intensive seminar at the Smithsonian. Under her leadership this September, the Center held its first black-tie gala benefit “Smithsonian con Sabor” and raised over $600,000 for its programs. Pilar is happily married to Bill O’Leary, and is a mother of two little girls. In her nomination, her coworker, Isabel Lara, described her as “an inspiration ... a tireless worker who is committed to ensuring that Latino contributions to this country’s cultural heritage are appreciated and highlighted.”

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MAX MARA purple wrap dress; $930 (Max Mara, Chevy Chase, Md.) / PAMPILLONIA Lady Heart 18kt white gold 5-drop necklace, 1.92ct; $10,210 (Pampillonia, Chevy Chase, Md.) / PAMPILLONIA Lady Heart 18kt white gold 3-drop earrings, 3.09cts; $15,225 (Pampillonia, Chevy Chase, Md.)

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VENTURING FORTH NAME Gabriela A. Smith OCCUPATION Economist, philanthropist (Founding investor and Board member, Venture Philanthropy Partners) HER SUBSTANCE Helping underprivileged children and families HER STYLE Polished poise Gabriela always knew it was her true calling to help the less fortunate. When she moved from her native Argentina to the U.S., her first job as a social worker for Los Angeles Catholic Charities focused on helping immigrant families deal with discrimination. It inspired her to start the Hispanic Leadership Program in Venice, Calif. The Program focused on helping immigrants find child care, health care and employment. She strengthened her vocation with a Master’s in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Her degree led to a job at the World Bank, where she managed health and education projects in Bolivia. She also created a scholarship program with Harvard University focusing on hunger and poverty alleviation in Argentina. In 2000, Gabriela and her husband, Doug, started the Amanter (“with love,” in Latin) Fund. Most of the philanthropic work they do is anonymous, and focuses on issues involving children, families, and education. In 2001, the Amanter Fund was introduced to Venture Philosophy Partners (VPP), a philanthropic investment organization that helps build strong non-profit institutions. “The level of dedication, commitment and professionalism of VPP leaders, the team, and the organizations we are working with is extraordinary,” Gabriela says. She also believes that “When you give, you want to make sure that it will make a difference.”

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VALENTINO ivory lace blouse; $3990 (Saks Jandel, Chevy Chase, Md.) / GIORGIO ARMANI black pants; $525 (Saks Jandel, Chevy Chase, Md.) / VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Alhambra 20 motives yellow gold, mother of pearl necklace; $7400 (Van Cleef & Arpels, 5454 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, Md.) / VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Alhambra yellow gold, white mother of pearl earrings; $2150 (Van Cleef & Arpels, 5454 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md.)

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CAUSE CEREBRAL NAME Dr E. Fuller Torrey OCCUPATION Psychiatrist (President, Treatment Advocacy Center; Associate Director, Stanley Medical Research Institute) HIS SUBSTANCE Making mental illness treatment accessible HIS STYLE Relaxed academic

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r. E. Fuller Torrey, lauded as “America’s most famous psychiatrist” by the Washington Post, works has encompassed several years of breakthroughs in the field of mental illness. He works with the Stanley Medical Research Institute (SMRI), an organization that supports research designed to find better treatments for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. His Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC) is an organization dedicated to eliminating legal and clinical barriers to timely and humane treatment for

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millions of Americans with severe brain disorders who are not receiving appropriate medical care. Dr. Torrey worked with the homeless for 16 years. "Their mental illnesses tend to be extreme," he says. "As much as state laws prohibit involuntary treatment, just leaving them there seems inhumane.” He believes that the homeless need structured care and SMRI and TAC are working together to make that possible. The root of Dr. Torrey’s passion stems from the illness of a family member — his sister has had schizophrenia for the past fifty years. It

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has provided a major motivating factor to help people in similar situations. For Dr. Torrey, reaching out comes naturally. "I've always worked for the public sector," he says. "I feel very fortunate to be a physician and to be able to help others who need help, whether they can afford it or not.”

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V E R B AT I M

David Patrick Columbia The New York Social Diarist at The Q & A Café at Nathans

CAROL JOYNT You have been described as F.

Scott Fitzgerald. Also as a “society darling and scribe.”Your website, New York Social Diary, is a chronicle of life in New York, largely the social life, but not entirely because it’s about books and art and Broadway, and the social order in many ways. Do you agree?

DAVID PATRICK COLUMBIA I’ve been writing this

column for about 14 years. It started in a magazine called Quest. Later, I was editor of a magazine called Avenue. Since I started the website, I became the editor of Quest, which publishes my column every month. Years ago, I read a diary of a man named George Templeton Strong who lived in the middle of the 19th century, and it was about what New York City was like then. I was so impressed by the vision of that man and the record that he kept inspired me to start The New York Social Diary.

CJ Does the volume of content you have

to produce dictate the numbers of parties you’ll go to?

DPC Sometimes I just can’t get there because at six o’clock the body won’t move out of the apartment.

It’s just – sometimes too much. Then there are other times where there are very prominent charities that really do merit coverage, and so I

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make the extra effort to go.There are also wonderful things that happen in New York that I’d be a fool to not go to.

CJ Have you ever clocked what your

maximum number of parties came to in one day?

DPC No, although the image readers have is that I go to many more parties than I do …

CJ How many invitations typically

arrive in the mail on a daily basis?

DPC It’s so out of control that I actually have a woman helping me. I’m very bad NYSD’s David Patrick about returning phone calls, and I’m very Columbia comments bad about answering invitations. Once on New York society upon a time when I first started, I was begging for invitations. If I didn’t get one, I was really upset. Now, I don’t even open “Why wasn’t I invited?” And then I think, “Why the envelope, and I don’t mean to say that I’m in the hell do I care?” indifferent or blasé because I’m not.

CJ What is the most exclusive invitation in CJ Do you mind when an invitation comes New York society these days? via E-mail?

DPC The most exclusive invitations in New DPC I don’t care how it comes. Sometimes it York society these days are probably to has to come two or three times before it gets my somebody’s house, and they’re not inviting very many people. attention.

CJ Why do you think people don’t R.S.V.P.

CJ What proportion of events on any given

anymore and how would you remedy that?

DPC Etiquette has changed so dramatically in my lifetime, [but] that’s just part of it. There are so many things people are invited to that there’s a kind of an indifference that exists now. People take it for granted. We also live in a society that lacks courtesy.

CJ You know, that famous Woody Allen line, “I don’t want to be a member of a club that will have me as a member.” Are there still some invitations you’d like to get?

DPC I can’t think of any invitation that I would like to get that I can’t get. Sometimes things will occur that I haven’t been invited to, and I’ll think,

night in the season are genuinely private parties as opposed to parties where you have to pay to go?

DPC There are very few private parties. In fact, people don’t entertain at home very much anymore. Once upon a time, say, 40 or 50 years ago the art of the hostess was very, very important.

Now it’s promoted in magazines but actually it’s not very artful because people don’t entertain at home. If people entertain privately, they often do so in a restaurant.

CJ Is New York still a hotbed of social

climbing? Is the charity circuit still the best

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PH OTO CR E DIT: JE F F H IR SCH

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ooking celebrities for the Q&A Café at Nathans is always an adventure for Carol Joynt, although few are likely to match David Patrick Columbia.

It was 2 o’clock of a June morning and, having a fitful sleep, Joynt went online to DPC’s mustread New York Social Diary (nysocialdiary.com) – a thorough, photo-packed and entertaining web chronicle of Manhattan social life. Deciding on the spot that he would be an interesting guest, she fired off an email invitation, hoping to hear back at some point. Much to her surprise she got a reply at 2:30 a.m.: “Sounds good,” Columbia responded.

way for somebody who wants to make it in New York society?

DPC The charity circuit in New York is the way to get yourself started, and it actually has been that way for quite some time.

CJ And

it is reigned over by what generation?

DPC I’ve been doing this long enough now that I’m beginning to see the changing of the guard. The generation that still reigns is probably in their 40’s and 50’s, but the younger girls are coming up.

CJ Once upon a time didn’t a young socialite

have a sponsor? There would be somebody already in society, whether it was a man or a woman or a couple who would introduce them around and sort of give them their blessing. It sounds to me like that doesn’t exist anymore.

DPC The process is not so unique now. It’s more dynamic because there are more people.

“Society” used to be considered people who came from the right family or were connected to the right family, and that would be your sponsorship. A little bit of that still exists in New York.

CJ What about Caroline Kennedy

Schlossberg and her husband?

DPC I’m laughing about that because I was one of the first people in New York to write that there might be a problem in their marriage. [I had] a good source. The thing that’s interesting about Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg is that she does live a very private life compared to many well-known New Yorkers.

People were very quiet about Jackie.

When she was dying, one of my friends went over to visit her, and she was burning her letters in the fireplace. This bothers me as an historian. The thing that was really remarkable about Jackie [is that] at the end of her life she lived with a man who was married, whose wife lived on the other side of the park, and everybody knew that and nobody said a word about it.

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CJ Did Martha Stewart ever make it

in society? And if she did, did she come back?

DPC Society as we know it now is very different from the society that Brooke Astor came into, or was born into. Martha Stewart is a good example of contemporary society. In New York society you start by getting people to see your face and know your name, and then you get around more and you get invited to more parties and then you get more selective about where you’re going. Martha Stewart did all of those things. Her public personality on television is so warm and kind of homey and cozy, but off camera it is just ice, unless its someone who [is important]. Now when you see her people don’t say, “Oh, there’s Martha Stewart,” like the lady I saw on TV who is such a big colossus. They say, “Oooh, there’s Martha Stewart, the ex-jailbird.”

CJ Lloyd Grove is a hometown favorite,

but his column in the New York Daily News didn’t take flight?

DPC Lloyd Grove had the misfortune of being hired by Mort Zuckerman who is not very

CJ Has anybody ever offered to bribe you to get something in your column?

DPC I don’t think so. There are people sometimes who don’t want coverage – Caroline Kennedy is a perfect example.

CJ Does the Truman Capote experience tell

a story about New York society that is not so attractive?

DPC I know people who knew Truman for many years. They all speak of Truman very kindly and generously and with great affection.

I interviewed a woman who was a manicurist for all of these fancy ladies, and she’d go from one apartment to the next, and she really hated Truman. I asked her, “Why do you hate him so much?” And she said because he would go and visit Mrs. Paley, and while she was doing Mrs. Paley’s nails, he would sit on her bed and regale her with tales about Gloria Guinness and Slim Keith and this one and that one, all mean, nasty stories, and then he would go to Slim Keith’s and do the same thing about the others.

CJ His book Breakfast at Tiffany’s is considered by many to be, a defining book about New York. Do you have books that you cherish as portraying the New York you know?

DPC No. I love New York, and I love the history of New York, and when I say “the history of New York,” I mean the history of New York right up until yesterday. I love Edith Wharton and F. Scott Fitzgerald and John O’Hara.

Carol Joynt interviews David I read gossip columnists. My Patrick Columbia father was a New Yorker and at a sold-out every day he got the Daily Q & A Café.

News and the Daily Mirror, and I was reading Walter Winchell when I was six years old, New York has always been magic for me. dependable as an employer. His choices often are not well advised and not well thought out. Lloyd The Q & A Café at Nathans Georgetown is open to Grove had a hard road from the first day because everyone. For more information please visit www. of that. It must have been very difficult for him, nathansgeorgetown.com, located at the corner of and I don’t think he was given a chance.

Wisconsin and M Street.

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way for somebody who wants to make it in New York society?

DPC The charity circuit in New York is the way to get yourself started, and it actually has been that way for quite some time.

CJ And

it is reigned over by what generation?

DPC I’ve been doing this long enough now that I’m beginning to see the changing of the guard. The generation that still reigns is probably in their 40’s and 50’s, but the younger girls are coming up.

CJ Once upon a time didn’t a young socialite

have a sponsor? There would be somebody already in society, whether it was a man or a woman or a couple who would introduce them around and sort of give them their blessing. It sounds to me like that doesn’t exist anymore.

DPC The process is not so unique now. It’s more dynamic because there are more people.

“Society” used to be considered people who came from the right family or were connected to the right family, and that would be your sponsorship. A little bit of that still exists in New York.

CJ What about Caroline Kennedy

Schlossberg and her husband?

DPC I’m laughing about that because I was one of the first people in New York to write that there might be a problem in their marriage. [I had] a good source. The thing that’s interesting about Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg is that she does live a very private life compared to many well-known New Yorkers.

People were very quiet about Jackie.

When she was dying, one of my friends went over to visit her, and she was burning her letters in the fireplace. This bothers me as an historian. The thing that was really remarkable about Jackie [is that] at the end of her life she lived with a man who was married, whose wife lived on the other side of the park, and everybody knew that and nobody said a word about it.

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CJ Did Martha Stewart ever make it

in society? And if she did, did she come back?

DPC Society as we know it now is very different from the society that Brooke Astor came into, or was born into. Martha Stewart is a good example of contemporary society. In New York society you start by getting people to see your face and know your name, and then you get around more and you get invited to more parties and then you get more selective about where you’re going. Martha Stewart did all of those things. Her public personality on television is so warm and kind of homey and cozy, but off camera it is just ice, unless its someone who [is important]. Now when you see her people don’t say, “Oh, there’s Martha Stewart,” like the lady I saw on TV who is such a big colossus. They say, “Oooh, there’s Martha Stewart, the ex-jailbird.”

CJ Lloyd Grove is a hometown favorite,

but his column in the New York Daily News didn’t take flight?

DPC Lloyd Grove had the misfortune of being hired by Mort Zuckerman who is not very

CJ Has anybody ever offered to bribe you to get something in your column?

DPC I don’t think so. There are people sometimes who don’t want coverage – Caroline Kennedy is a perfect example.

CJ Does the Truman Capote experience tell

a story about New York society that is not so attractive?

DPC I know people who knew Truman for many years. They all speak of Truman very kindly and generously and with great affection.

I interviewed a woman who was a manicurist for all of these fancy ladies, and she’d go from one apartment to the next, and she really hated Truman. I asked her, “Why do you hate him so much?” And she said because he would go and visit Mrs. Paley, and while she was doing Mrs. Paley’s nails, he would sit on her bed and regale her with tales about Gloria Guinness and Slim Keith and this one and that one, all mean, nasty stories, and then he would go to Slim Keith’s and do the same thing about the others.

CJ His book Breakfast at Tiffany’s is considered by many to be, a defining book about New York. Do you have books that you cherish as portraying the New York you know?

DPC No. I love New York, and I love the history of New York, and when I say “the history of New York,” I mean the history of New York right up until yesterday. I love Edith Wharton and F. Scott Fitzgerald and John O’Hara.

Carol Joynt interviews David I read gossip columnists. My Patrick Columbia father was a New Yorker and at a sold-out every day he got the Daily Q & A Café.

News and the Daily Mirror, and I was reading Walter Winchell when I was six years old, New York has always been magic for me. dependable as an employer. His choices often are not well advised and not well thought out. Lloyd The Q & A Café at Nathans Georgetown is open to Grove had a hard road from the first day because everyone. For more information please visit www. of that. It must have been very difficult for him, nathansgeorgetown.com, located at the corner of and I don’t think he was given a chance.

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HIGH SOCIETY

Royal Blood Loss Marrying “below their station” is the latest way for monarchies to survive

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

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hat do Britain, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway have in common?

They’re all European countries, but they are also Europe’s remaining monarchies. That’s not counting one grand duchy (Luxembourg) and two principalities

(Monaco and Liechtenstein). It’s a remarkable survival story despite revolutions, two world wars and the resulting global upheavals. Though they have little remaining political power, Europe’s royal houses retain a hold on social history, and in some cases – Britain, Spain, the Netherlands – on some relics of their earlier power.They are a puzzling phenomenon that’s deeply embedded in

Above Left: The way it was – the demure Austrian Princess Marie Antoinette weds the future King Louis XVI of France in a scene from Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. / Below: Queen Marie Antoinette, with her head still on, partying at the Palace of Versailles in another scene from the film. She was executed in 1793. / Below Left: She never said “Let them eat cake.” Marie Antoinette portrait possibly by Elizabeth Louise Vigee LeBrun.

the national psyche: witness, for example, Helen Mirren’s transcendental performance as Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II in the film The Queen.

In a system that depends on continuity, procreation is key.To quote another recent movie, Sofia Coppola’s sparkling Marie Antoinette, the heir to the throne’s most important duty is to produce his own successor, preferably two, to be on the safe side – “an heir and a spare,” as the saying goes.The future King Louis XVI was not exactly talented in that department. Now, a new generation of young crown princes from the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, Norway and Belgium have recently faced the dynastic challenge with flying colors, at the same time creating a minor revolution with their choice of spouses.

In the past, as in the Coppola film, a royal marriage was an alliance of two monarchies. Princes married princesses, or at the very least members of the high aristocracy. But that was then. In the past five years all of Europe’s kings-in-waiting (which is what crown princes are) have dispensed with the old rules, and have wed “commoners.” European royals have married non-bluebloods before, but the new crop of future queens has crashed through the barriers of convention like a runaway train.

Whether this change turns out to be a formula for survival or will spell doom for Europe’s monarchies in the 21st century remains to be seen (but more on that later).

“European royals have married nonbluebloods before, but the new crop of future queens has crashed through the barriers of convention like a runaway train.”

There was a collective holding of breath in European royal families as their firstborns went to the altar with, in turn, a single mother who was a self-confessed party girl, a lawyer from Tasmania, an economist from Argentina, a speech therapist, and a divorced television newscaster.

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“There was a collective holding of breath in European royal families as their firstborns went to the altar with, in turn, a single mother who was a self-confessed party girl, a lawyer from Tasmania, an economist from Argentina, a speech therapist, and a divorced television newscaster.”

This is not the stuff that royalty is traditionally made of. Still, the feared wave of public opposition failed to materialize: even more encouraging, the various weddings drew applauding crowds in the various capitals.And better yet, the experiment has gained wide public acceptance, even popularity, largely because the women in question are mostly brainier than their royal spouses, and in all cases have yet to put a foot wrong.

Princess Mette Merit won the sympathy of Norwegians on the eve of her 2001 wedding to Norway’s Prince Haakon Magnus with her

televised confession that she had led “quite a wild life.” The Oslo-born blonde tearfully admitted that she had been at parties where drugs were taken – although she stopped short of saying that she had taken any herself. Her son from a former liaison was a page boy at the wedding.

Despite the princess’s colorful past, polls show that the Norwegians have warmed to the young royal couple, and even make allowances for her embarrassing father. Until he was hospitalized with lung cancer he was notorious for “his high profile partying,” marriage to an ex-stripper, and his willing collaboration with gossip magazines, as the Norwegian paper Aftenpost reported only the other day. In other words, he is happy to blab about his daughter’s private life.

Public acceptance of the Norwegian wedding impacted across the royal salons of Europe: if they had any doubts before, other young princes who were in potentially controversial

Above left: Crown Prince Willem Alexander of the Netherlands. His mother Queen Beatrix is one of the world’s wealthiest women.

It’s not called Royal Dutch Shell for nothing. / Above Right: Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, with Australian Princess Mary, who he met at a bar in Sydney. / Below: Karl XVI Gudtav of Sweden and Queen Sylvia. They met at the 1965 New York World’s Fair where she was a guide.

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relationships were encouraged to take the plunge into marriage.

Prince Willem Alexander of the Netherlands went ahead and married Maxima Zurreguieta, an Argentine economist working in Manhattan for Deutsche Bank.The main problem there had not been Maxima herself, although picking a wife from Argentina was considered a bit of a stretch even by the laid back, ultra-liberal Dutch.

This was a case of the sins of the father being visited upon his child. Zurreguieta Sr. had been a cabinet minister during the government of Argentina’s repressive military junta, and the Netherlands government found it unacceptable that he should be linked to their country’s royal family. When the Dutch parliament refused to give its approval for the marriage – a prerequisite for members of the Dutch royal family – Willem Alexander hinted that he would renounce his right to the throne and marry her anyway (his younger brother recently did just that). But in the end a compromise was reached: the prince was allowed to marry Maxima on condition that her father did not attend his daughter’s nuptials.

Even more far fetched, not to say far-flung, was the marriage of 37-year-old Harvardeducated Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark to Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, 34, a lawyer from Australia. They met in a bar during the Sydney Olympics. In a more conventional mode, Crown Prince Philippe of Belgium wed the titled Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acuz: she was a speech therapist before the marriage.

“Even more far fetched, not to say farflung, was the marriage of 37-year-old Harvard-educated Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark to Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, 34, a lawyer from Australia. They met in a bar during the Sydney Olympics.”

Spanish Crown Prince Felipe followed the group, but by a more circuitous route. Mette Merit introduced him to Eva Sunnum, a shapely, blonde Norwegian lingerie model, and their relationship immediately became fodder for the gossip columns. When the model moved to Madrid, sections of the Spanish press raised the alarm. Spain, they warned, did not want a Norwegian nobody as their future queen.

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Under pressure from the media, to say nothing of his parents, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia, the prince – a Georgetown University alumnus – took the highly unusual step of inviting the media to the royal palace and announcing that he had broken off his relationship with Eva Sunnum. The prince was sending a clear message that the Spanish royals pay attention to the sentiments of the people.

“Advisers warned the Spanish royals not to repeat the same mistake the British royal family had made by trying to ignore public reaction to Princess Diana’s death, and they took the advice,” a well-informed Madrid source said.

But a year later Felipe thumbed his princely nose at the traditionalists by becoming engaged to, and eventually marrying, Letizia Ortiz, a 32-year-old Spanish television newscaster – a double break with the past since Letizia was not only the granddaughter of a cab driver, but a divorcee in a nominally 100 percent Catholic country, whose king once had the title of His Most Catholic Majesty.

At least the television star was Spanish and represented a new generation of Spanish career women. Now expecting her second child, she slipped easily into her new role of future queen.

Continuity is especially important for the restored Spanish monarchy, which was brought back in 1977 after more than 50 years of Franco’s dictatorship and could do with a few more years to become firmly grounded.

You know the rules have changed radically when the heir to the British throne can marry a divorced commoner, Camilla Parker-Bowles, and get away with it. Less than 60 years ago, Charles’ great uncle’s marriage to another nonroyal divorcee cost him his throne.The fact that King Edward VIII’s lover, Wallis Simpson, was a foreigner (American) didn’t help either. Even today British royalty still operates on a grander, more formal scale than any other existing monarchy; Britain’s monarch rides in a RollsRoyce; her more informal royal cousins in the Netherlands and Sweden have been known to get about on bicycles. But from all accounts, Prince William, the next in line, is planning to take the changes still further by marrying former fellow student, Elizabeth Catherine (Kate) Middleton, 24, whose mother is a onetime airline stewardess and father the owner of

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Above right: Prince Haakon Magnus, heir to the Norwegian throne, who set a trend by marrying the far-from-royal Mette Merit Tjessem Hoiby; Middle left: Queen Rania of Jordan worked in banking before marrying (then) Prince Abdullah; Middle right: Prince William of Britain, second in line to the throne after his father, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. Below left: A smiling Prince Henry of Britain, William’s younger brother, and – below right – their grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, with husband Prince Philip two steps behind.

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THEY OWE IT ALL TO VICTORIA At the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, when Prince William (officially listed and addressed as Cadet Windsor), or more likely his younger brother Prince Harry, is faulted on parade he is instructed to run to the statue of Queen Victoria located on the school grounds to “confess and apologize,” and then run back. The ritual goes back nearly a century, but for the young princes it has a somewhat different significance. Victoria is their great-great-great-great-grandmother. But then, almost every member of the royal houses of Europe is in some way or other descended from the formidable monarch whose reign lasted for 64 years (1837-1901). She had four sons and five daughters, and she made sure that they all married other royals; and the result is that virtually every reigning monarch today is in the line of succession of at least the British crown, and in some

cases each other’s. For example, Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway descends from Victoria’s granddaughter Maud: he is around number 160 in the British line.

That means that 159 descendants with better claims have to be knocked down by the proverbial bus before he can hope to install himself in Buckingham Palace.

Sweden’s reigning King Karl XVI Gustaf is descended from another of Victoria’s granddaughters, Margaret. Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, and Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands can also trace back a relationship to Victoria. Prince Felipe of Spain is the great-great-grandson of Queen Victoria’s daughter Beatrice, but is barred from the British line of succession because he is a Catholic. His mother, Queen Sofia is descended in her own right through the Empress Victoria of Prussia, Victoria’s eldest daughter. In addition, platoons of German princelings are also descended from the British queen, most of them called George, Friedrich, or August – or all three.

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a medium size party organizing business called “Party Pieces.”

The British media seem to take it for granted that the six-year on-and-off relationship will end at the altar. For Woolworth’s that had better happen: the store chain has 100,000 William-Kate souvenirs already in production, including mugs, plates, mouse mats and plastic dolls.

The 19th century British economist Walter Bagehot, writing about the British Constitution famously warned, “Above all things our royalty is to be reverenced, and if you begin to poke about it you cannot reverence it ... Its mystery is its life.

We must not let in daylight upon the magic.” But Bagehot was not writing in the age of the blog, the telephoto lens and the other modern techniques of privacy invasion. At a time when we are confronted with royal fallibility in real time the mystique of monarch can no longer lie in its mystery. Europe’s monarchies have survived thanks to a talent for reinventing themselves every couple of generations, and that’s what they are doing now.

“The 19th century British economist Walter Bagehot, writing about the British constitution, warned that shedding too much light on the monarchy would destroy its magic.”

Ironically, while the Tom Cruises try to marry behind closed doors, royal weddings are public events with all the king’s horses and all the king’s men.They are also tribal gatherings at which, amid the pomp and circumstance, kings and queens have an opportunity to discuss common problems and compare notes. Monarchs survive if they touch the imagination of the people. Today, the idea of the monarch at the apex of a hierarchical society runs counter to most people’s values – hence the trend towards marrying commoners. European monarchs are still reassuring figures of institutional stability. And who could say that the republican alternatives that Europeans see around them – or across the Atlantic, for that matter – are good advertisements encouraging a change of system?

True the polls from London to Oslo continue to show only qualified support for the monarchical system in the long term.According to recent British polls, for example, the ruling Windsors will have disappeared in 100 years’ time. Isn’t that what was said when Marie Antoinette lost her head?

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P O L LY WO O D

WL SPONSORED

C’EST CHIC! Inaugural D.C. French Festival launches … sans the Freedom Fries October 12 – 28 Presented by The French-American Cultural Foundation, The AFI, La Maison Française and The National Gallery of Art

Flowers from Ultraviolet added to the chic flair of opening night

PHOTOS BY RACHEL SMITH AND KYLE SAMPERTON

C’est Chic D.C. Film Festival Director Lysbeth Sherman and Justice Stephen Breyer

THE EVENT Francophile film buffs rejoice (Yes, Justice Breyer, that means you) — there are French films in Washington, proving just how far we’ve come since Rep. Robert Ney and his commi ee in charge of eateries sprouted the “freedom fries” revolution in March ‘03.

With over 20 feature films, the 1st Annual D.C. French Film Festival offered plenty to digest. Opening night was held at the Embassy of France (or to be more chic, La Maison Française) and featured director Jerôme Cornuau’s 1930’s Untouchables-esque The Tiger Brigades.

The first Saturday of the festival also saw an exclusive event hosted by French Amb. Jean-David Levi e and his wife Marie-Cécile. Films were screened at AFI/Silver in Silver Spring, Md. and at La Maison Française. THE SCENE Who knew that Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s French was so good — something he obviously kept under wraps during his 1994 Senate confirmations. He cha ed fluently on opening night with Amb. Levi e and cultural a aché Roland Cele e. As for his thoughts on the film, well, let’s just say he offered a keen “dissent.” Breyer le shortly a er the film, missing out on the elegant decorations, a live period jazz ensemble and excellent wine (French of course.) The exclusive Saturday night party at the French residence brought out an eclectic crowd, including director Monsieur Cornuau and writer Christopher Hitchens, who stayed focused long enough to enjoy an art tour conducted by the Ambassador. C’est Chic concluded by honoring French short films at the National Gallery of Art and a party at Kolumbia Restaurant downtown. THE PEOPLE Carol Blue, Lysbeth Sherman, Nora Maccoby, Anais de Viel Castel, Amal Zaari, Murray Horwitz and Kimball Stroud.

The Park Hyatt Washington’s Anais de Viel Castel, Kim Luk and Amal Zaari with Avishag Kichel

“UNLIKE AMERICAN CINEMA WHERE YOUTH IS QUEEN, MIOU-MIOU, ISABLLE HUPERT, AND NATHALIE BAYE ARE ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM THE FRENCH CINEMATIC TRADITION THAT CELEBRATES THE ART OF THE ACTRESS AND THE LIVES OF MATURE WOMEN. THE FESTIVAL WAS A SUCCESS IN EVERY WAY AND AFI LOOKS FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR.”

- LORI DONNELLY ASSOCIATE FILM PROGRAMMER AFI SILVER THEATRE & CULTURAL CENTER

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Jamie and Carolyn Stachowski of Kolumbia Restaurant

Enjoying French wine on opening night

Tiffany A. Graham and Cordell Golden

Marie-Cécile Levitte, Caroline Dumas and Amb. Jean David Levitte

CINEMA DIPLOMATIQUE

BY JEAN DAVID LEVITTE AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE

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Romuald Levigneur, Daniel Amaury, Marie Macrez and Marlene Betz

Roland Celette and Aviva Kempner

Doug Eager, Kimball Stroud, Nora Maccoby and Jessica Rockwood

Matt Dutremble and Kristina Lisowski

Dr. Lily Papaianou and Marie Briczi

Sylvain Corneveaux and Laureny Mellier

Carol Blue and Christopher Hitchens

hen we set out to create the first French film festival in Washington D.C., we were faced with many questions and challenges. With the multitude of cultural events already taking place, was there room in Washington for yet another festival? If yes, then when would the festival take place, and what would we call it?

To answer the first question, there was but one answer: a French film festival in America’s capital was long-overdue. Then, with its vibrant colors and cool breezes, autumn seemed the natural time.

One can almost taste the crisp Parisian air while walking by the Seine, warmed by a scarf and a companion. And with a glamorous opening night soirée at the Embassy of France coupled with numerous other events surrounding the festival, it became self-evident that the name would come from its very spirit: chic! The Embassy was truly privileged to welcome Jerôme Cornuau, an acclaimed French director, to present his new film The Tiger Brigades at our opening night gala. Mr. Cornuau also took part in master classes at local universities, reaching out to the next generation of film-makers.The exchange between Cornuau and those who participated was dynamic and warm, and provided a unique view into the world of film from the eyes behind the camera.

I would like to thank all Washingtonians for enthusiastically embracing this festival, and I join them in looking forward with great anticipation to the second annual C’est Chic 2007 Festival.

Contact: www.la-maison-francais; Frenchfilm.festivaldc@diplomatie.gouv.fr

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THE TIGER BRIGADES/ LES BRIGADESDU TIGRE FRANCE – MINUTES DIRECTED BY JEROME CORNUAU

Jerôme Cornuau and Jacques Drucker

FRENCH FILM DIRECTOR

JERÔME CORNUAU OF

The Tiger Brigades

BY JANET DONOVAN

Vive la difference! Once asked what the difference between French and American films was, syndicated film critic Roger Ebert replied: “American films are about plots. French films are about people.” When asked the same question, director Jerome Cornuau said: “The difference is probably with the subject.

American films are often lighter.”

Surprisingly, he likes American blockbusters because “the scripts are so well written with many good actors.” As for his own work?

“My first films were not well written, so I tried to learn.The Tiger Brigades, which was my third film, is a mix between an American film and a real French film – a bit of entertainment with a kind of political story with values inside.”

While he does not believe that romance is necessary for a good film, he does appreciate the Dr. Zhivago and Titanic factor.

“For example, I like to have a cold woman who is very warm inside.” His next film, an adaptation of a French novel, follows a group of people for 20 years as they pursue their dreams. And yes, everything is possible. “I started at the bottom; I’ve done my “military” service [something not even John Kerry would joke about] in the cinema and also followed my dreams.” Voila!

SAVE THE DATE To close a rich year of French cinema in D.C., La Maison Française is presenting a “La Cinémathèque” featuring a double-feature evening on December 14 to introduce two “classics” of the French comedy genre, as well as “le vin chaud” (mulled wine) between films!

FILM Les Bronzés (French Fried Vacation), Directed by Patrice Leconte and Le Père Noël est une ordure (Santa Claus is a Louse), Directed by Jean-Marie Poiré WHEN December 14 at 6:30 8:45 p.m. at La Maison Française RESERVATION REQUIRED

Culturel.washington-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr FILM: Violence des échanges en milieu tempéré (Work Hard, Play Hard) WHEN December 20 at 8 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre TICKETS www.theavalon.org 92

What is the link between a fatal bank heist, an ambitious prince, an opera premiere, the chief of police and the Triple Alliance between England, France and Russia? Set in BelleEpoque Paris against a backdrop of political and international intrigue, The Tiger Brigades is the modern adaptation of a legendary TV series which tells the story of Inspector Photo courtesy of TF1 International Valentin and his men as they battle against corrupt civil servants, anarchist gangsters and Constance, the manipulative wife of a Russian prince.

Amidst a chaotic and murderous web of deceit and greed, they race against the clock to protect national security, and perhaps to even prevent war.

LE PETIT LIEUTENANT FRANCE – MINUTES DIRECTED BY XAVIER BEAUVOIS

A grim and realistic look at the lives of several members of an elite Parisian police unit. Police academy graduate Antoine (Jalil Lespert) is so keen to tackle crimes head-on that he leaves his wife in Normandy to join a plainclothes unit in Paris. His new colleagues greet his enthusiasm Photo courtesy of Cinema Guild with condescension, but he impresses Commandant Vaudieu (Nathalie Baye). When the unit investigates a murder, Antoine’s passion and his partner’s disinterest lead to a tragedy that rocks the department.

IN PARIS /DANS PARIS FRANCE – MINUTES DIRECTED BY CHRISTOPHE HONORE

After breaking up with his long-time girlfriend, Paul moves back to his father’s place in Paris. Depressed and lethargic, he remains housebound.

The father and younger brother try their best to help Guillaume get over his break-up. Meanwhile the Parisians are preparing their Christmas celebrations.

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P O L LY WO O D

BY JAN ET DONOVAN

HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC Whistling Dixie, a knockout punch for domestic abuse, an unHappy Meal and more

The Chicks vs. Bush You’d have to be a

hobbit living in a Tolkien novel not to know about the controversy surrounding The Dixie Chicks. The country music trio roller-coasted to personas non-gratas after singer Natalie Maines publicly criticized fellow Texan George W. Bush on the invasion of Iraq during a London performance. Their meteoric rise and fall was the impetus for Harvey Weinstein’s flick The Dixie Chicks: Shut Up & Sing.

Presented by the Center for American Progress with co-director Barbara Kopple, the film chronicles The Chicks by following the film’s poster tagline: “Freedom of speech is fine, as long as you don’t do it in public.”

“I never in a million years would have dreamt saying that would have resulted in everything that followed,” explained Maines. Now, they’re back on top of their game with “Taking the Long Way”.

Close Up Just about the only brunettes among

800 women at the 13th Annual Knock-Out Abuse Gala were the polo players and their horses parked outside the entrance of The Ritz Carlton Hotel, where the evening’s theme was “Polo Argentina”.

“They warned me about you,” emcee Leon Harris told the crowd. “This is Las Vegas, right?”

Tom Cruise impersonator and filmmaker Archie 93

Drury (“They had me at hello,” he said of the gala attendees) got to the real point of the evening: Domestic violence and honoree Yvette Cade.

“Just so you’re not The Washington Post,” said Robert Duvall when asked for a few comments.

Which came first: Argentina or the Tango?

“Tango and then my wife,” said Duvall of his Argentine born writer/director/actress wife Luciana Pedrazza.

Players: Argentine Ambassador Jose Octavio Bordon and his wife Monica; Co-founders Jill Sorensen and Cheryl Masri; event chair Holly Muldoon; and Hollidae Hayes.

Desi’s girl Luci Arnaz’s dazzling rendition of

“They’re Playing My Song” with Robert Klein was a showstopper at The Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Tribute honoring playwright Neil Simon.

The sheer volume of Neil’s work is overwhelming as were the tributes by Robert Redford, Matthew Broderick, Richard Dreyfuss, Jason Alexander and Mercedes Ruehl.

Where’s the beef? Places you don’t want to

know about, according to Fast Food Nation which premiered in Washington with author Eric Schlosser present.

His 2001 book examines the dark side of the fast food industry and the harsh reality of what happens to illegal immigrants who end up in processing plants. The underlying food for thought is: Do you want lies with that?

The all star cast includes Kris Kristofferson, Bruce Willis, Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, Luis Guzman, Greg Kinnear, Avril Lavigne and Wilmer Valderrama.

There is no “Happy Meal” ending. “It’s too complex,” said director Richard Linklater at the posh Agraria after-party where guests dined

on veggie-burgers for obvious reasons. “If it had a nice ending it would have been like walking out of Al Gore’s Inconvenient Truth and saying ‘Al Gore’s got it all taken care of.’ I’ve never ended a movie on a freeze frame before.You have to look at that image though – a cheerful bag of burgers – and wonder what’s behind it.” Fries please.

RFK Remembered Don’t bother looking for Paris Hilton in Emilio Estevez’s political drama Bobby, the star-studded depiction of fictional characters at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on the night of Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination – she’s not in it, but just about everyone else in the 90210 zip code is. Kudos to Sharon Stone,William Macy and Demi Moore.

Although the film earned standing ovations at the Venice Film Festival, the celebrity overload seems like Jack in the Box on Rodeo Drive.

Fortunately, Robert Kennedy was such an inspirational icon that it doesn’t matter. See it, if only to remember what real passion sounds like.

The audience at The Goethe Institute’s screening hosted by Clinton Social Secretary Capricia Marshall was a Kennedy love fest. “I came to Washington in 1962. Ted Kennedy was a 30 year old freshman from Boston,” said Terri Robinson. “The country was innocent and alive with hope.”

It was also a country soon divided. The historic backdrop of the tumultuous ’60s is a grim reminder not only of how history repeats itself, but how well it does so.

Above, left to right– The Dixie Chicks: Shut up and Sing follows the country group through turbulent times / Robert Duvall at the 13th annual Knock Out Abuse Gala / Lucie Arnaz at the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Tribute to playwright Neil Simon / Movie poster from Emilio Estevez’s film Bobby

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WL ARTS

Elvis in ’56 Alfred Wertheimer’s photographs of Elvis Presley are a national treasure; they are a unique visual record of the most exciting and influential performer of our time.

C H R I S M U R R AY, OW N E R G OV I N DA G A L L E RY

T

aken in 1956, Alfred Wertheimer’s photographs document Elvis Presley at the quintessential moment of his explosive appearance onto the cultural landscape. After the photos in this book were taken, no photographer ever again had the access to Elvis that Wertheimer enjoyed. Wertheimer has described his photographs as “the first and last look at the day-to-day life of Elvis Presley.” Apart from Elvis’ own recordings from this period,Wertheimer’s photographs are the most compelling vintage document of Elvis in 1956, the year the young man from Memphis would shake up the world. Elvis at 21: New York to Memphis is an extraordinary record of how these two storytellers’ lives came together: a twenty-one-year-old singer on the verge of fame and fortune crossing paths with a twenty-six-year-old photographer about to document a legend.

Wertheimer’s photographs resonate so splendidly because of his awareness and sensitivity as a skilled photographer, qualities that complemented his charismatic subject. Elvis Presley invented the rock ’n’ roll persona as we know it. Both on stage and off, he defined the very notion of “rock style.” Everyone in rock music still owes a debt to Elvis, especially from that magical time in 1956 depicted in Al’s photographs.

From the Beatles to the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan to Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen to Patti Smith, Joe Strummer to Bono…it all goes back to Elvis in 1956. Elvis was beautiful, his voice was amazing, and his music, an electrifying synthesis of rhythm and blues, gospel, and country, was rock ’n’ roll at its very finest.

These photographs of Elvis Presley are without a doubt the most important and compelling images ever taken of ELVIS GETS ADVICE the greatest rock icon of all time. No other photographer FROM WILLIAM MORRIS has ever come closer to catching Elvis Presley’s magic than Studio 50, New York March 17, 1956 Alfred Wertheimer.

ELVIS ON HIS HARLEY

Shefield, Alabama July 4, 1956

THE KISS

Mosque Theatre, Richmond, Va. June 30, 1956

SAVE THE DATE Alfred Wertheimer’s “Elvis at 21: New York to Memphis” runs through December 30 at Govinda Gallery, 1227 34th Street; 202-333-1180; www.govindagallery.com

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“Before Elvis, there was nothing.”

– John Lennon

LIVE PERFORMANCE OF BLUE SUEDE SHOES New York March 17, 1956

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DRIVING FROM THE JEFFERSON HOTEL TO THE MOSQUE THEATER

Richmond, Va. June 30, 1956

ELVIS READING FAN MAIL Warwick Hotel, New York March 17, 1956

A R T AT A U C T I O N

A Collectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peace Edward Hicksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Final Iconic Peaceable Kingdom Painting to be sold in January

anuary is the month for those seeking to acquire top-notch examples of Americana at auction. Fine American furniture, folk art and a wide variety of collectibles entice collectors to come to New York to bid in the sales at both Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Christieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a painted chessboard or a weathervane in the form of a cricket, these acquisitors stand their ground and bid competitively on the object of their desire.

For folk art aficionados, the most coveted painting that could be added to a collection

SOLD IN JANUARY OF

BY CHRISTIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THAT PAINTING THAT WAS SOLD AT AUCTION WAS HAMMERED DOWN IN FOR A RECORD PRICE OF

OVER TWICE ITS PRE-SALE ESTIMATE would certainly be one of the Peaceable Kingdom paintings by Edward Hicks, who is considered by art historians to be the greatest and possibly most influential American folk artist. Born in Buckstown, Pennsylvania, Hicks was a popular Quaker minister who also came to have a successful ornamental painting business decorating coaches, signboards, furniture and decorative household objects. His first easel

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of the drama he witnessed in his world. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kidâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;This is the final resolution for Hicks and a summation of what he wanted to convey to people. A world where acceptance is the only path to peace.

Obviously, it is very relevant message for the world today.â&#x20AC;?

A Peaceable Kingdom painting holds the

world auction record for a painting in the Folk Art collecting field. Sold in January of 1999

by Christieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, that painting exceeded over twice its pre-sale estimate of $1.5 to $2 million when it was hammered down for $4,732,500. The conservative pre-sale estimate for this iconic painting is $3 to $4 million and it is expected to exceed the previous record for the artist.

Aboveâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Edward Hicks (1790 - 1849), The Peaceable Kingdom executed in 1849, Oil on canvas, 24 3/32 x 30 5/8 inches, US$3,000,000 - 4,000,000

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PH OTO COU RTE SY O F CH RISTIE â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LT D.

BY RENEE HARRISON DRAKE

painting was a composition called The Peaceable Kingdom and he went on to do over 65 different variations on that particular subject during his life.

Although he also painted historical compositions such as Washington crossing the Delaware and the Indians signing the Penn Treaty, the popular Peaceable Kingdom paintings became a looking glass into the schism that plagued the Quaker community and concerned Hicks who was, above all else, a religious man who embraced the idea that peace in the world was possible.

The last Pe a c e a b l e Kingdom painting that Hicks completed a few days before his death in 1849 will be for sale at Chr istieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s I m p o r t a n t Americana sale held on January 20.The impeccable provenance of the painting is unbroken as it descended directly from Hicksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; daughter Elizabeth, who was also a minister, to her brother and then directly down through his direct heirs to the present Hicks descendant.

According to John Hays, director of American folk art at Christieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s,â&#x20AC;&#x153;Edward Hicksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; imagination and inspiration is unique in the annals of folk art history. The painting is his final and most powerful sermon on the prophecy of Isaiah. In this final composition, the menagerie of animals seems content to exit the stage on which they had repeatedly acted out Hicksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interpretation

CONNOISSEUR

`Tis Time to Wine and Dine The holidays are here – and that means great gatherings and delicious wines.

Entertain with taste and aplomb with the following picks from the “Simple & Savvy Wine Guide”

BY LESLIE SBROCCO

DISH

BEST BUYS UNDER

LUXURY OPTIONS OVER

Appetizers

Segura Viudas “Aria” Brut Cava, Spain $10 Special because: complex and affordable Spanish sparkling wine

Kluge Estate, “SP” Brut Sparkling Wine, Monticello, Virginia $38 Special because: made from Chardonnay, it’s reminiscent of French Champagne

www.seguraviudasusa.com

www.klugeestateonline.com

Dr. Frank Semi-Dry Riesling Finger Lakes, New York $17 Special because: lightly-sweet sipper from one of New York’s best wineries

Inman Family, Pinot Gris Russian River Valley, California $25 Special because: from naturally-farmed grapes, this wine is smooth yet fresh

www.drfrankwines.com

www.inmanfamilywines.com

A to Z Pinot Noir Oregon $18 Special because: smooth, succulent and spicy

Kosta Browne, Pinot Noir “Kanzeler Vineyard” Sonoma Coast, California $50 Special because: coveted Pinot with power and silky finesse

www.atozwineworks.com

www.kostabrowne.com

Turkey

Ham

Roast Beef

Desserts

APEX II, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley, Washington $16 Special because: supple and rich red that delivers quality

DeLille Cellars, “Doyenne” Syrah Red Mountain, Washington $48 Special because: intense and concentrated with smoky notes

www.apexcellars.com

www.delillecellars.com

Bonny Doon, Muscat “Vin de Glacière” California $15 (half bottle) Special because: lightly sweet wine to pour with cheeses and dessert

Inniskillen, Vidal, Ice Wine Niagara Peninsula, Canada $55 (half bottle) Special because: sweet, rich dessert wine from Vidal grapes

www.bonnydoonvineyard.com

www.inniskillin.com

Kimpton Hotel wine expert Leslie Sbrocco’s latest book, The Simple and Savvy Wine Guide – a follow up to her 2003 book, Wine for Women – comes just in the nick of time, as wine neophytes struggle to pair the right vino with their holiday meals.

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T IP S • One standard-sized bottle of wine serves 4-6 glasses. A more festive option is to serve wine from larger magnums, which hold 2 bottles of wine.

• To prevent party mix-ups, use a china marker to write guests names on the bottom of their wine glasses. Simply wipe off before washing stemware.

• Quickly chill down a bottle of bubbly or white wine by immersing in a bucket of half ice and half cold water.

• Use small dessert wine glasses filled with a selection of nuts for creative presentation during cocktail hour.

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T R AV E L

My dream of traveling to Africa began, strangely enough, at a doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm in Poolsville, Md. I sat sipping champagne looking at a stuffed lion and lioness, little souvenirs from their African hunting trip, similar to the creatures that I had been enchanted by at the Museum of Natural History.

In rare form, I was quiet while I listened to the doctor and his wife relay tales of hunting on big game safaris. I found it to be thrilling â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to me Africa represented the wild and the untamed. It was a forbidden fruit; an unknown territory for me. I wanted to go.

20 DAYS in Africa On Safari with the Orient Express in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe B Y K AT I E TA R B O X 100

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‘‘A

frica?” my friends said with a sense shock as we sipped our cosmopolitans.“Yes, Africa, and I want you to join me,” I retorted. After a few quizzical looks, and a few more drinks, my excitement and enthusiasm was enough to coax my friend Ashley Taylor to join me on a dream trip and I reached out to the Orient Express travel compnay to help plan this adventure.

WEEK ONE BIG FIVE DREAMING After injections of everything from hepatitis to measles vaccines, we were on our way and I was out of my comfort zone. I felt anxious and nervous before to the trip even though I had been to remote parts of Thailand and Asia. I bought over $300 of medication from my CVS fearing I would never see a drug store again. I even made it a point to visit my parents the weekend before I left after hearing odd stories of people spontaneously dying or being attacked by villages while on safari.

Our safari began in Johannesburg after 20 hours of flying and a connection through Heathrow.There is no quick and easy way to get to Africa. South African Airways offers one direct flight from Dulles, but it’s usually double the fare of flying through Europe. From Johannesburg we traveled to a small airport, KMIA, in the Kruger National Park then transferred to a chartered flight that would eventually take us to the legendary private game reserve Mala Mala.

When I conjured up going on chartered flights, I thought of luxury, privacy and going to remote places. I wasn’t thinking I would be on a four-person plane the size of a small boat that looked like it didn’t belong in the air. I held my breath and closed my eyes tightly for almost the entire 20-minute flight to our camp, the Mala Mala Game Preserve. As we began our descent, I opened my eyes enough to see a herd of elephants traveling toward a river.A sudden sense of calm made me realize why I came to Africa: getting a chance to see the Big Five — the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros and being overwhelmed by the beauty of an unspoiled country.

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I chose Mala Mala, the largest and oldest of the private game reserves in the Sabi Sand Game area, for its reputation for luxury and great Big Five viewing. While many safari camps are popping up in the Sabi Sand area with unreal amenities (day spas, five-star cuisine), I wanted something more authentic but comfortable. It’s an unspoken guarantee that you will see all five of the mammals during your stay.

ON SAFARI July in South Africa is winter, and I bundled up in my warmest Patagonia fleece, North Face jacket, gloves and hat for our first game drive.

Temperatures at dusk were near freezing. Even after I covered myself in blankets, I was shivering as the 16-seat open roof Range Rover pulled up with a rifle atop its hood. Our ranger Andrew, a handsome young “chap” from South Africa, took one look at us eyeing the rather imposing gun, laughed and assured us he’d never had to use it.

We traveled at about 40 miles per hour across the bush and over streams until our game tracker spotted “dung.”The car came to a halt and Andrew jumped out to inspect. “It’s fresh,” he explained. I was never been so excited to see feces before — it meant a lion was close. Our tracker jumped out of the car, rifle in hand, walked a few yards and found prints — also fresh — the car quickly took off like in a scene from “Jurassic Park” to follow the tracks till we saw a male lion resting in tall grass.We pulled so close that I could have almost touched it.

“They are used to the cars, but if you get out, they will eat in less than five minutes,” Andrew explained rather matter-of-factly. I didn’t move at all as I rapidly shot snaps with my digital camera.

Suddenly, the king of the jungle began roaring … actually he more bellowed like he was in pain or constipated. Before the night was over, we had seen over 100 baboons, many giraffe and a rare monkey that looked more like a bat than monkey.

GAME TO EAT Secretly I dreamed I would contract a rare parasite from eating meat that would allow me to lose 20 pounds in three weeks.The reality was in the middle of Africa I was eating proscuitto, mozzarella, creamy mashed potatoes and crusty bread. It wasn’t Citronelle or Cityzen, but it was as good as some of Washington’s finer restaurants. I remarked to Ashley that we could be the elephant viewing when we got back the food was so delicious.

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AFRICAN TRAVEL TIPS GET VACCINATED

Foxhall Immunizations, (202)362-4467, ext. 240, can review your itinerary and determine what shots are appropriate. There are about five shots required for African travel. Malaria pills are necessary for most destinations in Southern Africa.

BRING SMALL ITEMS

Bring T-shirts, pants sneakers, crayons, batteryoperated gadgets and paper. Locals were more excited about bargaining with physical goods than cash. For my puma sneakers, I could have gotten a lifetime supply of hand-carved salad tongs.

BUDGET ACCORDINGLY

One hotel general manager told me, “Plan your trip, cut your itinerary in half and double your budget.”

An average luxury African safari for two starts at about $25,000, the itinerary for three people was about $60,000.

TRAVEL IN U S SUMMER TO AVOID MOSQUITOS

June to August is the most ideal time to head to Africa because it is their winter, and there are very few mosquitoes.

PACK AS LITTLE AS YOU CAN Most of the chartered flights only allow you to bring 20 kilos, and they mean it. We had to leave our co-pilot behind in Botswana in order to accommodate our luggage!

Top to bottom: Male lions roam alone in the Kruger National Park, which has frequent “big five” viewing. / The Orient Express’s Westcliffe hotel overlooks the city of Johannesburg, which has become the gateway for luxury safaris.

At one dinner, I mentioned that my my Beef Wellington had a strong taste. Our guide leaned over and said: “You remember seeing the deer at about noon today, the Kodu?” I nodded back affirmative.“You’re eating Kodu Wellington” I won’t lie. I became slightly disgusted — I was devouring Bambi Wellington … and it tasted rather good.

The camp workers ended the night with traditional songs around a campfire while I sipped a fine South African pinot noir, and soon we were off to bed after a very successful first day on safari.The rooms were luxurious, the sheets were French linens, and the bathroom was ensconced in marble. I marveled at how they were able to construct a five-star luxury accommodation deep in the heart of nowhere.

and the city now is also home to many galleries and museums. The Nelson Mandela Apartheid Museum (www. apartheidmuseum.org) is highly recommended.

There are a few solid choices in Johannesburg, but perhaps one of the best is La Belle Terrasse at the Westcliffe. The elegant restaurant deftly combines European and traditional African dishes, for example steaks rubbed with a combination of local spices.

The hotel is a former upscale apartment building with a homey feel comfortably large rooms and separate lounge areas.A small spa, tennis courts and a state-of-the-art business center are also featured.

BOTSWANA BOUND MORNING BIRDS

CONTACT INFORMATION AND RATES MALA MALA

P.O. MalaMala, Skukuza, 1353, South Africa Telephone: + 27 13 735 9200 maincamp@iafrica.com Fodor’s 2006 Top Ten Hotels to stay at worldwide Rates begin at $1,000 per person per night.

THE ORIENT EXPRESS’S THE WESTCLIFFE

67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa Telephone: +27 (0)11 481 6000 reservations@westcliff.co.za Rates begin at $350 per night.

ORIENT EXPRESS SAFARIS

P.O. Box 786432, Sandton, 2146, South Africa Telephone: +27 (0)11 274 1800 reservations@orient-express-safaris.co.za Rates begin at $1,000 per person per night.

VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL

Mallet Drive, P.O. Box 10, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Telephone: (263 13) 44751/60, 44203/5 reservations@tvfh.zimsun.co.zw A member of the Leading Hotels of the World Rates begin at $200 per night.

THE ORIENT EXPRESS’S MOUNT NELSON HOTEL 76 Orange Street, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, 8001 Telephone: +27 21 483 1000 Email: reservations@mountnelson.co.za Rates begin range from $175 - $5,500 per night.

Top to bottom: Rooms at Mala Mala contain all of the luxuries of fine hotels including marble bathrooms and fresh linens. / The pool at the Khwai River Lodge is a perfect place to relax in between game drives.

“Knock, knock,” Andrew chirped entirely too enthusiastically for 5:30 a.m. It was time for our sunrise safari. In winter, morning safaris begin at 6 a.m. sharp, while during summer, departure is at 5 a.m.The afternoon heat becomes unbearable and game viewing is best in the mornings. Over the next three days, we spent up to ten hours a day bumping through the bush while clinging to the safety of our Range Rover. I had transformed from the girl refusing to ride in my ex-boyfriend’s Hummer to counting down for the next game drive in the Range Rover.

Sometimes we stopped for cocktails and snacks in the bush, but for the most part we were traveling to find and observe game.We were fortunate enough to see the big five in one day! Sitting in a car, where the only goal was to watch animals and soak in the beautiful African landscape, was surprisingly more relaxing than being on a Caribbean beach.At night, Ashley, Katherine and I would sit under the sky and drinking South African wine. It was the most fun I’ve ever had.

WEEK TWO ONTO SOUTH AFRICA From Mala Mala we traveled back to Johannesburg where we over-nighted at the Westcliffe before starting our tour with Orient Express (which has become a leader in the African safari tours.) The chic boutique hotel provided a chance to catch our breath and relax. Johannesburg, has become the de facto gateway for luxury safaris,

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We traveled to Botswana on the Orient Express, which is not exactly roughing it, since the renown travel company takes pride in taking care of guests’ every need. (Everything on the Orient Express safaris are all inclusive, while the $1,000 per person per night rates are not cheap, that everything is taken care of and safe.) We first landed in Maun and then connected via charter flight to the Orient Express Khwai River Lodge on the Okvongo Delta. On arrival, we were greeted by elephants playing in the distance.

Botswana is known for concentrations of large mammals, especially buffalo and hippos.

Khwai River Lodge is so remote that it is only reachable by a satellite phone that costs over $50 a minute, which meant that while I safaried, I simultaneously recovered from my Blackberry addiction (I haven’t relapsed since my return.)

The 5-room lodge sits on the edge of a leadwood and fig tree forest. The rooms are elegant tents raised on wooden platforms with traditional African thatched roofs. There is heating and air conditioning along with all the amenities of a modern hotel: fully-stocked minibar, room service, etc. At night, the maids put a very snuggle-able teddy bear shaped hot-water bottle under our covers. Though there were no stores for hundreds of miles, I never thought about what I didn’t have with me. It made me realize the difference between luxuries that are necessities (a large walk in marble shower) and others that are frivolous (my Prada handbags).

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SAFARI 2.0 The Orient Express operates safaris at a more leisurely pace than in Kruger. While some safari camps micro-chip and bait animals, or stock their grounds, the Orient Express relies on expert guide know-how. It works. We spotted crocodiles and hippos as well as a large hundred-strong herd of buffalo in the bush.

Typically, viewing such large numbers of game only occurs in Kenya, which is known for its annual zebra crossing.

Our safari ended at the Orient Express’s Eagle Island Camp. It’s similar to the Khwai River lodge in that there are twelve small bungalows overlooking a river. Unlike camps that only offer hour-long game drives, Eagle Island Camp provides options such as an afternoon sunset marsh cruise, canoe rides and walking safaris. Our guide told us that we should treat lions like house dogs as we were tromping around in the bush.

At night, we sipped cocktails and watched hippos frolic at the Fish Eagle Bar, which the New York Times voted as “one of the most romantic bars in the world.” Our evening concluded with a seated dinner under the stars.

Some guests stayed up late around the campfire, but my friends and I retired early in anticipation of another early morning wake-up call.

Our good-night sleep rewarded us with one of trip’s more memorable days. We traveled to a village in the middle of the Okovongo Delta where local villagers built huts using aluminum cans and then cemented them using dirt from moist termite mounds. Although near-freezing, the children wore only T-shirts. We are all impressed by the intricately hand-woven baskets the women in the village sell to tourists.

as impressive as the falls. It has a rich history, having hosted both European queens and kings over the years. The exquisite colonial-era décor makes us all feel like royalty and the grand ballroom transported us back to a bygone era.

There many activities around the falls including guided elephant tours (about $100 per person, arranged through the hotel) and whitewater rafting (also about $100). There is even a zipline over the falls, which my travel companions went across and lived to tell me it was “the most awesome experience” of their lives.

CAPE CRUSADERS Our trip wound down in Capetown, a modern coastal city reminiscent of San Francisco with its quaint cafes and unique art galleries. We were able to jam a day of touring the Cape of Good Hope and wine-tastings, but it was rushed.

South African vineyards have become popular destinations, and there are several vineyards that are worth a visit. One of them, Klein Constantia, was Napoleon’s favorite vineyard and the only wine he took with him when he was exiled.

We stayed at the Mount Nelson, the “pink gem” of Capetown. Like the other Orient Express hotels, it has many unique touches, right down to the cute elephant-patterned toilet paper, and a butler even named, “Princess.” The rooms are large and comfortable. My only complaint was that the Internet connection was not wireless.

The hotel serves an impressive complimentary breakfast and The Star Gazer Lounge is very hip (Leonardo DiCaprio had just finished his stay a few days before we arrived).The concierges help with trip planning and will guide to many downtown boutiques which sell animal goods (ostrich leather items, carved wooden pieces, etc.).

FALLING OVER ZIMBABWE

DREAM REALIZED

From Botswana we flew north to the Zimbabwe border and headed to one of the seven wonders of world: Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe is a land of contradictions.We were questioned heavily at the border, and were surprised to learn locals wouldn’t accept their own currency, and instead demanded U.S. dollars.The current political climate notwithstanding, this part of Zimbabwe is safe — tourism is a vital part of the economy there.

The locals went out of their way to welcome us. Our hotel, The Victoria Falls Hotel is almost

Before I left for Africa, most who described the continent to did so in superlatives. I was afraid to put great expectations on the trip, but it’s ok, because in terms of vacation there are few experiences that are as exotic, luxurious and, quite honestly, overwhelming. Spotting the Big Five, experiencing luxury hotels and witnessing extraordinary natural wonders make traveling to Africa a rare opportunity, and certainly one of the most memorable travel experiences one can have.

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Top to bottom: A view of the Kruger National Park at Mala Mala. / At the Orient Express’s Khwai River Lodge, guests can enjoy massages. / Afternoon cocktails in the bush in Botswana with The Orient Express safaris.

WL BEAUTY

Beauty of the Ages Face to Face with the Med Spa Evolution

BY KENDRA GILBERT

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lies in its multifaceted approach to beauty: cosmetic procedures coupled with calming spa treatments.

Not to mention less downtime than more invasive plastic surgeries – think tummy tucks and nose jobs – that require weeks of recuperation.

From Botox to laser hair removal, med spas offer a variety of cosmetic procedures, performed at the hands of well trained doctors and medical professionals. All that minus the harsh lights and cold sterile rooms of more conventional surgery centers. The wallet also gets a break, as most procedures performed at med spas cost significantly less than their slice-and-dice predecessors.

With a more comprehensive approach to beauty that emphasizes total health and well being, med spas are a welcomed change from the plastic surgery boom of the ‘90s. The process continues outside of the spa as well, with a variety of medical grade beauty products offered to help keep up the new look.

It may not be the face of beauty that’s changing, but the regimen behind that beauty. Even Elizabeth Taylor had to adjust her daily routine to keep her features flawless.

And while the med spa industry continues to enjoy a healthy growth spurt, it’s likely the next evolution of beauty is just around the corner.

lizabeth Taylor’s beauty is said to be classic.Timeless, even.The women she portrayed on film were themselves icons of beauty. Like Cleopatra before her, and the beauties who came after, the means by which beauty is maintained and retained have taken many forms over the years. In today’s busy world, where the work week extends well beyond 40 hours, it has become harder to find time for beautification in between all those power lunches, board meetings and children’s dance recitals.

That was before the med spa.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that the med spa trend really began to catch on. Since that time, they have become tranquil bastions of health and beauty offering a retreat from the fast pace of everyday life for busy women – and men – everywhere. Like the sands of time, and those used by ancient Egyptians to slough off dead skin, the beauty business is entering and new phase and med spas are its latest evolution.

The key to the recent success of the med spa

BEAUTY THROUGH THE AGES — A TIMELINE 600 B.C.

The writing’s on the wall. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs depict primitive rhinoplasty. The Egyptians were also known to exfoliate their skin using handfuls of sand.

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2nd Century

Renowned Greek physician Galen develops the first cold cream, a mixture of beeswax, olive oil, and rose water.

18th Century

Elizabethan beauty meant powdered pale skin and no freckles, which were said to be remedied using elder leaves, birch sap and sulphur. Years later Oliver Wendell Holmes would write, “This little speck, the British Isles?

‘Tis but a freckle, never mind it.”

19th Century

Bathing in England becomes popular following the lead of George IV, although Cleopatra and Elizabeth I previously praised the benefits of milk baths.

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LOCAL MED SPA HOTSPOTS

Vibradermabrasion medical facials at WellMedica are especially popular among Washington embassy diplomats and New York Models

Washington Wizards and Capitals players are clients at Renu

MED SPA

DOCTOR

Dima Ali, M.D. The George Washington University School of Medicine; Fellow ASMLS; Faculty/Scientific Advisor, American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine

WELLMEDICA Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine 1801 Robert Fulton Dr., Suite 540 Reston,Va. 20191 703-787-9866 www.wellmedica.com

RENU

Philip S. Schoenfeld, M.D., F.A.C.S. M.D. from New York Medical College

5454 Wisconsin Ave. Chevy Chase, Md. 20815 301-652-7368 www.renudc.com

RADIANCE

Lynese Lawson, D.O. Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Oklahoma State University

8201 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, Md. 301-652-4772 www.radiancemd.com

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21st Century

The first silicone breast implants are introduced.

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Reality TV shows featuring cosmetic surgery become fashionable. Fictional dramas also jump on the makeover bandwagon.

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Spa and Clinical services, such as the IPL Photofacial, are available at Radiance

SIGNATURE PROCEDURE

Vibradermabrasion; Prices start at $225

PRODUCT LINES

PHILOSOPHY

Epiceuticals, prescription and cosmeceutical products, including Dr. Ali’s highly sought after anti-aging “miracle” cream; $11-$225

“In restoring your skin and overall health, we are essentially restoring comfort, piece of mind and empowering our patients to lead healthier, happier lives.”

NeoStrata, Neova, Obagi, SkinCeuticals, PCA of Arizona; $10-$128

“Provide the highest quality treatments available in a relaxing stress-free environment.”

Zents customizable fragrances, sprays, lotions, soaps, and candles; $9-$50

“Radiance is about combining anti-aging aesthetic medicine with traditional spa services. In essence, beauty starting from the inside out.”

SilkPeel Dermal Infusion; $150

Pumpkin Peel; $125

2003

The med spa trend first gains popularity.

2006

A new biography of Elizabeth Taylor reveals the actress had a nose job in her 20s at the urging of studio execs at MGM. Other famous faces rumored to have been nipped and tucked by the same doctor: Natalie Wood and Marilyn Monroe.

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

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DIPLOMATIC DANCE Popular ambassadors say goodbye, fashion without borders and rum and cigars – a Dominican treat

The Gypsy Life of Diplomacy

When ambassadors arrive in Washington, everyone knows they must one day leave. For the good ones, their departure is always too soon and by this New Year’s Eve many favorites will be gone.

Jordan’s Karim and Luma Kawar have been feted all fall and those parties are featured in this issue along with the Ambassador’s thoughts on how he and Luma plan to export American volunteerism to Jordan. Iceland’s Heba and Helgi Agustsson left even before Halloween trick-or-treaters could knock on their door.

“Rip,” as close friends call Cypriot Amb. Euripides Evriviades, and his delightful wife “Nasia” (Anastasia), are so beloved that they had

no less than 19 farewell events, including their own to which four cabinet members, dozens of Hill headliners and as many ambassadors poured into their Kalorama Residence on November 1st and stayed until 1:30 a.m.! This sentimental diplomat also traveled home with Rep. Phil English, where Rip was high school student body president in Butler, Pa. Then the Ambassador, an avid motorcyclist, took one last spin through Shenandoah before shipping his favorite “Hog” home.

Portugal’s Pedro and Cheryl Catarino leave American soil on December 5 but hope to return this coming June with Portugal’s leaders for the Freer Gallery’s splashy Portuguese extravaganza, Encompassing the Globe.This cheery ambassador opened Portugal’s new chancery at 2012 Mass. Ave. N.W., and at home in his new position will be “following the money on state projects within Portugal.”

Before Christmas, Belgium’s Baron Frans van Daele and Baroness (Christiane) Van Daele leave their idyllic Foxhall residence “Marly” after 4 ½ years here. He will be

Do You Know Embassy Row? • While the Cypriot Ambassador collects and rides Harleys (over 35 miniature replicas and two big “Hogs”, 1996 Heritage Special in Cyprus and Road King Classic 100th Anniversary Edition here) other ambassadors have unusual hobbies.

• Jordan’s Karim Kawar’s karaoke equipment is tucked away safely on a container ship headed home.

• Guatemala’s Jose Guillermo Castillo prefers being “behind” the camera, capturing the breathtaking beauty of the American West.

• Finland’s Pekka Lintu’s rhyming translation (from French to Finnish) of Cyrano de Bergerac took over three years but won great acclaim when produced.

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Belgium’s permanent representative to NATO. Lebanon’s turbulent autumn kept Lebanese Amb. Farid Abboud and his wife Rim wondering when to pack. Now they know they’re off to Tunisia, another country with beautiful Mediterranean beaches. The ambassador leaves at year’s end but Rim will remain with their St. Alban’s sixth-grader Philip who graduates next spring.

Small Countries, Big Ideas

When Maltese Ambassador John Lowell arrived almost four years ago, he and Liechtenstein’s Claudia Fritsche created “Small Countries Poetry Reading” to help promote their countries despite relatively small budgets. This year’s third annual event welcomed 300 guests to the Library of Congress at the invitation of Librarian James Billington. Malta, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Cyprus, Slovenia and Luxembourg were joined by Bahrain and Austria – “Not a small country but she insisted,” Lowell said of Austrian Ambassador Eva Nowotny’s plea to participate.

Each of the eight ambassadors had ten minutes to showcase their country with a short film and read poetry from their homelands, first in English and then again in their native languages.

Since this was Lowell’s last Poetry Reading (he leaves in March), he read two poems written by his grandfather Sir Arturo Mercieca, a Maltese chief justice. “One of the most charming diplomatic events I’ve ever attended,” Esther Coopersmith said.

Commercial Diplomacy You Can Enjoy

Dominican Ambassador Flavio Espinal and his wife Minerva shared their world famous cigars

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PH OTOS 1-5 CO URTE SY O F GA IL SCOT T

BY GAIL SCOTT

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(1) Liechtenstein Amb. Claudia Fritsche and Maltese Amb. John Lowell at the “Small Countries Poetry Reading” at the Library of Congress (2) Dominican Republic Amb. Flavio Espinal and Chilean Amb. Mariano Fernandez at the Dominican cigar and rum event (3) Italian designer Michele Miglionico (second from right) with models wearing his designs (4) Françoise Mallias, wife of the Greek ambassador, with Greek fashion designer Vlassis Holevas (5) Colombian designer Maria Luisa Ortiz (Center) with models in her fashions and Paula Mendoza’s jewelry (6) Norway’s Christmas tree last winter in Union Station (7) Cypriot Amb. Euripides Evriviades and one of his “hogs” in the Virginia countryside

and rum at a fiesta with ambassadors from Cyprus, Nicaragua, Chile, Afghanistan, Panama, Costa Rica and Argentina. “We have the best cigars and finest rum in the world,” Espinal noted. “I want everyone to know it!” Protocol Chief Donald Ensenat, his well-dressed wife Taylor, Citizenship and Immigration Director Emilio Gonzalez, Washington’s own Mark Russell and 200 other guests enjoyed Procigars and Brugal Rum. Fashion Has No Boundaries

Long before “commercial diplomacy,” ambassadors’ wives were wearing their favorite designers from back home and holding fashion shows. Today, everyone has a bigger runway.

Marie-Cécile Levitte proudly wears French couture, and hosted an unforgettable Hermés event last spring and a posh Chanel luncheon just recently. Lately, designers are younger, lesser known. Italy’s fashionable Lila Castellaneta invited favorite designer Michele Miglionico to Villa Firenze for an October fashion tea just before his Saks Fifth Avenue trunk show.

Greek Ambassador Alexandros Mallias and his wife François sat front-and-center during the embassy’s impressive runway show by Greek designer Vlassis Holevas. Colombia’s beautifully dressed Carolina Barco has brought her designers here. Designer Nancy Gonzalez’s collectible handbags are lovingly made by Colombian artisans. Colombia, along with Smithsonian’s Latino Center and Fashion Fights Poverty, feted Smithsonian Young Benefactors with hot Colombian fashions and cuisine. María Luisa Ortiz, who has gained recognition in France, Italy, and throughout Latin Amer ica, and Washington’s own Colombian jewelry designer Paula Mendoza presented their fall collections to their equally hip and enthusiastic audience.

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Diplomatic Dish

To get us in the mood for Norway’s 10th Annual Union Station month-long Christmas Celebration, we asked Ellen Vollebaek, wife of Norwegian Amb. Knut Vollebaek, to share her favorite Norwegian cookie recipe which she has used each holiday whether they were posted in Zimbabwe, New Delhi, Madrid or Washington.

SANDKAKER — ALMOND COOKIES Need two-inch fluted tins (like shallow cupcake tins) 1 cup shortening 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1 tsp almond flavoring or ground almonds 2 ½ cups flour Cream together shortening, sugar, egg. Add almond flavoring, then flour. Chill dough overnight. Pat into fluted tins in a thin layer, trimming off excess at top. Put tins on baking sheet and bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool and remove from tins. Cookies can be eaten plain or filled with whipped cream, fruit or pudding.

The 10th Anniversary Norwegian Christmas at Union Station will run throughout December.

For more information visit www.norway.org/xmas.

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O F T H E PA R T Y

HRH Prince Turki alFaisal, Fadi Elsalameen, Suzanne Malveaux and Hani Masri

Sen. Carl Levin

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice addressing the crowd

Michaele and Tareq Salahi

Cynthia Howar

Comedian Aron Kader and Congressman Jim Moran Dr. Ziad Asali (President of American Task Force on Palestine)

AMERICAN TASK FORCE OF PALESTINE GALA October 11 • JW Marrio PHOTOS BY ZAID HAMID

THE EVENT The American Task Force on Palestine’s (AFTP) inaugural gala, “Honoring the Contributions of Palestinian Americans,” which recognized former White House Chief of Staff John Sununu; Jesse Aweida, chairman of Storage Technology; and Mujid Kazimi, professor at MIT . THE SCENE There was unprecedented security in order to accommodate Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice who said, “There could be no greater legacy for America than to help to bring into being a Palestinian state for a people who have suffered too long.”

Randa Masri, Maha Kadoura and Nazek Kazimi

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John Sununu Sr. with his son Sen. John Sununu Jr.

Puneet Talwar and Dina Habib Powell

Nabil Dajani and Summer Posey

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Alivia Tagliaferri

Ann Pincus, Nancy Domenici and Betsy Smith

Garth Thompson, Quinn Hanna, Lisa Breland and Christopher Mirwald

Dr. Pierre Vaysse, Kristen Rabaut and Celeste Johnston

Al Hunt

WL SPONSORED

UNMASKING MENTAL ILLNESS October 10 • The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts PHOTOS BY IMMANUEL JAYACHANDRAN

THE EVENT Friends and patrons of the National Alliance on Mental Illness helped raise funds and awareness of NAMI’s efforts to promote research into the cause and cures of mental illness. THE SCENE The Mind of America Scientific Award was presented by Oscar-winning actress and Honorary Chair Pa y Duke to Dr. Charles L. Bowden for his seminal research on bipolar disorder. The event also included a performance by Judy Collins. THE GUESTS Co-Chairs Senator Susan Collins, Kay Redfield Jamison, Ann Pincus and NAMI Executive Director Michael Fitzpatrick.

Dr. Steve Scroggs and Patricia Scroggs

Dr. Charles Bowden and Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison

Julia Lancaster and Christine Hoffman

Debbie Kaufmann and Mukesh Patel

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Karen McCullough and Manish Anand

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Deborah Kalkstein and Carlos Bachrac

Terrence Jones and David Rhodes

Jenna McCarthy tries on a ring

BAILEY BANKS & BIDDLE GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION November 9 • Tysons Corner Center & the Home of Drs. Indu and Nicky Singh PHOTOS BY JOEY FIGUEIREDO

THE EVENT For a jeweler that has designed the Purple Heart, Congressional Medal of Honor and Presidential Seal, it seemed only natural that Bailey Banks & Biddle would open a new store in the area. It already has four other locations stretching from Montgomery Mall to Fair Oaks, but the Tysons location could be construed as their regional ... crown jewel. The two-part evening of elegance kicked off with a champagne reception at the new Tysons location and ended with an over-the-top affair at the McLean home of Drs. Indu and Nicky Singh, where eight-time Grammy winner Natalie Cole performed tunes from her new album “Leavin’.” THE SCENE The Singhs should have received a complimentary medal for hosting this party. An extravagant tent was set up on the expansive property next to their home, where guests were treated to dangerously delicious desserts. Cole’s funky remake of Aretha Franklin’s “Day Dreaming” got everyone in the groove. And forget about skimping on the gi bag … each guest received Wedgewood’s “Washington D.C. Bowl” as a parting gi . THE GUESTS Charles Fieramosca, president of Bailey Banks & Biddle; Terre Jones, president of Wolf Trap; Gloria Di us; Aaron and Alexine Jackson; Lynda Erkeletian and Christopher Reiter; Deborah Kalkstein and John Engler.

Natalie Cole performing hits from her new album “Leavin’”

Models were on hand to show off the latest holiday looks

Bailey Banks & Biddle President Charles Fieramosca with his wife Regina

Danielle Williams and Brittany Gleason Teresa Andreatos and Michele Dailey

Jamie Liebert, Jim Clute and Jenny Schulze

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Wolf Trap’s Alexine and Aaron Jackson

Host Indu Singh with his daughter

Monte and Lisa Harris

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Campion and Tatiana Platt and Anthony K. Shriver

Ball co-chair Annie Totah with David Caruso

Eric Latcheran

18TH ANNUAL BEST BUDDIES BALL October 28 â&#x20AC;˘ The Residence of Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver

PHOTOS BY BILL AUTH AND LARRY LEVINE

THE EVENT International luminaries gathered to celebrate the 18th annual ball benefiting Best Buddies Internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs for people with intellectual disabilities. THE SCENE David Caruso (CSI: Miami) was also honored with the Spirit of Leadership Award for his contributions. The event also included a performance by Blondie. THE GUESTS Co-Chairs May Liang and James Linto , Lynn and Ted Leonsis; Dalia Itzik, Speaker of the Israeli Knesset, and Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli Prime Minister.

Best Buddies participant Katie Meade with Rabbi Lau

Dalia Itzik dancing with Best Buddies participant Katie Meade, who received the Spirit of Friendship Award.

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MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

(1) Mark Russell gets his own lounge at the Omni Shoreham (2) Esther Coopersmith and Norm Ornstein at the “Mark Russell Marquee Lounge” (3) Chris Berry, Rush Limbaugh and Michael Steele at Walter Reed (4) Rush Limbaugh meets with a wounded soldier during his visit to Walter Reed Hospital

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BY JANET DONOVAN

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ON THEIR TRAIL John Dickerson books a power party, Russell lounges and Rush regrets

Dearly Beloved

Good thing October 30th was a slow news day, because when The Omni Shoreham Hotel dedicated the “Mark Russell Marquee Lounge” it brought out top information brokers Tim Russert, Arch Campbell, Gordon Peterson and Mark “Hi, I wasn’t invited” Shields.

“Mark Russell is an authentic genius,” said Shields. “I’m an unabashed, uncritical groupie.”

“I’ve been in love with him since the ’50s,” reminisced Roll Call founder Sid Yudain. “Lael and I honeymooned at the Lounge. One night I brought Eli Wallach who was doing a play on Russians. ‘You’re Eli Wallach,You’re in that play about schizophrenics,’ Mark said. ‘Yes, I am,’” said Wallach. To which Mark replied, ‘I’ve half a mind to go see it.’”

Lounge lizards: Tina and Spike Karalekas, Monica Russell, Alison Russell, Norm Ornstein and singers Bill Danoff and Patsy Grier.

Waiting to exhale

Working mothers at Margaret Carlson and Mary Matalin’s book party for John Dickerson were holding their breath to see if they fit the pattern of On Her Trail: My Mother Nancy Dickerson, TV

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News’ First Woman Star. No one fainted.

“If any of you have ever had a mother, you know it’s not flawless and to explore that relationship all of your life is inexpressible.

This is really three books in one,” Matalin said.

“That’s the first one.The second book is that we are sooo boring. This is about real parties, real mansions, and real highballs with people who had excuses for making fools of themselves: They were drunk. We all stand on the shoulders of this trailblazing woman.”

“I first met John in 1992 when he was at Time as an over-eager gofer,” colleague Carlson said. “Even in that bouncing toy boy way, we all gravitated to him. John had a mother problem and the book worked it out before it was too late.” “I find myself without a drink which means I wasn’t raised very well after all,” said Dickerson among family members; wife Anne, father Wyatt, stepmother Tandy and step sisters Ann and Elizabeth. Close by were old family friends Jack and Mary Margaret Valenti and Liz and George Stevens.

“I want to say that I’ve learned that you never say you remind me of my mother. That leads to two things: Restraining orders or that people move away from you.” In thanking Matalin for the introduction Dickerson said he was worried that if there were tapes about their conversations on their mothers and they are wrongly edited, “people are going to think that Dick Cheney was my mother.”

On Carlson: “She sort of took me in this wonderful hug when I came to Washington. At Merrywood I used to answer the door for Mom and Dad’s guests. The first party of Margaret’s

that I came to, she immediately put me behind the bar and I thought, ‘Man, I went to school, I work, I’m a correspondent and this was not a great way to go in life.’ But then she asked Ben Bradlee (whose wife Sally Quinn was in attendance) to do it and I realized that her parties were different.” Hear, hear.

“Who’s sorry now?”

Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh probably wished he hadn’t so mercilessly ridiculed Parkinson’s disease stricken Michael J. Fox, at least not before the mid-term elections. Limbaugh’s animated shake fest imitating Fox made the rounds on national TV and was no doubt advantageous to the election of at least several Democrats, including Senator-elect Claire McCaskill from Missouri, where the actor heavily lobbied for stem cell research. “Of all the years I have been doing this, this is the thing that upset me most,” Limbaugh said upon reflection.

Making the rounds in Washington following the Democratic takeover, Limbaugh was a guest of Vice President Cheney and paid a visit to Walter Reed (where he narrowly missed Sen. John Kerry in the halls thanks to some skillful shuffling by hospital staff). On stage at The Warner Theatre on November 15th to benefit Fisher House, the ABC pundit with the highest-rated national radio talk show in America performed to a sold out crowd. As for the new Democrat-controlled Congress, “El Rushbo” said, “Maybe we needed to flush the toilet a bit. There’s good in everything.”

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Ruth Markus and John Dickerson

Ann Pillion and Anne Dickerson

David Gregory, Betsy Fischer and Margaret Carlson

Jennifer Avellino, Betsey Fischer and Eileen Mcmenami

Margaret Warner and Elizabeth Sinclair

THE RELEASE OF “ON HER TRAIL” October 24 • The Residence of Margaret Carlson PHOTOS BY RACHEL SMITH

THE EVENT An elbow-to-elbow packed room of VIPs celebrating the release of John Dickerson’s On Her Trail: My Mother Nancy Dickerson, TV News’ First Woman Star hosted by The Week’s Margaret Carlson and Mary Matalin.

Mary Matalin, Shelby Coffey and Elizabeth Wilner

Pat and Bob Schieffer

Jack Valenti, Ann Pillion and Wyatt Dickerson

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Liz Gorman and Alex Pareene

Margaret Carlson and John Dickerson

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Patrick, Goli Kazemi and Cara Craig

Wendy Block and Richard Marks

Rebecca Fishman Models in MaxMara

Bill Morouey, Giselle Theberge, Tracy Mullin and John Jeppsun

A I Christina Baxter and Eileen Feldman

Debbie and Rep. John Dingell

Patricia Beggiato and Ariel Roberts

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Sharon Bradley and Mai Abdo

G I

Julia StaďŹ&#x20AC;man and Marc Fleishe

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Yasmine and Iraklis Karabassis

Arthur and Roya Kingdom

WL SPONSORED

Models in MaxMara

MAXMARA OPENING AT CHEVY CHASE October 19 â&#x20AC;˘ MaxMara Store at Chevy Chase PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

THE EVENT A cocktail and discount shopping party to celebrate the opening of the new MaxMara boutique at The Collection at Chevy Chase. THE GUESTS Yasmine and Irakalis Karabassis, Arthur and Roya Kingdom, Cara Craig, Ann Walker Marchant, Sharon Bradley and Mai Abdo.

Ann Walker Marchant and Iraklis Karabassis

Ben Horton, Gail Percy and Shiria Sheybani JC Reid and Pamela Aparicio

Mary Barth, John Oxendine and Tracey Baker

Model in MaxMara

Garrison and Ioana Spik

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Model in MaxMara

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David Halperin and Catherine Cartwright

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Arthur Marks, Cynthia Steel Vance and Esccada CEOLawrence De Paris

Jan Smith Donaldson, Nancy McCorkindale FASHION & STYLE

L’AUTOMNE À WASHINGTON October 25 • The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

Renee Robinson and Pat Schiff

THE EVENT Billed as “THE Fall Fashion Event for the Stylish Washingtonian,” the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary 57th annual luncheon and fashion show didn’t disappoint. Thanks to Saks Jandel, the focus this year was on fall looks from Escada. Among locals programs supported by the event were Harbor Light, which provides drug and alcohol rehabilitation therapy, and Turning Point, which provides education for individuals and families to become self-sufficient. THE SCENE The powerbrokers were at the pre-show VIP reception honoring Compassionate Citizen Award winner Margaret Wimsa . THE GUESTS Mary Ourisman, Marcia Jackson, Jan Donaldson, Michelle Fenty, Kathy Kemper, Martha Ann Alito, Mrs. Be y Richardson (wife of the Australian Ambassador.), Meryl Chertoff, Letitia Baldrige, Rima Al-Sabah and Buffy Cafritz.

Marie Sitterson

Buffy Cafritz and Alexandra de Borchgrave

Michelle Fenty, Kathy Kemper and Dede Divoli McClure Maria Therese Lowell with friend

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FASHION EVENT

EXPECTATIONS FOR SPRING/SUMMER `07 WITH ESCADA PRESIDENT AND CEO LAWRENCE DE PARIS

Gail McNally, Lt. William Crabsan, Anne Stock and Barbara Reinke

WL: What can we expect for spring and summer?

PARIS Animal prints. Great trend-driven pieces with some volume on top in beautiful fabrications. We’ll see a lot of casual luxury here. It’s spring, and of course we have great cruise wear. And, as always, there’s day-to-evening dressing, this is what we’re known for. So, we really take a woman from her luncheons right through evening cocktails and beyond.

WL: What are the defining characteristics of the Escada line?

PARIS What we’re really famous for is quality. What we’re known for is femininity, a ention to detail and color. We have a very playful use of color.

WL: What would would be the look for Washington women?

PARIS: Washington is an incredibly social town with so many events. We have beautiful suiting options, fabulous jackets.

WL: What would you recommend to the First Lady for spring?

PARIS: I’m thrilled that I’m going to be dressing the First Lady.

This is some wonderful news, courtesy of Washington Life.

(Laughter) She looks beautiful in red.

Christy Swanson, Toni Marks, Peter Marks and Darby Gingery

Marcia Jackson and Gwen Russell

Ashley Taylor and Ann Hand

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MaModels in Escada

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Lisa Streeter and Sylvie Luangny

Evolution Look Model Angela Hubbs

James Park, Kim Rhee and Abe Hahn

Jacie Reid, Paul Wharton and Jeannie Jones

Angela W LHubbs EXCLUSIVE

PAUL WHARTON’S EVOLUTION LOOK AGENCY LAUNCH October 19th • Fly Lounge PHOTOS BY PAUL SIMKIN

THE EVENT The ever-fabulous Paul Wharton invited two hundred or so of his just-asfabulous friends to D.C. hot spot Fly Lounge to celebrate the launch of his modeling agency Evolution Look (www.evolutionlook.com). Oh, and it also happened to be his birthday (age not disclosed, of course). THE SCENE What would you expect at the launch of a modeling agency? How about tables filled with bo les of Snowflake Vodka and Moet Chandon “Nectar” champagne chilled on ice manned by long-legged models and other fashion conscious types. Add in as many camera flashes as at a red carpet Oscar party and you have the ingredients for a … fabulous night. THE PEOPLE Abigail Adams, Lily Greenway, Mary Barth, Richard Eidman, Omar Popal, Holly Wharton-Camp, Ray Regan, Pirooz Sarshar, David Halperin and Katherine Cartwright.

BECOMING FABULOUS

By Paul Wharton Picture this: Washington, D.C. 1984, an unusually stylish li le boy with visions of fame and fabulousness in his head, is perched in the back seat of a dark green Rolls Royce filled with the sounds of John Waite’s “Missing You.” In the front sits the boy’s mother, Brenda and her best friend Vera Plummer — a glamorous and dynamic duo that were seldom seen apart. The car begins to slow down and the boy lowers his sunglasses to see a very familiar place: Garfinkel’s!

The boy reapplies his Chapstick, adjusts his huge western belt buckle, makes sure his fi ed Levi’s jeans are neatly tucked into my (I mean “his”) new cowboy boots and heads in to shop.

“Vera look, it’s Yves Saint Laurent!” Brenda exclaims, “Girl, this dress is bad.” Unfortunately, the woman standing on the other side of the rack feels the same. A ba le ensues. Soon, what started out as a harmless li le spat has evolved into a duel of divas. Looking to end the fashion fracas, the boy stands front and center with hands perched on his hips as if to say, “Try it lady and I’ll take off this 10-pound belt and wear you out.” Luckily, his mother forces him to take two steps back to avoid becoming fashion road kill. The store’s manager comes over to se le the dispute and Brenda, a woman who never gives up without a fight, pleads her case convincingly and is awarded the stunning li le YSL dress. Brenda, Vera and the li le cowboy head out to celebrate over Shirley Temples and Champagne, thus marking when the li le boy learned that fashion in D.C. is a serious business.

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John Cecchi and Matt Kaiser

Chris Zumpano and Christine Whitledge

Christopher Reiter and Lynda Erkiletian

Jen Thomas, Christine Whitledge and Lauren Silverman

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O F T H E PA R T Y have yourself a merry little Christmas.

Dabney Doswell, Claire Rosebush, Emily Mclean and Samantha Staffier Lee Hefner and Garrett Clarke

KETEL FOR A CAUSE November 2 • F. Sco ’s

PHOTOS BY ADAM DAICY AND JOEY FIGUEIREDO

Sam Jedd, Andrew Fro and Matt Dumond

Billy Glading and Elizabeth Wilson

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C O R B Y

Matt Coursen, Meredith Maller and Will McDonald

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

www.shop-valise.com

Lauren Pollimo and Sam Vinograd

1624 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 202-333-3622 phone 202-333-7888 fax

C O L L E C T I O N

THE EVENT A cocktail reception to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society hosted by one of the organization’s “Man of the Year” runner-ups, Josh Thomas. THE SCENE An ideal evening for the Georgetown preppy set, D.J. Tanner Campbell filled the nighclub with ’80s music as bartenders pourd cosmopolitans, apple and dirty martinis from an enomorous Ketel One ice bar. Vineyard Vines provided raffle items.

THE GUESTS Ryan Tripple e, Ma Gunther, Hugh Boyle and Sam Vinograd.

Collections from Zelda Areli Gossip Thalian Cambio Mazza Gallerie 5300 Wisconsin Avenue Washington DC 202.686.5363

O F T H E PA R T Y

Samah and Grover Norquist

David Bradley

LAUNCH PARTY FOR O2318 October 24 • The Residence of David and Katherine Bradley PHOTOS COURTESY OF FILM MAGIC

THE EVENT Ivy League ambition and a empted cool came to D.C. at a cocktail party launch for Harvard’s new magazine, 02138. The chic-ified premire issue is geared toward alumni of the college and named for the Cambridge, Massachuse s zip code, which the campus calls home. The first issue features a list of the top 100 Harvard grads. Local Harvard alums, many of whom were featured on the list – such as Walter Isaacson – gathered to fete the launch. THE GUESTS Katherine and David Bradley, Jordanian Amb. Karim Kawar, Bom Kim, president and founder of 02138, and cofounding editor Dan Loss.

Lisa Lefevre and Karen Matri

Bom Kim, Katherine Bradley and Dan Loss

Meredith Kopit and guests

Jordanian Amb. Karim Kawar, Dan Loss, and Walter Isaacson

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PERFORMING ARTS

The Road to Washington With her recent performance of “Beneath the Veil” at the Kennedy Center writer/director Mary Apick fulfilled a dream … and opened eyes in the process. We asked her to tell us about it in her own words.

BY MARY APICK

I

n November of 2005, right after the presentation of “Beneath the Veil” at the 7th Annual Los Angeles Theater Festival, I traveled to Washington for an event at the Embassy of Afghanistan honoring Roots of Peace and its founder, my dear friend Heidi Kuhn. I came along as a member of the Support Advisory Group.When I arrived I received a warm and gracious welcome from Ambassador Said Jawad and his beautiful wife, Shamim. It turned out they knew my work in Afghanistan, via satellite Television Dancers performed, highlighting from Iran. Their different takes on women’s relationships with their veil. kindness that evening was overwhelming.

Then I met three wonderful Washington women: Fariba Jahanbani, Annie Totah and Princess Yasmine Pahlavi. I somehow knew that we would all be connected in the future. I just wasn’t sure how. As soon as Fariba heard about the play, she insisted that I bring it to Washington. More people needed to hear its message she told me. It seemed too difficult a project to undertake, but

I said I would think about it.

Two months later, Ambassador and Mrs. Jawad invited me to an event in their home honoring First Lady Laura Bush.There, I had the pleasure to meet and talk with this wonderful woman – the connections were starting to take hold. My next visit was for International Women’s Day, when I was scheduled to address Congress about the plight of the women and children of Iran. That’s when I knew, we would bring the play to Washington.

Then, by sheer

“THEN I MET THREE WONDERFUL WASHINGTON WOMEN MRS FARIBA JAHANBANI MRS ANNIE TOTAH AND PRINCESS YASMINE I SOMEHOW KNEW THAT WE WOULD ALL BE CONNECTED IN THE FUTURE I JUST WASN’T SURE HOW ” coincidence, I met Dr. Nahid Khazeni. It was her hard work that convinced the Alexandria Performing Arts Association to support this event. Soon after, Nahid’s residence became the unofficial headquarters for “Beneath the Veil.”

Nahid, a scientist for NASA, practically quit her Princess Yasmine Pahlavi, Prince Reza Pahlavi and Her Majesty Empress Farah Pahlavi

Fariba Jahanbani, Mary Apick and Shamim Jawad at Cartier

lly Mostafa, Shiva Mostafai,aHo taf os Asghar M WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Mary Apick played multiple characters in “Beneath the Veil,” including the slain Canadian journalist Zahra Kazemi and a luxury loving Saudi woman.

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Carole Randolph and Annie Totah

business to focus on this project 24/7.

Fariba Jahanbani and Mirella Levinas not only promoted the play, they also helped prepare the party at the Cartier boutique in Chevy Chase in honor of the cast and crew. Laura Bush agreed to be the chair for the presentation of the play, and Her Majesty Farah Pahlavi, Empress of Iran, offered her participation and support.All these angels had lifted me up and taken me on a flight to Washington so I could deliver a message. That rainy night at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was magical because we witnessed the power of women and the love they hold inside their hearts for humanity. We all came together because we believed in a cause. We learned from one another and came to understand that nothing can stop us if we join together.

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T H I S M O N T H A M ATC H E D S E T/ E N P O I N T E /G R E AT CAU S E S A N D S S S H G R E AT B A R G A I N S / W H I R L A R O U N DTOW N

WITH DONNA SHOR

AROUND TOWN } ADAM TENNER Metro TeenAIDS executive director, and Dr. LARRY D’ANGELO Metro TeenAIDS founder, at the organization’s “Wine Un-Corked!” event at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre on October 24.

Å BOBBY OURISMAN SUSAN HARRELD MICHAEL HARRELD and DEBORAH MIDDLESWORTH at the 18th Annual Helen Hayes Awards Benefit Auction, held October 27 at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington.

A MATCHED SET

Star power at the National Museum of Women in the Arts Gala included film and television’s Jane Seymour, who is also an acclaimed painter. Drawing special attention was one tall, handsome couple gliding across the dance floor: costume designer Myrna Colley-Lee, a longtime NMWA supporter, is personally well-known to many of the guests present; her Oscar-winning husband, Morgan Freeman, is less so. But if there had been a Mr. Congeniality prize for the evening, he would have won it with his easy-going charm.

(Even as these words are being written, the museum’s founder and permanent star, Wilhelmina “Billie” Holladay, is on her way to the White House to receive the National Medal of the Arts, the country’s highest

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| SHEILA JOHNSON and a friend at Johnson’s “Red, White and Blue” party on October 28 — held the weekend of the Washington International Horse Show — at D.C.’s Verizon Center.

official award in the field, for her pioneering support in recognizing women artists.)

It was a busy week. NMWC’s Twentieth Anniversary Gala, co-chaired by Gina Adams and Irene Natividad , was followed the next night by a Patron’s Dinner, then a reunion cocktail at Darlene and Pierre Asmar’s home for the hundred guests who had sailed on the museum’s annual fund-raising cruise.

At the patron’s dinner, Susan Porter and Gilan Tocco Corn stood with bemused expressions as Susan’s husband Steve talked to Freeman, with both men in blacktie for the event.

“He looked as if he were dressing you,” Susan said later to Steve when he joined them.

“He was,” answered Steve. “He said, ‘Your collar bothers me, one side is up and the other down.

Which way do you want it, and do you mind if I fix it?’”

“Please do and what about my handkerchief?” Steve asked.

Freeman then checked out the silk pocket square.

“It’s perfect,” he told the now sartorially-sanctioned Steve.

When one guest complimented him on his deep and mellow voice, Freeman said quite simply, “I owe it to my voice coach, Robert Whitton , who worked with my Deep South accent, and got me to slow down my speech to add resonance to the words. He said it would give me gravitas.”

And it does, Morgan, it does.

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

EN POINTE

Washington Ballet sponsors Julia and Mike Connors hosted a

Leadership Dinner at the Kennedy Center before the world premiere of oui/non, created by the ballet’s artistic director, Septime Webre, who spoke at the dinner, as did ballet president Kay Kendall. The program included In the Night, three romantic pas de deux set to Chopin noctures, and Twyla Tharp’s masterly In the Upper Room. Septime’s sultry oui/ non evoked a Parisian boite, with its Apache-dancer styling accompanied by the dramatic contralto of cabaret star Karen Akers, singing Piaf and Brel songs of defiance and loneliness.

The combination was so arresting this reporter went back to buy a ticket the next day to experience oui/non all over again.

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Å RIMA AL-SABAH, wife of the Kuwaiti ambassador, and RIM ABBOUD, wife of the Lebanese ambassador, present DR JACOB KELLENBERGER, President of the ICRC, with a donation from the Mosaic Foundation at a reception hosted

by Ambassador BONNIE MCELVEEN-HUNTER, Chairman of the American Red Cross, at her Georgetown home.

Å ANNA MARIA ANGELAKIS CONTANCE CHATFIELD Greek Amb. ALEXANDROS MALLIAS and his wife FRANCOISE and LOU ECONOMOS on October 19 at the Greek Embassy, where the ambassador, along with Mazza Gallerie, hosted a preview of Konstantino Jewelry Treasures to benefit the Metropolitan Washington Orthodox Seniors Housing.

Dinner guests included Carolyn Alper; Richard Thompson, who hosted the post-performance reception; Rachel Pearson; D.C. councilman Jack Evans; Richard Hanlon; and the Ballet’s executive director, Jason Palmquist.

GREAT CAUSES AND SSSH GREAT BARGAINS

Buyers of donated auction items at charity galas both help the cause — and wink, wink — latch onto some great bargains.That’s especially true at the Lombardi Gala, where block-long rows of prizes become terrific buys, with $1,000 and $2,000 items going for $350 and $400.

Don’t even talk about the luxury autos regularly auctioned there.

Founded by Margaret Hodges to benefit Georgetown University

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Hospital’s Vince Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, honorees included Redskins owner Dan Snyder; football legend and recovered cancer patient Vincent Papale; and philanthropists Bernard and Sarah Gewirz.

Guests included Marlene and Fred Malek; Jane and Calvin Cafritz; Nancy Itteilag; and Trish and George Vradenburg, the couple who will chair the National Alzheimers Gala in March.

Another worthy cause bringing rich rewards is the Arts for the Aging benefit, held this year at the French embassy with the popular ambassadorial couple Jean-David Levitte and his wife Marie Cecile.

AFTRA founder Lolo Sarnoff long ago set a high standard for auction items, especially for the many party-

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É KATHY PATTERSON JATRICE MARTEL GAITER and MICHELLE FENTY at Planned Parenthood of Metro Washington’s 8th Champions of Choice Awards at the Washington Hilton on October 20.

hosting opportunities at embassies that are offered among the prizes.

WHIRLAROUNDTOWN

Rum and Cigar Night at Minerva and Flavio Espinal’s Dominican embassy had the ambassador showing off fancy footwork with several ladies, including a wickedly fast salsa with Tandy Dickerson…The Nature Conservancy’s gala at the lush U.S. Botanic Gardens included president Steve McCormack; Lucy and Bill Garrett — he the former National Geographic editor-in chief and ten year NC board member; Jill Gore; Ahmad and Judy Esfandiary; Berenice Reed and Aniko Gaal Schott…

Cokie Roberts, as usual, wowed the Washington notables assembled at the Eighteenth Annual Benefit of The Children’s Inn at the National

Institute of Health. Added to politico sponsors were Debbie Dingell; Alan and Dianne Kay; Karyn Frist; Jane Gephardt and Marlene Malek…

National Day at the Hungarian embassy movingly commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of the antiSoviet uprising of 1956. It was crushed by Russian tanks as the people waited in vain for U.S. help, wrongly promised by Radio Free Europe. Special Guest: Pal Meleter, son of the then-defense minister (later executed); and George Lovas, chairman of the Commemorative Committee, whose tearing down of the hated Soviet-style flag symbolized the revolt’s meaning.

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

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WL SPOTLIGHT

Diamond Conflict With the Warner Bros. holiday release of “Blood Diamond,” local gem purveyor Ronnie Mervis weighs in the issue of conflict diamonds

BY R O N N I E M E RV I S

M

arilyn Monroe famously sang that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” — not a guerilla’s best friend. In recent years, however, you might have heard much to the contrary. You might have heard that “conflict diamonds” were fueling rebellion, violence and social exploitation in Africa.

Amid that media flurry, the finer details of the issue were blurred, and diamonds in general got a bad rap.The inimitable beauty, purity and wonder of these stones were obfuscated by hyperbole and, for lack of a better word, paranoia. People wondered if the rings on their fingers symbolized something nefarious.

With the recent release of The Blood Diamond, Leonard DiCaprio’s December cinemaplex offering, the topic should make headlines again. While this may make some in the diamond industry nervous, I gladly welcome the opportunity to talk about the subject. As a lover of diamonds and coming from South Africa, the land of legitimate diamonds, I feel a deep connection to the issue.

First, we should define our terms.The diamonds in question come from areas of Central and Western Africa controlled by forces or factions opposed to lawful, internationally recognized governments. Money from their sale is used to fund military action against these governments. In

Today, the flow of conflict diamonds has dwindled to less than one percent. In other words, they’ve been virtually eliminated from the market.

“TODAY THE FLOW OF CONFLICT DIAMONDS HAS DWINDLED TO LESS THAN ONE PERCENT IN OTHER WORDS THEY’VE BEEN VIRTUALLY ELIMINATED FROM THE MARKET ” the late 1990s, Sierra Leone was the epicenter of such activity, though rebels in Angola, Liberia, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo were also part of the problem. At that time, maybe about four percent of the world’s diamond production was tainted.

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This was the result of worldwide, coordinated, no-nonsense action taken by leaders in the diamond industry, and endorsed by industry players. This zero-tolerance policy is manifested in the Kimberly Process Certification System, which was developed with the full cooperation

of the United Nations, governments from around the globe and numerous non-governmental organizations. Adapted in 2003, this exacting process prevents conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate supply chain. It’s buttressed by a voluntary System of Warranties that any credible seller has adopted. If you’re buying a diamond and have doubts, ask the retailer.

Ronnie Mervis is CEO of Mervis Diamond Importers, which is part of the Kimberly Process and System of Warranties.

Above: Djimon Hounsou stars as Solomon Vandy in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Virtual Studios’ action drama “Blood Diamond,” distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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INSIDE HOMES

A CASA with Franco Nuschese Cafe Milano meets Forest Hills

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P H O T O S B Y J O N A H K O CWHA S H I N G T O N

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Topped by a slate roof, the 1904 stone house is entered from a circular driveway (previous page). The backyard terrace provides a place for parties overlooking the lawn and swimming pool. Set below its stone wall, the arched doorway leads to a storage room that doubles as a staging area for caterers.

This fall Franco Nuschese and Michele Contrini launched the Manfacto bespoke tailoring line

C

afé Milano has been called Washington’s version of Rick’s Cafe, the hang-out in the movie Casablanca. The popular Georgetown restaurant, which celebrates its 14th anniversary this month, is similarly frequented by politicians, diplomats, celebrities – and those who like watching them.

Behind Café Milano’s longevity and success is its very own Rick, Italian-born owner Franco Nuschese, who looks more like Napoleon Bonaparte than Humphrey Bogart. Nuschese’s welcoming charm, applied equally to celebrities and less famous guests alike, is part of what keeps people coming back to the crowded eatery night after night.

His people skills are well honed from years of working in the hospitality industry. He got his start at Drones in London, a restaurant started

by David Niven, Jr., son of the British actor, and then worked for 10 years at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. In 1991, Nuschese moved to Washington to run the now defunct restaurant Bice at Sixth St. and Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., then opened

atmosphere of a villa in the Tuscan countryside.

“It’s in the middle of Washington but it doesn’t feel like Washington,” he says. That is, until you look out the window where views of the U.S. Capitol and other familiar landmarks on the skyline are clearly visible in the distance.

Before purchasing the six-bedroom home in 2002, Nuschese had been living off Reservoir Road, N.W., in a smaller house. “A lot of my friends wondered why I wanted to buy such a big property,” he says. “I was close friends with the previous owners so I knew the house for many years. It was always special to me. I love the beautiful gardens where at night I can see the moon and stars. It gave me an opportunity to entertain more.”

Since moving in, the restaurateur has done little to change the rooms except to fill them

HANGING IN THE HALLWAY is a signed photo of Sophia Loren with Elvis Presley.

“I like to mix the old and the new worlds,” says Nuschese.

“I’m not a big contemporary design guy.”

Café Milano the following year.

“I really learned the art of entertaining from those experiences, to make people feel special no matter who they are,” he says. “We live in such a stressful world. It’s important that there is a time in the day to leave that world, to have a decent meal and some fun.”

So how does the 45-year-old bachelor make himself feel special? “Staying home,” he says. “I like to be able to recharge my batteries, to have a massage or listen to music. I don’t need to go anywhere on my days off.” A recent tour of his spacious stone house near Rock Creek Park makes it clear why Nuschese prefers to cocoon rather than travel.

Sited on 3.5 acres with lush gardens and a swimming pool, the 1904 home has the

with comfortable furniture and personal mementoes. His interests are evident to guests as soon as they walk in the front door. Displayed in glass cases in the vestibule are Venetian masks and old playing cards, emblematic of his roots in Italy and Vegas casinos. A gold carved starburst on the staircase wall turns out to be a centuriesold halo once belonging to an Italian statue of a saint. Hanging in the hallway is a signed photo of Sophia Loren with Elvis Presley. “I like to mix the old and the new worlds,” says Nuschese.

“I’m not a big contemporary design guy.”

The most frequently used space – and the coziest – is a sitting room nestled into a curved, windowed bay overlooking the garden at the rear.

Cushy, canvas-covered armchairs are arranged

“IT’S IN THE MIDDLE OF WASHINGTON but it doesn’t feel like Washington,” says Nuschese. That is, until you look out the window where views of the U.S. Capitol and other familiar landmarks on the skyline are clearly visible in the distance. for conversation next to an English desk and Italian oak armoire, which conceals stereo equipment and CDs. Library shelves are filled with books by Mario Puzo, Bill Clinton, Ben Bradlee and other Café Milano regulars, all inscribed with personal messages by their authors.

From his desk, Nuschese often fields the inevitable business calls during his off-hours.

As president of the Georgetown Entertainment Group LLC, he not only manages Café Milano, but also the Dupont Circle pizzeria Sette Osteria, started in 2004, and the Clarendon restaurant Sette Bello, opened last year.Today, the entrepreneur is on the phone making sure actors Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith are well attended during their late lunch at Café Milano.

When Nuschese entertains “anywhere from four to 20 people for sit-down dinners” at home, he invites guests into the living room, a long, yellowpainted space that nearly stretches from the front of the house to the back. Here, tables fitted with removable tops are pulled up to the sofas lining the perimeter for cocktails. A baby grand piano nestled into a corner is at the ready for a few tunes.

The conversation piece in the room isn’t the impressive 18th century Italian painting on the wall, but a gilded cherub resplendent in green feathers that hangs from the ceiling. “It’s from a Nativity scene,” the owner explains. “It’s like a blessing – it keeps the energy clean.”

From the living room, guests cross the hallway into the dining room. Painted a bright emerald green, a holdover from the previous owners, the room centers on a mahogany table and Queen Anne-style chairs. Biedermeier, Italian and Gothic-style chests around the perimeter hold linens and glassware. Behind the dining room, a breakfast room offers a more informal setting for casual meals. Furnishings include Austrian chairs, a mirrored French armoire and vintage posters from La Scala, reflecting Nuschese’s eclectic tastes.

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Upstairs on the second floor, the master bedroom centers on a pediment-topped, French Empire-style bed. A walk-in closet is neatly lined with Nuschese’s impeccably tailored suits and Italian shoes. “People kept asking me, ‘Franco, where do you buy your clothes,’ so I decided to create my own line of menswear,” says the restaurateur, who recently unveiled some of his designs this fall under the name ManFacto.

Next door to the bedrooms on the third floor, an exercise room includes a drum set for son Gianfranco, 15, when he comes to visit.

More important than all the space inside, Nuschese says, are the plantings that envelop the house. “To be surrounded by all this green is so wonderful,” he says, stepping onto the curved, flagstone terrace behind the house.

“Coming through the front door, you don’t realize all this is here. It’s a secret.” In addition to a pool and tennis courts, the back of the property incorporates a vegetable garden filled with lettuces, tomatoes, peppers and other crops harvested for his restaurants.

To better connect house to garden, Nuschese is planning to add another terrace to the side of the house and move the master bedroom to take in the view. Blueprints for the ambitious renovation have already been drawn up.

Sitting on the built-in bench encircling the elevated terrace, next to round teak tables and potted lemon trees, Nuschese recalls how he often uses the outdoor space to host large parties and fundraisers for the various civic and charitable organizations that he supports.

Underneath the terrace is a storage room that can be used as a service area for caterers.

Looking up at the rounded bay at the back of the house, Nuschese notes with an impish grin that the architecture of his abode makes his high-powered guests feel important. “It’s the same shape as the [south portico of the] White House.”

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(1) White sofas set against yellow walls set a light mood in the living room where a baby grand piano and movable tables accommodate cocktail parties. (2) Displayed in the foyer, a Venetian mask set with playing cards symbolizes Nuscheseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roots in Italy and Las Vegas. (3) The dining room, painted bright green by the previous owners, centers on a long table and Queen Anne-style chairs. (4) Comfortable armchairs pulled up to a round table provide a place for conversation and a casual meal in the window-enclosed bay at the back of the house.

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N E W S

THE DISTRICT â&#x20AC;˘ MARYLAND â&#x20AC;˘ VIRGINIA THE DISTRICT Michael Rankin, managing partner with Tutt, Taylor & Rankin Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty and his partner Mark Green, senior vice-president of operations for the National Geographic Channel, have just sold their Kalorama home at Tracy Placeďš? Nďš&#x2019;W., for $5.4 million. The couple completed a total renovation of the 7,000 square-foot, five-bedroom home once owned

by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara.

Architectural highlights include ten-foot ceilings and six sets of French doors opening to a terrace and pool.The new owners are businessman Paul Murtaugh and Erin Cleary with Cleary & Oxford Associates, which arranges mergers and buy-outs of medical device manufacturers and healthcare companies.

Tutt Taylor and Rankin realtor Jim Firkser listed and sold his house at Leroy Placeďš?

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BY MARY K M EWBORN Nďš&#x2019;Wďš&#x2019; The renovated residence boasts a roof top deck and a two-car garage. Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jim Bell was the selling agent representing Maureen Misovic, president of the Eurasia Group and a world-renowned stock market risk analyst. Misovic paid $1.87 million to Firkser, who has purchased unit #3 at the avantgarde condominium Tapies for $1.375 million.

Located at th Streetďš? Nďš&#x2019;Wďš&#x2019;ďš? near Dupont Circle, the unique property had been listed by the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designer Georgio Furioso, who is also with Tutt Taylor & Rankin. Firkserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s twostory condo features a balcony, limestone floors, a stainless steel floating staircase and an elevator that opens directly to his living room.The master bath is the size of a small studio apartment and

the kitchen contains handcrafted mahogany cabinets. Amenities include remote controlled shades, designer ceiling fans and track lighting.

Attorney Carolyn M. Campbell has purchased Dumbarton Streetďš? Nďš&#x2019;Wďš&#x2019;ďš? for $1.95 million. Located in Georgetownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful â&#x20AC;&#x153;East Village,â&#x20AC;? this historic home offers the best of the past and present. The original house with its tall windows and high ceilings has been expanded to include a rear addition filled with walls of glass to maximize sunlight and views of the lovely gardens. Loaded with old-world charm, the spacious living room is flanked by columns and French doors and has a wood-burning fireplace with a handsome limestone mantel. The elegant

Harlan and Mary Johnston have sold 895 Centrillion Drive in McLean to Said Ali and his wife Hanan for $3,050,000.

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Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia McLean

Whispering Woods. Elegant residential estate on three private acres. Exquisite gated property features refined architectural design throughout the main residence.

The ballroom wing, with a custom Waterford chandelier, Scalamandre silk walls and lovely terrace, offers a splendid venue for entertaining small gatherings or hosting elegant large events. A treasure just minutes from Washington, D.C. Photos www.karenbarker.com. $7,990,000. Karen Barker 703-928-8384; Foxhall Office 202-363-1800

Georgetown

New Price: $1,250,000! Original free standing farm home circa 1830’s. Charming and bright with roooms opening to brick patio and a very private deep landscaped garden with shed. Lower level with separate entrance. Original FPS, wood floors, french doors, wood beam ceiling, skylight, wet bar, CAC. Julia Diaz-Asper 202-256-1887; Georgetown Office 202-944-8400

Bethesda/Chevy Chase

Walk to absolutely everything...bookstores, theatre, fine dining, great shops and movies just a few steps away! Classic 5BR/3FBA Colonial with updated Kitchen adjoins fabulous Sunroom/Family Room with cathedral ceiling and 19 windows. Finished lower-level au pair suite with separate entrance. Garage parking, beautifully landscaped. $1,099,000. Mary Zitello 202-549-7515; Cheryl Kurss 301-346-6615; Chevy Chase Office 202-363-9700.

Chevy Chase/DC

New Construction! – The perfect blend of old world charm and new age features. Just one block from Lafayette Park’s ball fields and playgrounds and a short walk to Chevy Chase, this 5 BR, 4.5 BA home features four finished levels with gourmet kitchen open to family room, detached two car garage and upstairs laundry. Perfect for full-scale entertaining, as well as day to day living. $1,675.00 Jayne Ehrens 240-401-7025; Friendship Heights Office 202-364-5200

Georgetown

Own a piece of History. Built in the 1860’s this gracious fully-detached home retains all the character and grace that Georgetown buyers eagerly seek while providing the conveniences and proportions important for modern day living and entertaining. Special features include double-parlor living room, banquet size dining room, large table space kitchen, 3 bedrooms, high ceilings, wood floors, mature garden and off-street parking for multiple vehicles. $1,675,000. Judi Cochran 202-415-1510; Georgetown Office 202-944-8400

Chevy Chase 202-363-9700

Foxhall 202-363-1800

Georgetown 202-944-8400

Chevy Chase/Uptown 202-364-1300

Friendship Heights 202-364-5200

Woodley Park 202-483-6300

Arlington /Turnberry Tower

Presenting the most luxurious bipartisan condominium on the Washington skyline. Minutes by Metro from Washington’s government and business centers is a stately high-rise residence with a wonderfully lowkey attitude. A luxury condominium so conveniently located, gone are the tedious rigors of commuting.

The daily stress of politics & commerce can be left at the entrance, for at least the time one is in residence.

From $700,000 to $7,000,000. Nancy Itteilag 202-905-7762; Foxhall Office 202-363-1800

Georgetown

Unique mixed-use Historic Building in the heart of Georgetown. Built in 1815, added to in the 1940’s and 1980’s. It is presently used as offices for an architectural firm and has been owner/occupied since the 80’s. Some original details enhance the historical provenance of this special building. It is being sold “AS IS.” Margaret Byrne Heimbold 202-812-2750; Georgetown Office 202-944-8400

Georgetown

Inviting and spacious early 20th century attached row house with gated side entrance. Entry foyer, separate living & dining rooms, table space kitchen & powder room on 1st flr. Master bedroom with two walk-in closets. The MBR has double sinks. 2nd bedroom wtih separate bath and laundry room on 2nd floor.

Cozy den on 3rd floor. Basement with mechanicals.

Beautiful walled pirvate garden. $1,075,000. Margaret Byrne Heimbold 202-812-2750; Georgetown Office 202-944-8400

Watergate South

Incredible and exquisite renovation of large & bright unit overlooking garden/pool/ river. Imported italian Gourmet Kitchen with top of the line appliances. Private Master Suite with custom closets and bath. Two extra bedrooms and baths. Powder Room, Wraparound Balcony. Parking. $2,950,000.

Julia Daiz-Asper 202.256.1887; Georgetown Office 202-944-8400

Columbia Heights

Charmer! No expense spared renovation of this 3800 sq. ft. Grand Dame. New tongue & groove oak floors, Pella windows, 2 woodburning fireplaces w/ granite mantels. Spacious, custom kitchen leads to flagstone patio for entertaining. Master Suite to die for! MBA w/ Jacuzzi, shower, double sinks & Italian porcelain tile. This and so much more, including full lower level in-law suite! Take a peek at www scottpurcell.com. $815,000. Scott Purcell 202-262-6968; Woodley Park Office 202-483-6300

formal dining room has columns, built-in speakers, recessed lighting, and access to the side garden and terrace with a retractable awning and urn fountain.

The rear hallway, back stairwell and a large rear bedroom exit to a balcony, gardens and private patio. There is also a two-car driveway. The seller was Gloria Ann Dittus, president and CEO of Dittus Communication. The listing agent was Long & Foster realtor Linda Low, who prior to her successful career in real estate was a historic preservation consultant.

Wesley Brooks has sold O Street﹐ N﹒W﹒﹐ in Georgetown to Dean J. Douglas for $2,095,000. Brooks bought the five-bedroom brick Victorian residence in 2004 for $1,675,000 when he moved to Washington as a managing director with J. P. Morgan Private Banking. The renovated rowhouse features large formal rooms with high ceilings and fireplaces, a two-story porch, a lower level apartment and space to park two cars. The L’Enfant Trust holds an easement on this historic property.

The palatial Georgian-style residence at

Belmont Road﹐ N﹒W﹒﹐ is under contract with an expected sale price of $4.4 million.

Designed by famed 1920’s architect J. Wheeton, the elegant abode boasts grand formal rooms,

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a circular staircase, a glass loggia with nine-foot coffered ceilings and skylights, and a secluded terrace with a small pool and spa next to a private garden. There are seven bedrooms, six full baths and two half baths plus a staff wing on the upper level. The 6,000 square-foot manse is situated across from Rock Creek Park and had served as a diplomatic residence for the French embassy.

Washington Fine Properties’ Giselle Theberge is the listing agent.

MARYLAND

Francis O. Day IV, a member of the Francis O. Day Construction Company family, has sold Turnberry Drive in Potomac for the list price of $1,165,000. Nancy Itteilag of Long and Foster Real Estate represented the buyers, Gen. Donald Hilbert and his wife Carla, in their purchase of this brick Colonial town home situated on the 13th hole at Avenel. Built in 1989, the three-level home has golf course views from all floors. There are four bedrooms and three and a half baths, and the master suite has a private loft with a fireplace. The gourmet eat-in kitchen has French doors leading to a covered balcony, and the lower level family room has a fireplace, wet bar and access to a brick patio.

VIRGINIA

In McLean, Harlan and Mary Johnston have sold their Colonial-style home at Centrillion Drive in The Reserve for $3,050,000. Weichert realtor Penny Yerks listed the property for $3,299,000. The buyers are Dr. Said Ali and his wife Hanan. The house was built in 2001 and features a curved staircase, hardwood floors and a sunroom with stunning views. The upper level has a luxurious master bedroom suite and four additional bedrooms.

The lower level houses an exercise and recreation room and an au-pair or in-law suite.

WL last reported on the home when it sold in early 2002 for $1,866,056.

Please Send Real Estate News Items to: Mewborn@washingtonlife.com

Clockwise from top left– Michael Rankin and Mark Greenhave sold their Kalorama home at 2412 Tracy Place, N.W., to Paul Murtaugh and Erin Cleary for $5.4 million. / Carolyn M. Campbell purchased 2809 Dumbarton Street, N.W., for $1.95 million from Gloria Ann Dittus. / 2442 Belmont Road, N.W., — designed by famed 1920’s architect J. Wheeton — is under contract with an expected sale price of $4.4 million.

The government of France is the seller.

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GEORGIAN ON MY MIND

TRACY PLACE NW WASHINGTON DC PICK UP A FAMILY TREASURE IN KALORAMA • This

Georgian Revival residence, built in 1912 by renowned D.C. architect Waddy Wood, has been in the same family for nearly 50 years. Situated on a corner lot in the heart of Kalorama Heights, this fine house features a grand entry foyer and large dining and living rooms, making it ideal for entertaining. The first floor also features a library and a conservatory with glass doors leading to a private terrace. This home is ready for the savvy purchaser’s 21st century vision.

Asking: $3,250,000 Listing agents: Jonathan Taylor, (202) 276-3344 and Michael Rankin, (202) 271-3344, Tutt, Taylor & Rankin Sotheby’s International Realty

THE ROSE HEARD HOUSE H STREET N W WASHINGTON D C REDEFINE ON-CAMPUS HOUSING • This new listing is

one of just two remaining houses located in the George Washington University Foggy Bottom neighborhood. On the market for the first time in over half a century, it is a rare opportunity to own a unique Victorian-style home with ornate Greek key design brickwork, a Grecian doorframe frieze, wrought iron rails, Palladium windows, a turret and a red tile roof. Surrounded by campus amenities, this stately residence currently used as office space for an association is convenient to GW Hospital, the Kennedy Center and the State Department.

Asking: $4.9 million Listing: Nancy Itteilag, Long & Foster Real Estate, (202) 363-1800

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J A N E FA I R W E AT H E R . . .

A Cut Above the Rest

Jane Fairweather

The leader in Bethesda Home Sales Bethesda, MD $3,175,000

★ #1 Coldwell Banker agent in the BethesdaChevy Chase area for the last 7 years ★ 173 homes sold in 2005 ★ $128 million in sales volume in 2005

www.janefairweather.com Bethesda, MD $2,300,000

301-530-HOME

301-718-0010

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

Bethesda, MD $1,395,000

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For more information on this and other fabulous homes for sale contact Jane at jane@janefairweather.com

KALORAMA CALLING TRACY PLACE N W

WASHINGTON D C

ONLY MILLION PER BEDROOM • This is one of Washington’s premier homes on one of Kalorama’s choicest streets. The classically proportioned entertaining rooms feature elaborate crown moldings, marble mantels, wainscoting and crystal chandeliers. The magnificent three-story marble entrance foyer has a serpentine staircase with a brass railing. There are six bedrooms including four luxurious master suites, each with marble Jacuzzis and steam showers. Amid the lovely landscaped gardens is a private terrace, a canopied and trellised sitting area, swimming pool surrounded by holly hedges, pool house and guesthouse. Extras include two separate staff suites, an elevator, a mahogany paneled bar area, a butler’s panty, five fireplaces, two safes, a retractable projection screen and a four zone central air conditioning and heating system.

Asking: $10 million Listing Agent: William F. X. Moody, (202) 243-1620, and Robert Hryniewicki, (202) 243-1622, Washington Fine Properties

MCLEAN’S GOLD COAST CREST LANE MCLEAN VIRGINIA WATCH FOR CROSSING TECH MOGULS • Located on one of McLean’s most

prestigious streets, this elegant one-ofa-kind home is the product of renowned interior decorator Thomas Pheasant and was showcased in Architectural Digest.

With its exceptional decor and fabulous floor plan, the six bedroom home with eight full and three half baths is perfect for both family living and gracious entertaining. The main level opens to a terrace, free form pool, spa and waterfall.

The grounds also contain a detached garage with a studio apartment.

Asking: $5.995 million Listing: Penny Yerks, Weichert Realty, (703) 760-0744

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Bethany Beach, Delaware

NORTH BETHANY • OCEANBLOCK Casual five-bedroom, three-bath beach retreat is situated only lots off the uncrowded beach in a secluded, private and gated community with pool and tennis. A home for future generations to enjoy. $1,795,000

SEATOWNE • FENWICK ISLAND Stunning ocean and bay views from this wonderful 4-bedroom, two-and-one-half-bath home with inverted floor plan, hardwood floors, elevator and extensive decking. $989,000

IN TOWN • BETHANY BEACH Quietly nestled on a quaint street in the town of Bethany sits this newly built four-bedroom, three-bath home with a grand great room and an additional cozy family room with fireplace. This home is perfect for a gathering of generations. $869,000

CANALFRONT SOUTH BETHANY Perfectly situated on a navigable waterway, this stunning new home with nautical flair will please any boating or beach enthusiast.

This four-bedroom plus loft has an open floor plan, and is only 2.5 blocks to the beach. $1,069,000

HERON BAY NORTH BETHANY The endless view of the water, wetlands, and wildlife can be enjoyed from this remarkably designed and luxuriously finished five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath large home with elevator. $1,175,000

THE SALT POND BETHANY BEACH Embodying the essence of style and grace, this new four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home with loft and den perfectly suits year-round living or casual beach lifestyle. Situated on a large corner lot in a resort community with numerous amenities. $879,000

IN TOWN BETHANY BEACH This wonderful five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-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

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

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www.BestofBethany.com

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OVER THE MOON

Unequivocally Equine

BY VICKY MOON

S

ome folks in Middleburg play tennis, others play golf. But deep down the soul of this charming countryside has always been about the horse.These parts are reserved for paddocks, cornfields and riding rings – no putting greens please.

Take a recent late autumn week. The nine veterinarians (who specialize in everything from equine dental care to surgery) of Piedmont Equine Practice hosted an open house at their new clinic, which has a surgical suite.Things were also gearing up for the Washington International Horse Show.

Several big time show jumping riders brought their horses to the area for training sessions followed by some fresh air and relaxation: Laura Kraut stayed at Pelham with friends Viviane and Pat Garner.

Norman Dello Joio booked into Maureen Hanley’s Fox Chase Farms where equestrian Kathy Kusner had flown in from Los Angeles to give a clinic to local riders.

Paige Johnson (whose mother Sheila Johnson served as president of the show this year) took her jumpers – La Martinee, Amagedon 3 and Kadena R – from Salamander Farm into the Verizon Center and won nice ribbons. Laura Cramer’s horse American Idol, ridden by Sandra Conchar, won the $10,000 Ladies Side Saddle Stake, sponsored by Monica and Hermen Greenberg.

Many will recall Monica’s days in the winner’s circle in this ever-so-elegant event.

Meanwhile Ashley Kennedy had a very busy week. First, she and her horse Larkspur competed in the amateur owner hunter classes and took third, fourth and seven place ribbons. Then on Saturday evening, Ashley was dressed in black Chanel for a spectacular post-wedding bash to celebrate her marriage to Jim Whitner.

The newlyweds along with Lou and Bill Kennedy hosted the party. It’s safe to say an event like this matches something during Oscar week (which we will get to in a moment) or the Super Bowl.

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Clockwise:The champagne at Peake Wood chilled in the silver punch bowl known as the John Barton Payne Challenge Trophy from the Warrenton Horse Show / Event planner Virginia Fout flew back home from L.A. to orchestrate the Peake Wood Pharm party for Jim Whitner and Ashley Kennedy / Newlyweds Jim Whitner and Ashley Kennedy at their postwedding celebration at Peake Wood Pharm

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Left to right: Sheryl and Henry Wood celebrate at Peake Wood Pharm / Dr. Paul Diehl at the opening of the new Piedmont Equine Practice / Caroline Fout rides Candy at the Orange County Hunt event

The colored lights from the two giant tents could be spotted as guests arrived at Peake Wood Pharm. Once inside, the first tent was designed to look like a lounge with leather chairs and a mahogany bar decorated with winning horse show photos of Ashley and Jim – who rides in the steeplechase races and is a fox-hunting enthusiast.

There was a martini bar, an ice sculpture in the shape of a horse with entwined A/J, and champagne chilling in the historic sterling silver punch bowl known as the John Barton Payne Trophy, on loan from the Warrenton Horse Show.

The glass tabletops held wood shavings with horseshoes.

The adjacent tent had a clear top so the 300-plus guests had an unobstructed view of fireworks bursting forth on cue. Music from the Voltage Brothers, who played a combination of disco, beach and Motown, was followed by a surprise appearance from Morris Day and the Time. The dance floor was surrounded with photos of Ashley and Jim, illuminated club

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chairs and massive banquets topped off with large floral arrangements.

No detail was overlooked. Just ask event planner and hometown girl Virginia Fout. She came east to orchestrate the party, which was also attended by her mother, Eve Fout, who was able to experience one her daughter’s creations for the first time.

Virginia’s Los Angeles-based business, V Productions, was formed two years ago. She puts together a number of events throughout the year including movie premieres and private functions for corporate clients. But her big annual event is Elton John’s Oscar Party, which benefits the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

And one final touch as guests departed: party favors and scented candles…eternal love.

Sunday morning, horse lovers and proud parents were up early for the Orange County Hunt Team Event at Whitewood. Caroline Fout and her mother Beth Fout won the Best Turned Out award in the Hilltoppers division. Jim Drunagel rode Jimmy Slide to win the Alfred Hunt

Memorial Prize presented by Karin Ohrstrom for the Genuine Hunters Championship. After all … it’s all about the horses.

HUNT COUNTRY CALENDAR DECEMBER

Christmas in Middleburg featuring the annual parade down Washington Street, arts and cra s, music and shopping.

DECEMBER -

Notre Dame Academy production of The Fantasticks presented at The Hill School; for more information call (540) 687-5897.

DECEMBER

Holiday Party to benefit The Middleburg Community Center, by invitation only.

DECEMBER

Chrysalis Vineyards, “Tis’ The Season”; mulled wine and local carolers; for more information visit www.chrysaliswine.com or call (800) 235-8804.

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GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC

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KENT, WASHINGTON, DC

Freestanding Federal home renovated in 2003 with carved mantels, handsome mouldings, new kitchen & baths. 6 BRs, 6.5 BAs, 3 fpls, spacious rooms, private garden, 2 car garage plus 2 spaces.

Impressive sun-filled “Smith’s Row” Federal, elegantly renovated, fabulous entertaining spaces, gracious dining room lovely garden. 6 BRs, 7 fpls, garage.$5,200,000

Spectacular new residence in secluded over half acre parkland setting down long cobblestone drive. Beautifully finished interior for grand entertaining and relaxing lifestyle. 5 BRs & 5.5 BAs. $4,495,000

W. Ted Gossett

703-625-5656

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Heidi Hatfield Anne Hatfield Weir

202-243-1634 202-243-1635

Giselle Theberge

202-243-1602

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GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA

MCLEAN, VIRGINIA

POTOMAC, MARYLAND

Spectacular views! Beautifully renovated in 2006, 5 BR, 4.5 BA, 9’ ceilings, 8 car parking, pool, horse pastures - 2.76 glorious acres!

Stone & brick Tudor filled with light! 10 ft. ceilings, hardwood floors, beautiful windows & mouldings. 6 BRs, 6.5 BAs. Large almost acre lot. One of McLean’s great streets! $2,695,000

POTOMAC FALLS – Here’s your chance! Excellent opportunity to move into one of Potomac’s most desirable neighborhoods. Charming, well maintained Cape Cod on spectacular 2+ acre setting. $1,595,000

W. Ted Gossett

Anne Killeen

Susan Koehler Linda Rogers

703-967-6789 703-627-6776

703-625-5656

301-706-0067

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MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

HAMILTON,VIRGINIA

CATHARPIN, VIRGINIA

Stately brick Georgian on 75 acres. 4 BRs, 6 BAs, 7 FPs, spa/pool house/entertainment center, pool and flagstone terraces. Views of Blue Ridge Mountains. Stable and tenant house. $3,500,000.

Quaker built, federal style brick residence with original charm on 24+ acres. Large brick barn, stone shed, springhouse, pond and creek. $1,399,000

Exceptionally well built colonial on 15 acres. 4 BR, 3.5 BA, 5 FP, 3-car garage, lovely landscaping, 3-stall barn, office/workshop attached to garage w/ heat & air.

Quiet country setting. $1,250,000

Gloria Armfield

540-687-6395

Anita Sisney Rick Lowe

703-973-1987 703-509-3962

Jud Glascock

540-592-3238

INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS • LOCAL AFFILIATE 144

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WASHINGTON, D.C. GEORGETOWN MARYLAND VIRGINIA

202.944.5000 202.333.3320 301.983.6400 703.317.7000

WashingtonFineProperties.com

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KENT, WASHINGTON, DC

CLEVELAND PARK, WASHINGTON, DC

WESLEY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON, DC

Exquisite & complete renovation of a stone treasure across from Battery Kemble Park. Close attention to detail; first floor master suite, shared pool & tennis.

1905 Cleveland Park Classic! Impeccable renovation.

Triple mint condition – beautiful! Best address, steps to metro and urbane delights. 4 BRs plus garden suite with separate entrance. $2,100,000

Circa 1926 manse exudes architectural integrity. Impeccably maintained & ideally sited on one third acre, featuring 7 BRs, 5 BAs, 2-car Garage, Pool. $2,395,000

Heidi Hatfield Anne Hatfield Weir

202-243-1634 202-243-1635

Marylyn Paige

202-487-8795

Mike McGrath Eileen McGrath

202-215-4147 202-333-3241

DUPONT CIRCLE, WASHINGTON, DC

CLEVELAND PARK, WASHINGTON, DC

PALISADES, WASHINGTON, DC

This home personifies Washington sophistication.

Thoughtful updates have preserved period details. Inlaw Suite, Roof Deck, 2 Porches, pkg. $2,450,000

Classic Cleveland Park charmer, welcoming front porch, sunny kitchen opens to deck & delightful garden, 4 BRs plus 3rd floor master suite. $1,295,000

Modern 4 BR home, open floor plan, spacious kitchen, bamboo floors, Master BR w/balcony, glass doors open to patio, huge gardens & parklands. $1,345,000

William F. X. Moody Robert Hryniewicki

Heidi Hatfield Anne Hatfield Weir

Heidi Hatfield Anne Hatfield Weir

202-243-1620 202-243-1622

202-243-1634 202-243-1635

202-243-1634 202-243-1635

MIDDLEBURG, VA WASHINGTON, VA

540.687.6395 540.675.1488

ArmfieldMillerRipley.com

HUME, VIRGINIA

THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA

MIDDLEBURG AREA, VIRGINIA

4 bedroom farm house on 10 acres with 6 stall barn and fenced paddocks. Gourmet kitchen. Wrap-around porch and screened porch. $1,199,500

2 miles to Middleburg. 1 level Pied-a-terre. Totally remodeled with all new systems. 1 acre with privacy and views, basement storage, workshop, outbuildings. $575,000

Finest land in Northern Virginia. 240 acres in Conservation Easement with streams and creeks traversing. Privacy, mountain views, hills, great hunting.

Premier location. $25,000 per acre.

Julie A. Martin

Babette Scully

Kathryn Harrell Jim Thompson

703-216-1118 540-687-3216

301-674-0244

540-687-3323

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T H I S

T O W N

Deck the Halls With Boughs of Swag

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

O

nce upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away called the Last Century, children arrived at birthday parties with a brightly wrapped present for the honoree and upon departing were handed a decorative little paper bag that had in it, typically, some candies and a silly toy.

It was called a party favor, a genteel token, with the value of loose change.

Today, in a new century, little Billy and Mary Jane are all grown up, with bigger and more fabulous parties to go to than ever before. They attend galas and charity balls where, as they head for the exit and the chauffeured Town Car, they are not only handed, but expect to be handed, bigger and shinier tote bags packed with candy and toys for a richer and greedier era. If they’ve been really generous with their time and money they might be handed the super secret “elite” bag

restaurant meals to entertain friends for months.

Dare I say, this swag was better than sex.

Alas, now I reside in Washington. This town’s swag is handled in the same fashion as this town’s romance; low on wattage and imagination. I know, I know. My dear husband gave me the tutorial: Unlike Los Angeles and New York, where boldface and private big bucks reign, the guest lists here include many elected or appointed officials who are sworn to abide by some rules. But, pardon me, these same rules allow Congressional junkets to the Caribbean in winter to study soil erosion, and to Paris in the spring for the air show, not to mention hitchhiking on corporate jets with their own parking lot at Reagan National. Whatever the “official” purpose, it’s still spelled S-W-A-G, (and they better enjoy it before the new Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, gives it the heave-ho.)

It’s time to re-invent booty for generous

for a Washington swag bag that would entertain everyone else (and spice up a few marriages, too): a gift certificate from Last Tangle for a full bare Brazilian; a generous supply of Sensual Silk massage gel; a Sensation Harness, Furry Tease Paddle and Jack

“WHO NEEDS A GIFT BAG THAT HOLDS A FEW ANEMIC COSMETICS SAMPLES A COUPLE OF SELF-PROMOTING CATALOGUES A T-SHIRT AND SOME MINGY GIFT CERTIFICATES THAT EXPIRE THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW AND HAVE A CODA THAT READS LIKE A CELLPHONE REBATE?”

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individuals who pay upwards of $25,000 for a table for ten at any number of charitable events, even if it’s not their money. Whether it’s “Fight Night,” the Symphony Ball or the Kennedy Center Honors, who needs a gift bag that holds a few anemic cosmetics samples, a couple of self-promoting catalogues, a T-shirt, and some mingy gift certificates that expire the day after tomorrow and have a code that reads like a cellphone rebate deal?

And spare me the swag hounds, who, no matter how paltry the contents, waste no time elbowing in to get their bag, my bag and your bag, too. Usually these same darlings march out of the balls with the floral arrangements, too.

While respectfully compelled to exclude members of the Supreme Court, here’s my recipe

Rabbit from the Pleasure Chest; sultry Opopanax candles from Amano; Jungle Fever on CD; a bottle of drinkable (and lickable) Chateau d’Yquem from MacArthur Liquors; and last but not least, a voucher for two hours of at home “how to” with Washington’s top dominatrix, Domina Chat Noir, the mistress of Dupont Circle. Darn. I think I just gave away what (and who) I plan to put in Mr. Strange’s Christmas stocking.

Readers wishing to get in touch with Michael can email her at: MStrange@washingtonlife.com

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IL LU STRATION BY J.C. SUA RÈ S

and in it will be treats and treasures to reaffirm their own fabulousness.

It is, darlings, the era of swag, and by that I don’t mean swag only for movie stars; it’s swag for all.

Please let me remind, I arrived here from Los Angeles, the birthplace of swagolicious. A decade ago, courtesy of my friendship with a certain A-list box office bad boy, I had my moment as a swag hag. The year of our liaison he was an Oscar presenter and gave me his swag bag, and I certify it was – back before the IRS got involved – a larcenous haul of loot that dear Santa could never match. Sure, I re-gifted the little stuff to his household staff, but I kept the vouchers for Fred Leighton jewels, Cartier watches, LV everything, hotel suites in sunny places, chartered jets and yachts, medical services, and enough free deluxe

WASHINGTON, D.C. GEORGETOWN MARYLAND VIRGINIA

202.944.5000 202.333.3320 301.983.6400 703.317.7000

WashingtonFineProperties.com

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K ALORAMA, WASHINGTON, DC

OBSERVATORY CIRCLE, WASHINGTON, DC

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC

Glamorous totally renovated Kalorama mansion.

Features Elaborate Georgian interior, exquisite main salon, ballroom sized dining room, 11.5’ ceilings, 10 BRs, 7.5 BAs, full in-law suite, 4 parking spaces. $3,599,000

NEW PRICE! Stunning 4 bedroom home w/ Architectural details, Spectacular private gardens and abundant light. 2-car garage, Deck, patio & so much more. $1,885,000

NEW PRICE! Federal/Victorian Rowhouse with 4 BRs, 3 BAs, private courtyard, 11’ ceilings, 2 fireplaces, hardwood floors & original architectural elements on 4 Levels. $1,495,000

Jim Bell

Jim Bell

Jim Bell

202-607-4000

202-607-4000

202-607-4000

INTERNATIONAL OFFERING

K ALORAMA, WASHINGTON, DC

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC

A Grande 1907 residence designed for gracious living.

This elegant townhouse has been completely renovated with spectacular results. 5 BRs, 5.5 BAs with garage parking. $3,995,000

Gorgeous 3-level, 2 BR, 2.5 BA, totally renovated townhome on a quiet 1-way street that backs to Tudor Place in Georgetown’s coveted East Village.

Ellen Burdette

Patrick Chauvin Ellen Morrell

202-487-7040

202-243-1621 202-243-1616

RITZ RESIDENCES, WASHINGTON, DC

OBSERVATORY CIRCLE, WASHINGTON, DC

SPRING VALLEY, WASHINGTON, DC

Stunning 2 BR plus Den and 2.5 BA Ritz Residences condo – 2,600+ sq. ft! Enormous living space. 2-car reserved parking included. $1,765,000

THE WORLAND – Elegant, private and spacious 1600 sq. ft. 2-level, corner Condo. 3 BRs and 2.5 BAs near Mass & Wisconsin. Rear patio and 2 parking spaces.

Elegant white brick Colonial situated on large fully landscaped lot with sun-filled kitchen, living room, dining room, fantastic new pool. 5 BRs & 3.5 BAs.

Matthew B. McCormick Patrick Chauvin

Ruffin Maddox Colleen Cayton

Matthew B. McCormick Ellen Morrell

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301-922-4443 301-765-8330

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HOLIDAY

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OFFICIAL ROLEX JEWELER ROLEX

OYSTER PERPETUAL AND DATEJUST ARE TRADEMARKS.