Washington Life Magazine - March 2007

WEDDING SPECTACULAR: 25 PAGES OF FASHION, JEWELRY, HOT TIPS AND TRAVEL MARCH

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

EXCLUSIVE! SENATOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON AND VITAL VOICES

SUNDANCE NOW! THE FILMS...

THE PARTIES...

THE ISSUES...

PLUS: TED LEONSIS, RORY KENNEDY AND WL’S TOP PICKS

BOARDROOM BLUES

EX-HEWLETT-PACKARD CEO CARLY FIORINA DISHES FOR THE Q&A CAFÉ AT NATHANS

READY FOR HILLBILLY?

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M A R C H 2 0 07 • $ 3 .9 5

WASHINGTON LIFE

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A-LIST WE ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET FOR WASHINGTON’S HEAD TURNERS

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PA RT PA IES! RT PA IE RT S! IE S!

RUMINATIONS ON THE ROLE OF FIRST HUSBAND

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

Vital Voices recognizes that when women are given opportunities ... they can serve the causes of peace, democracy, progress and prosperity.

AFTER MORE THAN 30 YEARS AT THE WATERGATE, OUR LANDMARK STORES ARE LEAVING FOR GOOD.

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WITH EXPANSION DELAYED AT SAKS JANDEL IN CHEVY CHASE, HOW CAN WE CRAM FIVE STORES INTO ONE?

to

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OFF Yves Saint Laurent, Féraud, Vera Wang Bridal, Saks Evening and Valentino Armani Etro

Loro Piana Carolina Herrera Chloé

Balenciaga Ungaro AKRIS

Rena Lange Donna Karan McQueen

Moschino Agnona Azzedine Alaia

Escada Daslu Piazza Sempione

Blumarine Michael Kors and many more!

Four stores relocate. One store takes them in. Something’s got to give. After more than 30 years at the Watergate, these landmark Saks Jandel stores will be moving into new additional space in our Chevy Chase flagship store. But because Saks Jandel is already bursting at the seams with all our spring collections, we unfortunately have to take major losses, even on recent spring arrivals.

So we need to send hundreds of designer fashions from news-making collections to the Watergate for this spectacular relocaton sale.

March 10th –17th, 10 am to 6 pm.

THE DESIGNER BOUTIQUES OF SAKS JANDEL AT THE WATERGATE 2516-2522 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037

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WL EXCLUSIVE

OUR Q&A WITH SENATOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON

POLLYWOOD

WL AT THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

WL FEATURE

ROLAND FLAMINI EXPLORES THE LOOMING POSSIBILITY OF A FIRST HUSBAND IN THE WHITE HOUSE

THE A- LIST

ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET FOR WASHINGTON’S HEAD TURNERS

FEATURES VERBATIM Q&A CafĂŠ with Carly Fiorina . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

POP POLITICS Diversity on Capitol Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WL WEDDINGS

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• THE WEDDING HOT LIST . . . . . . . . . . . • WHAT’S HOT Wedding Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • WASHINGTON WEDDINGS . . . . . . . . . .

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FASHION & BEAUTY BLACK-TIE BACHELOR PARTY at the Hay-Adams

BRIDAL FASHION Modern Romance at the Park Hyatt Washington . . . . . . .

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

ART AND AUCTION by Renee Harrison Drake . . . .

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

NIGHT LIFE by Edie Van Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

HISTORICAL LANDSCAPES by Donna Evers . . .

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

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

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Our bride wears a Badgley-Mischka ivory silk jersey ruched

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strapless gown with beaded inset, $5,710, available at Harriet Kassman; diamond drop earrings, $16,900, diamond bracelet, $33,000, and three stone diamond ring in platinum se ing, $19,375, all by Pampillonia; colorful traditional arm bouquet and room staging by Kelly for Capital DĂŠcor and Events; Ted and Lynn Leonsis at the Sundance premiere of Nanking in Park City, Utah; 18-carat white gold with 1.5 carats of diamonds. $4,125, ASH I N G TBox; O N Land I F EJohn R C HIrene

| washingtonlife.com | M Aand available at W Tiny Jewel Danilovich.

COVER: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton

Visit our Collectors and Couture departments for the newest looks from celebrated American and European designers. Selected stores.

In Collectors: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

ARMANI COLLEZIONI BLUMARINE BURBERRY DOLCE & GABBANA JIL SANDER MARTIN GRANT MICHAEL KORS MISSONI PIAZZA SEMPIONE RALPH LAUREN PURPLE LABEL

In Couture: BADGLEY MISCHKA CARMEN MARC VALVO COUTURE DIOR LANVIN MISSONI MONIQUE LHUILLIER ROBERT DANES STEPHEN YEARICK

For more designer fashion, handbags and shoes, visit Designer Collections—our online designer boutiques at nordstrom.com.

Tysons Corner Center 703.761.1121.

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

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

SOCIAL CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

BOOKS Kevin Chaffee on recent art books. . . . . . . .

POWER PROFILE Lisa Ling . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EVENT SPOTLIGHT Project Hope . . . . . . . . . . .

TRAVEL Inns and Outs of Romance . . . . . . . . . . .

WL SPONSORED EVENTS

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Washington National Opera Mid-Winter Gala . . . . . . .

Capitol Movement Project Fundraiser . . . . . . . . . . . .

WL EXCLUSIVES Vital Voices Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WL’s Substance & Style Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LIFE OF THE PARTY Red Cross Ball in Palm Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

JetĂŠ Society Dance Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Gala. . . . . . . . . .

Vernon Jordan’s Portrait Unveiling. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Atlantic Media State of the Union Reception . . . . . . . .

REAL ESTATE & DESIGN

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INSIDE HOMES Modern in Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The Belvedere Tower at Chestertown, Maryland’s Brampton Bed & Breakfast Inn; A rare massive limestone Chimera, whose value is estimated at $1.5 to $2.5 million, to be auctioned at Sotheby’s during Asia week; Model third from le wears a Zegna black single-breasted tuxedo, $2,050; Brioni white dress shirt, $470; Jan Leslie Skull cuinks, $245, all from Neiman Marcus; Hugo Boss silver silk tie, $85, Hugo Boss, Georgetown; Chopard red racing chronograph watch, $3,945, Liljenquist & Beckstead; cigar, Zino Platinum Crown Barrel (Box of 3), $83.85. For full fashion credits see “Black-Tie and Chuck Hagel pictured washingtonlife.com W A S H I N Bachelor G T O N L IPartyâ€?

F E | Mon A Rpage C H 57;

|Sen. at the Vital Voices BeneďŹ t.

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

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

Exquisite Diamonds, Exceptional Prices

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nancy Reynolds Bagley EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Michael M. Clements EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Katie Tarbox ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Clay Gaynor COPY EDITOR

Claudia Krieger COLUMNISTS

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

Corinne Bensahel, Kevin Chaffee, Norman Dreyfuss, Roland Flamini, Ann Geracimos, John Howe,Ted Leonsis, Barbara McConaghy and Katie Rost CREATIVE DIRECTOR

J.C. Suarès GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Stacey McGhee CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Elizabeth Demers CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Edgar Becerra, Lucien Capehart, Len De Pas, Jonah Koch, Gary Landsman,Vicky Pombo, Kyle Samperton, Antoine Schneck and Paul Simkin ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Kelly Ginter NEW YORK ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Sara Padob ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Anna Croll, Alexandra Misci and Theodore Wilhite SALES AND MARKETING ASSOCIATE

Joseph Losardo EVENTS COORDINATOR

Sarah Croke CONTROLLER

Harrison Jett DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Alexandra Kunzig WEB TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT

Ernesto Gluecksmann, Infamia, Inc. TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR

Paul Simkin INTERNS

Beth Farnstrom, Shane Shehabi and Krystyne Spence FOUNDER

Vicki Bagley CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE BOARD

Gerry Byrne CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Chevy Chase, MD

Washington, DC

McLean, VA

Soroush Richard Shehabi

5550 The Hills Plaza

1025 Connecticut Ave., NW

Tysons Galleria

301-657-2144

202-785-4653

703-734-3997

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.

www.booneandsons.com

To post or view events on our interactive online social calendar, visit www.washingtonlife.com and click on “social calendar.” To contribute ideas or provide feedback Email us at info@ washingtonlife.com with press releases, tips and editorial comments. Copyright ©2007 by Washington Life. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial content or photos in any manner without permission is strictly prohibited. Printed in the United States. We will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Magazine format by Wayne W A S H I N G T O N L I F E | N O V E M B E R | washingtonlife.com 10 DeSelle Design / www.deselle.com

CHEVY CHASE 301.657.9000 TYSONS GALLERIA 703.761.0700 © SAKS FIFTH AVENUE 2007

Crisp White Shirt Shorts

Chic Day Dress

Cocktail Dress Hand-held Bag

Flat Shoe

Floral Fragrance Platform Shoe

High-waisted Belt

Join the Saks celebration of spring’s most irresistible trends.

Want It! premieres nationwide at Saks Fifth Avenue this March, as the world’s best designers interpret the season’s top trends.

The fashion world blessed it. Saks has it.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Wed to the A-list

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ou know the feeling – when an A-lister walks in the room and the Oscars and big-budget Hollywood projects and actors, we find the the dynamics shift. People notice; heads turn; and all move more intellectual bent of Sundance’s independent films to be an appropriate to see what the commotion is about. A good example of this fit for our fair city’s cerebral nature. took place at Terry McAuliffe’s “What a Party” book launch.

When Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton entered, the 500 or so people here’s nothing really fair about Roland Flamini’s musing on what packed into the Park Hyatt Washington’s ballroom turned their attention role the First Husband might play if Senator Clinton gets the nod. to take note. This is the simple measuring stick for our 2007 A-list – the With Hillary gracing the cover, we thought it would be interesting to ponder head-turning factor. Senator Clinton talks about her involvement with the possible role Mr. William Jefferson Clinton would play … Secretary of the Vital Voices Global Partnership this month and also turns heads in our State or party planner? exclusive coverage of the Vital Voices benefit There is no doubt about the role our dinner at the Embassy Residence of the State columnists play at Washington Life. They of Kuwait. are our lifeblood, our proverbial ears to the The Park Hyatt Washington was also the ground, our reliable sources, and most of scene of our bridal fashion shoot. Showing all, a respected group of writers who know an uncanny ability to capture both sides of the social, diplomatic, media, arts, political, the aisle, fashion stylist Barbara McConaghy entertainment and real estate scenes better produced our groom and bridal shoots this than anyone. To Donna, Gail, Janet, Mary, issue – no easy feat. Thank you to newlywed Michael, Renee and Vicki we say thank you Gary Landsman, The Hay-Adams Hotel and for your tireless dedication and unparalleled our luxury brand partners for making the experience (Names are listed alphabetically, groom shoot a handsome black-tie affair. An ladies. Remember, April deadline is right With Miss America Lauren Nelson equally well-deserved nod to Len De Pas, the around the corner!) and Daryl Hannah at the Washington team at the PHW, Capital Décor and Events On the party front, WL was a proud Press Club Foundation Dinner (the flowers look amazing!) and our luxury media sponsor of the Washington National partners for saying “I do” to our bridal shoot.

Opera Mid-Winter Gala and the Capitol Barbara tells us,“New this season: softer dresses Movement Project fundraiser. Don’t forget to save the date for the in slip and empire shapes that add airiness, ruching and draping for subtle WL-sponsored Corcoran Ball on March 2nd, the Vital Voices Leadership body consciousness and the continuation of intricately beaded accents, insets Awards on March 14th and the annual Bachelors and Spinsters Ball and and overlays.”

Capitol Dance Movement Concert, both on the 31st. We’d also like to Our wedding spectacular is filled with such tips, recommendations thank everyone who attended our annual Substance & Style Awards at and fashionable ideas for your big day, which many of our fellow Villa Firenze.We are grateful to Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta and his Washingtonians enjoyed last year. A note of gratitude to Elizabeth Salamone wife Leila for hosting this event. Keep an eye out in April for coverage of and Anthony Venafro, Nicole Feld and Jonathan Strauss, Fallon Hanin and another important annual WL event – The Young & the Guest List party.

Matt Zonarich, Karon Cullen and Rick Meyer, and Rima Khalaf and Dr. It was great to see so many of Washington’s current and future leaders at George Bitar for sharing their wedding with us (and you), and for Jack Meridian House International … a good marriage indeed.

Valenti, Heinz Kluetmeier, Katie Rost, Jennier Stiebel, Lynn Hooff and Zeina Helou for writing about them.

Park City, Utah would be a great backdrop for a wedding … or a film festival. In our 2007 Sundance coverage, we detail not just this year’s best works, we hear firsthand from local producers Ted Leonsis (Nanking) and Norman Dreyfuss (La Misma Luna) who both had movies screened there. Plus, we interview director Rory Kennedy about her harrowing documentary Ghosts of Abu Ghraib.With all the hype and press surrounding

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Š2007 starwood hotels & resorts worldwide, inc. all rights reserved.

st. regis hotel, washington, d.c. grand reopening fall 2007 In a city of revered landmarks, St. Regis Hotel, Washington, D.C. stands out as a treasured address of uncompromising luxury. Weddings take on a heightened air of distinction amidst the flowering oasis of the outdoor Crystal Terrace, and just steps away is the sparkling glamour of the Crystal Ballroom, the most elegant and romantic room in Washington. With the soothing sounds of the fountain, countless lights flickering in the trees and a room aglow with crystal chandeliers, memorable weddings are the signature of St. Regis style.

stregis.com/washington 923 16th and k streets, n.w. washington, d.c. 20006 telephone 202.638.2626

aspen beijing houston london monarch beach, ca new york rome san francisco shanghai washington, d.c. future openings: fort lauderdale 2007 bali 2007 mexico city 2007 punta mita 2007 singapore 2007 anguilla 2008 atlanta 2008 bahĂ­a beach, puerto rico 2008 costa rica 2008 deer valley ÂŽ 2008 bal harbour 2010

CONTRIBUTORS

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CORINNE BENSAHEL is a French

journalist who writes on architecture, interior design and

President & CEO of Project HOPE on May 1, 2001.

contemporary art for Le Figardo and Architectural Digest.

Project HOPE is an international health education

She also developed a line of fine jewelry and travels the

and humanitarian assistance foundation which operates

world to find stones for her clients. She recently became a correspondent for DIAMAID.

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JOHN HOWE III, M.D., became

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more than 70 programs in 35 countries on 5 continents.

Howe is board certified in both internal medicine and cardiovascular disease.

LEN DE PAS has studied under celebrated

photographer Philippe Halsman and advertising

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CAROL JOYNT has worked at United Press

photography guru Joseph Schneider. De Pas’s International, Time Magazine and CBS Evening News photographs have been commissioned all over the world, and held producing roles on Larry King Live, USA Today and he has received awards and honors for his work. the TV Show, Nightline and Hardball with Chris Matthews.

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NORMAN M. DREYFUSS is the executive

vice president of IDI-MD, Inc., and is currently

Now in Washington, D.C., she owns and operates Nathans restaurant, home of the Q & A Café at Nathans.

developing Leisure World of Maryland in Silver Spring.

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He graduated from the Washington College of Law at

photography, has been shooting commercially worldwide

American University.

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GARY LANDSMAN , half of David Michele

for over 20 years capturing weddings, advertising images

DONNA EVERS has more than 30 years of presidents, CEOs and, most recently, an image campaign

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experience in residential real estate in the Washington for Gilbert Arenas.

Metro marketplace. She is the broker and president of Evers & Co. Real Estate, the largest independent

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woman-owned and run residential brokerage in the

of America Online and is the Washington Capitals’

area. Evers researches and reports on Metro area history on her radio show, “Real Estate Today.”

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TED LEONSIS currently serves as vice chairman

chairman and majority owner. He is an active philanthropist and now – with his Sundance award-winning film, Nanking – a successful feature documentary producer.

ROLAND FLAMINI was the Washington-

based chief international correspondent at United Press

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BARBARA MCCONAGHY is a nationally

International from 2000 to 2006. From 1968 to 1994, he recognized stylist, show producer and editor. Her work has was a foreign correspondent and World Section editor for appeared in Elle and Detour magazines. She has produced Time magazine. He is now a foreign policy columnist for tours for YM and Seventeen magazines and has dressed stars

CQ Weekly and a regular contributor on arts and culture

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such as Lauren Hutton, Brandy and Jennifer Love Hewitt.

for Town & Country magazine and Architectural Digest,

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among others.

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ANN GERACIMOS reports on fashion, food,

KATIE ROST is a Washington D.C. native and

international fashion model. She runs the Ronald F.

home design and consumer trends in trade as the Washington

Rost charitable foundation and has a skin care line,

Times senior features reporter. She is well acquainted with

Body by Katie Rost. She graduated from Boston

the ins and outs of Washington’s social scene.

University with a degree in broadcast journalism.

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

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KEVIN CHAFFEE is the assistant arts and features editor and society editor of The Washington Times.

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RENEE DRAKE has had a diverse career

SEVENTEEN Eighty-Niners

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

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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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MARY MEWBORN has written for publications worldwide. With a degree in international relations and a penchant for travel, she has served as a feature writer, contributing editor and columnist for WL for over six years.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

In the Feb. ’07 issue on page 24, WL identified Ernest Marx as Arthur Marx. On page 06 and ,6 WL incorrectly identified Pamela Sorensen as Ashley Taylor, and Ashley Taylor as Pamela Sorensen. On page 06, John Cecchi was placed into a caption but was not pictured. On page 56, WL incorrectly identified Nellie Boone as Tara Boone. On page 56, WL identified Anderson Grennan, as Andre Grennan. On page 56, WL left off Miss Rachel Pearson. On page 56, the story about The Madison club charity efforts should have stated that,“The Madison club raised ,8$030 for charity through various events.” On page 015, WL reported that 839Abbey Tearrace is over ,31000 sq. feet; this is the size of the lot, not the house. WL regrets these errors.

1226 36th Street, N.W. in Georgetown Reservations: 202.965.1789 Jacket Required Complimentary Valet Parking 1789Restaurant.com WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

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C A L E N D A R

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

MARCH

THE CORCORAN BALL For more than a half-century, the Corcoran Annual Ball has been a much anticipated event of the spring social season. The SPONSORED black-tie affair benefits the Corcoran Gallery and its College of Art and Design, which funds scholarships, exhibitions, restorations, acquisitions of artwork and art education programs. 7:00 p.m.; The Corcoran Gallery of Art; black-tie; $400; contact mzimmerman@ corcoran.org or call (202) 639 - 1782 for more information.

WL

THE SHAKESPEARE THEATRE’S WILL AWARDS Dames Maggie Smith and Judi Dench have several things in common: owning palatial flats in London, being female Knights of the Realm and having sipped champagne at The Shakespeare Theatre’s Will

Awards with Jeremy Irons. The longstanding and popular summertime tradition, the Free for All at Carter Barron Amphitheatre in Rock Creek Park, benefits directly from the proceeds. 6 p.m.; Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; black-tie; $400; contact Joanne Coutts at (202) 547 - 3230 ext. 2330 for more information.

HEARTSONGS LUNCHEON Now in its fifth year of bolstering the critical care units at the Children’s National Medical Center, this event was established by the late child poet, bestselling author Mattie J.T. Stepanek.

Alexandria Robbins—author of The Overachievers:The Secret Lives of Driven Kids—serves as the keynote speaker. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Marriot North Bethesda Conference Center; $85 per person; contact www.heartsongsfund.org for more information.

WINTER GALA HONORING HARRIET MAYOR FULBRIGHT Diplomats, Fortune 500 moguls and political pundits will savor fine wines and food during a presentation of the Council’s 2007 Excellence in Leadership Award to Harriet Mayor Fulbright, being honored for facilitating cooperation for economic growth and development in Western Hemisphere countries.

6:30 p.m.; Organization of American States; $500-$700 per person; Contact Ramon Zetuche at (202) 548-0400 for more information.

LATIN STUDENT FUND GALA “SON CARIBENO” Known for promoting equal-opportunity education, the LSF celebrates with “Son Caribeno,” an event bursting with energy and style.

This evening features a reception, silent auction, dinner and dancing.

Luis Alberto Moreno, president of the Inter-American Development Bank, is the special honoree. Reception and silent auction, 6 p.m.; dinner at 8 p.m.; The Katzen Arts Center at American University; cocktail attire; tickets start at $250; contact the Latino Student Fund (202) 244-3438 for more information.

The ladies and their colorful gowns at the Corcoran Ball, 2006

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VITAL VOICES LEADERSHIP AWARD This year’s Vital Voices Award recognizes courageous women SPONSORED vanguards of economic,

WL

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

2006 Will Award Honoree Kevin Spacey

social, political and diplomatic progress; “Women Changing Our World” will include a cocktail reception in at the Kennedy Center. 6:30 p.m.; The Kennedy Center; by invitation; contact Melissa Peterson at (202) 861-2625 ext. 3010 or melissapeterson@ vitalvoices.org for more information.

CATHEDRAL CHORAL SOCIETY ANNUAL DINNER Venerated conductor Leonard Slatkin has been lauded for leading the National Symphony Orchestra on triumphant tours through Europe, Asia and the U.S., as well as for making glorious broadcasts and recordings. At this year’s dinner he will receive the prestigious “Angel of the Arts Award.” 6 p.m.; The Ritz-Carlton Washington; $275; contact Margot Young at (202) 537-5524 or myoung@cathedral.org for more information.

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TH ANNUAL BLUE JEANS BALL Guests at the Blue Jeans Ball are encouraged to pull on their well-loved Seven For All Mankinds in the name of charity.This event aims to raise awareness and ducats to help end hunger. 6:30 - 10 p.m.; Marriot Wardman Park Ballroom; denim attire; $125; contact Jana Richardson at (202) 526-5344 ext.

234 for more information.

TH ANNUAL MARCH OF DIMES GOURMET GALA In addition to being one of the most well-known events, the March of Dimes Gourmet Gala is peppered with VIP politicos.

Chefs who compete in a cook-off during a luxe cocktails followed by dinner and prizes. 7 p.m., general reception; 8 p.m., dinner ; National Building Museum; $1000; contact Shannon Gilbert at (703) 824-0111, ext.11 for more information.

FOURTH ANNUAL NATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S GALA A lineup

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of power players speaking to raise awareness on a global scale have included Hillary Rodham Clinton and David Hyde Pierce in previous years. chairman’s reception 6 p.m.; general reception 6:30 p.m.; dinner and program 7:30 p.m.; $500 per individual; sponsorships: $50,000; $25,000; $10,000; and $5,000; Grand Hyatt Washington; contact Cindy Schelhorn at (703) 359-4440 or cindy.schelhorn@ alz.org for more information.

ANNUAL BACHELORS AND SPINSTERS BALL The tradition continues with the EXCLUSIVE annual BASB,

Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings at the March of Dimes Gourmet Gala, 2006

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

Alice Hong and Shara Poonshaft at Georgetown’s annual Bachelor’s & Spinsters Ball, 2006

WL

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an invitation-only event for 400 of Washington’ most eligible singletons.

This black-tie event has been a cherished tradition since the 1930s.

9-11 p.m.; City Tavern Club; ticket Price $75 for women, $95 for men; by invitation only.

CAPITOL DANCE MOVEMENT CONCERT Celebrity choreographers and guests will gather at SPONSORED the historic Lincoln

WL

Theater for a concert, a portion of whose proceeds will be donated to the Hoop Dreams Scholarship. Expect a cavalcade of famous faces in the crowd as well as onstage — past events have drawn such stars as P Diddy, Janet Jackson, Beyonce, Danny Glover, Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole. 8 p.m.; The Lincoln Theatre; business casual; $45; contact www. capitolmovement.org for more information.

SAVE THE DATE for these WL sponsored and supported events April 20 National Museum of Women in the Arts Spring Benefit April 27 Washington Ballet Gala April 27 Best Friends Foundation Rock and Roll Gala May 4 Phillips Collection Gala

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F .Y. I . D . C .

Fernand Leger, The Mechanic, 1920, Oil on Canvas

Naum Slutzky, Teapot, 1928, Brass with a matte chromium surface and ebony knob

MODERNISM DESIGNING A NEW WORLD - The Corcoran Gallery of Art; 500 Seventeenth Street; March 17-July 29, 2007. For more information visit www.corcoran.org

e SEE THE BLOOMS FROM BED Guests can watch the cherry trees blossom from their rooms at the Mandarin Oriental, the only hotel in D.C. to overlook the Tidal Basin. Try their Cherry Blossoms Bloom package, featuring overnight accommodations, a trio of cherry treats from the hotel’s pastry chef and breakfast for two at CafÊ MoZu; $379 per night for a deluxe room with a water view or $979 for a one-bedroom suite; available March 23-April 29; for more information visit www.mandarinoriental.com.

f IN SEASON Looking to indulge yourself this spring?

The Spa at the Four Seasons (2800 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) can provide the proverbial “cherry on top� of a day of pampering with their Cherry Blossom Champagne Body Treatment. Need we say more? $220 for an 80 minute treatment; for more information visit www.fourseasons. com/washington/spa.

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THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL; March 31 — April 15. Even though unseasonably warm weather caused some cherry blossoms to make early appearances, the upstart blooms were not those of the Yoshino cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin and are the focus of the festival (which celebrates the th anniversary of the gift of 3,000 trees from the city of Tokyo to D.C.). The festival includes events such as the Grand Sushi & Sake Tasting, lantern lighting ceremony and the cherry blossom parade. For more information and a calendar of events visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

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

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f BODY BY PIZZA For everyone still sticking with their New Year’s resolutions (and those that are wavering), zpizza, a healthier alternative to traditional delivery pies, is here to help. With whole wheat crusts, organic tomato sauce, low-fat and soy cheeses and fresh veggie toppings, health conscious eating doesn’t have to taste so ‌ health conscious. Order from any of their 11 Virginia and Maryland locations; for more information visit www.zpizza.com.

One of zpizza’s healthy creations, the Napoli

IT’S BECK-ONING Robert Wiedmaier of the venerable Marcel’s in downtown Washington will open a second, more moderately priced Belgian restaurant called Brasserie Beck in April. The award-winning chef’s new casual venture — named for his second son — will be open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch and will feature a number of Belgian beers on tap. For more information, write to tom@marcelsdc.com.

BUDGET GOURMET Central and Palena serve up tasty dishes at tastier prices

e WASHINGTON D%C% INTERNATIONAL WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Ronald Reagan Building and

Michel Richard’s Central

International Trade Center; March 9-11.

For more information visit www.wine-expos.com/dc

CENTRAL MAKE A SPLASH

1001 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., (202) 626-0015

As spring approaches, you’ll need a scent to match the season. Marc Jacobs’ new Splash ’07 collection — available in Cucumber, Orange and Rain — is light enough to splash all over; $65 for a 300 ml bottle; available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

For gourmets, the anticipation of dining at Citronelle is akin to a child’s excitement on Christmas morning. Now Citronelle’s Santa, a.k.a. Michel Richard (who actually does resemble Saint Nick a bit) has something new for area diners.

At Central, Richard (a professed lover of Kentucky Fried Chicken and Kit Kat’s) has created a more casual dining experience that is a cross between an American and French bistro. The dishes are reasonable ($15 – $25 for main courses) and while not as complex or intricate as Citronelle, are just as appetizing. The French plates (the onion soup) tend to outshine the American choices.

d BE A PRINCESS Once Upon a Prom,

PALENA CAFÉ

a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing prom dresses to young women in need, recently released its “Every Girl is A Princess� bangle. All proceeds will benefit Once Upon a Prom; available for $45 at Ann Hand, 2900 M St. N.W., or through www.onceuponaprom.org.

3529 Connecticut Ave. N.W., (202) 537-9250

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

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It’s easy to walk right past the bar area of Palena, the Cleveland Park restaurant with a national reputation for outstanding Italian food, but doing so would be a mistake. The front section is not just a quiet place to share a bellini; it also offers an alternative to Palena’s multi-course set menu. Try eclectic dishes such as a plate of fried lemons, potatoes dauphinoise and onion rings — the seemingly odd combination is a creative mix of sweet, sour and salty. The only drawback to this posh cafÊ is the no reservation policy, but show up around 6 p.m. and you’ll have little to no wait. The food will make you a happy customer, but the prices (most dishes are just $10) will leave you ecstatic.

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BOOKS

Artfully Noted Washington Times’ Society Editor Kevin Chaffee pours through two new coffee table books

DISCO YEARS

by Ron Galella Power House Books, $65

T

hey are all here. The first-name-only set who populated the New York club scene in the ’70s and ’80s: Andy, Liz, Liza, Mick, Bianca, Madonna, Cher, Rudi, Halston, Raquel,Arnold, Truman, Rod. Disco Years is a marvelous flashback to the days of Studio 54, Xenon and the Area Club. Ron Gallela, dubbed by Time magazine as “the godfather of American paparazzi culture,” was there to record it all – whether his subjects liked it or not.

All the shots are candid, of course, the hallmark of any respectable paparazzo. There’s a totally blotto Truman Capote, who may or may not be wearing anything under his coat, gradually sliding off his banquette; an amazingly obese Elizabeth Taylor caught in what would later become the cover photo of “Hollywood Babylon II”; impossibly young and handsome John F. Kennedy Jr. making the scene with his girlfriend du soir; plus the usual complement of freaks, drag queens, nearly naked busboys and topless starlets cavorting on the dance floor in gold glitter or in Studio 54’s damp, dark and druggy basement “VIP Room” (the only place to be for la creme de la dregs).

As Anthony Haden-Guest notes in his introduction, “Things are rough for paparazzi these days.”

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There’s legislation which drastically restricts their activities and hired goons to beat them up, to say nothing of “picture-eating” cellphones.

Anybody can be a paparazzo now, he points out.And it’s true. But it’s not nearly as much fun when everyone’s 15 minutes are already up.

LUXURY LINERS: LIFE ON BOARD

service that are the norm on many of today’s cruise ships will marvel at the luxury and style of their famous early and mid-20th century predecessors.

The transatlantic “crossing” (please don’t call it a “cruise”) began with an exciting departure featuring bon voyage parties, popping champagne corks and bellboys delivering telegrams, flowers and baskets of fruit.

After embarking (streamers! blasting horns! waving crowds!), there was the all-important examination of the passenger list to see who else might be sailing, and the unpacking of steamer trunks. Then one settled in for the next four to six days (depending on the speed of the ship).

Routine onboard was deliciously languid: breakfast in bed, then perhaps a stroll on the promenade deck followed by bouillion (or “elevenses”) whilst snuggling under a steamer rug at one’s deck chair with a good book.

Next came a four-course lunch, with late afternoons devoted to a swim in

by Catherine Donzel The Vendome Press, $50

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eteran passengers and landlubbing ocean liner buffs alike will find much to admire in a superb book that lovingly recreates life aboard the Normandie, Queen Mary, Ile de France Rex, United States and many of the other great leviathans during the heyday of travel on the high seas.

Those familiar with the wet T-shirt contests, mall-like atmosphere and indifferent

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

the pool or a turn at shuffleboard, quoits or skittles on deck. Afternoon tea (always best on British ships) was at four. After a short nap, one dressed for dinner and emerged around seven for cocktails and a grand entrance into the dining saloon where a further six or seven courses awaited (the French Line’s cuisine was unsurpassed). Later, there were first-run movies, live entertainment in the theater (with major stars often performing for seamen’s charities), betting on greyhound races (the faux canines were hand operated) and placing a wager on the ship’s pool based on the distance traveled by noon the next day.

The evening ended with ballroom dancing, a midnight buffet and a romantic stargazing turn on deck.

Then a sound night’s sleep to the reassuring sound of throbbing engines far below, after which the routine began all over again.

Luxury Liners: Life on Board chronicles these magic moments, and many more, with wonderful anecdotes and a treasure trove of period photographs and details of all the great ships. It is the first ocean liner book in recent memory to transport the reader through every aspect of the voyage and share with them a uniquely leisured mode of transportation that has largely disappeared, except perhaps for passengers traveling in the most expensive accommodations on the Queen Mary 2.

“Getting there” may no longer be quite the same, but it can still be “half the fun.”

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P OW E R P R O FI L E S

ILSA ILNG OCCUPATION Traveling the world as a correspondent for the Washington-based National Geographic Channel and Oprah.

WASHINGTON LIFE What was

your big break?

LISA LING Auditioning for a nationally syndicated teen magazine show called “Scratch”at 16.

WL Bravest moment?

LL Talking about my sex life on “The View.”

WL Biggest fear?

LL Having a child.

WL Oprah versus Barbara?

LL What a privilege to have been able to work with two of the most formidable women in media. I learned so much from them. uJ st being in their presence inspires me. Working for both, my job responsibilities have been very different, so my interactions are different as well.

WL Chasing a story now?

LL I’ve just returned from Ghana, where I was working on an absolutely amazing and tragic story about little boys forced to work on fishing boats.

WL Greatest indulgence?

LL I try to get a massage once a week, because I jog everyday and need to work out the plethora of knots that accumulate in my shoulders.

WL Biggest accomplishment?

LL Finishing the Boston aM rathon was a pretty big accomplishment. I wore my deceased uncle’s number.

WL Favorite D.C. event?

LL When the cherry trees bloom.

For over 100 years, the best deal on a Volvo is right here in town!

WL Advice for up and coming journalists?

LL eRad everything.

It was his dream after his daughter Ali, my 13 -year old cousin, died of liver cancer. He was preparing to run the marathon to raise money for pediatric cancer, when he collapsed and died of a heart attack two weeks before the marathon. He didn’t make it to the Boston M arathon.

But I did;and wearing his number, we raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.

WL Would you run the Marine Corps Marathon?

LL No, I won’t run another marathon. But I wouldn’t trade the feeling of completing the marathon I did run.

WL Odd hobbies?

LL Is Scrabble a hobby?I love to shop and read. M ostly though, I love my work.

WL Favorite place to relax?

LL Well, some might not consider this relaxing, but jogging relaxes me – and one of my favorite places to jog in the world is around the mall.ou Y are surrounded by such history;it is amazing. And it is a good run too.

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WL Most challenging professional moment?

LL When I was the only Amer ican in North o Krea and had no way to communicate with anyone at home.

Had I gotten seriously ill while there, no one would have ever known. If something catastrophic had happened in the U.S., I would have had no ability to have known.

WL What surprised you most about North Korea?

LL That in this day and age of technology, an entire population can be so in the dark about the outside world.

WL What were the people like?

LL ePople were very friendly. I have never met people as patriotic as the North oKreans, but whether it was authentic or not, I couldn’t be sure.

WL Why North Korea?

LL I have always been fascinated by places about which little is reported.

North oKrea is the most elusive.

WL You take a lot of risks – are you ever scared?

LL es, Y certainly there are times when I’ve gotten scared on trips.

But, I get scared when I get into taxis in Nework Y too.

Pictured above– Lisa Ling, with her North Korean handler, takes viewers inside North Korea for a special episode of Explorer, premiering Monday, March 5 on NGC.

| washingtonlife.com

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Conveniently located in Northwest DC between Tenleytown and Friendship Heights, Martens is the only Volvo dealership in Washington!

SERVING WASHINGTONIANS SINCE 1904

4800 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. 202-537-3000

www.MartensVolvo.com

O F T H E PA R T Y

Thomas McLarty and Sen. Chuck Hagel

William Cohen, Carly Fiorina and John Danilovich

Lisa Barry

Janet Howard

Roger and Vicki Sant

Marlene Malek

Ray and Shaista Mahmood

Madeleine Albright and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton

Francis Townsend Linda and Michael Sonnenreich

Ben Bradlee and Michelle Fenty

Jamie Gorelick

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Laura Blumenfeld, Nancy Jacobson, Ali Stephanopoulos and Mark Ein

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

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Dina Powell, Melanne Verveer, Anita McBride and Donna McLarty

Rima Al-Sabah, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Kuwaiti Amb. Salem Al-Sabah

Irene Sanz, Mishal AbuShaiba and Robert Sanz

George Stephanopoulos

WL EXCLUSIVE

VITAL VOICES BENEFIT January 4 • Embassy Residence of the State of Kuwait PHOTOS BY VICKY POMBO

THE EVENT A heavy-hi ing dinner hosted by Kuwaiti Ambassador Salem Al-Sabah and his wife Rima in honor of Melanne Verveer, founder and chairwoman of Vital Voices Global Partnership, which empowers women politically and economically around the world. Co-chaired by Mrs. Al-Sabah, Beth Dozoretz, Donna McLarty, Debbie Dingell, Lilibet Hagel and Marlene Malek, the glitzy event brought together 100 of Washington’s A-list in a decidedly non-partisan way. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton was the special guest and keynote speaker. Anita McBride, chief of sta to First Lady Laura Bush, paid tribute to Mrs. Verveer, former chief of sta to Mrs. Clinton. Also in a endance were Justices Anthony Kennedy and Stephen Breyer, Senator Chuck Hagel, newly sworn-in Mayor Adrian Fenty, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, homeland security advisor Francis Townsend, the State Department’s Paula Dobriansky and Dina Powell, former Secretary of Defense William Cohen, ABC news correspondent George Stephanopoulos, former Hewle Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, blogger Arianna HuďŹƒngton, Motion Picture Association of America President Daniel Glickman and Broadway singer Natalie Toro, who entertained the guests with numbers that included the feminist anthem “I Am Woman.â€?

Capricia Marshall and Beth Dozoretz

Peggy and Bill Hudson

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Deborah Harmon, Janet Langhart Cohen and Ron Dozoretz

Kathryn Minor and Edmund Muskie Jr.

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WL EXCLUSIVE

Vital Hillary As she makes waves with a presidential bid, Hillary Rodham Clinton’s work with the Vital Voices Global Partnership remains close to her heart exist, and that violence against them is an acceptable part of life.VitalVoices recognizes that when women are given opportunities – when they can raise their voices and access the skills, resources and tools to empower themselves, their communities and their countries – they can serve the causes of peace, democracy, progress and prosperity.

WL Vital Voices is a remarkably rich and diverse group of women. What role do you have as an American within the microcosm?

HRC VitalVoices gives women the opportunity to come together and share their dreams, aspirations, hopes and concerns. Through these meetings, women give support and strength, provide ideas and create the political will needed to solve problems found in every corner of the globe.As an American, I am proud to both share the stories of our successes here at home with women from around the world, as well as learn what has been working in other parts of the globe.These discussions are an important way to promote democracy, freedom, prosperity and human rights for all.

Hillary Rodham Clinton at the Vital Voices benefit dinner at the Kuwaiti Ambassador’s residence

W

ASHINGTON LIFE You’ve remained passionate about the Vital Voices cause. What has kept it paramount?

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON It comes down to the simple fact that human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights.

While we’ve made a great deal of progress since we made that statement at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, there is still much work to be done. In the 21st century, some women are still denied the right to

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an education and health care, denied the right to live free from violence in their own homes or in their societies, to own property, to participate fully as citizens, to vote, to run for office, to have access for credit so they can start or build a business – in other words, to live as fully human and to live up to their God-given potential. But if women are to become full and equal participants in their countries, they need the opportunities to share information and develop strategies together. They need help changing laws and the attitudes that teach girls that their dreams don’t matter, that their rights don’t

WL What advice would you give to younger women wanting to get involved in human rights protection?

HRC Working to advance human rights is something that women and men of all ages can do. And I would encourage them, as early as possible, to get involved with the organizations that are working to improve their communities and their world. When I was a young girl, I was active in associations in my school, in Girl Scouts and my church, and my participation in these types of organizations only continued as I went through college and law school. And I believe that when women of all ages participate in their communities through groups like these, they help to build a civil society that values the contributions of both women and men. I would hope that these young women never underestimate the power they have as individuals to affect positive change both in this country and around the world.

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

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PERU Opera Ball Photo © Heinz Plenge/PromPerú

Washington’s Premier Social Event – “A Peak Experience” – to benefit

Washington National Opera Friday, June 1, 2007 Betty Knight Scripps, General Chairman The Residence of His Excellency Felipe Ortiz de Zevallos, The Ambassador of Peru For more information call 202.295.2486 or e-mail events@dc-opera.org

O F T H E PA R T Y

James Gasho

Yvette and Ed Lewis

SusanTrees and Vernon Jordan

Jill Mitchell, Colette Bruce and Leigh Hay

Maria Fernandez and Chilean Amb. Mariano FernĂĄndez

WL SPONSORED

WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA MID-WINTER GALA “STOCKHOLM: CITY OF NORTHERN LIGHTS�

February 3 • Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium

BY DONNA SHOR PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON AND RUSSELL HIRSHON

THE EVENT Caption Cocktails, dinner and dancing in a se ing “under the northern lights,� that emulated the natural light shows appearing each year in Scandinavian skies. The evening saluted Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, with Swedish ambassador Gunnar Lund and his wife Kari Lotsberg serving as honorary patrons. THE SCENE

Swedish girls in native costume greeted guests, who then entered into a darkened hall with cocktails served from blue-light-encircled trays, before escorting them into a fairyland ballroom. Dinner tables were appointed in blue and silver, topped with white birch and white roses. THE GUESTS The ambassadors of Chile, Hungary, Norway and Finland and their spouses, WNO president Kenneth and Diane Feinberg , Judith Terra, Mae and Ande Grennan, Phil and Nina Pillsbury, John and Christine Arundel, Giorgio and Anna Maria Via, Ann Townsend, Judy Esfandiary, Ann and Vernon Jordan,Vibeke Lo* and Paul Carp.

Peter and Ellen Boyer

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Catering and decor by Occassions Caterers

Stuart Ross and Frances Norris

Kristen, Lauren, Anna and Jacqueline Pfeier

Cinnie Fehr, Swedish Amb. Gunnar Lund and Doris Dixon

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Tiany & Co. provided each S&S winner with silver-framed portraits

Kathy Kemper and Ina Ginsburg

E. Fuller and Barbara Torrey

WL PARTY

WL’S SUBSTANCE AND STYLE AWARDS January 17 • The Italian Ambassador’s Residence PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

Christine Pelosi, Julia Cohen and Michael Wharton

Pilar O’Leary with her parents Richard and Irma Frank

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Gerry and Liz Byrne

THE EVENT Italian Amb. Giovanni Castellaneta and his wife Leila opened Villa Firenze for WL’s ďŹ h annual Men and Women of Substance and Style Awards. The event honors individuals who share an innate ability to give tirelessly to deserving causes. This year’s awardees were: Philippe Cousteau, cofounder of Earth Echo International; Isabel Ernst, philanthropist and real estate developer; David Mercer, lobbyist and philanthropist; Senator Barack Obama; Pilar O’Leary, director of the Smithsonian Latino Center; Gabriela Smith, philanthropist and economist; and Dr. E. Fuller Torrey, psychiatrist and president of Treatment Advocacy Center. THE SCENE Guests cha ed about holiday adventures while sampling Occasions Caterer’s buet dinner and admiring orchid displays by Volanni Florists. Barbara Harrison, a model of substance and style, served as emcee, presenting each winner with a silver Tiany & Co. frame donated by the famous jewelry company. THE GUESTS Jan and Sam Donaldson, Conrad and Ludmilla Cafritz, Jack and Mary Margaret Valenti, Swedish Amb. Gunnar Lund, Mexican Amb. Carlos de Icaza, Ron and Beth Dozoretz, Stuart and Gwen Holliday, Jack Davies, Marc and Jacqueline Leland, Prince Ermias Selassie, Kay Kendall, Hilda Ochoa-Brillembourg and Henry von Eichel.

Donald Ensenat

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Philippe Cousteau

Gwen Holliday, Kay Kendall, Ricardo and Isabel Ernst and Stuart Holliday

David Mercer

Volanni orist and Occasions Caterers set an elegant table Barbara Harrison, JoAnn Mason and Matt Glassman

Stephania Conrad, Italian Amb. Giovanni Castellaneta, Leila Castellaneta and Donald Conrad

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Pete Rouse

Doug and Gabriela Smith

Chris Koch and Neil Cohen

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Denise and Brad Alexander

Mary Mochary, Tiany Spadafora and Carol Lascaris

Grace Nelson and Sen. Bill Nelson

THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS BALL

Donald Trump, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter and Melania Trump

January 27 • Palm Beach, Florida

BY DONNA SHOR PHOTOS BY LUCIEN CAPEHART

Qatarian Amb. Nasser Al-Khalifa

Slovenian Amb. Samuel Szbogar and his wife Maja

Bynum Hunter and Brownie McLean

Sean Brosnan and Ivanka Trump

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THE SCENE Diamond tiaras were tro ed out for a once-a-year display at the posh International Red Cross Ball. Long the highlight of the Palm Beach social season, it’s now returned to former glory a er years of complaints, stay-aways and dissatisfaction with previous organizers. The gilded and glowing Grand Ballroom of Mar-a-Lago, once the legendary Marjorie Merriweather Post’s estate, is now Donald Trump’s private club. Fi y years ago the Washington-based Post cereal heiress began the tradition, aided by the late Garne Stackelberg, of ying ambassadors down as the ball’s special guests. Now the personal plane is Trump’s 727, sometimes with The Donald on board. THE GUESTS Of the 450 ball goers, there were ambassadors and their wives from Malta, Afghanistan, Slovenia, Ecuador, Thailand and Finland (the la er brought three year-old Olivia and four month-old Julia, cheerful and quiet travelers); and the dashing bachelor ambassador of Qatar. Also in a endance was the dynamic magazine publisher and former ambassador to Finland, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, the ďŹ rst American Red Cross national chairman in memory to a end. She’s credited with the ball’s turnaround by her involvement and choice of co-chairmen William and Nancy Ellison Rollnick; he a former Ma el honcho (think Barbie); she a lauded photographer with books on opera and the ballet ‌ Peter Duchin’s orchestra kept guests dancing until the last Rolls rolled away.

Laura Lintu and Finnish Amb. Pekka Lintu

Norma and Bill Tiefel

Diane and David Bell with Aumaporn Futrakul and Thai Amb. Virasakdi Futrakul

Pierce Brosnan with Nancy Ellison Rollnick and William Rollnick

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Masoud A.

If you have yet to meet him, and can’t seem to pronounce his name, it will be second nature in no time. Masoud Aboughaddareh has redefined nightlife in Washington, DC. Lima, the latest concept from the veteran promoter known as “Masoud A.”, marries fine dining, a sleek lounge and late-night dancing, all located on three different floors.

This self-taught businessman has built his reputation and his successful career from the ground up. Through 17 years of promoting events at local hot spots, Masoud A. learned the industry through plenty of trial and very little error.

But don’t assume he is satisfied just yet. Expect more innovative and alluring nightspots from Masoud A. They will continue to redefine the way DC plays after hours.

O F T H E PA R T Y

Tony Powell and Diana Adams

Tiffany Bacon and Onaya Haymard

Kelly Owens and Jimmy Lynn

WL SPONSORED

CAPITOL MOVEMENT PROJECT FUNDRAISER AT BLUE GIN January 16 • Blue Gin PHOTOS BY EDGAR BECERRA

THE EVENT The fact that Blue Gin was overrun with Redskins cheerleaders may have played a part in the successful silent auction. The dancers and philanthropists were certainly pumped up enough to contribute generously to aid the Capitol Movement Project, which provides scholarships for local dancers.

Guests from the Washington Ballet, the NFL Retired Players Association and the Washington Performing Arts Society enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on items such as a Gilbert Arenas signed jersey and a Dolce & Gabbana Fashion Album. THE GUESTS

Washington Ballet Board President Kay Kendall, Tony Powell of Tony Powell/Music and Movement, Diana Adams, Septime Webre and Jack Davies.

Silent auction merchendise Septime Webre and Stephanie Jojokian

Jack Davies and Kay Kendall

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Chris Williams and Teneii Boykin

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Mark and Margaux Cerminaro

Bruce Attridge, Jess Jacobs and J.T. Taylor

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Douglas Thornall and David Sutphen Caption

JETÉ SOCIETY DANCE PARTY Dabney Doswell and Lindsay Craig

Angela Corridan

January 19 • The Italian Embassy PHOTOS BY JONAH KOCH

THE EVENT The JetĂŠ Society’s hip dance party, where a DJ spun hot, funky ‘70s tracks and the young and beautiful picked up some tips from special guests — dancers from the company. Supporters of the ballet helped raise over $90,000 and encouraged guests to partake in “lots of grooves, lots of sass and a li le gambling.â€? A mock casino completed the theme, “Upstairs at the Speakeasy.â€?

The fĂŞte continued into the wee hours at the Hotel Palomar, where a special discount encouraged further bacchanalia. THE GUESTS

Sarah Elder, Pamela Brown, Andrew Blecher, Tripp Donnelly, James Maxwell, Victoria Michael, Josh Overbay, Tom Snedeker, Lindsay Stroud and Josh Thomas.

Rebecca Canan, Ray Regan and Caroline Stouer

Marco Minuto and Ashley Taylor

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Aaron Jackson

Hadley Gamble, Jenn Crovato and Sara Studebaker

E. Coventry Burke

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Gahl Burt and Martin Indyk

Judith Jamison with Ailey dancers

Guido Goldman and Jacqueline Leland

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER GALA February 6 • John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts

BY DONNA SHOR PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON AND VIVIAN RONAY

THE EVENT An opening night performance by the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance troupe, followed by dinner and dancing.

Proceeds funded the company’s D.C. outreach programs and will provide scholarships for talented dancers to a end the Ailey School in New York. THE SCENE The seasoned dancers put on a stunning show for an enthusiastic crowd and were true to their “do-or-dieâ€? dance style from the night’s ďŹ rst work, The River — a jazz ballet from the 1970 collaboration of Washington’s Duke Ellington and the late Alvin Ailey — through Twyla Tharp’s athletic whirlwind, The Golden Section, to the gentler, spiritual selections of Revelations. FedEx executive Gina Davis neatly summed it up as “A creative mix of new and old that came together as both artistic and inspirational.â€?

THE GUESTS Co-chairs Carolyn Brody, Debra Lee and Beatrice Welters, Michelle and Mayor Adrian Fenty, Marian Wright Edelman, CEO of Southern Company David Ratclie, Kay Kendall, Michael Kahn, Gwen IďŹ ll and Alexine and Aaron Jackson.

Dante Baylor and Hope Boykin

David Ratclie and Courtney Brene Corbin

Mayor Adrian Fenty and Alicia Graf with Arnie and Martha Graf

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Riley Temple

Tom Wheeler, George Vradenberg, Carol Wheeler and Trisha Vradenberg

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Bradley Stevens’ portrait of Vernon Jordan

Vernon Jordan and Alan Greenspan

UNVEILING VERNON JORDAN’S PORTRAIT January 24 • National Portrait Gallery PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

THE EVENT The board of the Nataional Portrait Gallery hosted a private ceremony to unveil Vernon Jordan’s portrait by artist Bradley Stevens. The painting will be in the temporary collection until the the Gallery’s advisory board votes in April to add it in the permanent collection. THE GUESTS Ann Jordan, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Bill Cohen, chief curator Carolyn Carr, Andrea Mitchell, British Amb. Sir David and Lady Manning and Jim Kimsey.

Mai and Jim Abdo

David and Katherine Bradley

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EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Healing for Peace Bringing Hope and Health to the Children of Iraq

BY J O H N P. HOWE, III, PRESIDENT AND CEO, PROJECT HOPE

T

he children of Iraq need our help. I have seen first-hand the deplorable condition of Iraq’s healthcare system, and I have listened to the pleas for help from the country’s healthcare professionals.

During the past two decades, the Iraqi health system has been in a state of neglect.

Once a country that boasted a high-tech, world-class health care system, Iraq’s healthcare infrastructure is now broken and in serious need of repair. The last hospital was built in 1978, and the country’s 197 hospitals have been in a state of steady decline for more than 25 years. The deterioration of Iraq’s healthcare infrastructure has had a devastating effect on its people, especially the children. Child mortality in southern Iraq has climbed – 150 out of 1,000 children die before they reach the age of five. Most die before their first birthday. To make matters worse, childhood cancer rates in

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Iraq are eight to ten times higher than in the West. Children under five account for nearly 56 percent of registered cancer cases.

An important solution to this dilemma is the Basrah Children’s Hospital. Under the expert supervision of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the hospital will be a 94-bed, 160,000 square-foot facility built on thirteen acres donated by the Iraqi Ministry of Health. The hospital will use the most modern treatment techniques to address the needs of Iraq’s most seriously ill and injured children, with a special focus on children

of the Basrah Children’s Hospital. The evening is sponsored by the Kuwait American Foundation, of which Rima is the gala chairwoman, and which, in previous years, partnered with USA for UNHCR and UNICEF to help advance the cause of children.

The Foundation has now raised over $1.2 million for the hospital.

At the Healing for Peace gala dinner, First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will be honored guests, country music superstar Randy Travis will provide entertainment and PBS’s Charlie Rose will serve as the master of ceremonies.

IN SOUTHERN IRAQ, 150 OUT OF 1,000 CHILDREN DIE BEFORE THEY REACH THE AGE OF FIVE. with cancer. Project Hope is focused on equipping the Basrah Children’s Hospital and training the professionals who will staff the hospital when it opens its doors in the fall of 2008. In addition, with the help of Project Hope, the hospital will become a training facility to improve the skills of health professionals throughout the country.

When I shared this information with my friend Rima Al-Sabah, wife of the Kuwaiti Ambassador Salem Al-Sabah, she immediately offered to help. Our discussions led to a gala dinner on March 7, which will be hosted by the Al-Sabahs at their residence. The event, “Healing for Peace,” will support Project Hope in its endeavor to assist in the development

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As we gather on March 7 at the Kuwaiti Residence, new hope is springing up in the southeastern city of Basrah – it’s the Basrah Children’s Hospital. Thanks to the support of partners such as the Kuwait America Foundation, Project HOPE will be able to make a difference in the lives of the children of Iraq. These children offer the hope and promise for the future of the country, and we are giving them a chance to fulfill that promise.

Above– Randy Travis will provide musical entertainment for the “Healing for Peace” gala Left to right– Distinguished Guests, First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice / Gala Chairwoman Rima Al-Sabah

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V E R B A T I M

Hard to Compute Carly Fiorina recounts her rise and fall as CEO of Hewlett-Packard at The Q & A Café at Nathans

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ll her life, Carly Fiorina has been a high achiever. 20 years with AT& T and Lucent, including postings in Washington, put her on the corporate fast track. Fortune magazine declared her “the most powerful woman in business” in 1999; soon after, she was named CEO and chairman of the board of Hewlett-Packard. Here, she took an old-school hierarchy into the big business culture of a new century. But change is sometimes a hard pill to swallow. Six years after her hiring – and without ceremony – the board fired her. Fiorina reviewed her interesting past and gave a glimpse of her (possibly political) future in a recent interview with Carol Joynt before a sold out audience at The A & Q Caféat Nathans.

CAROL JOYNT Let’s start with Hewlett-Packard.

Why did they hire you as their CEO? CARLY FIORINA They knew that a very difficult transformation was required. This company was legendary, storied; it was frozen in place and frozen in time. HP missed nine quarters in a row in the middle of the biggest technology upturn in history. Its profit had been deteriorating for five

CF It was very difficult. The

Tough Choices, Fiorina’s critically acclaimed memoir, was released in October, 2006.

transformation took place during the worst technology recession in 25 years.

CJ And then you had 9/11.

CF September 11th happened the week after we announced the merger with Compaq.

Change is a little bit like heaven. Everyone wants to go there, but nobody wants to die.

Everybody embraces the need for change, because people logically understand when change is necessary. HP knew they were floundering; as such, the board of the company intellectually said,“Yes, let’s go make the tough choices to become once again the leading technology company in the world.”

When change started to happen, people questioned it and the consequences. On my watch, I had to lay off 36 ,000 people. Ironically, after I was ousted, people said I was fired because I couldn’t cut costs.

dismissed or pigeonholed.

Once, I had an evening event with senior executives; I was the only woman.

The senior executive proceeded to ask me questions that had nothing to do with the work. “What does your husband do?” “Why are you doing this?” “Don’t you want to go home and have kids?” It was a very dismissive conversation. I was so frustrated by it that I excused myself and went out in the parking lot crying. I pulled myself together, went back in and finished the evening.When I got home that night, I said “I’m not going to cry any more over other people’s prejudices. I’m not going to take inside other people’s smaller view of who I should be.

I will do what I choose – if they don’t like it, it’s their problem and not mine.”

“ON MY FIRST TRIP TO KOREA I WAS INVITED TO KISAENG PARTIES WHERE EACH MAN HAS A FEMALE COMPANION FOR THE DINNER SO I HAD A FEMALE COMPANION WE FOUND COMMON GROUND BECAUSE WE SHARED A COMMON EXPERIENCE ” years. Its growth was slowing when we were going through the dotcom boom.

The transformation required someone who would respect the culture, but who also would be willing to bend rather than break it. Someone who could both come up with a strategy and a set of goals.They knew they needed a leader who could communicate effectively and inspire people to make tough changes.

CJ They gave you a mandate, and it essentially

became almost a journey in hell, right?

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CJ Did you ever find yourself suppressing your intelligence so as not to threaten men?

CF No.You can learn a lot more by listening than by talking. The interesting part of my career and life is asking many questions and listening to the answers.

CJ In your book there were episodes in which

you cried. Then you had an epiphany: you weren’t going to cry anymore.

CF I had things happen to me in the work place that were frustrating because they were situations in which my gender made me

CJ While you were in Washington, you had

experiences that groomed you for HP. People you worked with lied under oath. Did this teach you how to recognize lying, and did that become an essential skill?

CF I was a key witness in a lawsuit around a number of government contracts. I knew people were lying, because I knew the facts.

I learned that people will lie. I was quite naive. I am so fortunate that my mother and father stressed integrity, character, candor and truthfulness.

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CJ So would you be a good poker player?

CF If it really mattered to me, yes.

CJ You approached your encounters with the

media in a very positive way. You handled it well, and then ultimately it came to bite you in the back; people said you liked the media too much. Is there a way you would have done that differently?

CF I did not expect the level of attention that was paid to me when I came to HP. I imagined that when I arrived on the job, the question most asked would be, “Why are you qualified to do the job?” rather than things pertaining to being a woman.

No matter what I did, I got it both ways.

CJ You were on the cover of Fortune

Magazine, and you were named the top woman in business in the country. You wrote that as much as you liked it, it was lonely.

CF It’s a great honor, but for the six years that Fortune said I was the number one, I told them not to make a list.

When they number women 1 to 50, it makes business seem like tennis.There’s a men’s ladder, and there’s a women’s ladder. The women can’t compete against the men, because we’re not good enough, strong enough or tough enough. It’s the wrong message.

softened, they can assess people’s judgment and tenacity. If you ever have to go into a drinking contest, mentally prepare. It’s part of doing business.

Your job is not to relax and have a good time.Your job is to make it through the contest.

Physically prepare; eat the right things ahead of time. Never sip your drink.Your mouth absorbs alcohol more quickly than your stomach.

Halfway through the contest, I would say, “Now you need to do me the courtesy of drinking an American drink.” I would ask them to drink something that they weren’t used to, such as rum or wine. Killed them every time.

senior officers in corporate America is somewhere between 12 and 16percent. The pay disparities continue to exist, and it’s no longer an issue now of the quality of the feeder pool. It’s about people being uncomfortable with folks who are different from them.

CJ Why

were you fired from HP?

CF I was fired because of a dysfunctional board.

We had people in the board room who wanted things to happen a certain way. They were wrong.

They were being resisted. So they chose to take matters into their own hands and talk to the media to put pressure on the situation.

My response was that it was dishonorable CJ Where is corporate hierarchy and the and unacceptable behavior. Other people’s boardroom in terms of diversity? ambitions took over and other people decided they could take advantage of Fiorina, a former Washingtonian, the situation. That dysfunction, which discusses her tenure as CEO of HP at a sold-out lunch. happened in a two-week period, caused me to be ousted.

CJ There are rumors you might

go back to the corporate world or even into politics. I know that you are involved with Steve Case’s [new company] Revolution.

CF One the great joys of my life – one of the great gifts of getting fired from HP – is the freedom to do what I choose. I am reveling in that gift. I do a lot of pro bono work. I serve on a lot of boards, of which Revolution Health is one. I do a lot of speaking around the world; I enjoy that tremendously, because you get into very interesting conversations.

CJ They don’t do a list of the top

men in business, do they?

CF They certainly don’t.

CJ You traveled all over the globe

and dealt with business leaders in other cultures, particularly with Koreans. Can you tell us the secret to being able to drink a lot?

CF If you want to do business with someone, you have to connect with them and find common ground. On my first trip to Korea, I was invited to kisaeng parties, where each man has a female companion for the dinner. So I had a female companion. We found common ground, because we shared a common experience.

Now it turns out that in many Asian cultures, drinking is a big part of doing business. They believe that when the bounds of sobriety are

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CJ Would you run for office?

CF Maybe someday. I admire people

who put themselves out there.

CF We haven’t made much progress if you

look at the statistics. I was the first woman to run a Fortune 20 or a Dow 30 company. I was heartened when I was ousted from HP that we had, in rapid succession, three new female CEOs of global companies.

On the other hand, the percentage of women who sit in boardrooms today is somewhere between 12 and 16 , depending on whose statistics you look at. Additionally, the percentage of female

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CJ Republican or Democrat?

CF: I’ve come to the point in my life where that question is so polarizing, I don’t even answer it.

CJ Let me ask you the toughest question: Can

anything be done about SPAM? CF I don’t know, but my guess is, yes.

Fiorina’s interview and others can be read at www. washingtonlife.com or seen in full on Q&A Café TV at www.nathansgeorgetown.com.

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O F T H E PA R T Y

Frank Lutz, Rep. Adrian Smith, Kristi Way and Rep. Kevin McCarthy

Rep. Hilda Solis, Andrew C. Cuthbert and Bert Pena

Honor Ingersoll

ATLANTIC MEDIA STATE OF THE UNION RECEPTION January 23 • Library of Congress Great Hall PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

THE EVENT More than 65 senators and representatives milled about the Library of Congress’s Great Hall in the moments preceding President Bush’s State of the Union Address at a reception hosted by Atlantic Media. Senior Capitol Hill bigwigs and household names from lobbying, media and the Administration laughed and sipped cocktails before a ending the speech. THE GUESTS Judith Czelusniak, Harold Ickes, Dan and Diane Nelson, Rep. Ed Townes and Debbie Dingell.

Rep. Roy and Abigail Blunt Tim Russell and Dawn Schneider

Warren Hame and Rep. John Sarbanes

Rep. John Tierney and Rep. George Miller

Guillaume DebrĂŠ, Andrew Sullivan and John McConnell

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Rep. Sam Barr and John Fox Sullivan

Jamie Sterling, Judith Czelusniak and David Bass

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POP POLITICS

Representing ...

As Washington welcomes the nation’s most ethnically varied Congress ever, WL reflects on the progress of diversity over the past 20 years

W

One fact is irrefutable, however; the 110th Congress, which convened January 4, 2007, is the most diverse Congress America has elected. The diversity of membership ranges, from Asian and Latin Americans to 43 African Americans. Religious associations have also grown; Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Henry “Hank” Johnson Jr. (D-GA) are the first Buddhists to be elected, Keith Ellison (D-MN) is the first Muslim and the number of Jewish members has reached 53.

To highlight these advancements, The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding (FFEU), a national non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of ethnic unity and acceptance, held a reception in February to welcome new “ethnic” members along with stalwart trailblazers such as Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX).

“My hope is that the new ethnic members of Congress will carry forth the dreams and hopes of a new America – one of understanding, affection, appreciation, respect and dignity,” commented Rep. Jackson Lee. Rep. Rangel followed the fervent Dem from Texas, getting applause when he stated, with a hint of irony, that he “likes to think of [our nation’s forefathers], wherever they are, looking down at the Capitol, seeing Sheila Jackson FedEx’s Gina Adams Lee on the judiciary committee with Rep. Sheila and knowing all of their work is Jackson Lee (D-TX) in the hands of John Conyers.”

hen the first United States Congress convened in 1789, all members possessed two characteristics: they were male and they were Caucasian. It wasn’t until 1870 – nearly 80 years later – that the first African American congressman, Joseph Rainey (R-SC), was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

It took 172 years for the first woman, Jeannette Rankin (R-MT), to be elected. Fast forward to the 110th Congress, which includes 127 “ethnic” members, and the change seems profound. Still, the question of whether or not this total is sufficient is – like every thing else in the House and Senate – open to debate.

P H OTO S BY R O D N E Y C H O I C E / W W W.C H O I C E P H OTO G R A P H Y.C O M

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), Rabbi Schneier and Rabbi Israel Singer

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FFEU President Rabbi Marc Schneier created the organization in 1989 to bridge gaps and strengthen relationships between Black, Latino, Christian, Muslim and Jewish relations as well as to advocate for human and civil rights. Russell Simmons, chairman of the foundation since 2002, is another key FFEU player.

Simmons is a leading figure in the hip-hop world and has helped the advancement of African American culture in the United States.

“Be it Muslim, Christian, Jewish, African American, Asian, Latino, we simply cannot fight our battles alone,” Rabbi Schneier said.

“Within 25 years, the United States Congress should be one-quarter

Tonio Burgos and Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY)

ethnic minority. I think it will make the country even more authentic in terms of our commitment to others – we’re going to have to learn to transcend our ethic, religious and ideological differences.”

Changing Ethnic Demographics in Congress 1987-2007 1987: The 100th U.S. Congress HOUSE MEMBERS

GROUP

SENATE MEMBERS

23

African American

0

3 14 28

Asian Pacific Hispanic Jewish

2 0 7

Ethnic Committee Chairs: 0 Leadership Positions: 0

Ethnic Subcommittee Chairs: 0 Total Ethnic Member: 77

2007: The 110th U.S. Congress HOUSE MEMBERS 43 7 29 30

GROUP African American Asian Pacific Hispanic Jewish

SENATE MEMBERS 1 2 2 13

Ethnic Committee Chairs: 10 Ethnic Subcommittee Chairs: 9 Leadership Positions: Majority Whip Total Ethnic Member: 127 (House leadership): Rep. James Clayton Statistics provided by the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding

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MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

Party Capital Inside the Washington Press Club Dinner and “What a Party”

Terry McAuliffe writes, Helen Thomas honored, and more democrats than you can shake a stick at

BY JANET DONOVAN

“This ticket entitles you to one book” card holders included former Gore operative Donna Brazile; Hubert Humphrey’s niece Ann Howard; the three Tom’s – Quinn, McMillen and Boggs; the five McAuliffe offspring, BET Honcho Bob Johnson; Michael Jackson publicist Ramone Bain; the CNN gang – David Borman, Sam Fiest and Wolf Blitzer; Rudy Maxa; Stella Guerra; Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame, plus nearly 1,000 others. What a party!

It’s my Party Crowd surfing was the skill to have if you wanted to get up close and personal to the guest of honor at Terry McAuliffe’s book launch on February 8th at the Park Hyatt Washington for What a Party! My Life Among Democrats: Presidents, Candidates, Donors, Activists, Alligators and Other Wild Animals. That would be presidential contender Hillary Rodham Clinton.

“When I first met the Clintons, I said to myself, T ‘ hat Clinton is going to be the president of The U nited States someday.’ I was talking about Hillary,” said McAuliffe, a former DNC chair. It’s Top–Miss America 2007, Lauren no wonder that the 1,000 guests body- Nelson, with CQ Editor-in-Chief slammed into the ballroom turned the Bob Merry at the “Broadway at event into a mini crusade for the former the Ritz” after party First Lady as well as a celebration of his Bottom– Park Hyatt Washington GM Michael Morauw and Sen. book and 50th birthday.

Hillary Rodham Clinton at Terry Despite being on The Washington Post McAuliffe’s book launch and The New York Times’ best-sellers lists, the sales pitch showed no sign of waning.

“Let me tell you:ou Y buy 100 copies, and you get invited to the next inauguration.We’ve got a whole plan: 020 books, you ride in a limo.”

And the winner is? It was a toss up as “President Clinton read the galley: ‘I to who reaped the most attention at The loved it. Best book I ever read. It’s better than Washington Press Club Foundation’s 63rd the Bible.’”

Annual Congressional Dinner on February Party pal and radio talk show host Bill 6th at the RitzCarlton: Miss America Lauren Press said, “I just want to say that if you love Hansen or actress Daryl Hannah. Both topped politics, you’ll love this book. It’s about all the the list, but the real winner was Hansen’s tiara trouble you can get into and all the good you which made the rounds amongst male guests can do in politics.” vying for a photo op.

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The soireé,emceed by CBS’s Bob Schieffer, was dedicated to veteran newswoman Helen Thomas, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her fight for women’s eq uality in the newsroom.

After viewing a trip-down-memory-lane video of her journalistic career, it was clear Thomas has never been intimidated by anyone, including presidents. “I’m not there to please them or make them happy. I didn’t go into this business to be loved. I went into this business knowing that it is important to question authority.” And so she does.

“She expects answers,” former press secretary Dee Dee Meyers said by satellite.

Sen. Ted Kennedy and Rep. John Boehner ser ved as the evening’s honorary hosts.

“Having Senator eKnnedy and Mr. Boehner here shows just how much our political landscape really has changed,” Schieffer said. “Mr. Boehner’s home state of Ohio was represented by Garfield, McK inley and Taft at The White House.

Those were times they called Ohio the mother of Presidents. Well, if that’s true, she must have had her tubes tied.”

Sen. K e nnedy was also in a humorous mood.

“It’s an honor to be here with John Boehner. Last summer, I dropped by his desk and he was doing a jigsaw puzlze.

Six months later I stopped by again and he was still working on it. I said that six months is a long time to be working on the same puzlze.N ‘ ot at all,’ he said.L ‘ ook here on the side of the box, it says -35 years.”’

Enjoying the banter were Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Sens. Jim Webb and Debbie Stabenow and Reps. Dennis Kucinich, Charlie Rangel, Gabrielle Giffords and John Larson.

Guests made a beeline to Congressional Quarterly’s after-party, featuring Christine the Beehive Queen Ohlman and the hit musical group from Broadways’ Movin’ Out.

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Sen. John Cornyn and Chuck Lewis

Len Downing, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Bob Schieffer

WASHINGTON PRESS CLUB FOUNDATION DINNER FEBRUARY • THE RITZ CARLTON PHOTOS BY JONAH KOCH/ JOCELYN AUGUSTINO AND NESHAN H% NALTCHAYAN

Esther Coopersmith and Sen. Debbie Stabenow Daryl Hannah and Helen Thomas Ana Marie Cox and Craig Crawford

Bill Roberts and Rep. Jim Clyburn

Chris Matthews and Sam Waterston

Arianna Huffington, John Fox Sullivan and Sen. Jim Webb

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Rep. Loretta Sanchez, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Suzanne Clark

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Vicki and Sen. Ted Kennedy and Rep. Roy Blunt

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Marie-Cecile Levitte and French Amb. Jean David Levitte with Amal Zaari and Anais de Viel Castel Terry McAuliffe with his wife Dorothy and their children and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton Connie Zalvondo and Ghazal Tehrani

WHAT A PARTY! RELEASE FEBRUARY 0 • THE PARK HYATT WASHINGTON PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON AND LEN DEPAS

Norah O’Donnell

Kelly McMahon, Elizabeth Ann Chandler, Jacklie Falk, Tom O’Donnell and Brook Colangelo Raymone Bain and Donna Brazille Jean and Steve Case

Joe Wilson, Valerie Plame and Terry McAuliffe

Wolf Blitzer Maureen and John Sweeney

The Park Hyatt Washington provided catering for more than 1,200 guests

Tammy Haddad and Patrick Steele

Marisa and Shannon McAuliffe

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HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC

BY JANET DONOVAN

Three time’s a charm “Was it a fair movie?Everybody think it was fair? Do you think that was a fair movie?” asked Chris Matthews after HBO’s screening of Friends of God: A Road Trip with Alexandra Pelosi.

The film explores the influence of the estimated 50-80 million evangelical Christians on the future of the n Uited States.

Pelosi’s interviews on her yearlong cross-country trip included Reverend Jerry Falwell, Minister Joel Osteen and Pastor Ted Haggard, who is the president of The National Association of Evangelicals (which has 03 million followers).

“An evangelical is a person who believes Jesus is the Son of God, the Bible is the Word of God, and that you must be born again,” said Haggard, who must be in that process now after encounters with a male prostitute and a little crystal meth.

So, was it a fair portrayal of evangelicals?Was it a fair movie?

“If Pastor Ted hadn’t fallen, this movie would have been received totally differently,” Pelosi said. “People would have thought,O ‘ h, that’s interesting.

Those people are not as bad as we think they are.’ He kind of spoiled that premise, didn’t he?”

One has to wonder what Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart think.

Concerning their far reaching influence, take it from Falwell: “Evangelicals are the largest minority block in this country. I don’t think you can win (an election) without them. John Kerry learned that. Al Gore learned that. And Hillary will learn that in 0208.”

Among guests praying for Hillary: Alexandra’s mother Rep. Nancy Pelosi.

P O L LY W O O D

The Surreel Life: Park City Washingtonians break out, Latino filmmakers continue to gain accolades and war stories provide a sobering reminder

BY MICHAEL CLEMENTS

archival footage from Ted Leonsis’ documentary Nanking; and the waif-like visage of the boy from coming-of-age break-out comedy Son of Rambow. (After the success of Little Miss Sunshine, the expression “break-out comedy” gets more play at Sundance than a low-level L.A. PR girl looking to network.) Finally, there were the lingering romantic emotions from the New ork Y Chinatown love story, Year of the Fish and nightmarish strobe flashes and Gothic imagery from We Are The Strange, an animated film I could only tolerate for 52 minutes.

Aside from visceral dreamscapes, the other unintended by-product of absorbing 15 films in four days is that “real life” begins to blend with

and his merry band of cinephiles into reminding us that the spirit of independent film lives in the work, not the post-premiere IVP reception.

“Bob” got some additional help from the IRS 196 feature films representing 37 this year after it warned that swag passed out at countries were selected from 7,732 submissions for Sundance 2007. notoriously extravagant celebrity gifting suites should be reported as taxable income (Would you like a 1099 with that 8$0,000 Hello iKtty y last morning in Park City diamond watch Dakota Fanning?). But many came entirely too early, having think the “Focus of Film” theme was aimed at a “ended” only hours earlier in much more injurious force – the market. the iconoclastic Hollywood Last year’s afore-mentioned, ahem,“break-out way – soaking in a hot tub.The previous evening comedy” Little Miss Sunshine netted a Sundance began innocently enough at Chefdance, a record 1$0.5 million payout from Fox Searchlight. celebrity smorgasbord, where filmmakers, actors This year, obscure films such as Son of Rambow and assorted foodies willingly subject themselves and feminist horror film to the nightly whims Teeth, about a girl who’s of a different celebrity THE THEME FOR SUNDANCE WAS “FOCUS ON lovemaking comes with chef. That night it FILM ” A NOT-SO-VEILED RESPONSE TO THE FESTIVAL’S shall we say, a bite, sold for was Tory McPhail RAMPANT COMMERCIALIZATION OF RECENT YEARS 8$ million to Paramount of Commander’s antage V and 1$ million to Palace in New Lionsgate, respectively.

Orleans serving up succulent Cajun gourmet “reel life.” Case in point: in the wee hours of The Weinstein Company & 2 fare. Afterwards, I headed upstairs to music my last night, as I walked back from Zone Bar By the end of Sundance, 18 of the festival’s 12 feature length submissions were picked up in the tah night, the lines of reality venue Zone Bar, which had hosted such acts as in the clear crisp U Matisyahu, Mos Def, Nelly, Nas and Pharell blurred. The still-lighted ski slopes snaked up .2$5 to 6$million range.

Washingtonians fared particularly well. The Williams that week.The “industry” heavy crowd the mountainsides like angelic pathways to heaven. For a backdrop, a thinly veiled half p r o j e c t o r bounced until 2a.m. sharp (this is U tah, not moon saturated the evening sky with steely barely stopped New ork) Y to the sounds of international DJ after La Misma Paul Oakenfold and an impromptu jam by cobalt-blue. Was it real?That last premiere …

Luna had or the vodka red bulls?Either way, the bottom Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx and Babyface.

What I remember most about that morning line is that one cannot go to Sundance without its premiere screening (even more than the impending thought of a trip being affected by film. when local The theme for Sundance 0207was “Focus on back to D.C. in economy seats with a first class hangover) were my dreams. All the films I had Film,” a not-so-veiled response to the festival’s r e s i d e n t / producer seen, a hefty 15 in four days, were still coursing rampant commercialization in recent years, through my grey matter. Flipping through its exacerbated by sightings last year of Paris Hilton N o r m a n Fellini rolodex, my subconscious conjured up shopping on Main Street for lingerie with hairless D r e y f u s s harrowing images of prisoner abuse from Rory accessory dog and media throng in tow. The f o u n d Kennedy’s Ghosts of Abu Ghraib; black and white spectacle was enough to startle Prince Redford himself in a Sundance opened with the

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1968 Democratic Convention documentary Chicago 10.

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SUNDANCE WINNERS Grand Jury Prize: Documentary MANDA BALA (SEND A BULLET), directed by Jason Kohn

Park City, Utah

bidding war with five potential distributors. Deal broker, John Sloss of Cinetic Media hid each suitor in a different room of his five-bedroom Park City condo and meet each individually, “upping the ante through each bedroom. It lasted nine hours,” recalled the movie’s Sundance publicist, Jim Dobson. The film sold in a joint partnership of Weinstein Co. and Fox Searchlight for 5$ million, a record for a Spanishlanguage independent film.

Locals Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine left Sundance with a nice momento: The documentary director’s award for War/Dance, about gUanda’s 02-year civil war as seen through the eyes of three children.The husband-and-wife team met making films for National Geographic.

AOL vice chairman and Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis sold the international rights – excluding China – to his documentary film Nanking to Fortissimo Films. Leonsis spent 2$ million to produce the film, which was inspired

by Iris Chang’s best-selling 1997book The Rape of Nanking. He has not disclosed its sale price and is still weighing options for domestic distribution.

As the pre-eminent showcase for independent film, Sundance walks a fine line between art and business. Filmmakers are not philanthropists by any stretch, so it goes without saying that financial success is key to Sundance’s long-term survival. But one wonders if, or when, market forces will transform this sleepy ski-town into another swag stop on the festival circuit. The good news is that Sundance, with its alwayschallenging slates and poignant panels, is as relevant today as when it began. Although this year’s crop might not have been the strongest to date, the festival still resonated with stories that matter, making it a last bastion of independent thought and creation in our increasingly overformulized and commoditized Hollywood world. And, hey, you can ski too … if you haven’t stayed up all night.

Follows a politician in Brazil who uses a frog farm to steal billions of dollars, a wealthy businessman who spends a small fortune bulletproofing his cars, and a plastic surgeon who reconstructs the ears of mutilated kidnapping victims.

Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic PADRE NUESTRO, directed by Christopher Zalla Fleeing a criminal past, Juan hops a truck transporting illegal immigrants from Mexico to New York City, where he meets Pedro, who is seeking his rich father.

World Cinema Jury Prize: Documentary ENEMIES OF HAPPINESS/Denmark, directed

by Eva Mulvad and Anja Al Erhayem Malalai Joya, a 28-year-old Afghani woman, redefines the role of women and elected officials in her country with the story of her historic 2005 victory in Afghanistan’s first democratic parliamentary election in more than 30 years.

World Cinema Jury Prize: Dramatic SWEET MUD (ADAMA MESHUGAAT)/ Israel, directed by Dror Shaul On a kibbutz in southern Israel in the 1970’s, Dvir Avni realizes that he must navigate between the kibbutz motto of equality and the stinging reality that his mentally ill mother has been abandoned by the community.

Audience Award: Documentary HEAR AND NOW, directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky Brodsky tells a deeply personal story about her deaf parents and their radical decision – after 65 years living together in silence – to undergo a procedure that could give them the ability to hear.

Audience Award: Dramatic GRACE IS GONE, directed by James C. Strouse.

After learning that his wife has been killed in Iraq, a father finds the courage to tell his daughters the news during a quixotic road trip to an amusement park.

World Cinema Audience Award: Documentary IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON/United Kingdom, directed by David Sington One of the defining passages of American history, the Apollo Space Program literally brought the aspirations of a nation to another world. This Film features awe-inspiring footage and candid interviews with the astronauts involved.

World Cinema Audience Award: Dramatic ONCE/Ireland, directed by John Carney A modern day musical set on the streets of Dublin, featuring Glen Hansard and his Irish band “The Frames.”

Top to bottom: Stills from Manda Bala, Padre Nuestro, Enemies of Happiness, Grace is Gone, In the Shadow of the Moon, and Once

Mark Ein, Lynn Leonsis, Ted Leonsis, Jimmy Lynn and Raul Fernandez at the premiere of Nanking

BEHIND THE SCENES

NANKING AOL vice chairman, Washington Capitals owner and philanthropist Ted Leonsis has seen his share of business ventures, but producing the feature length documentary Nanking – he was inspired after reading Iris Chang’s bestselling 1997 book The Rape of Nanking – might be one of his most surprising career turns.

By Ted Leonsis

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f all the many adventures I’ve had in my life, few can measure up to being at the Sundance Film Festival. My family and I were there for the premiere of Nanking, a documentary I created, funded and produced about the Japanese invasion of Nanking, China, in 193 ,7and the efforts of several brave Westerners to save the lives of more than 520,000 Chinese. To make the movie, we collected their original diaries and letters and hired top actors

BEHIND THE SCENES

GHOSTS OF ABU GHRAIB Director Rory Kennedy’s film turned heads and stomachs at Sundance and ignited a heated Q&A during its February 12th Washington premiere. She took a moment to speak to WL about her politically charged film.

Washington Life:What do you think the long-term effect of Abu Ghraib will be for America’s international image?

to play their parts. We interviewed There were lots of other little moments my 88 massacre survivors and talked to family and I will cherish. The air at Park City, U tah, Japanese soldiers who participated in was crisp and clear. The location was breathtaking. the invasion. It is, in short, the largest There were stars galore, and I had the chance to collection of materials related to this meet several of them, including Teri Hatcher, tragic event.

Heather Graham and Bono. My good friend Getting Nanking accepted to Peter Barris and I went on a bobsled ride at the Sundance was an achievement. The .U S. Olympic Park – we pulled 5 g’s and finished festival received more than 7,500 the mile-long course in 53seconds! My daughter films, nearly a fifth of which were made a cameo appearance on Access Hollywood with documentaries. In the end, they former Washingtonian Billy Bush. There was an picked just 42documentaries. absolute blur of meetings and press interviews. We There is nothing like the experience of watching even went to a gifting suite. others watch a film you have worked so hard to At the end of the festival, I learned that our film make. At our first screening in won the Documentary Editing Sundance, the lights dimmed, and Award. What a rush! We were suddenly 500-plus people were humbled to be in the company of so sitting in rapt attention. Some many creative and giving filmmakers. gasped, some started to cry, as the I am so grateful to everyone who documentary unfolded. When made this project such a success – it ended they applauded, and directors Bill Guttentag and Dan applauded and applauded. Many Sturman, co-producer Michael of them hugged each other. My Jacobs and Woody Harrelson, Mariel wife and daughter were in tears.

Hemingway, Jurgen Prochnow and On the street afterwards, several the other fabulous actors who lent people came up and hugged me. their talents to this picture.

All told, we screened our film six The nine days spent at times at Sundance. During the Sundance were exhilarating, Nanking’s award winning editing week, Nanking was purchased emotional and exhausting. It was mixed archive footage with modern for international distribution and day actors reading letters that a wild ride that I will never forget. received glowing reviews.

Now it’s on to Cannes! were written during the siege.

Rory Kennedy: It’s already done enormous damage, and it’s not just Abu Ghraib. It’s a whole range of other foreign policies that have been put into place over the last three or four years since 9/11 going back, not just to the Geneva conventions from the 1940s, but all the way to the American Revolution when George Washington was faced with a situation where the British were treating American prisoners of war and soldiers horrendously.When he was asked, “How do you want to treat British prisoners of war?” he said, “Treat them with respect and dignity.”

Once we lose that moral direction we’ve lost what we’re fighting for, and we become our own enemy.

WL: Thoughts on the definition of detainees as “unlawful combatants?”

RK: Once you start having a foreign policy that says it’s okay to treat anybody inhumanely we start going down a road that is very dangerous. As one of our experts, Alfred McCoy, says in the film, “Y ou can’t have a little bit of torture. It’s like wildfire.” I think that a policy saying that enemy combatants can be treated inhumanely is a policy of disaster.

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A photo of prisoner abuse from Ghosts of Abu Ghraib

WL: Where in the chain of command does this begin?

RK: When you have the vice president arguing for torture in front of Congress, these messages come down the chain of command.They were in the mainstream media. I’m sure there were more direct commands, but until we have the full investigation we’re not going to know.The film points to that lack of information.

WL: How much intelligence do you think was gleaned from Abu Ghraib?

RK: Not much. A lot of studies say that information gathered through torture is not very effective, and that was consistent with what I was hearing in the field.

WL: How did the film affect you personally?

RK: This was the hardest film I’ve ever made. It’s very hard to live with these images day in and day out.

What I learned in talking to some of these MPs and soldiers is that they are likeable. I was taken aback by this because I had judgments about people who could treat others this poorly.To sit across from them and to see the humanity in their eyes and then to try to come to terms with the fact that they had committed these pretty horrific acts was a difficult gap for me

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BEHIND THE SCENES

LA MISMA LUNA

months ago in Mexico City.

My son, Brian, the agent for the director, had lured me there to back Before Sundance, Norman Dreyfuss was best known as the a film by a young Mexican director, man who directed the development of Leisure World adult Patricia Riggen. Before I knew it, communities in Maryland and Virginia. But when his Hol- I was the principal investor – the John Cecchi and Patrick Rhodes join Norman lywood agent son Brian asked him to put up more than half executive producer, in Hollywood Dreyfuss and young actor Adrian Alonso at the La Misma Luna après premiere party. of a Spanish Language film’s cost (a sum in the “seven-figure terms. What followed was my range”) that all changed. (fringe) involvement in trying to follow the filming, the multiple

By Norman Dreyfuss re-takes, viewing the “dailies,” ever had I ever experienced such nervous and even a bit part for myself in anticipation: The theater lights were a crowd scene. It was worlds away Christian Slater. We hosted a dinner party hoping to dimmed; a music score began to build; from my day job as chief operating officer with The IDI attract potential buyers for our film, and an après film the (long-shot) foreign film I had invested in started Group back in Washington. premiere party replete with a Mariachi band. to fill the screen.

Brian urged me to come to Sundance for a Back at the premiere, the audience seemed My son’s client’s first feature-length film was “lifetime experience.” I postponed meetings and completely focused, absorbed in our love story about a about to be viewed by an audience of 450 at the persuaded two colleagues (and investors in the film), youngster trying to travel from Mexico to Los Angeles Sundance Film Festival. Our fledgling film company John Cecchi and Patrick Rhodes, to join me. Jammed to find his mother. During one song, people clapped – really just a handful of us – into a rented townhouse, spontaneously to the rhythm. When the movie ended didn’t know what to expect. We our little film family there was instant applause.When the lights came back on, had slapped up posters at the last lived and ate together. a standing ovation started that lasted ten minutes. Quickly, minute, hastily arranged red carpet Our director’s husband Sony Pictures Classics, the Weinstein Companies, Fox interviews for our Mexican actors, and d i re c t o r o f Searchlight and other studios said they wanted to buy the and dragged agents and buyers photography, Checko, rights.A bidding contest started. Harvey Weinstein showed to the viewing. My nerves were even did the cooking. up unannounced at our townhouse to push his bid. We turning into heart palpitations.

We did party at the sold La Miasma Luna for domestic and international When our film, La Misma Luna ESPN Zone – and distribution.We made money. Even my colleagues, who (The Same Moon), came on the spotted stars Anthony said they’d invested for the fun of it, said they’d take the In La Misma Luna unexpected circumstances screen, it signaled the conclusion drive mother and son to embark on Hopkins, Teri Hatcher, cinematic gamble again. It was an absolute thrill – once of an unusual saga that began many journeys in an attempt to reunite.

Joe Piscopo and my nervousness and heart palpitations disappeared.

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to bridge.What I felt at the end of this was that many more of us than we would like to believe are vulnerable to this type of abuse if we’re thrown into [a similar situation.] The Milgram study* states that 100 percent of the people were willing to electrocute someone they knew to be innocent just because they were told to do so by a man in a white overcoat in a position of authority.When people were asked if they would electrocute innocents, 98 percent said, “No, I wouldn’t, I would never do that.”There is a disconnect between what we think we would do and what we actually do when we’re in the situation.

That’s a frightening idea. But what it says to me is that it’s really important that our government is responsible, and that laws are in place so we don’t lash out when we’re scared – especially in times of war. *Ghosts of Abu Ghraib begins with archival footage of Stanley Milgram’s experiments which measured the willingness of study participants to obey an authority figure who instructed them to perform acts that conflicted with their personal conscience. His findings were first published in a 1963 article in the Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology.

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SUNDANCE GUIDE FOR THE DISCERNING WASHINGTONIAN EVERYTHING’S COOL WL Take: Global Warming is here, so why are the naysaying lobbyists still attempting to create a debate?

Who should watch it: Philip Cooney, former chief of staff for President George W. Bush’s Council on Environmental Quality – he is a former energy industry lobbyist and current Exxon Mobil employee. hmm…

NO END IN SIGHT WL Take: A comprehensive examination of the Bush Administration’s conduct during the Iraq war and occupation.

Who should watch it: Donald Rumsfeld and Paul Bremer for recollections of life in the Green Zone and Gen. David Petraeus, the new commander of U.S. troops in Iraq, for homework.

The Future is Unwritten

THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN WL Take: A captivating journey through the life of punk rock icon Joe Strummer (you know, the guy from The Clash.) If you want to start a band this is the manual on everything you should avoid.

Who should watch it: Hungarian Ambassador András Simonyi.

KING OF CALIFORNIA WL Take: Michael Douglas reigns in yet another suburban L.A. working class hero story. Oh, Crash, where have you gone?

Who should watch it: District residents who wax nostalgic about quaint Virginia and Maryland-area Walmart strip malls but would never be caught dead at one.

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F E A T U R E

FIRST HUSBAND? As Hillary Rodham Clinton makes a historic run at the presidency, Washington ponders another potential first ...

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

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Too much Bill Clinton will revive memories of both a polarizing former president returning to the White House, and the errant husband of the Monica Lewinsky affair.Too many appearances together would provide ammunition to her opponents. How long before the enemy begins to insinuate that it is Hillary who is the surrogate – a surrogate candidate for her husband? You can see the bumper sticker: “Vote for Hillary and give Bill a third term.” Worse, the couple could become a derisive media shorthand: “Hillbilly” … the Branjolina of the 2008 presidential campaign.

Even more important to Hillary Rodham Clinton than Bill’s role in the campaign, is the issue of what he will do as First Husband, should she make presidential history by winning the

election. (Incidentally, First Husband seems more appropriate then First Gentleman, even though the latter is the masculine equivalent of First Lady.) If the 500-pound gorilla is a danger to the Clinton

KENNEDY’S “DOER” BROTHER

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hen President John F. Kennedy appointed his brother Robert as attorney general following the 1960 presidential election, the charges of blatant nepotism came from political allies as well as foes.

Kennedy argued that his 35-year-old sibling was as well quailed as anyone for the job; but the reality was that the two brothers were so close that leaving Bobby out of the cabinet seemed unthinkable. In due course RFK mollified many of his critics by assembling a skilled and dedicated staff, advancing civil rights, and generally acquitting himself well. He was also one of his older brother’s closest advisers. The president once said of him: “If I want something done, and done immediately, I rely on the Attorney General. He is very much the doer in this administration.”

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IL LU ST RATI ON BY J.C. SUAR È S

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ill and I know how to beat (the Republicans) – we have consistently, and we will,” declared Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton in a New Hampshire campaign event in which, the New York Times reported, she mentioned her husband eight times. “Although I am obviously my own person, and have my own record and my own qualifications and my own experience to put before the voters,” she said, “I will certainly talk a lot about what we did during the Clinton administration, the disappointment that I feel at the way the Bush administration rejected everything from a balanced budget and a surplus with fiscal responsibility to peace-keeping and nation-building.”

It’s hardly surprising that candidate Hillary is sending an early signal of her intention to harness the legacy and personal popularity of husband Bill in support of her presidential bid. In reality, she has little choice. Badly handled, her campaign relationship with her husband could become the 500-pound gorilla, her very own King Kong, looming over her campaign. But by immediately setting the former president in the context of her own campaign for the White House she has pre-empted a line of attack by the Republicans, or her own party rivals. Projecting the Clinton presidency as a co-presidency, she can claim part of the credit for its successes.

Trouble is, she can also be harmed by its failures.

Pundits agree Bill Clinton’s popularity, charm and political skills will be an asset on the campaign trail. The New York Times quoted unnamed “Mrs. Clinton’s advisers” as saying that husband Bill “will be a chief surrogate at fund-raisers and political events through November 2008.” But there are risks in this strategy, and they worry some of Hillary’s supporters and well-wishers.

presidential run, it will be a positive menace in newspaper suggested recently that Clinton could Astoria Towers in Manhattan. But for a man who, the White House. Left unanswered fully and serve out his wife’s unexpired term in the U.S. however fleetingly, eyed the post of U.N. Secretary conclusively, the question of the former president’s Senate (in 2008, it would have four years to go: the General, even that key international post would future will bedevil the campaign. By the time she length of her presidency).“He knows the issues, he seem a step down.

Then what about Bill Clinton as secretary reaches the television debates Hillary Clinton loves publicity, and he’s a good politician,” former of state? The post would involve travel away will need to have batted that one right out of the Clinton aide Harold Ickes was quoted as saying. from the White House, would give ballpark with a decisive answer. him an office to go to every day, make The situation has the makings of maximum use of his skill, interests, a Tom Stoppard play, but this is one and, let’s face it, charisma, and would instance where life takes precedence over unquestionably be highly popular in art. It is not sexist to think that there is the international community. something surreal about the notion of On hearing this idea, a European the former president pottering about ambassador in Washington brightened upstairs in the White House, while his and said, “The image of the United presidential wife is working one floor States world wide would take a below in the Oval Office. Clinton’s quantum leap for the better overnight.”

Republican critics will warn darkly of Analysts will say that Bill Clinton’s a dynastic takeover, but in pushing that foreign policy record was a mixed one, line they are on shaky ground. but on certain key issues, such as the Bush senior’s studied detachment Arab-Israeli conflict, and relations with from his son was exemplary, but it didn’t Europe, his heart was in the right place. prevent speculation that the phone The appointment would, of course, lines were busy between the White put him in Hillary Clinton’s cabinet, House and the ex-president’s homes but there is surely some advantage to in Houston and Kennebunkport. And having his advice given out in the open in the end Bush Sr. could keep his instead of in the privacy of the White distance no longer: he stepped in with House living quarters. an attempt to rescue his son from the Alright, so the idea of Secretary disastrous consequences of his actions in of State William Jefferson Clinton Iraq only to have his help (in the form is likely more fantasy than realtiy: of the Baker-Hamilton commission) and Head of the Clinton Foundation, ambassador-at-large, U.S. ambassador to the the cries of nepotism would recall his advice rejected.

United Nations, secretary of state, or interior decorator? The possibilities are the furious opposition to President Paul Begala, a Bill Clinton presidential endless for the nation’s first (potential) First Husband.

Kennedy’s decision to give the post campaign strategist, makes the point that of attorney general to his the former president brother Robert, another has been “a model man with Bill Clinton’s of a modern senate knack for generating spouse,” implying that that there is something surreal about the notion of the former deep friendships, but even Clinton will stay aloof president pottering about upstairs in the White House, while his deeper enmities. from his wife’s decision presidential wife is working one floor below in the Oval Office.

Over the centuries making. But while Bill the role of presidential Clinton has never been a wives has become frozen senator, he is a two-term Another possibility: appoint him ambassador- in a certain mold, and Hillary Clinton was former president of the United States. Given that background, can he maintain the same appearance at-large, which would involve travel away from not the first to chafe at its limitations. As the Washington and the White House on important first presidential husband Bill Clinton would of detachment if he moves into the White House?

Running his Clinton Foundation, which international missions. But Clinton would find be writing history – doubly so as a former focuses on global issues of health and economic that thin gruel. Better yet, appoint him U.S. president returning to his own former seat of empowerment, is not likely to keep the former ambassador to the United Nations, which would power. Whatever his own future may be, one president occupied, so President Hillary will move him out of the White House altogether, and thing is certain: it will change life in the White simply have to find him something to do. One into the ambassador’s residence in the Waldorf House for the First Ladies who follow.

IT IS NOT SEXIST TO THINK

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S O C I E T Y

WL ROLLS OUT THE

RED CARPET FOR THE A-LIST

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all it the Big Whoosh: the air that seems to fill the room (or empty it) when an Important Someone enters it. It’s the “frisson� – French for shiver, shudder, thrill – that accompanies a person who appears larger than life, whatever their size. It’s the heart-stopping sensation spectators feel when a previously humdrum space comes alive with heightened expectation.

Surprisingly, not all major politicos or highranking officials could be described this way, although people of power do have a certain advantage. It’s arguable, but the present Mr. Bush seems more memorable for his joviality than for his ability to convey confidence and intrigue. Former President Clinton still sends sparks flying. Sen. Barack Obama most definitely makes waves even before he opens his mouth.

Handsomeness and beauty aren’t enough, and, at least in Washington, great wealth alone doesn’t turn heads as it did in the days of Paul Mellon and Marjorie Merriweather Post. Celebrity doesn’t always convey the effect even with the contribution of skilled stylists and hairdressers.

Perhaps the quality sought, or found, in these public faces is the suggestion of their importance in the history of our time. Their presence is a bellwether. Any A-list thus will include people with their pulse on the moment and possibly the future as well. A White House chief of staff, a farseeing philanthropist, an ambassador whose country is aligned with our own are apt to turn heads.

Such a relatively short alphabetical compilation must take into consideration the shifting winds of the political spectrum, so that the “ins� will include some personages come to life in recent elections.The “outs� may be only temporarily retired.This is, after all, a town where comebacks are almost as commonplace as rising and falling stars. ~ Ann Geracimos

George Stevens Jr., Buffy and Bill Cafritz, Bill Clinton, Sen. Chuck Hagel, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Italian Amb. Giovanni Castellaneta, Colin Powell, Michelle Fenty and Mayor Adrian Fenti, Grega Daly, Jim Kimsey, Joe Robert, Jr., John and Irene Danilovich, Ann and Vernon Jordan, Katherine Bradley, Leila Castellaneta and First Lady Laura Bush, Mary Ourisman, Sen. Mitch McConell and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, John and Diana Negroponte.

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The President of the United States George Wďš’ Bush and First Lady Laura Bush The Vice President of the United States and Mrs. Richard Bďš’ Cheney (Lynne) His Excellency the Ambassador of Kuwait Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Sheika Al-Sabah (Rima) The Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board and Mrs. Ben Sďš’ Bernanke (Anna) The Honorable and Mrs. James Hďš’ Billington (Marjorie) Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Cďš’ Bradlee (Sally Quinn) Mr. Joshua Bďš’ Bolten Mr. and Mrs. David Gďš’ Bradley (Katherine) Justice and Mrs. Stephen Gďš’ Breyer (Joanna) Mr. and Mrs. William Nďš’ Cafritz (Buffy) Mr. and Mrs. Steven Bďš’ Case (Jean) His Excellency the Ambassador of Italy and Mrs. Giovanni Castellaneta (Leila) Mrs. Robert Hďš’ Charles (Oatsie) The Secretary of Labor Elaine Lďš’ Chao and Senator Aďš’ Mitchell McConell The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton Mr. and Mrs. Leo Daly (Grega) The Honorable and Mrs. John Jďš’ Danilovich (Irene) Representative and Mrs. John Dďš’ Dingell (Debbie) Mr. and Mrs. Placido Domingo (Marta) Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sďš’ Duvall (Luciana Pedraza) Representative and Mrs. Rahm Emanuel (Amy) The Honorable Adrian Mďš’ Fenty, Mayor of Washington, D.C., and Mrs. Fenty (Michelle) Mrs. Nancy McElroy Folger (Bitsey)

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The Secretary of Defense and Mrs. Robert Mďš’ Gates (Becky) Mr. and Mrs. Joe Jďš’ Gibbs (Melissa) The Honorable and Mrs. Daniel Rďš’ Glickman (Rhoda) Mr. and Mrs. Donald Eďš’ Graham (Mary) Senator and Mrs. Charles Tďš’ Hagel (Lilibet) Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Eďš’ Hitchens (Carol Blue) Mr. and Mrs. James Hoagland (Jane Stanton Hitchcock) Mr. Robert Lďš’ Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Eďš’ Jordanďš? Jrďš’ (Ann) Senator and Mrs. Edward Mďš’ Kennedy (Vicky) Mrs. Robert Fďš’ Kennedy (Ethel) Senator and Mrs. John Fďš’ Kerry (Teresa Heinz) Mr. James Vďš’ Kimsey Ms. Polly Kraft Mr. and Mrs. James Cďš’ Lehrer (Kate) His Excellency the Ambassador of France and Mrs. Jean-David Levitte (Marie-Cecile) His Excellency the Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Sir David Gďš’ Manning and Lady Manning (Catherine) The Secretary of the Treasury and Mrs. Henry Mďš’ Paulsonďš? Jrďš’ (Wendy) Mr. and Mrs. Jďš’ Willard Marriottďš? Jrďš’ (Donna) Ms. Jacqueline Badger Mars Mr. John Fďš’ Mars Senator and Mrs. John Sďš’ McCainďš? III (Cindy) His Eminence Cardinal Theodore McCarrick The Honorable and Mrs. John Dďš’ Negroponte (Diana) The Honorable and Mrs. William Tďš’ Newmanďš? Jrďš’ (Sheila Johnson) Her Majesty Queen Noor al-Hussein of Jordan Senator and Mrs. Barack Hďš’ Obama (Michelle) The Honorable Mary Mďš’ Ourisman and Mr. Mandell Jďš’ Ourisman General Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Mrs. Pace (Lynne) The Speaker of the House Representative Nancy Pelosi and Mr. Paul Pelosi Mr. and Mrs. John Dďš’ Podesta (Mary) The Honorable and Mrs. Colin Lďš’ Powell (Alma) Mr. and Mrs. Earl Aďš’ Powellďš? III (Nancy) Senator and Mrs. Harry Mďš’ Reid (Landra) Chief Justice and Mrs. John Gďš’ Robertsďš? Jrďš’ (Jane) The Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Mr. Joseph Eďš’ Robertďš? Jrďš’ Senator and Mrs. John Dďš’ Rockefellerďš? IV (Sharon Percy) The Honorable Selwa Sďš’ “Luckyâ€? Roosevelt Mr. and Mrs. Karl Cďš’ Rove (Darby) Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Jďš’ Russertďš? Jrďš’ (Maureen Orth) Mr. and Mrs. Roger Sant (Victoria) Mr. and Mrs. Bďš’ Francis Saulďš? II (Tricia) Justice and Mrs. Antonin Scalia (Maureen) The Honorable and Mrs. Rďš’ Sargent Shriverďš? Jrďš’ (Eunice Kennedy) The Honorable and Mrs. Lawrence Mďš’ Small (Sandra) Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Mďš’ Snyder (Tanya) Mr. and Mrs. George Rďš’ Stephanopoulos (Alexandra Wentworth) Mr. and Mrs. George Cďš’ Stevens Jrďš’ (Liz) His Excellency the Ambassador of Russia and Mrs. Yuri Ushakov (Svetlana) The Honorable and Mrs. Mark Rďš’ Warner (Lisa Collis) The Honorable Paul Dďš’ Wolfowitz Mr. and Mrs. Robert Woodward (Elsa Walsh)

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Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Placido Domingo and Lucky Roosevelt, Queen Noor (lfet), President George W. Bush, Rhoda and Dan Glickman, Rima Al-Sabah and Kuwaiti Amb. Salem Al-Sabah, Roger and Vicki Sant, Russian Amb. Yuri Ushakov, Svetlana Ushakov, Debbie Dingell and Rep. John Dingell, General Peter and Lynn Pace, Tim Russert, Christopher Hitchens, Sally Quinn, Sen. John McCain, Victoria Kennedy, Paul Wolfowitz, Jacqueline Badger Mars, and Sen. Ted Kennedy.

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WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF GOOD LIVING.

• Personal Shopping • Wardrobe & Closet Organization • Made-to-Measure Clothing • Style Management • Gift Buying Services • Destination Shopping • Special Event Styling

LANA ORLOFF Personal Stylist

info@lanaorloffstyle.com

800.562.5103

W L

F A S H I O N

BLACK-TIE

Bachelor Party

BY B A R B A R A M C C O N AG H Y P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y G A R Y L A N D S M A N A T T H E H AY - A D A M S H O T E L G R O O M I N G B Y M AV I S P AY N E

All tuxedos are not created equally, but as our WL bachelor party illustrates, from athletic groom, to stylish groomsman, distinguished dad, and annoying teenage brother, your choice can be as distinctive as your own personal style.

S P E C I A L T H A N K S T O H AY- A D A M S D I R E C T O R O F M A R K E T I N G , D O U G C A M P A N D P U B L I C T E L A T I O N S , VA L L A C A S C I O ; F A S H I O N A N D C R E D I T S A S S I S T A N T, R O S S L A N E ; A N D T. H . E A R T I S T A G E N C Y F O R M O D E L S .

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Dad: Zegna black single-breasted tuxedo, $2,050; Brioni white dress shirt, $470; Ricci cummerbund and bow-tie, $500; black and silver cufflinks, $325; Ferragamo slip-on shoes, $495 all Neiman Marcus; Patek Phillipe 18k rose gold with croc band watch, $13,950, Liljenquist & Beckstead.

Groomsman: Hugo Boss black three-button tuxedo, $850; white dress shirt, $165; black silk tie, $85; black leather tie shoes, $285, all Hugo Boss, Georgetown; Panerai extra large watch, $10,750; blue lapis cufflinks, $3,050 and signet ring, $1,250, all Liljenquist & Beckstead.

Groom: Georgio Armani black peaked lapel tuxedo, $1,995, and shadow striped silk tie, $120; Zegna white formal shirt, $335; all Saxs Fifth Avenue. Lange Moonphase watch, $39,200, Liljenquist & Beckstead. Black onyx and diamond cuff links, $2,450 and studs $2,860, Pampillonia.

Younger brother: Dolce & Gabanna black peaked lapel tuxedo, $1,550 and silver buckled belt, $395; Rufus white French cuff shirt, $175; ProjectE T-shirt, $42; Tom Ford black sunglasses, $290; Dsquared sneakers, $393, all Saxs Fifth Avenue; Jan leslie Skull cufflinks, $245, Neiman Marcus; Chopard red racing chronograph watch, $3,945, Liljenquist & Beckstead ; JVC Camcorder, $599.95, Sharper Image.

Previous page: 2007 Audi S4 convertible, cir. $63,819, Rockville Porsche Audi.

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Ralph Lauren purple label tuxedo, $3,995; pleated white formal shirt, $350; black silk bow-tie, $95; linen pocket square, $135; silver cufflinks, $250, all at Ralph Lauren Chevy Chase and Polo.com; Cartier American tank watch, $12,00, Liljenquist & Beckstead; Cigars, Zino Platinum Crown Barrel (Box of 3), $83.85.

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Clockwise: Ralph Lauren pleated tuxedo shirt, $350; Ralph Lauren studs $700 and cufflinks, $250; Mont Blanc fountain pen, $425, Neiman Marcus; Ralph Lauren skull and cross bones evening slippers, $850; Travel picture clock, $360, Tiny Jewel Box; Cigar, Zino Platinum crown chubby especial tubos (Box of 10) , $340; Ralph Lauren antique silver picture frame, $1,150; HĂŠrmes key chain, $370, Neiman Marcus; Calf skin business card holder, $100, Tiny Jewel Box; Ralph Lauren black silk bow-tie, $95

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Juvederm • Cosmetic Surgery • Lip Treatmens • Facials

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5454 Wisconsin Ave, 1625 Chevy Chase, MD 301 652-RENU (7368)

WASHINGTON LIFE’S

WEDDING M A R I TA L BLIS S

EVENT PLANNING

CATERERS

SOCO EVENTS www.socoevents.com (301) 467-5585 Bringing a “trenditional” approach to event production and design

DESIGN CUISINE www.designcuisine.com (703) 979-9400 Fifty full-time chefs can prepare food for more than 15,000 guests daily

CALLA LILY EVENTS callalilyevents.com (703) 544-0883 Innovative and unique events

OCCASIONS www.occasionscaterers.com (202) 546-7400 Unique events, great food, personal attention and creativity

TRAVEL

SELECT EVENT RENTALS www.weparty.com (800) 439-8729 Thirty five years of experience

MACNAIRTRAVEL COM (703) 836-1100 Two certified in-house destination wedding planners HALF MOON ROSE HALL www.halfmoonweddings.com (876) 953-2211 Breathtaking ceremony and reception locations, as well as a spa and luxury resort amenities to make your special day truly magical

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EASTCOAST ENTERTAINMENT www.eastcoastentertainment.com Bands include Liquid Pleasure, Midnight Movers and Right on!

DJ SEYHAN DURU (202) 255-5454 DJ and corporate event coordinator

RIDGEWELLS www.ridgewells.com (301) 652-1515 Innovative award-winning cuisine WINDOWS CATERING COMPANY www.catering.com (703) 519-3500 Premier off-site caterers RSVP CATERING www.rsvpcatering.com (703) 573-8700 Fine dining, artfully presented

WEDDING BANDS/RINGS

PAMPILLONIA www.Pampillonia.com (202) 363-6305 Rare gems, diamond designs, and one-of-a-kind antique and period jewelry, as well as custom design FINK’S JEWELERS www.finks.com (571) 434-6540 Extensive diamond selection MYSTIQUE JEWELERS www.mystiquejewelers.com (703) 836-1401 Diamonds and designer jewelry. Living room atmosphere overlooking the Potomac and Middleburg Park Hyatt CONTINENTAL JEWELERS www.continentaljewelersdc. com (202) 833-3366 Imported ruby, sapphire and diamond engagement rings. Designer mountings, custom designs or loose stones BAILEY BANKS & BIDDLE www.baileybanksandbiddle.com (800) 651-4222 Fine jewelry along with selections of designer pieces, branded Swiss watches and giftware

TIFFANY & CO www.Tiffany.com (301) 657-8777 Fine jewelry, timepieces and silver in a signature blue box

THE TINY JEWEL BOX www.tinyjewelbox.com (202) 393-2747 One of our favorite retailers of fine jewelry, collectibles and fashionable items

CARTIER www.cartier.com (301) 654-5858 Renowned French jeweler and watchmaker

QUEST FINE JEWELERS www.questjewelers.com (703) 204-0 1 1 1 Watch your jewelry being created and be an integral part of the design process

LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD www.LandBjewelry.com (703) 749-1200 Offers many prestigious jewelry lines

JEWELRY TABANDEH AT MAZZA GALLERIE (202) 244-0777 Exquisite bridal jewelry from the far corners of the world

ADELER JEWELERS www.adelerjewelers.com (703) 759-4076 Exquisite custom-designed jewelry paired with brilliant service VAN CLEEF www.vancleef-arpels.com (301) 654-5449 Exquisite jewelry BULGARI www.bulgari.com (301) 986-8610 Premier Italian style jewelry and luxury fashion goods MERVIS DIAMOND IMPORTERS www.mervisdiamond.com (202) 857-5683 Some of the finest diamonds

VENUES MANDARIN ORIENTAL www.MandarinOriental.com (202) 554-8588 It’s the Mandarin .... need we say more? Gorgeous ballrooms and superb banquet services

Mystique Jewelers

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| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

HOT LIST STA RT S H E R E

CAKES

THE WILLARD INTERCONTINENTAL www.washington.intercontinental.com (202) 628-9100 Heritage and luxury with contemporary comfort

PÂTISSERIE POUPON (202) 342-3248 Non-traditional wedding cakes and French pasteries

FOUR SEASONS www.fourseasons.com (202) 342-0444 Superb settings, award-winning cuisine and meticulous, personalized service

FANCY CAKES BY LESLIE www.fancycakesbyleslie.com (301) 548-9390 Winners of the “Today Show: Hometown Wedding” contest

DUMBARTON PLACE www.dumbartonhouse.org (202) 337-2288 Uniquely romantic, intimate setting for special events

CAKELOVE www.cakelove.com (202) 588-7100 Imaginative cakes and cupcake trees made from scratch

HAY ADAMS www.hayadams.com (202) 638-6600 Flawless service and outstanding cuisine

BRIDESMAID GIFTS

STEPHEN DECATUR HOUSE MUSEUM www.decaturhouse.org (202) 842-0920 Distinguished address ensures a special wedding site THE RITZ-CARLTON www.ritzcarlton.com (800) 241-3333 Romantic elegance at its best PARK HYATT WASHINGTON www.parkhyatt.com (202) 419-6638 Simple elegance, contemporary luxury and over 12,000 square feet of versatile space ST REGIS HOTEL www.stregis.com/washington (202) 638-2626 Celebrate in the opulent grandeur of the Crystal Ballroom and the glittering glamour of the Terrace CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART www.corcoran.org (202) 639-1781 Two-level atrium in a fine art environment

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

Ultra Violet

FLOWERS VOLANNI www.volanni.com (202) 547-1603 Elegance that can change an event, a room or a single moment ULTRA VIOLET www.ultravioletflowersdc.com (202) 333-3002 Commitment to detail that expresses your personality THE ENCHANTED FLORIST (703) 836-7775 Eclectic to elegant with a shabby chic touch CAPITAL DECOR AND EVENTS www.capitaldecorandevents.com (301) 595-9009 Eclectic to elegant with a shabby chic touch

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

NEIMAN MARCUS www.neimanmarcus.com (202) 966-9700 One stop bridesmaid gift shopping TESTA BAGS www.testabags.com (203) 918-0833 Funky, yet practical one of a kind personalized bags for bridesmaids gifts CALLIOPE BOUTIQUE www.calliopeboutique.com (703) 967-9575 Unusual gifts

NEW COUTURE www.newcouture.com (202) 237-1126 Washington’s premier custom bridal fashion designers BETSY ROBINSON’S BRIDAL COLLECTION www.robinsonsbridal.com (410) 484-4600 Full-service bridal salon featuring high-end dresses PRISCILLA OF BOSTON www.priscillaofboston.com (703) 821-0167 Handmade gowns SAKS FIFTH AVENUE BRIDAL SALON (703) 761-0700 Extensive selection of gowns in exquisite styles from the foremost American and European designers CARINE’S BRIDAL ATELIER www.carinesbridal.com (202) 965-4696 Fashion savvy and focused on you. Your aisle is their runway HITCHED www.hitchedsalon.com (202) 333-6162 Hand picked collection of classic and unique couture gowns with a focus on customer service

CANDLEMAN www.candlemandc.com (202) 462-9400 Exclusive candles and accessories

DRESSES VERA WANG BRIDAL BOUTIQUE AT SAKS JANDEL www.verawang.com (202) 337-4201 The authority on bridal elegance.

Modern and sophisticated styles

Cakelove

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BEAUTY DAVID’S BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE www.davidshairdesigner.com (301) 881-2540 Named N a med top topbridal bridalsalon saloninin20 4 2004 by aWashingtonian Wshingtonian magazine magazine TOKA SALON www.tokasalon.com (202) 333-5133 One O n e ofof the the top-rated top-rated day day spas spas in the area, with locations in Georgetown G e orgetown and andPenn PennQuarter Quarter CHRISTOPHE JOUENNE PROFESSIONAL HAIR DESIGN www.christophej.com (202) 625-2220 Specializes in matching the right look to each client

New Couture

VALET/LIMO MARC PARC VALET www.Marcparc.com (202) 464-2900 Clean, safe, professionally operated off-street commercial parking FLEET TRANSPORTATION www.fleettransportation.com (703) 933-2600 Timely and professional personalized transportation

GEORGE AT THE FOUR SEASONS (202) 342-1942 The luxury of the Four Seasons brought to beauty

PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID MICHELE www.Davidmichele.com (240) 601-2115 Over O ver 20years 20 years of experience of experience as a as a portrait and wedding photographer

Trend Watcher: Gena Chen

A

s catering manager for the St. Regis Hotel, Washington, D.C. (now undergoing a 12-month renovation,) Gena Chen’s job is to manage the miniscule so the big wigs and the brides don’t have to. She knows the trends:

• The all-white gown is a thing of the past. Today’s brides incorporate color from a colored satin bow or sash, pink and pastel embroidery or delicate fabrics such as lace and chiffon.

• Many brides are forgoing the traditional veil for a simpler headpiece.

• Brides and grooms want dinner to be an experience – fivecourse dinners with wine pairs are in demand. One couple had an “around the world” menu with an Asian-inspired appetizer followed by two-courses of Italian dishes, an all-American beef entrée, and a Viennese dessert buffet with an ice cream cart.

• Wedding cakes are traditional and simple. The most popular style is butter cream frosting with the couple’s initials and simple piping. Toppers are more often a small flower arrangement that complements the bridal bouquet.

• Saturday and Sunday evenings are most popular for a wedding although Friday evenings are becoming more in vogue.

• Most brides book their wedding 12 to 18 months in advance – or rather, their mothers do.

The St. Regis Hotel, Washington, D.C.; 923 16th and K Streets, N.W., 20006

CLAY BLACKMORE www.clayblackmore.com (301) 672-3232 Personalizing the day and capturing the moment

WASHINGTON ENGRAVING CO INC washingtonengraving.com 202-638-3100 Paper Engraving, Letterpress, Thermography, Foil Stamp, and Embossing for one of a kind invitations and cards

RICHARD GREENHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY INC (301) 530-0002 A combination of classic, photojournalistic and fashion photography

INVITATIONS HAUTE PAPIER www.hautepapier.com (202) 669-1490 Luxurious, uniquely handcrafted invitations COPENHAVER 202-232-1200 Quality off-set, letterpress, & lithographic printing as well as embossing services for any occasion Haute Papier

Washington’s Premier Bridal Fashion Designers

New Couture and the New Couture logo are trademarks of New Couture, Inc.

LEN DE PAS www.thephotographersgallery.com (202) 362-8111 Classic romanticism

In our stress-free studio, our brides receive the time and personal attention needed in making the important decision of how she will look on her wedding day.

Trend Watcher: Carine Halabi

A

s owner of Carine’s Bridal Atelier, a bridal salon in the heart of Georgetown, Carine Halabi has intimate knowledge of looks from Angel Sanchez, Carolina Herrera, Platinum Collection and Melissa Sweet, among many others.

• Current bridal couture is softer, more feminine and more ethereal: Circular skirts, modified a-line and fit-toflair gowns are in vogue, as are stylishly appointed bows, roses, gathered bodices, ruffles and accordion pleating.

Full Service Social and Corporate Event Production, Consulting, and Design

E V E N T S

• Accessories are all the rage among Washington’s sophisticated brides. This includes rafia boleros and meticulously embroidered shrugs and stoles, all gracefully set off in a vintage style.

• Hang heavier rich fabrics (such as Alencon lace) and tiaras in your mother’s closet. Instead, look for Guipure lace, cotton silk Mikado and dotted organza.

• Today’s veils are longer and simpler, with a pencil edge and some tiny pearls or crystals.

• Quick fix to sharpen your appearance for the wedding finale?

Lose the studded earrings and replace them with sparkling chandeliers and slap on some higher, sexier stilettos.

• The golden rule of bridal fashion is as old as time: Dress to flatter your body type - no matter how stylish or how fabulous it looks in a magazine, if the dress is wearing you, it is better to keep looking!

Carine’s Bridal Atelier; 1726 Wisconsin Ave, Washington D.C., 20007; (202) 965-4696; www.carinesbridal.com

301.467.5585 www.socoevents.com

Full or Partial Wedding Coordination Etiquette Advice, Tasteful Favors Elegant Stationery, Custom Gowns, Veils Creative Floral Arrangements Caterers of Distinction Music and Entertainment Ceremony Decoration, Limousine Service Hair and Makeup

240.375.3953 301.856.4173 www.covenantweddings.com

21 Years Experience Member, Association of Bridal Consultants Association of Wedding Professionals

VISIT BEST

CELLARS DUPONT

AND TAKE

25% OFF

your in-store purchase!

BEST CELLARS DUPONT 1643 Connecticut Avenue NW 202.387.3146 COUPON GOOD FOR ONE TIME PURCHASE AND MUST BE SURRENDERED AT TIME OF PURCHASE. COUPON IS NOT TRANSFERRABLE AND APPLIES ONLY TO BEARER OF COUPON. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS.

OFFER EXPIRES 3/31/07.

W L

F A S H I O N

MODER N OMANCE R The sleek glass, metal and warm wood design of the Park Hyatt Washington is the ideal setting for WL’s modern bridal gowns of Spring/ Summer 2007. Our selections are romantic yet confident looks that speak to the contemporary Washington woman. New this season: softer dresses in slip and empire shapes that add airiness, ruching and draping for subtle body consciousness and the continuation of intricately beaded accents, insets and overlays. As a counterpoint to the modern gowns, reach back for vintage and estate jewelry inspiration and add the boldness of innovative floral design.In all, go for a modern romance.

BY B A R B A R A M C C O N AG H Y P H OTO G R A P H E D B Y L E N D E PA S AT T H E P A R K H YAT T WA S H I N G T O N

H A I R BY C I N DY B O OT H M A K E - U P B Y A N I TA B A H R A M Y F L O R A L D E S I G N B Y K E L LY F O R C A P I TA L D É C O R A N D E V E N T S

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ALVIN THOMPSON custom-designed black and white Dupionni silk under-dress, and over-skirt of silk and embroidered tulle, silk bow, and hand-embroidered rose appliquéd veil, $6,000, for NEW COUTURE; round diamond and Rose cut diamond drop earrings, $4,950; pavé diamond Rose bracelet, $9,450; Asscher cut diamond ring and micro-pave diamond setting, $15,500, all BOONE & SONS; Biedimere-style bouquet of white Ranuculus and black Bicari roses with black feather trim.

PREVIOUS PAGE– PLATINUM COLLECTION strapless silk gown with embroidered bodice, waist detail and beaded tulle skirt, $4,800, CARINE’S; antique platinum pavé diamond drop earrings, $8,100, round and marquise diamond necklace, $35,000, and 5.6 k diamond ring in platinum setting, $57,500 all by BOONE AND SONS; Chantel head piece, $195, TROUSSEAU; MOYNA COUTURE beaded wrist-cord handbag, $265, HARRIET KASSMAN; bouquet of jade green roses, hydrangea, cymbidium and black calla lilies.

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ULLA MAI-JAI ivory silk charmeuse bias gown with Swarovski crystal accent, $2,900, HITCHED; vintage pearl, platinum and diamond earrings, $11,500, vintage necklace of pearls, platinum, and diamonds, $27,000, vintage platinum and diamond bracelet, price upon request, and Asscher cut diamond set in platinum, price upon request, all by TINY JEWEL BOX; EDIDI metallic evening bag, $3,173, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE.

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MELISSA SWEET short white silk taffeta and tulle dress, $2,200, CARINE’S; white satin gloves, $95, and GENIE custom tiara headpiece, $250, both by TROUSSEAU; white gold and diamond earrings, $7,765, and white gold and diamond pendant necklace, $7,280, both by TINY JEWEL BOX; whimsical bouquet of daisies, Memoi, white Ranuculus, and Billy Balls by KELLY FOR CAPITAL DÉCOR AND EVENTS.

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ADELE WECHSLER ivory organza gown with peau de sois lattice ribbon and flower trim, $3,470, CLAIRE DRATCH; platinum, yellow diamond and white diamond earrings, $59,625, platinum, yellow diamond, and white diamond necklace, $59,000, platinum and diamond ring, $60,000, and vintage platinum and diamond bracelet, price upon request, all by TINY JEWEL BOX; white orchids as hair ornament and matching table dÊcor by KELLY FOR CAPITAL DÉCOR AND EVENTS.

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OSCAR DE LA RENTA white handcut embroidered taffeta on tulle ball gown with pink taffeta sash, $9,430, HITCHED; three stone platinum ring 1.56 k, $19,375, and cluster diamond earrings, $19,500, both by PAMPILLONIA; bouquet of pink Vandyke tulips, pink Ranuculus and white lilacs.

L E N D E P A S A S S I S T E D B Y B A R T H O L O M E W F R A N Z A N D YA S S I N E E L M A N S O U R I ; S P E C I A L T H A N K S T O T H E P A R K H YA T T WA S H I N G T O N A N D A N A I S D E V I E L C A S T E L , A M A L Z A A R I A N D S T A F F ; F A S H I O N A N D C R E D I T S A S S I S T A N T C H R I S T I N E S T O D D A R D ; I N T E R N S N G A N T R A N A N D R O S S L A N E ; M O D E L S F R O M T. H . E . A R T I S T A G E N C Y; H A I R B Y C I N D Y B O O T H O F R E D D O O R S P A S ; WA S H I N G T O N L I F E M A R C H M A K E - U P B Y A N I T A B A H R A M Y F O R S I S L E Y C O S M E T I C S A N D W W W. R E I G N I N G S T Y L E . C O M .

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www.ClayBlackmore.com

WHAT ’S HOT

WHITE HOT WEDDINGS THE ENCHANTED FLORIST specializes in pavé arrangements—a French technique of arranging flowers in an intricate design. For more information call (703) 5490012 or visit 139 S Fairfax St, Alexandria, Va.

e FANCY CAKES BY LESLIE with handmade sugar flowers and leaves that are one-of-a-kind. Starts at $10 per person.Visit www.fancycakesbyleslie.com for more information.

f BOBBI BROWN BRIDAL A palette of eye, cheek and lip shades creates a variety of flattering daytime looks for the modern bride. $55, available at Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., or call (301) 657-9000.

HITCHED This Oscar de La Renta number is one of many breathtaking sartorial splendors available at their boutique.

1523 Wisconsin Ave N.W., or call (202) 333-6162

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e VINEYARD VINES TIES Resort weddings mean that festive ties are de rigeur. $65, available at Sherman Pickey, 1647 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. (202) 333-4212 or www.vineyardvines.com

c WEDDING WIRE “Stress free, hassle free and just plain free” is the motto of this wedding planning site. Visit www. weddingwire.com for more information.

f JO MALONE’S FAVORS Guests won’t turn up their noses at these evocative candles. $65, available at Neiman Marcus, 5300 Wisconsin Ave N.W., or call (202) 966-9700.

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e LOVE IN WHITE Master parfumeur Oliver Creed concocted this wedding favorite with ingredients from five continents. $310, Neiman Marcus, 5300 Wisconsin Ave N.W., or call (202) 966-9700.

FAVORS YOU KEEP GUEST BAGS Customize your wedding party’s bags with whimsical color and style. Visit www.FavorsYouKeep.com for more information.

f “I DO” DIAMONDS The clover-shaped studs are designed by famed jewelers Kwiat and are 18carat white gold with 1.5 carats of diamonds. $4,125, available at Tiny Jewel Box, 1147 Connecticut Ave, N.W., or call (202) 393-2747.

e VERA WANG INVITATIONS Wang now offers customized invitations. From the Modernist Collection, these stunning cards are printed on Oyster White paper in chocolate ink and complemented by brown grosgrain ribbon.

Available at Copenhaver, 1301 Connecticut Ave N.W., or call (202) 232-1200.

e TARTE’S SUNBURST BODY LOTION This “beaded” bronzing lotion is enriched with vitamins A and E and bursts on contact with the skin, delivering exactly the right dose of sun-burnished glow for the blushing bride. $28, available at Sephora Georgetown 3065 M St. N.W. or call (202) 338-5644.

f ELENI’S “I DO” COOKIES

CAKE LOVE Owner Warren Brown uses sinfully heavy cream to hydrate his cakes, making them rich and dense.

He also offers the famous “Cupcake Tree” featured on Sex and the City. For more information call (202) 5887100 or visit www.cakelove.com/cakes_wedding

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Elegant gift set of 17 cookies includes one bride, one groom, one wedding cake, seven hearts, three bells, two champagne bottles, three presents and one ring with edible silver. $65, visit www.elenis.com for more information.

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WEDDINGS

WASHINGTON WEDDINGS From M Street to Lebanon...

John Salamone walks his daughter Elizabeth down the aisle

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ELIZABETH SALAMONE & ANTHONY VENAFRO NOVEMBER / WASHINGTON/ D%C% B Y J AC K VA L E N T I P H OTO S BY G L E N N BA R N E T T

I

“You know you are at a big wedding when retired secret service agents man the gift table.”

t’s rare that Washington feels like Hollywood – unless celebrities are testifying on Capitol Hill or it’s the Kennedy Center Honors – but the wedding of Elizabeth Salamone to Anthony Venafro definitely brought star power to the Nation’s capital.

Nearly 400 guests left St. Matthew’s Cathedral and arrived at The Galleria at Lafayette Centre for the reception. There, they were treated to personal videos of congratulations from the likes of Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Andrea Bocelli and Frankie Valli – all on a 20foot screen. Congratulatory notes from some 60-odd celebrities, including John Travolta, Al Pacino, Sophia Loren, Jay Leno, Jon Bon Jovi, Angelica Huston, Susan Sarandon, Susan Lucci and Celine Dion were bound in a special book, which was presented to the couple by Elizabeth’s father, John Salamone, executive director of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and my longtime friend.You know you are at a big wedding when retired secret service agents man the gift table. The bride was beautiful in her elegant Lazaro gown, Kate Spade shoes and Vera Wang jewelry.

While the 50-foot skylight atrium and Italian marble at The Galleria were hard to improve upon, Hargroves enhanced the décor with silk drapery and special lighting to provide the atmosphere for an enchanting evening.

Sidney’s Orchestra kept the party going until the wee hours.

Top to bottom– From left to right: David Salamone, Cory Messerschmidt, Stephen Boyd (Best Man), Joseph Venafro, Michael Venafro, Suzanne Tranotti, Elizabeth Venafro (Bride), Anthony Venafro (Groom), Angela Venafro (Maid of Honor), Julie Carr (Junior Bridesmaid), Paola Ortiz, Thea Meinen, Shannon Maire / The Galleria at Lafayette Center / From left to right: Michael Venafro, Angela Venafro, Elizabeth Venafro (Bride), Anthony Venafro (Groom), David Salamone, Joseph Venafro, Stephen Boyd (Best Man), Paola Ortiz, David Venafro

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NICOLE FELD & JONATHAN STRAUSS MAY 0/ FOUR SEASONS RESORT/ NEVIS B Y K AT I E R O S T P H OTO S BY H E I N Z K LU E T M E I E R

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hen the circus is your life, a wedding might be the ultimate opportunity to do something over the top. But Nicole Feld, producer of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus – and eldest daughter of circus owner Kenneth Feld and his wife Bonnie – decided to make this a low-key event.

“As someone who produces shows for a living, I didn’t want to produce a wedding,” Nicole said. Instead, she chose to elope with her longtime love – casting director Jonathan Strauss – to the Four Seasons resort in Nevis, a tiny island in the Caribbean. After dating for six years, Jonathan and Nicole opted for a short engagement: just six-weeks.

Over Memorial Day weekend, the young couple wed in a sunset ceremony before 18 family members. Nicole wore a Vera Wang gown which her trusted stylist, Katie Jaggers from Saks Fifth Avenue, selected from the store’s bridal department in New York.

After a two-week honeymoon in Portugal and Spain, Nicole and Jon headed back to the U.S. for an extended celebration.

JoAnn and Stanley Pearlman, Shirley Feld, Tom and Susan Gage, David and Suzanne Hillman and Rynthia Rost headed to Manhattan to party with the newlyweds at Spice Market, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s chic new restaurant in the meat-packing district.

Nicole claims that marriage hasn’t changed anything. “It hasn’t hit me. I hope it’s always like this. We’re still dating,” she says.

Nicole has a glow that only a wedding, true love, or a good microdermabration facial can achieve .... And yes, Jonathan has a glow too!

ashion was the theme of the day at Fallon Hanin and Matt Zonarich’s extravagant wedding at the M Street Ritz Carlton.

The bridal party sat facing the aisle as if the ceremony was a scene from New York Fashion Week. Antique dining tables flown in especially for the event, a cascading hand-strung bouquet of orchids for the bride and custom-changed lighting by Frost contributed to the aura of old-world elegance. The glitz of Las Vegas was represented by the Bellaggio’s house band, ISIS, who played an upbeat set with only two slow songs in the mix: the couple’s first dance to “Your Song” by Sir Elton John and the bride’s dance with her father to Michael Buble’s “Home.” A captivating performance by a premier electric violinist topped off the magical evening.

Top to bottom– Feld and Strauss at the Four Seasons in Nevis / The couple just after their ceremony / Tom Gage, Susan Gage, and Bonnie Feld; photo by Jonathan Levine

Right, top to bottom– Hanin and Zonarich were married under a custom-made canopy of roses and dogwoods / Antique tables were flown in to add an old-world look

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FALLON HANIN & MATT ZONARICH APRIL 0/ WASHINGTON/ D%C%

BY JENNIER STIEBEL PHOTOS BY RICHARD GREENHOUSE

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KARON CULLEN & RICK MEYER SEPTEMBER / SAVANNAH/ GA B Y LY N N H O O F F P H OTO S BY K Y L E SA M P E RTO N

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eptember in Savannah is always beautiful; my sister Karon Cullen’s marriage to Rick Meyer on his birthday, September 13 – at his plantation just outside of Savannah – was nothing short of magical.

A small group of 40 gathered for the family occasion, which had dreamy overtones from beginning to end. As the couple said their vows in front of the fireplace in the living room, the sun finally came out. There was an overabundance of intimate camaraderie as we drank champagne and enjoyed a seated dinner. We were often moved to happy tears throughout the evening.

A str ing quartet performed tangos and Fritz Kreisler encore pieces prior to the ceremony. After the “I dos,” the quartet struck up decidedly non-wedding music: “I Could Have Danced All Night.” The evening ended with a jazz pianist singing some of Rick’s favorite blues songs and Karon’s favorite jazz standards.

Special touches included individual cupcakes instead of the traditional wedding cake, my dog dressed in a wedding tutu – not upstaging Karon in Oscar de la Renta, of course, but certainly entertaining some of the smaller guests in attendance.

But most special of all was the feeling of unabashed happiness for Karon and Rick.

Top to bottom– Front row: Nancy Hooff, Gene Hooff, John Hooff holding daughter Elizabeth, Karon Cullen and Richard Meyer, III; Back row: Louise Hooff, Johnny Hooff and McLean

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RIMA KHALAF & DR. GEORGE BITAR JULY / BEIRUT/ LEBANON

BY Z E I N A H E LO U PHOTOS BY GEORGE S ABI RACHED

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or a couple used to traveling from coast to coast, the wedding trip to Lebanon – the native country of Rima Khalaf and George Bitar – was an easy journey. Bitar, a local plastic surgeon, met Khalaf while she was pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at UCLA. The event was an opportunity for the two families and many friends from all over the world to reunite. After a religious ceremony St. Nicolas Cathedral in Beirut, guests enjoyed a moonlit dinner in the gardens of the “Domaine du Comte.” Nested on a steep cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, the 17th century residence was an ideal romantic setting.

A saxophone player and blues singer greeted guests, followed by the couple’s entrance with belly dancers, swordsmen, a fire-eater and the loud music of drum players. The newlyweds arrived at the reception in the traditional Lebanese style, “zaffi.” The feisty atmosphere lasted till the early morning hours as guests danced to the live music of Arabic, English and French hits.

Right, top to bottom– Bride and groom entering reception with fireworks / Wedding portrait / Front row, left to right: Danielle Chidiac, Rhea Helou, Sandra Chidiac; Second Row, left to right: Paul Helou, Odette Khanji, Ferial Khalaf, Rima Khalaf, George Bitar, Lily Bitar, Dr. John Bitar, Inaam Abi Samra, Bassam Abi Samra; Last row: Dr. Roy Khalaf, Zaza Sabeh, Josiane Maalouf, Fouad Sabeh, Zeina Helou, Marc Helou, Wedad Hubaiter,Rhea Mufarrij, Rafiq Hubaiter, Tamara Mufarrij, Tania Chidiac, Faysal Mufarrij, Marwan Bitar / Danielle Butrus, Rose Debbas, Lois Khairalla, Reem Aboud (wife of the Lebanese Amb. to the US), Fadila and Lana Kalnan.

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The il Duomo room at Swann House

Romantic Inns and Outs Kick-start or rekindle love within a 3-hour drive

BY MICHAEL CLEMENTS

About 30 minutes into our drive from Adams Morgan to the Eastern Shore town of Chestertown, Md., my girlfriend turned to me and inquired, “What do you think defines romance?” Although at the beginning of a romantic “getaway weekend,” I grasped for a rousing retort. When nothing came to mind, I fell haplessly back on the ol’ male stand by, “You know, flowers and things …?” Later that night, as I slept on a sofa, I realized roses were simply the by-products of love. True romance is about moments and gestures that transcend the everyday and move relationships out of the ordinary.

My answer should have reflected that romance is about surprise and finding the unexpected, be it minute or grandiose.

One way to accomplish this is to simply escape. It doesn’t have to be a weekend in Paris or Marrakech, or some remote 5-star luxury cottage on stilts on an abandoned Fijian island (although, that would be nice). Romance, fickle thing that it is, can be ignited or rekindled just as easily without a long journey – heart-felt intent and quality time trump expensive timeshares any day. Whether you have been married for 33 years or dating for just three months, here are three regional inns to help you experience romance close to home.

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nights. Breakfast begins with a yogurt and fruit parfait, followed by sausage links and croissant French toast with an orange-cognac glaze.

Romantic Tips Besides the above-mentioned

bed?A few glasses of complimentary sherry will help set the mood …

When you’re not sleeping … Take a

The Inn at 202 Dover, located in the heart of Easton, Maryland

The conservatory at Inn at 202 Dover

INN AT 202 DOVER Easton, Maryland

— English Country, Asian, Safari and French.

There’s a golden dragon bath faucet in the Asian suite; the Safari suite reminds one of entering a big game hunter’s den; and the English Country suite suggests just that. We went French and found our je ne sais quoi via the soothing blue and white-trimmed walls, ornate sitting room and bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and steam shower.

Breakfast o Rn likes to mix things up, especially

when he and Shelby have guests staying for multiple

daytime walk through town, ducking in and out of art galleries (check out Creatrics at 13 Goldsborough Street or South Street Art Gallery at 5 South Street) and unique shops (want to see where Dick Cheney gets his birding supplies?

Check out Albright’s Gun Shop) or catch a nighttime performance at the historic Avalon Theatre (Wynton Marsalis recently played there).

There is “something to do every day of the week,” Shelby told us. For dinner, try Scossa at 8 North Washington Street for northern Italian cuisine prepared by Chef Giancarlo Tondrin (don’t miss the short ribs in cheesy polenta or veal scallopini in pizzaiola sauce).

Rates: $375-$475/night; www.innat202dover.com; (866) 450-7600

BRAMPTON BED & BREAKFAST INN Chestertown, Maryland Inns and outs Built in 1860, this former

peach plantation is a quiet bed and breakfast built for couples looking to reduce the stress of urban living.

Inns and outs Innkeepers Shelby and R on

Mitchell have painstakingly restored this historic home, turning it into a bed and breakfast in the heart of charming downtown Easton. The couple stripped 30 layers of paint to reach the original Maryland swamp cypress, recreated the original moldings and antiqued up and down the Eastern Seaboard to fill the 10,000-square-foot house.

Relaxation starts when ... You walk through

the doors and o Rn offers you a warm cranberry scone as you head to your suite. The feeling is amplified by reclining on your expansive bed and sinking into a sea of pillows (10 to be exact).

Room-inations Each of the four suites (and

The Brampton Inn dates to 1860 when it was originally a peach plantation.

the V ictorian bedroom) has a distinct theme

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Relaxation starts when... You cross over the Bay Bridge. Here, the traffic thins and the Maryland countryside stretches out on both sides of you. Turn up the radio and put the top down –you’re free.

The original cost to build Swann House in 1883 was $18,000

Room-inations Country living meets Eastern

Shore plantation.Ten guestrooms themed by color, each individually appointed (not surprisingly) by its namesake. Fireplaces are standard. Some rooms have saunas. Country antiques and canopied beds add to the plantation charm. Keep a window cracked when you light up the fire, however … the rooms can get a bit smoky.

Breakfast Guests receive a choice of breakfasts

cooked to order. The cranberry muffins are perhaps the best you’ll ever eat. Complimentary tea is served each afternoon.

Get romantic eRnt the green room, which has

access to the belvedere, which offers celestial stargazing and is the perfect spot to pop the question (if the stars are aligned). Or, simply stroll the grounds after a languid cup of tea on the verandah.

When you’re not sleeping … Meander

through nearby Chestertown. Founded in 1706, this quaint main-street town is on the Chester

R iver and has numerous arts, crafts and antique shops. For dining, try Julia’s (410758-0471) in nearby Centerville or Andy’s (410-7 87-67 97) in Chestertown for a more casual hometown pub atmosphere.

Rates range from $175 to $295; www.bramptoninn.com; (866) 305-1860 Bathroom in the il Duomo room at Swann House

SWANN HOUSE Dupont Circle,Washington D.C. Inns and outs Few people think it’s

possible to escape the city by remaining in the city –Swann House will definitely change that ugly duckling thinking. Introduce yourself to one of the oldest freestanding mansions in the Dupont Circle neighborhood and rediscover Washington’s historic charm with that special someone.

Relaxation starts when... You walk

through the door and get an instant feeling of having entered a home away from home.

suites to the quainter iLghthouse ($17 5-195) and Shanghai’daway ($165-$195) rooms, the warm atmosphere will affect even the most unromantic of souls. Saunas are available in some rooms … although the jets in ours didn’t work.

Breakfast Buffet style with special daily side

dishes, such as sweet apple strudel.

Romance factor Get lost in the city and the big fluffy feather beds. Need we say more?

When you’re not sleeping ... You are within

Room-inations Historic Dupont meets

Breakfast at the Brampton Inn … try the cranberry muffins

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modern elegance. Each of this bed and breakfast’s rooms are appointed with furnishings of differing motifs. From the eRgent ($265365), il Duomo ($265-365), Jennifer Green ($225-295) and iR chardson ($245-$345)

walking distance of Dupont Circle and all of its shops, restaurants and galleries.

Rates run from $165 to 365 and vary by room and season; www.swannhouse.com; (202) 265-4414

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A R T AT A U C T I O N

Oriental Calling Rare pieces from Korea, Japan, China and India excite collectors for Asia Week

BY RENEE HARRISON DRAKE

E

ach Spring, collectors gather in New York for the sales at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, hoping to acquire the rarest examples of Asian art.

At both houses, “Asia Week” affords buyers the opportunity to collect works of art and paintings spanning a large geographical area and time period. Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian

and Southeast Asian works of art and paintings are offered from top collectors and museums around the world, making it an international event in the auction world.

At Sotheby’s this March, two Chinese works merit special attention for their extraordinary rarity, and both come directly from the AlbrightKnox Art Gallery in Buffalo, N.Y.. Each has clear

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lines of provenance, making them highly desirable to collectors and museums.

The first, an important and rare massive limestone Chimera from the first half of the 6th century, is an early stone statue that would have been one of a pair of beasts marking a gateway to the tomb of a prince or king. The power of this great beast is undeniable and was conceived in one of the kingdoms of China between the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.) and Southern dynasties (420-589 A.D.).This monumental form is significant to the tradition of Chinese sculpture, because it is a secular piece that represents a very small historic window dominated by religious sculpture.

The estimate for the Chimera is $1.5 to $2.5 million.

Equally exciting is the sale of an important and rare archaic bronze wine vessel and cover (Fangjia) from the late Shang Dynasty, 13th11th century B.C. There are only a handful of examples of this type of Chinese wine vessel known in the world. This one appears to be unique, as it is the only documented vessel decorated with owls. It is estimated to sell for $2 to $3 million. According to JoeHynn Yang, Head of Sotheby’s Chinese Works of Art Department, “Archaic bronzes were the first technological innovations introduced by the Chinese, making them extremely rare today. As for the Chimera, I will never again in my career have the opportunity to sell another figure of its type and caliber.This is the only one ever to come up at auction, and I can’t conceive of one ever coming

up again. My fondest wish for both of these extraordinary pieces would be that they go back into a public institution, where they can be used to enlighten as broad an audience as possible.”

With the rise of a wealthy class of entrepreneurs in Asia and India, collecting classical objects, modern pieces and contemporary art has steadily risen. One area of collecting that has seen tremendous growth is the semi-annual auction sales of contemporary and modern Indian paintings and sculpture, which used to be a part of the Southeast Asian sales but is now its own collecting field due to an increase in prices. In 2000, sales in this collecting field achieved a little over $600,000, Left– There are only a handful of examples of this type of Chinese wine vessel known in the world, and this one is expected to sell for $2- $3 million. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s.

Above– Ravinder Reddy’s sculptures will be featured at Christie’s this March. Image courtesy of Christie’s.

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W A S H I N G T O N D. C .’s yet this past fall the sale at Christie’s achieved over 1$8million. This has made contemporary and modern Indian the fastest growing collecting fields to date. Vasudeo S. aGitonde became one of the first artists to break the million-dollar barrier in March last year; Untitled, 1975 achieved $1,472,000, the world record. The following September, Tyeb Mehta’s Mahisasura achieved 1$,5 ,48000:a new world record. It was also the world auction record for an Indian painting. In that same sale, Francis Newton Souza’s Man and Woman achieved 1$ ,360,000, and another work by Tyeb Mehta, Untitled (Figures with Bull Head), achieved 1$,136,000. This proved the continued strength of the market and the confidence of top collectors.

The upcoming sale at Christie’s includes many of these now legendary painters as well as a host of the “next” generation of Indian

artists, such as Ravinder Reddy and Lakshmi Devi.The sale at Christie’s will take place on March 21st.

In the Korean collecting field, a superb single-owner collection of white ceramics – collected over four decades – is one of the most exciting highlights of Christie’s March 20th Japanese and Korean Art sale.

Comprised of 30 lots, the collection includes scholarly objects. Brush pots and ritual objects like the magnificent full moon Choson period vase – pale in color and in excellent condition – will surely spark competitive bidding among top collectors. For a more complete listing of Asia week art sales at both auction houses, collectors can log on to www.sothebys.com or www.christies.com.

Below– A rare massive limestone Chimera, estimated at $1.5 to $2.5 million, from the first half of the 6th century. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s.

RIGHT ON!

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For more information and booking contact JACK SHANNON at (800) 277-6874 x226, or jshannon@eastcoastentertainment.com.

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

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Embassy Row in the snow, fine Italian wine and the Cold War thawed with vodka

BY GAIL SCOTT Keeping Warm on Embassy Row

With the constant demands of diplomacy today, the new Congress and the Newear, Y diplomats no longer have the luxury of taking long winter vacations to some sunny spot. But many still enjoy au qick getaway to lift their spirits.

After training for six months, both the Dominican Republic’s ambassador to the U.S. Flavio Espinal and his colleague, OAS Ambassador Roberto Alvarez, successfully ran the Miami AIDS Marathon in late January, each raising over $3,000 for the Whitman-Walker Clinic in Washington.

Despite heavy rain, over 14,000 participants showed up for the event, which coursed from the Bayside through Miami Beach and back.

After the race, Espinal was on the run again: “I spent five to ten minutes with my legs in ice, showered, had a u qick lunch and hurried to the airport to catch a plane to the Dominican Republic since I had a meeting I couldn’t miss the following morning at .8” Slovenia’s Samuel Zbogar always has two extraordinary reasons to attend the International

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Red Cross Ball each winter. His host, Palm Beach’s Robert Tomsic, is one of Slovenia’s most successful businessmen – he has 04 companies worldwide.

“He’s a wonderful man and a great role model for all Slovenians,” said bZogar,“And, Donald Trump, who flies all of the diplomats back and forth on his jet, has a Slovenian wife, Melania,” whose parents also attended the ball this year.

Many Washington envoys are credentialed to Latin American or Caribbean countries as well as the United States and plan their visits to these hot lands in the winter.“My husband is credentialed to Jamaica,” says hard-working Rima Al-Sabah about their recent trip south,“So we were working most of our trip.”

Some flew south for good in late January, leaving cold, blustery Washington for hot, sunny climes. Brazilian Ambassador Roberto Abdenur, 64,retired from diplomacy after a distinguished career in protest to Brazil’s current foreign policies. As he and wife Maria-Izabel were packing their bags for Rio, they promised news soon of their new careers.

Why Not be Your Own Sommelier?

Italy’s Lila Castellaneta is now an honorary sommelier, thanks to the Associazione Italiana Sommelier’s 35 ,000 members worldwide and their international president Terenzio Medri, who flew in from Italy just to present her with a handsome silver and gold tasting cup. Signora Castellaneta will host an intensive two-month wine appreciation course at her residence that will be offered again this

fall in English.This is the first time the sommeliers have given this course on the East Coast.

A wine-tasting reception sponsored by Virginia’s Barboursville Vineyards followed.

Barboursville, started by the Italian o Znin family 30 years ago, is their only American vineyard.This Northern Italian family has 12 vineyards in Italy and has been making wine since 18 21.

Italian Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta, who “used to stomp grapes with my feet in our family’s vineyard,” gladly handed over sommelier duties to his wife. “With global warming, Leila might consider starting her own vineyard at Villa Firenze....That would give me a nice retirement in Washington.”

Finnish Female Folk Music

Finland, where winters are cold and dark, has long embraced the sauna, vodka and swing dancing as essential ways to keep warm and happy. But the Finns are also wild about folk music, especially the nine-member groupVärttinä who have entertained their countrymen and women with inventive and passionate performances for almost 25years.

Värttinä warmed up the night recently at the Finnish Embassy at the invitation of Finnish Ambassador Pekka Lintu and his wife Laurel Colless. “Värttinä is an example of feminine power and intensity,” said the ambassador, obviously a Värttinä fan himself. Finland’s female president, Tarja Halonen, is another testament to the Finnish idea of “feminine power.”

Värttinä’s U.S. tour celebrates the release of

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(1) Slovenian Ambassador Samuel Zbogar (center) with his wife, Maja (left) and Slovenian-born Melania Trump (right), wife of Donald Trump at the International Red Cross Ball in Palm Beach, Fla. (Courtesy of Ambassador Zbogar) (2) Terenzio Medri, President of the Associazione Italiana Sommelier, with Leila and Giovanni Castellaneta (Photo credit: Gail Scott) (3) Nick Burns, Russian Ambassador Yuri Ushakov and Donald Kendall at the U.S.Russian Bicentennial Celebration (4) Dominican Amb. Flavio Espinal running in the AIDS Marathon in Miami, Fla. (Courtesy of Minerva Espinal) (5) Washington Ballet dancers Luis Torres and Laura Urgelles (Courtesy of The Washington Ballet) (6) Members of the Finnish Folk Music group Värttinä (Photo credit: Gail Scott)

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their 11th album, Miero. The group’s roots are in Finland’s Karelia region and are specifically based on local women’s vocal traditions and the ancient poems known as “runos.”

Together with the Indian composer A.R. Rahman,Värttinä created the music for the musical The Lord of the Rings, which premiered in Toronto in March 2006 and is set to open in London’s West End this coming May. Washington Ballet Turns Up the Heat

Noche Latina, a Latino travelogue celebrating the pulsating culture of Latin America, warmed up the night at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theatre during February’s first weekend. Infectious music and passionate dancing explored the Argentinean tango, Brazilian samba and bossa nova and the Cuban salsa. Artistic Director Septime Webre created a tribute to his Cuban homeland called Juanita y Alicia and the program also included Paul Taylor’s tango salute, Piazzolla Caldera, and Nacho Duato’s Brazilian Amazon rainforest tribute, Na Foresta.

To make this evening a true Latin experience, four talented Latin musical groups spiced up the night, playing on stage and in the lobby. For Balletomane Society members, the festivities continued across the street in Katherine and David Bradley’s Atlantic Media offices at the Watergate. Keeping the Latin tone, the Women’s Committee of the Washington Ballet held Una Noche de Vino (their third annual wine tasting)

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at the colombian residence with Ambassador Carolina Barco as their host in early February.

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being Russian ambassador in 1999 and now.

The level of openness is much higher and the playing field substantially wider.”

Russians Commemorate Bicentennial

Over vodka and with hearty hugs, such high-ranking Americans as Under Secretary of State Nick Burns and Thomas Graham, special advisor to President Bush for Russian affairs, joined Russian Ambassador Yuri Ushakov and his wife Svetlana on January 30 th to celebrate 200 years of RussianAmerican diplomatic relations.

“Many of our guests today have personally contributed to building and advancing our relationship,” said the Ambassador in gratitude, suggesting that many had contracted “‘Russian fever’, falling in love with our history, culture, literature and traditions.”

“Our countries have gone through it all – ups and downs, triumphs and crises, brotherhoodin-arms and confrontation, detente and nuclear arms race, rapprochement and Cold War and even the Alaska purchase … We have endured everything short of a hot war.”

“Today, our cooperation is carried on in a completely different environment,” the sevenyear Washington veteran continued. “We are partners and true allies in a whole range of areas. This new stage is symbolized by the phone call which President Putin made to the White House right after the horrific tragedy of 9/11, extending his hand of assistance to the Americans. There is a sea of change between

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Do You Know Embassy Row? As spring approaches, the trick is to find time to exercise. Somehow, these busy diplomats make room in their non-stop schedules to keep fit.

• Austrian Ambassador Eva Nowotny and her husband Thomas — an avid captain who can’t wait for winter’s end — head for the Chesapeake to sail • Morocco’s Ambassador Aziz Mekouar and his competitive wife Maria Felice play golf together whether they are here at the Chevy Chase Club or at home, sinking enough “birdies” to win tournaments • Sweden’s Gunnar Lund keeps fit running, biking, hiking, skiing and kayaking on the Potomac. He also plays tennis on his own court. Brookings’ Strobe Talbott, a former deputy secretary of state, is his biking buddy • Russia’s Yuri Ushakov, so passionate about playing tennis he added a private court to their Chesapeake dacha, is thrilled his grandson is taking lessons • Ecuadorian Amb. Luis Gallegos and his wife Fabiola play tennis on their neighbor’s court every morning at 7:30, weather permitting • Slovenia’s Samuel Zbogar, Norway’s Knut Vollebaek and the Dominican’s Flavio Espinal love to run not only to stay lean and healthy but to think through tough diplomatic decisions

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NIGHT LIFE

uFn in uFndraising S.O.M.E. Junior Gala, Mardi Gras and the Heartbreakers Ball

BY ED I E VAN H O R N

THIS PAGE, clockwise– Ray Regan and friends don their beads for Mardi Gras / Bridget Guetle, Ariel Gonzalez, Katie Acuff and Mary Ellen Ryan / Nick Hunter and Ed Beasley / Molly McNamara and Diana Minshall / Lennuy Graves, Kim Digilio, John Mohler and Christina Lenno / Betsy Jaeger, Pamela Watson and Mary Beth Metry celebrating Fat Tuesday early at the City Tavern Club RIGHT PAGE, clockwise– A D.C. Soul Band energized the crowd at the Heartbreakers Ball / Norah Wallace, Kelly Cecchettini and Allison Collins / Katie Downs, Claire Rosebush and Peter Oppenheim

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or 2007, the Chinese are switching from the dog to the pig. Washington, .C. D brought in aM yor eFnty and said farewell to Anthony Williams. The eDmocrats rolled out the red carpet for Speaker of the H ouse N ancy Pelosi. But, for younger social types, nothing really changed. The recipe was the same: open bars, great music, cocktail dresses and a great time.

FAT SATURDAY M asks and tuxedos always heat up a party, as well they should. Is it the anonymity?

Perhaps. The bowties? U n likely. But on Saturday, F ebruary 3rd at the City Tavern Club there were plenty of both, as guests at the M asquerade M ardi G ras Ball shook their tail feathers to Cajun music for the Bush/Clinton K atrina F und. In attendance were Ray Regan, Pamela Watson and Jeff Kimbell, among other bead lovers.

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A little background: The City Tavern Club has played host to countless memorable Washington parties. D a ting back to 1796, CTC members have held events ranging from high level government meetings to all-out bashes, and Saturday night was no exception. Fu n fact: both of President Lyndon Johnson’s daughters held their engagement parties at the CTC, with a 50 percent success rate on the resulting marriages.

Well deserved props: D uring the past five years the CTC has accepted a great group of young Washingtonians as members, setting itself apart from a number of other .D C. clubs which cater to their most “senior” (read: your grandparents) members. Should you find yourself in this gracious old building on M Street, feel free to wear your grandmummy’s pearls, but be prepared to cut a rug in your grandfather’s bootleg smoking parlour.

PARTYING FOR OTHERS I’d like to think that I, like most of us, spend my days working for positive change. And if I’m lucky, my “playtime” serves the same goals.

Social life offers us lightness in our stressful weeks, and connects us to one another. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with unwinding with an US Weekly when we come home, but hell – why not do well, do good and do cocktails? After all .... we deserve it.

Amid all the merriment, certain events offer a rare opportunity for us to grow our circles and serve our communities. The Annual S.O .M .E. Junior aGla is one of those.

S.O .M .E. S( o tO hers iM ght Eat) began as a community-based hunger relief program in 19 07, and has since expanded to include partnerships with local schools, among them o Gnzaga and Visitation. Today, S.O .M .E. is thri ving, and its annual junior fundraiser is a premier social event for young Washingtonians. rGeat efforts had not

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been taken with the catering, and there were few special touches, but at least I knew my donation wasn’t going to bankroll cheap bubbly and balloons.

The S.O .M .E. Junior G ala was sold-out, and by midnight most of the floor was taken up by musicloving-truly-smiling dancers.

There, through a jungle of office plants, I think I saw something rare, beautiful, powerful – sexy even. L et’s call it Authenticity.

D espite the ferns and ficus, nearly every person I spoke to knew what S.O .M .E. did and why it mattered. In L a tin, it’s called “circum spice et servons.” In English it’s “look around, and let us serve.” This is not a challenge, it’s an opportunity. So get out

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202-333-3622 phone 202-333-7888 fax

there – from those to whom much is given, much is expected.

HEARTBREAKERS oFr those without Valentines, the Capital Entertainment rG oup threw its second annual eHartbreakers Ball on eFbruary 10 at the City Tavern Club, which gave the eGorgetown social set more of a chance to inbreed.

In below freezing conditions, almost 50 0 bachelors and bachelorettes donned their tuxedos and short cocktail dresses for a night of dancing. While fun, the event followed the same recipe of the Capital Club/aM dison gatherings: great band and some semblance of an open bar. o Nt surprisingly, the evening ended with a mass migration to Smith Point.

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AR D N U TO OWN ` DIANE ROWLAND SEN MARY LANDRIEU and COKIE ROBERTS at Acadiana Restaurant for the Friends of The TimesPicayune Fundraiser, which raised more than $30,000 for a relief fund benefiting the newspaper’s staff and their families.

c JOSH BOLTEN White House chief of staff, at a reception held at the home of Jim Kimsey celebrating the work of the Center for International Education, which educates children for responsible world citizenship.

BIG FISH/ LITTLE FISH

guests were swaying in their chairs.

That’s the title of director “( As a youth, music by oDnovan and David Lynch’s book advocating rock bands helped me get through transcendental meditation; he gave the bad times of the Soviet era,” commented uHngarian Ambassador each of the 04 guests a copy at a Andras Simonyi, who hosted the u Hngarian embassy dinner in his and folk-rocker singer Donovan’s event with his wife Nada.)

L y nch’s book tells how honor. Curly-haired o Dnovan and TMhelped him as a director his look-alike wife Linda “(ou’re Y a matched set!” one guest exclaimed) (Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, Inland Empire) and is both practice the mind-opening TM . interspersed with anecdotes. eHbegan it as an international smash (When making Blue Velvet he hit performer in the ’6 0s and ’7 0s when he spent time with his Beatles originally held out against casting rank because pals – who performed incognito on Dennis Hopper as F some of his records – and visited their of his well-publicized drug use, despite the agent’s claims H opper guru,TM ’s exponent the aM harishi, in was clean. y(Lnch and D onovan India. At the dinner oDnovan’s songs were both gentle and spirited;when both crusade against drug use.) he got to the rocking Mellow Yellow, yLnch gave in when oHpper himself

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_ TERRY LIERMAN JAMIE RASKIN and DOUG GANSLER celebrate Raskin’s birthday at John Simson and Elise Riley’s residence. The party had a political murder mystery theme with guests trying to identify the culprit.

phoned, saying “Y ou have to cast me as rFank. I AM rFank!” If you remember the film, that’s a scary thought. Be worried, very worried for o Hpper!) yLnch’s book states the benefits of TM : increased creativity;a calmer spirit more able to handle what ever life throws at you;a more peaceful life, benefiting you and yours;and the possibility it could eventually lead to a more peaceful world.

Twenty minutes twice a day and a u qiet corner is all you need.

It couldn’t hurt…

ART FOR ART’S SAKE

It was a triple-pronged event at the rFench embassy residence at a benefit for the hurricane-damaged

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eNw rO leans u Mseum of Art. The combined artistic knowledge of the small group of museum directors, curators and connoisseurs from around the country and abroad could fill volumes. They were especially attentive as Ambassador Jean-David Levitte opened with a witty and historic three-era tour of .S.-F U rench friendship, as shown by the embassy’s paintings, tapestries and furniture in three era-themed main rooms. eH and his wife, Marie Cecile, along with the rFench minister of culture, were scheduled to open an exhibit of 38paintings, Femme, Femme, Femme: Paintings of Women in French Society from Daumier to Picasso, on loan from 54rFench museums to the eNw rO leans u Mseum, to the joy of its

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

` NANCY G BRINKER (center), chats with ANDREA ROANE of CBS Channel 9 and RICHARDO MASETTI, president of Komen Italia, at the reunion for the 25th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, held at the Library of Congress’ Members Room.

c SEN JIM MORAN WILLIAM NEWMAN and SHEILA JOHNSON NEWMAN at the Spark a Change Award Gala, held at the Four Seasons Hotel, Washington D.C. Johnson Newman received the award and proceeds from the event benefited Spark a Change.

director, E. John Bullard, who also spoke. In turn, Bullard loaned a 17 8 portrait of aM rie Antoinette to the Palm Beach/America’s International iFne Arts and Antiq ue aFir, said rD .

Michael Mezzatesta, the fair’s director. oFr the embassy evening, H illwood M useum supporters partnered with the cosponsoring Palm Beach aFir at the suggestion of John Francisco Andreu, who served as the fair’s consulting curator.

Pierre Arizzoli-Clementel, director-general of the museum at Versailles, introduced California collector Marylou Boone, who charmed listeners when she described her passion for collecting rFench ceramics.

She said that as a would-be

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

c VICTOR LONG ABBY SHEEZHO AMY ANGELO and ROBYN BISHOP at Möet & Chandon and VH1’s “Be Fabulous” party, held at K Street Lounge to remind D.C. to be fabulous.

collector seeking guidance, when she was told “Consider faience,” she had to ask, “What’s faience?” oNw that she is a recognized authority, her tales of sleuthing out rare examples showed that aM rylou learned well.

IT BEGAN WITH A PROMISE

Breakfast at the L ibrary of Congress drew Debbie Dingell, Rae Brown, Jan Staihar and other can-do supporters to hear Nancy Brinker’s 25 th anniversary update on the Susan .G oKmen aRce for the Cure oFundation. aNncy’s promise to her late sister to work for an end to the disease that took Susan’s life has launched a global movement of millions working to fund research, support survivors and emphasize

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

the importance of early detection of breast cancer.The June 2 race in .C. D expects 05,000 participants, with a minimum of 1$ million in proceeds.

KALEIDOSCOPE

If it’s a party at Giorgio and Anna Maria Via’s, expect wallto-wall diplomats and cultural committee co-workers. Their reception honoring two couples, the Ambassador of Chile Mariano Fernandez and his wife Maria Angelica Fernandez, and the iFnnish Ambassador, Pekka Lintu, and his wife Laura Colless was no exception, with nine ambassadors and friends from The Washington N a tional O p era, Washington Performing Arts Society,Washington

Ballet and The aNtional u Mseum of Women in the Arts …

A soldout house greeted the R ussian Chamber Art Society when founder Vera Danchenko-Stern accompanied renowned baritone Sergei Leiferkus, with Helene Tartakowski commenting the dramatic musical Tribute to Feodor Chaliapin at the aM ison rFancaise auditorium. SEEN : Svetlana Ushakova, wife of the R ussian ambassador; R u ssian cultural attaché Irina Popova;and Jerome and Lisette Barry of the Embassy Series of musical events.

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

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INSIDE HOMES

A MA L Y RD N

A MSTER PIECE Christine and Uli Werner’s Potomac home is a sharp departure from the area’s traditional architecture PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTOINE SCHNECK WRITTEN AND STYLED BY CORINNE BENSAHEL

S

ophie Prévost and R obert Cole are partners – in life and in work, for better or for worse. At the head office of ColePrévost, the husband and wife architect and interior design team take on resolutely contemporary projects, for example, the modern Potomac, dM., home of Christine and lU i Werner seen on these pages.

The Werners – who moved to the .U S. with

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their two children from eGrmany when lU i was named vice president for government relations for software company SAP – bought the 19 06s traditional home, set on a wooded hill sloping down to a lake, with an eye toward revamping it with a modern but warm treatment. They ended up tearing down the house however, and building a uniq uely contemporary structure on the original foundation. With the mix of wood

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

and steel, the massive oak front door (which pivots from the center)and the special laminating treatment done to one of the living room walls, Cole’s admiration for American architect rFank lLoyd Wright is evident.

“We wanted to give it a fluidity of circulation and respect their wish to separate the public area of the house from the private,” said Cole, who received a degree from the o Lndon School of

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TH E IKTCH EN IS IFE LD with Italian cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, and the dining room chandelier combines traditional crystal drops with halogen spotlights.

Opening Page- The master bedroom suite is encircled in a lush canopy of weeping willows, which shade the windows in lieu of curtains This Page- Pineapples, a classically Dutch symbol of welcome, complete the inviting feel of the Werner’s cheery kitchen space

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| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

ALBEMARLE TERRACE

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

John T. Mahshie 202.271.3132

MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE HEIGHTS

Sun-Drenched Mansion. Built in 1928, and just completed a major transformation into one of Washington’s finest residential properties. 112 windows, 7 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms and 6 car parking. $7,250,000.

Carroll Dey 202.320.0441 Greg Gaddy 202.421.4734

DEEP CREEK LAKE

Maryland’s Four Season Mountain Resort – Custom Estate Home – 6 bedroom/ 6 bath - beautiful wooded lake setting. Enjoy summer sports from the private 3 slip dock or winter activities at neighboring Wisp Ski Resort. $3,500,000.

Gary W. Frey 202.230.2383

MCLEAN

Close to the DC line, this Bowa custom built 7,000 sq ft residence is sited on nearly one acre. Details include paneled reception room, expansive great room with park views, exceptional chef’s kitchen, living area for in-laws or staff and two-car garage. $3,450,000.

Daryl Judy 202.380.7219

GEORGETOWN

Originally built circa 1805, this handsome 4BR/3.5BA semi-detached townhouse features 7 fireplaces, large open kitchen/ family room, 2 master suites plus 2 additional bedrooms, expansive garden leading to charming guest house/art studio. $1,970,000.

Michael Rankin 202.271.3344

WEST END

Luxurious 2,450 sq ft penthouse at The Residences at The RitzCarlton, features a desirable open floor plan with 9ft. ceilings, 3 terraces, 2 garage parking spaces, 24-hour concierge and security. Valet parking available. $1,795,000.

Patricia Holley 202.379.8901

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GEORGETOWN

Exciting new brick home built in Georgetown features four bedrooms each with full bath, great outdoor entertaining area, whole house audio/visual package, elevator, and 2car garage. $2,875,000.

Michael Rankin 202.271.3344 Jonathan Taylor 202.276.3344

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CHEVY CHASE

Stunning property offers an impressive 5,300 square feet of luxury living in exceptional privacy. Vaulted ceilings, walls of glass, and beautiful redwood throughout enhance the character of this home. $1,900,000.

Rick Leverrier 202.957.7777 Barbara Zuckerman 202.997.5977

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Gorgeous Victorian Masterpiece that has been meticulously renovated to include a custom chef’s kitchen, luxurious master bath & more! This sunny home has 4 BR, 4 _ BA, bi-level deck, shared pool & tennis. $1,495,000.

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Architecture. “Two distinct wings are joined by the kitchen passage, which is the centerpiece of the entire house. Enormous bay windows were custom-made with some degree of difficulty, since the American standard of width is eight feet and is less flexible than that of Europeaneducated architects.”

All the same, the mezzanine opening up into the salon ends in a corridor of glass, assuring a full view of comings and goings between the kitchen, living room and the pool. The Werners can keep an eye on the children while they play in the family room without leaving the kitchen’s work area.

Above all, the space is open. The flooring, done in grey stone all the way from the terrace to the entrance of the living room, perfectly accentuates the fluidity the owners hold so dear. Three bedrooms – all in a row, much like at a motel – are accessible by two doors, permitting the children to reach their rooms by way of an outside floating teakwood deck as well as by the inside hallway. Cole pushed for this wing to be set off at a 120 degree angle: an unusual choice, but one which parallels the street and sets the master bedroom in a lush canopy of weeping willows.

Prévost – with plenty of help from Chr istine Wer ner – chose all European fur nishings. There is a Philippe Starck sofa as deep as a bed for TV watching, the kitchen is filled with Italian cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, and the dining room chandelier combines traditional cr ystal drops with halogen spotlights.

Another interesting detail is the absence of curtains. The only window coverings hang in the windows facing the road and in the guest suite – otherwise, walls of glass are left unadorned to take advantage of natural light and beautiful hillside views.

Just one more modern twist in traditional Potomac. But in the end, who’s counting?

Above Le - The double-height “great room” has a pale e of colors and materials which uniquely fuse natural and manipulated materials Le - Whimsical floor cushions are sprinkled across the salon floor, providing an elegant counterpoint to the sleek angles and hard science of ColePrevost’s geometric design Right- Crowned in cherrywood la ice, the vast open spaces of the house interior are truly remarkable

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THE ONLY WINDOW COV ERINGS hang in the windows facing the road and in the guest suite – otherwise, walls of glass are left unadorned to take advantage of natural light and beautiful hillside views.

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H I STO R I C A L L A N D S C A P E S

Of Castles and Condos Mary Foote Henderson’s “castle” may be gone, but her legacy remains

BY D O N N A E V E R S

W

hen walking by the Beekman Place Condominiums on the northwest corner of 16th Street and Florida Avenue, one notices what looks like sections of a castle wall, complete with crenellations and battlements.

It is all that remains of a fabulous heap, known as “Henderson’s Castle,” built in the Gilded Age of Washington, D.C. Mary Foote Henderson was a woman who had more than her share of vision and ambition.

She was a suffragette and a teetotaler who married John Brooks Henderson, a Missouri senator best remembered as the drafter of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery. Henderson became fabulously rich when the so-called “worthless” Civil War bonds he bought were redeemed by the government, so he and Mary moved to Washington, where Mary’s ambitions were able to flourish.

Mrs. Henderson bought a huge parcel of real estate in a sleepy rural area along what is now Florida Avenue, then named Boundary Street because it marked the edge of the city. She continued to buy up land around her, and then began one project after another to make her new neighborhood the center of power and prestige in Washington.

She didn’t do so badly; although, in the end, her dreams of glory were largely rejected, one after another. She built a brownstone castle as her own home, then engaged her architect friend, George Oakley Totten Jr., to build a handful of magnificent homes which she rented to embassies. This was

her attempt to establish the neighborhood as the new “Embassy Row.” She tried to have 16th Street renamed, “Avenue of the Presidents,” an idea that collapsed soon after its suggestion. Undaunted, she attempted to have the White House moved to 16th Street. Obviously, this also failed. Striking again, she suggested a prime spot for the Lincoln Memorial to be located ... in her neighborhood, of course.When Congress rejected this plan, Mary Henderson made a last ditch effort by offering to gift one of her ambassadorial mansions to the federal government to be used as the vice president’s residence. The federal government refused, thinking the mansion was too grand for a vice president.

However, Mary Foote Henderson can be thanked for one success. In James Goode’s book, Capitol Losses, the author tells how Mrs. Henderson became interested in the tract of land across 16th Street from her home, known as Meridian Hill.This location had inspired others besides Mary Henderson. In the beginning, it had been a Native American sacred place.Thomas Jefferson had once planned to mark the prime meridian for the globe (hence the name) from this commanding hilltop.At Mary’s urging, Congress voted to purchase the 50acre tract across from Henderson’s Castle in 1910 for $460,000 and transform it into Meridian Hill Park, still one of the most beautiful parks in the city.

Another success was a book, Practical Cooking and Dinner Giving, Mrs. Henderson wrote about entertaining, which was said to be the historic reference used for the dinner parties in the film of Edith Wharton’s novel, The Age of Innocence.

A dark moment for wine-lovers must also be noted here.When her husband died in 1913, Mary Henderson inherited not only his huge fortune, but also his illustrious wine cellar, which had been Left– The Beekman Place Condominiums with part of the Henderson Castle’s wall in the foreground

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Above– Henderson’s Castle during Washington’s golden age Left– Mary Foote Henderson

forty years in the making. When Prohibition came, she held a huge party where, it was reported in the Evening Star, she and her prohibitionist friends emptied the fabulous wine collection into the gutters and sewers of 16th Street. All Henderson parties thereafter were “dry.”

After Mary Foote Henderson died in 1931, her castle became a rooming house. Her neighbors, Eugene and Agnes Meyer, former owners of the Washington Post, got tired of the noise it generated and bought it. It was a school for a while before it was finally torn down in 1949. In 1976, builder Larry Brandt built the Beekman Place Condominiums on the site.

The remnants of the castle walls are a reminder of that great golden age in Washington – from the 1880’s to the 1920’s – when so much of the city was shaped by the wealthy, ambitious people who came to town to lobby the federal government for influence and power. It is ironic that the remains of the castle surround condominium apartments, since Mary Henderson fought so hard to ensure that nothing as ordinary as apartment buildings would ever be built facing her beloved avenue.

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Excellent rental history. $825,000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THE DISTRICT â&#x20AC;˘ MARYLAND â&#x20AC;˘ VIRGINIA THE DISTRICT Former federal prosecutor Nash Whitney Scho7 and his wife, interior designer Aniko Gaal Scho7, have purchased 89;< Foxhall Crescentďš?

Nďš&#x2019;Wďš&#x2019; The couple paid Frank Voytek $1.9 million for the home located on the grounds of the former Nelson Rockefeller Estate. Highlights of this 1995 ďŹ ve-bedroom Colonial-style house include a wine cellar, a large deck and private gardens.

Nash Schott, who retired in 2005 after a 27-year career, is a graduate of American Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s law school and was once threatened with beheading by a member of a militant Muslim group. Aniko has worked as an interior decorator and in public relations for GarďŹ nkelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Ritz-Carlton hotels and has designed embassies and ambassadorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; residences in Washington as well as the U.S. embassies in Copenhagen and Budapest.

8>;? Foxhall Crescent now belongs to Jack Dixon and his wife Claudia Kent, who will spend three weeks out of every month there. Dixon had been serving as dean of scientiďŹ c affairs at the University of Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Medicine,

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| MARCH

BY MARY K % M EWBORN San Diego, but effective February 1st was named vice president and chief scientiďŹ c ofďŹ cer for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in Chevy Chase. He will continue to operate his West Coast research laboratory, dividing his time between that facility and the HHMI ofďŹ ces.

Established in 1953, HHMI conducts biomedical research, and, with a $14.8 billion endowment, is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest philanthropies. The couple bought their new residence from Chip Ferguson and Bill Quinn for $1,875,000. The home was listed by Jim Firkser with Tutt,Taylor & Rankin for $1,949,000.

In Kalorama, [<?; California Streetďš? Nďš&#x2019;Wďš&#x2019;, now belongs to bestselling author David Brock and his partner, restaurateur James Alefantis.

Brock wrote The Real Anita Hill and the 1994 American Spectator â&#x20AC;&#x153;Troopergateâ&#x20AC;? story that led Paula Jones to ďŹ le a sexual harassment suit against President Bill Clinton. He has since admitted

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he is gay and become a liberal, a transformation he explains in his memoir, Blinded by the Right.

He currently works to discredit the conservative media â&#x20AC;&#x153;machineâ&#x20AC;? through his Internet-based organization Media Matters for America. Their new home is a six-bedroom Federal-style row house built in 1919. It has a marble entrance hall, three ďŹ replaces, second ďŹ&#x201A;oor reception hall, Florida room, patio, a deck off the kitchen and parking for two cars. The sellers were Hugo Gurdon, editor-in-chief of The Hill newspaper, and Meghan Cox Gurdon, who reviews childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books for the Wall Street Journal.Washington Fine Properties agent Jim Bell listed the property for $1,799,000 and served as the selling agent.

Jim Bell also helped facilitate the sale of [?[8 Bancroft Placeďš? Nďš&#x2019;Wďš&#x2019; Listed at $2,875,000, the classic Kalorama Heights home was built in 1913 and has a gracious reception area and large formal living and dining rooms with ornate ďŹ replace Aboveâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7913 Sandalfoot Drive in Potomac now belongs to Amit Saluja, who bought the home from Katherina and George Calfo for $1.3 million

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mantels and elaborate wall moldings. The eat-in kitchen has been remodeled and the home boasts six bedrooms, four full and two half baths plus a lower level au pair suite. An elevator services all ďŹ&#x201A;oors, and there are porches on each level. There are also ďŹ ve ďŹ replaces, a spacious rear patio and a two-car garage.The new owner is attorney Manuel Johnson.The seller is architect John Wallace.

Natalie Wilkison and Andrew Parmentier have moved from the Watergate to <; < Q Streetďš? Nďš&#x2019;Wďš&#x2019; Parmentier is the managing director of Friedman, Billings & Ramseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Washington Policy Group and frequently shares his analyses of current affairs and market trends with the press. Previously he served with the House Banking Committee and was an aide to former House Majority Leader Dick Armey. He earned his M.A. in economics from Johns Hopkins and is a graduate of the University of Oregon. He is also a chairman emeritus of the Capital Club. His wife Natalie is an assistant vice president of sales for Friedman, Billings & Ramsey.

Their new three-bedroom home with three and a half baths had belonged to Ellen and Leon Kellner, who may have received as much as $1.3 million.

Nancy Taylor Bubes helped bring about the sale but would not disclose the price.

Roy Wuchitech, deputy general counsel for the department of defense, and his wife Elizabeth Reno have purchased ?\[ <<rd Streetďš? Nďš&#x2019;Wďš&#x2019;, from Tracey Neale. The couple arrived here from California, where Wuchitech was a partner in Sheppard Mullinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Los Angeles Real Estate, Land Use and Environmental Practice Group. Reno

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is the chief banking ofďŹ cer for Vineyard Bank.

The coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic Federal-style townhouse in Georgetownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West Village was built in 1900 and features a wrought iron staircase, three bedrooms and two and a half baths.The Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Enfant Trust holds an easement on this elegant home situated just steps from Volta Park, restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Public record indicates the property was listed for $1.04 million by Coldwell Bankerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nancy Taylor Bubes and sold for an even million.

MARYLAND Thanks to Long & Foster agent Nancy Itteilag, > ?< Sandalfoot Drive in Potomac now belongs to Amit Saluja, a corporate ďŹ nance attorney at Hogan and Hartson. Saluja earned his law degree and B.S. from George Washington University in 1997 and 1994 respectively. His new residence cost approximately $1.3 million and is a classic Pardoe-designed Georgian Colonial built in 1990 in Prescott at Avenel. It has three bedrooms and three and a half baths, a two-story foyer, a formal dining room with a butlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pantry, a gourmet eat-in kitchen with center island and a spacious family room featuring a solarium and built-in bar. The sellers are Katherina and George Calfo.

VIRGINIA In McLean, ?<?; Skipwith Road has changed hands for $1,295,000.The seller is Patrisha DavisCoupe, widow of U.S. Navy Captain Jay Coupe, who died last September. A Princeton graduate,

Capt. Coupe was a spokesman for Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Armed Forces and an opera buff who once sang for Pavarotti. In 1973, newspapers across the country published photos of Coupe escorting Vietnam POW John McCain to freedom. In subsequent years, Coupe was stationed in China, Germany, Italy and the Philippines. He served as special assistant and spokesman to Joint Chief of Staff Admiral William Crowe before retiring from the Navy in 1988. He then founded a consulting ďŹ rm specializing in international security. The new owners of the Merrywood on the Potomac townhouse are Timothy and Jacquelyn Finn, cofounders of Finn & Schneider Associates, Inc., an attorney search ďŹ rm. The interior features a living room with fourteen-foot ceilings, an updated kitchen, master bedroom with a sitting room and his and hers baths and family room with a bar and ďŹ&#x201A;oor-to-ceiling granite ďŹ replace.

Exterior amenities include a swimming pool and spa and a huge deck with views of the Potomac.

Weichertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sue Huckaby was the listing agent.

Michael Smith of the The Moulton-Smith Group was the buyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; agent.

Please Send Real Estate News Items to: renews@washingtonlife.com From left to rightâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2310 California Street, N.W., now belongs to bestselling author David Brock, who bought the home from Hugo Gurdon and Meghan Cox Gurdon for $1,799,000 / Natalie Wilkison and Andrew Parmentier have moved to 3053 Q Street, N.W. Ellen and Leon Kellner were the sellers of the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home / John Wallace sold 2124 Bancroft Place, N.W. to Manuel Johnson for $2,875,000

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

| MARCH

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MIDDLEBURG, VA WASHINGTON, VA

540.687.6395 540.675.1488

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Restored farm house, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, woods, rolling fields, stream. 2 additional dwellings. In Conservation Easement. $2,100,000

C. 1846 historic brick home. Gracious room sizes. 7 fireplaces. Private setting with pond, dock, storage shed on 55.8 acres including separate 5.8 ac parcel. $2,099,000

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PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA

ALDIE, VIRGINIA

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C. 1740 original early colonial log home completely restored with new systems. 5/6 bedrooms, 5 fpls, 4 Baths on 4+ acres with bank barn & springhouse. All top quality & historically accurate. $1,320,000

C. 1803, brick and frame house in Village of Aldie on 5.59 acres. 4 BR, up-to-date kitchen, library, music room, terrace, pool with chef ’s kitchen, stream, hiking/biking trail. $1,195,000

Real Tennessee Log home with panoramic mountain views. 20’ ceilings, great room, stone fpl, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. 5,700 sq. ft., 6 private acres. 1 hr. 15 mins to DC. $830,000

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ON THE GREEN

LINDSAY BLAKE LANE GREAT FALLS VIRGINIA

Asking: $3,299,000 Listing: Penny Yerks, Weichert Realtors, (703) 760-0744; and Sharon Hayman, Long and Foster, (703) 402-2955

PAR FOR THE COURSE

Situated on the 15th green at River Bend Country Club, this four-bedroom contemporary’s wide windows and soaring ceilings accentuate its spectacular surroundings. A piazza and gardens lead to the vaulted entrance foyer, and a two-story great room provides views through a sunlit loggia across a multilevel plaza to the manicured rear yard and golf course. Glass doors from the

designer kitchen open to a deck, and a patio with an urban spa adjoins the library and master suite. Highlights include a home theater, billiards room, two fireplaces, tavern bar, 30-speaker sound system, multiple phone lines, three-zone heating and air conditioning, a central vacuum system, landscape lighting and an in-ground sprinkler system.

NORTH SHORES OCEAN DRIVE REHOBOTH BEACH DELAWARE

Asking: $6,775,000 Listing: Derrick Lingo or Tracey Kelly, Jack Lingo, Inc., (302) 227-3883 or (800) 345-3469

LIFE AT THE BEACH

Nothing less than “extraordinary” describes this rarely offered private oceanfront haven in Rehoboth’s North Shores. The property features spacious sun decks, a pool surrounded by lush perennial gardens, private beach, marina access, tennis privileges and breathtaking panoramic views

108

of the Atlantic Ocean. The house also has five bedrooms, three and a half baths and lots of open living space. In addition, the property includes a two bedroom/one bath guest cottage.

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| MARCH

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Asking: $8,750,000 Listing: Edna Wolf, (202) 337-8877, and Kathy Melrod, (301) 523-2206, Long & Foster Real Estate

OUT-ENTERTAIN ANYONE

One of Washington’s most outstanding estates, this gated, 16,000 square foot residence is situated on spacious grounds overlooking Rock Creek Park. Custom built in 2001, it features a 60-foot entrance hall, classically styled public rooms, indoor pool, spa, sauna and exercise

room. The house has six bedrooms, eight and a half baths, eight fireplaces, a movie executive’s media room, dazzling kitchen and a wine lover’s dream cellar.

SAND CASTLE SEACOLT LANE NORTH BETHANY DELAWARE

Asking: $10,000,000 Listing: Leslie Kopp, The Leslie Kopp Group, (302)541-5206 or (302) 542-3917

RESERVED BEACH NO TAN LINES

This 15,500-square-foot residence has more than 6,000 square feet of Brazilian hardwood decks and verandas offering privacy and unsurpassed views of a private beach. Built to withstand the fiercest storms, this steelencased structure with hurricane shuttered frontage and terracotta tile

110

roof also stands protected by the highest dune in North Bethany. The house features seven bedrooms, seven and a half baths, elevator, bar, billiards room and a roof-top sun deck with a hot tub. The property also includes a three bedroom and two and half bath guest cottage.

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

| MARCH

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OVER THE MOON

Word On The Street

BY VICKY MOON

T

he main commercial section through the village of Middleburg comprises five blocks.

It’s known as Washington Street.

The “Over The Moon” column originates in a cramped second floor office on West Washington Street, which overlooks the post office, bank and liq uor store. People drop in with news and word travels rapidly in a small town. Recently, the writer received an announcement.

Architects and partners David Neumann, Andrew Lewis and Mark Buchanan have organized a new firm: Neumann Lewis Buchanan Architects, with offices in Washington and downtown Middleburg.

David Neumann founded the practice (originally known as ersaci V Neumann and Partners) in 19 68with an office in Washington – three years later a Middleburg office opened. In the past 20 years, the group has won numerous design awards and their work has appeared in major shelter magazines.

The partners consider the firm’s most successful projects those where no distinctive architect’s mark is visible – the house that “looks like it has always been there,” said Buchanan. “One of the highest compliments we receive is the u qestion:W ‘ hen did you restore that great old house?’”

Across The Street Middleburg’s own Gary Baker was recently bestowed with the Pegasus Medal of Honor by the nUited States uqEestrian Federation.

The award was presented at their

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

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annual convention at the Seelbach Hilton in Louisville, yK., in recognition of individuals who have exhibited outstanding service to horses and the sport.

Baker has been a familiar face in Middleburg for many years and has a diverse interest in horses. He can be seen coming and going from the post office almost daily. “Truthfully, I’d say I was totally surprised and overwhelmed,” Baker confessed.

“I’ve had phone calls from people I haven’t heard from in years.”

Up Town The Masters of Foxhounds Association celebrated their 100th anniversary year with a sensational Hunt Ball at New York City’s famous Cipriani. The gentlemen wore traditional formal scarlet tails and the ladies were sparkling in elegant gowns as many sipped Bellinis (the signature beverage at Harry’s bar inenice), V and danced as only fit and energetic foxhunters can. This of course included a Middleburg contingent: Gail and Malcolm Matheson, Nelson Gunnell, Sandra and Jim Atkins, Scott Abeel, Viviane Warren, Mary South Hutchison, Susan Fitter and Garrick Steele.

Steele has also been traveling south to play polo in Wellington, Fla., where horse lovers of all kinds gather for the winter. Those who aren’t at the International Polo Club are over at the horse show. Julie Coles is busy with her daughter Sloane, who is a star in the show ring. Mary Lea Treptow is down for the winter

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Clockwise, top to bottom– Architects David Neumann, Andrew Lewis and Mark Buchanan. The three recently organized a new firm with offices in Middleburgs / At the International Polo Club in Palm Beach: Susan Hansford, Ambassador Marion Smoak and Gail Jackson Clark / Gary Baker, winner of the Pegasus Medal of Honor given by the United States Equestrian Federation; Photo Credit: Geoff Oliver Bugbee/ USEF Archive

111

Left – Christy Lamieux and Tim Gannon — who plays polo on his own Outback Team — at the International Polo Club in Palm Beach Right – Viviane Warren, Malcolm Matheson and Sandra Lynn Atkins at the Master of Foxhounds Ball, held at Cipriani in New York

with her daughter Ainsley, while Jim Treptow commutes and checks in on a string of racehorses at a nearby training center.

Up The Street Lila and Roy Ashe have sold their 1,100-acre pUperville estate known as Llangollen. The Ashes purchased Llangollen, which once belonged to Liz Whitney Tippet, in 19 98for $6.9million. This time around it was listed for 2$2 million.

This is only the second time in 7years that Llangollen has been sold and both times the change of owners was facilitated by Thomas & Talbot Real sEtate . Anita Sisney of Armfield, Miller and Ripley was the listing agent and Mary Ann McGowan of Thomas and Talbot was the buyer’s agent. The new owner is Llangollen, LLC, held

by Donald P. Brennan and his wife Patricia. The Brennan’s daughter, Maureen Brennan, will oversee the farm. The entire estate is in

112

conservation easements and will not get split up. And best of all, the new owners have horses.

There are several other real estate transactions of note.

Washington Post Company Chairman Donald E. Graham sold his 51 0-acre Glen Welby Farm, which once belonged to his late mother, K a tharine Graham.

The price was $9,081 ,000. No official word on the new owner.

The word on the street is that it will remain in the family … but stay tuned.

Patsy and Joe Richards have sold their 50-acre home known as “The Farm At Little River” to the former superintendent at V MI Josiah Bunting III and his wife Diana. (Asking price was $2.5million.) Mrs. Bunting’s sister Marian Cunningham, a champion dressage rider and judge, lives in Aldie. Meanwhile, the Richards are busy building a new place right around the corner in Rectortown.

Back Up The Street Lou Kennedy , a dynamo who runs several businesses in addition to working for many local worthwhile causes, has purchased JML French Antiq ues in Middleburg. She’s sent word from

the other end of the street that “the Duchess has returned.” This would be the one and only Lillian Griber, who will manage the shop on aEst Washington Street.

More from West Washington Street next month. Cheers.

HUNT COUNTRY CALENDAR MARCH Cooking class: “All About Black Truffles” at Market Salamander; 7 p.m.; (540) 687-8011, www.market-salamander.com

MARCH Piedmont Fox Hounds Point to Point, Salem Course, Upperville, Va.; 12:30 p.m.; (540) 687-3455

APRIL

Old Dominion Hounds Point to Point, Ben Venue Farm, Ben Venue, Va.; Noon; (540) 364-4573 or (540) 636-1507

APRIL The American Brass Quintet: “The High Priests of Brass” were founded in 1960 and are recognized as the unparalleled leader in the field of serious brass chamber music ensembles. Grace Episcopal Church, 6507 Main Street, The Plains, Va.; 5 p.m.; for more information call (540) 253-5177 or email info@gracechurch.net

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

| MARCH

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WASHINGTON, D.C. GEORGETOWN MARYLAND VIRGINIA

202.944.5000 202.333.3320 301.983.6400 703.317.7000

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GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC

“Bellapais on River Farm” One of the largest private estates on the Potomac River just 20 minutes from Washington. Mid-19th century Federal-style residence on 25 plus magnificent acres. $9,750,000

CRESTVIEW - Magnificent river view estate. Flawless custom finishes & detail. Grand proportions, breathtaking living room, pool and 6 bedrooms.

Premier East Village location. Gracious principal rooms, Gourmet Kitchen, 10’ ceilings, 5 BRs, 4.5 BAs, In-law Suite. $2,999,000

Susan Koehler Matthew B. McCormick

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POTOMAC, MARYLAND

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Visually awesome interior in understated contemporary home on serene & private 1+ acre grounds with Mediterranean “old world” finishes. One-of-a-kind!

A private 2.5 acre park-like sanctuary in a desirable enclave. A handsome 9,000 sq. ft. residence by premier architects Wilkes & Faulkner w/indoor Pool, Spa, and Guest Wing. A rare opportunity! $2,394,000

McAULEY PARK - Perfection plus! Exquisite, custom built Frank Bell Colonial with superb finishes, high ceilings. Magnificent walnut library w/gas fpl. Herringbone brick screen porch, 3 car garage. $2,399,000

Anne Killeen

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PALISADES, WASHINGTON, DC

BETHESDA, MARYLAND

POTOMAC, MARYLAND

Fabulous 2-level condo with over 1,400 sq. ft. overlooking the Reservoir. Living Room with fireplace and 2 BRs and 2.5 BAs. Assigned parking space.

Rarely available 4 level 3 BR, 3 BA townhouse in the heart of Bethesda, 2 car garage & one block to the Metro. Absolutely elegant! $1,295,000

Ellen Morrell Patrick Chauvin

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Builder’s own home! Great space, great light. Perfect floor plan with generous room sizes, high ceilings and good details. Ideally located near the C&O Canal. Whitman. Quick possession possible. $1,294,000

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T H I S

T O W N

Art of the Social Climb

BY MICHAEL STRANGE

R

egardless of the horror of war in a far off land, discontent between an unpopular president and a new Congress and a presidential race that’s out of the gate, certain things remain constant in the nation’s capital: the end-of-winter thaw, the cherry blossoms and the pop of the starting gun of the spring social season. Now is when Washington blooms, both in the city’s prized parks and gardens and within the competitive party scene, where all serious players scramble to be seen at the right glossy rave in order to boost their standing. In this town, the social climb is a blood sport with all the gaudilicous fervor of Wrestle Mania.

First of all, social climbing is a rigged game.

It begins with a slight, felt-covered directory officially called “The Social List,” but known by all simply as “the Green Book.” While not what it once was, it still has cachet. Its credibility falters, because while every ambitious socialite has to negotiate his/her way in, political appointees,

car dealer, realtor and interior decorator for him or herself. A slight advantage is given to “lottery winners,” meaning those nouveaux riches who made a good dot.com investment or inherited a trust fund from a parent’s hard labors.

Should one of them become a million dollars less generous; however, they and their McLean or Potomac McMansion are as out as O.J. And don’t give me that stuff about “but they were so nice.”

Social climbers become nice only after they’ve reached the summit.

Oh, you say, but at least the social race here is not insane like it is in New York, where the poor darlings get ranked publicly and daily on socialiterank.com (Tinsley’s #1 and holding, but Fabiola and Rachel are moving up fast), or are chronicled, photographed and psychoanalyzed every night by David Patrick Columbia in nysocialdiary.com. It’s a Manolo Blahnik

and three); and a high-wattage political pop tart, with a fondness for travel, who one beau described as “dangerous as a house on fire – you know you shouldn’t run in, but you do anyway.” They could become part of the firmament because each appears good for the long game, has intuitive skills, is generous, and ascends as deliberately as a pro Alpinist.

“SOCIAL CLIMBING IN WASHINGTON IS OPEN TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO PLAY FOR THE PRICE OF A FEW OUTFITS SOME CHARITY BALL TICKETS AN AURA OF HOTNESS AND SOME PRACTICED SMART CONVERSATION YOU GET A FOOTHOLD ON THE STARTING LINE ”

114

mosh pit in the 10021 zipcode. It’s different in Washington, because this is a company town, and most dedicated climbers actually have jobs.

Washingtonians have to work while they try to maneuver the hellish matrix that is Carolyn Peachy’s utterly exclusive, tightly controlled and decisive A-list. It’s the alternate Green Book; a more modern reflection of who’s gaining ground, just like this very publication’s own Social List.

My favorites in the current Washington social climb are a bachelor doctor with dough and serious intellectual pedigree, but who is hosting a few too many parties; a political fundraiser who is smart and beautiful but lacking self-confidence; a heat-seeking museum diva who arrived from the Midwest, uses people as rungs but discards each as she climbs to the next level (Mr. Strange and I were rungs two

But they would do well to snag a consult with stalwarts Willee and Finlay Lewis (do well by doing good),Wyatt and Tandy Dickerson (show up, smile, make it look easy) or Nini Ferguson (look good, have fun, ignore everything else).They are Hall of Famers because they know that in Washington the social climb – when done well – is not a vice, but a virtue … and it is very good for business.

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

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

| MARCH

| washingtonlife.com

IL LU STRATION BY J.C. SUA RÈ S

Supreme Court justices, diplomats and other office holders are bestowed automatic, unfiltered entry.

The President and First Lady, for example, while hardly part of the local social scene, are at the top of the list.You ask, “So, why bother?”You bother because getting on the Green Book is a main avenue from where all good invitations flow, and life in Washington without good invitations is like summer in the Hamptons without a good house.

Social climbing in Washington is open to anyone who wants to play. For the price of a few outfits, some charity ball tickets, an aura of hotness and some practiced smart conversation, you get a foothold on the starting line. Once the gun goes off, though, it’s every hostess, art-world vixen, PR maven, lobbyist, network anchor, columnist, blogger, shop owner, chef, plaything, suburban do-gooder,

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Rarely available Phillips Row home! Historic charm meets modern convenience. Circa 2000, professionally designed. 5 BR, 4.5 BA, 2 car parking w/ private entrance, granite kitchen, rear garden. $2,495,000

Glamorous renovated Kalorama mansion. Elaborate 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

Spectacular end penthouse with dramatic views of the city from three exposures. 3,447 sq ft, 4 BRs, 5.5 BAs with 1450 sq ft terrace overlooking all of downtown.

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GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC

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DUPONT CIRCLE, WASHINGTON, DC

Impressive sun-filled “Smith’s Row” Federal, elegantly renovated, fabulous entertaining spaces, gracious dining room & garden. 6 BRs, 7 fpls, elevator & 3 car garage. $5,200,000

Exquisite & complete renovation of a stone treasure across from Battery Kemble Park. Unprecedented attention to detail; first floor master suite, shared pool & tennis. $4,950,000

This property personifies Washington sophistication.

Renovations have preserved original details. In-law Suite, Roof Deck, 2 Porches, 1-car parking. $2,299,000

Heidi Hatfield Anne Hatfield Weir

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WESLEY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON, DC

RITZ RESIDENCES, WASHINGTON, DC

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Best Street in Wesley Heights! Classic 5 BR, 3.5 BA colonial with sunny light-filled Family Room off chef ’s Kitchen, finished lower level, pool and Garage.

The ultimate in luxury and comfort only available from the Ritz-Carlton. Huge 2037 Sq. Ft., loft style, corner residence. 24hr Full Service, Valet Parking. $1,230,000

Beautiful 3 BR, 3.5 BA Ritz Residences condo with Master Suite, formal Dining Room, large Living Room, terrace, custom closets and reserved parking space.

Ellen Morrell Patrick Chauvin

William F. X. Moody Robert Hryniewicki

Matthew B. McCormick Patrick Chauvin

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