WASHINGTON BALLET DANCERS IN GALA FASHION
THE
POWER
100
DAVID GREGORY AND BETH WILKINSON MAKE THEIR FIRST APPEARANCE ON THE POWER
NEW ERA ... NEW PLAYERS
$ 7.9 5 M AY
2009
窶｢
WASHINGTON LIFE
ROLAND FLAMINI ON THE INFLUENCE GAME POWER FEUDS SEE-AND-BE-SEEN TABLES LGBT RISING SOCIAL MEDIA STARS
POLLYWOOD BLOSSOMS! SALLY FIELD MARIA BELLO AND DIANE VON FURSTENBERG ON THE POWER TO TRANSFORM DICAPRIO MEETS CLINTON DESIRﾃ右 ROGERS AT THE CORCORAN BALL THE YOUNG & THE GUEST LIST EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS!
WO R L DW I D E WOW. SOON:
BOSTON
MILAN
MARRAKECH
1 877 WHOTELS
BARCELONA
N OW WA S H I N G TO N D. C .
B A L I - S E M I N YA K
MACAO-STUDIO CIT Y
N E W YO R K- DOW NTOW N
KO H SA M U I
W H AT E V E R / W H E N E V E R
速
AT H E N S
DUBAI
H O L LY W O O D GUANGZHOU
WHOTELS.COM/WASHINGTONDC
Photo Michel Gibert
Tangram modular sofa / Gabriele Assmann and Alfred Kleene design
Leatherdays
MAY 14-24
10 days of very attractive prices to discover Roche Bobois WASHINGTON DC 5301 Wisconsin Ave NW 202.686.5667
BOSTON 2 Avery Street, Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Residences / 617.742.9611
NATICK 579 Worcester Rd., Route 9 West 508.650.5844
MIAMI 450 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables 305.444.1168 360 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables 305.444.1016
PALM BEACH City Place 700 S. Rosemary Ave., Suite 102 / 561.835.4982
NAPLES 3601 Tamiami Trail North 239.435.1602
w w w. ro c h e - b o b o i s . c o m
C ON T E N T S M AY 2 0 0 9
SPECIAL FEATURE POWER
In a city where power is everything, we reveal the top leaders in business, law, education, lobbying, religion, real estate, and more!
POLLYWOOD THE CORCORAN BALL
Washington’s best and brightest celebrate the 54th annual spring fête at the historic art gallery
THE YOUNG & THE GUEST LIST
Hundreds of under-40 movers and shakers celebrated Washington Life’s third annual soiree at a most unusual site.
ON THE COVER David Gregory with wife Beth Wilkinson ohP ( to by yKle aSmp erton) ABOVE LEFT Camille Johnston with White House Social Secretary Desirée Rogers. ohP ( to by uLek Ch ristop ehr) Sheila Johnson with Roger and Vicki Sant.ohP ( to byony T oPwell) BOTTOM RIGHT Wash ing ton iLef ’s Young & The Guest List Party. ohP ( to by Anch yi Wei)
4
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
TOP RIGHT
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
23
42
69
25
EDITOR’S LETTER ...................................................
LIFE OF THE PARTY
WASHINGTON SOCIAL DIARY
CONTRIBUTORS.....................................................
WL EXCLUSIVES
FYIDC
KUWAIT-AMERICA FOUNDATION DINNER Hillary Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio honored for conservation efforts ..
YOUNG & THE GUEST LIST The making of Washington Life’s o0 9 2Yung & The Guest List party .........................
THE INSIDER’S GUIDE Duke Ellington Jazz Festival plus where to relax and rewind this season ...........................
SOCIAL CALENDAR The spring social calendar is jam-packed with balls and galas .........................................
YEMENI DINNER The ambassador hosts a traditional feast for two visting Saudi princes ..............................................
EVENT SPOTLIGHT Michelle Fenty’s commitment to Fight for Children’s special cause ............................................... EVENT SPOTLIGHTNational Museum of African Art Director Johnetta Betsch Cole celebrates 03years with a first-ever gala ......
THE YOUNG & THE GUEST LIST PARTY WL’s fourth annual soirée heads to Northeast ................................
AROUND TOWN Spring into action at the Mahmood
POLLYWOOD
WL SPONSORED EVENTS
wedding and Catholic Charities’gala ..................................
VITAL VOICES Diane von Furstenberg on the importance
VITAL VOICES LEADERSHIP AWARDS
PARTIES PARTIES PARTIES! The Horatio Alger Awards, the Lazarus Foundation, and more. ....................................
of female entrepreneurship in Africa.....................................
Star power supports women at risk .....................................
VITAL VOICES LEADERSHIP AWARDS Supporting women throughout the world .............................
THE CORCORAN BALL The gallery gets glam to celebrate 4years of spring revelry. .................................................. 5
Actresses Sally Field and Maria Bello on inter-generational female leadership and communication ..................................
CHERRY BLOSSOM PARTY Japanese Ambassador and Mrs. Fujisaki celebrate the festival with their guests. ...............
KUWAIT-AMERICA FOUNDATION DINNER High-power dinner guests gather at the Al-Sabah’s ................
INSIDE HOMES Interior design by Barbara Hawthorn, Gary Lovejoy, David Herchik, and Richard Looman ..................... NEW HEIGHTS Top luxury residences ...........................
CAPITOL MOVEMENT PROJECT All the guests were on their feet at this dance-centric benefit ...............................
their annual spring gala ....................................................
DUKE ELLINGON/OVATION SOCIETY Countdown to the June jazz festival ....................................................
DIPLOMATIC DANCE Envoys on the move................
HELEN HAYES AWARDS The theater crowd celebrates
THE CORCORAN BALL The gallery goes all out for
HOME LIFE
OPEN HOUSE Charming properties for sale .................. RE NEWS “Done deals”on record .................................. HISTORICAL LANDSCAPES Lobbying has always been part of the game at the venerable Willard Hotel .....................
another year onstage .........................................................
FROM TOP LEFT CARMEN MARC VALVO bright pink dress
CHERRY BLOSSOM RECEPTION Japanese Ambassador and Mrs. Fujisaki invite guests to celebrate the blossoming season ............................................................
DINNER FOR PRINCES TheeYmeni ambassador hosts two visting Saudi princes.........................................................
LIFESTYLES FASHION FORWARD The Washington Ballet takes fashion to new heights ...........................................................
SPECIAL FEATURE
TREND REPORT Classics for Her ............................... Timeless treasures for Him ................................................
POWER PARADIGM Roland Flamini examines the power structure in an bOama-era Washington ................................
FASHION FOR PAWS Pets make the scene with their owners a( nd a few models, too ..........................................................
THE POWER
A select look at the capital’s most influential people .............................................................
6
($2,640); Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-9700, www.neimanmarcus.com. JOHN HARDY ring ($1,495); Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-9700, www.neimanmarcus.com. TINY JEWEL BOX stacked bracelets ($15,000; $29,500; $40,000) and vintage ring ($22,000); DIAMRUSA earrings ($22,500); 1147 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-3932747, www.tinyjewelbox.com. FANTASIA bracelet ($750); Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-9700, www.neimanmarcus.com. / Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Ben Affleck,
and Alysee Larsen at the Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards. (Photo by Kyle Samperton) / Interior designers RIchard Looman and David Herchik. (Photo by Joseph Allen) / Kuwaiti Ambassador Salem Al-Sabah and Rima Al-Sabah with Leonardo DiCaprio at the Kuwait-Ameria Foundation Dinner. (Photo by Vicky Pombo)
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
TAKE METRO TO THE
DUKE 5th Anniversary
T H E I N S I D E R’S G U I D E TO P OW E R , P H I L A N T H R O PY, A N D SO C I E T Y S I N C E 1 9 9 1
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Nancy Reynolds Bagley EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Michael M. Clements MANAGING EDITOR
ELLINGTON
JAZZ FE ST I VA L
Christina Wilkie SENIOR EDITOR
DEPUTY EDITOR
Kevin Chaffee
Karin Tanabe ASSISTANT EDITOR
Kelly Fisher COPY EDITOR
Claudia Krieger COLUMNISTS
Donna Evers, Mary Mewborn, Gail Scott, and Donna Shor CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
O r l e a n s on, DC w e N ting Washingt
ra – Celebne 5 -15, 2009 Ju
Fifth Anniversary Gala Concert:
Vivre New Orleans Wednesday 6/10/09
7:30 pm
Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Road, NW Paquito D'Rivera Presents Dr. Michael White and the Original Liber ty Jazz Band
Roland Flamini CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Maria Bello, Johnetta Betsch Cole, Mark Drapeau, Michelle Fenty, Sally Field, Barbara Hawthorn, David Herchick, Richard Looman, Gary R. Lovejoy, and Diane von Furstenberg CREATIVE DIRECTOR
J.C. Suarès ART DIRECTOR
Bridget Manifold CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Meghan Gallery,Vicky Pombo CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Joseph Allen, Fitsum Belay, Clay Blackmore, Catalina Checa, Luke Christopher, Betsy Spruill Clarke, Don Cole, Roy Cox, Janet Donovan, Carol Joynt, Lynn Horner Keith, Jonah Koch, Clay Patrick McBride,Vicky Pombo, Tony Powell, Kyle Samperton, Gail Scott, Laura Sikes, and Anchyi Wei CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS
Barbara McConaghy, Carola Myers, Maritza Savage, and Giselle Zlotnitsky
Celebrating a Jazz Master:
Ellis Marsalis Monday 6/15/09
7:30 pm
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F Street, NW Featuring Branford, Delfeayo, Jason, and Wynton Marsalis, Harr y Connick Jr., and Dr. Billy Taylor For tickets and complete schedule information, visit :
www.dejazzfest.org
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Kelly Ginter SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Alexandra Thomas ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Daniel Monson BOOKKEEPERS
Trina Hodges and Kevin Smoot WEB TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT
iStrategyLabs INTERNS
Georgia Bobley, Megan Buerger, Blair Culbreth,Tara Kumar, Krissy Laubach, Shandrilya Lewis, Caroline Markoski, Sara Siegel, and Whitney Wegner FOUNDER
Vicki Bagley CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE BOARD
Gerry Byrne CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Soroush Richard Shehabi
The Duke Ellington Jazz Festival is sponsored in part with a grant from the Government of the District of Columbia, Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor; and in part by awards from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, and the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, both supported in part by the NEA. © 2009 Festivals DC, Ltd. All rights reserved. "Duke Ellington" is a trademark of the Estate of Mercer K. Ellington.
Washington Life magazine publishes ten times a year. Issues are distributed in February, March, April, May, June, July/August, September, October, November and December and are hand-delivered on a rotating basis to over 150,000 homes throughout D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Additional copies are available at various upscale retailers, hotels, select newstands, and Whole Foods stores in the area. For a complete listing, please consult our website at www.washingtonlife.com. You can also subscribe online at www.washingtonlife.com or send a check for $79.95 (one year) to: Washington Life Magazine, 2301 Tracy Place NW, Washington D.C., 20008. BPA audited. Email us at info@washingtonlife.com with press releases, tips, and editorial comments. Copyright ©2009 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.
EDITOR’S LETTER
Power to Transform With great power comes greater responsibility – our annual power issue celebrates those making an impact
P
Power is a way of life. It translates into other aspects of our lives. Thus, ower. Getting it, using it, keeping it. Power is the essential aspect of life in the nation’s capital. There may be no other city we’ve buffed out the Power 100 list with a few additional features on local in which it comes in so many fields – politics, law, business, real “power tables,“power feuds” and other power players.We also take a look at some of the leading figures behind the rise estate, non-profit organizations, of Social Media thanks to open government the arts, media – each with its own leaders, insider Mark Drapeau. whose decisions have the power to change The power and beauty of ballet and society, communities, markets, and fashion came to the fore in the Barbara neighborhoods. While contemplating our McConaghy-styled fashion shoot this annual power issue, it was tempting to focus month.Thanks to photographer Roy Cox, only on recent efforts by the new president Washington Ballet Artistic Director Septime and Congress to effect dramatic change. Webre, and the company’s dancers for But we understand the dramatic nature of donating their time and pinpoint precision our city. Indeed, power can be found in to make this one of the most beautiful many corners of the nation’s capital. spreads we’ve ever produced. You can see We start by pondering power’s more fashion in our Trend Report pages transformational aspects. That’s why you’ll and coverage of Fashion For Paws.We keep read in our “Pollywood” section how the power theme moving in our Home Life certain individuals who possess power section, with a look at new power addresses – whether it emanates from business and power design tips thanks to designers success, Hollywood fame, or access to the Barbara Hawthorn, Gary Lovejoy, David highest levels of government – use it for Herchik, and Richard Looman, who each the betterment of society (with a small “s,” take a spin with their power design tips. of course). Actress Sally Field and fashion Finally, in Washington Social Diary, we icon Diane von Furstenberg, paragons update you on the Spring gala season with of power in their respective fields, write our signature coverage of the area’s most about their commitment to Vital Voices, exclusive and exciting events, among them a leading advocate for the protection and the Corcoran Ball, the Helen Hayes Awards, empowerment of women throughout the and our own fabulous fête for TheYoung and world. Our coverage of the Kuwait-America A very pregnant Nancy Bagley with Kuwaiti The Guest List’s under-40 over-achievers. Foundation dinner pays tribute to Secretary Amb. Salem Al-Sabah at the KuwaitAmerica Foundation Dinner. (Photo by And, save the date for the following of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and actor Vicky Pombo) WL-sponsored events in May: the CARE Leonardo DiCaprio for their support of the environment. In addition, Michelle Fenty lends her support to School Night Awards Celebration, Trust For The National Mall benefit, Refugees 2009 and Johnnetta Betsch Cole, the dynamic new director of the National International’s dinner, the Ball On The Mall, the Washington Ballet Spring Gala, Phillips Collection Spring Gala, the National Museum Of Museum of African Art, gets us up to speed on the museum’s first gala. Once again, Roland Flamini returns to our pages with a thoughtful African Art benefit, and many others! introduction to “WL’s Power 100”, a scintillating look at how the power paradigm has changed in the face of recent political change and economic crisis.You will see that the list comprises an admittedly noncomprehensive selection of major players in law, lobbying, and advocacy, business, real estate, media, education, religion, and the arts. As in other Nancy R. Bagley years, we focus on harder-to-identify individuals in the private sector Editor in Chief rather than members of Congress, administration officials, the judiciary, Readers wishing to contact Nancy can email columns@washingtonlife.com or others in receipt of a government paycheck.
10
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
THE
M O ST
M E M O R A B L E H OT E L S
in the world
ARE
R O S E WO O D
H OT E L S .
THE CARLYLE • ROSEWOOD MANSION ON TURTLE CREEK • ROSEWOOD CRESCENT HOTEL • THE MANSION ON PEACHTREE • ROSEWOOD INN OF THE ANASAZI • SAN YSIDRO RANCH • CORDEVALLE • ROSEWOOD SAND HILL • LAS VENTANAS AL PARAÍSO • ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBÁ CANEEL BAY • ROSEWOOD LITTLE DIX BAY • JUMBY BAY • KING PACIFIC LODGE • HOTEL SEIYO GINZA • AL FAISALIAH HOTEL HOTEL AL KHOZAMA • ROSEWOOD CORNICHE • San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (2010) • Dubai (2010) • Costa Rica (2012) • Abu Dhabi (2012) C O N TA C T
Y O U R
T R A V E L
P R O F E S S I O N A L ,
C A L L
8 8 8 - R O S E W O O D
O R
V I S I T
A
S e n s e
o f
P l a c e®
R O S E W O O D H O T E L S . C O M .
CONTRIBUTORS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
1 JOSEPH ALLEN, one of Washington’s most versatile photographers, focuses on portraits of the business elite and national celebrities and weddings. His work regularly appears in local, national, and international publications. He captures part of our Inside Homes story. 2 MARIA BELLO, a Golden Globe-nominated actress, writes about her involvement with the Vital Voices organization, which focuses on worldwide women’s issues. 3 JOHNNETTA BETSCH COLE was named the fifth director of the National Museum of African Art earlier this year – a role that combines her passion for African art, respect for anthropological knowledge of the people and cultures of the African continent, and involvement in the world of education. 4 ROY COX, a native of Baltimore, has been shooting fashion and advertising campaigns for over six years. He is known for his fusion of simplistic fashion and editorial subject matter, and his easily recognizable and complex lighting style. 5 MARK DRAPEAU is a biological scientist, government consultant, and writer whose work has appeared in publications ranging from popular blogs to Nature, Genetics, and Genome Research, Defense and Technology Papers, Defense Horizons, and
12
the Washington Times and the New York Times. He is currently a regular columnist for Federal Computer Week and True/Slant. 6 MICHELLE FENTY, wife of Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty and a lawyer with Perkins Cole, serves as co-chair for Fight For Children’s School Night. In this issue she highlights the organization’s quest to restore the Washington public school system. 7 Academy, Emmy, and Golden Globe-winning actress SALLY FIELD works with Vitals Voices, an organization that empowers women. She writes on the importance of intergenerational dialogue between women throughout the world. 8 ROLAND FLAMINI was the Washingtonbased chief international correspondent at United Press International until 2006. He also worked as a foreign correspondent and World section editor for Time magazine and has written for Architectural Digest,Town & Country and other publications. 9 As President and CEO of Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, Ltd., BARBARA HAWTHORN and her staff have created and directed award-winning residential and commercial projects throughout the country for over 25 years.The firm has been named one of the area’s best in numerous publications
10 Since 1984, DAVID HERCHIK and RICHARD LOOMAN of JDS Designs, Inc. share their passion for design with clients from Connecticut to California. They are known for infusing glamour and luxury into everyday functional living. 11 GARY R LOVEJOY has been a professional designer in the Washington area for over 30 years. Since 1983, he has been owner and senior designer at his namesake firm. 12 BARBARA MCCONAGHY wears two hats in this issue: as president of The Women’s Committee of The Washington Ballet and as a nationally-recognized fashion producer, stylist, and contributing stylist for Washington Life. 13 CAROLA MYERS is the founder and creative artist of Carola Myers Makeup & Hair Artists. Her clients include film and TV productions, magazines, fashion, and live events for high profile Washingtonians, designers, celebrities, ambassadors, politicians, and brides. 14 Famed fashion designer DIANE VON FURSTENBERG, whose collections are sold in 56 countries and in 22 namesake retail boutiques worldwide, is an active supporter of Vital Voices, an organization that empowers women throughout the world. She writes this month on the importance of women’s artisan craft work.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
Own The Magnificent Front Row Above Washington’s New Embassy Row.
Penthouse views for residence or embassy start at $1.375M overlooking the historic Georgetown Waterfront. Proudly rising above the neighboring embassies of Sweden and Liechtenstein stand the last three available Harbourside Residences. With a majestic view outside—and regal comfort inside—you’re nestled into the very best of Georgetown, yet quietly above it. Private express elevator. 24-hour security. Reserved two-car parking. And 1,800 to 11,000 square feet of luxurious indoor space, with up to 5,500 square feet of outdoor terrace privacy. Embassy Row has now arrived at the Georgetown Waterfront. But only three penthouse addresses remain.
Call for your private showing 202-212-9988 Or visit harboursideresidences.com
FYIDC The Insider’s Guide to Washington | Social Calendar, Foodies Only, Spring Shopping Events, June Jazz Festival
&
IN
Swank Shop
OUT
“Only 1” Show by Alex Turco Shopping at NEIMAN MARCUS just got a little more chic.Through June 13, the luxury department store teams up with Luxe Studio, along with the “new king of pop art,” Italian designer Alex Turco, to bring pop art to its Chevy Chase location. Dubbed “Only 1,” the show features the U.S. debut of pop-icon panels in the windows along with furniture by Fendi Casa and Kenzo Maison. Opening reception and meet-and-greet with Alex Turco, May 19, 6-8 p.m., Neiman Marcus, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW; RSVP to luxestudio@ theabaagency.com or 202-625-8370.
High-caloric fruit drinks
Organic smoothies to stay cool and slim
The American History Museum’s “I Do Solemnly Swear” exhibit featuring inauguration photos.
Overpriced inauguration photos sold by street vendors
DC Yoga Week, May 2 – 9 (www.
Bulky exercise machines and trendy diets
dcyogaweek.com)
An Alex Turco panel featuring the iconic Marilyn Monroe.
Editor’s Pick Friday Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art (May 22-
Indoor happy hours
Sept. 11)
Taking your mom to brunch on Mother’s Day
Only sending Ecards to celebrate special days
Lilies
Daffodils
Jazz It Up The sweet sound of summer will arrive in June along with outstanding performances at this year’s DUKE ELLINGTON JAZZ FESTIVAL where over a hundred events will surely wow the crowds. From free, all-day concerts on the National Mall to more intimate performances held in historic venues throughout the city, guests have the opportunity to enjoy the sounds of such jazz legends as Wynton Marsalis, Irma Thomas, and Harry Connick, Jr. June 5-15; tickets for the closing concert at the Kennedy Center, $20-$65; www.dejazzfest.org. Wynton Marsalis will perform at this year’s Duke Ellington Jazz Festival. (Photo Clay Patrick McBride)
Finders Keepers Quotable “I am not interested in power for power’s sake, but I’m interested in power that is moral, that is right, and that is good.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
14
Eco-Chic Jewels As the world turns toward eco-friendly alternative products, so does Washington jewelry designer ALBERTO PARADA, who incorporates recycled materials in many of his exquisite works. Parada, whose family comes from South America, often uses stones from that continent in his pieces, such as his award-winning 18 kt. rose gold necklace and pendant with white topaz and diamonds ($4,350); Alberto Parada, 4201 Cathedral Ave., Suite 707W, 301-908-1338, www.albertoparada.com.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
Come Celebrate at
The Opera Ball Benefiting Washington National Opera
Hosted by His Excellency The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany and Dr. Ulrike Scharioth Susan E. Lehrman, Chairman Michael and Linda Sonnenreich, Vice-Chairmen
Friday, June 5 Intimate Embassy Dinners Fabulous Opera Ball Featuring German cabaret sensation Ute Lemper Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall German Culture, Music and Cuisine Black Tie For more information e-mail specialevents@dc-opera.org or call 202.295.2437 Die Walk端re costume sketches by Catherine Zuber
FYIDC | THE INSIDER’S GUIDE
Foodies Only Sound Bites Another steak house is on its way to Washington as celebrity chef JeanGeorges Vongerichen comes to town. His new restaurant, J&G STEAKHOUSE, will open soon in the highly-anticipated new W Hotel. Summer 2009; 515 15th St. NW.
Learn the perfect way to grill at BLT Steak.
Go Grill Summer is nearly here, so start brushing up on your grill skills. Join Chef de Cuisine Victor Albisu at Washington’s BLT STEAK for an afternoon dedicated to perfecting the art of creating Kobe flank steak, bronzino, and even grilled peaches for the ultimate barbeque. Space is limited. BLT Steak; May 16; noon-2:30 p.m.; $100 per person, includes lunch; contact Erica Frank, 202-698-8999, Erica@bltrestaurants.com.
Hot Ticket
The newly-added hamam in WSC’s Dupont Circle gym.
DC-ology Washington sports club Bathing suit season is upon us, and what better way to get rock hard abs than at the WASHINGTON SPORTS CLUB? Now you can check out the Dupont Circle location’s new Middle Eastern hamam, where members and guests can relax and steam after their workouts. Washington Sports Clubs, 1835 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-332-0100, www.mysportsclub.com. Renu MedSpa While relaxing and rejuvenating at RENU MED SPA, try the latest in cosmetic wonders with Latisse, the first FDA-approved product to induce eyelash growth and thickness. It’s easy to use and sure to produce long, full lashes perfect enough to bat at any summertime suitor. Renu Med Spa, 5454 Wisconsin Ave #1625, Chevy Chase, Md., 301652-7368, www.renudc.com.
16
SILVERDOCS Filmmakers and fans flock to Silver Spring next month for the AFI-DISCOVERY CHANNEL SILVERDOCS DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL, one of the country’s most prestigious documentary film festivals. Over 100 new productions will be screened throughout the week, and legendary filmmaker Albert Maysles will be honored for his outstanding career and body of work. June 15-22; AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center; www.silverdocs.com.
Fashionable Finds Summer Style at Bloomingdale’s Kick off the season in Y.E.S. fashions and sneak a peek at summer’s hottest trends in Bloomingdale’s fashion cabanas. Rock the beat with its exclusive Lauren Moshi towel, yours when you spend $200 in Y.E.S. A $200 purchase also gets customers a $100 splurge card to use on Y.E.S. purchases of $200 or more made between May 22 and June 21. Bloomingdale’s Chevy Chase, Tysons Corners, and White Flint; www.bloomingdales.com. April 25 - May 29 ADELER JEWELERS Customers who wish to join the jewelers’ “Premier Clint List” online can enjoy 34 percent off for 34 days. 772 Walker Rd. #E, Great Falls, Va., 703-759-4076, www. adelerjewelers.com. May 19 & 20 SAKS FIFTH AVENUE CHEVY CHASE The Carolina Herrera Fall 2009 trunk show. May 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; May 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 240-4975262, www.saks.com. May 26 SASSANOVA & FRATELLI LA BUFALA Celebrate the season at the Georgetown boutique with a special 20 percent discount for Washington Life readers, then hit the afterparty at Fratelli La Bufala. 6 to 8 p.m.; Sassanova, 1641 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-471-4400, www. sassanova.com; 8 to 10 p.m., Fratlli La Bufala, 1063 31st St. NW.
numbers game $365 MILLION
1.64
80
Largest amount won in the national Powerball lottery.
Petaflops in the processing system of the world’s most powerful computer, which can process one quadrillion mathematical calculations per second.
percent reduction of carbon emissions when powering a lamp with an eco-friendly light bulb
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
2009 ANNUAL
May 15 at 6:30 pm | Black Tie Cocktail reception and dinner in the galleries, followed by dessert and dancing at Anderson House Gala tickets are $1,000 After Party for young professionals (ages 21–40) with dessert and dancing: $90 for members, $125 for non-members All proceeds support The Phillips Collection’s education programs, serving 90,000 children, teachers, and families in our community and across the country each year. For more information or to purchase tickets call (202) 387-2151 x311 or email events@phillipscollection.org The Phillips Collection wishes to thank the generous sponsors of the 2009 Annual Gala.
LOCKHEED MARTIN Dr. and Mrs. Brian D. Dailey Mr. and Mrs. John Despres Dr. and Mrs. Gerald W. Fischer Mr. and Mrs. Sami Totah Mr. and Mrs. George Vradenburg Bank of America Belger Foundation Black Entertainment Television Bloomberg Booz Allen Hamilton Dorchester Apartments & Towers Ernst & Young Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey D. Fischer GEICO General Dynamics Mr. Michael Haskett and Dr. Hanna T. Haskett Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Horning, Jr. Ms. Kathleen Kemper and Mr. James Valentine, Jr. Ms. Rebecca Klemm Dr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Paul Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Rosenthal Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Rutherfoord, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Swistel Textron Esthy and Jim Adler Arent Fox Kinter Plotkin & Kahn JM ZELL PARTNERS, LTD Microsoft Corp. New Lantern LLC Alan and Irene Wurtzel Judy and Leo Zickler Media Sponsor: Washington Life
FYIDC | SOCIAL CALENDAR
Visit Washingtonlife.com’s online calendar for information about local benefits and galas. You can post your event online, where it will be considered for our print edition and annual Balls and Galas Directory.
may CARE AWARDS CELEBRATION
Actor Richard Gere will be honored for his humanitarian work and guests will enjoy a performance by Step Afrika. Ronald Reagan Building SPONSORED & International Trade Center; 8 p.m.; contact nationalconference@care.org for information on the two-day conference.
WL
Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams Showroom, 1536 14th St. NW; 6:30 p.m.; $75; casual attire; contact Glen Ackerman, 202-309-0219, glen.ackerman@ ackerman-legal.com. REFUGEES INTERNATIONAL DINNER
This large and high-profile fundraiser celebrates the organization’s 30th anniversary and honors media visionary and humanitarian Ted SPONSORED Turner. Embassy of Italy; 6 p.m. VIP reception, 7 p.m. general reception, 7:30 p.m. dinner and program; $300; cocktail attire; contact Ellie Stamatopoulos, 202-828-0110 ext. 227, ellie@ refugeesinternational.org.
WL
FREER AND SACKLER GALA
MERIDIAN INTERNATIONAL CENTER SPRING GARDEN PARTY
Take a glimpse at fabulous riches at the galleries’ “Tsars and the East” gala, celebrating the opening of a dazzling exhibition of 16th- and 17th-century SPONSORED diplomatic gifts from Turkish and Persian rulers to the Russian tsars. Freer and Sackler Galleries; 6:30 p.m. reception, 8 p.m. dinner; $500 and $1,000; black-tie; contact Elizabeth Damore, 202-633-0450, fsgala@si.edu.
Enjoy an “Evening in Yucatán” in the exquisite garden of Meridian House with regional cuisine, music, and dancing in support of SPONSORED the organization’s leadership and diplomacy initiatives. Meridian House, 1630 Crescent Place NW; 6 p.m.; $125; garden party attire; contact Leonor Chiarella, 202-939-5574, lchiarella@meridian.org.
POINT FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER
ROCKIN’ THE RUNWAY
The nation’s largest scholarship fund for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students hosts an event featuring guest speaker Mitchell SPONSORED Gold and honorary co-chairs Reps. Tammy Baldwin, Barney Frank, and Jared Polis.
America’s Polo Cup hosts a wine tasting party and televised fashion show on the eve of the Australia vs. U.S.A. polo match featuring SPONSORED “America’s Next Top Model” winners. Enjoy vintages from both continents, live and silent auctions, and an evening concert featuring American Idol’s Michael Johns. Capitol Polo Club, Poolesville. Md., 8 p.m., $100; fashionably chic or black-tie optional; contact 888-695-0888.
WL
WL
SAVE THE DATE UPCOMING WL-SPONSORED EVENTS JUNE THE BARK BALL JUNE TRANSFORMER GALLERY SERIES JUNE DUKE ELLINGTON JAZZ FESTIVAL JUNE PRESIDENT SCHOLARS IN THE ARTS RECEPTION
18
WL
WL
TENNIS BALL
08
Cocktails, dinner, and auctions in support of the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation’s programs for at-risk children. Sheila Johnson will be honored for her commitment to the cause. Ritz Carlton, Washington, D.C.; 6 p.m. cocktails, 8 p.m. dinner; business attire; $500; contact Talia Moyher, 202291-9888 ext. 222, tmoyher@wtef.org.
Jean-Marie Fernandez, Jack Davies, and Cindy Jones at the 2008 Trust for the National Mall’s inaugural luncheon.
BALL ON THE MALL
Guests gather to support the Trust for the National Mall’s young L’Enfant Society in an effort to preserve one of the capital’s most beloved SPONSORED landmarks. The National Mall at Madison Drive and 13th Street; 7:30 p.m.; $150; black-tie; go to www.lenfantsociety.org to register.
WL
WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS’ ASSOCIATION DINNER
09
President and Mrs. Obama will attend their first WHCA dinner,
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
which includes festivities surrounding this starstudded political and media event. Washington Hilton; by invitation only. THE WASHINGTON BALLET SPRING GALA
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Artistic Director Septime Webre’s tenure and the beloved dance company’s future at one of the city’s SPONSORED most festive and fun-filled benefits. Mellon Auditorium; 7 p.m.; $500; black-tie; contact Sarah Lange, 202-362-3606 ext. 123, slange@ washingtonballet.com.
WL
AMERICA’S POLO CUP
Support the USA Land Rover polo team when it plays the Qantas Australian team in the International World Cup Championships. Guests SPONSORED will enjoy the match plus special musical performances throughout the day and evening. Capitol Polo Club; Poolesville, Md.; 1:30 p.m. gates open, 3 p.m. opening ceremonies; $25 to $200; spring attire; contact 540-635-9933, info@ americaspolocup.com.
WL
MANIFEST YOUR DESTINY RECEPTION
WL SPONSORED
Join an education-focused crowd at a cocktail reception and fundraiser with honorary chairs Rep. James E. Clyburn and Hill Harper. Luxe Studio, 300 D St. NW; 7 to 10 p.m.;
by invitation only; www.manifestyourdestiny.org.
contact Keith Costas, 202-387-2151.
NATIONAL STUDENT PARTNERSHIPS SPRING CELEBRATION
WPAS SPRING GALA
Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of college students helping to eradicate poverty with cocktails, hors d’ouevres, and entertainment. SPONSORED Residence of Mark Penn and Nancy Jacobson; $150; for more information and to RSVP, go to www.nspnet.org.
WL
WL
WILSON HOUSE GARDEN PARTY
Tradition mandates a spring hat contest, with ladies and gentlemen competing for prizes in numerous categories. A silent auction, cocktails, SPONSORED and live music in the garden are part of the festivities. Woodrow Wilson House; 6 p.m.; $100 patron, $75 junior patron; spring hat attire; contact Claudia Bismark, 202-387-4062 ext. 21; cbismark@woodrowwilsonhouse.org.
WL
RAYS OF HOPE GALA
13
Bob Schieffer serves as master of ceremonies at this annual gathering for the National Coalition for Cancer Surviorship that features inspiring stories from cancer patients and survivors. Mellon Auditorium; 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner and award presentations; $250; cocktail attire; contact 301-650-9127. SCHOOL NIGHT
Gwen Holliday, Sharon Dougherty, and Jeff Zell at last year’s Meridian International Spring Garden Benefit. (Photo by Tony Powell)
Performing arts aficionados won’t want to miss this annual concert, gala, and auction, which supports many of the city’s best music and dance SPONSORED productions. This year, legendary jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis will dazzle the crowd. Marriott Wardman Park Hotel; 6 p.m.; $500; black-tie; contact Daren Thomas, 202-5331878, dthomas@wpas.org.
Fight for Children’s spring benefit brings out big names and big entertainment acts in support of the group’s Quality Schools SPONSORED Initiative. Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center; 6:30 p.m.; $350; cocktail attire; contact Simon Jackson, simon. jackson@fightforchildren.org.
WL
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART GALA
Join the festivities at the museum’s first black-tie fundraising event, where African contemporary artist El Anatsui, and Sudanese model Alek SPONSORED Wek will receive the museum’s 30th anniversary awards. Grammy-award-winning Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo will perform and Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor Jeffrey Wright will emcee. National Museum on African Art; 7 p.m. cocktail reception followed by dinner; $500 to $1,000; black-tie; contact Nora Severson, 202-633-4607, seversonn@si.edu.
WL
INNOCENTS AT RISK EVENT
Join efforts to end modern-day slavery and human trafficking at an evening benefiting Innocents at Risk, a Washington-based non-profit. SPONSORED French Ambassador’s Residence; 7 p.m.; starting at $500; cocktail attire; contact Debbie Sigmund, 202-625-4338, dsigmund@eoc.net.
WL
june WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA BALL
PHILLIPS COLLECTION SPRING GALA
Top arts philanthropists gather for dinner and dancing to benefit the museum’s education and outreach initiatives. The Phillips Collection; 6 SPONSORED p.m.; $125 (dessert and dancing only) and $1,000 (dinner, dessert, and dancing); black-tie;
WL
One of the most anticipated events of the season brings together the crème de la crème of Washington notables at this lavish celebration benefiting the SPONSORED Washington National Opera. German Embassy; 9 p.m.; $500 to $1,000; black-tie; contact 202-295-2437.
WL
19
2=<=D/< 6=CA3 7\b`WUcS d]gSc`Wa[ RSQS^bW]\ VSR]\Wa[ ^]ZWbWQa bVS ^S`TSQb ;O`bW\W Q`Wa^ `c[PZSR aVSSba O\R bVS ZW\US`W\U VOhS ]T O aSRcQb`Saa¸ ^S`Tc[S 2]\]dO\ 6]caS `SdWdSa bVS EOaVW\Ub]\ 21 ]T [gbV @S¿\SR O\R cbbS`Zg RWabW\QbWdS 2]\]dO\ 6]caS Wa O V]bSZ bVOb Q][PW\Sa a]^VWabWQObW]\ eWbV O `Sd]ZcbW]\O`g OSabVSbWQ O\R O\ c\RS`Qc``S\b ]T c\W_cSZg /[S`WQO\ Q]\b`]dS`ag / aOTS V]caS T]` >`SaWRS\ba O\R ^OW\bSR ZORWSa ^]ZWbWQWO\a O\R ^c\RWba b] [SSb [W\UZS O\R Q]\a^W`S
EEE B6=;>A=<6=B3:A 1=; ## "B6 AB@33B <E E/A67<5B=< 21 & !&! $'
POLLYWOOD The Nexus of Politics﹐ Hollywood﹐ Media﹐ and Diplomacy | Vital Voices Special and Diplomatic Dance
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton poses with actor and philanthropist Leonardo DiCaprio at a special “Act for Earth” gala dinner celebrating the partnership between the Kuwait-America Foundation and Conservation International. (Photo by Vicky Pombo)
THE POWER TO
transform
From HILLARY CLINTON and LEONARDO DICAPRIO to SALLY FIELD, DIANE VON FURSTENBURG, and all the groundbraking women behind vital voices, Washington has been a buzz this spring with A-list arrivals, who know that a trip to the nation’s capital is a must to bring change.
POLLYWOOD | POWER TO TRANSFORM
THE POWER OF WOMEN Investing in the Vital Voices that Transform Our World BY DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
hroughout March, I was reminded of the power of women to transform the world. I celebrated this power with events at my studios to support Vital Voices - from Moscow to Los Angles, London, Madrid, and New York City, and I donated proceeds from store sales and online to further their important work around the globe. I also teamed up to develop a global handbag design competition. The idea for the competition originated from the Vital Voices Artisan Export Development Program, supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation. Vital Voices worked with my team to select the best emerging female handbag designer from thousands around the world. I was so pleased when we selected Phelicia Dell, a rising talent from Haiti. Dell became involved with Femmes en Democratie, the Vital Voices chapter in Haiti, about three years ago as she worked to establish a successful clothing design business following the kidnapping and death of her husband. After her loss, she decided to remain in Haiti and build a life for herself and her young daughter. Dell began designing clothes and was connected with Danielle Saint Lot, co-founder and president of Femmes en Democratie, who assisted her with identifying markets for her products and guided her product development. Soon after, Dell made the decision to focus on handbags. After carefully designing a few samples, she showed them to friends and they were a huge success. She also had the opportunity to participate in the 2008 Vital Voices of the Americas “Women as a Bridge to a More Prosperous Future” summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to gain further skills in design and product development. Later in March, at the Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards in Washington, I had the opportunity to meet more women like Dell
22
Diane von Furstenberg and Senator Kay Bailey (Photo by Kyle Samperton)
who have overcome unthinkable challenges. Together with my fellow Vital Voices board member,World Bank managing director Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, I presented the 10,000 Women Entrepreneurial Achievement Award, a new partnership between Goldman Sachs and Vital Voices. The award identifies and honors an extraordinary young entrepreneur who is not only building a strong business, but reinvesting in her community as well. Succeeding in fashion takes more than just a flair for design - it takes passion, perseverance, and a strong understanding of business principles. Tuokpe Esisi owns a contemporary African fashion design company, and to professionalize and grow her business,
she applied to become a scholar in the 10,000 Women program – an unprecedented initiative to provide women around the world with high-quality entrepreneurial education. This education will create a new generation of female business leaders poised to change the world. Both Esisi and Dell embody this smart investment and not only make me proud to be a woman, but proud because they believe, as I do, that success cannot end with one person. Both women are “paying forward” the investment made in them by investing their own success in the success of others.They are a testament to the power that can be unleashed when women with vision and talent are given support.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
Vicki Sant, Kakenya Ntaiya, and Bobbie Greene McCarthy
Melanne Verveer, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Susan Davis
Ben Affleck and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison Candice Bergen and Sally Field
WL SPONSORED
VITAL VOICES GLOBAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON
Maria Bello and Maggie Grace
HONORED VOICES Over one thousand guests gathered at the Kennedy Center to celebrate the eighth annual Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards, first over cocktails and then in the Eisenhower Theater. The star-studded evening was dedicated to five honorees from Cambodia, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, all making great progress for women in their respective nations. The final award, presented by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, went to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was declared a “Global Trailblazer.” “As a presidential candidate last year,” Hutchison said, “she made 18 million cracks in the ceiling and inspired women all over the world.” Needless to say, political divides don’t apply when it comes to the global advancement of women. CELEBRANTS French Ambassador Pierre Vimont, Wolf Blitzer, Andrea Mitchell, Tammy Haddad, Nina Totenberg, Juleanna Glover, Dan and Rhoda Glickman, John Pendergrast, Ellen Benne , and Melanne Verveer.
Dutch Ambassador Renée JonesBos and Dr. Richard Huw Jones Marceline Kongolo-Bicé, Chouchou Namegabe Nabintu, and Temituokpe Esisi
Sadiqa Basiri Saleem, and Greta Van Susteren Charlie Rose with Dina and Rick Powell
Rob and Capricia Marshall
Maureen Orth, Vicky Warren, and Sissy Yates
Ann Walker-Marchant and Cheryl Masri
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
Sheryl Wudunn, Somaly Mam, and Nicholas Kristof 23
POLLYWOOD | POWER TO TRANSFORM
PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY Women Leading Change Across Generations with Vital Voices Across the Globe B Y S A L LY F I E L D A N D M A R I A B E L L O
e were honored last month to joinVital Voices for the 2009 Global Leadership Awards because we share a simple belief: that no country can prosper if half of its population is left behind.The full participation of women in all sectors of society is one of the best ways to achieve peace, progress, and prosperity. Vital Voices invests in women leaders – women who are visionaries, entrepreneurs, and realists; women who are working to expand economic opportunity and political participation, fight corruption, safeguard human rights, and promote peace and reconciliation. For the last 12 years,Vital Voices has been identifying, training, and empowering female leaders around the world. Since 1997, its network of over a thousand partners, pro bono experts, and leaders have trained and mentored more than 7,000 emerging women leaders in 127 countries. The most powerful thing is how they return to their communities and “pay forward” the investment made in them by training and mentoring thousands more. They are the vital voices of our time. The theme of the evening’s program was “Women Leading Change Across the Generations.” Vital Voices invited hundreds of girls and young women from the region to join an audience of over 1,100 government, non-profit and business leaders, journalists and diplomats. The evening highlighted the idea that leadership is not a final destination in life; it’s about the actions one takes on a daily basis to bring about positive change. Nicholas Kristof, Ben Affleck, Maggie Grace, Candice Bergen, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Diane von Furtsenberg, and Sen. Kay Bailey
Sally Field, Candice Bergen, Alyce Nelson Bloom, and Maria Bello at the Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards. (Photo by Kyle Samperton)
Hutchison helped spotlight Vital Voices and an extraordinary group of honorees from Afghanistan, Nigeria, Cambodia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They share a common courage, tenacity, dedication, and vision for a better world.They have raised their voices to build economic opportunity, fight for girls’ education, safeguard human rights, and speak out against violence and oppression. Their efforts are not only changing the world,
“THE MOST POWERFUL THING is how these women return to their communities and “pay forward” the investment made in them…”
24
but are inspiring others to step up, speak out, and heed the call to action. Perhaps the most inspiring part of the evening was when Sen. Hutchison was joined on stage by more than a dozen past Vital Voices honorees who had traveled to Washington from all corners of the globe to pay tribute to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton for her trailblazing work to champion the cause of women’s progress around the world. As Inez McCormack, a Northern Irish peace-leader stated, “She has used her voice to speak for those who have no voice, and in the process she has raised the issues affecting the lives of women and girls to the world stage. We are forever grateful for her leadership.”
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
Kuwaiti Amb. Salem Al-Sabah and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
Irmelin DiCaprio
Lally Weymouth and Buffy Cafritz WL SPONSORED
KUWAIT-AMERICA FOUNDATION DINNER Kuwait Embassy Residence PHOTOS BY LYNN HORNOR KEITH VICKY POMBO AND KYLE SAMPERTON
GLAMOUR FOR A CAUSE Only 144 very select guests made the cut
Rima Al-Sabah and Leonardo DiCaprio
for this year’s dinner, hosted on Earth Day by Kuwaiti Ambassador Salem Al-Sabah and his wife Rima (glamorous in a chiffon leopard print by Dior) to thank donors of $1.8 million to conservation projects in Brazil and Indonesia. THE CHOSEN Obama Administration heavy-weights, major media personalities, and top corporate donors feasted on baked potato topped with caviar, lamb chops and a Clementine tart before honors were meted out to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and actor Leonardo DiCaprio for their dedication to the cause of conservation. MAGIC MOMENT Marvin Hamlisch’s special tribute to “Hillary,” sung to the tune of “Maria” from West Side Story, brought down the house.
Teresa Heinz Kerry and Sen. John Kerry
Elsa Walsh with Chris and Jennifer Isham
Susan Blumenthal and Gen. James Jones Thomas “Mack” McLarty and Tom Friedman
Rep. John Dingell and Justice Stephen Breyer
Roger Sant, Henry Paulson, and Joe Robert, Jr.
Bob Woodward and Tom Brokaw Saudi Arabian Amb. Adel Al-Jubei r and James Steinberg
W H E R E P E N N S Y LVA N I A AV E N U E M E E T S T H E CH A M PS ELY SÉES.
D.C.’s place to meet for authentic French Bistro cuisine, wine, coffee and conversation is Café du Parc, on Pennsylvania Avenue adjacent to the Willard InterContinental Hotel®. With exquisite French pastries, fresh brioche and in between meal “petits plats,” Café du Parc serves breakfast through dinner on two levels with Parisian-style outdoor dining, in warm weather months. Bon appétit!
Do you live an InterContinental life?
Call 202.942.7000 or visit www.cafeduparc.com ©2007 InterContinental Hotels Group. All rights reserved. Most hotels are independently owned and/or operated.
Tina Alster and Paul Frazer
Chris and Meredith Hughes
Pamela and Mike Peabody
Peggy and Don Lyons Amy Baier and Sharon Bradley
WL SPONSORED
54TH ANNUAL CORCORAN BALL The Corcoran Gallery of Art PHOTOS BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER AND KYLE SAMPERTON
ARTISTIC LIBERTIES Over a thousand guests filled the historic Washington gallery for dinner and dancing to benefit the museum’s award-winning outreach, educational and scholarship programs. Artist Maya Lin’s exhibit, “Systematic Landscapes,” highlighted the festivities showcasing her renditions of environmental phenomena, along with magnificent decorations and Jack Lucky’s transformative floral arrangements in each of the 15 galleries where dinner was served. ECO-ELEGANCE Ball organizers took the event in an entirely “green” direction – reducing their footprint in everything from the invitations to enviro-friendly Occasion Caterers dishes – to create, as always, one of the most talked-about soirées of the season.
The museum’s main gallery
Camille Johnston and Desirée Glapion Rogers Kristen and Nels Olson
Sarah Steinberg, Sharon Dougherty, and Brady Arundel Corcoran Board members Sarah Cash, Paul Roth, Sarah Newman, and Philip Brookman
Sam Sweet and Anne Corbett
Nathaniel Fogg and Darcy Jones Michele Seiver and D.C. Councilman Jack Evans
POLLYWOOD | DIPLOMATIC DANCE
Envoys on the Move The Poles’ new home, hip Japanese talent, and a Costa Rican trade agreement BY GAIL SCOTT
HILLARY’S NEW NEIGHBORS Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton ’s new neighbors, Polish Ambassador Robert Kupiecki, his wife Malgorzata, and their children (Martin, 16, and Magdalena, 6), can’t wait to move into their new residence, art collector Paul Mellon’s former mansion on Whitehaven Street NW, but extensive renovations are keeping the moving vans at bay. The house and its huge back garden (which borders the British ambassador’s residence), was most recently owned by Nicholas F. Brady, who served as secretary of the treasury during the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.This year, Poland has much to celebrate at its May 6 national day at the Corcoran Gallery of Art: 200-plus years of the Polish constitution – Europe’s first (1791), 90 years of diplomatic relations with the U.S., a decade in NATO, and 20 years of non-communist rule. HOT JAPANESE IMPORTS For the first time, this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival showcased hip, young Japanese stars who transcend national boundaries. Japanese singing sensation “Jero” mixes his signature Enka (traditional folk songs he learned from his Japanese grandmother) with hip-hop he heard while growing up in Pittsburgh. Grandson of an African-American G.I. and a Japanese grandmother who fell in love during World War II, the University of Pittsburgh-educated systems engineer moved to Tokyo in 2003 to teach English. For fun, he entered local singing contests, which led to sold-out recordings. He was Japan’s “Best New Artist of 2008.” Ai Kawashima epitomizes the “Japanese Dream.” At age four, Ai was adopted from an orphanage but by 16, she had lost both her parents to illness. Bravely facing this stark situation, she began singing on the streets of Tokyo. Just one year later, her debut single sold
28
one million copies, topping the Japanese charts. At 19, she published her life story, which ranked #1 on best-seller lists and sold 300,000 copies. At 22, she created a charity project and built two schools: one in Cambodia and the other in Burkina Faso. “I write my own songs,” she says. “They all have a message of hope and courage.This is my way to reach out to people.”
THE DUEÑAS DIFFERENCE Now-departed Costa Rican Ambassador Tómas Dueñas, a former economic and trade minister who not only studied in the U.S. but was born here – the son of an Ecuadorian father and Costa Rican mother – not only successfully led the charge on Capitol Hill for CAFTA (the Central Amer ican Free Trade Agreement) but mentored many other top diplomats on trade and economic issues during his tenure of more than four years. “I was a lobbyist here and at home,” the popular first-time ambassador says. “Every day over eight months, I went to the Hill; I met with 350 different senators and members of Congress myself. Plus, I made 46 round trips between San José and Washington. … We won in Congress by just two votes but it took a referendum at home – the first referendum on trade in the world. In 2001, Dueñas negotiated Costa Rica’s trade agreement with Canada, the “first time in the world,” he notes, “that a small country Top: Japanese singer Jero. Above: Finola Bruton, wife had an agreement with such a large country.” of the European Union’s ambassador, poses near her He wished more people understood that portrait taken by Washington-based photographer Abby Greenwalt . (Photos by Gail Scott) free trade agreements “make countries become better citizens of the world and create more stable societies with more jobs, more PEEKING INSIDE EMBASSY ROW The Czech Republic, now holding the permanent employees, and less immigration. “I really couldn’t have done it without my wife, European Union presidency, is celebrating with an unusual photo exhibit of E.U. members’ Diana,” he insists.“Finally, one night at dinner she diplomatic spouses. Czech Ambassador Petr said, ‘Do you think we could discuss something Kolar was convinced by his wife Jaroslava to else?’That’s when I realized that CAFTA was all I showcase photographer Abby Greenawalt’s talked about for four years.” year-long project because he realized the envoys’ spouses “may be somewhat in the shadows, but Readers wishing to get in touch with Gail Scott can email: columns@washingtonlife.com definitely always our strongest allies.”
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
Jay Newton-Small, and Gretchen Toles
Tom Toles
Prince Fahad Al-Saud, Thomas Friedman, and Yemeni Ambassador Al-Hajjri
Prince Bandar Al-Saud
Prince Fahad Al-Saud and Bayanne Surdashi
WL EXCLUSIVE
Imran Ahmad Khan and Juleanna Glover
DINNER FOR PRINCES BANDAR AND FAHAD AL-SAUD Residence of the Ambassador of Yemen PHOTOS BY BETSY SPRUILL CLARKE
THE EVENT: Yemeni Ambassador Abdulwahab Al-Hajjri hosted an intimate dinner for Prince Fahad Bin Abdullah Bin Muhammad Al-Saud and Prince Bandar Bin Abdullah Bin Muhammad Al-Saud, who were visiting from Saudi Arabia. Over a meal of traditional Yemeni specialties, the two royal brothers discussed U.S. relations with the Middle East with such well-informed guests as Tom Friedman (New York Times), Bayanne Surdashi (Al-Hurra), and Jay Newton-Small (Time), who all regularly report on the region.
Phil Karber and Mike O’Hanlon
Dal LaMagna and Prince Fahad Al-Saud
CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARTY Japanese Ambassador’s Residence PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON
THE EVENT Ambassador and Mrs. Fujisaki welcomed guests to their their residence to celebrate the opening of the 2009 Cherry Blossom Festival. The first cherry blossom trees in Washington were a gi+ of the mayor of Tokyo in 1912, to celebrate the special relationship between Japan and the United States.
Didi and Walter Cutler, Lucky Roosevelt, and Alexandra de Borchgrave
Japanese Amb. Ichiro and Yoriko Fujisaki Gail and Togo West
Ryan Falvey and Cherie Vitartas
Ede Holiday and Terry Adamson
Anne House Quinn and Melissa Dablo
SPECIAL FEATURE | THE POWER
POWER
PARADIGMS It’s a Federal City, but the private sector still calls many of the shots in Obama-era Washington
T
he first challenge every newly arrived foreign ambassador to Washington faces is to discover where the power is.The White House is the focal point, of course, but beyond that, power is vested in a complex dynamic of forces, some elected, some institutional, and some personal. Since the exercise of political power is the main reason for being in Washington at all, it’s important to learn to separate the powerful from the impostors as quickly as possible. This is not just true for ambassadors; it’s a prerequisite for anyone hoping to do any kind of business in the District of Columbia. To follow is Washington Life’s own list of key players in the Washington power elite, including some clues on how to separate the real thing from the wannabes. As Margaret Thatcher, who knew something about the exercise of power, once observed: “Being powerful is like being a lady, if you have to tell people you are, you
30
aren’t.” Not included are senators, congressmen, and other government officials because the power that they exercise derives more or less from their office or position. It’s the surrounding landscape that can be mystifying. This is where lobbyists come in. In guiding clients through the bureaucratic and congressional labyrinths – physical and mental – the denizens of K Street, which famously houses Washington’s top lobbying firms, have themselves acquired power in their own right. These days, it’s fashionable in administration circles, when mentioning lobbyists, to wrinkle the nose as though recoiling from the stink of long dead fish. In keeping with his vow in 2007 to take back government from the lobbyists, “who think they own it,” President Obama has introduced stiffer ethics rules to limit their clout. Republican presidential candidate John McCain called lobbyists “birds of prey.” Still, so far, there are few signs that this entrenched sector of
Washington activity is withering. “Obama’s massive agenda, designed to boost the economy and increase jobs, has actually created more lobbying opportunities, not reduced them,” one Washington lobbyist observes. Lobbyists know what buttons need to be pushed here in order to get things done – or to stop something from getting done. For example, many cities and states hoping to get some of the stimulus cash offered by the administration find they need help navigating the topography of Washington’s bureaucracy. When it comes to health care, shaping the president’s planned reforms will inevitably involve negotiating with the sector’s powerful lobbyists, several of them women – Karen Ignagni, who heads America’s Health Insurance Plans, the main lobby for the insurance companies, and Mary Greely of the Healthcare Leadership Council, to name but two.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
I L LU ST RAT I O N BY J.C . S UAR È S
BY ROLAND FLAMINI
So, while the present administration strives to limit their maneuvering room, top lobbyists like Anne Wexler, Tommy Boggs,Vernon Jordan, former Republican House Majority Leader Dick Armey, ex-Sen. Dennis DeConcini, and former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole remain a force to be reckoned with. Ditto Virginia Republican John Warner who, after three decades in the Senate, is returning to Hogan and Hartson, the legal/lobbying firm where he once worked. In other respects, Washington’s power landscape is going through one of its periodic changes, of which the recent election is, at the same time, both the catalyst and at the result. One way that Obama has acknowledged the significant shift of power in the media is by upsetting the time-honored pecking order of questioners during his press conferences. In the White House, old journalism must now compete with new journalism. Gone is presidential deference to mainstream TV networks, newspapers, and wire services like Reuters and the Associated Press. In recent press conferences, the president has invited questions from the world of websites and blogs such as Arianna Huffington’s Huffington Post website, and Politico.com. But Obama has Right: iVrginia Rep ublican John Warner recently returnedto Hogan andHartson.Below: eVrnon Jord an with wife n An, remains one of the forces the new ad ministration will needto d eal with.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
“OBAMA’S MASSIVE AGENDA, designed to boost the economy and increase jobs, has actually created more lobbying opportunities, not reduced them” also mixed and matched liberal and conservative journalists, dining privately with small groups, including ABC’s George Stephanopolous, syndicated columnist George Will, and New York Times columnists David Brooks and Maureen Dowd. Meanwhile, the global economic turndown and America’s worst economic crisis since the Great Depression are testing the Obama Administration’s power to bring the financial chaos under control, and to turn the situation around. Political power, not banks, is Washington’s business, but the District has its share of influential voices when it comes to finance, notably David Rubenstein, who heads the billion dollar Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest private equity firms, and Richard Fairbank, founder of Capital One Financial Corp. There’s also Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the French managing director of the International Monetary Fund, which has emerged from the current economic crisis with a great deal more money, and potentially more power, than ever before. (This is somewhat less so of the World Bank.) The leading industrial nations are committed to giving the IMF $1 trillion to lend to financially strapped countries. Washington also has heavy hitters in the business sector – notably the high-tech denizens of Tyson’s Corner, and health and biotech entrepreneurs. Craig Venter’s Rockville-based Venter Institute and Synthetic Genomics did seminal work in mapping the DNA. Martine Rothblatt’s United Therapeutics is a booming Silver Spring biotech company focused on medication for chronic cardiovascular and infectious diseases. Steve Case, a founder of AOL, remains an influential Washington fixture
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
despite the decreased fortunes of that firm. Sheila Johnson, co-founder of BET, and co-owner of the Washington Mystics, is America’s first African American female billionaire. No cultural wasteland, Washington has become an important theater city, with Michael Kaiser’s Kennedy Center and Michael Khan’s expanded Shakespeare Theatre Company at its center, leading by example but certainly not alone in either artistic excellence or innovation. Example: at the Signature Theatre in Shirlington artistic director Eric Schaeffer commissioned a musical version of Edna Ferber’s novel Giant, by the composer Michael LaChiusa – which will run through May. In music,Washington National Opera musical director Placido Domingo’s clout extends over the entire operatic world. And while the name of the indefatigable and sometimes controversial Anne Midgette, the Post’s music critic, is not music to everyone’s ears, her tireless coverage has drawn attention to the breadth and scope of Washington’s musical activity. As the relatively new secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, G. Wayne Clough’s authority extends over the Smithsonian’s 19 museums, nine research units, a nationally distributed magazine, and 140 affiliate museums worldwide. While Earl “Rusty” Powell, director of the National Gallery, may only run one museum, but he does it with panache. Powell, it seems, also understands Washington. In late June, the museum will stage a unique exhibition of historic armor from Spain combined with Old Master portraits of kings and princes actually wearing it.The National Gallery calls this display of late Renaissance machismo “The Art of Power: Royal Armor and Portraits from Imperial Spain.” Nowhere are such symbols of power better understood than in Washington. The finely crafted suit of armor of centuries past is today’s private plane, chauffeur-driven limousine, or seat in the owner’s box at Fedex Field.The message is the same.
31
SPECIAL FEATURE | THE POWER From left: Hunter Bid en, n An Jord an, Jeremy Ben-m A i, Jean Case, Bill Clinton, John Fahey, o Dn Peebles
THE POWER
In a city where influence is everything, these one hundred individuals rise to the top. Some are wealthy, but many are not.They represent a wide variety of professional fields, from faith to finance; but they all share two common traits:They work outside the federal government and hold sway inside the Beltway. BUSINESS DON AND MEGAN BEYER Owners, Don Beyer Volvo DRIVEN3 Among the earliest supporters of Obama’s campaign, both Beyers served on the finance committee, and Don was an influential member of the Transition Team. NEXT TURN3 Rumors circulate that Beyer has been tapped to be the next ambassador to Sweden.
STEVE AND JEAN CASE Chairman, Revolution LLC; Chairwoman, The Case Foundation (respectively) HEALTHY OPTIMISM3 After expanding his portfolio to include health and finance companies, the AOL-cofounder raised almost $50 million in capital last month for a company that will compete with PayPal. SWEET SUCCESS3 Case owns nearly half of the Maui Land & Pineapple Co., where the trademarked “Maui Gold” variety is grown on tens of thousands of acres in Hawaii.
WESLEY COMBS AND BOB WITECK President and CEO,Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc. (respectively) DYNAMIC DUO3 Combs and Witeck founded one of the area’s most innovative marketing firms; clients today include American Airlines, Ford, and IBM. AHA! MOMENT3 Their co-authored book, Business Inside Out was the first to identify gay consumers as a unique sector of the
32
economy, and it remains the gold standard on marketing to the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
It Plain: Standing Up and Speaking Out, were published in 2008. FAMILY TIES3 One of the most connected women in Washington Ann Jordan is White House senior advisor Valerie Jarrett’s cousin.
JAMES A JOHNSON Vice Chairman, Perseus, LLC
TED LEONSIS
MANY HATS3 From Fannie Mae and Brookings to the Kennedy Center and Democratic campaigns, Johnson has been wielding power in diverse sectors for decades. LOWER PROFILE3 A role in Obama’s vice-presidential vetting process ended abruptly after it was reported that Johnson procured $7 million in loans from now-defunct Countrywide Financial Corp.
Founder, Lincoln Holdings LLC; Majority Owner, Washington Capitals
SHEILA JOHNSON
ACT II3 The renaissance man has moved on, from AOL exec to professional sports team owner, philanthropist and film producer. His documentaries, Nanking and Kicking It both made it to Sundance. ICING ON THE CAKE3 Leonsis’ NHL Capitals boast the league’s MVP,Alex Ovechkin, and recently advanced to the Eastern Conference finals.
CEO, Salamander Hospitality; Majority Owner, Washington Mystics
J W BILL MARRIOTT JR
DIVERSIFIED3 The first black female billionaire in America continues to expand her empire, which includes stakes in three professional sports franchises, a resort in Middleburg (Salamander Farms), a resort in Florida (Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club) and producer credits on two films. GOOD BET3 An early and ardent Obama supporter, Johnson served on the campaign’s Women’s Committee and traveled the country raising money for the candidate.
TRAVEL ADVISORY3 The hotel baron has been outspoken recently about the vilification of business-related travel and events, and the loss of nearly 200,000 jobs in the industry last year. RECESSION?3 Though Marriott International reported a $23 million loss in the first quarter of 2009, the company plans to build over 30,000 rooms this year.
Chairman and CEO, Marriott International
ABE POLLIN Chairman and CEO,Washington Sports and Entertainment
VERNON AND ANN JORDAN Senior Managing Director, Lazard Freres & Co. LLC THE WORD3 One of Washington’s best-known lawyers and power brokers, Jordan’s collected speeches, titled Make
LEGACY3 Pollin’s dedication to the community is reflected all over the city; this winter, take a stroll down Abe Pollin Way NW on Abe Pollin Day (December 3rd). A NEW
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
ERA3 Following a tough season for his NBA Wizards franchise (19-63), Pollin has hired Flip Saunders as the new head coach, reportedly saying only four words to him: “don’t let us down.”
national campaign director at America Votes, can focus on advocating clean energy solutions. TARGET PRACTICE3 In 2008 the Sierra Club launched its largest-ever grassroots initiative; thousands of volunteers targeted five Senate races, 33 House races, and the presidential election.
DAVID RUBENSTEIN Co-founder,The Carlyle Group MAKING WAVES3 The king of corporate takeovers is making rare appearances on the press circuit these days to discuss buyout mistakes and economic recovery. ON DISPLAY3 Two of Rubenstein’s prized possessions: a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation (at the American History Museum), and a copy of the Magna Carta (at the National Archives).
BRIAN GALLAGHER President and CEO, United Way of America CHANGE AGENT3 Since 2002, Gallagher has dramatically refocused United Way’s national image and significantly raised its accountability. THE ROAD3 Gallagher estimates he spends about 70 percent of his time traveling the country to ensure the UW is living up to his standards.
GAIL MCGOVERN DANIEL SNYDER
HEALER3 The former executive at AT&T and Fidelity Investments joined the Red Cross after predecessor Mark Everson was forced to resign. GOOD EXPERIENCE3 With a $200 million deficit and staff cuts, McGovern will surely be aided by her private sector acumen as she works to restore the mammoth organization back to firm footing.
President and CEO, American Red Cross
BOB GREENSTEIN Founder and Executive Director, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities THE SAGE3 Greenstein has been called “a powerhouse for the poor,” by the Washington Post, and the think tank he founded has earned praise from both sides of the aisle for its talented staff and dogged advocacy. THE SCOOP3 Insiders say Greenstein had considerable input on Obama’s 2009 budget.
Owner,Washington Redskins; Chairman, Six Flags TOUCHDOWN3 With one of the highest-grossing football teams in the NFL, the pressure is on Snyder (and head coach Jim Zorn) to take the Redskins all the way. ROLLER COASTER3 Football aside, Snyder has his plate full – literally – as owner of the popular restaurant chain Johnny Rockets and board chairman of Six Flags, the world’s largest amusement park operator.
MICHAEL SONNENREICH Chairman and CEO, Kikaku America International ARTIST AT HEART3 This former president of the Washington National Opera and pharmaceutical company player knows his way around a guitar fret board, and remains a constant on the city’s arts scene. DOUBT3 While a member of President Nixon’s National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse, Sonnenreich was an early skeptic of the “war on drugs,” predicting that it would be unwinnable and alienate young people.
UNLIKELYENCOUNTERS
POWER FEUDS Guests will be twittering – in more ways than one – if they encounter these well-known adversaries together in the same room Sen. PATRICK LEAHY and former Vice President DICK CHENEY A long-running contretemps about Halliburton, Cheney’s former firm, came to a foul-mouthed climax when the pair clashed on the Senate floor in what was later called a “frank exchange of views.”
Vice President JOE BIDEN and former George W. Bush Advisor KARL ROVE Biden told CNN that President Bush once reminded him that he was a “leader” and that he had replied, “Turn around and look behind you. No one is following.” Rove called the story “fictional” on Fox News, adding that Biden was a “serial exaggerator.”
NON-PROFITS DEEPAK BHARGAVA Executive Director,The Center for Community Change ORGANIZER-IN-CHIEF3 Bhargava may not be the most famous Harvard-educated-former-community organizer in Washington, but as the leader of one of the nation’s largest grass-roots community advocacy groups, he has plenty of influence. NEXT UP3 The CCC is particularly involved in issues facing the poor, so expect to see Bhargava front and center in the upcoming healthcare debates.
BILL CLINTON Former President of the United States; founder, the Clinton Foundation DOMESTIC SPENDING3 The former President’s Harlembased NGO will forego foreign donations while Hillary is Sec. of State; but judging from a recent star-studded L.A. fundraiser, the foundation’s coffers won’t suffer greatly.
Speaker of the House NANCY PELOSI and Rep. JANE HARMAN The two Californians are longtime colleagues but have never been collegial, especially after Pelosi used her Speaker power to pass over Harman for another term as chairman of the House Committee on Intelligence.
ANTHONY LANIER and HERB MILLER The developers battled in court over control of the Shops at Georgetown Park. Miller’s victory may have been Pyrrhic, since he now has to find tenants in an economic downturn.
Mayor ADRIAN FENTY and Councilmember PHIL MENDELSOHN D.C. National Guard youth program funding and keeping District bars open late during the Inauguration are but two of their numerous squabbles.The only time they seem to agree is when a common enemy (Congress, the gun lobby) looms.
Redskins vice president of operations VINNIE CERRATO and Washington Post sportswriter JASON LA CANFORA Cerrato says La Canfora’s coverage is biased against the team; La Canfora maintains he is just calling the shots as he sees them. Now Cerrato has his own bi-weekly radio show and can play journalist, too.
CATHY DUVALL Political Director,The Sierra Club A NEW DAY3 Now that those in power no longer question the basic validity of global warming, Duvall, a former
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
Justice ANTONIN SCALIA and Rep. BARNEY FRANK Frank called Scalia a “homophobe” on a gay website because of his opposition to certain legal rights for homosexuals. Scalia’s response has so far been limited by an exercise of judicial restraint.
33
SPECIAL FEATURE | THE POWER
From left: Bob Witeck, Brian Wolff, Carter Roberts, Chris Matthews, Rusty Powell, Eugene Robinson, Hilary Rosen, Joe Solmonese
JOHN PODESTA President,The Center for American Progress DREAM TEAM3 As co-chairman of the Obama-Biden Transition, Podesta assembled an unprecedented team that included a number of CAP staffers. RIGHTEOUS FURY3 Podesta recently called for the impeachment of Jay Bybee, the federal judge and former Bush administration official who penned the now public “torture memos.”
JOHN PRENDERGAST Co-founder,The Enough Project SAVING DARFUR3 Prendergast’s Enough Project aims to end the genocide in Darfur in part by convincing Obama to add comprehensive peace in Sudan to his list of policy goals. TWO AT A TIME3 A former director of African affairs at the National Security Council and special advisor at the Dept. of State, Prendergast has written eight books on Africa and is currently working on two more.
DEBATE PREP3 The leader of one of the nation’s widest-reaching LGBT organizations stands to become significantly more influential as the battle over gay marriage goes national. SHOWTIME3 This former CEO of EMILY’s List regularly appears on Comedy Central’s Colbert Report and co-hosts The Agenda on XM Satellite Radio.
DOMINIQUE STRAUSS–KAHN Managing Director, International Monetary Fund MONEY MAN3 The former professor and member of the French Socialist party now directs efforts to rescue the world’s most vulnerable economies with a massive aid package of grants and loans. APRÈS LE DELUGE: Last year, the IMF board cleared Kahn of allegations of favoritism and abuse of power – just in time for him to focus on the economic crisis.
THE ARTS
BRUCE RIEDEL
G WAYNE CLOUGH
Senior Fellow,The Brookings Institution
Secretary, Smithsonian Institution
SUPER SPY: This former head of analysis at CIA has advised four U.S. presidents, most recently co-chairing an interagency report on Afghanistan and Pakistan for the Obama White House.DIRE WARNING: Riedel is on record stating that a failed state in Pakistan would be the “worst nightmare of the century.”
MANAGEMENT < 3 The former civil engineer and head of Georgia Tech took over after a firestorm of criticism over his predecessor’s management style and spending habits. MODERN HISTORY3 Clough has overseen the placement of the entire 137 million-object collection online, and enlisted video gaming experts to collaborate with curators.
CARTER ROBERTS President and CEO,World Wildlife Fund
PLACIDO DOMINGO
ON MESSAGE3 This environmentalist is an expert in marketing conservation initiatives, having previously worked for The Nature Conservancy and several multimillion dollar companies. GO GREEN3 In March Carter and WWF organized Earth Hour 2009, in which over a billion people in 88 countries turned out their lights and electronics for an hour.
General Director,Washington National Opera
PETER SELIGMAN
MICHAEL KAHN
Chairman, Conservation International
Artistic Director,The Shakespeare Theatre Company
EARTH WATCH: CI is one of the largest non-profit groups dedicated to protecting the world’s most threatened wilderness and marine regions. GREEN AGENDA: Seligman has strongly warned President Obama to focus on species extinction, coral reef destruction, over-fishing, and tropical deforestation before a “tipping point” occurs.
THE BARD OF DC3 The erudite director/teacher has created a world-class theater for Shakespearean and other classical works, often featuring Kevin Spacey, Dame Judi Dench and other serious stars. STANDING OVATION3 In the past year, Kahn directed Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, Congreve’s Way of the World and Noël Coward’s Design for Living, and scored a coup by snaring Helen Mirren to star in a production of Phaedre.
JOE SOLMONESE President, Human Rights Campaign
34
MET OUR MATCH3 The famed tenor can do no wrong, whether he is singing or directing for a company that has achieved world-class status since he took the helm in 1996. LESS IS MORE3 Recession era budget cuts have mandated less lavish costumes and sets, along with the November postponement of the much-anticipated Ring cycle.
MICHAEL KAISER President, Kennedy Center ARTMEISTER3 An impresario in every sense, Kaiser never fails to uphold the Kennedy Center’s reputation as a major national venue for music, theater, and dance. BUSY YEAR3 A cultural ambassador for the State Department, Kaiser put on the country’s first major Arab cultural festival, revived “Ragtime”, and simultaneously published a book and launched “Arts in Crisis” to help arts organizations.
ANNE MIDGETTE Music critic, The Washington Post CRITICAL EYE3 The former New York Times writer has attracted attention for her influential, opinionated, and occasionally controversial coverage of the classical music scene. EXPANSIVE SCOPE3 Midgette wins plaudits for fresh style, trying to educate less erudite readers, and for reviewing smaller groups, not just biggies like the Washington National Opera. (She thinks Placido Domingo is overextended).
EARL A “RUSTY” POWELL III Director, National Gallery of Art THE SHOWMAN3 Only the fourth director in the gallery’s 72-year history, Powell has presided over his fair share of acquisitions and exhibitions – blockbuster and otherwise – since his arrival in 1992. WORKING ON3 Rehabilitating the gallery’s infrastructure, reinstalling the permanent collections, redoing the web site, and continuing to target new donors is an art in itself.
ROGER AND VICTORIA SANT Co-Founder, AES Corp.; Chairman, National Gallery of Art (respectively) NAME RECOGNITION3 Examples of this couple’s generosity dot the city; most notably the Smithsonian Natural History Museum’s spectacular, 23,000 sq. ft. Sant Ocean Hall. GREAT MINDS3 A former power company exec, in April 2009 Roger joined the board of Powerspan, a clean coal tech venture whose investors include George Soros.
ERIC SCHAEFFER Artistic Director, Signature Theatre ACTING UP3 Theater lovers gladly drive to the wilds of downtown Shirlington for a Signature fix that often competes with the best offerings in the metropolitan area, the Kennedy Center included. RECENT KUDOS FOR3 Audaciously re-staged revivals of works by Stephen Sondheim and a dramatically downsized version of Les
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
Miserables that earned multiple awards at this year’s Helen Hayes Awards.
BESTTABLES
GEORGE AND TRISH VRADENBURG President, The Vradenburg Foundation, and author/ playwright (respectively)
YOU ARE WHERE YOU SIT
DIFFERENT STROKES3 The former AOL exec and consummate insider has breathed new life into The Phillips Collection, but he’s equally at home in high-level Middle aEst strategy sessions with the likes of Madeleine Albright and Vin Weber. MULTI-MEDIA3 The couple publishes a well-respected progressive Jewish monthly arts and culture magazine, Tikkun; editor Michael Lerner is Trish’s brother.
VIPs always get “their” table at Washington’s top restaurants
SEPTIME WEBRE Artistic Director,The Washington Ballet EN POINTE3 D.C.’s top dance man has made his mark after 15 years at the helm by focusing on the company’s signature mix of classic and modern works (many his own creations or collaborations with other choreographers). NEXT STEP3 Webre continues to expand the subscriber base, hire increasingly better dancers, and experiment with a program that is often brilliant and irrepressibly “Webre.”
RELIGION THE RIGHT REVEREND JOHN BRYSON CHANE
CAFÉ MILANO 3251 Prospect Street NW, 202-333-6183 Table 100 (center of the main room against the glass doors) Reserved for: Bill and Hillary Clinton, Newt Gingrich, Michael Douglas and Catherine eZtaJones,Wolf Blitzer, Bo Derek, Muhammad Ali, Lionel Ritchie, Sharon Stone, Michael Jordan, Jim Kimsey.
EQUINOX
Episcopal Bishop of Washington
818 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-331-8118
RIGHTEOUS3 Chane minced no words in criticizing a conservative fellow bishop from the Anglican Communion for his anti-gay views. CURRENT DILEMMA3 Maintaining Washington National Cathedral’s colossal building, grounds, and community programs in the face of drastic budget cuts.
Table 40 Reserved for: David Axelrod,Valerie Jarrett, David Brooks, Desirée Rogers, and Madeleine Albright. (The Obamas and other heads of state prefer the secluded Wine Room.)
REVEREND H BEECHER HICKS JR Senior Minister, Metropolitan Baptist Church SOUL POWER3 Six thousand congregants pack the pews every Sunday to experience Hicks’ imaginative preaching style, a combination of rapt storytelling and biblical truth. WRIGHT STUFF3 Hicks would be most pleased if the first African-American president and his family chose to attend his church on a regular basis, even though Obama was most recently a member of the nUited Church of Christ.
FOUR SEASONS Four Seasons Hotel, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-342-0448 Table 43 Reserved for: Nancy Pelosi, Adrian Fenty, Condoleezza Rice, George Clooney, Robert Redford
RABBI DAVID SAPERSTEIN Director of the Religious Action Center; co-chairman, Coalition to Preserve Religious Liberty DIVINE JUSTICE3 The Rabbi has been called the “quintessential lobbyist on Capitol Hill” for making the Center the second most powerful Jewish body in Washington (after AIPAC). HIGH HONOR: Saperstein was selected to deliver the invocation at the final night of the 2008Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO.
THE MOST REVEREND DONALD W WUERL Roman Catholic Archbishop of Washington HATS OFF3 Lacking a red cardinal’s hat has not prevented Wuerl from exercising quiet but firm control over a sprawling diocese of more than 58 0,000 Catholics. PULPIT
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
THE PALM
ADOUR
1225 19th Street NW, 202-293-9091
St. Regis Washington D.C., 923 16th Street NW, 202-509-8000
Table 43 (set for 10 in the middle of the room) Reserved for: Bill Bennett, Michael Bloomberg, James Carville and Mary Matalin, Gen. David Petraeus, Bob Strauss
Table 5, in a center alcove Reserved for: Brad Pitt, Jon Bon Jovi, Mario Batali, Tom and Linda Daschle
35
SPECIAL FEATURE | THE POWER
ARTSLEADER
ERIC SCHAEFFER IN FOUR ACTS The award-winning director makes headlines with daring productions in a “Signature” space WL: Are you glad you stayed in Washington and didn’t go to New York? Eric Schaeffer: I arrived here thinking I’d stay for two years and here I am, 22 years later … still riding my bike. Having Glory Days close in New York last year after only one night was a rare stumble, although you rebounded nicely with Les Miserables, which won six Helen Hayes awards last month. You have to take risks and chances. Some shows are failures; others are huge successes. That’s the game I’m in. You’ve been called a modern-day interpreter of classic works by Stephen Sondheim and Kander and Ebb? I love to reinvent them to see what other stones can be unturned. It’s great for audiences to have an opportunity to see a show they think they know and discover something new. It’s just what I do. What’s up next? I have a show called Million Dollar Quartet that has been running in Chicago since September. It will soon take a big leap and go somewhere exciting. I’m also doing Kern and Hammerstein’s Showboat here. It’s a monster of a show with a cast of 48 actors, but in Signature fashion I’m taking it down to 23people with a new 14-piece orchestration. I’m going to reinvent the sucker!
Photo by Russ Hirshon
36
From left: John F. Harris, John Prendergast, Jonathan Turley, Randi Weingarten, Karl Rove
DIPLOMACY3 While strongly condemning abortion, he has said publicly that he would not discipline or direct priests to deny communion to pro-choice Catholic politicians such as Sen. John Kerry and Speaker Pelosi.
MEDIA
JOHN F HARRIS AND JIM VANDEHEI
WOLF BLITZER
Editor-in-Chief and Executive Editor, Politico (respectively)
Anchor, CNN NICE SITUATION3 A reporting powerhouse on both the domestic and international fronts, Blitzer anchored primary, convention and lEection Night 2008coverage for CNN. BALANCED3 In addition to steady coverage of the President in the “Situation Room” there’s been a marked increase in human interest stories – a little levity in tough times.
Host “Hardball with Chris Matthews,” NBC
Chairman, Atlantic Media Company NEW GROWTH3 Since acquiring the Atlantic Media Group in 1999, Bradley has hired some of the industry’s best columnists and expanded its multimedia outlets. He also recently founded Potomac Research, a company that acquires intelligence on how federal activities affect the private sector. ROUND TABLE3 Bradley regularly hosts ultra-A list, off-the-record dinners in his Watergate office; guests have included Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Treasury Sec.Tim Geithner, and NBC’s David Gregory.
JOHN FAHEY President and CEO, National Geographic Society LOCALLY SOURCED3 Geographic was promoting “green” long before the term was coined, and Fahey, a businessman, is proving that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive. NATGEO < 3 Fahey has led a tech revolution that includes the National Geographic Channel, now airing in 27languages and 16 3countries.
NOT-SO-NEUTRAL3 After making headlines for his proObama rhetoric during the 2008campaign, Matthews explored a possible Pennsylvania .U S. Senate run, but ultimately chose to stay at NBC for the time being. NEXT CHAPTER3 With five books already penned, the former print journalist (and walking political encyclopedia) is set to bring the pen to paper again soon.
EUGENE ROBINSON Columnist, The Washington Post LIFE OF LETTERS3 Robinson began penning his OpdE column in 2005, after a 25-year career at the Post that included stints as foreign correspondent, foreign editor, and city editor. He recently recommended that President Obama needs to get hot under the collar from time to time. A WINNING YEAR3 In April 2009, Robinson was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary.
BOB SCHIEFFER Anchor, CBS Sunday Morning
DON GRAHAM AND KATHARINE WEYMOUTH Chairman and Publisher, The Washington Post (respectively) LEGACY3 Who doesn’t know that Weymouth wears her late grandmother’s pearl necklace for good luck? Her appointment as publisher of the Post was the year’s most talked about change in print media power. THE BIG STORY3 The ways of the written word are changing, and it falls on the uncle/niece team to usher the family’s venerable paper into the wireless world.
Host, “Meet the Press”
NEW PARADIGM3 The duo left The Washington Post in 2006to create the dynamic print/web phenomenon (with Robert Allbritton’s money). News coverage in Washington hasn’t been the same since. GROWTH3 U nlike most media outlets, Politico recently upped distribution from three to four days a week, added circulation, and hired new staff.
CHRIS MATTHEWS
DAVID BRADLEY
DAVID GREGORY
HOT SEAT3 In the summer of 2008Gregory joined the ranks of media royalty when he was chosen to fill Tim Russert’s very big shoes as the host of Meet the Press. COMING UP NEXT3 Gregory’s challenge in the coming year is to maintain Russert’s cachet and clout while doing his own thing.
ON AIR3 This veteran newscaster has covered it all: the White House, Pentagon, State Department, and Congress, delivering almost exclusively political news on CBS since 1969. COUNTRY CROONER3 A long-time singer/ songwriter, Schieffer performed at the Grand Ol’ Opry before moderating the third presidential debate. xEpect further vocal stylings in 2009.
RANDY SHULMAN Editor and Publisher, MetroWeekly VILLAGE VOICE3 After two decades under Shulman’s leadership, the weekly magazine-style paper for
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
From left: Bishop John Chane, Robert Raben, Randy Shulman, Septime Webre, Tom Daschle, Wolf Blitzer, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Sanford Ain
Washington’s gay community has grown into the nation’s largest LGBT arts publication. FUTURE PLANS3 In April the magazine launched the Next Generation Awards, a recognition of the efforts of LGBT activists under 03.
a prominently conservative audience, in early 2008 Wallace railed against the network’s “Fox and Friends” for comments that Wallace labeled as “Obama-bashing.
founded currently manages $10 billion in residential and retail properties.
TED MARK EDWARD AND ROBERT LERNER GEORGE WILL
Lerner Enterprises,Washington Nationals
TOM SIETSEMA
Journalist and author
Food Writer, The Washington Post
PARTY ANIMAL3 The dean of conservative opinion writers,Will’s columns on the environment and the future of the GOP regularly garner him equal parts praise and ire. INVITE-ONLY3 In late 2008Will hosted a dinner for Barack Obama and fellow conservatives Bill Kristol, David Brooks, and Charles Krauthammer at his house in Chevy Chase. Mum’s the word on what they discussed.
MAJOR LEAGUE3 According to Forbes magazine’s annual billionaires’ list, the clan’s assets have actually risen from $2.5 billion to $3.2 billion in the past year, despite the financial meltdown.
THE DISH3 If a restaurant can impress this popular critic, its survival is practically assured (think Buck’s Fishing &Camping in Cleveland Park); if not, the doomsday countdown begins (think Grace’s Mandarin at the National Harbor). THE DISGUISE3 Sietsema is known to carry a paper mask to private Washington social events to protect his anonymity from careless shutterbugs.
DAVID ZASLAV GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS
Director, President and CEO, Discovery Communications
Chief Washington Correspondent, ABC News; Host, “This Week”
REALITY TV3 The hand of “Z azz” rocks the cradle for 1.5 billion subscribers to the world’s largest non-fiction media outlet. SEEING GREEN3 Ad sales and revenue have risen as Discovery re-brands channels, focuses on winners (“Trading Spaces,” “Monster Garage”), and prepares to launch the Oprah Winfrey Network in 2010.
WOW FACTOR3 The former Clinton staffer’s Sunday morning show has rocked the media establishment by beating Meet the Press three times since January. OPEN LINE3 In January Politico reported that Stephanopoulos takes part in a daily conference call with James Carville, Rahm m E anuel, and Paul Begala.
ANDREW SULLIVAN Blogger,The Daily Dish, The Atlantic PIONEER3 Sullivan’s unique viewpoint as a gay, Catholic, libertarian enlivens his widely read political blog, which has helped increase traffic to the Atlantic website by 03 percent. JOURNO IN THE NEWS3 In 2008amid widespread criticism, Sullivan publicly defended his decision to post a rumor that Sarah Palin’s fifth pregnancy was faked and that the baby was her daughter’s.
Political Director and Chief White House Correspondent, NBC News NEW JOB3 A contributing editor at The Atlantic, Todd was a contender to host NBC’s Meet the Press. When the job went to David Gregory,Todd stepped in to cover the White House. MAKING HIS MARK3 Beloved for his “down to earth” reporting style, it was Todd’s stand-out coverage of the 2008presidential race that put him on the media map.
CHRIS WALLACE Host, “Fox News Sunday” INDEPENDENT3 A registered Democrat who addresses
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Chairman and CEO, The Peebles Corporation LOCAL KID3 The nation’s most successful African American real estate developer believes real estate is a regional business, driven more by local economics than by the national economy; his $4 billion development portfolio makes people listen. WASHINGTONIAN: Peebles’ father worked as a doorman at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, his experience inspired the real estate investor to include hotels in his portfolio.
MILTON AND JON PETERSON The Peterson Companies
REAL ESTATE A JAMES CLARK Chairman, Clark Construction Enterprises SOLID FOUNDATION3 The visionary force behind one of the nation’s largest construction companies, Clark was the force behind projects like the Verizon Center and the Nationals stadium. UP AHEAD3 The company is focusing on the new Walter Reed Military Medical Center and the Maryland Route 200 Intercounty Connector.
P WESLEY FOSTER JR
CHUCK TODD
DON PEEBLES
Founder and CEO, Long & Foster Companies MARKET LEADER3 The founder of America’s largest privately held real estate firm bested the major national firms in the D.C. market long ago by focusing on strong agent relationships, effective advertising, and mortgage assistance. STILL ON TOP3 The company reported sales volume of $49.8billion in 2008 , down about 18percent from 2007– but not bad considering the burst of the real estate bubble.
BENJAMIN JACOBS DONALD BROWN AND JOSEPH GILDENHORN
OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT3 Since the 197 0’s the Petersons have acquired and developed land in downtown Silver Spring, Fairfax Corner, and Tysons Corner. DREAM REALIZED3 Against all odds, the Petersons transformed a large waterfront site in Prince George’s County into the glittering National Harbor in 2008 .
RAYMOND A RITCHEY Director of Acquisitions and Development, Boston Properties MANAGING WELL3 After three decades as an industry leader, Ritchey is said to be “sitting pretty” on more than 30 high-end, low leverage properties that are mostly leased.
MITCHELL SCHEAR Vornado/Charles E. Smith Companies VOLUME3 Schear controls the biggest office portfolio in the region (16million sq. ft.) and manages 8million sq. ft. more for other owners.
LAW SANFORD AIN
Partners, JBG Companies
Principal and co-founder, Ain & Bank
BUILT RIGHT3 Known for its sterling reputation, the longtime real estate behemoth these three partners
BREAKUP SPECIALIST3 Washington’s top divorce
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
37
SPECIAL FEATURE | THE POWER
lawyer is one of the country’s foremost experts in the field, which is probably why “divorce Ain style” usually means an out-of-court settlement rather than a bruising court battle. MADE PARTNER3 His law partner, Rita Banks, used to be his biggest rival until they joined forces.
BOB BARNETT Partner,Williams & Connolly SUPER AGENT3 The legendary authors’ counsel (a.k.a. the man who made Barack Obama rich) has negotiated book deals for both Clintons, Tony Blair, Queen Noor, and Benazir Bhutto. NEXT CHAPTER3 Barnett recently completed memoir negotiations for former President George and former First Lady Laura Bush; their combined advances are rumored to total more than $16million.
ROBERT BENNETT Partner, Skadden, Arps, Meagher & Flom BEST IN THE BIZ3 Local folks who have found themselves in a fix (Clark Clifford, Paul Wolfowitz, and President Clinton) have run to this feisty top trial lawyer for years. FASHION NOTE: Bennett wears purple ties because he
INSIDER3 Though the former South Dakota senator withdrew his name from cabinet consideration, he continues to be influential within the administration and on health care.
believes the color brings good luck.
HUNTER BIDEN Attorney and International Business Advisor NEXT GEN:TheVeep’s son recently stepped down asVice Chair of the Board of Amtrak in order to make his move in Washington business community. SMART MOVE3 The former corporate lobbyist changed careers in 2008when his father ran for president; making him more difficult for Republicans to target.
CAROL ELDER BRUCE
PAULA M JUNGHANS Partner, Zuckerman Spaeder TAX MAN COMETH3 The city’s tax law guru brings years of prosecutorial experience from the Tax Division of the Dept. of Justice, where she rose to Assistant Attorney General. BEST CASE3 Junghans specializes in complicated cases involving money laundering, tax evasion, and healthcare fraud.
Partner, Bracewell & Giuliani WORST CASE3 A force to reckon with in white collar criminal trials, this litigator has recently branched out into terrorism-related cases. GITMO3 Bruce is an active member of the so-called Guantanamo Bay Bar Association, the nickname given to lawyers who have represented the detainees, usually pro bono.
TOM DASCHLE Special Policy Advisor, Alston & Bird LLP
MAUREEN E MAHONEY Partner, Latham & Watkins NEAR MISS3 President Bush Sr. nominated Mahoney for a federal judgeship, but Clinton was elected before she was confirmed. Later she was a front runner to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, but lost out to Samuel Alito. NEXT UP3 The former clerk to late Chief Justice William Rehnquist shines as a successful appellate litigator with a unique insight into how the justices think.
LGBTRISING
From left: Jared Polis, David Medina, John Berry, Tammy Baldwin, Adam Ebbin, Jim Graham, Glenn Ackerman
EQUALITY CHAMPIONS These politically-active LGBT professionals are at the front lines of the next civil rights movement Rep. BARNEY FRANK (D-MA) The country’s most prominent openly gay politician chairs the powerful House Financial Services Committee, overseeing TARP and bank bailouts. Rep. TAMMY BALDWIN (D-MN) The first gay non-incumbent elected to the House authored The Reeve Paralysis Act, which was signed into law this year. Rep. JARED POLIS (D-CO) This Congressman and former entrepeneur is estimated to be worth well over $16 0 million.
JOHN BERRY, Director, Office of Personnel Management. The highestranking openly gay .S. U government official ever oversees a federal workforce
38
of more than 1.9 million employees.
JEREMY BERNARD, White House Liaison to the National Endowment for the Humanities. The primary point person between the White House and the NE H raised millions for Obama’s campaign in California. ANDREW TOBIAS, Treasurer, Democratic National Committee. Tobias has served as the DNC’s treasurer for more than a decade, taking an annual salary of $1 for his time and effort. DAVID MEDINA, Deputy Chief of Staff to the First Lady. Michelle Obama’s gatekeeper was previously John dEwards’ political director.
EBS BURNOUGH Deputy Social
Secretary to the First Lady. bEs is one of the gatekeepers to two of the most sought after women in America, Michelle Obama and Desiree Rogers. No bEs?No “yes’ to your invitation.
JIM GRAHAM, Member, D.C. City Council – Ward 1. Graham represents the District’s most populous and diverse ward, and leads the Council’s response to HIV/AIDS. DAVID CATANIA, Member At-Large D.C. City Council. The popular Council member is one of a very small number of openly gay Republicans in elected office. ADAM EBBIN, Member,Virginia State Legislature, 49th District bEbin has spent more than a decade working
in Virginia politics, including the campaigns of numerous openly gay candidates.
JAY FISETTE, Vice-Chairman, Arlington County Board. Fisette is avid environmentalist and a strong voice for human rights in Arlington. GLENN ACKERMANN, Managing Partner,Ackerman Legal PLLC. In addition to founding a general practice law firm committed to the equal treatment of LGBT Americans, this long-time advocate funds the Ackerman-Gemette Scholarship for LGBT youth.
ELIZABETH BIRCH, President, Birch and Co.The former head of the HRC broke barriers when she convinced straight leaders to support LGBT issues.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
SOCIALMEDIA
THE NOUVEAUX GEEKS By Mark Drapeau From left: Vicki Sant, Wesley Combs, Andrew Sullivan, Andy Stern, Anna Berger
MICHELE A ROBERTS
ERBY MITCHELL
Partner, Akin Gump
Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, Sidwell Friends School
HARD KNOCKS3 This leading criminal defense attorney honed her formidable skills during eight years in the hurly-burly world of the D.C. Public Defender’s office.
BRENDAN SULLIVAN JR
THE GATEKEEPER3 Now that Sasha and Malia Obama report to class at the prestigious Tenleytown Quaker school, Mitchell can expect to be courted by even more ambitious parents.
Partner,Williams & Connolly LLP GOOD COUNSEL3 One of the best criminal defense attorneys in America, Sullivan is know for his $1,000 an hour fee, and for boasting that none of his clients has ever spent a night in jail. WHO’S WHO3 Recent clients include former Sen.Ted Stevens (acquitted), members of the Duke lacrosse team (ditto), and financier R. Allen Stanford.
JONATHAN TURLEY Professor,The George Washington University Law School ON AIR3 The youngest full professor in the history of George Washington Law School,Turley frequently appears as an on-air legal analyst for NBC and CBS news. TOP SECRET: An expert on military law, he was chosen to represent workers at Area 51, the secret air base in Nevada, in a suit against the government.
SETH WAXMAN Partner,WilmerHale APPELLATE STAR3 A former solicitor general under Clinton,Waxman is one of the small coterie of top lawyers who can claim over 50 appearances before the Supreme Court< LANDMARK CASE3 The eloquent litigator successfully argued that Guantanamo detainees have the right to Habeas Corpus.
ADVOCACY AND LOBBYING
Information Officer of the General Services Administration In charge of a $500 million portfolio, Coleman is at the intersection of tech and business during a crucial period, as GSA negotiates government-wide agreements with entities like Facebook, Vimeo, and Flickr. Coleman uses an official government blog and her personal Twitter account to network and spread the word about GSA’s role in the tech world.
A HAND IN: The fiery former economics professor and House minority leader now lobbies for clients with homeland security concerns, while helping to direct FreedomWorks, a conservative grassroots group.
JEREMY BEN-AMI President and Founder, J Street Project UP-AND-COMER3 Ben-Ami’s newly-formed, liberal, pro-Israeli lobby provides a counterweight to AIPAC by demanding a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian problem, rather than embrace AIPAC’s “Israel: right or wrong” approach. NEW MONEY: Named after the only letter missing from the Washington street sequence, J Street PAC has raised more than $400,000 in this election cycle.
THOMAS HALE BOGGS JR Partner, Patton Boggs, LLP
FRANK FAHRENKOPF JR
President, Georgetown University
President and CEO, American Gaming Association
HEAD HOYA3 This professor of ethics and human rights is the first layman to serve as president of the Jesuit university, where he has helped raise over a billion dollars since 2001.
INSIDE STRAIGHT3 A former chairman of the GOP, Fahrenkopf now holds a strange combination of jobs – heading the gambling industry’s association and co-chairing the Commission on Presidential Debates. BIG IF3 Whether the Obama administration will support the unionization of casino employees, which the gaming industry has resisted for years.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Director of New Media From the campaign to the presidency, Phillips is the brain behind much of President Obama’s internet operation, including the savvy WhiteHouse.gov site.
THE WONDER WOMAN3 Casey Coleman, Chief
JACK DEGIOIA
IN THE MIX3 Knapp has forged close ties within the city’s cultural and civic communities by, among other things, serving on the board of the National Symphony Orchestra. THE YEAR AHEAD3 Knapp will work to expand the institution’s biotech and medical facilities.
THE NEWCOMER3 Macon Phillips, White House
Senior Policy Advisor, DLA Piper; Chairman, FreedomWorks
EDUCATION
President, George Washington University
new form of power player has emerged in the past year as social technologies like WordPress, Facebook, and Twitter are increasingly used to expand professional networks, drum up support for issues, and build personal brands. Here are some of the hottest – and coolest – of the nouveau Washington geeks.
DICK ARMEY
K STREET KING3 Despite keeping a lower profile in past years, this legendary lobbyist is still the biggest fish from Farragut Square to Chinatown, representing more than fifty corporations, trade associations and state and foreign governments.
STEPHEN KNAPP
A
HOWARD FRIEDMAN President,The American Israel Public Affairs Committee UNITED FRONT3 A Baltimore philanthropist, Friedman leads the powerful pro-Israel lobby founded in the 1950s.
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
THE GUY YOU DON’T KNOW3 Charles (Jack) Holt, Director of Emerging Technologies, Defense Media Activity The Defense Department’s new media team, led by Jack Holt, is surging ahead of the private sector: networking military bloggers with their commanders, developing online radio and video content for BlogTalkRadio and YouTube, and educating government execs about emerging technologies. THE CLOUTFORMER3 Rep. John Culberson, (R-TX) Still a relatively junior congressman, Culberson strategy of openness, transparency, and participation with citizens has increased his clout on the Hill. Simply put, he is the best elected official using social media like Twitter and Qik to communicate with other members, his constituents, and thought leaders, while increasing both his profile and, perhaps, his ability to get things done. THE STILL-RELEVANT CAMPAIGNERS3 Karl Rove, Former Dep. Chief of Staff to President Bush; Joe Trippi, Former Campaign Manager for Howard Dean They still appear on television and write formal op-eds, but these two politicos have also leveraged blogging and microsharing technology to share views in other formats; drawing in a whole new audience of fans – and detractors – for their messages, and helping them stay relevant ‘behind the scenes.’
39
SPECIAL FEATURE | THE POWER
BUSINESSPROFILE
MCMORRIS MAKES HIS MOVE
A
t first glance, Perennial Strategy Group founder Lamell McMorris, could be mistaken for one of those high-powered lawyers or lobbyists who occupy offices near the White House. A closer look reveals a self-starter whose passion for justice, equality and empowerment has brought him to the negotiation table on behalf professional sports’ top unions and prominent Fortune 500 companies, turned him into a top sports and entertainment agent (a rarity in this town), and made him a rising star on the city’s rapidly changing social scene. McMorris’ desire to effect change dates back to a city-wide walkout of Chicago schools he led as a teenager. He has known no limits since. As a young entrepreneur, he started Perennial Strategy Group on his own in 2002. With just a telephone and a desk, he used his connections and networking to meet others and further the business. After a phone call from a friend who was an NBA referee, McMorris and Perennial were brought on as representation for the NBA Referees Unions, and Perennial Sports and Entertainment was born. Soon after, Perennial began bringing on athletes as clients as well, managing their day-to-day affairs. But, reverting back to his roots, McMorris wanted to work with goal-oriented professionals looking to achieve their personal dreams in addition to contributing to society, NFL players and Perennial clients Kris Jenkins and Leigh Torrence, for example, have started their own foundations with Perennial’s help.“In a business that has been overcome by recruiting scandals and the greed of athletes and agents,” he says,“being a Perennial client is not about receiving the biggest paycheck possible, it is about leveraging success and creating a fulfilling life.” That mix of work-meets-play-for-a-cause was evident when the Perennial family of businesses hosted “Party with a Purpose 2008” at the Democratic National Convention in Denver and during the inauguration when Perennial Sports and Entertainment hosted “Artists and Athletes for a Cause.” Held at the House of Sweden in Georgetown, Perennial made financial contributions to Ne-Yo’s Compound Foundation as well as the Carmelo Anthony foundation. In a town of power players, McMorris is proving that the rules of the game can change just as fast as the players themselves.
From left: Bob Greenstein, Bruce Riedel, Gail McGovern, David Zaslav, Chuck Todd
UP NEXT3 This “leviathan among lobbies” only has about 100,000 members, but its impact on the Hill is equal to or greater than that of much bigger organizations.
of HIV, Robinson helps raise awareness of the epidemic, and the need for greater activism. BUILDING BRIDGES3 In January, Robinson and NBJC sponsored the first-ever summit between black church and black gay leaders.
NEWT GINGRICH Founder, American Solutions
HILARY ROSEN
BIG THINKER3 After 10 terms in Congress and a few years in the political wilderness, the former Speaker has emerged as one of the most influential thought leaders in the GOP. TICKET TO 3 Speculation abounds on a possible presidential run.
Managing Director,The Brunswick Group
KAREN IGNAGNI
HIT SONG3 The former head of the Recording Industry Association of America knows everyone in the business of media, making her highly sought-after on Wilshire Boulevard and K Street. LABOR OF LOVE3 When not representing clients or talking politics on CNN, the openly gay Rosen raises big money for LGBT causes.
President and CEO, America’s Health Insurance Plans HEALTHY BACKING3 The outspoken head of the nation’s largest health insurance lobby represents 1,300 member companies, which provide insurance for 200 million Americans. ROUND 3 Expect Ignagni to play a major role in complex healthcare negotiations.
WAYNE LAPIERRE
KARL ROVE Political operative and commentator STILL SWINGING3 The famously secretive former Bush advisor has flooded the airwaves this spring with outspoken criticism of the Obama administration. OUTSIDE THE RING3 Aside from media gigs and paid appearances, Rove is penning a memoir for a reported $1.5 million.
CEO, National Rifle Association GOOD SHOT3 Under LaPierre’s leadership, NRA membership has grown to nearly four million, with an annual budget of $120 million. NEXT BATTLE3 The NRA hopes to block the Obama administration’s expected efforts to reinstate a ban on assault weapons that expired in 2004.
TONY PODESTA
GARY SHAPIRO President, Consumer Electronics Association POWER SURGE3 Shapiro is the leading advocate for the more than 2,200 electronics companies that make iPhones, Bluetooth,Wii, and HDTV to the tune of $172 billion a year. UP NEXT3 Supervising the final switch over of U.S. TV stations to digital signals.
President, Podesta Group GROWING3 Head of one of the most successful bi-partisan shops in town, with the changing economy, Podesta has taken on more financial service, energy and health care clients than ever before. ART AND POLITICS3 Tony and wife Heather, the ultimate K Street power couple, bought Shepard Fairey’s iconic HOPE portrait of Barack Obama and donated it to the National Portrait Gallery.
ROBERT RABEN
ANDY STERN AND ANNA BERGER President and National Political Director, Service Employees International Union (respectively) BIG JOB3 Stern leads the second-largest union in the U.S. and Canada, representing over 2 million members. WORKERS UNITE!3 Berger also chairs Change to Win, a newly formed federation of seven labor unions, including SEIU, the Teamsters, and the United Farm Workers of America.
Owner and Founder, Raben Group NICHE3 A political appointee under Atty. General Janet Reno, today Raben’s boutique lobbying shop is one of the most successful in the city. SALON3 Raben is perhaps best known for hosting salon discussions at his house in Logan Circle with well known journalists and politicos.
H ALEXANDER ROBINSON Executive Director/CEO, National Black Justice Coalition
JOHN WARNER Partner, Hogan & Hartson NON-CONFORMIST3 The former Republican senator supports key Democratic goals, notably bringing troops home from Iraq and greater U.S. alignment with the Kyoto Protocol. SIR WARNER3 In 2008,Warner was named an honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
BAND PLAYS ON3 In a city with the nation’s highest rate Lamell McMorris
40
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
From left: H. Alexander Robinson, Ted Leonsis, David Rubenstein, Don Beyer, Maureen Mahoney, Donald Brown, Newt Gingrich, Mark Lerner
BRIAN WOLFF
being seated as the senator from Minnesota, granting Democrats the magic 60-seat majority.
SenioriV ce rPesident of xEternal fA fairs,dEison lEectric nI stitute SURPRISE MOVE3 The former executive director of the DCCC stunned colleagues in April by joining the electric utility industry lobby, traditionally a Republican ally. WELL-CONNECTED3 The relationships Wolff developed as the longtime political director for Speaker Pelosi will be valuable assets to EEI in the battle over energy legislation.
VIN WEBER aPrtner, Clark & Weinstock ACT II3 This former Minnesota Republican congressman has been immensely successful on K Street, where he is known for his intellect, political moderation, and strong work ethic. MAKING HEADLINES3 Weber has been outspoken in his desire to keep Al Franken from
RANDI WEINGARTEN rPesident, m Aerican Federation of Teachers, F AC -L O I and rPesident, nUited Federation of Teachers TOUGH LESSONS3 The former Brooklyn public school teacher has been at the helm of the UFT since 1998, fighting for higher salaries and leading opposition against standardized testing and government funding for charter schools. HILLARY’S LIST3 The ardent Clinton supporter and super-delegate held on to the very end.
ANNE WEXLER Founder,Wexler & Walker ROLLING STONE3 This former associate publisher for
oRlling Stone , began her political career ringing doorbells for Stevenson in 1952. As soon as Reagan was elected she founded her eponymous lobbying shop with Republican Robert Walker. TODAY:The firm lobbies on transportation, health care, energy and trade for clients like the State of Illinois and General Motors.
EDWARD YINGLING rPesident, the m Aerican Bankers sAsociation BANK ROLL3 As head of the ABA, which represents over 95 percent of the industry’s $13.6 trillion in assets,Yingling was instrumental in the recent defeat of the Durbin amendment to help limit foreclosures. STEAMROLLER3 Following the vote Sen. Durbin acknowledged, “Banks — hard to believe when we’re facing a banking crisis that many of the banks created — are still the most powerful lobby on Capitol Hill, and they still own the place.”
TRUTHTELLERS
THE
RIDENHOUR PRIZES Celebrating the power of truth and the risks people take to tell it
W
hen power is abused at the highest levels, extraordinary courage is required to speak out, often at great personal risk. The Ridenhour Prizes recently recognized four such individuals at a ceremony in the National Press Club. (P hotos by aPul Morigi/N ation nI stitute)
THOMAS TAMM
BOB HERBERT
JANE MAYER
NICK TURSE
The rPiz e for Truth-Telling
The Courage rPiz e
The Book rPiz e
The rPiz e for eRportorial iD stinction
A former Justice Department lawyer Tamm exposed the government’s secret, warrantless, wiretapping program to The eNwork Y Times in 2004.As a result of his decision Tamm lost his job, was harassed by federal agents, and, after more than $30,000 in legal fees, still faces potential felony charges.
The eN work Y Times Op-Ed columnist was one of the earliest critics of the Iraq war, and his columns give voice to our poorest citizens. In his acceptance speech, Herbert urged Americans to“turn off their televisions and look outside at the real world, to see clearly and unmistakably the unfairness in the way people have been treated.”
Mayer’s book, The aDrk Side:The nI side Story of oHw the War on Terror Turned nI to a War on m Aerican dIeals , describes the secret priorities and internal politics that fueled the Bush administration’s war on terror in the wake of 9/11. Her sources wore wiretaps around their colleagues, eventually allowing the author “to connect the dots.”
Turse, an historian, uncovered and reported on recently declassified documents which prove that the infamous My Lai massacre was not an isolated incident, as Americans were led to believe, but part of an organized slaughter of Vietnamese civilians in 197273, and a cover-up that reached the highest levels of the military.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
41
AMANDA COBB, a former American Ballet Theater dancer, is in her first season with The Washington Ballet and calls dancer Alessandra Ferri her most powerful career influence.
forward The Washington Ballet Company dancers show the beauty and power of gala fashion “DANCE and FASHION have always been a sexy pas de deux as both art forms deliver fantasies of the human body in motion. For the past ten years, Septime Webre, as visionary artistic director of The Washington Ballet, has taken us to that beauty with seemingly effortless professionalism and leadership. On the following pages, the company’s dancers bring us the elegance and power of gala fashion.” –Barbara McConaghy
PHOTOGRAPHER Roy Cox PRODUCER AND STYLIST Barbara McConaghy MAKEUP Carola Myers HAIR Giselle Zlotnitsky and Maritza Savage Featuring the Washington Ballet Company dancers Staged by Septime Webre, Washington Ballet artistic director Shoot assistants: Elizabeth Moon, Janet Shatz Snyder, Libby Snyder, and Georgia Bobley
CARMEN MARC VALVO bright pink dress ($2,640); Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-966-9700, www.neimanmarcus.com. JOHN HARDY ring ($1,495); Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-966-9700, www. neimanmarcus.com. TINY JEWEL BOX stacked bracelets ($15,000; $29,500; $40,000) and vintage ring ($22,000); DIAMRUSA earrings ($22,500); All from Tiny Jewel Box, 1147 Connecticut Ave NW, 202-393-2747, www.tinyjewelbox. com. FANTASIA bracelet ($750); Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-966-9700, www.neimanmarcus.com.
In her fourth season with the Washington Ballet, JADE PAYETTE names Darcy Bussell of the Royal Ballet as her inspiration. When not en pointe, she can be found dancing the night away at Bossa in Adams Morgan. GUCCI maritime shaded print side flute chiffon gown ($5,350) and Iman ankle strap platform sandals ($1,295); Gucci, 8075 Leesburg Pike # 140, Vienna, Va., 703-506-6804; www.gucci.com. IRADJ MOINI emerald/turquoise bracelet ($2,350) and citrine/turquoise earrings ($495); Tabandeh, 5300 Wisconsin Ave NW, 202-2440777, www.tabandehjewelry.com.
ON LUIS: ZEGNA tuxedo ($1,195); Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Ave, Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700, www.bloomingdales.com. DOLCE AND GABBANA French-cuffed tuxedo shirt, tie and scarf ($840; $160; $465); Saks Fifth Avenue, 5300 Wisconsin Ave NW #114, 202-363-2059, www.saksfifthavenue.com. SALVATORE FERRAGAMO shoes ($495); Saks Fifth Avenue, 5300 Wisconsin Ave NW, #114, 202-363-2059, www.saksfifthavenue.com. RAYMOND WEIL tradition strap watch with square face ($395), BOONE AND SONS platinum 3.06 ct. princess cut diamond cufflinks ($8,200); 18 kt. white gold princess cut diamond ring ($3,125); Boone & Sons Jewelers, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 202-785-4653, www.booneandsons.com.
Married to fellow dancer Jonathan Jordan, SONA KHARATIAN is in her ninth season with the Washington Ballet and notes Giselle as her favorite role. Dancer LUIS R TORRES has been with the company for six seasons. You can find him in Georgetown when heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not center stage. ON SONA: REEM ACRA green strapless dress ($4,200); Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-6579000, www.saksfifthavenue.com. BOONE AND SONS 18 kt. white gold wide diamond cuff, ($22,000); 18 kt. white gold pave diamond drop earrings, ($5,800); 18 kt. white gold pave diamond domed ring, ($6,200); 18 kt. white gold emerald and diamond ring, ($12,000); platinum emerald cut diamond eternity band, ($22,500); platinum wide baguette and round diamond band, ($23,500); 18 kt. white gold diamond link bracelet, ($9,500); 18 kt. white gold prong set emerald & diamond bracelet, ($11,500); 18 kt. white gold channel set emerald and diamond bracelet, ($8,250); Boone & Sons Jewelers, 1025 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202-785-4653, www.booneandsons.com.
JARED NELSON, leaping over Jade Payette, has been with the company for nine seasons and cites Balanchineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prodigal Son as his favorite career role. ON JADE: CAROLINA HERRERA dress ($6,999); Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000, www. saksfifthavenue.com. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN shoes ($795); Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202- 966-9700, www.neimanmarcus.com. ON JARED: HUGO BOSS white shirt ($95); Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Ave, Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700, www.bloomingdales. com. CARTIER watch ($23,850); Liljenquist & Beckstead, 2001 International Drive, Tysons II Galleria, McLean, Va., 703-448-6731; www.liljenquist.com. SIMON CARTER cufflinks ($85) and ZENGA tuxedo ($1195); Both from Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Ave, Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700, www.bloomingdales.com.
The spring 2009 Washington Ballet Gala will be held May 9th at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium. To reserve tickets or make reservations to performances, May 1317 at the Harmon Theatre, call the Washington Ballet 202.362.3606; ext.141.
Physically fit people are more likely to be hired. JOIN NOW AND EARN A
HOLIDAY
ONLY
BONUS: $39
NO DUES IN DECEMBER*
TO JOIN NOW THRU 4.30**
MySportsClubs.com *Must be a member in good standing from joining date through 12.1.09 to receive credit of one monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dues. Applies only to commit memberships. Paid-in-full memberships will receive credit for thirteenth month. Certain restrictions may apply. **$39 joining fee plus first-monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dues (pro-rated) due at point-of-sale. No other fees apply. Requires a 1-year membership. Cannot be combined with any other offer. No cash value. Offer expires 4.30.09.
DFOUFS for MBTFS TVSHFSZ t XBTIJOHUPO E D The Center for Laser Surgery is the largest Botox and Injectable Filler practice in the Mid-Atlantic region. The most advanced injection techniques available and our economical prices are just some of the reasons why more people choose the Center for Laser Surgery for their Botox and Filler Treatments.
#PUPYÂĽ 8SJOLMF 'JMMFS
Come See Our Difference
XXX MBTFSTVSHFSZ DPN t 'PYIBMM 4RVBSF /FX .FYJDP "WF /8 4VJUF
LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT
LOUIS VUITTON Speedy 30 handbag ($700); Louis Vuitton, 2255 International Dr., McLean,Va., 703-8838925, www.louisvuitton.com.
classics
ADELER cultured Tahitian black pearl necklace with a 14 kt. white gold ball diamond clasp ($12,995); Adeler Jewelers, 772-E Walker Rd., Great Falls,Va., 703-759-4076, www.adelerjewelers.com.
FOR YOUR CLOSET T
rends come and go, but classic fashion lasts forever. No closet is complete without these iconic items from such top design houses as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Chanel.
BURBERRY trench coat ($1,295); Burberry, 1155 Connecticut Ave. NW, #1, 202-463-3000, www.burberry.com. CHANEL two-tone boots ($1,100); Chanel, 2001 International Dr., McLean,Va., 703-8470555, www.chanel.com.
BROOKS BROTHERS white no-iron Miracle shirt ($89.50); Brooks Brothers, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-659-4650, www.brooksbrothers.com.
CARTIER tank Franรงais watch in 18 kt. white gold and diamonds ($28,200); Cartier, 5471B Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-6545858, www.cartier.com.
TM
Join us at sassanova for a SpringSoirĂŠe! May 26 6pm - 8pm
enjoy the latest footwear from Tory Burch, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta and more
Washington Life readers can enjoy 20% off during event
z followed by cocktails and fabulous food at the all new
2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite C120 Washington, DC 20007 Phone: 202.629.1851 Fax: 202.330.5278
www.georgetownnanny.com
1063 31st St. NW 8pm - 10pm 471 4400 sassanova 202 1641 Wisconsin Ave. NW www.sassanova.com
sponsored by:
LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT PRADA Saffiano doublegusset briefcase ($1,450); Saks Fifth Avenue, 2051 International Dr., McLean,Va., 703-7610700, www. saksfifthavenue.com.
timeless
TREASURES T
he addition of a magnificient timepiece, sleek suit, and sexy shades will make the right statement wherever and whenever you wear them.
BVLGARI Diagono Calibro 303 watch ($10,700); Bulgari, 5481 Wisconsin Ave. #A1, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-986-8610, www.bulgari.com.
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Nicholas loafer in nero black ($650); Nordstrom, 8075 Tysons Corner Center, McLean,Va., 703-761-1121, www.nordstrom. com.
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA suit and accessories (price upon request); Ermenegildo Zegna, 1776M International Dr., McLean,Va., 571730-1900, www.zegna.com.
TOD’S Brooklyn moccasins ($425); Neiman Marcus, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-9700, www.neimanmarcus.com.
RAY BAN original aviator sunglasses ($130); Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 240-7443700, www.bloomingdales.com.
50
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
The stock market is less predictable than ever. Unemployment is sky high.
But at least you have your health. ...Or do you? ?dl[ij _d j^[ h[ij e\ oekh b_\[ m_j^ FWhjd[hC: YedY_[h][ f^oi_Y_Wd YWh[$ When times are tough, it’s easy to take your health for granted. Now is the time to take control of the one asset you actually can control: Your health. With our top-rated doctors and focus on preventive care, you’ll get superb doctor care on your schedule. When you need it most.
(703) 962-9917
8Vaa EVgicZgB9»h BXAZVc d[ÃXZ idYVn id gZXZ^kZ ndjg [jaa ]ZVai] VjY^i#
www.partnermd.com
dg k^h^i jh dca^cZ Vi dg ZbV^a
Join $200 off
by May 15 and receive
info@partnermd.com
membership fees when mentioning referral code MWL0509D.*
Dej lWb_Z m_j^ ej^[h e\\[hi" eh \eh Ykhh[dj c[cX[hi$ E\\[h edbo lWb_Z \eh \kbb#o[Wh c[cX[hi^_f$
Fletcher Gill
Julie Fields Pamela Brown, Ashley Taylor, Hadley Gamble, and Courtney Friel
Michelle Miller D’Ettorre
Keri Ann Meslar
FASHION FOR PAWS The Embassy of Italy PHOTOS BY JONAH KOCH
Dr. Jen Alston
Tate Lett
52
THE EVENT The city’s young social set stru>ed the runway – some with, some without furry companion at the third annual Fashion for Paws hosted by the Washington Humane Society. The fundraising models proved that all the world is a stage as they posed in spring fashions from Tysons Galleria. Val Kilmer, Luke Russert, Animal Planet’s Victoria Stilwell and Councilman Jack Evans served as honorary chairmen, while the Humane Society’s Tara de Nicolas, took the event to new heights with a healthy six figures in donations taken in for worthy canines. RUNWAY STARS Philippe Cousteau, Tommy McFly, J. Ma her Lowe, Josh Thomas, Kirk Wiles, Amit Anand, Amanda Li le, Julie Fields, Coventry Burke, Jeff Lu on, Amanda Walke, Lana Orloff, Victoria Michael, Beth Murray, Tiffany Carter and Sean Wehrly.
Jan Cousteau
Model in Zegna
Marybeth Coleman
Tiffany Carter and Joe Robert,Jr. Kathryn Minor
Leila Castellaneta
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M O N T H | washingtonlife.com
A NLDODNA Y S P A S A L O NS A
768 Madison Avenue (between 65th & 66th) 2nd Floor New York, NY 10065 212.517.5133
catering by design 703.979.9400 â&#x20AC;˘ WWW.DESIGNCUISINE.COM
Georgetown Court 3251 Prospect Street, NW Washington, DC 202.333.5133
Penn Quarter 801 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 202.628.5133
www.tokasalon.com
WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y The Young & The Guest List﹐ Around Town﹐ and Exclusive Parties﹐ Parties﹐ Parties!
Ashley Taylor and David Washington at the 2009 Young & The Guest List party. (Photo by Betsy Spruill Clarke)
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
55
Sarah Elkins and Philippe Cousteau
Michael Brown and Caron Butler
Pamela Brown and John Jeffries
Luke Russert and Jean Neubauer
Maria Teresa Petersen and Jamal Simmons
WL HOSTED
THE YOUNG & THE GUEST LIST Capitol Plaza and Ibiza Nightclub PHOTOS BY BETSY SPRUILL CLARKE LUKE CHRISTOPHER FITSUM BELLAY ANCHYI WEI AND CAROL JOYNT/NYSD
Charles Rockefeller and Mac Broderick
THE EVENT This year’s soirée got the accomplished listees down to the growing NoMa district, just north of Union Station. Capitol Plaza, the new-office-spaceturned-spectacular-lounge was brimming with political stars from the White House, professional athletes, the arts crowd, journalists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and young social scenesters. THE SCENE Event planner André Wells turned the salute to the under-40 set into a night to remember. The industrial space featuring a sweeping view of the city was transformed with towering floral arrangements from Janet Flowers, food tiers by Design Cuisine and Georgetown Cupcake, and sashaying models in outfits from CUSP. The 500 guests took a turn on the dance floor, then se>led back in Roche Bobois’ sleek lounge areas. The midnight revelers then made their way to Ibiza Night Club to carouse ’till dawn. THE GUESTS: Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, George Chopivsky and Clara Brillembourg, Chris Hayes, and Jason Van Buren.
Alan Popovsky, Victoria Michael, and Lawrence Rosoff
Paul Wharton, Mary Barth, and Joelle Myers
Christopher Reiter and Paula Mendoza
Tina D’souza, Quinn Omoto, Yosi Sargent, and David Sutphen
Becky Lee and Reese Gardner
Amb. Abdul Wahab Al-Hajjri and Bayanne Surdashi
Adrian Loving and Eric Brewer
Andrew Noyes and Will Thomas
Cailin Monahan and Kate Marie Grinold
Lindsay Stroud and Ashley Taylor
Warren Brown
Lana Orloff
Angie Goff and Anchyi Wei
Josh Heydaya and Pamela Sorenson
Nicholas Cambata, Fabiana Talbot, and Ethan Kahn
Laura DiSerio, Michael Saylor, and Sara Lange Tommy McFly
Emily Price and Macon Phillips
Renaud and Anaïs de Viel Castel
Princess Ibanga, Eric Jaeckel, and Yassmina Kadmiri
Andre Wells and Kadrieka Maiden
Model in clothes from CUSP
Marielle Shortell and Julie Shanklin
Veronica Jackson and Philippa Hughes
Amy Artsinger and Jessica Gibson
Justin Fishkin, Kay Sheils, and Paige Speyer
Amb. Yousef Al Otaiba Peter Corbett
Kate Damon, Bim Ayandele and Ilyse Hogue
Kristin Irish andJohn Cecchi
Rachel Cothran, Kristen Guiter, and Liberty Jones
Roche Bobois furniture, featuring a Dentelles sectional, Torsade dining table from Murano, and Nuage swivel chairs, created an tranquil space in the gifting suite.
Syzygy’s decor was the perfect complement to Capitol Plaza’s sweeping views of the city,
BEHIND THE SCENES… HOW TO TOP THREE YEARS OF HEADLINE-MAKING FÊTES? WITH THE UNEXPECTED! Georgetown Cupcake
Design Cuisine provided the wonderful buffet of hors d’oeuvres for the evening. (Photo by Tony Brown/imijphoto.com)
s we celebrated our fourth year of the Young & The Guest List, we were certain those who attended would expect us to continue using classic venues for the annual soirée. In the past, we celebrated in such historic locations as Dumbarton House, Meridian House, Halcyon House, and the St. Regis Hotel. This year, however, we were after something completely different. From the beginning, the tone of The Young & The Guest List party was set by the black and silver invitations designed by Haute Papier’s Sarah Meyer Walsh.
58
Janet Flowers beautified the space with floral designs and Frost Lighting bathed the venue in shades of pink.
Stylish video iboards
Once again, we enlisted Events by André Wells. Who better than maestro Wells to transform Capitol Plaza – a recently completed, modern commercial building in the city’s most up and coming neighborhood, the NOMA district in Northeast – into a sophisticated urban lounge? He infused the cavernous concrete space with the elegance of a bygone era and the high-end luxury our guests have come to expect from our annual celebration of 250 of the city’s top under-40 over-achievers. Upon arrival, partygoers were greeted by Marc Parc’sVIPValet service and quickly escorted
to the lobby, which had been decorated with an innovative word board by Avista. Cameras clicked illuminated faces and Champagne flowed. Wells and his team set up a custom bar in the foyer, offering Chandon from Diageo and set up an intimate lounge area decorated with chic furniture from Roche Bobois. The biggest surprise was yet to come.When the elevator doors opened onto the Capitol Plaza’s 10th floor, the surprise element kicked in.The vacant industrial space had undergone a complete metamorphosis into a sleek modern lounge to welcome the best and brightest of
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! CUSP DIAGEO NOMA BID PERENNIAL SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT AND ROCHE BOBOIS
young Washington. Event production company Syzygy brought in four truckloads of furniture and decorative accessories. The walls were draped from floor to ceiling with diaphanous white curtains, but still allowed for an amazing 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Wells’ selection of simple black and white furniture contrasted dramatically with pink-infused light design provided by Frost Lighting. Syzygy’s four stylish bars (including one mirrored and circular version near the dance floor) were stocked with Diageo brands: Ketel One, Tangueray, Johnnie Walker Black, and Captain Morgan.Also, premiere vintage red Shiraz from Oasis Winery, courtesy of America’s Polo Cup, was served at a special wine bar. Digital video I-board’s added a great multi-media component by looping WLTV videos all night.And MIX 107.3 DJ Tommy McFly broadcasting his show live, added a few sparks. Equally impressive: the stunning floral arrangements crafted by Janet Flowers Wedding and Event Design. With a mix of James story orchids, mini calla lilies, cymbidium orchids, hot pink roses, and blooming cherry and tulip magnolia branches, Flowers masterfully transformed the space into an ode to spring. Adding to the heightened sense of style were models from the area’s top agency, T.H.E Artist Agency, showcasing spring fashions provided by trendy clothing boutique CUSP. Nuri Yurt and the team from Georgetown’s TOKA Salon made sure the models’ hair and make-up were as stylish as their
wardrobe. As guests strolled through the energy-filled space, they came to the DJ booth, where some of the city’s hottest talent spun for the exclusive crowd. Cassidy Karakorn and Fabiana, Chris Burns, Adrian Loving, and Jawanza Rand all brought their unique brand of musical stylings to the tables. Jack Shannon from East Coast Entertainment, who supplied the band for the fourth year, brought the crowd-pleasing band B, S & M, who kept guests grooving to upbeat R&B tunes. Luckily, one of Washington’s top caterers, Design Cuisine, was on the scene to help replenish the energy burned off on the dance floor. Plate after plate of savory hors d’oeuvres provided a treat for both eyes and tastebuds.The Champagne bar with different fruit purees was also a hit as was the cupcake tower of power provided by Georgetown Cupcake. New this year was the addition of a Gifting Suite with a glamorous lounge area, also featuring Roche Bobois furniture. It was here that guests picked up their gift bags – assembled by the Style & Image Network and Kadrieka Maiden – containing products and gift certificates from top local boutiques and restaurants. With the main party winding down around midnight, it was time for the night owls to take flight.The revelry moved one block over to Ibiza Nightclub where our DJ’s, along with Emperor Vodka and Smart Water, kept the late crowd moving. A new genmeration in the White House’s inspired everyone to keep on dancing well into the night. Mindful of a social scene that often revolves around the same venues, we’d like to salute all of our sponsors and guests for believing in something different. It was great to break the mold with you! Until next year…
Left to right: Fashion by Cusp, models courtesy of T.H.E. Artist Agency; Event Planner André Wells (Photo by Jay Premack); Chandon champagne courtesy of Diageo.
SWAGALICIOUS! What was inside the gift bag? SAKS FIFTH AVENUE – Black patent leather gift bag CO CO SALA – Chocolate bars INTERMIX – $50 gift card HUDSON – $25 gift card TOURNEAU – $250 gift card LIMA – Dinner discount card RED DOOR SPA – Nail files and compact mirrors and Prevage anti-aging treatment APRÈS PEAU – R. Nichols stationary GEORGETOWN CUPCAKE – Gift card GEORGETOWN SKIN – $200 gift card SHISEIDO – Hydro powder eye shadow FOREVER LILY – Sample fragrance ALCHIME FOREVER – Masque /lumiere et eclat/ brightening moisture mask DESTINATION DC – Power Tunes gift card CIBU INTERNATIONAL – Shampoo and conditioner VITAMIN WATER THE GROOMING LOUNGE – Facial products LANCÔME – Secret de Vie perfume SOUTH MOON UNDER – Discount card DAVID YURMAN – Perfume AIDAH COLLECTION – Limited edition inauguration 2009 champagne flutes CARTIER – Magazine WINK – Discount card YAKU – Gift certificate KITCHEN – Gift certificate GOOUT EAT COM – Discount card WASHINGTON NATIONALS – Bobble head doll CUSP – Discount card
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
Head of the Class Celebrating and rewarding excellence in D.C. schools at School Night 2009 BY MICHELLE FENTY
G
iving away $100,000 is not something I get to do every day. Let alone three times in 15 minutes! Last month I had the privilege of doing just that at Fight For Children’s first School Night Awards Luncheon. On April 17, I announced Fight For Children’s 2009 Champions of Quality: Bell Multicultural High School, Capital City Public Charter School, and The Washington Middle School for Girls. Fight For Children CEO Michela English joined me to present
each winning school a check for $100,000. As a board member of Fight For Children, it was a thrill for me to see first hand the impact we are making in improving D.C. schools. The Mayor and I are proud to be honorary co-chairs of School Night: Celebrating Excellence in D.C. Schools where we will celebrate the educators, parents, and most importantly, the children who make these schools great. On May 15, our friends, former Mayor Anthony Williams and Diane Williams and Fight For Children’s founder Joseph E. Robert, Jr., will join us at the
Left: Wyclef Jean will perform at School Night 2009. Sheila E. and the E. Family will also perform. Below: Michelle Fenty (in Pink) at Fight For Children’s first School Night Awards Luncheon. Right: Michelle Fenty is the honorary cochair of this year’s event. (Photo by Tony Powell).
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center to recognize the achievements these schools have made to help low-income children in D.C. thrive. School Night 2009 will not be your typical gala. An eclectic mix of live entertainment will keep you on your feet all night long. The event starts with a garden party on the Woodrow Wilson Plaza with great food and a live performance by international sensation Naturally 7. Then we will move inside to the Atrium for a show hosted and produced by Patti Austin, a fellow Fight For Children board member and Grammy award-winning artist. Sheila E. and the E. Family will thrill us with a show heavy with percussion and Latin beats. Then get ready for one of my favorite performers and a great friend of the District of Columbia: Wyclef Jean. You will also see performances from some of D.C.’s talented local youth, including The Saints, a jazz ensemble from the Sitar Arts Center in Northwest, and Mini Shock of Culture Shock D.C. And, most importantly, the evening will shine a light on quality District schools whose effective practices are improving student achievement. All of the kids in the city deserve the opportunity for a successful future. I am thrilled to be part of the Fight For Children family, and I applaud the work these amazing schools are doing every day. School Night 2009 will be an unforgettable evening of fun, friends and philanthropy. Join me for what will be one extraordinary party. I look forward to seeing you there.
61
PERFORMING ARTS
Jimmy Lynn and Anabel DelaCerna Capitol Movement Project dancers
Bethany Savage and Dawn Washkewicz
WL SPONSORED
CAPITOL MOVEMENT PROJECT Champions and Lincoln Theatre PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
Stephanie Jojokian and J.T. Taylor
SHAKE IT Besides the “wow” factor of having both Redskins and Wizards cheerleaders present, the annual fundraiser was a great way to support one of the area’s leading dance companies. THE BIG DANCE The success of co-founders Amber Yancey and Stephanie Jojokian’s efforts to provide a forum for local dancers to showcase their talents at major media events was evident once again at their annual Lincoln Theatre showcase. With innovative twists on hip hop, modern, and classical movement, CMP remains on the cu>ing edge of dance in the metro area. CHORUS LINE Jimmy Lynn, Thomas Graham, Richard Strauss, Seelan Abraham, and Andre Collins.
Natalie Voight, Amber Yancey, and Drew Gehringer
Neil Lytle and RaSheila Daniels
Rebecca Mejia, Kelly Owens, and Jamilla Keene Matt Davis, Terri Lamb, and Caroline Alexander
Jason Van Buren and Crystal Hannon
62
Fidel Garcia and Dana Stephenson
Heather Taylor and Samantha Pugh
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
Nancy Margaret Adler, Whitney Williams, Ashlee Reid, and Krista Johnson
Donna Lee and Laura Carlson
Lindsay Williams Drath and Wright Sigmund
Charles Fishman, Steven Stolman, Sunny Sumter, and Winston Lord
WL SPONSORED
THE OVATION SOCIETY OF THE DUKE ELLINGTON JAZZ FESTIVAL The home of Christopher & Allison Putala PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON
ALL THAT JAZZ At the Georgetown home of Christopher and Allison
Becca Glover and Pepper Watkins
Putala, The Duke Ellington Ovation Society’s young donors counted down the days to the festival’s main event, a gala concert at the Kennedy Center with Harry Connick, Jr., and the Marsalis family on June 15th. The charismatic Steven Stolman stood barefoo>ed on a white couch in his Palm Beach finery to address the enthusiastic guests who dined on canapés provided by Capital Grille and listened to jazz – of course. THE GUESTS Ali Hershey, Kimberly Warfield, Keith Blackman, Diana Minshall and Bailey Rockwell.
Courtney Cohen and Frankie Lucostic
Allison and Chris Putala
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
Africa Live(s)! Thirty years after becoming part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of African Art is more relevant than ever BY J O H N N E T TA B E T S C H C O L E
M
y arrival at the National Museum of African Art this spring coincides with a season of historic significance, opportunity, and – may I add – exhilaration.This month marks our 30th anniversary since becoming part of the Smithsonian Institution, reflecting a journey that began three decades ago in a series of Capitol Hill row houses and continues in the magnificent building on the National Mall that houses our world-class collection. Such an auspicious occasion is deserving of an equally memorable celebration. On May 20, we will hold our first fundraising gala, “Africa Live(s)!” which has attracted an impressive list of honorary committee members – diverse leaders who not only share our commitment to the arts and cultures of Africa and the African Diaspora, but understand the value in supporting America’s only museum dedicated to the collection, conservation, study and exhibition of traditional and contemporary African art. Our honorary committee includes such distinguished names as Clifford Alexander, Jr., Maya Angelou, Angela Bassett, Shigeko Bork, Peggy Cooper Cafritz, Esther Coopersmith, Nancy “Bitsey” Folger, Sam Gilliam, Dorothy Height,Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., Gen. Colin Powell, Michael Sonnenreich, Maurice Tempelsman, and Alfre Woodard. Our extraordinary circle of friends is led by our dedicated board chair, prominent business leader and art collector Art U. Mbanefo, and co-vice chairmen Timothy Bork and R. Lucia Riddle.They will be joined by gala chairwoman Carolyn Jordan, current and former board members, ambassadors, donors, and civic and corporate leaders who will be present for our 30th anniversary awards to Ambassador Johnnie Carson; El Anatsui, one of Africa’s leading contemporary artists; Baroness Valerie
64
Clockwise from above: Timothy Bork, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, Johnnetta Betsch Cole, and Smithsonian Secretary G. Wayne Clough at a dinner hosted by Timothy and Shigeko Bork for the board of the National Museum of African Art . (Photo by Glenn Virgin); Mami Wata by artist Zoumana Sane. Collection of Herbert M. and Shelley Cole. On display until July 26. (Photo by Don Cole); Entrance to The National Museum of African Art.
Amos, the first black woman appointed to the British Cabinet (in 2003, as secretary of state for international development); and Sudanese model Alek Wek. This will indeed be a “season” of rich offerings. The New York Times has hailed our current exhibition, “Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and Its Diasporas,” calling it “as rousing as a drum roll, as piquant as a samba, as sexy as Césaria Évora’s voice.” Not only that, but two brilliant artists, António Ole and Aimé Mpane, collaborated on a most remarkable work of art, currently on view in “Artists in Dialogue,” that is supported by our great partner, De Beers. The ongoing commitment of De Beers, Chevron (the gala’s lead underwriter) and many corporate partners is both heartwarming and critical in these challenging economic times.
In the coming months you will hear more about our journey, our hopes, and our dreams. We dream that every person who enters the museum will feel a connection to Africa. We dream of challenging visitors’ perceptions about this continent.We dream of partnerships – with museums, corporations, educational institutions, and with you. And finally, we dream that in difficult economic times, the arts lift us up, providing the inspiration and creativity that we all value so very much. Johnnetta Betsch Cole was named fifth director of the National Museum of African Art earlier this year – a role that combines her passion for African art, respect for anthropological knowledge of the people and cultures of the African continent and involvement in the world of education. She was previously president of Spelman College and Bennett College for Women.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
Cyana Coor, Kurt Boehn, Priscilla Cuella, and Rachel Brennan
James Gardner and Eric Schaeffer Stephen Gregory Smith
WL SPONSORED
HELEN HAYES AWARDS Warner Theatre and J.W. Marriott Hotel PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON
Greg Bazmore and Reggie Ray
A MAJOR SWEEP Signature Theatre walked off with 10 prizes at the 25th annual awards ceremony, with Les Miserables nabbing all the musical acting categories except for male lead (which also went to Signature’s David Margulies for The Happy Time). LADIES NIGHT Eight glamorous gals shared four tied awards, thus doubling the female winner quotient this year. Broadway legend Chita Rivera wasn’t there to accept, but outstanding lead actress/resident musical co-recipient Natascia Diaz held her own with a breathless tribute: “Oh my God, Chita! You are who I want to be when I grow up.” Winners received a glow necklace!
Irini Tsikurishvili Kelly Slagle and Seth Polansky
Connan Morrissey, Victor Shargai, and Blake Robison Eric Tavela, Doe Polanz, and Guy Spielmann
Fred Schiffman, Ted Van Griethuysen and Veanne Cox Thomas and Beth Hedgpeth
Bligh Voth and Weslie Woodley
Janice Lorraine
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M O N T H | washingtonlife.com
65
AROUND TOWN
Spring into Action A sumptuous wedding, sassy valets, and a lively bash for Catholic Charities’ BY DONNA SHOR
A SUMPTUOUS CELEBRATION Shaista and Ray Mahmood outdid themselves hosting a dinner celebrating their son Asif’s wedding to beautiful Sunna Rana. The event was one of five celebrations; at the wedding itself, the bride wore red, in accordance with Pakistani custom. Seen amid the crowd of hundreds in the blossom-filled National Building Museum: the ambassadors of Pakistan, the Arab League, Afghanistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Lebanon. Also former President of Pakistan Mohammedmian Sumero; former National Security Advisor Anthony Lake; Melanne Verveer, the U.S. ambassador at large for global women’s issues; Rep. Jim Moran and his wife Lu Anne; Meridian International President Stuart Holliday and his wife Gwen, former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and wife Meryl; Rep. Gerry Connolly; Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett; Esther Coopersmith; Mahinder and Tak Sharad; Jacques and Brenda de Suze; former Virginia Sen. George Allen and Susan Allen; Alexandria Mayor William Euille; and Rick Inderfurth, former assistant secretary of state for Asian affairs. Host Ray Mahmood came to Washington as a youth, attended American University, and with intelligence and perseverance has become a real estate mogul who sits on prestigious boards of businesses, banks and civic groups. He made his American Dream come true. SEASONAL CELEBRATION Mark Smith and his wife Lani Hay invited friends to put recession blues behind them at a party to welcome Spring at their dramatic Palisades home. He’s an internationally known artist; she is CEO and president of Lanmark Technology in Vienna,Va., where her background in military
66
intelligence and business management serves clients well. The setting was striking, with votive lights everywhere (even in the showers) casting a soft glow and interesting shadows, and three floors of great canvases by Mark to admire. Lani found an unusual company, Velvet Keys Valet, whose adorable, clad-in-tights young ladies parked the cars. The much-appreciated chocolate desserts were by Coco Sala, with Mark Volanni’s flowers as backdrop to the whole event. Among the savvy guests: Myra MacPherson, Mike Walter, Bloomberg News’ Tim Burger , CQ’s Bob Merry and wife Sue, Tandy and Wyatt Dickerson, Dan Moldea , Beth Solomon , David and Hope Bass, Edie Fraser, Victoria Michael, Bill Moorehead , Julia Watson and Martin Tyler.
HOT LATINO BEAT Tenor and Washington Opera general director Placido Domingo and journalist Maureen Orth (whose foundation funds the Colombian school La Escuela Maureen Orth) were honored for their philanthropic work at Catholic Charities’ Spanish Catholic Center Gala on March 28. Michael and Chafi Kappaz chaired the lively dinner-dance at the Organization of American States. The evening’s Surprise Award went to the evening’s performer, Mario Sacasa, for his charitable activities. The young singer/ songwriter, renowned in Latin America, is the grandson of the late Guillermo Sevilla-Sacasa. That Nicaraguan ambassador, the father of
Above: Lani Hay (left) and Mark Smith (right) pose with the Velvet Keys valet girls at their welcome to spring party. (Photo by Janet Donovan). Left: Singer/songwriter Mario Sacasa and his girlfriend Xiomara Blandino made the scene at Catholic Charities’ Spanish Catholic Center gala. (Photo by Catalina Checa)
Mario’s mother Julia Hopping, was for decades the dean of the diplomatic corps, the official liaison between the ambassadors and the White House. Extra Bonus: Mario brought along a group of Nicaraguan vocalists as well as his girlfriend Xiomara Blandino, the current Miss Nicaragua. Said Placido: “Your music is beautiful, and so is your girlfriend.” Readers wishing to get in touch with Donna can email: columns@washingtonlife.com.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
AROUND TOWN
Parties, Parties, Parties THE HORATIO ALGER AWARDS DENZEL WASHINGTON, wife PAULETTA, and daughter KATIA celebrate Washington’s induction into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, which recognized Washington as a community leader / C SHELBY COFFEY, MADELEINE, and T BOONE PICKENS / (Photos courtesy of the Horatio Alger Association)
CATHOLIC CHARITIES GALA AL HUNT, MAUREEN ORTH, and LUKE RUSSERT at the Catholic Charities Spanish Catholic Center benefit gala. / PLACIDO DOMINGO, XIOMARA BLANDINO, ALVARO DOMINGO and JULIA HOPPING (Photos by Laura Sikes)
LAZARUS FOUNDATION BRIAN MITCHELL, DAVID LAZARUS, and VERNICE ARMOUR at the Lazarus Foundation’s “Celebrate 2 Educate” reception at the Willard. (Photos by Clay Blackmore)
FINAL FOUR PARTY AT HUDSON MORGAN JONES, LINDSAY GIACOBAZZIA, and LINDSEY COLE / ALAN POPOVSKY and BELINDA RAMOS take in the game at hip M Street lounge Hudson. (Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke)
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
67
Exquisite Design Unmatched Value
Dedicated personnel create simple or custom designs perfectly suited to your taste and budget; from quiet elegance to energetic motion.
703.866.5153
WWW.FROSTDC.COM
HOME LIFE real estate news and open house | Power furniture, sought-after addresses, and the historic Willard Hotel
THREE LOCAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS PERSONALLY SELECT POWER PIECES FOR YOUR HOME “Classic Herman Miller lines are still as strong as they were in the 1940s.”
“A stylish and playful piece for entertaining friends.”
“This elegant buffet of stone and bronze has a commanding presence.”
“The perfect backdrop for relaxing on a Washington summer evening.”
Since 1984, RICHARD LOOMAN and DAVID HERCHIK of JDS Designs, Inc. have been sharing their passion for design with clientele from Connecticut to California. They are known for infusing glamour and luxury into every day functional living.
“Incredible sound performance without all the clutter.”
“As the old adage says, ‘knowledge is power.’ Display your books in this unique and glamorous étagère.” “John Dreyfuss’ sculptures are breathtaking works that inspire and energize.”
Photo by Joseph Allen
1. Herman Miller Executive Chair in Edelman Leather (price upon request); Edelman Leather, 300 D St. SW, 202-488-1822, www.edelmanleather.com. 2. Nambe Crystal Tilt ice bucket with tongs, ($100); Neiman Marcus - Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-9700, www.neimanmarcus. com. 3. Amalfi II Tuxedo Sofa ($5,427); Janus et Cie., 3304 M St. NW, 202-333-8111, www.janusetcie.com. 4. Hampton Buffet, Donghia (price upon request); Donghia, Washington Design Center, 300 D St. SW, 202-479-2724, www.dcdesigncenter.com. 5. Troscan Chelsea Étagère (price upon request); Holly Hunt, Washington Design Center, 300 D St. SW, 202-554-2910, www.hollyhunt.com. 6. Helmet, 1990, bronze, 15” x 9” x 9” by John L. Dreyfuss (price upon request); Hemphill Fine Arts, 1515 14th St. NW, 202-234-5601, www.hemphillfinearts.com. 7. GenevaSound XL- White stereo system ($1449); Design Within Reach, 1838 Columbia Rd. NW, 202-265-5640, www.dwr.com.
HOME LIFE | INSIDE HOMES
“Janus et Cie’s convertible obelisk stacks into a missile shape” BARBARA HAWTHORN president of Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, Ltd has over 25 years experience in design, project management and urban planning. She and her staff specialize in “timeless, trend-resistant design.” Her concept mixes modern, comfortable furnishings with fine art and antiques.
“Bring a little flower power into a room.”
“The Tower Fireplace is inspired by the lighting feature used at the entrances of wealthy patrician family residences during the Roman Empire.”
“The Roche Bobois Flight Chair has the makings of a design classic.”
“Bring an element of surprise with this Radial Dining Table – classic when closed, wonderfully modern when open.”
“For the power entertainer – have bar will travel.”
1. Obelisk, designed by Dedon for Janus et Cie, Frame (five- piece set includes two medium lounge chairs, two small lounge chairs and a table) $7,867; cushions sold separately (set of 4 seat cushions) $1,931; Obelisk: 244 x 80 cm, Lounge Chair: 66 x 72 x 37 cm, Lounge Chair M: 66 x 80 x 37 cm., Table: 56 x 57; 3304 M St. NW, 202-333-8111, www.janusetcie.com. 2. Ecosmart Fire ($3,700); Studio Snaidero DC, 3409 M St. NW, 202-484-8066, www.snaidero-usa.com, www.ecosmartfire. com. 3. “Nevo” small pendant by Arturo Alvarez of Spain. Made of stainless steel and pigmented silicone , 18.75”w x 8.75”h x 59.25” ($1,495); Illuminations, 3323 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-965-4888 and 415 8th St. NW 202-783-4888, www.illuminc.com. 4. Flight Chair ($4895); Roche Bobois, 5301 Wisconsin Ave. NW #110, 202-686-5667, www.rochebobois.com. 5. Radial Dining 60” x 60” W x 30” H Table ($28,605), made in North Carolina from Cerejeira veneers; Century Furniture, Washington Design Center, 300 D St. SW, Suite 609, 202-488-4400, www.centuryfurniture.com. 6. Isidoro Drinks Cabinet by Jean Marie Massaud Closed 28”W (open 56”) x 20”D x 46”H ($11,500); Poltrona Frau Washington, 1010 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 220, 202-333-1166, www.frauwashington.com.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
“The white lions and black slate top roar with power.”
“The 4-inch thick mahogany veneer top gives this table great visual presence in any room.” “Deep tufts and rolled arms make this inspired Victorian-era piece a bold statement of color.”
“Daniel Donnelly’s “Greek Key” console table is powerful in its simplicity and design.”
“Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s 1897 ‘Argyle’ chair has inspired a whole contemporary design philosophy.”
GARY R< LOVEJOY has been a professional designer in the Washington area for over 30 years and the owner and senior designer of his namesake firm since 1983. Work for his private clients ranges from a pied-à-terre and condominiums to luxury homes and vacation retreats. He has designed ten unique rooms for the NSO Showhouse in the past 17 years.
“The headrest of the “Ox” Chair represents two ox horns – a true symbol of power.”
1. Chesterfield love seat ($1095); Sixteen Fifty Nine, 1659 Wisconsin Ave NW, 202-333-1480, www.sixteenfiftynine.com. 2. English gesso console table with white lions and black slate top, circa 1720 (price upon request); Antony Childs Antiques, 1668 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Contact John Flocks at 202-607-5222, www.antonychildsinc.com. 3. Dining/conference table by Antoine Proulx ($12,000); DSA Associates, Washington Design Center, 300 D St. SW, Suite 301, 202-863-0350, www.dsaassociates.com. 4. Charles Rennie Mackintosh Argyle chair ($2,700); M2L, 3334 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-298-8010, www.m2lcollection.com. 5. Greek Key side table ($2,100); Daniel Donnelly, 520 N.Fayette St., Alexandria, Va., 703-549-4672, www.danieldonnelly.com. 6. OX chair (price upon request); Daniel Donnelly, 520 N. Fayette St., Alexandria, Va.., 703-549-4672, www.danieldonnelly.com
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
71
WEST RESIDENCES
HIGHLAND PARK
Eastbanc’s newest development, located just steps away from top fashion and dining spots in the heart of downtown Washington, offers residents bountiful amenities at a top-notch luxury address. One-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans include gourmet kitchens and large master baths with top-of-the-line features and appliances. The newly-constructed building offers an outdoor urban lounge with a rooftop pool and terrace, extensive fitness room, and a 24-hour desk staff. 1177 22nd St. NW; available from the $700,000’s to $4 million; www.22west-dc.com.
Located adjacent to the Columbia Heights Metro station, Highland Park introduces posh sophistication to the up-and-coming neighborhood. With a bright, modern lobby and chic units, the building offers residents a state-of-the-art fitness center, business center with an Internet café, and rooftop terrace. The units, which are available with one or two bedrooms with dens and second-story loft, features open layouts with gourmet kitchen appliances and panoramic views. 1400 Irving St. NW; available for rent starting at $1,795 per month; www.highlandparkdc.com.
NEWHEIGHTS TURNBERRY TOWER Take in picturesque views of Georgetown and the Washington Monument from Turnberry Tower, one of the metropolitan area’s tallest buildings. The luxury condominiums, available in one- to fourbedroom floor plans, offer residents nine to 12-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, gourmet kitchen appliances, and direct-entry elevators. Also included in this upscale building is an indoor pool with an exclusive spa and fitness center, plus 24-hour valet and concierge services. The building is slated to open in late summer/early fall 2009, but a fully-furnished model residence is available for view. 1850 Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, Va.; available from the $800,000s to over $4 million; www.turnberrytowerarlington.com.
72
LANDMARK LOFTS AT SENATE SQUARE With plans to revitalize the H St. NE corridor in Washington, Abdo Development stepped in to create over 500 residences in an entire city block known as Senate Square.The historic structure,built in the 1870s as a home for the Little Sisters of the Poor,was transformed into 44 luxury lofts and an amenity building available to all residents. The lofts feature unique spaces with high ceilings and tall windows, plus top appliances and many on-site extras including a rooftop pool, stadium theater, fitness center, and underground parking. 201 I St. NE; available from $350,000 to $1.5 million; www.abdo.com/upandcoming/landmark_lofts.html.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
ARCHSTONE WISCONSIN PLACE
UNION ROW WAREHOUSES
Located near the Friendship Heights Metro station mere blocks from cosmopolitan dining and shopping opportunities is Archstone Wisconsin Place. Offering a range of studios to three-bedroom apartments, the rental building has over 40 floor plans from which to choose. Top-of-the-line kitchens, walk-inclosets, private balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows are included among the luxury features. A sport and fitness club, private screening room, business center with Internet lounge, and a rooftop pool are included on the premises of one of Chevy Chaseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top luxury residences. 4440 Willard Ave., Chevy Chase, Md.; available for rent from $1,700 to $5,100; www.archstonewisconsinplace.com.
In the heart of U Street NW are the Union Row Flats and Warehouses, both unique in style and location. The Flats, which span an entire city block, combine glass, steel, and brick to blend in with the surrounding historical buildings. Inside, various floor plans feature European-style kitchens, dramatic windows, and large terraces throughout the 208 units. The Warehouses, which consist of 59 townhouse-style condos, feature multi-level apartments with architecture similar to that of the Flats. The vibrant neighborhood is a truly urban village with numerous shops and cafĂŠs. 14th and V streets NW; www.pnhoffman.com.
RESIDENCES AT HARBOURSIDE
ALLEGRO APARTMENTS
Located on the bank of the Potomac River next to the Swedish Embassy and Georgetown Harbour, the Residences at Harbourside offer residents the conveniences of Georgetown plus sweeping views of the Kennedy Center and Virginia. Three penthouse units remain in this upscale building which features 24-hour concierge service, a fitness center, and private rooftop terraces for each residence. 2900 K St. NW; available from $1.375 million to over $7 million; www.harborsideresidences.com.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
In the center of Columbia Heights is the Allegro Apartments whose nearly 300 luxury units opened in April 2009. The building brings sophistication to an urban setting and provides quick and easy access to Metro, plus retail, dining, and entertainment opportunities. The units, which range from studios to twostory penthouses with lofts, come with unique layouts and include high ceilings and gourmet kitchens with luxury appliances. Residents have access to interior courtyards, the Allegro Athletic Club, a pilates/yoga room, billiards room, and media room. 3460 14th St. NW; available for rent from $1,525 to $3,875 per month; www.allegrospaces.com.
73
HOME LIFE | OPEN HOUSE
Charming Finds Historic provenance, a large gated lot, and golf course-views add to the allure of these properties SMITH’S ROW TREASURE N STREET NW WASHINGTON DC
This authentic Federal house lines the North side of N Street NW, part of six town homes built built between 1805 to 1815 and known as Smith’s Row. A wide entry foyer leads into a gracious interior which features sun-filled living spaces including principal and private rooms for formal entertaining and comfortable family living. The rooms embody classic Georgetown charm, which is ref lected in the high ceilings, millwork, architectural detailing, and vistas through the many tall windows and French doors. The multi-level terrace and garden are highlighted by fountains, many entertaining areas, and a stately carriage house that now serves as a three-car garage.
Asking Price: $5,188,000 Listing Agents: William F. X. Moody | 202-243-1620 Robert Hryniewicki | 202-243-1622 Washington Fine Properties, LLC
MEDITERRANEAN REVIVAL TILDEN ST< NW WASHINGTON DC
This Mediterranean-style residence, set back on a lush 33,098-squarefoot lot in Forest Hills, was recently updated with refinished hardwood f loors, new paint on both the interior and exterior, electrical upgrades, and extensive stonework and landscaping. The house features three levels which include a spacious master bedroom with a sitting room, four additional bedrooms, five full baths, and two half-baths. A two-car garage and a large driveway with ample parking complete this picture-perfect property. Asking Price: $2,375,000 Listing Agents: Barbara Zuckerman | 202-997-5977 Jonathan Taylor | 202-276-3344 TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
GOLF COURSE VIEWS WEST NEWLANDS STREET CHEVY CHASE MD
This five-bedroom house features an expansive and open front–to-back foyer leading to a large covered deck overlooking a garden and adjacent golf course. A double living room leads to a library, while the dining room connects to the kitchen and family room. The second level offers a master bedroom suite with a private deck, sitting area, walk-in closet with dressing area; and a spacious bathroom with a steam shower. Two additional bedrooms with en suite baths complete the south wing. The third level features a fourth bedroom and bath, exercise area, and recreation room. The finished garden level has a fifth bedroom, game room, office, and powder room, as well as two-car garage.
74
Asking Price: $3,950,000 Listing Agents: Susie Maguire | 202-841-2006 Georgetown Long & Foster Co.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
Forest Hills, DC
Majestically sited on almost one acre nestled in a parkland setting. Custom Georgian style brick estate offers incomparable luxury & amenities. Built in 1992. 6 BRs, 7.5 baths, 10,000+ sq.ft of finished space, lap pool, lighted tennis court & landscaped outdoor spaces. Situated on one of the most private streets in Forest Hills. Additional land available. $5,900,000.
Michael Rankin | 202.271.3344 David DeSantis | 202.438.1542
Georgetown, DC
Rare circa 1816 detached residence has undergone a meticulous historic restoration. It features original architectural details while seamlessly incorporating modern amenities and systems. Light-filled double parlors w/fplcs and 8’ windows overlook the long front garden. Elegant DR w/fplc, table space kitch, marvelous master suite plus 3 additional BRs. Prof designed gardens & terrace. 2-car parking. $3,995,000.
McLean, VA
Built in 2006 & located in The Reserve on over an acre of land, 1043 Founders Ridge Lane is a 10,000 sq.ft + Tuscan Villa smart home built by Associated Custom Builders. The 6 BR, 9 bath marvel features marble and oak flooring throughout, ceilings and walls done in custom venetian plaster, twin 2 car garage bays, 9 person movie theater, and 1800 bottle wine cellar. $5,500,000.
Grand Tudor mansion facing serene national parkland, sited on a 15,000+ sq.ft private lot with mature plantings, extraordinary opportunity to create estate-like property with pool and tennis court. Interior floor plan includes 8 BR, 6 full baths and 1 half bath, large formal living and dining rooms, library, and a 3 to 6-car attached garage. $4,995,000.
Michael Hines | 202.379.5868
Jonathan Taylor | 202.276.3344 Michael Rankin | 202.271.3344
Bowie, MD
Leesburg, VA
Magnificent Georgian manor house on a rolling 2 acre site. The manor house, pool house & carriage house form an impressive compound of quiet luxury. Red-stone walls capped with brick integrate the structures while providing architectural beauty and privacy. Features include 5 BR, 9.5 baths, 5 fplcs & 3.5 kits. Separate, climate controlled carriage house with sleeping qrtrs, wet bar & sep 6 car parking. $3,199,000.
Kenwood, MD
Kalorama, DC
Magnificent 7 BR, 5 full bath, 2 half bath Colonial sited on a manicured lot backing to the Greenway and Capital Crescent Trail. Features include FLR, FDR, chef’s kitchen with prof appliances opens to a light-filled great room with French doors to expansive stone terrace, pool and outdoor kitchen. Meticulously renovated throughout using the finest materials.$4,299,000.
Barbara Zuckerman | 202.997.5977 Carrie Carter | 202.421.3938
Exceptional custom estate in the prestigious Beacon Hill community. Designed for indoor and outdoor entertaining and featuring the finest materials and appliances throughout, with state-of-the-art home entertainment & security systems. $2,900,000.
Robert Carney | 703.927.4290 Michael Hines | 202.379.5868
Forest Hills, DC
Rare offering and an exceptional opportunity for a Mediterranean home set back on gorgeous 33,098 sq.ft. estate-sized fenced and gated lot in Forest Hills. Recently redressed with refinish hdwd flrs, new paint inside/out, electrical upgrades, extensive stonework & landscaping. 3 levels, 5 BR + MBR w/ sitting room, 5 baths, 2 half baths, 2-car garage & large driveway. $2,375,000.
Barbara Zuckerman | 202.997.5977 Jonathan Taylor | 202.276.3344
Michael Rankin | 202.271.3344
Michael Hines | 202.379.5868
Wesley Heights, DC
Watergate, Foggy Bottom DC Chase Point, Chevy Chase DC Kent, DC
Originally built in 1937, this 5 BR, 4.5 bath Wesley Heights residence has been recently transformed into a home ideal for both grand formal entertaining and comfortable family living. 7,500 sq.ft lot presents outstanding park-like, one of a kind grounds. $2,375,000.
Michael Rankin | 202.271.3344
Incredibly renovated 3,060 sq.ft unit. Imported Italian kit w/breakfast nook. Marble hall entrance to lovely LR and DR with designer wood floors. MS with double walk-in closets designed by California Closets. Padded silk walls & elegant bath w/Jacuzzi tub and sep.shower. 2 extra BRs and 2.5 baths.Wrap around balcony with views from every room of gardens//river/pool. Garage, Double Storage. $2,200,000.
Not just a home, but a lifestyle! A spectacular staircase and dramatic views make this home extraordinary! With Viking appliances, beautiful hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen, Kohler fixtures, luxurious baths, marble entrance foyer, grand living space, and panoramic views of the city make this home simply a luxury. Two garage spots. Metro, boutique shops, and restaurants within steps. $1,785,000.
Julia Diaz-Asper | 202.256.0887
Robert Sanders | 202.744.6463 Brent Jackson | 202.363.9200
www.ttrsir.com
Georgetown, Washington, D.C. 202.333.1212
Beautiful Georgian revival home sits prominently above the street and features a gracious center foyer, large formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room, table kitchen, 1st floor library and solarium. The private rear yard offers a sparkling pool and professional landscaping. 5-6 BRs, 4.5 baths total including a lovely sun-filled master suite. $1,750,000.
Michael Rankin | 202.271.3344 Michael Moore | 202.262.7762
McLean, VA 703.319.3344
Chevy Chase, MD 301.967.3344
© MMIX Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Les Bords de l’Epte a Giverny, used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity . Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.
HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS
Done Deals Recent sales in Forrest Hills, Dupont Circle, Cleveland Park and Bethesda BY MARY MEWBORN
THE DISTRICT Brian Lordan, M.D., has purchased BRANDYWINE STREET NW in Forest Hills for $1,657,000. The house, built in 1927, was renovated three years ago to include a threestory addition with a family room and walls of glass. There are four bedrooms and four and a half baths plus a lower-level in-law suite with a kitchen and private entrance. The many amenities include French doors, recessed lighting, a skylight, tray ceilings, a two-person soaking tub, hardwood floors, four fireplaces and a wet bar. The nearly half-acre lot is partially fenced and wooded and can be enjoyed from one of two decks, the terrace or a screened porch. The sellers were Fabiana Jorge with the consulting firm MFJ International LLC, and her husband, Douglas Brian Sosnik, who served as a political director for President Bill Clinton and who now provides crisis management and strategic planning advice to Democratic senators and governors, U.S. corporations, and the National Basketball Association. He is also a co-author of the New York Times bestseller, Applebee’s America: How Successful Political, Business, and Religious Leaders Connect with the New American Community. Terri Robinson with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc., and Margot Wilson of Arnold Bradley, Sargent, Davy, & Chew co-listed the property for $1,895,000. Another former Clinton White House official, Michael Warren, has sold a penthouse at O STREET NW. A key player on the Obama transition team, Warren has been on “partial leave” from his duties as chief operating officer and managing director of Stonebridge International LLC while overseeing the new administration’s takeover of the Treasury Department and its economic rescue and recovery plan. Before Stonebridge, Warren worked for McKinsey & Company, where his wife, Lynn Taliento, is a partner who represents
76
A three-bedroom duplex condominium within a Victorian townhouse at 2110 O Street NW in Dupont Circle recently sold for $895,000.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
SELLING
THE
Elegant Estate Wesley Heights. Magnificent fieldstone colonial on 1.5 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with pool, tennis court and spa pool, two-story entry foyer, expansive living room and dining room, library and many rooms for informal living, 6 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, maid’s qtrs and separate office. $5,900,000 Pat Lore- 301-908-1242; Ted Beverley- 301-728-4338.
AREA’S FINEST PROPERTIES
Grand & Glorious Kenwood/ Chevy Chase. Fine Georgian colonial offers 1/2 acre grounds, large public rooms, covered patio suitable for large scale entertaining, family room adjoining large kitchen, 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths including first flr MBR suite with two baths. $3,495,000 Ted Beverley- 301-728-4338; Pat Lore301-908-1242.
Nantucket Style Chevy Chase. Beautifully crafted colonial c. 2006, offers large foyer and hall, formal living room and dining room, chef ’s kitchen, breakfast room and family room overlooking 1/2 acre gardens; 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths, rec room and media room. $2,950,000 Ellen Rodin- 202-255-9411; Beverly Nadel- 202-236-7313.
Arts & Crafts Legacy Somerset/ Chevy Chase. Handsome Craftsman colonial with open 2-story entry foyer and grand staircase, formal entertaining rooms as well as gourmet kitchen/ family room, 6 bedrooms and 5.5 baths, including luxurious MBR suite; home movie theater and rec room. $2,395,000 Bonnie Lewin- 301-332-0171.
Colonial Classic Chevy Chase. Stately colonial walking distance to Bethesda Metro and restaurants offers large rooms throughout, high ceilings, entry foyer, living room and dining room, country kitchen and family room; 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. $2,095,000 Liz Brent- 202-321-2651.
Dramatic Edwardian Kalorama. Grand colonial circa 1916 with extensive renovations, fine architectural details and mouldings: large entry hall, living room, dining room, custom kitchen; 4 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths, 2nd flr family room and 3rd flr studio/office with amazing city views. $1,695,000 Beverly Nadel- 202-236-7313; Ellen Rodin- 202-255-9411.
Stately Residence Chevy Chase. Renovated period colonial with front porch, entry foyer, living room, dining room, chef ’s kitchen, breakfast room and family room overlooking landscaped yard; 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, MBR suite with sitting room. $1,599,000 Tammy Thomas-301-908-2153.
Inspiring Views Crestwood. Beautifully renovated colonial features open floor plan with living room, dining room, gourmet kitchen, family room and screened porch with sweeping parkland views; 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and lower level great room opening to landscaped gardens. Guy-didier Godat- 202-361-4663.
Graceful Living Palisades. Classic European style home offers three floors of freshly renovated space: entry foyer, media room, living room opening to terrace garden, dining room, study, custom kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths. $1,429,000 Ted Beverley- 301-728-4338; Pat Lore- 301-908-1242.
Classic Presence Chevy Chase. True center hall colonial with beautiful renovations and addition: living room, dining room, designer kitchen and breakfast room, family room, 5-6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths including luxurious MBR suite. $1,325,000 Ellen Rodin- 202255-9411; Beverly Nadel- 202-236-7313.
Designer Spaces Westgate/ Bethesda. Newly constructed colonial on quiet treelined street walking distance to Friendship Metro and shops: open floor plan, foyer, living room and dining room, huge kitchen and adjoining family room; 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. $1,249,000 Delia McCormick & John Gregory- 301-977-7273.
Serene Setting Chevy Chase. Contemporary renovation of spacious rambler on picturesque cul de sac: entry foyer, living room opening to landscaped patio and garden, dining room, designer kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and custom home office suite. $1,195,000 Rachel Widder- 301-986-1679.
CHEVY CHASE 4400 JENIFER STREET NW WASHINGTON, DC 20015 202-364-1700 Licensed in DC, MD & VA
DUPONT 1509 22ND STREET NW WASHINGTON, DC 20037 202-464-8400 www.EversCo.com
HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS
Left: Dr. Brian Lordan purchased a recently renovated 1927 residence at 2910 Brandywine Street, NW in Forest Hills for $1,657,000. Right: David Sohn and Alison Buist purchased the Arts and Crafts-style house at 2626 Newark Street N.W. in Cleveland Park, which had bveen listed at $1,325,000.
nonprofit groups and philanthropists. Prior to joining McKinsey & Company, Taliento was an advisor to the Czech Republicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic ministry, and a press secretary in the U.S. House of Representatives. The family sold their home to attorneys Lucinda Low and Daniel B. Magraw, Jr., who moved to the District from Potomac, Md. Low is a partner with Steptoe and Johnson LLP. Magraw is president and CEO of the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). The coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new home is part of a condominium complex created within a circa 1892 Victorian mansion designed by architect Appleton P. Clarke, Jr., whose projects included Strathmore Hall on Rockville Pike and the former Field School on Wyoming Avenue NW. The two-story unit has high ceilings, original oak woodwork, a fireplace in the kitchen and a deck featuring panoramic views. Bobbie Brewster of Washington Fine Properties represented the sellers, who received $895,000 for their three-bedroom Dupont Circle residence. The buyers were represented by Anne Weir and Heidi Hatfield, also with Washington Fine Properties. With delivery scheduled for this month, the two most expensive units at SWANN
78
STREET NW are under contract. Jan Evans with
Washington Fine Properties listed units five and six for $892,000 and $948,000 respectively. The custom condominiums near Dupont Circle were designed by award-winning interior designer Barbara Hawthorn and her namesake firm, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, which has been serving the mid-Atlantic region since 1984. Both residences have two bedrooms and two baths, and unit six features a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Romeo & Julietâ&#x20AC;? balcony with French doors. It also includes the option of a private rooftop garden. Neither of the prospective buyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names have been released, but rumor has it that Evansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; son is one of the new owners. The Potomac Construction Group undertook the renovation of the converted building with its 15-foot ceilings and a total of seven luxuriously appointed residences. In Cleveland Park, Kimberly Casey and Daryl Judy with TTR Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty, and Terry Robinson with Long and Foster, have been instrumental in the sale of NEWARK STREET NW. This large Arts and Crafts-style house has plenty of charm and an abundance of interesting architectural details including its original wood floors and
numerous built-ins. Perfect for entertaining indoors or out, the residence has sizable public rooms, a wide front porch, rear patio, and guest suite plus three additional bedrooms. The property had been home to Emily Ennis and was offered for sale with a price tag of $1.325,000. The buyers are David Sohn and his fiancĂŠe Alison Buist, Ph.D. Sohn is an attorney with the Center for Democracy and Technology while Buist is the director of Child Health Policy at the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Defense Fund.
MARYLAND It may have been a miserable season for the Wizards, but not for their two-time NBA AllStar Antawn C. Jamison and his wife Ione. Less than a year after the power forward signed a four-year, $50 million contract, he and his family have moved into a $3,940,000 home at BLAISDELL ROAD in Bethesda. The house has seven bedrooms and eleven baths. The sellers, Richard and Amy J. Cantor, had been asking $4,175, 000. Please send real estate news items to columns@washingtonlife.com
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
A first class valet ´ for a first class soiree.
Sedans
Limousines
DCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premium full-service transportation and special events provider
Vans
Valet
PROFESSIONAL
COURTEOUS
Specializing in: Valet Parking Event Consulting Traffic Control Transportation Logistics
202.589.0444 mjasser@marcparc.com
Buses
703-478-0500 www.restonlimo.com
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC
Totally renovated Federal with every conceivable amenity. 4 BR, 6 full & 2 half BA, 7 fireplaces, double Living Room; carriage house with BR, BA & kitchen. $9,500,000
Heidi Hatfield Anne Hatfield Weir
202-243-1634 202-243-1635
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
MASS AVE HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON, DC
CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND
Patrick Chauvin Matthew B. McCormick
Sherry Davis Lauren Davis
Sophisticated 1928 home featuring a 2-story Living Room, banquet-sized Dining Room, and private English Gardens with greenhouse and flagstone terraces.
202-243-1621 202-243-1651
Edgemoor - Award winning Shingle Style home on 18,000+ sq.ft land with exquisite finishes throughout; 4 fireplaces, extensive “smart house” features, porches, terraces & professionally landscaped gardens. $4,100,000
301-996-3220
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
KENT, WASHINGTON, DC
NEW LISTING! Custom built, brand new home exudes elegance and comfort throughout with large entertaining spaces, 6 BR, 7.5 BA, pool & 2 car Garage. $3,985,000
Ellen Morrell Matthew B. McCormick
202-243-1616 202-243-1651
GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC
Heidi Hatfield Anne Hatfield Weir
Ellen Morrell Patrick Chauvin Matthew B. McCormick
Stunning modern masterpiece by I.M. Pei; renovations by Hugh Jacobsen. 3 levels of light-filled living space, open floor plan, 2 master suites; lovely pool & terraces. $2,950,000
202-243-1634 202-243-1635
PALISADES, WASHINGTON, DC
Victorian-Inspired home with gracious open floor plan & Chef ’s Kitchen. Set on 1/4 acre. $1,995,000
202-243-1604 202-243-1620 202-243-1622
Hillandale - Spacious rooms, Library, Gourmet Kitchen, garage, pool & tennis, 6 BR, 4.5 BA. $2,295,000
202-243-1616 202-243-1621 202-243-1651
N ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA
Cherrydale - This lovely Morris-Day custom home is truly an impressive property. Built in 2006, this traditional colonial is reminiscent of times gone past with all the amenities essential for today’s modern living. $1,690,000
John Eric
703-798-0097
301-996-3220 202-549-8784
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
BELLE HAVEN, ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Exquisite new residence with 9,000 sf of living space. This amazing property brings the best of formal & modern living together with exceptional details & amenities. $3,495,000
John Eric Christine Vanderhyde
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
CLEVELAND PARK, WASHINGTON, DC
Bobbe Ward William F. X. Moody Robert Hryniewicki
Exquisite French country home sited on .5 acre lot boasts grand formal rooms, sensational grounds, 6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 4 fireplaces and 3-car garage. $4,750,000
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
BETHESDA, MARYLAND
Sherry Davis
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
703-798-0097 703-309-2829
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC
Charming East Village home finished to perfection! High ceilings, elegant living spaces, lovely kitchen/living area leads to terrace & 2 parking spots. 3BR, 3.5BA. $2,250,000
Heidi Hatfield Anne Hatfield Weir
202-243-1634 202-243-1635
MCLEAN, VIRGINIA
Fabulous Semi-Custom stone & stucco Craftmark Home. This beautiful 6 BR home in the center of McLean has perfect formal & family living spaces. Incredible Master & sitting room with fireplace. Designer showcase. $1,545,000
Victoria Kilcullen
INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS • LOCAL AFFILIATE
703-915-8845
WASHINGTON, DC GEORGETOWN BETHESDA/CHEVY CHASE POTOMAC NORTHERN VIRGINIA WFP.COM
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
K ALORAMA, WASHINGTON, DC
Grand residence ideal for entertaining with secluded outdoor terrace & bar room. Master suite with 2 full baths & dressing room. Au pair suite with separate entrance & wine cellar on LL. 5 BR, 6.5 BA, 2 Car Garage. $4,995,000
Jim Bell
202-607-4000
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING Elegant Georgian Colonial on almost one acre in Avenel with heated pool. Over 10,000 sf of outstanding finishes, large rooms, custom moldings, high ceilings and easy access to Washington, DC. $3,395,000
301-299-9598
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING This large traditional home features a wonderful floor plan on a beautiful wooded lot with deck, patio, gazebo & heated swimming pool. 5 BR& 3 full BA upstairs + another BR & full BA in the walkout lower level. $2,195,000
301-299-9598
MCLEAN, VIRGINIA
NEW PRICE! Chain Bridge Forest - 6 BR, 6 BA home with high ceilings, sun filled living & dining rooms overlook pool & patios. Fabulous upper level family room. Wine cellar & exercise room. Larger than it looks! $1,445,000
Victoria Kilcullen
Jim Bell
202-607-4000
K ALORAMA, WASHINGTON, DC
Sophisticated 3-level Federal townhouse. Grand entrance hall, formal entertaining rooms with fireplaces. Each room overlooks manicured gardens. Close to White House & Downtown. 4 BR, 3.5 BA, 2 car parking. $2,150,000
Jim Bell
POTOMAC, MARYLAND
20,000+ sf estate at the end of a cul-de-sac on 6.21 acres. Designed by Bruce Hutchinson & built by Griff Gosnell. Expert craftsmanship showcases use of highest quality materials & intricate architectural details. $3,295,000
Marsha Schuman
301-299-9598
202-607-4000
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
SPRING VALLEY, WASHINGTON, DC
Renovated in ‘05 & ‘08/’09, stately Colonial features new slate roof, 6 BRs, 6 full & 2 half BAs, pool, circular driveway with 2-car garage on nearly 1/2 acre lot. $3,195,000
Patrick Chauvin Matthew B. McCormick
202-243-1621 202-243-1651
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
POTOMAC, MARYLAND
Marsha Schuman
Grand Georgian residence built 1923. Complete and Meticulous renovation. Symmetry with equal sized LR & DR separated by grand foyer. High ceilings, spectacular architectural detail, 2-car attached garage. $4,950,000
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
INTERNATIONAL OFFERING
AVENEL, BETHESDA, MARYLAND
Marsha Schuman
K ALORAMA, WASHINGTON, DC
202.944.5000 202.333.3320 301.222.0050 301.983.6400 703.317.7000
703-915-8845
GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC
NEW LISTING! Completely renovated 2 BR + Den, 2.5 BA residence with 2,500+ sf, phenomenal views of the Potomac River & reserved garage parking. $2,149,000
Matthew B. McCormick Nancy Taylor Bubes
202-243-1651 202-256-2164
POTOMAC, MARYLAND
Rivers Edge beauty with privacy. Comfortable Colonial with loads of upgrades plus unbelievable access to the C&O Canal. Peace and tranquility abound. It’s a dream! $1,299,000
Anne Killeen
301-706-0067
POTOMAC, MARYLAND
This better than new home, built by Hemingway Homes, is all you have been dreaming of and more with an excellent neighborhood location. Fantastic landscaping and 3 car garage complete this must-have home. $1,995,000
Marsha Schuman
301-299-9598
CAPITOL HILL, WASHINGTON, DC
Magnificent new construction in historic district with first class finishes in an old world building. Cherry floors & cabinetry, granite & stainless steel kitchens. 3 blocks to Metro. Open Saturdays & Sundays, 12-5. $319,000 - $995,000
Marilyn Charity
INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS • LOCAL AFFILIATE
202-427-7553
HOME LIFE | HISTORICAL LANDSCAPES
Luxury Lobby Washington’s famed Willard Hotel has been a political gathering place for nearly 200 years BY DONNA EVERS
A
lthough lobbyists seem to be out of favor these days, it is interesting to know that the term is said to have originated in the lobby of the old Willard Hotel. The story goes that President Ulysses S. Grant used to slip out of the White House and visit the neighboring Willard to enjoy brandy and a cigar. As soon as Washington power brokers found out about his forays, they started frequenting the lobby as well, hoping for an opportunity to secure favors for themselves and their clients. While history books claim that the term came from England a half century earlier, Grant is widely credited with coining the term “lobbyist” to describe those who stalked him in his favorite hangout. The Willard’s ornate lobby would have made Grant and other 1860’-era visitors feel right at home, although the current hotel bearing the Willard name is very different from the original. While there had been an inn on the site since 1816, the Willard brothers didn’t come onto the scene until 1850, when they bought a row of townhouses and began renting out rooms. The family enterprise grew, and in 1904, architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh was retained to create the capital’s first “skyscraper,” which soon became famous for its luxurious rooms, its electric elevators and serving the first ice cream sodas in town. After the Willards sold the hotel in 1946, it fell into bankruptcy before closing in 1968. Finally, the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation, the Oliver Carr Company and Intercontinental Hotels reopened the Willard in 1986 after spending about $120 million to restore it to Gilded Age splendor. This storied hotel is often referred to as the “residence of presidents,” because every American president from Franklin Pierce to
82
George W. Bush has either stayed or attended events there. President Barack Obama, who stayed at the Hay-Adams prior to his inauguration, definitely needs to visit the Willard to uphold the tradition. An eclectic list of guests stayed there over the years, including P.T. Barnum, Tom Thumb,
The second Willard Hotel, completed in 1904, occupies a prime spot near the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. (Photo courtesy of the hotel)
Gloria Swanson, Harry Houdini, Buffalo Bill, the Duke of Windsor, Mark Twain (who wrote two books there), and Walt Whitman (who referenced the hotel in his verses), Nathaniel Hawthorne once said the hotel was more the center of Washington than the Capitol Building or the White House. Inspiration must live inside the Willard’s walls. Martin Luther King stayed there when he led the 1963 civil rights march on
Washington. One can imagine him going over the unforgettable “I Have a Dream” speech there before he delivered it from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. A plaque on the hotel’s front façade commemorates another famous set of verses written there. In November 1861, Julia Ward Howe came to Washington because she haad heard that the Union Army troops’ morale was notoriously low. Many soldiers had joined the army believing the conflict would be over after a skirmish or two, but after the Battle of Bull Run in the spring of that year, it became clear the war would be prolonged. New recruitment had become a serious problem. Howe was worried that the army’s disintegration would defeat efforts to end slavery forever. While she was staying at the Willard, Howe heard soldiers from her open window, singing “John Brown’s Body” and thought it a shame that such a good marching tune didn’t have more inspiring words.When she woke up in the middle of the night, she “scribbled the verses almost without looking at the paper,” she said later. Howe sold her “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” verses to the Atlantic Monthly for $5, and the powerful anthem went on to become one of America’s most beloved patriotic songs, serving as a rallying call for the women’s suffrage and civil rights movements. In the 1860’s, however, when it was sung around “the watch fires of a hundred circling camps,” the song led Union troops into battle through the next four long years, until they were, as the hymn promised, victorious. Readers wishing to get in touch with Donna Evers can email: columns@washingtonlife.com.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M AY | washingtonlife.com
®
Bethesda, Maryland
$2,495,000
This custom-built, stone-and-stucco Edgemoor home has a Mediterranean flair. Located 2 blocks to Metro, the residence includes a handsome 4-room office suite with a separate entrance and an artist studio over the garage. Bethesda All Points Office 301.229.4000.
Washington, D.C.
$ 1,649,000
Potomac, Maryland
This custom-built, all-brick contemporary boasts impeccable landscaping with slate terraces. The home includes a library, 2 fireplaces, and a living room with a cathedral ceiling and a wall of windows overlooking the magnificent pool and cabana. http://brankasipcic.lnfre.com. Branka Sipcic 202.236.0678/ 202.364.1300 (O).
$1,485,000
This beautifully appointed Natelli-built home enjoys panoramic golf course views, yet is nestled on a secluded cul-de-sac of only 4 homes. Sited in the sought-after community of Avenel, the residence offers every amenity. Joanna Simeone 301.980.2565/ 301.983.0060 (O). joanna.simeone@LNF.com.
Long & Foster Sells Far More $1 Million and Above Homes in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area Than the Next 4 Brokers Combined.*
Washington, D.C.
$1,425,000
This classic colonial is ideally located near 2 metros. The residence offers a stunning gourmet kitchen/family room with a wall of windows overlooking a superb yard, generous entertainment spaces, a library with built-ins, a screened porch, and a large deck. Lili Sheeline 202.905.7561/ 202.363.9700 (O). Lili@lnf.com.
®
Bethesda, Maryland
$1,595,000
This Greenwich Forest gem was built by master builder JonMark Homes. The residence’s highlights include a spectacular kitchen, updated period detailing, and a sumptuous master bedroom suite. www.8218Custer.com. Jeff Wilson 301.442.8533/ 301.907.7600 (O). Jeffrey.Wilson@longandfoster.com.
Bethesda, Maryland
$1,789,000
This custom-designed and architecturally unique home showcases unparalleled attention to detail. The residence offers a state-of-the-art kitchen, a spectacular sunroom, and a luxurious master bedroom suite with a palatial bath. Bethesda Avenue Office 240.497.1700.
* Source: Data Concepts. 2008 selected market share data. This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by MRIS® or other regional or local Multiple Listing Services’ common databases. Neither these organizations nor THE LONG & FOSTER® COMPANIES guarantee or are responsible in any way for the accuracy of the data. The data may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
Georgetown, D.C.
$2,150,000
With tree-top vistas, this brick 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home has been meticulously restored with quality workmanship and fine amenities. The 4 sun-filled levels include a media/dining room, a gourmet kitchen, a unique office design, and 2 patios. Terri Robinson 202.607.7737/ 202.944.8400 (O). trrestate@aol.com.
Bethesda, Maryland
$1,499,000
Sited off Arrowood Road, this grand colonial is in immaculate condition. The residence features embassysized entertaining rooms, a spacious living room that opens to a library with a fireplace, a large family room, and a country kitchen with seating for 10. Nancy Itteilag 202.905.7762/ 202.363.1800 (O). itteilag@aol.com.
Arlington, Virginia
$1,725,000
With impeccable attention to detail, this new home is one-of-a-kind. The 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath residence features a dual staircase, a stone fireplace, a spectacular home theater, an au pair suite, and a master bedroom with a spa bath and a romantic balcony. Arlington Office 703.522.0500.
Bethesda, Maryland
$2,495,000
This elegant custom home is located in Eagle Ridge of Avenel. The wonderful floor plan includes a master bedroom suite with a sitting room, a first-floor library, a sunroom, a large eat-in kitchen and breakfast room, and a 3-car garage. Nancy Itteilag 202.905.7762/ 202.363.1800 (O). itteilag@aol.com.
Logan Circle, D.C. $1,850,000
Washington, D.C.
$2,799,000
Presenting a truly special offering, this elegant new home is located in Battery Kemble Place. The 5/6bedroom, 6.5-bath residence includes a curved staircase, 4 fireplaces, and hardwood floors. The home offers spaces that are ideal for entertaining. Sharie Powers Sivertsen 202.255.0540/ 202.966.0400 (O).
McLean, Virginia
$1,525,000
Representing classic and architectural elegance in the heart of McLean, this home is sited on a cul-de-sac near a park with a private rear yard. The residence is appointed with open living areas, traditional formal rooms, a paneled library, an in-law suite, and a media room. Sharon Hayman 703.402.2955/ 703.790.1990 (O).
Washington, D.C.
$2,499,000
Featured on the cover of Metropolitan Home, this 6-bedroom, 4.5-bath residence was renovated in 2005. Located just blocks to shops and restaurants, the home features an eat-in kitchen with marble countertops and Viking and Sub-Zero appliances. Ricki Gerger 202.296.5200/ 202.364.5200 (O).
All Properties Offered Internationally
www.extraordinaryproperties.com
Featuring astonishing renovations, this elegant, 4-level residence is located just blocks to Metro and Whole Foods. The property includes a stunning owner’s suite, 2 additional rental units, a rooftop terrace, and 2-car parking. Woodley Park Office 202.483.6300.
T H E RET U RN OF A L EG END Washington DCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most storied dining room is back. And better than ever.
2100 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20008 â&#x20AC;˘ 202-835-2100