EXCLUSIVE: S P H E RE S O F I N F LUE N C E I N
TRUMPLAND
JOURNALISTS REFLECT ON COVERING THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE | WEDDINGS OF THE YEAR | EXERCISE TRENDS
&
MY WASHINGTON: CNN’S DANA BASH | PERFORMING ARTS: VIOLINIST JOSHUA BELL INSIDE HOMES: COLOMBIAN AMBASSADOR JUAN CARLOS PINZÓN | WINTER TRAVEL: PALM BEACH
PA RT I PA ES! RT PA IE RT S! IE S!
PIECING TOGETHER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
58 34
50 '328)287
J A N U A R Y- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7
57 EDITOR'S LETTER
White Hat Gala .................................................. Center for Democracy in the Americas Anniversary .........
FEATURES PIECING TOGETHER TRUMP'S WASHINGTON The Insider's Guide to Trumpland ............................. Covering Trump: Journalists Reflect ............................ The Politics of FLOTUS Fashion ............................ Neighborhood Watch:The New Political Havens ...........
FYIDC INSIDER'S GUIDE ........................................ THE DISH MGM's Holy Trinity .......................... INNOVATORS Crowdskout ..............................
PERFORMING ARTS Violinist Joshua Bell ........
'LBJ' Screening .................................................... Mark Shriver Book Party ....................................... Capital Clubhouse Gala ........................................
LIFESTYLES FASHION EDITORIAL All That Glitters .......... TREND REPORT Valentine's Day Style ............. WINTER ESCAPES Art in Palm Beach............. HOTEL WATCH The Greenbrier.......................
NUPTIALS OF NOTE Weddings of theYear ....... FITNESS ROUNDUP Sweat Meter .................. ARTIST PROFILE Pascal Blondeau ...................
POLLYWOOD
Superfierce........................................................... Kara Kennedy Fund Brunch & Concert. ....................
Lab School Gala ..................................................
Alliance Francaise 'Beyond the Little Black Dress' ......... Chance for Life Kickoff Party................................... March of Dimes Heroines of Washington Dinner ........... Parties, Parties, Parties! .........................................
Washington Business Hall of Fame Benefit .............. Thirtieth Annual Lombardi Gala..............................
Washington Life's 25th Anniversary Party...................
WASHINGTON SOCIAL DIARY
EMBASSY ROW
AROUND TOWN Inaugural Blunders....................
Blank Pages and Operatic Changes ...........................
MGM National Harbor Opening Night .....................
HOME LIFE
DC Chamber of Commerce Awards........................
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT Red Cross Ball..............
INSIDE HOMES
HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC
Red Cross Salute to Service Gala..............................
Colombian Ambassador Juan Carlos Pinzรณn ................
Kennedy Center Honors.........................................
OVER THE MOON Not Just Horses ...................
Honoring Smokey Robinson .................................
Wine Country Harvest Ball ....................................
Sustained Dialogue Institute Awards ..........................
PERFORMING ARTS Roe v.Wade On Stage.........
REAL ESTATE NEWS The Trumps Are Coming .... OPEN HOUSE NewYear, New Home.................... MY WASHINGTON CNN's Dana Bash ..............
Parties, Parties, Parties! ...........................................
TOP FROM LEFT: On Shantel: TABANDEH crystal flexible snake necklace ($635) Tabandeh, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-244-0777. DAVID YURMAN starburst triple drop earrings ($13,500) David Yurman, CityCenterDC, 924 Palmer Alley NW, 202-682-0260. KENNETH JAY LANE big green stone ring ($95) kennethjaylane.com. On Megan: ELIZABETH COLE choker and earring set; elizabethcolejewelry.com. SOPHIE BLAKE three row moss green and rhodium finish ($250) sophieblake.com. (Photo by Tony Powell) Hans Op De Beeck, The Frozen Vanitas, 2015. Fondazione Berengo, Venice, Italy (Image Courtesy of Boca Raton Museum of Art). Photo of Donald Trump, Melania, Ivanka and Jared Kushner by Patrick McMullan, MARC JACOBS hand to heart leather crossbody ($250), saksfifthavenue.com. COVER PHOTO BY TONY POWELL
6
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
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
Virginia Coyne SENIOR EDITOR
Kevin Chaffee DEPUTY EDITOR
Erica Moody ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Catherine Trifiletti CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Roland Flamini COPY EDITOR
Evan Berkowitz COLUMNISTS AND CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Janet Donovan, Patrick McCoy,Vicky Moon, Stacey Grazier Pfarr and Donna Shor ART DIRECTOR
Matt Rippetoe PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Tony Powell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Joy Asico,Tony Brown, Ben Droz, Alfredo Flores,Vithaya Phongsavan, Kyle Samperton, Erin Schaff and Jay Snap
PUBLISHER & CEO
Soroush Richard Shehabi SALES AND MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE
John Arundel ADVERTISING ASSISTANT
Rita Khawand BOOKKEEPER
Michelle Frazer WEB TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT
Eddie Saleh,Triposs Mihail Iliev LEGAL
Mason Hammond Drake, Akerman, LLP
FOUNDER
Vicki Bagley CREATIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS (*)
J.C. Suarès CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE BOARD
Gerry Byrne Washington Life magazine publishes ten times a year. Issues are distributed in February, March, April, May, June, July/August, September, 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 ©2011 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. *deceased
EDITOR’S LETTER
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
M
omentous political change comes to Washington perhaps only once in a generation. This took place in 1933 when Franklin D. Roosevelt was sworn in as president in the middle of the worst depression in the nation’s history. It happened again in 1953 when Dwight D. Eisenhower’s election swept away 20 years of “New Deal” Democratic rule, and then again in 1981 after the landslide victory of Ronald Reagan and the advent of the “Reagan Revolution.” Donald J. Trump’s election will likely herald change just as much as those of his storied predecessors. The nation’s capital, which voted 94 percent for his rival, was taken aback by the results and this caught us by surprise just as it did everyone else. But out of that surprise came a challenge, especially in light of our long-planned editorial mission to learn as much as we could about those who would be taking charge of the nation regardless of who won. With that in mind we asked contributing editor Roland Flamini to lead our effort to compile an “insider’s guide” to the incoming Trump administration similar to the one we produced when President Obama took office eight years ago. After extensive research and discussions with inside sources, we’ve come up with a list of many of the individuals you will need to know in the months and years ahead, including members of the Cabinet, White House staff, national security and foreign policy advisors and members of the first family who are likely to play vital roles. We also asked journalists what it was like to cover a candidate who broke all the rules and interviewed CNN Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash about her experience on the campaign trail for our My Washington feature. Additionally, our in-depth take on everything Trump includes a look at where key members of his administration, and family members, will be living. With all the focus on politics, it’s easy to forget the artistic side of Washington, but we always make an effort to include the arts community. Flip to Lifestyles for our interview with Pascal Blondeau, the French photographer and performance artist who now calls Washington home. Renowned violinist Joshua Bell comes to town for six days in February as a Kennedy Center Artist-in-Residence to perform in the world premiere of “The Man with the Violin,” a concert based on
10
the children’s book about his famous incognito performance outside a Washington Metro station in 2007. We’ve all heard of Roe v. Wade, but how much do you know about the women at the center of the case? Playwright Lisa Loomer brings their stories to life in “Roe,” now playing at Arena Stage. We chatted with her about humor in writing, artistic choices and what else? Donald Trump. In the spirit of post-holiday detoxing, we also put together a roundup of our favorite workouts and then ranked them by sweat level. With all the buzz about the MGM Resort and Casino’s grand opening, we not only covered its extravagant opening party, but explored the three celebrity chef eateries there helmed by Marcus Samuelsson, José Andrés and the Voltaggio brothers in our Dish column. For our fashion feature, we decided to zoom in on spectacular jewelry that is sure to take a neutral ensemble to the next level. Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, you’ll want to focus on the heart prints and ruffles to help dress for romance with the festive items in our trend report. We also celebrate love with our Weddings feature, a look back at four of the most memorable marriages of area residents in 2016. Congrats to the happy couples! We’re thrilled to share party pictures from our joint 25th anniversary party with Cafe Milano in addition to many WLsponsored events including the D.C. Chamber of Commerce Gala, Kara Kennedy Brunch and the White Hat and Lab School galas. Stay tuned next month for our coverage of the inauguration and the flurry of parties surrounding it.
Nancy R. Bagley Editor in Chief
Readers wishing to contact Nancy Bagley can email her at nbagley@washingtonlife.com
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
FYIDC The Insider’s Guide to Washington BY ERICA MOODY
FANCY FOOTWORK
CARDIOVASCULAR COMMUNITY Mark your calendar for the American Heart Association’s annual Heart Ball, chaired by David and Barbara Humpton.This year’s theme is “Heart of the Community” and the gala will include dinner, dancing, special presentations, live and silent auctions, and the memorable “Heart After Dark” after-party. The event supports “local community outreach efforts to educate the public about heart disease, stroke and the effects of childhood obesity.” The Mandarin Oriental, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., dcheartball.com, #DCHeartBall.
VALENTINE’S DAY AT THE HAY
AMOROUS EVENING
Step Afr ika!’s third annual showcase at the Strathmore will coincide with Black Histor y Month when traditional Afr ican dance for ms and the percussive dance styles practiced by African American fraternities and sororities come together in one unique and engaging performance. Proceeds support Step Afrika!’s efforts to educate young people and promote cross-cultural understanding. Included in ticket sales is a free pre-concert lecture held at MANSION. Feb. 12, The Strathmore, $35-75, Call 301-581-5100 to order.
THE HEART BALL
SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES ART COURSES
CRAFTY CLASSES Start the new year by getting your creative juices flowing with special studio art and art history classes offered by Smithsonian Associates. In January, take a beginners oil painting course comprising eight threehour afternoon sessions that include lectures, demonstrations and hands-on learning inspired by museum works. A range of sculpture, photography, drawing and mixed media classes also begin in January and run for eight weeks. Learn more at smithsonianassociates.org; Courses are generally $235 for members, $285 for non-members; S Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW.
ARIANA GRANDE AT VERIZON CENTER
POP PRODIGY
Catch a major pop star on her “Dangerous Woman” tour with Little Mix and Victoria Monet. In addition to having the fourth most followed Instagram account in existence, the 23-year-old Floridian has some serious vocal talent. Feb. 27. 8 p.m.,Tickets start at $57, verizon.centerwashingtondc.com.
12
Act now to reserve Valentine’s Day dinner with your best buddies or favorite couples. The award-winning Hay-Adams is offering a one-night-only experience for 10 couples or 20 singles to book a gorgeous rooftop event space offering panoramic views of the White House. The allinclusive package is priced at $4,000 and must be booked by Feb. 6. It includes a three-course meal by executive chef Nicolas Legret and a private bar. Feb.14. Call 202-638-6600 or visit www.hayadams.com.
DC RESTAURANT WEEK
DELICIOUS DEALS
It’s the time of year Washington foodies live for. Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week allows diners to experience the hottest restaurants in the District at a fraction of the cost. Enjoy special three-course, prix fixe meals at participating restaurants. Lunch and brunch are $22 and dinner $35 at select participants including Oyamel, Jaleo, Ruth’s Chris, Equinox, Morton’s the Steakhouse, The Riggsby and many more. Reserve your table now. Jan. 30-Feb. 5, ramw.org.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
ST E P AF RI K A ! P H OTO BY TO N Y P OW E L L , CO U RT E SY I M AGE S
STEP AFRIKA! STEP XPLOSIoN
FYIDC | THE DISH
MGM’S HOLY TRINITY Menu favorites from celebrity chefs at the newly opened resort and casino BY C AT H E R I N E T R I F I L E T T I
O
wners of the MGM Resort & Casino at National Harbor didn’t want to play roulette with their dining options. Suffice it to say Marcus Samuelsson, the Voltaggio brothers and JosÊ AndrÊs were safe bets, all successful restaurant moguls in their own rights. AndrÊs centered his menu around seafood, while Samuelsson opted for a Southern comfort angle and the Voltaggio brothers put a contemporary spin on steakhouse favorites. We asked the celebrity chefs to highlight the menu must-trys that best embody their carefullycrafted concepts. Our take:These bites alone make a visit to MGM worthwhile. >>
MARCUS MARCUS SAMUELSSON DISH HELGA’S MEATBALLS & MAYA’S WARM BEEF TARTARE The New York chef who brought his Ethiopian cooking to Harlem with the famed Red Rooster was excited to be part of a large project that created jobs in a predominantly African American community. At the MGM, his menu centers around comfort food. In addition to his signature Whole Bird Royale (a fried chicken party, as he calls it), Samuelsson is excited for guests to sample Helga’s Meatballs and Pasta – an homage to his grandmother, who taught him how to cook at a young age. Meatballs made of foïe gras, beef and veal are served alongside pasta shells in a savory tomato sauce flecked with chopped olives and capers – similar to a puttanesca. Samuelsson also plugs his warm beef tartare appetizer laced with the East-African spice berbere, a variation of his wife Maya’s recipe of the traditional Ethiopian raw beef dish called kitfo. Like the tartare, many dishes are inspired by Samuelsson’s heritage, but tweaked to fit the tastes of the demographic at hand.
14
Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse’s Wedge Salad
Fish’s Seafood Sausage
FISH JOSÉ ANDRÉS DISH GOLDEN TROUT & SEAFOOD SAUSAGE Perhaps no local chef is more trusted than the household name JosĂŠ AndrĂŠs. Beyond being a magician in the kitchen, AndrĂŠs understands his Washington audience. He is not afraid to experiment because he knows his biggest fans are willing to take the culinary journey alongside him.At Fish, he and his team experimented with a seafood sausage, testing many variations before achieving the desired texture and flavor by filling it with grouper and pork fat. Served with mustard, sauerkraut and homemade rolls, it appeals with the familiarity of a traditional sausage. For less adventurous diners, AndrĂŠs recommends the no-frills grilled Golden Trout, calling it the “perfect example of what we are doing at Fish,â€? giving credit to both the local waters of the Chesapeake Bay and his simpler side.
VOLTAGGIO BROTHERS STEAK HOUSE BRYAN AND MICHAEL VOLTAGGIO DISH WEDGE SALAD & BONE-IN RIBEYE For fans the sixth season of “Top Chef,� this restaurant is a long overdue partnership for the brothers who have separately found restaurant success – Bryan in Frederick, Md. with Volt and Michael with his popular on-trend eatery Ink in Los Angeles. Bryan says the new concept “puts modern takes on steakhouse classics.� One such example is the highly Instagram-able and Boomerang-able wedge salad topped with pickled onions, tomato jam and a generous sprinkle of Gorgonzola snow (a powerhouse blend of tart, sweet and savory). Michael would like to direct diners’ attention to the dry-aged steaks, citing the hearth as the soul behind bold and flavorful cuts of beef. Coal made in-house elevates tender ribeyes to new heights and speaks volumes about the restaurant for which there are no neglected details.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
P H OTOS BY TO N Y B R OW N ; H E A D S H OTS BY M AT T D U T I L E , A A R O N C L I M AG E AN D CO U RT E SY P H OTO.
Marcus’ Helga’s Meatballs and Pasta
FYIDC | INNOVATORS AND DISRUPTORS
DEMOCRATIZING DATA SCIENCE
From the RNC to education reform, rapidly growing startup Crowdskout helps organizations magnify their message. BY ERICA MOODY
it, see holistic prof iles of every touch point you’ve ever had with a supporter or customer or voter and then manipulate those to build up audiences, visualize them in charts and graphs and take action on them.” Targeted marketing is increasingly important in a time when people are so inundated with content, Caldwell says. In addition to the RNC, presidential campaigns including Carly Fiorina’s utilized Crowdskout during the primaries. Other clients include education reform, nonprofit groups and trade associations trying to move legislation. Crowdskout allows organizations to cut costs on staff since they don’t have to build the software themselves, saving them money in the end. With high-profile clients and such an Crowdskout’s Lucy Caldwell, George Yates and Zach Christenson (Photo by Tony Powell) accessible product, it’s no surprise that it’s become one of the fastest growing e’re a nonpartisan firm,” co-founder Zach Christenson is startups in the District. At the time of this story, Christenson, quick to say when asked about Crowdskout’s connection to Yates and Caldwell were packing up to move to a larger office at Donald Trump. But had the startup provided the “secret software” CityCenter (overlooking the courtyard!) and were in the process to the GOP team that helped fuel a Trump victory? of nearly doubling their 22-person staff. For a company that It’s true, Christenson says, that his data management and launched in 2013, that’s a pretty big success story. marketing platform counts the RNC among its clients. “Our “We’re technologists first and foremost,” Christenson replies software was powering all the field operations happening during after being asked what sets them apart. On top of building the last election cycle. We had over 1,000 RNC staffers using it on excellent, useful software, the tight-knit team is driven by a desire a daily basis.” to democratize data science. What the RNC was able to do with Crowdskout was track “It sounds cheesy, but regardless of anyone’s political relationships with donors and supporters, all by logging into one background, a thing we all believe in is maximizing speech,” handy location that’s easy for staffers with even minimal technical says Caldwell. “We’re just building software that allows any sophistication to use. “We’re taking tools that were otherwise organization to make their voice heard or to make their supporters unobtainable for the general public and allowing anybody at any voices heard.” level of the organization to be able to do that algorithm,” co-founder INNOVATIVE THOUGHTS George Yates explains. Senior vice president Lucy Caldwell elaborates: ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS “In any given organization you have a fundraising team and a “Everyone has ideas, but it really comes down to field team. You have door-knocking data, phone calling data, social execution. You have to do it and stop talking about it. and digital and direct mail data, all scattered across an organization. Just get moving.” – Zach Christenson Crowdskout allows you to warehouse it all in one spot, combine
W
16
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
FYIDC | INNOVATORS AND DISRUPTORS
THE MAN WITH THE VIOLIN Joshua Bell returns to Washington for a Kennedy Center residency and the world premiere of a concert inspired by his 2007 incognito performance on the D.C. Metro. BY VIRGINIA COYNE
W
children. The artist will visit a school, perform in a “Gourmet Symphony” where music is paired with locally sourced cuisine (“Food is my second favorite hobby,” enthuses Bell) and conduct the National Symphony Orchestra. The week culminates with the world premiere concert of “The Man with the Violin,” based on the acclaimed children’s book by Canadian author Kathy Stinson, whose story was inspired by the 2007 Washington Post experiment in which Bell went unrecognized while playing his Stradivarius outside a Metro station. The report earned writer Gene Weingarten a Pulitzer Prize, gave birth to countless lectures and sermons about taking time to appreciate beauty in the world, and left Bell with even wider name recognition. “Not a
day goes by that someone doesn’t ask me about it,” he says. Even as he admits he wouldn’t mind distancing himself from the association with the Metro experiment, he relishes the fact that children have been so taken by the story. His sons, one age 9 and 6-year-old twins, will be at the “Violin” premiere, having been instilled with Bell’s belief that “music and art are absolutely essential for becoming a human being and having a fulfilling life.”
P H OTO BY FA D I L B E R I S H A
hen renowned violinist Joshua Bell touches down in Washington in early February for a six day stint as artist-in-residence at the Kennedy Center, it will mark the start of a rare multiday stay in a single city. In January alone, New York-based Bell performs in Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, England, Florida and California to promote his newest album “For the Love of Brahms.” Bell says he’s on the road more than 300 days a year, a schedule he has maintained for more than three decades. “My life is pretty crazy,” the father of three admits. “I feel like I’m constantly spinning plates, like those circus acts. Either that or the “I Love Lucy” episode with the conveyer belt. But I seem to thrive on that.” His Feb. 6-12 collaboration with the Kennedy Center, where he first performed at the age of 17, coincides with the venue’s commemoration this year of the centennial of John F. Kennedy’s birth. The in-town respite will also allow him to showcase different skills and feed his passion for sharing classical music with
18
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
POLLYWOOD The Nexus of Politics﹐ Hollywood﹐ Media and Diplomacy | Embassy Row, Sustained Dialogue Institute Awards, Hollywood on the Potomac and more!
Bo Derek and Fred Ryan at Washington Life and Cafe Milano’s 25th Anniversary Party. (Photo by Tony Powell)
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
21
Franco Nuschese, Nancy Reynolds Bagley, Soroush Shehabi and Camron Shehabi
POLLYWOOD
TH ANNIVERSARY
Bob Johnson and Lauren Wooden Kathleen Biden, Kosovo Amb. Vlora Citaku and Hilary Rosen
WASHINGTON LIFE & CAFE MILANO’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY Cafe Milano | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL AND BEN DROZ CELEBRATING A MILESTONE Two institutions celebrated a quarter century in the way that suits them best – a glitzy bash abuzz with political and media heavyweights, top diplomats and various other Washington A-listers. While Washington Life was covering the capital’s who’s who over the years, the Italian restaurant’s owner, Franco Nuschese, was dutifully feeding them. Nuschese, Washington Life Editor-in-Chief Nancy Reynolds Bagley and Publisher Soroush Shehabi warmly welcomed more than 500 guests who enjoyed cocktails, a raw bar overflowing with jumbo shrimp and briny oysters and an impressive array of carved meats, pastas and salads. Dr. Jill Biden stopped by to extend her best wishes, soon followed by screen legend Bo Derek, who was seen chatting with Washington Post Publisher Fred Ryan. As the evening wrapped, the hosts looked out over the fashionable crowd, thanked them for coming and raised a glass to the next 25.
David Corn
VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Kate and Jim Lehrer
Abigail Adams Greenway
Amy Baier and Chris Isham
Laurent Menoud and Aniko Gaal Schott
22
Sarah Tanguy and Carlotta Hester
Catherine Reynolds and Roxanne Roberts
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Bobbie Brewster and Maestro Philippe Auguin
U A R Y | washingtonlife.com | J A N U A R Y - F E B R Bill McSweeny, Ann Hand, Dorothy McSweeny and Lloyd Hand
Roland Flamini with Prince and Princess Selassie Patricia Harrison, Anita McBride and Tammy Haddad Jonathan Silver and Jack Davies
Jordanian Amb. Dina Kawar and Rima Al-Sabah
Colombian Amb. Juan Carlos Pinzon, Pilar Lozano, Mary Ourisman and Bishop Mario Dorsonville
Edi and Carlos Gutierrez Wolf Blitzer and Michelle Kosinski
Dr. Jill Biden and Julie Kent Annie Totah and Michael Pillsbury
Kyle Samperton and Ann Stock
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Buffy and Tony Miles
Janet Langhart Cohen, Bill Cohen and Museum Director Lonnie Bunch
Kimberley Doyle, Parita Shah, Amb. of Monaco | J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com Maguy Maccario Doyle and Chief of Protocol Peter Selfridge
23 and Chris Bernadini, Sam Feist Lauren Culbertson
POLLYWOOD
TH ANNIVERSARY
Jane and Calvin Cafritz Fred Ryan Jane Hitchcock and Jim Hoagland Bret Baier
Michael Clements and Anchyi Wei
Lyndon Boozer and Don Sweitzer Juleanna Glover, Magdalena Wahid and Deborah Sigmund
Ashley Taylor Bronczek, Candace Ourisman and Kristin Cecchi Anna and John Mason Susan Hurley Bennett and Bo Derek
24
Giuseppe and Mercedes Cecchi
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Sachiko Kuno
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com Farah and Dino Pampillonia
George and Liz Stevens William F.X. Moody and Dana Landry
Doug and Anne Brinkley
Dadi and Farinaz Akhavan
Joe and Reg Stettinius
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Mehrdad Youssefiani and Roya Hakimzadeh Youssefiani
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Grover Norquist
25
POLLYWOOD | EMBASSY ROW
Blank Pages and Operatic Changes A new administration upends the status quo on Embassy Row; the Opera Ball votes for change BY ROLAND FLAMINI
Sachiko Kuno, Nobuko Sasae and Japanese Amb. Kenichiro Sasae at the 2015 Opera Ball
S
uddenly, there’s a lot to talk about in Washington diplomatic circles. Foreign embassies have had to toss aside the largely predictable Hillary Clinton playbook and are now staring at the blank pages of an incoming presidency that is already full of surprises. Regional caucuses of ambassadors such as the European Union group have been holding meetings to parse Donald Trump’s foreign policy actions and appointments, and contactstarved Washington embassies have launched “charm offensives” on key appointees and aspiring wannabes. Example: In early December, Colombia’s ambassador, Juan Carlos Pinzón, gave a dinner for about 200 guests honoring Rudy Giuliani for having “lent his expertise” (the ambassador’s words) to fighting crime in Colombia. But the former New York mayor was then also seen as the front-runner to become Trump’s secretary of state. Giuliani did not get the Cabinet post he wanted and is said to have refused other offers, but he is still someone whom the incoming administration could call on for advice. In the discreet scramble to learn the thinking of Trump’s key foreign policy and secu-
26
rity appointees, one leading Washington think tank scheduled a meeting for its members with Trump’s nominee for head of the National Security Agency, retired Army Gen. Michael Flynn, but the general canceled at the last minute, citing other commitments. Embassies are also faced with the increasingly likely prospect of dealing with two versions of the White House – the one on Pennsylvania Avenue and Trump’s much larger and more lavish personal residence in New York’s Trump Tower. For an unusually frank diplomatic assessment of the president-elect, there’s the British Embassy view, apparently dispatched to London the day Trump won and equally promptly leaked to the British press, that Trump was “above all an outsider and unknown quantity, whose campaign pronouncements may reveal his instincts, but will surely evolve, and particularly be open to outside influence, if pitched right.” Exposed to unintended public scrutiny, the embassy’s view may be embarrassing but is not that far from reality. The authenticity of the message, which has not been challenged, goes on to boast that the British Embassy in Washington had better Trump contacts than any other embassy. But it was Japa-
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
nese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who met with Trump within days of the presidential election. British Prime Minister Theresa May is reportedly not due to visit Washington until February. Irritation at the British Embassy’s assessment may have prompted the president-elect to suggest that “many people” would like to see Nigel Farage, former leader of the pro-Brexit party U.K. Independence Party and a strong Trump supporter, as the British ambassador to Washington. In typical Trump fashion, this highly unorthodox suggestion did not identify which people. The British government replied that there was “no vacancy” in Washington. Ambassador Sir Kim Darroch has been in place since the summer. On a Different Note: The Opera Ball, arguably Washington’s grandest occasion, is no more – at least as we’ve known it for the past 60 years. The time-honored sequence was for different embassies to offer dinner to ticket holders who then converged on another embassy – usually a major one – for the actual ball. The new arrangement outlined recently to ambassadors reverses that sequence. The reformatted celebration will start with drinks at the Kennedy Center followed by a special performance, presumably operatic. Patrons who still have the energy will then disperse to the embassies for a late dinner. The new formula seems to leave little room for the dancing component of the evening, which raises the nagging question: Can it still be called a ball? But here’s a thought: Given that change is in the air, why not bid goodbye to the embassy dinners altogether and hold the Opera Ball in its entirety at the Kennedy Center Opera House? The Vienna State Opera, for example, has been hosting its Opernball since the 19th century. Each year, almost overnight, the opera auditorium is turned into a ballroom, with a dance floor at stage level. Foreign embassies could participate by supplying the food and drink.
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Alfred Liggins and Dewey Hughes
Vincent Orange Ernie Jarvis and Tammy Darvish WL SPONSORED
DC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS Marriott Marquis | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL CHAMBER’S CHOICE More than 1,000 community and business leaders turned out in black-tie to honor the local business community. Former city councilmember Vincent Orange, the D.C. Chamber of Commerce’s new CEO, presided over the awards dinner alongside gala co-chairs Tammy Darvish and Ernie Jarvis. Honorees included developer Doug Jamal and Radio One’s Alfred Liggins and Cathy Hughes. MAYORAL SIGHTINGS: Mayor Muriel Bowser and former Mayor Tony Williams also came to salute the District’s homegrown businesses.
Tony Williams
VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Estelle Lloyd, Linda Boyd, Mila Kofman and Tonya Kinlow
Katrina Frolov and Ron Dellums
Janelle Morris, Justin Silvers and Brittany Osazuwa
Stacey Lincoln and Linda Currie WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Suzanne and Doug Firstenberg
Janene Jackson, Tiffany Rose and Leila Batties 27
POLLYWOOD
KENNEDY CENTER HONORS
KENNEDY CENTER HONORS The Curtain Closes on the Obama Era. J A N E T D O N O VA N | R E D C A R P E T P H O T O S B Y T O N Y P O W E L L
28
Staples told us. “These ribbons – that means I made it. I made it baby.” Three of President John F. Kennedy’s grandchildren – Jack, Rose and Tatiana Schlossberg – made an appearance onstage to touchingly remind the audience of the centennial of their grandfather’s birth, which the Kennedy Center will be commemorating throughout 2017. “The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates the spectacular talents of artists whose brilliance has left a lasting impact on our society,” said Kennedy Center Chairman David Rubenstein , who also presented the Obamas with a golden ticket to attend Kennedy Center performances in perpetuity. But an undercurrent of anticipation about how the Honors would be different under a Donald Trump presidency seemed to permeate the night. Host Stephen Colbert set the tone early,
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
welcoming guests with: “Good evening, endangered swamp dwellers.” We asked performers and audience members for their thoughts about the honorees, the performances and the politics. Aretha Franklin, who brought down the house the year before with her rendition of “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman” in honor of 2015 honoree Carole King was asked if she would be performing at the inauguration of President-elect Trump, if invited. Her answer: “That’s a good question. That’s a very good question.” “Politics and art is always a complicated place,” said Colombian musician Juanes, who performed “Hotel California” during the Eagles tribute. The Eagles were to receive Kennedy Center Honors last year, but their award was postponed when co-founder Glenn Frey took ill and died a month later. Don Henley, Timothy Schmit and Joe Walsh received Kennedy Center medallions with
I
t was the eighth and final Kennedy Center Honors of the Barack Obama presidency, and the commander-inchief, who has attended the show each year since taking office, and Gucci-clad first lady Michelle Obama received several standing ovations. The audience and guest presenters, including former president Bill Clinton , Sheryl Crow and Ringo Starr , seemed to applaud the first couple as much as the five honorees at this 39th annual national celebration of the arts. This year’s honorees, who were feted at the White House immediately before the blacktie event and at the State Department the night before, were Argentine pianist Martha Argerich, rock band the Eagles, screen and stage actor Al Pacino, gospel and blues singer Mavis Staples and musician James Taylor. “This is history-making because this is the last time this will happen with this president, so I’m really happy and I’m really honored,”
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
P H OTOS BY TO NY P OW E L L
Michelle and Barack Obama with David Rubenstein at the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors. (Photo by John P. Filo courtesy CBS)
Jeff Goldblum and Emilie Livingston James Taylor Al Pacino
Laurence Fishburne Joe Walsh and Marjorie Bach
Timothy Schmit and Jean Schmit
Aretha Franklin
Sheryl Crow
Mavis Staples
Frey’s widow Cindy Millican. Debra Allen and Phylicia Rashād did the sister thing on the red carpet, both pushing strongly for the arts no matter who leads the country. Allen said she doesn’t view Trump’s presidency as a threat. “The arts is something that is non-partisan.” “CBS This Morning” co-anchor Gayle King, who sat in the presidential box, preferred to leave politics out of it. “I think the Kennedy Center Honors is always a special night,” she enthused. “It pays tribute to the talent that we have in this country. It’s people that you know. It’s people that maybe you forgot about. It just illustrates once again the wonder of the United States of America. I love it.” Skirting around the political discussion, we asked King about recent traffic pattern changes in Manhattan. “You know how the traffic is in New York. Listen, you want the President-elect to be safe. So, if we have to have a little traffic jam, so be it.” Asked
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Phylicia Rashad and Debra Allen
whether she thought celebrities would show up on Inauguration Day, King said: “I don’t know. Listen, it’s a brand new day. It’s a brand new ball game. It remains to be seen.” R&B musician Sam Moore is apt to give Rick Perry some competition in the energy department – he wants to tell Hillary Clinton supporters to “just quiet down now and stop. It is what it is. Whether you agree or not, he’s here. Give him a chance … He didn’t put himself there. He campaigned and won. A lot of people don’t understand this.” The consensus among the artists: support for the office of the presidency and no concern that Mr. Trump’s administration would negatively impact the arts. The after party: Guests went wild and pulled out their iPhone when James Taylor visited the back tables (near the press area) to thank musicians and producers. It was a also a chance for Sen. Debbie Stabenow to grab a word with her friend.
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Rose, Tatiana, and John Schlossberg
Ringo Starr
29
POLLYWOOD
Berry Gordy, Colleen Ochoa Peters and Sen. Gary Peters
CeeLo Green
WL SPONSORED
HONORING SMOKEY ROBINSON
Rep. Debbie Dingell and Smokey Robinson
Hay-Adams Hotel | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ YOU REALLY GOT A HOLD ON ME The Library of Congress pulled out all the stops to celebrate the awarding of its annual Gershwin Prize for Popular Song to Smokey Robinson for work that has “significant and uplifting influence on the world of music and our society as a whole.” On the eve of an all-star concert in his honor, VIP guests gathered at an intimate dinner to celebrate the legendary star and his music. “He expressed ordinary themes in extraordinary ways,” Motown founder Berry Gordy said of his 50-year collaborator. “He wrote the soundtrack of our lives.”
Buffy Cafritz and Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden
Finlay and Willee Lewis with Susan Eisenhower
VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Carolyn Young, Denise Mitchem and Judith Terra WL SPONSORED
Ronald Mason with Rise and Carl Cole
SUSTAINED DIALOGUE AWARDS National Press Club | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
Andrew Young
POWER OF CONVERSATION The Sustained Dialogue Institute hosted its third annual Dialogue Awards to recognize individuals who embody diplomacy and effectively use discourse to foster relationships on U.S. soil and across the globe. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg received the National Dialogue Award for her lifetime commitment to liberty, justice and thoughtful analysis of the law, while Susan Carmel was honored for efforts to strengthen U.S. cultural relations, specifically with Russia. Rev. Mark Farr spoke about the implications of broken dialogue: “Too many people have lost their capacity or their will to listen thoughtfully, to talk respectfully, and to relate constructively,” he said, adding that this was “damaging our civic life, our personal interactions and our learning processes.”
James and Marjorie Billington VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
30
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Sarah Abreu and Christine Shaughnessy
Gala Chairmen David Trout and Paul Innella
WL SPONSORED
WHITE HAT GALA
Carly Snyder and Nicholas Blue
National Building Museum | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL HATS OFF Washington’s cyber security community gathered for an annual event that combines networking with fundraising to benefit Children’s National Hospital. This year’s gala theme centered around “Casino Royale,” using the tagline “Betting on our Kids” to emphasize the important mission at hand. Some guests tried their luck at craps and blackjack while others kept an eye on silent auction prizes that included a customized three-course dinner party for 10 friends from Occasions caterers.
Brooke Daniels, Brett Lambo and Katie Randall
Tom and Susan Billington with Kurt Newman VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Scott Gilbert, Ben Cain and Karen Chandler Cain Jane Chu
Jocelyn Augustino and Jessamyn Sarmiento
Dave Matthews, Sarah Stephens and Carlos Varela WL EXCLUSIVE
CENTER FOR DEMOCRACY IN THE AMERICAS ANNIVERSARY The Hamilton | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
Karina Gutierrez and Sarah Aburdene
ROCKING OUT FOR CUBA Jam band legend Dave Ma hews joined Cuban singer-songwriter Carlos Varela at the Center for Democracy in the Americas’ 10th anniversary bash at the Hamilton. More than 300 guests gathered for tunes and discussion on how to improve U.S. relations with Cuba. “Maybe music does not change politicians, but it can touch the hearts of people,” Varela told the audience before an upbeat performance. Former Environmental Protection Agency chief Carol Browner and Center for Democracy in the Americas executive director Sarah Stephens also spoke. “Fixing the policy on Cuba is joyful, important work,” Browner said. “The climb has become a little steeper, but I believe were are going to win ...” VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
31
POLLYWOOD
Alexandra Chalupa, Nora Maccoby and Meredith Fineman Chris Dodd and Rob Reiner
Woody Harrelson and Lynda Johnson Robb WL SPONSORED
‘LBJ’ SCREENING The National Archives | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ A PRESIDENT REVEALED During a private screening of “LBJ” actor Woody Harrelson, who plays the title role, was seen laughing alongside the 36th president’s eldest daughter, Lynda Robb. The film’s director, Rob Reiner, was pleased with her high spirits, expressing to the audience post-screening that Robb’s opinion of the biopic was paramount. The viewing was a reunion of sorts for administration staffers who included Johnson administration chief of protocol Lloyd Hand and current and past members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, including Sen. Susan Collins and Chris Dodd
Sparkle Warthen and Will Lowery
Sally Marx and Toni Marx VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot with hosts Kathleen and Chris Matthews Gabriella Smith WL EXCLUSIVE
MARK SHRIVER BOOK PARTY Mark Shriver
Chris and Kathleen Matthews Residence, Chevy Chase PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
TRANSCENDING FAITH Once disillusioned with his church, Mark Shriver came out of his “Catholic funk” after a new pope arrived on the scene three years ago and his recent book, “Pilgrimage: My Search for the Real Pope Francis,” chronicles the pontiff’s journey from humble parish priest to the world’s most powerful religious leader. “It’s less a historic book and more a story of his friends and colleagues,” Shriver told guests, adding that he preferred to focus on Francis’ “faith, humility and mercy.”
Timothy P. Shriver Jr. and Sam Shriver
Margaret Carlson and Eden Rafshoon
VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
32
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Kay Redfield Jamison
“All the dress shops are sold out in Washington. It’s hard to ďŹ nd a great dress for this inauguration.â€? - President-elect Donald Trump to The New York Times, Jan. 8. 2017
Von Packard and Ibby Jeppson
Jennifer Johnson-Calari and Toniqua Hay
Sophia Nash and Mary Noble Ours
WL SPONSORED
CAPITAL CLUBHOUSE GALA DAR Constitution Hall | PHOTOS BY TONY BROWN FILLING THE VOID One in four people worldwide suffer from mental illness, a crisis situation that Clubhouse International is working to address by creating a welcoming environment with 333 clubhouses worldwide. These spaces help those with mental illness participate in their own recovery and offer a place to socialize, work and recover. The group’s event supporting efforts to open a clubhouse in the District was an evening of inspiration that included a discussion with author, mental health expert and Johns Hopkins professor Kay RedďŹ eld Jamison, whose book, “An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness,â€? brought new understanding to the reality of bipolar disorder. Members of the benefit committee included Ann Cri endon, Leslie Cockburn, Ma hew Arnold, Jane Rosenthal Cafritz and Nora Pouillon. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Don’t worry! We have it covered. Luxury couture made in America
B
orn in Cuba, Rene Ruiz immigrated to the United States with only the dream of forging the premier source of luxury couture made entirely in the USA. Striking the perfect balance between old-world craftsmanship and modern glamour, Rene Ruiz blends Miami’s sultry sexiness with a graceful elegance. Filling the void in the luxury dress market, the Rene Ruiz collection reects a level of style and standard for quality that remains unmatched. The Rene Ruiz collection is now available at the newly-opened Georgetown Atelier and at exclusive specialty stores nationwide and throughout the globe. The Georgetown shop showcases one-of-akind custom couture, ready-to-wear, bridal and men’s collections and can be visited Monday through Saturday.
RENE RUIZ BOUTIQUE . 4USFFU /8 s *O UIF IFBSU PG (FPSHFUPXO 8BTIJOHUPO %$ $BMM GPS BQQPJOUNFOUT Derry Haws and Andrew Cockburn
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Matthew Arnold, Elizabeth Littlefield and Melinda Becker
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
www.reneruiz.net 33
34
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
PIECING TOGETHER
The insiders guide to Trumpland DONALD TRUMP PORTRAIT BY TONY POWELL
I
n naming his cabinet President-elect Donald Trump has come up with one surprise choice after another with the flourish of a magician pulling a succession of rabbits out of a hat. And yet not so surprising. Even before taking office Trump is fulfilling at least one campaign promise, namely to appoint successful businessmen to help him run the country – a dozen billionaires and millionaires to make the incoming administration the wealthiest in modern history. His frequent campaign boast that he had the support of the military’s top brass has resulted in the nomination of three generals, one of them as secretary of defense, a post hitherto held by a civilian as counterweight to the military high command in the decision making process. Few members of Trump’s team have ever been in government but Washington is not new to political neophytes of one kind or another. In an earlier age, Vice President Lyndon Johnson was bragging to the legendary Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the House, about John F. Kennedy’s brilliant young team.The longest serving speaker in American history paused, then said, “I’d feel a whole lot better about them if just one of them had run for sheriff once.” But President Jack Kennedy had been a senator, and marinated in politics practically from birth. In the incoming Trump administration, the learning curve starts in the White House. Business is not government; diplomacy is not high finance. The nation is about to learn whether the unquestionable abilities of Trump’s nominees (those who are confirmed) are as transferable as Trump thinks they are. As F. Scott Fitzgerald told Ernest Hemingway, “The rich are different from you and me, Ernest.”To which Hemingway replied, “Yes, they have money.” But is it that simple? How this very well-heeled group of appointees fits in with Trump’s appeal to the underclass is anybody’s guess. Also open to question is how much time First Lady Melania Trump plans to spend in Washington.The incoming administration has already made it known that Donald
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Trump’s wife will remain at their New York home until the end of their son Barron’s school year. But according to some reports, Melania is likely to remain an absentee first lady even after that, ensconced in the Trump Tower, and coming to Washington for particular occasions and events. But daughter Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner are moving to Washington; and Trump has named his sonin-law a White House senior advisor following advice from lawyers that the government’s anti-nepotism law does not apply to the executive branch. Kushner’s areas of interest are expected to include the dormant Middle-East peace process. Meanwhile, in foreign policy terms, the list of what’s in and what’s out for the United States is rapidly changing: “Out”– or teetering on the brink – are multilateralism, current and future trade agreements, the One China policy, the American intelligence community, the Iran nuclear deal, Atlanticism, the special relationship with the UK and European relations generally, an unquestioned commitment to NATO, estrangement from Moscow, and the two-nation solution to the Israeli-Arab issue. “In” are unilateralism, chumminess with Moscow, Taiwan, bilateral trade deals, tighter rules for entry to the United States, and stronger support for Israel. Domestically, Obamacare is out, as are the Paris climate accord, amnesty for illegal immigrants, alternative forms of energy, government regulations. In are tax cuts, infrastructure, closer scrutiny of Muslims and Hispanics, law-and-order, fossil fuels, the Wall and fake news. Looming over Trump’s appointments is the confirmation process. It will take at least one Republican defector to block a cabinet nomination, an embarrassing setback that has not happened since 1989. The conventional wisdom is that the nomination hearings will be lengthy but none will be blocked. But then the conventional wisdom was also that Donald Trump would lose.
35
SPEC CIA AL FE ATURE | TRUMPLAND
VICE PRESIDENT
ATTORNEY GENERAL
JEFF SESSIONS The affable two-term Alabama junior senator picked by Trump to be his attorney general shares the president-elect’s tough line on immigration enforcement, and law-and-order. Sessions is also likely to oppose the further legalization of marijuana, which he calls “a very real danger.” That is, if he can get past the confirmation hurdle. In 1968, the Senate rejected his nomination for a federal judgeship because of racially charged comments and actions.
SECRETARY OF STATE
MIKE PENCE
REX TILLERSON
The vice-president-elect was the most experienced politician in the Trump campaign. Pence came on board with several long-time staffers and advisors and managed to bring off the remarkable feat of staying aloof from Trump’s aggressive style, while at the same time earning the candidate’s trust. Some think he could end up as chief operating officer running the Trump White House.
Trump’s nominee for secretary of state is CEO of the energy giant ExxonMobil, one of the world’s largest and globally influential corporations. Example: Chad, the oil-producing African country, receives $20 million in U.S. aid (through the State Department), but $500 million from Exxon in royalties, and with the money goes influence. Tillerson’s confirmation hinges on whether he can reassure a nervous Congress about his closeness to Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
HOMELAND SECURITY
JOHN F KELLY Trump named retired Marine General Kelly to head the Department of Homeland Security. As the head of Southern Command Kelly was responsible for military relations with Central and South American countries and had a major role in combating the infestation of drug cartels and related crime. Kelly is the only senior American military officer to have lost a child in combat: his son, Marine Lt. Michael Kelly, was killed in Afghanistan in 2010.
THE CABINET
36
HUD SECRETARY
TRANSPORTATION
BEN CARSON
ELAINE L CHAO
The retired pediatr ic neurosurgeon who ran for president initially said (through a spokesman) that he didn’t feel he had the government experience to run a federal agency. But Trump nominated Carson secretary of housing and urban development. The same spokesman cited the surgeon’s “personal history in public housing” as a qualification. More to the point perhaps, Carson is the cabinet’s only African-American.
Transportation secretary nominee Chao is Trump’s only pick from among former Republican cabinet officers. She was George W. Bush’s secretary of labor, but is not new to transportation issues, having been deputy transport secretary in the Bush Sr. administration. In effect, Trump has put Chao in charge of one of his most important campaign promises – rebuilding America’s infrastructure. Taiwan born, Chao is married to Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
HHS SECRETARY
TOM PRICE If Donald Trump was looking for a cabinet secretary to help him dismantle Obamacare “he couldn’t have found anyone more prepared” than GOP Rep. Tom Price of Atlanta, commented the New York Times. The health and human resources secretary designate has been leading the offensive against the Affordable Care Act in the House since before it was passed in 2009. He has his own plan which the GOP currently embraces as a possible substitute.
EDUCATION
BETSY DEVOS Her nomination as education secretary was bad news for supporters of the public school system. Why? The Michigan billionaire has been a long time financial supporter of charter schools and vouchers for schooling in private and religious schools. Trump has said he will commit $20 billion to advancing charter schools. DeVos may have a rough confirmation passage – but it won’t be because of her brother, Eric Prince, who founded the occasionally controversial Blackwater security firm.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
S E L ECT H E ADS H OT BY GAG E S KI D M O R E V I A W I K I M E D I A CO M M O N S
PART I
DEFENSE
JAMES N MATTIS As a military commander President Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense was known for his forceful approach in military tactics, good judgement, and blunt speech. If confirmed, “he will bring a voice of reason to the White House,” the New York Times said of him. Extremely well read, he used to take into combat a copy of “Meditations” by the Roman philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius to help distance himself mentally from the battle.
EPA
LABOR
SCOTT PRUITT
ANDREW F PUZDER
A climate change rejectionist has been named to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Pruitt, attorney general of energy rich Oklahoma, has emerged as a point man for opposition to climate change warnings and concerns. His nomination reflects Trump’s own vow to dismantle the EPA, and puts in doubt America’s continued adherence to the Paris climate accord and other international environmental commitments.
The President-elect has picked for labor secretary a millionaire fast-food chain owner who has opposed raising the minimum wage, increasing the eligibility for overtime payments, paid sick leave, and Obamacare. Union leaders who supported Trump are left wonder ing how nominating Puzder, a big campaign donor who is CEO of Carl’s Jr and other chains, squares with Trump’s promise to improve the lives of the American working class.
ENERGY
RICK PERRY In 2016, he was a failed contestant in “Dancing with the Stars,” but for 12 years before that Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Energy was governor of Texas and a twotime Republican presidential candidate. Perry is a strong backer of the oil industry, and shares Trump’s enthusiasm for making America’s energy independent. If confirmed, he’ll serve a president he once called “a cancer on conservatism.”
THE CABINET PART II
COMMERCE
INTERIOR
WILBUR ROSS
RYAN ZINKE
Trump’s pick for secretary of commerce has made billions resurrecting ailing companies and making them profitable – including steel and coal companies, the industrial areas Trump wants to revive. Ross’s critics, however, call him a “vulture investor” and cite instances when he has made companies profitable at the expense of jobs. Like Trump, the 79-year-old businessman is also a strong critic of free trade agreements.
The congressman from Montana and much decorated Navy Seal commander is Trump’s nominee for secretary of the interior. As such he will administer 500 million acres of federal land and 400 national parks. He supports the transfer of federal public land to the states, but like Trump he also favors giving priority to more oil, gas, and coal exploration. “Energy independence” was his 2014 campaign slogan.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
UNITED NATIONS
U S TRADE REP
NIKKI R HALEY
ROBERT LIGHTHIZER
When Donald Trump named Haley, the daughter of Sikh immigrants, to head the U.S. mission to the United Nations her relatives and friends in India prayed for her success in the Golden Temple at Amritsar. Haley, who was born Nimrata Randhawa, is the two-term governor of South Carolina and a rising star in the GOP, but brings no foreign policy experience to one of diplomacy’s most challenging jobs.
In picking Lighthizer as U.S. trade representative, a cabinet post, Trump has strengthened his economic team’s tough trade posture to China. In the past, Lighthizer has been critical of what he regards as China’s unfair trade practices. A former deputy trade representative in the Reagan administration, Lighthizer also has a long career defending protective tariffs for U.S. industries under strong challenge from imports, notably steel.
| J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
37
SPEC CIA AL FE ATURE | TRUMPLAND
CHIEF OF STAFF
REINCE PRIEBUS Reinhold Richard (Reince) Priebus was the longest serving chairman of the Republican National Committee in history (2011, 2013, and 2015). He mobilized a field force of campaign workers that the GOP eventually put at Trump’s disposal. An early Trump supporter, he was the intermediary between Trump and a skeptical party, and will continue to perform that key function as the White House chief-of-staff. Speaking of performing, Priebus is an outstanding jazz pianist.
CHIEF STRATEGIST
SENIOR COUNSELOR
STEPHEN K BANNON
KELLYANNE CONWAY
As chief strategist, he will be the yin to Priebus’s yang in the Trump White House.Trump has said they will have “equal positions,” which seasoned White House watchers say could be disruptive. Bannon is a fast-talking right wing, antiestablishment maverick with a checkered background that includes stints as a Goldman Sachs banker, a Hollywood executive (he is part owner of the TV show “Seinfeld”), and more recently Breitbart News, the crusading, right-wing populist website.
Another influential Trump aide in the White House. The Washington Republican pollster originally joined the Trump campaign in that capacity, but took over as campaign manager following the departure of Paul Manafort – a position in which she was a watchword for loyalty to Trump and highly visible on his behalf. She turned down the communications director job, but will still move into the White House as senior counselor.
CHIEF OF OPERATIONS
JOE HAGIN He spent 14 years as a White House aide, seven of them as deputy chief-of-staff to George W. Bush – from 2001 to July 2008. Pr ior to Karl Rove’s departure in 2007, Hagin’s dayto-day power rivaled that of Rove. He is considered likely to be back there as chief of operations during the Trump presidency.
WHITE HOUSE PART I
SPEECH WRITER
38
V P CHIEF OF STAFF
STEPHEN MILLER
JOSH PITCOCK
All that chanting of “Build the wall” as he warmed up audiences at Trump campaign rallies has paid off for Stephen Miller who, in one of the earliest White House appointments, was named senior policy advisor and speech writer. Before joining the Trump campaign Miller was chief-of-staff to Sen. Jeff Sessions.
Josh Pitcock has gone up in the world with his former boss. He was Pence’s chief-of-staff when Pence was in the House. Later, he remained in Washington as Indiana’s lobbyist, reporting to the governor.When Pence was picked as vice presidential candidate, Pitcock became his campaign advisor. To no one’s surprise, Pitcock now has his old job back – on the vice president’s staff.
PRESS SECRETARY
V P STAFF
SEAN SPICER
NICK AYERS
In late summer, RNC chairman Priebus loaned communications director Spicer to the Trump campaign. The loan soon became permanent with Spicer forcefully defending Trump’s actions and pronouncements to the media on and off television. His subsequent appointment as White House press secretary was one of Trump’s more predictable transition decisions, and when Jason Miller withdrew as national communications director Spicer scooped up that title as well – at least for the time being.
Unusually, Vice Presidentelect Pence was allowed to bring his own team to the Trump campaign including well-connected Republican strategist Nick Ayers, now all set for a senior vice-presidential staff post. A former executive director of the Republican Governors Association, Ayers had run Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty’s failed presidential bid in 2012 but had later masterminded the election of Illinois Republican Governor Bruce Rauner.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
MARC SHORT Short is another member of the Pence team integrated into the Trump campaign with the vice president-elect. In the campaign he served as Pence’s communications advisor. As director of legislative affairs he will be Trump’s liaison with Capitol Hill, responsible for pushing his political agenda. Earlier in his career, he ran the Koch brothers political operation, and has close ties with some deep Republican pockets.
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
GENERAL COUNSEL
DAN SCAVINO
DONALD MCGAHN
You would expect a director of social media to be young and maybe nerdy, but Trump’s is a 42year-old family man who became the President-elect’s caddy at 16 and his risen through the ranks of the Trump business organization. Scavino doesn’t always have advance knowledge of Trump’s tweets, but he is always on hand to defend or expand them – or to take the rap for them, as he did more than once in the campaign.
Trump’s nominee for White House general counsel earned the President-elect’s trust as the campaign’s main lawyer. It was McGahn who arranged Trump’s famous meeting in March with two-dozen top Republicans, and it was held in the Washington offices of McGahn’s law firm, Jones Day. Ironically, Jones Day has a reputation for pro bono work among Hispanic immigrants
TRAVELING MEDIA
STEPHANIE GRISHAM If the Trump campaign had had a bus, she would have been the girl in charge. Trump’s favorite mode of transport was his plane, but as campaign press director, Grisham was still responsible for the traveling media, and she is expected to remain in that role in the White House. Grisham came to the Trump campaign from the Arizona House of Representatives where she was press secretary.
WHITE HOUSE PART II
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
PUBLIC LIAISON
HOPE HICKS
OMAROSA MANIGAULT
”Oh yeah, sure,” Donald Trump said when asked whether Hope Hicks, the campaign press secretary would be following him to Washington. Hicks, who will be White House director of strategic communications, joined the Trump organization in 2014 to handle public relations for Ivanka Trump’s fashion line, and was pitched into the campaign without a day’s experience in politics when Trump decided to run for president.
She was fired by Trump on television in “The Apprentice” and hired by him as White House director of communications for the office of public liaison. That mouthful of a title means she will head a community outreach effort. Omarosa was a prominent African-American in his campaign and a self-styled representative of the disaffected minority. This is her second White House experience: she worked in the presidential personnel office under Clinton.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
OMB DIRECTOR
INTL NEGOTIATIONS
MICK MULVANEY
JASON DOV GREENBLATT
The South Carolina congressman chosen by Trump to run the Office of Management and Budget is a fiscal conservative who has spent four terms combating government spending in the House and famously railing about it on Facebook, along with progress reports about his garden. Mulvaney will be a key player in some of Trump’s main campaign priorities, including increased defense spending, updating the infrastructure, which is expected to require $1 trillion, and tax reform.
As special representative for international negotiations, Trump’s real estate attorney of nearly 20 years will be in charge of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict deadlock, U.S. relations with Cuba and, presumably, ongoing trade agreement talks such as the long-drawn Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership talks with the European Union. Greenblatt, who is Jewish, was cochair of the Trump campaign’s Israel Advisory Committee that shaped the President-elect’s pro-Israel policy.
| J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
39
SPEC CIA AL FE ATURE | TRUMPLAND
OVAL OFFICE OPS
DIR OF COMMUNICATIONS
JESSICA DITTO A seasoned GOP operative, she worked on Kentucky Tea Party conservative Governor Matt Bevin’s campaign for which Jason Miller, Trump’s director of communications, was a consultant. In September, Ditto joined the Trump campaign as Miller’s deputy. Her finest campaign hour: denouncing as “totally baseless” reports that Trump had mocked beauty pageant winner Alicia Machado – even as video tapes showed otherwise.
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
KEITH SCHILLER
RICK DEARBORN
In a move observers say is unprecedented in recent history and could cause security problems, Trump is bringing his security director, Keith Schiller, into the White House. Schiller has watched the President-elect’s back since he was hired as a part-time bodyguard nearly 18 years ago. Former members of the Secret Service, which is normally tasked with protecting the president, say the appointment could lead to confusion and even endanger the president.
A former chief-of-staff to Alabama GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions, Dearborn is tasked with overseeing cabinet operations and legislation. Two days before Christmas, as executive director of the Trump transition he had to quell unrest among campaign workers being passed over for White House jobs. Dearborn warned them that White House jobs were limited and urged them to apply to other federal agencies.\
DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF
KATIE WALSH She was chief-of-staff of Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus and will follow her boss into the White House. When Trump was nominated the GOP offered the support of its organization and resources and Walsh acted as liaison between the Republicans and the Trump campaign – reportedly holding her own in sometimes heated meetings with Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
WHITE HOUSE PART III
DIRECTOR OF ADVANCE
40
RESEARCH DIRECTOR
GEORGE GIGICOS
RAJ SHAH
Gigicos is one of less than a half dozen Trump staffers who survived the whole campaign. The owner of a public relations and event planning corporation, he was Trump’s advance man and organizer of his mass rallies from day one. The Alabama native (but of Greek origin) has been appointed White House director of advance.
The Indian-American (his parents immigrated from Mumbai) will retain, as a deputy assistant to the president, the same position he had in the GOP – but presumably with different objectives. In the campaign, Shah headed the opposition research operation, digging up dirt on Hillary Clinton for use in the Trump campaign.
PRESIDENTIAL PERSONNEL
POLITICAL DIRECTOR
JOHN DESTEFANO
BILL STEPIEN
A longtime GOP operative, DeStefano was a political aide to former House Speaker John Boehner, but he is perhaps better known in the party for his work in creating the GOP vote field and political database, an area in which the Republicans had lagged behind the Democrats for years.
A former senior staff member of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Stepien was fired by Christie as part of the fallout of the Bridgegate scandal. Christie said he had “lost confidence” in Stepien’s judgement, even though the latter was not indicted. Stepien’s political career was rescued by Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who brought him into the campaign, and advanced him successfully for the senior post of political director.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
SAM CLOVIS The rotund conser vative Republican in Iowa politics who was co-chairman of the Trump campaign and chief policy advisor has said he will remain close to the Trump administration, but in his home state.Whether he would go back to teaching business at the small college where he had tenure is open to question. The college publicly disowned him when he supported Trump’s call for the expulsion of all Muslims and expunged his biography from its website.
NEWT GINGRICH
RUDOLPH GIULIANI
Depending on whom you talk to, Gingrich is either a disappointed man who was passed over for a cabinet post because his (and his wife’s) over-assertive manner grated with Trump’s inner circle, or the former speaker opted voluntarily to remain on the fringe, offering advice and support to the incoming administration. Some of his recent observations were promptly shot down by the President-elect suggesting that he’s not as close as he would have people believe.
With him it was secretary of state or nothing. The former New York mayor and one of Trump’s most vocal supporters in the campaign made no secret of wanting to run Foggy Bottom. When it was clear that he wouldn’t get it, he told Trump he wasn’t interested in any other cabinet post. He has, however, said he remains “a close friend and advisor” of the President-elect.
ADAM FALKOFF As one of Donald Trump’s trusted confidants, the 20 year political veteran and CapitalKeys CEO was an early strategic advisor during the campaign and transition. He has known the Trump family for a decade in Palm Beach and New York, and has helped the President-elect form his new government. He also raised $1.2 million for the campaign and the inaugural. Word is he could be tapped as U.S. chief of protocol.
POLITICAL ALLIES & WASHINGTON SUPPORTERS
SHELDON ADELSON
PETER THIEL
Sheldon Adelson, the mercurial billionaire casino magnate (Las Vegas, Sands) and one of the major contributors to GOP campaigns, supported every other Republican presidential candidate. But as each one withdrew in succession, he was left with Donald Trump. Having ascertained that Israel would have a strong ally in Trump he ploughed at least $10 million into the Trump campaign and sent a personal letter to his fellow Jewish Republicans urging them to back Trump..
Billionaire investor Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and board member of Facebook, broke ranks with the titans of Silicon Valley by supporting Trump, speaking on his behalf at the Republican convention, and pledging $1.2 million to his campaign. Named to the transition team, Thiel arranged the December summit of top Silicon Valley executives in a reconciliation attempt with the President-elect who had reviled them in his campaign speeches.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
REBEKAH MERCER
COREY LEWANDOWSKI
The New York heiress and major Trump supporter is considered an influential member of the transition team’s executive committee. Intensely private, she is rarely seen at Trump Tower but insiders say her strong input is felt through Stephen Bannon, (whose Breitbart has her lavish backing), The Her itage Foundation conservative think tank (where she is a board member), the Federalist Society, and the familyowned Cambridge Analytica.
Trump’s former campaign manager has launched a political consulting firm in Washington to “help on the outside,” he says. Lewandowski formed the firm when it was clear there was little chance that would help on the inside, with a job in the administration. His abrasive personality had antagonized too many key people for that to ever happen. But insiders say he still has Trump’s ear, and would likely be consulted.
| J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
41
SPEC CIA AL FE ATURE | TRUMPLAND
DEP NATL SEC ADVISOR
KATHERINE TROIA “K T ” MCFARLAND
NATL SECURITY ADVISOR
MICHAEL T FLYNN The retired Army lieutenant general nominated as the president’s national security advisor and head of the national security council may have endeared himself to Trump when he led the chants of “lock her up” at the Republican National Convention this summer. Like the presidentelect, Flynn, who, before being reportedly eased into disgruntled retirement, was director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, is also a hard liner against what he calls “radical Islam.”
She was Fox news national security analyst before Trump appointed her deputy national security advisor, but she has more experience in the area than many of Trump’s other nominations and appointees have in theirs. McFarland was an aide to Nixon’s secretary of state, Henry Kissinger, and later Pentagon deputy spokesperson under Reagan. She sought to run against Hillary Clinton for the New York senate seat, but pulled out before the primary.
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
DAN COATS The evidence of Russian interference in the election may be indisputable, but Trump still thinks that only “stupid people and fools” would oppose a good relationship with Moscow. Yet he appointed former Indiana GOP Sen. Dan Coats, a vocal critic of Russia, as director of national intelligence. Coats, who rebuked President Obama for not imposing tougher sanctions following the 2014 annexation of Crimea, will coordinate the 16agency intelligence community Trump likes to ridicule.
CIA DIRECTOR
MIKE POMPEO To head the Central Intelligence Agency, an object of his frequent disparagement and skepticism, Trump has nominated the Kansas congressman who is said to have impressed him with vehement opposition to the Iran nuclear deal and his persistent belief that Hillary Clinton organized a cover-up of the Benghazi attacks. West Point graduate Pompeo’s first test of the political impartiality of the agency will be his handling of intelligence charges of Russia’s interference in the presidential campaign.
FOREIGN POLICY AND SECURITY
42
NSC EXECUTIVE SEC
HOMELAND SECURITY
KEITH KELLOGG
THOMAS P BOSSERT
He is the fourth general named to Trump’s administration and will be chief-of-staff and executive secretary of the National Security Council under Gen. Flynn. A hardliner on Iran, Kellogg advocates more robust action against ISIS. After retirement he was a senior member of Paul Bremer’s disastrous U.S. occupation administration in Iraq, and more recently has held top jobs in the sometimes shadowy, complex, and hugely profitable world of defense contractors including Cubic Corporation.
In naming Bossert assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism Trump has effectively restored the cyber specialist to the assignment he had in the Bush administration. A supporter of the Iraq war – which Trump says he was not – Bossert will have the same stature as the president’s national security advisor, Michael Flynn. The general’s remit covers international security issues, while Bossert will focus on the domestic security threat.
NATIONAL SECURITY CMONICA CROWLEY
VINCENT VIOLA
Like Trump, the Fox analyst and sometime Washington Times opinion writer had a field day with the Obama “birther” theory. She has also criticized the outgoing administration for not being tough enough on Islamic radicals. As the newly-appointed senior director of strategic communications at the National Security Council she will advise the president on a variety of secur ity issues, presumably including a tougher approach to Islamic radicals.
To be secretary of the army, Trump has picked a West Point graduate turned Nymex trader in later civilian life and then built up the world’s largest electronic trading firm, Virtu Financial (market capitalization $2.2 billion). “Vinnie” Viola has maintained his ties with the army through the foundation of West Point’s respected Combatting Terrorism Center. The Florida Panthers, the ice hockey team, which he bought in 2013, undergoes rigorous training at the military academy.
ARMY SECRETARY
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
KOREA EXPERT
NATIONAL SECURITY
WALID PHARES A Lebanese Maronite who, while in Beirut, had ties with the hard line Christian militia at the height of that country’s Chr istian-Muslim civil war, Phares is a Trump campaign foreign policy advisor (and a Fox News analyst) who is widely expected to join the White House national security council. In books and interviews he advances the view that Islamic fundamentalists have infiltrated U.S. government agencies and are corroding democracy.
AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL
VICTOR CHA
DAVID FRIEDMAN
Trump’s transition team is expected to appoint the former George W. Bush administration Asia director at the National Security Coucil to a State or Defense Department post handling Korean and Japan relations. Cha is an expert on Korea and Japan and is currently senior advisor at the Center of Strategic and International Studies, the Washington think tank and a professor at Georgetown University.
Trump’s appointment of his lawyer as ambassador to Israel is in line with the President-elect’s determination to break with long-standing U.S. policy in the region.The Israeli newspaper Haaretz says Friedman is “more far right in his views than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.” He is not a supporter of the two state solution, and doesn’t think the settlements are an obstacle to peace. According to Trump’s campaign promise, Friedman will oversee the move of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
AMBASSADOR TO CHINA
TERRY BRANSTAD The Iowa governor has known China’s President Xi Jinping since 1985, when the Chinese leader visited Iowa on an agricultural exchange, and calls him “an old friend.” A good start, but can that friendship survive Trump’s hard line on China, vowing to push back against what he calls China’s unfair economic practices, and establishing early contact with Taiwan?
FOREIGN POLICY AND SECURITY PART II
I
f nothing else, Donald Trump’s intelligence briefing on how President Putin ordered a campaign to help him win creates problems for his friendly Russia policy. His appointment of the highly respected former Indiana Senator Dan Coats as his director of national intelligence – seen as an attempt to atone for his earlier derision of the intelligence community – didn’t help either. Coats was a sharp critic of Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. Trump’s subsequent tweet that “only stupid people” or “fools” would think that “having a good relationship with Russia” was a bad thing was more consistent with the President-elect’s open admiration for Vladimir Putin and his stated desire for good bilateral relations. And Putin has tried to help the budding romance along by halting
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
the usual retaliation by Russia when the Obama administration expelled 35 Russian embassy staffers in response to the election sabotage – a move which Trump described as ”smart.” But it remains to be seen how Trump can sell improving the existing strained relations between Washington and Moscow. Lifting or easing the U.S. sanctions in place against Russia would meet strong opposition from GOP lawmakers as well as Democrats. He can argue that the bigger threat lies in a globally ascendant and more openly aggressive China, and the United States cannot afford to simultaneously antagonize both Moscow and Beijing. Throughout the campaign Trump has identified China as the aggressive trading rival that needs to be checked -- a posture that could lead to an
| J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
early economic confrontation. Another area of tension in Asia is North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, which Trump has pledged to stop. Trump, who understands the usefulness of creative tension – playing off rival groups against each other – in his business dealings would easily grasp the strategy of keeping Russia friendly while he engages China. Hence, for example, his nomination of Texas oilman Rex Tillerson, who has close personal ties with Putin, as his secretary of state. But in addition, say Trump watchers, the President-elect feels he can deal with the Russians because he married two women with Slavic backgrounds, and that probably leads him to believe that he understands the way the Eastern European mind works.
43
SPEC CIA AL FE ATURE | TRUMPLAND
FIRST LADY
MELANIA TRUMP Trump’s wife, Melania, is only the second wife of an American president to have been born outside the United States. The first was John Quincy Adams’ English wife Louisa. Melania, born in Slovenia, plans to remain in New York for the foreseeable future so as not to interrupt her son Barron’s schooling. Louisa Adams lived in the White House, was an accomplished harp player, wrote satirical plays, and raised silk worms.
DAUGTHER
SON-IN-LAW
IVANKA TRUMP
JARED KUSHNER
Trump’s daughter by his Czechborn first wife Ivana is listed as a member of the transition’s executive committee. Along with her two brothers, she sat at the head of the table when Trump met Silicon Valley technology executives recently. Ivanka has found a house in Tracy Place in Northwest Washington and the family plans to move there soon.
Ivanka’s husband is also listed as a transition executive committee member and and will be a senior White House advisor to his father-in-law in the new administration. The New York Times called him “the closest thing to a steadying influence” on Trump. Harvard-educated, he has no foreign policy experience, yet the President-elect has said Kushner, an Orthodox Jew, could become involved in the Middle East peace process.
SONS
DONALD JR AND ERIC TRUMP Also officially members of the transition team. Donald Jr. and Eric were present at the so-called tech summit along with Ivanka. Donald Jr. was said to have been involved in picking the secretary of the interior. The Trump brothers are reportedly taking over the running of Trump’s sprawling business empire, but possible conflictof-interest issues still need to be cleared up regarding the Presidentelect’s own involvement.
THE FAMILY
W
hile President Trump is expected to move into the White House following the inauguration, his wife Melania will remain in the Trumps’ palatial New York home until the end of their son Barron’s school year, in late May, with occasional forays to Washington as and when her presence is required. Daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, are moving to a large house on Tracy Place and are expected to descend upon the District immediately. The current conventional wisdom is that Ivanka will be as active in the White House as far as anti-nepotism laws allow. Trump’s two women played different roles in his campaign. Melania made occasional appearances on the road, speaking rarely.When she did accompany Trump to his big rallies she was an unfailingly glamorous,
44
smiling, but rather distant presence. Ivanka was more hands-on. At the Republican convention in Cleveland it was she who introduced her father after he won the nomination. It was often Ivanka who toned down for the media some of her father’s more outlandish campaign statements. And it was Ivanka who in November joined the President-elect for his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Politico magazine called her, “the heir apparent of the Trump organization.” Ivanka, said Politico, has become “a more palatable version of her father … where he trusts his gut, she trusts a thoughtful, deliberate process.” Both women have central European roots. Born in Slovenia, a part of former Yugoslavia, Melania still speaks English with a marked
accent. She dropped out of college to become a model at a time when the end of the Cold War opened up the fashion world to a wave of exotic, young women with striking Slavic features from former communist countries. Ivanka is the daughter of Trump’s first wife, Ivana, who was born in Moravia, the Eastern region of the Czech Republic. After decades in the U.S., Ivana’s mittel Europa accent remains unshakeable. Ivanka, however, is as American as an expensive East Coast private school and the Wharton School of Business can make her, with no trace of Czech, and reportedly scant knowledge of her mother’s native language. As for Melania, “when she decides what platform she is going to prioritize, she will be a very powerful and impactful first woman,” Ivanka says.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
HEALTHCARE ANDREW BREMBERG A former senior official in the Department of Health and Human Services from 2001-2007, he was advisor to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell when he joined the Trump transition team to handle health-related appointments. He is expected to have a key role in Trump’s attack on Obamacare.
HEALTHCARE PAULA STANNARD
MEDICARE/ MEDICAID SEEMA VERMA
She was deputy general counsel to the Department of Health and Human Services, and is now a senior member of Alston Bird, Bob Dole’s law firm, which lists health policy as one of its strengths. She is a member of the Trump transition team and is expected to have a key role in the administration’s plans for regulating drugs and medical devices, and to repeal or replace the Affordable Care Act.
Another with a Pence background, Verma will head the Medicare and Medicaid Services under Tom Price. In making the appointment, Trump called the pair a “dream team” at health and human resources; critics tend to see them as more of a nightmare. Verma was the architect of a Medicaid reform for Price in Indiana which extended medical care to poorer people, but makes them pay a portion.
ADVISOR ANTHONY SCARAMUCCI The dapper hedge funder set to become another senior advisor was also a host and contributor of Fox Business Network. “The Mooch,” as he is known on Wall Street was originally a member of Jeb Bush’s national finance committee. He shifted his support to Trump, had a senior role in the transition, and is set to join the White House staff. And oh, he is yet another former Goldman Sachs alumnus.
DOMESTIC POLICY
SENIOR ADVISOR A J DELGADO The Cuban-American Harvard trained lawyer joined the Trump campaign as a senior advisor and is expected to keep the same title in the administration, engaged in outreach among Hispanics. A frequent television surrogate for Trump in the campaign, she was reported by Politico and others to have had an affair with senior communications advisor Jason Miller which led to him declining nomination for a top White House post.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
DNC CHAIR RONNA ROMNEY MCDANIEL
OUTREACH DARRELL SCOTT
IMMIGRATION KRIS KOBACH
It was Rev. Darrell Scott, pastor of the New Spirit Revival Center in Ohio’s Cleveland Heights, who made the fiery speech supporting Trump at the GOP convention. Scott, who first met Trump at a prayer meeting years earlier, campaigned for Trump in the black community, and was later part of the transition team. He is expected to continue to handle outreach to African Americans. His title could be “Minority Outreach Liaison” or “AfricanAmerican Liaison.”
The immigration hard liner devised the “your papers please” laws which criminalized “driving while brown” in Arizona. His “Crosscheck” initiative purged some 1.2 million voters from the rolls in Republican-run states. He devised the National Security Entry-Exit Registry following 9/11. Trump’s campaign adviser on immigration and the wall, thus far he has not been offered an administration job, reportedly because some Trump advisers are concerned about his extreme views.
| J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Cur rently Michigan GOP chairwoman, a Trump supporter, and Mitt Romney’s niece, she will take over the Republican National Committee in January. Her appointment by Trump represents a victory for Reince Priebus who advanced her candidacy against Bannon’s anti-establishment challenger, Nick Ayers.
45
SPEC CIA AL FE ATURE | TRUMPLAND
COMMERCE SECRETARY
TODD RICKETTS November was a very good month for Chicago businessman Todd Ricketts. The Chicago Cubs, which he co-owns, won the World Series, then Donald Trump nominated him deputy secretary of commerce. The Ricketts were converts to the Trump campaign following the failure of their earlier support of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. Ricketts’ father Joe earned Trump’s tweeting wrath when he launched Our Principles PAC to combat Trump., but it didn’t stop his son from getting the nod.
W H TRADE COUNCIL PETER NAVARRO
ECONOMIC ADVISOR CARL ICAHN
The University of California/ Irvine professor was one of the authors of Trump’s economic plan, and a strong supporter of the President-elect’s tough line on China. Navarro will head a new trade council in the White House providing advice on trade negotiations and re-vitalizing domestic manufacturing. Navarro proposed a 43 percent tariff on Chinese imports: Trump made it 45 percent. In his writings Navarro predicts that war with China is “very likely.”
The 80-year-old investor, prominent Wall Street figure and long-time Trump supporter will focus on advising the Presidentelect on dismantling government regulations which they both feel have hampered business. In making the Icahn announcement a transition team statement said it was “time to break free of excessive regulation and let our entrepreneurs do what they do best: create jobs and support communities.”
SBA DIRECTOR LINDA MCMAHON The founder and ex-CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment had a ringside seat for Donald Trump’s victory, or more precisely a balcony seat at the president-elect’s headquarters from which she tweeted “What a night” and congratulated her longtime friend. Now she’s Trump’s nominee to head the Small Business Administration, a cabinet post. McMahon, who has two unsuccessful senate bids to her name, expressed her friendship by contributing $6 million to a Trump super PAC, Rebuilding America Now.
THE ECONOMY
46
ADVISOR STEPHEN MOORE
SEC CHAIRMAN JAY CLAYTON
With Kudlow, Moore wrote Trump’s tax plan (much criticized for benefiting the rich), and also had a hand in drafting the President-elect’s energy program. Moore, a former member of the The Wall Street Journal editorial board was chief economist at the Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank that is close to Trump. Following Trump’s election he has been sent to the Hill to spell out Trump’s economic plans to GOP lawmakers.
When Ted Cruz was still in the running for president Trump called him a “puppet” of Goldman Sachs because his wife Heidi was employed by the investment firm. The President-elect has now nominated Clayton, a Wall Street lawyer, to head the banking regulatory organization. Clayton’s wife is a private wealth advisor at Goldman Sachs. Some believe this means Trump’s nominee will have to recuse himself from issues involving the largest investment banking firm in the country.
ADVISOR LAWRENCE KUDLOW
NEC DIRECTOR GARY COHN
Lawrence Kudlow, a conservative supply-side economics commentator (for CNBC) who in his writings famously rejected the impending 2007 financial meltdown (“There ain’t no recession”) was Trump’s economic advisor throughout the campaign and is likely to be a member of the national economic council.He has spoken in support of Trump’s border wall, and denying Muslims entry into the U.S..
After months of denouncing Goldman Sachs, the powerful global investment bank, Donald Trump has named its president and CEO to head the national economic council, which coordinates the White House economic agenda. Cohn has been president for the past decade. In raiding Goldman Sachs the anti-Washington and anti-establishment President-elect is following a well-worn path. Robert Rubin and Stephen Friedman, two recent heads of the national economic council both came from the same banking house.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
COVERING TRUMP
Journalists reflect on the campaign of 2016 – and the candidate who won the race despite breaking all the rules.
How was this campaign different than others you’ve covered?
Has Mr. Trump been fair to the press?
steve handelsman
national correspondent, nbc news channel
“It was a lot different. From day one, [Trump] broke every norm of policy: Demonizing Mexico and China, promising a wall, opening the door to using nukes and cozying up to Russia. He also broke every norm of behavior: Deriding opponents with nasty nicknames, lying about what he and they said, and using fake news attacks (like linking Ted Cruz’s father to the JFK assassination or charging that Hillary Clinton suffered serious medical problems, wore a hidden earpiece, was a founder of ISIS and the largest lie — that she illegally destroyed 30,000 emails). On top of that, Trump broke norms of accessibility. In the early months doing interviews with many reporters, coming into the ‘spin rooms’ of debates (a first) and seeming to enjoy the back and forth, while, at the same time, at his mass rallies, he would call reporters ‘scum’ and ‘liars.’ Then, of course, he flipped and now he is inaccessible.“
john roberts
white house correspondent, fox news channel
nikki schwab
u.s. political reporter, dailymail.com
“In New Hampshire, I was with Trump when he mouthed to the crowd that exporters of American jobs can ‘go f*** themselves.’ Even though he only mouthed the four-letter word, that was political rhetoric that I hadn’t previously heard — and evidence that Trump as a candidate could get away with more than your average politician.”
What was it like to cover the Trump campaign? eli stokols
national politics reporter, politico
“Every day, you knew you were witnessing an amazing moment in our politics. And yet, journalistically, it was a challenge, both to capture the spectacle of it and to determine how to cover a candidate who, because of his unpredictability and mendacity, was truly an asymmetrical target. With every crazy tweet or demonstrably false statement, you would always be asking yourself: ‘How much attention do we give this? How do we characterize the falsehoods?’ Because Trump provokes such strong emotions on all sides, and because he antagonized the media and proved so skilled in creating his own alternate reality apart from our objective fact-checking and reporting, it was difficult to calibrate how oppositional to be, how much to emphasize that he was actually ‘lying’ or ‘distorting reality.’”
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| j an u a r y - fe b r u a r y
2017
| washingtonlife.com
olivia nuzzi
political reporter, the daily beast
“It’s easy to forget now, but those rallies — in particular the nighttime rallies — really were like rock concerts. People were drinking and sometimes fighting, often people looked like they might be there on a date. So, when he would direct this crowd to boo or hiss or scream at the media or at specific reporters, it could sometimes feel actually dangerous — and of course, in some cases it was. There’s little reason to believe he’ll act any differently in the White House, and the implications are terrifying.”
“I think he was more than fair to a lot of people – and unfair to some others. But I also think that the majority of the press wasn’t particularly fair to him either. Through most of the primary season and the general election, he was constantly on defense against stories that in some cases, appeared designed to simply hurt his candidacy. At the same time, he has a rich personal history that demands to be looked into. I think what the press failed to realize is just how much dissatisfaction there is across the country with politics as usual. A huge number of people didn’t care about what Trump had done in the past, or what he was saying during the campaign. They only cared about what he would do to improve their lives if he became president. That said, I think there were several occasions when Trump took it too far when using the press as a foil at campaign events. There were a couple of times when it looked like things might turn very ugly. Trump treated it like a game – which I don’t believe was appropriate – but it certainly worked to his advantage.”
47
SPEC C IA A L F E AT URE | TRUMPLAND
What to expect of Melania Trump’s style over the next four years BY C AT H E R I N E T R I F I L E T T I
H
ow will Melania Trump’s role as first lady affect her fashion choices, if at all? We know her style aesthetic won’t unfold in a vacuum since many leading designers have already stated they will not dress her. To dissidents like Tom Ford, having Melania wear his label would be symbolic of a concession to Donald Trump’s beliefs, which he says stray far from his own. Such fighting words have come from outspoken fashion icons standing up against Trump’s controversial positions on myriad of hot button issues. Sophie Thalleat published her refusal in an essay saying “The rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia unleashed by her husband’s presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by.� Despite the key sartorial names missing from her wardrobe, other designers have announced that they deeply respect the f irst lady’s position and graciously welcome the opportunity to contribute to their country’s fashion image. Tommy Hilfiger, for example, told Women’s Wear Daily “any designer should be proud to dress her,� and doesn’t think “people should become political about it.� Cynthia Rowley also spoke to WWD referencing a broader point about consumerism being a choice. Melania Trump can wear whatever she wants. And she will. Her arrival to the White House (figuratively, of course) is unique considering her previous life. Fashion designers won’t need to vie for Melania’s eye because high-end fashion houses and couture brands have been in her style vocabulary since she was a supermodel wearing bold names on the runway. Her penchant for on-trend wares make her a trendsetter in her own right with few fashion blemishes dotting her past. There was little debate about her campaign emsembles as she opted for safe, f igure-f lattering silhouettes and neutral tones. Also not up for debate is the f irst lady’s responsibility to American designers. In a recent interview by Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan, Diane von Furstenberg said that it only “makes sense� for a first lady to dress herself in the designers who quite literally make up the fabric of American fashion. As to whether or not she will dress her, von Furstenberg stuck with what she considers to be a diplomatic response: “Any first lady should be respected like any first lady.� Though Melania Trump’s mark on fashion is yet to be determined, we know that the limelight and a barrage of public appearances are unlikely to faze her. As she told Elle magazine in 2011, “I like to get dressed up.�
48
CRITIC’S TAKE: 3FOPXOFE GBTIJPO CMPHHFST 5PN 'JU[HFSBME BOE -PSFO[P .BSRVF[ PG 5PN -PSFO[P SFDFOUMZ UPME $BSPM +PZOU UIBU UIFZ GFBSFE GPS UIFJS TBGFUZ JG UIFZ XFSF UP TQFBL JMM PG .FMBOJB T TUZMF JOUSPEVDJOH B OFX MBZFS UP UIF GBTIJPO QPMJUJDT TVSSPVOEJOH UIF JODPNJOH GJSTU MBEZ TBSUPSJBM TFOTF
STATEMENT OR GAFFE?
Melania Trump at a White House Correspondents’ Dinner pre-party in 2011 (Photo by Tony Powell)
POLITICS FIRST 5PN 'PSE s .BSD +BDPCT $ISJTUJBO 4JSJBOP 4PQIJF 5IFBMMFU 1IJMJQ -JN s %FSFL -BN
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
One of Melania’s most tweeted fashion moments was when she donned Gucci’s “Pussy Bow� blouse on the campaign trail days after Donald Trump’s derogatory comments about women were made public.
FASHION FIRST %JBOF WPO 'VSTUFOCFSH 5PNNZ )JMGJHFS 5IPN #SPXOF #BEHMFZ .JTDILB
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
SPEC CIA AL F E AT URE | NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Kalorama and Massachusetts Avenue Heights are the new political havens. As the new Trump administration descends on Washington, and the Obamas retreat to a private residence, it is clear what the most popular residential areas are. Of Kalorama, Michael Rankin of TTR Sothebys says “with the secret service detail from the Obamas and the Kushners, it is arguably the most secure neighborhood in Washington.”
STEVE MNUCHIN It is rumored that the incoming treasury secretary has purchased in Massachusetts Avenue Heights, though details have not been disclosed.
WILBUR ROSS
?
BARACK & MICHELLE OBAMA
Trump’s commerce secretarydesignate purchased 2850 WOODLAND DRIVE NW, a Beaux-Arts mansion, for an undisclosed amount. The Obamas are leaving the White House behind to rent 2446 BELMONT ROAD NW, a nine bedroom, nine bath brick beauty for $22,000 a month.
Michael Rankin of TTR Sotheby’s predicts that 6 KALORAMA CIRCLE NW (once owned by J. Carter Brown and Connie Mellon) will get snatched up by someone from Trump’s camp because of its “historical provenance, character and handsome, commanding position at the top of Kalorama.”
W I KI M E D I A CO M M O N S A N D P H OTOS CO U RT E SY O F WA S H I NGTO N F I N E P R O P E RT I E S
IVANKA TRUMP & JARED KUSHNER
Trump and Kushner are set to move into 2449 TRACY PLACE NW – a six bedroom Georgian Revival.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
49
%PP 8LEX +PMXXIVW
LIFESTYLES
FEARLESS COMBINATIONS OF DAINTY FINE JEWELRY AND BOLD STATEMENT PIECES THAT ELEVATE SIMPLE WARES TO NEW HEIGHTS
PHOTOGRAPHY TONY POWELL | WWW TONY-POWELL COM JEWELRY AND WARDROBE STYLING HEDY GOLD MAKEUP AND HAIR CAROLA MYERS ASSISTED BY SHERLEY Z | WWW CAROLAMYERS COM MODELS MEGAN MORKEN AND SHANTEL SMITH | T H E ARTIST AGENCY EDITORIAL DIRECTION CATHERINE TRIFILETTI
SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE ZUBKOFF LIEBERMAN STUDIO MARYLAND
On Megan: RALPH LAUREN metallic sheath dress ($169) Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 240744-3700. ALEXIS BITTAR spiked lattice dangling post earring ($345) alexisbittar.com; LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD diamond necklace ($14,750) Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200. DAVID YURMAN stax multi-row pavé Bracelet with ruby and diamonds ($35,000) David Yurman, CityCenterDC, 924 Palmer Alley NW, 202-682-0260.
On Shantel: SOLACE LONDON Amelle Ruffle Halter Dress ($610) Saks Fifth Avenue; 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000. IRADJ MOINI flexible wrap silver snake bracelet ($1,850). SAMIRA13 pave diamond with oxidized sterling silver earrings ($1,550). TABANDEH (ring finger) long rectangle cubic zirconia ring ($950). Tabandeh, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202244-0777. LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD (pointer finger) diamond disc ring ($15,700) Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200. LITTLE TREASURY JEWELERS (middle finger) 14k white gold ring with diamonds ($3,500) Little Treasury Jewelers, 2506 New Market Ln., Gambrills, Md. 410-721-7100. DAVID YURMAN pavé pinky ring with color change garnets in white gold ($6,200) David Yurman, CityCenterDC, 924 Palmer Alley NW, 202-682-0260.
TALBOT RUNHOF Stretch Satin Dress ($1,395) Saks Fifth Avenue; 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000. TOM BINNS necklace ($840)Tabandeh, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-244-0777. DAVID YURMAN starburst drop earrings with blue topaz and diamonds ($4,900) DAVID YURMAN starburst ring with Hampton blue topaz and diamonds ($2,300) David Yurman, CityCenterDC, 924 Palmer Alley NW, 202-682-0260. JOOMI LIM crystal bracelet with cubes ($135); JOOMI LIM crystal bracelet with triangles ($125), joomilim.com. TIFFANY & CO. T wire bracelet with diamonds ($3,200) Tiffany & Co., 5481 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md. 301-657-8777. CRIERI 14k white gold tennis bracelet with diamonds ($1,969). Little Treasury Jewelers, 2506 New Market Ln., Gambrills, Md. 410-721-7100. ISABEL snakeskin and textured curb bracelet ($175) TABANDEH vermeil and cubic zirconia double ring ($235) Tabandeh, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-244-0777. MAURI PIOPPO gold, sterling Moonstone and diamond ring ($2,600) mauripioppo.com. HUGO BOSS Diganira dress and Cipeila jacket; Hugo Boss CityCenterDC 1054 Palmer Alley NWWashington, D.C 20001 (202) 408-9845; STUART WEITZMAN nudist song patent heels ($398) Bloomingdales 5300 Western Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, (240) 744-3700. TIFFANY & CO. Schlumberger multiplication earrings in 18k yellow gold with diamonds ($17,500) . Tiffany & Co, 5481 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (301) 657-8777.
BADGLEY MISCHKA strapless bow gown ($795) Saks Fifth Avenue; 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000. ALEXIS BITTAR crystal lace choker ($795) alexisbittar.com. Left hand: KENNETH JAY LANE yellow gold and rhinestone ring ($125) kennethjaylane.com. MAURI PIOPPO the Gabriel Ring with diamonds and tourmaline ($8,600) mauripioppo.com. ROBERTO COIN tri-color ring ($21,000); LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD emerald and sapphire bracelet ($60,000) Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-7491200. DAVID YURMAN Venetian quatrefoil wide cuff bracelet with diamonds in gold ($35,000) David Yurman, CityCenterDC, 924 Palmer Alley NW, 202682-0260. Right hand: MAURI PIOPPO phantom quartz ring ($3,300) mauripioppo.com. HEARTS ON FIRE rose gold Lorelei interlocking ring ($5,300) Little Treasury Jewelers, 2506 New Market Ln., Gambrills, Md. 410-721-7100. BULGARI mother of pearl diamond ring ($12,100); BULGARI serpenti pave diamond bangle ($40,600). SOPHIE BLAKE three row silk bracelet with rose gold finish ($250); SOPHIE BLAKE two row silk bracelet with rose gold finish ($250) sophieblake. com. TIFFANY & CO. infinity cuff in rose gold with diamonds ($4,900) Tiffany & Co., 5481 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md. 301-657-8777.
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN cold-shoulder tiered ruffle dress ($3,175) Saks Fifth Avenue; 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000. ALEXIS BITTAR balanced spike kinetic clip earrings ($375) ALEXIS BITTAR futurist ring ($195) alexisbittar.com. TIFFANY & CO. out of retirement pyramid ring ($4,000) Tiffany & Co., 5481 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md. 301-657-8777.
ERDEM Philomena lace dress ($5,830) Saks Fifth Avenue; 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000. IRADJ MOINI rock crystal and pearl drop earring N ($730) / NICHOLAS dress ($529), Saks Ave. Tabandeh, 5300 Wisconsin Jandel, 5510 Wisconsin NW, 202-244-0777. Right Avenue, hand: TABANChevy 652-double DEH Chase, vermeilMD and20815, cubic (301) Zirconia 2250; HERITAGE ring HALSTON ($235) Tabandeh, 5300clutch Wisconsin ($345) Sarah Jessica Ave. and NW,SJP 202-244-0777. Left Parker hand: SETHI pumps ($560), rose Bloomingdales, COUTURE gold band 5300 champagne Western Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815; colored diamonds ($1,418) Little Treasury TIFFANY & CO. Enchant earrings Jewelers, 2506 New scroll Market Ln., Gamplatinum with diamonds ($11,000), brills, Md. 410-721-7100. JOOMI LIM round ON in EMMA: MARA HOFFMAN patterned Tiffany & Co., Tiffany & Co., 5481 Wis- ($248) & square cuff with cubes & crystals monokini ($253) and KATE SPADE Cameron consin Ave,bag Chevy Chase, MD 20815,purple joomilim.com. DAVID YURMAN Street Blakely ($378) Bloomingdale’s (301) 657-8777; CARTIER Paris Noudiamond bracelet David Yurman, CityCenTysons Corner Center, 8100 Tysons Corner velle Vague Delicate white gold and terDC, 924Va., Palmer Alley NW, 202-682-0260. Center, McLean, 703-556-4600. diamond necklace ($16,300) and LOVE ($235) VENESSA ARIZAGA Akiko bracelet in white gold, ALEXIS pave diamonds venessaarizaga.com. BITTAR crystal ON bracelet ERIC: MORGENTHAL FREDERICS andencrusted ceranic ($43,700), Cartier, 5471B horned ram hinge cuff ($395) Hustler hand-crafted Japanese titanium Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD shoes alexisbittar.com. MARCHESA Grace sunglasses ($495), Morgenthal Fredrics, City20815, (301) 654-5858 ($1,295) Marchesa at farfetch.com. CenterDC, 941 H St. NW, 202-204-3393.
ROLAND MOURET Dunstan cutout top ($795). Saks Fifth Avenue; 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-9000. ERICKSON BEAMON vermeil and colored crystal earrings ($635) Tabandeh, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-244-0777. VENESSA ARIZAGA Alesha necklace ($350) venessaarizaga.com. Left hand: DAVID YURMAN pavé pinky ring with color change garnets in white gold ($6,200) David Yurman, CityCenterDC, 924 Palmer Alley NW, 202-6820260. SYDNEY EVANS rose gold and pave ruby lips ring ($3,500) Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200 ELIZABETH COLE bracelet elizabethcolejewelry.com Right Hand: LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD opal/ tsavorite and diamond ring ($7,400) Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Shops at Fairfax Square, 8700 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Va. 703-749-1200. ATELIERS DEMONACO Monte-Carlo automatic watch, with white mother of pearl dial and lozenge indexes ($25,400). CRIERI 14k green gold tennis bracelet with green diamonds ($1,199). SIMON G. 18K two-tone bracelet, with round-cut diamond accents, ($3,960). CRIERI yellow gold tennis bracelet with diamonds ($935) CRIERI yellow gold tennis bracelet with 0.50 ctw diamonds ($1,639) Little Treasury Jewelers, 2506 New Market Ln., Gambrills, Md. 410-721-7100.
LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT
MARC JACOBS Hand to heart leather crossbody ($250); Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase, 301.657.9000
BURBERRY Heart print cotton trench coat ($1,550); Burberry, CityCenterDC, 202.463.3000
GANNI Elmira silk top ($225); revolve.com
PRADA Color-block ruffled silk-faille mini dress ($2,355); Bloomingdales, Friendship Heights, 240.744.3700
(VIWW =SY 9T -R 1] 0SZI
Wear your heart on your sleeve this Valentine’s Day with roses, ruffles, hearts and lace. BY ERICA MOODY
DOLCE & GABBANA Roses embroidered jeans in blue ($1,323); Neiman Marcus, AMC Mazza Gallerie, 202.966.9700
GUCCI Sequin cotton tshirt ($590); Gucci, CityCenterDC, 703.714.0509
CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA Love appliquéd suede slingback pumps ($895); charlotteolympia.com
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J U N E | washingtonlife.com
SAINT LAURENT Lolita sunglasses ($470); Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase, 703.415.1121
JIMMY CHOO Candy clutch ($1,025); Jimmy Choo, 5481 Wisconsin Ave., 240.223.1102
ROKSANDA Pink “Kiefer” dress in pink ($1,500); shop. harpersbazaar.com
ALICE & OLIVIA Pasha lace bell sleeve top ($265); Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase, 301.657.9000
COMME DE GARCONS Low-top sneakers ($125); JCrew, jcrew.com
57
lifestyles | travel
Art Escape
Our top picks for a stay in Palm Beach County, Florida story & photos By Erica Moody
T
he sunny society mecca has everything you want in a winter escape: beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, charming restaurants and unlimited arts and culture. CURATED CULTURE
1
Planning a trip but not sure where to start? Get an itinerary specifically tailored to your interests, courtesy of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County’s Cultural Concierge program. palmbeachculture.com, 561-214-8082. PALM BEACH CLASSICS The Norton Museum, which has one of the
.
2
finest collections of Chinese, European and early 20th century American art in the Southeast, is undergoing a $100 million expansion scheduled for completion in 2018. Until then, admission is free to the public norton.org. Henry Flagler, one of the founders of Standard Oil, built the 55-room mansion “Whitehall” as a wedding gift for his third wife in 1893. Now the site of Flagler Museum, his opulent former abode is one of the largest historic homes in the country and offers a glimpse into early Palm Beach society. flaglermuseum.us. CONTEMPORARY ART The Boca Museum of Art is a feast for the
3
4
58
senses, with modern and contemporary art exhibitions that are daring, diverse and thoughtfully executed. Bonus: there’s a great sculpture garden too. bocamuseum.org. For edgy work from regional artists and beyond, the Cornell Art Museum Old School Square (1), housed in a 1913 schoolhouse, is worth the short drive to historic Delray Beach. oldschoolsquare.org.
Norton Sculpture Gardens (2) and Norton House. A must for both art and nature lovers.
ansg.org. Tea ceremonies, Japanese culture courses, bonsai gardens and exhibitions from Japanese artists can be found at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. There’s also interesting wildlife roaming the 16-acre gardens - see how many iguanas you can spot! morikami.org. PERFORMING ARTS
For Washington residents with homes in Palm Beach, the Kravis Center for Performing Arts is Kennedy Center South. With more than 800 annual events, this cultural staple is home to the Miami City Ballet and the Palm Beach Opera. kravis.org. WHERE TO EAT n Ta-boo
A Palm Beach institution, you’ll want to visit Ta-boo to chat with owner Franklin deMarco as well as people watch and munch on the famed Cobb salad. The cozy eatery is located on Worth Avenue, perfectly placed for a little high-end shopping after lunch. taboorestaurant.com. n Avocado Grill (3) Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and avocado margaritas keep guests coming back to this imaginative restaurant in funky West Palm Beach. avocadogrillwpb.com. n Pistache French Bistro With classic but casual Palm Beach sophistication and updated French fare, brunch at this modern bistro in downtown West Palm is a must. Don’t miss the grilled chicken paillard and seasonal salads. pistachewpb.com.
OUTSIDER ART
WHERE TO STAY Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa (4) looks out
More than 100 sculptures join more than 300 species of tropical palms at the historic house, studio and garden that make up the Ann
over the Atlantic Ocean with stunning balcony views, a top-notch spa and stellar seaside dining. tidelineresort.com.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| j an u a r y - fe b r u a r y
2017
| washingtonlife.com
LIFESTYLES | WINTER ESCAPES
THE RESORT OF PRESIDENTS A Wintry Escape to Gov. Jim Justice’s Greenbrier BY JOHN ARUNDEL
W
hile Washington is witnessing the transfer of presidential power to billionaire Donald Trump this month, West Virginia ushered its own change-minded billionaire, Jim Justice Jr., into its governor’s mansion. The coal baron, whose net worth is estimated at $1.7 billion, has both striking similarities – and dissimilarities – to President Trump. They both made a fortune in reversing the fortunes of distressed hotels, golf courses and real estate properties, with Justice saving West Virginia’s iconic Greenbrier Resort from financial ruin. Since winning elected office last November, both have ceded their sprawling businesses to their children to avoid any conflict of interest. Justice, 69, a lifelong Republican, switched to the Democratic Party last year, but endorsed neither Clinton or Trump. It mattered little; on Nov. 4 the folksy politician and seven-time national corn growing champion defeated his GOP challenger handily in a state that favored Trump by 68 percent. Gov. Justice is known for his no-nonsense, get-it-done mentality. Since rescuing The Greenbrier from bankruptcy by purchasing it for $20.5 million in 2009, he’s poured another $250 million into the storied resort and nursed it back to profitability. He’s added an elegant casino, a world-class health and wellness center and refurbished rooms and public areas. He brought back 650 laid-off employees, doubled its work force, convinced the PGA Tour to return and built a $30 million training camp for the New Orleans Saints. While Justice may be the wealthiest individual in his state, he has lived for the past two decades in the same modest rambler in Lewisburg, WV. Since 2003 he has been the girls basketball coach at Greenbrier East High School, amassing 761 wins and 156 losses. His living room is decorated with trophies and stuffed deer heads. “There are three things I know
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Gov. Jim Justice (photo by John Arundel)
Sleigh riding at The Greenbrier (courtesy photo)
that I can do, Justice says, “shoot a shotgun, make a deal and coach basketball.” His greatest trophy is The Greenbrier, a place he called “The Emerald City” as a kid growing up nearby. Built in 1787, the hotel’s stunning, whitecolumned façade looks like it did 200 years ago when travelers arrived to “take the waters.” Twenty-six of forty-five U.S. presidents have stayed there, and a Cold War-era bunker built in the late ’50s has long since been deactivated and is open for tours. The property is a calming escape valve from Washington’s frenetic pace. Families retreat for long weekends of fine dining, spa treatments and indoor swimming and tennis, or take sleigh rides through the Allegheny Mountains’ dreamy winterscape. Stepping into the lobby, recent guests like Reese Witherspoon are immediately taken by the boldly imaginative style of Dorothy Draper and her longtime protégé Carleton Varney, with vibrant floor to ceiling floral patterns. “It’s no secret I’m obsessed with The Greenbrier,”
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Witherspoon has said. Stroll along the marble-tiled “Greenbrier Avenue” and you’ll discover the underground casino (“It’s our second bunker,” Justice says), upscale shops and formal-attire restaurants, including the main dining room and Prime 44 West, a high-end steakhouse. With 55 activities to choose from, it’s little wonder why the casino is not open 24/7. In addition to three championship golf courses (with one more on the way), there’s tennis, biking, fishing, hiking, trap shooting and laps in the outdoor infinity or spring-fed indoor pools. Guests can also get behind the wheel of a specially-equipped Jeep Wrangler and explore the rugged Allegheny Mountains. “My late father, who piloted bombers for the Air Force in World War II, taught me long ago not to confuse effort with achievement,” Justice says. “So, what I’ve tried to do here is infuse a lot of energy and resources to help make it appealing to the younger demographic … while still making it inviting to those who’ve been coming for generations.”
59
LIFESTYLES | WEDDINGS
NUPTIALS OF NOTE A look back at some of 2016’s most memorable weddings BY ERICA MOODY
JACLYN MASON & SEAN RANDALL
MARRIED APRIL 2, 2016
B
oth born and bred Washingtonians, she is a soon-to-be realtor with Cathie Gill Inc. and owned Charm boutique in Georgetown. He is a financial adviser with Wells Fargo. They reside in Cathedral Heights.
THE STORY: Introduced by a mutual friend at
a party at the Graham Hotel, they dated for more than a year before getting engaged on a perfect summer Sunday in the Bishop’s Garden at Washington National Cathedral. Sean first kept in touch by visiting Jaclyn at Charm and purchasing jewelry for his daughter and niece. Jaclyn loved that Sean is a great father and he was drawn to her creativity. THE WEDDING: A ceremony at Christ Church
Georgetown was followed by a reception for 175 at the Four Seasons, Georgetown. For the
ERIKA NUBER & ANTONIO WILLIAMS
THE STORY: Proof that algorithms don’t lie, the
couple received a rare 100 percent compatibility match on OkCupid in 2012. Their first date at a Philadelphia dive bar had less than ideal timing, as their careers were soon taking them to different cities. But the two “type-A firstborns” made it work, maintaining their bond by “doing thoughtful little things” for each other. One December, Antonio surprised his future bride by making the five hour drive from Washington to Newark, N.J. to set up a fully decorated Christmas tree in her apartment. Later on in the relationship, he surprised her with a trip to Puerto Rico, where he proposed
60
FAVORITE PART: The witty toast by Jaclyn’s 12-year-old nephew, Teddy, had guests roaring with laughter. Prior to the wedding, the Tiffany themed bridal shower hosted by Barbara Harrison was unforgettable, according to Jaclyn. NOTABLE GUESTS: Wolf and Lynn Blitzer, Alma
and Joe Gildenhorn, Quinn Bradlee, Erica Gutierrez, Isabel and Ricardo Ernst, Lucky Roosevelt, Jane and Calvin Cafritz, Jim and Mai Abdo and the Brillembourg family. DETAILS Bridal Gown: 3FFN "DSB s Groom’s Attire: Ralph Lauren and Valentino Wedding Planner: Martin Shortell, Silver Lining Design Group Flowers: +BZ 8BULJOT BOE %BWJE 1PXFST s Catering: Four Seasons
MARRIED MAY 28, 2016
at sunset in the Castillo San Felipe del Morro. THE WEDDING: The couple hosted 200 guests in the bride’s hometown of Chicago. The ceremony at the Fourth Presbyterian Church was followed by a reception at Café Brauer in the Lincoln Park Zoo. For the honeymoon, they relaxed for 10 days at the W Retreat & Spa on the tiny Caribbean island of Vieques. SPECIAL TOUCHES: A whiskey and scotch bar
with chocolate covered bacon, Chicago style hotdogs and Garrett’s Popcorn FAVORITE PART: Both loved the first dance,
to “That’s How Strong My Love Is” by Otis Redding. NOTABLE GUESTS: Antonio’s father Juan
Williams and brother Raffi Williams, Dr. Gordon Nuber, Marisa West, Regan Herald and Morgan Chalfant.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
DETAILS Bridal Gown: Douglas Hannant Bride’s Jewelry: Quest Fine Jewelers Groom’s Attire: Alton Lane Wedding Planner: Claire Weller, Big City Brides Music: $IJDBHP 1MBZFST s Catering: Limelights Catering
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
CO U RT E SY P H OTOS
H
e is senior director of government and external affairs at Comcast NBCUniversal. She is a physician completing her emergency medicine residency at Rutgers University Hospital. He resides on Capitol Hill, where she plans to join him post-residency.
honeymoon, they spent the month of August in Newport, R.I., where Sean has summered his entire life.
ANNA HUZAR & JOSEPH MICHALCZYK
H
e’s a partner in the Transaction Service Group at PricewaterhouseCoopers. She works for Cheetah Medical. They live in Arlington. THE STORY: They met on Facebook in the spring of 2013, where Anna’s beauty and style caught Joseph’s eye. He asked her to dinner in the Hamptons and the connection was instantaneous. Joseph proposed on a trip to Bali, outside a temple overlooking the water at sunset, with a ring from Kwiat on Madison Ave. THE WEDDING: The grand affair for 150 was held
at Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano, Italy, the same venue where Martin Scorsese got married (as well as Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise). A pre-dinner reception was held outdoors, overlooking the water and lawn of the castle. For the honeymoon, they traveled to Italy, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, India and the Maldives.
MARRIED JULY 3, 2016
adorned with 100 Swarovski crystals by Pnina Tornai from Kleinfeld Bridal and shoes by Jimmy Choo.Then, a form-fitting white Jovani dress and a Dior dress for dancing. He wore a grey tuxedo and shirt designed by Peyman Umay and shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo. SPECIAL TOUCHES: A red carpet was laid down for those entering the castle, and guests were announced into the dining hall by a herald. Torches on the walls and elaborate candles on tables gave the event an otherworldly ambience. Thirty men dressed in medieval attire performed flag shows, there were fireworks shows designed to music as well as caricaturists, castle tours, selfie stations and a photobooth. NOTABLE GUESTS: Julian Epstein, Michael Saylor,
Jay Varma, Chris Rothstein, Bash Kazi, Dale Mcdowell and Marc Leder. DETAILS Flowers: Adriano Ceccotti Music: DJ Seyhan Duru Catering: White Ricevimenti Food Lounge & Banqueting
ATTIRE: Anna wore three stunning dresses.
For the main event, a silk satin princess gown
LAUREN VENEZIANI & KEVIN MCCARTHY
S
he is an advertising sales executive for Breitbart News Network and a film critic for WBAL-TV and DC Film Girl. He is the entertainment reporter for WTTG-TV and “Fox and Friends.” They live in Tysons Corner with their dog Oscar. THE STORY: Fittingly, the film critics met at a movie theater and instantly connected over their shared passion. Their first date involved a trip to Taco Bell, their favorite fast food place. With help from the staff at Disney World, Kevin proposed to Lauren at the Magic Kingdom with the characters Jack and Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” looking on. CO U RT E SY P H OTOS
THE WEDDING: The ceremony and reception
for 120 guests took place in the ballroom of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Penn Quarter, a block away from the movie theater where they met. They traveled to New Zealand and Australia for their honeymoon.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
MARRIED OCTOBER 15, 2016 SPECIAL TOUCHES: The groom’s cake was
“Breaking Bad”-themed, and table settings paid a nod to their favorite romantic films, like “You’ve Got Mail” and “When Harry Met Sally.” Kevin’s groomsmen joined him in wearing black Chuck Taylors, his go-to shoe. To the surprise of guests, a Taco Bell delivery truck showed up at the end of the night with 200 tacos and burritos. FAVORITE PART: Their first dance, to “Colorblind” by Counting Crows and “You Can Never Tell” by Chuck Berry. They performed John Travolta and Uma Thurman’s “Pulp Fiction” dance to go along with it. DETAILS Bridal Gown: Galia Lahav Groom’s Attire: Enzo Custom Tailors Wedding Planner: Buddee Clinton, Hotel Monaco Colors: White, champagne, light pink and vanilla Flowers: Helen Olivia Flowers Music: Bialek’s Music & DJ Chris Styles Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes
61
LIFESTYLES | EXERCISE
SWEAT METER
Burn off the holiday pounds with our favorite workouts ranked by sweat levels BY C AT H E R I N E T R I F I L E T T I
Flywheel’s mantra is “Power Your Life”
T
here’s nothing like a good schvitz, but it is not an essential element of all workouts. Sometimes you want to unload the toxins and sometimes (maybe on a good hair day) you don’t. We put ourselves through the wringer to identify the respective classes that left us drenched or dry: the beauty is that it doesn’t matter either way. Celebrity trainer Monica Pampell, president of wellness company Pentafit preaches that you can have the sore without the sweat. >>
EARTH TREKS 1235 S. Clark St., Arlington, Va., $25 day pass Scoop: Miley Cyrus said it best “Ain’t about what’s waitin’ on the other side ... It’s the climb.” At this indoor climbing gym, it’s all about core power and agility. Brute arm and leg strength won’t propel you to the top of 35-foot walls, strategy and technique will. Try your hand at a variation of color coded routes ranging from easy to difficult.
62
Verdict: Experts say opening the car door at the end of a climb proves to be the most painful part. We concur. Sore forearms and fingers are a real thing. Sweat Level:
sweat sessions. Mini movements signature to barre give way to quick transitions and choreographed steps. Verdict: Expect dance fever Sweat Level:
PURE BARRE
FLYWHEEL
Multiple Locations; 55 minutes; $29 Scoop: Small controlled movements have big impacts as you isolate specific muscles to bear your body’s weight, often utilizing the studio’s ballet barre for balance. Shaking is the goal in this class. If you don’t find your muscles trembling, you may not be in proper form. Verdict: Feeling as sculpted as a Michelangelo masterpiece. Sweat Level:
Multiple locations; 45 or 60 minutes; $28 Scoop: Relying on a more technical process than other spin classes, each Flywheel bike is equipped with a small screen that keeps you in check with regard to your torque (resistance) number and how much power you are exerting (RPM). Encouraging instructors will push you through high intensity races where scores are projected overhead. Verdict: Motivated to return and make those numbers jump. Sweat Level:
XTEND BARRE 2008 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va.; 55 minutes; $25 Scoop: A hybrid of choreographed moves, pilates and barre, Xtend classes feel more like high-energy dance parties than standard
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
SUFFERFEST 905 U St. NW; 50 minutes; $22 Scoop: Don’t be deterred by the name. The
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
NO SWEAT
Monica Pampell At Blast, a device is strapped over your head as you walk/run on a treadmill to determine your anaerobic threshold.
biggest challenge is waking up to make the 6 a.m. start. The unique premise at Off Road DC’s studio has riders following real video footage from cycling races like the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia as if they were participating. The virtual reality serves as a welcome distraction from burning calves and quads, making that climb along the scenic French countryside more bearable. The licensed videos also feature humorous words of encouragement from cycling coaches following your progress and reminding you to “suffer more.” Verdict: We probably won’t be qualifying for the Tour de France anytime soon, though we’re all in for role playing. Sweat Level:
BLAST 2311 M St. NW; 60 minutes; $34 Scoop: Customization is at the forefront of this interval training method. First timers start with a 45 minute evaluation to determine their anaerobic heart rate, strength, f lexibility and fat index, and end with a workout prescription specific to their body’s needs. Classes offered employ a range of cardio- and strength-training exercises. “You can do anything for two minutes” is a message you will hear from your instructor as the treadmill platform below rises to a 70 degree incline. At the time you may hate to admit that they’re right. Verdict: Valuable insight into how, when and where your body stops burning sugar and starts burning fat. Sweat Level:
SOLIDCORE Multiple Locations; 50 minutes; $37 Scoop: A favorite of former FLOTUS
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Earth Treks offers 35,000 square feet of climbing walls.
Michelle Obama and reputed to be the hardest slog around, pre-workout nerves are natural. Classes, built around resistance machines (similar to pilates reformers), offer a not-sogentle reminder that strength is built when muscles tear and build themselves back up. That means slow, controlled movements that push your muscles to the point of failure. Verdict: Blaring muscle soreness – for days, but pain is gain. Sweat Level:
SWEATBOX 1612 U St. NW; 50 minutes; $34 Scoop: The state-of-the-art studio opened last year in the lobby of VIDA for fitness aficionados looking to take their workouts to the next level. Classes center on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that will have you alternating between a bike for cardio and mat/weight workouts for strength training. “Sweatbosses” run the classes differently so that no two are ever the same. Strapping on a MyZone heart monitor will help you get acquainted with your personal metrics throughout class (and in the app if you’re serious about it). Verdict: It lives up to its name. Sweat Level:
SOULCYCLE Multiple locations; 45 minutes; $34 Scoop: The cult favorite ride asks you to identify your limits and then push way past them. Wildly energetic instructors beg riders to turn up their resistance as the class progresses. By the time it’s over, your pulse will be dancing at pace with thunderously loud bass – not for the faint of heart. Verdict: Sweat will pour, serotonin will soar. Sweat Level:
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
M
onica Pampell is not your average personal trainer, as made clear by an all-star client roster that includes Norah O’Donnell, Geoff Tracy, Margaret Brennan, Jonathan Karl, and Mike Allen. Over her 14 years in the District, she has worked with career-driven Washingtonians who have little time for the gym, big demands at work and a desire for quick aesthetic results. According to Pampell, the unique goals of her individual clients “morphed ‘personal training’ into something vastly different.” In her first few sessions with a new trainee, she takes time to survey their range of motion and body vulnerabilities. Her observations translate into a customized Body Map, from which she is able to train individuals based on their specific needs and goals. During workouts, Pampell is constantly communicating with her clients. She says that it’s not just about doing the workout, but rather “knowing what you’re doing when you’re doing it” that gets real results. Once clients have a detailed understanding and recognition of their bodies, they are well on their way to reaching desired goals. The science behind the phenomenon of simply being body-conscious is shocking. Research indicates that by merely looking at someone perform an action, we receive 20 percent of the muscle’s activation. Additional studies indicate that just thinking about a muscle will produce 50 percent of the neurological activation as opposed to 100 percent when the muscle is actually in use. In one such study, participants were splinted on their forearm for six weeks. One set was cued, three times a week, to just think about working out the immobile limb for 10 minutes. The other group went about their days normally with no cue. Results showed that the participants who were not cued to think about their splinted muscle had double the loss of strength and mass in that muscle group, drawing on the importance of the mind-body relationship and its role in exercise. The bright side is that it’s faster and easier than taking time to go to the gym when there may be no time for it. CASE IN POINT: being cognizant of posture at all hours of the day plays a huge role in achieving fitness goals. Awareness, Pampell says, is half the battle and we should constantly be asking ourselves: “How does my body look? How am I standing? Where are my shoulders? What do my feet look like?” A few minutes of brain power may be all it takes.
63
LIFESTYLES
PASCAL BLONDEAU
PORTRAITS OF HUMANITY French artist Pascal Blondeau on David Hockney, Ultra Violet and how America changed him BY ERICA MOODY
Pascal Blondeau in his studio at the French Ambassador’s residence (Photo by Tony Powell)
Y
ou have to kill your father.” It was this advice from his best friend and mentor Ultra Violet, the famous “superstar” artist/muse of Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí, that changed the way Pascal Blondeau approached his art.The Warhol devotee realized that his work was actually closer to that of Dalí, and that he should embrace his surrealist inclinations. Seven years later, Blondeau channeled that insight into a tribute to Ultra Violet (born Isabelle Dufresne), a multi-art performance blending song, dance, fashion and text, a departure from the portraiture he’s known for. Last October, “Only You Could Have a Face Like That” made its Washington debut at the Phillips Collection. If you have been to the French ambassador’s residence, you’ve likely seen the work of Blondeau, 47, or met the artist himself. The longtime partner of Ambassador Gerard Araud is a force in his own right, an internationally renowned photographer whose work fits in
the tradition of French artistic photography (Cartier-Bresson, Brassai, Doisneau) and is sold by Sotheby’s New York and Paris. Recently, he showed at Art Basel Miami. Born in Paris and raised on the Left Bank, Blondeau’s creative career began at a young age. He studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, and then at Alice Dona’s competitive music school. Blondeau prefers to shoot with an old Pentax, and finds inspiration in all sorts of people. “I try to understand what is interesting in the face,” he says. Despite working for 20 years as a photographer in Paris, it wasn’t until he moved to New York in 2009 that he reached the height of his career success. When he arrived in the city he knew no one, but soon met Ultra Violet at a party. The two became inseparable – she introduced him to her New York art friends and they collaborated on multimedia shows together; she encouraged him to add performance to his exhibitions. Blondeau speaks fondly of his friend, who died in 2014.
“I was in France for 40 years and my master was Andy Warhol. I never imagined I would actually meet someone from The Factory,” he says. “When I performed with her, I discovered new worlds. It’s very different to be on stage in the middle of your exhibition, surrounded by your pictures. It’s very intimate.” Perhaps stepping out of his comfort zone is what Blondeau needed for his best art to emerge. He says moving to the U.S. changed both his work and the public reception of him. It was very difficult to be an artist in France, he says. “Parisian people are very closed-off. In America it’s very different. Americans love the action. You meet someone interested in your work and they’ll call you the next day. My work has to be alive and powerful all the time. I always have something to propose, and in America it’s ok to be like that.” His work has always tackled the duality of human nature – the fact that, as Blondeau puts it, “we are awful animals who try to become ,
64
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Image from “Swimming Pool Tribute to David Hockney” by Pascal Blondeau
nice.” That people are not always what they seem at first glance. One popular series featured display mannequins and portraits of human subjects mixed together to achieve surprising results. One portrait appears to be a beautiful woman from a distance but upon closer glance is part plastic. In the one self-portrait in the series, Blondeau holds a plastic baby, a commentary on the status of gay marriage in France, and his own mixed feelings about having a child. “With that series, I wanted to say that beauty is sometimes the first vision but the second time, there is a lot of terror,” he explains. “For me, that is a portrait of humanity, and it includes me.” Aside from the portrait with the baby, Blondeau had been hesitant to turn the camera on himself, but once he branched into self-portraiture, his best work emerged. His “Swimming Pool” series pays tribute to the 1970s work of painter David Hockney. In each large, colorful photo, Blondeau announces himself to the world. In one photo, he’s standing on the edge of a swimming pool looking down at himself in the water. The subject, he says, is his own narcissism. “I’m happy I did that work about myself,” he says. “For that, I can say thank you to America. It’s here that I’ve become another artist, one who is more open.”
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Pascal Blondeau and Ultra Violet in New York
“Single Man” (Self-Portrait by Pascal Blondeau)
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
“The Lady in Red” by Pascal Blondeau
65
EPXOMPBE PVS BQQ PS CPPL POMJOF UP v J« V ÌÃ «°V
« V ÌÃ «°V
ÇäΰÓÓ °ä{ää
WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y around townďš? red cross salute to service galaďš? lab school of washington gala and more!
Assistant to the President and director of communications for the Office of Public Liaison designate Omarosa Manigault at the MGM National Harbor Grand Opening (Photo by Tony Powell)
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
67
AROUND TOWN
Zeros and Heroes Two very different presidents survived Inaugural blunders in very different ways. BY DONNA SHOR
A
mong those who serve as America’s president, some become giants; others shrink in stature. The two “Andrew J” presidents – Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson – are a fascinating study in contrasts. Each was destined to know both fame and shame. Both had, shall we say, interesting inaugurations. Andrew Johnson was born into poverty in 1808 in Raleigh, N.C. As a young boy he was apprenticed to a tailor but eventually ran away without working in payment for his training and upkeep. He went on the road as an itinerant tailor, accompanied by his wife Eliza McCardle, whom he married when he was 17. In Greeneville, Tenn., he opened a tailor shop that f lourished while Eliza developed skills in managing real estate. Eventually, they became wealthy. Johnson never attended school, so she taught him reading and writing. He became a self-educated man through extensive reading. Taking a keen interest in politics, he entered local elections, rising steadily through the ranks to serve as a representative, governor and senator from Tennessee until he found himself Abraham Lincoln’s second vice-president in 1864. (Those who supported Johnson as Lincoln’s running mate thought he could bring unity to the contentious wartime election because he was the only Southern senator who stood with the North.) Unfortunately on the eve of Inauguration Day he drank excessively. When he spoke brief ly before President Lincoln’s second inaugural address, he was rambling and incoherent. Waiting to deliver conciliatory words to bind the
68
Illustration of guests flocking to Andrew Jackson’s March, 1829 Inauguration by Robert Cruickshank
nation’s wounds, Lincoln had to endure his new vice-president droning on about his own accomplishments. Once sober and soon humiliated, Johnson hid during the following days. Six weeks later, Lincoln was assassinated and Johnson was sworn in. His presidency suffered a series of miscalculations and rash decisions laced with racist and divisive words. Johnson was a populist to some extent and while he held anti-slavery views he refused to support expanded rights for black men. He delayed the country’s reunification and reconstruction while the Ku Klux Klan gained ground. He was impeached by the House of Representatives for “high crimes and misdemeanors” that included trying to remove Secretary of War Edwin Stanton from office. After his trial in the Senate, a single vote saved him. He is rated among America’s worst presidents. You might say it was unfortunate that Eliza ever taught him to read. America’s seventh president, Andrew Jackson, was a hero, but in youth was a handful – a fixture in the frontier area of
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
North Carolina who frequented bars and brothels, always up for a duel. He cooled down somewhat, became a successful lawyer and bought his grand home, “The Hermitage.” During the War of 1812, he led his army to victory in the Battle of New Orleans, returning a hero. He was affectionately dubbed “Old Hickory” because of the tree’s deep, strong roots. Jackson served in both houses of Congress, also from Tennessee, but lost his 1824 presidential bid because of an anomaly in the Electoral College. For the rest of his life he preached that it should be abolished. Jackson came roaring back in a landslide four years later. His inauguration was big and raucous, thanks to the ragtag backwoodsmen who considered him one of their own. White House servants set tubs of spiked punch outside the doors in a vain attempt to keep out the unruly throng. Crowds grew so large that much of the furniture and dishware was broken. The new president had escaped earlier through a window but the damage was done. He was called “King Mob” in the press. Jackson’s election was bittersweet because his gentle, beloved wife Rachel had died two months earlier of a heart attack. Even late in their marriage, the old slurs that had broken her heart for years were still circulating — that she was a bigamist and adulteress. She believed that her divorce from an abusive previous marriage had been finalized. It hadn’t. To defend her honor, Jackson had taken a bullet to the chest during a duel in 1806, and survived. Two men, two destinies; one zero, one hero.
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Former Sen. John Warner, Carolyn Peterson, Lauren Peterson and Milt Peterson Maya Sameulsson and Kaysilyn Lawson MGM Conservatory WL SPONSORED
MGM GRAND OPENING MGM Resort & Casino, National Harbor | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
Marcus Samuelsson and Andrea Roane
Howard University President Wayne Frederick and Simone Frederick with Wolf Blitzer
GLITZ AND GAMBLING The much-anticipated opening of MGM’s 23rd property at Maryland’s National Harbor was a feast for the senses. Hundreds of guests clad in their black-tie best shuffled into the $1.4 billion development that boasts 15 restaurants, 125,000 square feet of casino space and a posh 3,000-person concert hall. Partygoers ate and drank their way throughout the vast compound, taking advantage of the bites and sips offered at every turn. Many lingered in celebrity chef-helmed restaurants from José Andrés, Marcus Samuelsson and brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, indulging in delicacies that included Andres’ freshly shucked-to-order oysters and Samuelsson’s top-notch shrimp and grits. Food was secondary for those crowding around Sarah Jessica Parker’s first retail shoe storefront, hoping to get a glimpse of (or selfie with) the A-list actress who spent the evening fitting fans with signature SJP footwear. Others pushed through the traffic jam to enjoy views of the spectacular conservatory covered in holiday trappings before trying their luck at one of MGM’s 3,300 shiny new slot machines.
Sarah Jessica Parker
VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Bill and Daphne Jarvis, Dennese Rojasa and Craig Dean José Andrés
Heather Murren, MGM CEO Jim Murren, Debra Lerner Cohen and Edward Cohen Natalie Pieper and Alex Skatell WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
69
International Red Cross Ball The ‘Vienna to Versailles’ Diamond Centennial celebrates an anniversary and the organization’s service.
Marjorie Merriweather Post, dressed as Marie Antoinette, was the founder of the International Red Cross Ball, which was held in her home -- Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach. (Photo courtesy of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens)
T
he International Red Cross Ball, the Diamond Centennial, “Vienna to Versailles,� a highly-anticipated charitable event and Palm Beach’s revered gala will be Saturday, February 4, 2017, at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, with Janet Cafaro as chairwoman. The Diamond Centennial celebrates the 60th anniversary of the ball and 100 years of Red Cross service in South Florida. “American Red Cross is so grateful for the incredible leadership and support of Janet Cafaro,� South Florida American Red Cross CEO Vivian Myers said. “Our mission is not possible without the generous patronage of our donors. Mrs. Cafaro’s leadership during this anniversary celebration has been wonderful and we are so thankful for her time and dedication.� According to Cafaro, the Diamond Centennial Ball will “recreate the excitement of the grand balls of Europe, the
70
exuberance of the Riviera and the elegance of Princess Grace of Monaco’s ‘Bal de la Croix-Rouge.’ “I am so fortunate to have two very seasoned and capable co-chairs in Patrick Park and Patty Myura, both adding their expertise and enthusiasm to this very special event.â€? Founded by Post Cereal Company heir and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post, the International Red Cross Ball began in an effort to bring New York style philanthropy and excitement to Palm Beach. The annual white-tie, tails, tiaras and decorations ball has become an international event, sparkling with celebrities, dignitaries, politicians and philanthropists from all over the world. Longtime Palm Beach socialite and Red Cross supporter HermĂŠ de Wyman Miro, who has attended many of the International Balls over the years, says that Cafaro’s leadership and exquisite taste will transform
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
2017 ball chairwoman Janet Cafaro
the Mar-a-Lago Club ballroom to take guests “back in time to an era of gilded elegance found only in famous European palace ballrooms.� An unforgettable evening awaits guests as the magnificence of the visually-stunning and memorable event transports them to the romantic and magical era of old-world Europe. ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-forprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit Twitter at @RedCross.
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Bonnie McElveen-Hunter and Robert Caret
Lyndsey Romano and Lindsay Gallagher
Jaspen and Jammel Boothe
WL SPONSORED
Norman Augustine, Michèle Flournoy and Scott Tould
RED CROSS SALUTE TO SERVICE GALA Hilton McLean Tysons Corner | PHOTOS BY JAY SNAP THE BUZZ ABOUT SERVICE Groundbreaking astronaut Buzz Aldrin (who just two weeks later would be evacuated from the South Pole after becoming ill while part of a tour group) came to Washington in November to help honor and celebrate the service of men, women and families in the military and our community who help prepare for and respond to emergencies. Jaspen Boothe, a disabled Army veteran and cancer survivor received the Distinguished Woman Warrior Award for her work advocating for soldiers and their family members. Other honorees included former American Red Cross chairman Norman Augustine and CEO of the Center for a New American Security Michèle Flournoy.
TJ Tausch and Dorothy Tausch
Buzz Aldrin and Dick Duvall VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Welcome Ury & Associates We are proud to announce that Ury & Associates has combined with Toka Salon & Day Spa’s Georgetown location. We believe that the joining of these two extraordinary salons with highly complementary industry strengths will position us to provide a broader set of services to our clients. Toka Welcomes Ury & Associates
Georgetown Court 3251 Prospect Street, NW Suite #19, 2nd floor Washington, DC 20007 202.333.5133
Madison Avenue 768 Madison Avenue 2nd floor, between 65th & 66th New York, NY 10065 212.517.5133
Great Falls 9867 Georgetown Pike Great Falls, VA 22066 703.759.5700
Cameron Station 4907 Brenman Park Drive Alexandria, VA 22304 703.370.5133
tokasalon.com WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
71
OVER THE MOON
Not Just Horses Hunt Country residents gather for a gallery opening, a concert and an art show. BY VICKY MOON
F
or anyone in the big city who may have the notion that Hunt Country residents do nothing but ride to hounds, host tailgate parties and make hay … consider these recent cultural activities. First, there was an art opening at The Byrne Gallery in Middleburg, showcasing an exhibit of the colorful and vibrant work of Yuri Gorbachev (a nephew of former Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev). The artist was on hand to greet: Peggy and Sid Silver, Helen Walker, gallery owner Bill Byrne, his co-owner and sister, Susan Bryne, and her husband, Mark Krongess. Then, the production of “Zubabu,” part of the Grace Church Concert series, took place in The Plains. Percussionist Zubin Thomas, pianist Cristian Budo and cellist and composer Sebastian Baverstam performed a sevenmovement contemporary piece to a full house in the nave of the stately church. Founded in 1855, the current building was constructed with local stone hauled from neighboring farms and donated as free-will contributions. Jacqueline Mars, a longtime patron of the Washington National Opera, is the “Founding Angel” of the local concert series. Lena Lundh and Gertraud Hechl (who works for Bonhams in this area), were the evening’s co-chairwomen. Trevor Potter, Dana Westring, Richard Viets, Jeannie and Michael Morency, Viviane Warren and Anne and Til Hazel also attended. Meanwhile, the social scene moved to Salamander Resort & Spa for the Second Annual Wine Country Harvest Ball and Art Show to benefit PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families. Piper Phillips Caswell, president and CEO of the regional non-profit group, described how it focuses on helping youngsters with a variety of disabilities and other challenges. Shawn Yancy, a news anchor at WTTG-TV Channel 5, served as emcee for
72
Alberto Ucles, Ashley Semmes Alexander and Tom Noll. (Photo by Vicky Moon)
Sebastian Baverstam, Lena Lundh and Gertraud Hechl. (Photo by Vicky Moon)
an event organized by Debi Alexander, the group’s director of development. The more than 150 guests included bubbling blonde fox hunting/accounting executive Kim Ginn, a sponsor on behalf of Baker Tilly, as well as Raina and Tom Tagle, Vicki Van Mater, Joe Kasputys, Sallie Edwards and Kristin Noggin. Many ended the night on the dance floor enjoying the music of Prince Havely and the HRH Orchestra. And, though it was a black tie-optional party, local horseman/heartthrob Snowden Clarke couldn’t hold a candle to writer Tom Noll and his partner, Alberto Ucles, in coordinating black-and-white graphic dinner jackets that would make society interior designer Carleton Varney green with envy. After the hustle and bustle of the holidays (and then a presidential inauguration), it may be time to kick back, take a deep breath and contemplate life with a stay at Meadowkirk at Delta Farm, a new retreat center near Middleburg.Venture capitalist Scott Andrews, a longtime Middleburg resident, serves as chairman of the board of the non-profit facility that hosts corporate, religious and academic
retreats and events emphasizing educational, religious and environmental programs. “Driving into Meadowkirk at Delta Farm gives me a sense of hope, renewal and gratitude,” said Andrews, whose wife, Jennifer, is the daughter of the late New York congressman and Housing and Urban Development secretary Jack Kemp. “Meadowkirk provides respite and growth in our beautiful Middleburg countryside to a range of groups including Children’s Hospital and Jill’s House,” Andrews said, noting that his team “models a spirit of service and love as they go the extra mile to personalize and own the retreat’s mission.” The facility is set on a breathtaking 358 scenic acres — a perfect remedy for postholiday restoration. Finally, Sheridan MacMahon real estate in Middleburg has listed Mount Gordon Farm, a 128-acre gem in The Plains. The stone-and-shingle manor house boasts five bedrooms, eight fireplaces, space for seven cars and expansive outdoor patios. There’s a guest cottage, a pool, four tenant houses, an artist’s loft/studio and, of course, a 12-stall stable, all for $11.75 million.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Vicki Van Mater and Joseph Kasputys
Katherine and Melvin Silverman
Gail Guirreri Maslyk, Claire Courpron and Dana Jansen WL SPONSORED
WINE COUNTRY HARVEST BALL Salamander Resort | PHOTOS BY DOUG STROUD
Ernie Rogers, Shawn Yancy and Peggy Castrilli
ART & ADVOCACY Guests donned their finest frocks and feathers to dance at PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families’ second annual Wine Country Harvest Ball, emceed by FOX5 anchor Shawn Yancy. HRH orchestra band provided the tunes after a four-course gourmet dinner, live auction, awards program and spectacular art sale featuring the work of artists and authors from Loudoun and Fauquier counties. The Heavy Construction Contractors Association was honored with the inaugural Laying the Foundation for Children and Families Award. Proceeds supported the Annandale-based PHILLIPS Programs’ initiatives including vocational training programs for students with disabilities.
Randy Lennon VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
73
LIFESTYLES | PERFECT PITCH
FROM SUPREME COURT TO STAGE Playwright Lisa Loomer brings the story of Roe v. Wade to Arena Stage. BY ERICA MOODY
F
or better or worse, Arena Stage planned the premiere of “Roe” to coincide with the 2017 presidential inauguration. Lisa Loomer’s play tells the story of the landmark 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion, with focus on the two women at the center of the case, plaintiff Norma McCorvey and lawyer Sarah Weddington. The play was originally commissioned by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival as part of American Revolutions: the United States History Cycle, inspired by moments of great change in American history.>
WASHINGTON LIFE: Are you looking forward to being in Washington around inauguration time? LISA LOOMER As a dramatist, I cannot imagine a more dramatic moment. As a citizen, I want to be in the thick of it.
Lisa Loomer
Amy Newman and Sara Brunner in “Roe” (Photo by Jenny Graham, Oregon Shakespeare Festival) WL: Did you have any idea when you were writing this that abortion rights would be so challenged this year? LL I didn’t anticipate that they would change so quickly, so rapidly. This play will play very differently with Trump being inaugurated than if Hillary had been our president. It will play with a timeliness, and an urgency, that I could not have imagined. WL: Reviews often mention the humor in your work. Does humor come naturally to you, and do you use it as a vehicle to broach difficult subjects, show absurdity or for any other reason beyond entertaining? LL I don’t know where humor comes from ... maybe from being a bit of an outsider. I swear that I don’t know if a play is funny until I hear it in front of an audience. But once I know something might be funny, I’ll use a bit of craft to ensure that. Humor opens us up, gets us out of our heads ... “Roe” is a serious play, but people see it multiple times. I don’t think that would happen without the laughs.
74
WL: What made you decide to focus on the two women at the center of the case? LL At first I was reluctant to do the play, thinking it would be about a court case. But as I researched, a story emerged, a shocking turn and a conflict between the characters involved, that gave me a way of looking at the larger divide within American culture. It’s been described as a “wild ride,” so I don’t want to spoil it for you. WL: Were you careful to give voice to different points of view? LL I do. It’s not a diatribe. But I think the character of the lawyer makes the case for choice very clear. But I also look at the word, “choice.” I think we make choices in all areas of our lives, and I don’t think they need to be simple and I don’t think they need to be simplified for us. Part of being a human being is wrestling with difficult, complex choices.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
WL: You’ve said you’re hoping the Obamas will see the play. Would you like Donald Trump to see it? LL My dream is to someday sit in the middle of a truly mixed audience, in every way, including politically. Theater gives us the opportunity to sit in the dark with people we don’t know much about and may not agree with. We get to hear where they laugh, where they are shocked, where they cry. I have so many people who came to see the play who said that afterwards, they broached the subject with people they’d never have discussed it with, even if they were a family member or a lifelong friend. So yes, I’d like Trump to come, and maybe sit next to his daughters. Harry Blackmun, the justice who delivered the opinion on the case, said that his wife and daughters were a profound influence on his thinking. “Roe” runs through Feb. 19 at Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theater.
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
er
Violetta Markelou poses near her works.
SUPERFIERCE National Museum of Women in the Arts PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
Philippa Hughes and Theo Adamstein Mary Beth Olson and DJ Neekola
ART FOR GOOD Artist Maggie O’ Neill noticed a lack of mentoring opportunities in the female art scene and decided to take action. She organized a traveling exhibition to raise funds for charities showcase work from local and national female artists. “Superfierce” kicked off in Washington with an impressive showing from the creative community, who made sure to turn out in fashion-forward attire. Guests admired work from O’Neill, Dominique Fierro, Lesley Devrouax, Viole a Markelou, Maggie Michaels, Ashley Longshore and Lana Gomez while enjoying small bites from Ridgewells Catering. Proceeds from the evening benefited EBeauty, an online wig exchange program for cancer patients. “I’m not trying to burn bras and tell everyone that they are the strongest woman ever,” O’Neill said of the effort, which will make stops in New York and Los Angeles before ending its run at Miami’s Art Basel festival. “Everyone’s ability to be superfierce is incredibly unique to them. How that manifests itself in individuals is the beauty of this.” VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Shaka King, Becky Lee and Christine Brooks Cropper Sameena Khanna and Emily Moran
Maggie O’Neill
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Anastasia Dellaccio and Gianluigi Dellaccio
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Ashley Longshore
Anchyi Wei-Clements and Michael Clements 75
Linda Donovan, Tim Shriver, Grace Allen, Linda Potter and Mariella Trager Bosworth Dewey and Beth Mendelson
Josie Yates and Sissy Yates
Betsey Pope, Leslie Kaufmann and Mark Koenig
WL EXCLUSIVE
KARA KENNEDY FUND BRUNCH & CONCERT Bethesda Blues and Jazz | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL SOULFUL SUNDAY Casual attire was encouraged and children welcome at the Kara Kennedy Fund’s brunch and concert fundraiser at Bethesda Blues & Jazz. Grammy Award-winning singersongwriter Joan Osborne and her Soul Review entertained at the intimate concert that followed brunch. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy’s late daughter loved to swim, so it’s fitting that funds went to Horizons Greater Washington’s Learn-to-Swim program to empower low-income youth.
Vicky Lawford, Julie Chase and Margaret Kaplow
VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
David Ray, Miles Ray, Taylor Ray and Christine Ray Eglantina Zingg and Domingo Zapata
Jacqueline Woodson
WL SPONSORED
LAB SCHOOL GALA
David Arquette and David Letterman
National Building Museum | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ CREATIVITY CHAMPIONS For the past 50 years, the Lab School has made a name for itself as an institution that values customized education for those with “learning differences.” Its pupils are taught to work with and around their special circumstances and to see them as gifts rather than setbacks. The school’s annual gala supports efforts to continue its mission to help young people “unlock [their] full potential.” This year the Wright Brothers-themed event (“Great Minds – Taking Flight”) attracted special guest David Le erman, actor David Arque e, contemporary artist Domingo Zapata and acclaimed author Jacqueline Woodson. The latter three were honored with “Outstanding Achievers with Differences” awards. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
76
Chairs Teresa and Brian Byrne with Katherine Schantz WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Peter Alexander and Alison Starling
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Russian fairy tale motif dress by Evgenia Luzhina
Wedding dresses by Elizabeth St. John
BEYOND THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS Embassy of France | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL OH LA MODE! The French have an instinct for edgy fashion that transcends the Paris-Milan-New York show circuit and the Alliance Francaise deserves a round of applause for trying to ensure Washington isn’t stuck too far behind the cutting edge. The local chapter’s second annual “Beyond the Little Black Dress” extravaganza at the Embassy of France served up eye-catching creations from a half a dozen or more international designers who succeeded in their mission to “thread links between cultures” and “celebrate the meeting of minds and talents.” VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Michele Gorges Goodman, Mikell Reed Carroll, Gift Hughes and Toni Burnett.
Francesca Craig and Cynthia Steele
Daniela Reina and Oksana Katsnelson Ekaterina Flis, Doreen Taderera, Gia Veskler and Valerie Volynkina
Design by Chandani Pradhanang
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
Le Bustiere Stephane Jacek
Violetta Hyland and Kate Scavello
77
Tara Patten, Kristin Cecchi, Lily Talakoub and Micky Farivar
Ashley and Alan Dabbiere
Katie Gormley and Kristen Billings
Brad Nierenberg
WL SPONSORED
CHANCE FOR LIFE KICKOFF PARTY Brad and Callie Nierenberg Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL ANTE UP In preparation for Chance for Life’s annual event in April 2017, founder Brad Nierenberg and his wife Callie transformed their house into a casino to raise money and awareness for children battling cancer. The intimate event provided a tiny taste of what to expect at the group’s main benefit at the newly-opened MGM Resort & Casino. Amateur gamblers took advantage of the opportunity to brush up on their poker skills before the event later this year, which will feature a tournament of 600 players, a $10,000 championship prize and a seat at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
Callie Nierenberg and Angie Goff
Rich Wiedis, Ben Britton and Jarrod Patten VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Sharon Howard and Sharnikya Howard Jeana Foster and Dondi Saunders
WL SPONSORED
Asma Chaudhary and Sarah Chu
MARCH OF DIMES HEROINES OF WASHINGTON DINNER Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner | PHOTOS BY TONY BROWN ENDING BIRTH DEFECTS The March of Dimes of Greater Washington recognized eight local “heroine” businesswomen for their dedication to community service at its annual dinner. Since 2001 the event has raised more than $2.4 million to support the organization’s mission to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Event co-chairwomen Dondi Saunders and Jeana Foster helmed what dinner-goers called a unique and inspiring evening with a side of laughter. Among the honorees: Marnell Small of Bellamy Management Services, Asma Chaudhary of Vencore and Sharnikya Howard of Probity Inc.
Susan Young and Marnell Small 78
Linda Mathes and Tamara Smith
Christine Piry and Heather-Louise Finch
VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
PARTIES PARTIES PARTIES
Mentors, Ecology Enthusiasts and Freedom Fighters VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!
4
1 5
HIGHER ACHIEVEMENT GOING PLACES GALA WARNER THEATRE (Photos by Will Kirk)
CARDINAL MCCARRICK AWARD
With a focus on a@er-school mentoring, Higher Achievement is a force in Washington’s middle schools, serving over 550 students in the area. The program’s success was celebrated at its ninth annual gala honoring Mitchell Schear of Vornado/Charles E. Smith. Seven hundred guests, including many from the real estate industry, chipped in to raise a record-breaking $1.4 million.
ST FRANCIS HALL (Photo by Tony Brown)
1. Steve Goldstein, Jay Epstien, Adam Singer and Mitchell Schear
6
The third annual Cardinal McCarrick Award, hosted by the Franciscan Action Network, honored Karenna Gore for her environmental advocacy as director of the Center for Earth Ethics. Gore has followed in her father, former Vice President Al Gore’s footsteps, campaigning for policy change and education initiatives regarding ecological issues. 4. Tipper Gore and Bethany Yarro 5. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick 6. Karenna Gore and Jonathan Capehart
2
3
DANA TAI SOON BURGESS ANNIVERSARY KOREAN AMBASSADOR’S RESIDENCE (Photos by Tony Powell)
7
8
OXI DAY GALA US INSTITUTE OF PEACE (Photos by Vithaya Phongsavan)
The 25th anniversary of Dana Tai Soon Burgess‘ eponymously named contemporary dance company was celebrated at the residence of Korean Amb. Ahn Ho-young, who took care to note that the gathering was even more special because the founding director is a rare fourth-generation Korean American whose family emigrated to the U.S. in 1904. The milestone season will conclude on a major high note when the group performs its first-ever retrospective at the Kennedy Center next year.
The nonprofit group dedicated to recognizing the prominent role the Greeks played in World War II celebrated at its sixth annual gala with a three-day itinerary of events including a private reception at the Greek ambassador’s residence and a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Vice President Joe Biden and his son Beau Biden were presented with the Oxi Day Award for their commitment to the fight for freedom and democracy.
2. Dana Tai Soon Burgess and Korean Amb. Ahn Ho-young
7. Greek Orthodox Archbishop Demetrios and Nadia Murad
3. Leslie Kogod Libby and Bonnie Kogod
8. Laura Evans Manatos and Mike Manatos
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
79
Ed Grenier and Bob Pincus
Mark Ordan and Bernadine Venditto
Gary Tabach, Diane Hoskins, Tony Nicely and Kenneth Samet Nels Olson and Divina Gamble
WL SPONSORED
WASHINGTON BUSINESS HALL OF FAME BENEFIT National Building Museum | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL RECORD-BREAKING EVENING A record-breaking $1.3 million was raised at the 29th annual Washington Business Hall of Fame benefit for Junior Achievement of Greater Washington, the most the event has raised in its history. William Roberts and Tony Buzzelli helped induct four new laureates into the Hall of Fame for their professional and philanthropic contributions: Diane Hoskins, Tony Nicely, Kenneth Samet and Gary Tabach. SUPERHERO SPEECH: Junior Achievement “superhero” Grace Harvey and “student CEO” Zoree Jones, who attend Patriot High in Nokesville, Va. joined board member Leon Harris onstage to help emcee. Jones credited the organization for helping him “connect the dots between the knowledge and skills that I’ve acquired in school to their relevance in real world business situations.”
Stuart Bernstein, Jordan Goldstein, Francisco Gonzalez, Mark Dubin and Michael Farr
VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Jack the Bulldog and Alexandra N. Senyi de Nagy-Unyom
Julie Nash, Conor Miller, Susan Miller, Kaeli Duggan and Coley Nash Adam and Rebecca Schindler WL SPONSORED
30TH ANNUAL LOMBARDI GALA Washington Hilton | PHOTOS BY JAY SNAP
Jill Kirkpatrick and Bonnie Roberts
COMBATTING CANCER Event chairs Brian Katz, Jill Kirkpatrick and Paul Schweitzer welcomed nearly 1,000 guests to the Lombardi Gala’s 30th anniversary to benefit the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. The evening raised a record $2.3 million, including a $1 million gift for immunotherapy research. Gala founding vice-chairwoman Bonnie Roberts was awarded the 2016 Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award and ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, who survived stage IV throat cancer, accepted the NFL Players Association Award. AUTO LOT: The silent auction was particularly grand this year; a special raffle sent one lucky guest home in a 2016 Lexus NX 200t F Sport automobile.
Vincent Lombardi II and Sally Sue
80
VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
PARTIES PARTIES PARTIES
Social Entrepreneurs,Youth Advocates and Media Elite VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!
1
1
5
6
TOAST TO BLOOMBERG BLOOMBERG DC BUREAU (Photos by Tony Powell)
HORTON’S KIDS GIVE THANKS & GIVE BACK HOTEL MONACO (Photo by Jen Knutzen/McGhee Street Photography)
Journalists and politicos gathered to toast the launch of Bloomberg News’ new Washington bureau, an event hosted by network Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait. In addition to spirits and passed bites, guests got to make their own t-shirts with an on-site screen printer reading: “Is it this shirt or are the regs ge\ing tighter?” 1. Bloomberg Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait, Tammy Haddad and Ty Trippet 2. Bloomberg DC Bureau Chief Megan Murphy and Hilary Rosen
Horton’s Kids provides at-risk youth with academic, health and general support based on their needs to help them succeed educationally, professionally and in their home lives. This year’s Give Thanks and Give Back event celebrated the achievements of Horton’s young participants while generating more than $130,000 for the cause. 5. Paul Kidwell, Jessica Smith, Horton’s Kids board President, Erik Olson and Averi Pakulis 6. Brad Berkley, Amonte Burton, Horton’s Kids Executive Director Robin Berkley
POWER OF FILM AWARDS ANDREW W MELLON AUDITORIUM (Photos by Joy Asico)
3
America Abroad Media hosted its fourth annual awards dinner recognizing the profound role of media and television to “inform, educate and empower citizens about the critical social and public policy issues of our time.” Honorees included Showtime’s acclaimed “Homeland” series; Afghanistan’s largest independent media channel, TOLO TV; and Reps. Ed Royce and Eliot Engel, who have campaigned for the advancement and improvement of U.S. international broadcasting. 3. Marie Royce and Rep. Ed Royce with Rep. Eliot Engel and Patricia Engel
4 WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
4. “Homeland” Executive Producer Howard Gordon, America Abroad Media Founder and President Aaron Lobel and “Homeland” star F. Murray Abraham
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
7
8
ATLAS CORPS 10TH ANNIVERSARY RENWICK GALLERY (Photos by Andrés Harris Photography ) The Atlas Corps, a program known for cultivating social entrepreneurs through an international network of nonprofits, celebrated 10 years of providing fellowships to help participants learn best practices in a nonprofit environment before returning to their native countries to utilize their knowledge. 7. Atlas Corps Fellows Douglas, Mehak and Sunha 8. Sco Beale and Colombian Ambassador Juan Carlos Pinzón
81
HOME LIFE Real Estate News and Open House I Inside Homes and My Washington
+VERH 6IWMHIRGI Colombian Ambassador Juan Carlos Pinzón holds court in his country’s stately Dupont Circle mansion. BY VIRGINIA COYNE PHOTOGRAPHS BY TONY BROWN
HOME LIFE | INSIDE HOMES
n November, shortly after the Colombian government reached a peace agreement with the rebel group FARC, Juan Carlos Pinzón, Colombian ambassador to the United States, hosted his country’s president, Juan Manuel Santos, at the ambassador’s Dupont Circle residence. During Santos’ visit, the ambassador held a dinner honoring Vice President Joe Biden (and by default, President Barack Obama) for his long-standing support of Colombia.A month later, in the same ornate ballroom, Pinzón feted former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, then a rumored contender to be Donald Trump’s taa for “his long-standing friendship and support. secretary of state, The youthful yet commanding Pinzón, who previously served as his country’s defense minister, aggressively works on both sides of the aisle to further “Peace Colombia” - a new era of partnership with the U.S. that builds on and continues Washington’s financial, health and military assistance as his country works towards peace. “We have been able to work strongly with Democratic and Republican administrations and congresses, and that’s our intention,” says the ambassador. “We know preferences and priorities change depending on the administration but I think when you already have a good relationship, both countries can adjust and learn from each other.” The stately brick mansion has played a starring role during the ambassador’s 18-month tenure. In addition to hosting dignitaries, Pinzón and wife Pilar Lozano have opened the residence’s intricate wrought-iron doors to other nation’s envoys, members of the media and fellow Colombians. They have worked to promote cross-cultural understanding, most recently celebrating Grammy Award-winning countryman Carlos Vives after the artist donated one of his iconic guitars to the Smithsonian Museum of American History. The Pinzóns also use the vast spaces, warmed up by chestnut wood paneling, to display artwork by Colombian artists, including the late Ana Mercedes Hoyos, acclaimed for
84
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
sheee
OPENING PAGE: Colombian Ambassador Juan Carlos Pinzón stands on the steps of his residence’s grand staircase. PREVIOUS PAGE: (clockwise from top left): Pinzón and wife Pilar Lozano placed a 1586 painting of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquira, the patron saint of Colombia, in the foyer; a courtyard is accessible from the ballroom and offers a tranquil escape from busy Dupont Circle; fresh roses, shipped in each week from Colombia, sit beneath a still life of a bouquet of roses by Colombian artist Ana María Palacios; the spacious dining room features a table that seats 24, beautifully detailed wooden ceilings and sideboard that once served as an altar in an Italian monastery; a skylight and vaulted ceilings wow guests in the ballroom. THIS PAGE: (clockwise from top left) The Louis XVI living room, which serves as the formal reception room, has been dubbed the “yellow room” by the ambassador on account of the butter-hued upholstery on the gilded chairs; a striking modern painting called “Esclava” by Ana Mercedes Hoyos makes a statement above a leather chesterfield couch in a seating area outside the ballroom; shelves of the library in the private quarters upstairs hold antique books once belonging to the home’s original owner, Thomas Gaff; visitors enter the residence via large arched wrought iron doors.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
her depictions of black culture, and Ana María Palacios whose large still life of roses in a vase proves a perfect accompaniment to the large bouquets of roses flown in weekly from Colombia that are found throughout the house. Much of the art was in place before the Pinzóns arrived, but they did bring with them a glass enclosed antiquity - a 1586 replica of a painting on cloth of our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquínquira. The original is in the basilica in of Chiquínquira, where it is visited by thousands of Catholic pilgrims each year. “This is a very special thing,” says Pinzón. “Our Lady of the Rosary is the patron saint of Colombia and it was very significant for my wife and me to bring some of our national traditions here.” The work feels right at home in the house, which is steeped in history and tradition. It was built in 1906 for businessman Thomas T. Gaff and designed by Paris-born architect Jules Henri de Sibour, a descendent of King Louis XVI. The Frenchman was known for creating impressive staircases and grand reception halls, and there’s perhaps nothing grander in the house than the Edwardian-style ballroom that is utilized for everything from black-tie dinners to children’s holiday parties. A skylight and vaulted ceiling with intricate detailing visually enlarge the already vast white space. The dining room ceiling features finely inlaid decorative beams, and against the wall is a massive built-in sideboard carved with scenes of the Old Testament that used to serve as an altar at an Italian monastery. The library and office in the private quarters upstairs offer the same warm, eclectic feel on a smaller scale. It’s there, surrounded by bookcases filled with antique books once belonging to the home’s original owner, that the ambassador finds quiet time to read or work from home. “It’s a beautiful place,” says Pinzón of the house. “I can tell you, almost everyone who comes to this residence, when they see the ballroom and the art and the woodwork, they are amazed. It’s a wonderful space that Colombia has to present itself here in Washington.”
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
85
HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS
The Trumps are Coming Ivanka Trump puts down roots in Kalorama, Washington Wizards’ Bradley Beal buys in McLean and Black Entertainment Television CEO Debra Lee sells her modern Massachusetts Avenue Heights mansion. BY STAC E Y G R A Z I E R P FA R R
Wilbur Ross, President-elect Donald Trump’s appointee for commerce secretary and his wife, Hilary Geary Ross, purchased the Massachusetts Avenue Heights Beaux Arts mansion, WOODLAND DRIVE, for an undisclosed price. The property was listed at $12 million. Seller Adrienne Arsht purchased the house in 2010 for $8.2 million. The six-bedroom home on what is known as “Billionaire’s Row� was built in 1999 on an almost-half acre lot once owned by the British Embassy. The estate boasts a pool, two reflecting ponds, a two-story library and a tiered 12-seat theater. Ironically, the incoming secretary’s new digs look directly across the street at those of outgoing Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzger, who also lives on Woodland Drive. The listing agent for the property was Washington Fine Properties’ Chuck Holzwarth; the buyer’s agents were William F.X. Moody, Robert Hryniewicki, Adam T. Rackliffe and Christopher R. Leary of Washington Fine Properties.
THE DISTRICT Jose and Maria Villarreal bought TH STREET NW for $2.7 million. The house was the residence of Niagara Hudson Power heir Henry Flood Schoellkopof and it was the first time the 1926 Colonial was on the market in more than 50 years. Character abounds in this classic salmon stucco Observatory Circle property that includes 7,000 square feet of living space and a two-car garage. Washington Fine Properties’ Boucie Addison was the listing agent while Dan Corr, also of Washington Fine Properties, was the buyer’s agent. Charles and Lisa Greener bought CHARLESTON TERRACE NW from Sloan Gibson. Gibson served as President Obama’s
deputy secretary of veterans affairs and Mr. Greener is the head of corporate affairs for Walgreens. The stately four bedroom brick Colonial in Foxhall Village fetched $2,550,000. The house is sited on a lush one-third-acre lot and features elegant public rooms, a gourmet
88
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner’s new Kalorama home.
kitchen opening to a well appointed family room and a fully finished lower level complete with recreation room and wet bar. Washington Fine Properties’ Mark McFadden was the listing agent. Long & Foster Real Estate’s Sarah Howard represented the buyer. Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner,
along with their three children, are moving to
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
the stately Georgian Revival at TRACY PLACE NW (just around the corner from the Obamas’ new Kalorama digs at 2446 Belmont Road NW. The six bedroom house, designed by Waddy Wood and built in 1923, sold for $5.5 million in December. Previous owners of the 6,800-square foot residence include the late Alvin Kraft and hiw wife Renee Zlotnick Kraft - a local socialite and fur heiress (daughter
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
The highest paid Washington Wizards player in history, Bradley Beal, purchased a French Provincial-style mansion from Jubal and Kirsten Thompson for $3.2 million. The six-bedroom, nine-bath McLean beauty at RANDWOOD STREET was built in 2015 and features more than 11,000 square feet of open spaces, a chef’s kitchen and a separate guest house with kitchenette, bathroom and upper loft. Washington Fine Properties’ Jennifer Harper Thornett and Micah Corder were the listing agents, while Compass’ Jill Schwartz was the buyer’s agent.
William Walker , chairman and CEO of Walker & Dunlap, bought CHAIN BRIDGE ROAD NW for $3,65 million from John and Carole Boochever. Walker, known as “Willie,� is the son of Diana Walker, a noted photographer for TIME magazine, and the grandson of Dorcas Hardin, the owner of a fashionable Georgetown clothing boutique of the 1950s and ‘60s that included Jacqueline Kennedy among its clients. Set amid stately hardwoods overlooking Battery Kemble Park with views extending into Virginia, this exceptional 1954 contemporary house was redesigned by Olvia Demetriou, features a custom glass staircase, gourmet kitchen and exercise room with floor to ceiling windows. Landscaped gardens help make this property one in a million. Christie-Anne Weiss of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty was the listing agent; Johnathan Taylor, also of Sotheby’s, represented the buyer’s agent.
of Samuel Zlotnick, a Washington business fixture known as Zlotnick the Furrier); Andrea Kaufman and John Sullivan, and most recently, financier Dan Rapoport and his wife, Irina.
Annapolis is situated along Spa Creek with stunning water views. This yachtsman’s paradise includes 260 feet of water frontage and five deep water slips. Contance Cadwell of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage MARYLAND was the listing agent while Long & Foster Henry and Ann Seta sold REVELL Real Estate’s Eva Smith was the buyers’ STREET for $4.9 million to Matt Nixon and agent. Jennifer Blondo. Nixon is CEO of Fultonbased American Pest. The 2007-built New VIRGINIA England-style classic property in Historic Walid and Helen Kattan are the new
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
owners of NASH STREET N which they purchased from for mer District taxi mogul Solomon Bekele for $3.7 million. United Real Estate’s Susan Hesser was the listing agent. The 4,000plus square-foot Rosslyn penthouse also features two wrap-around terraces with Georgetown and Potomac River views. The property also includes an enclosed three-car garage and pr ivate elevator directly to the residence’s door.
89
HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS
PROPERTY LINES 2ND MOST EXPENSIVE DISTRICT LISTING: CEO and Chairman of Black Entertainment Television Debra Lee is selling WOODLAND DRIVE NW for $13.5 million – making it second in price only to the brand new 3030 Chain Bridge Road NW in Kent, which is listed at $20 million. Lee’s spectacular Contemporary overlooking Rock Creek Park was built and designed in 2010 by Marshall Moya. The uber modern Massachusetts Avenue Heights abode is truly one of a kind with amenities that include a space ageesque wine cellar, 20-foot-tall great room, an enormous media room as well as an eight car garage, luxurious pool and guest suite. Another fun fact: the property was once the setting for a $40,000-a-plate fundraiser for President Obama. Washington Fine Properties’ Marilyn Charity is the listing agent
COUNTRY CLUB HILLS STUNNER: Cathedral View LLC listed N GLEBE ROAD in Arlington for $3.5 million with the help of TTR Sotheby’s International Real Estate’s Wetherly Barker. The 8,000+ squarefoot luxury townhouse boasts breathtaking views of both the Washington Golf and Country Club and the National Cathedral from two expansive outdoor stone terraces. The five-bedroom, six-bath Italianate Villa was built in 2014 by The JL Albrittain Company. The master suite offers a state of the art master bath and dressing room while the uppermost level offers an additional terrace with outdoor fireplace adjoining an expansive media and entertaining area
MODERN MARVEL: Constance Minshall is selling her Bauhaus-inspired residence at ABINGDON ROAD in Bethesda and recently cut the price to $5,995,000, down from original asking price of $8.8 million. The residence sits on 2.6 acres of lush grounds complete with pool and tennis court and stunning views of the Dalecarlia Reservoir. The 1933 Art Decostyle estate boasts large rooms with floor to ceiling windows, a gourmet kitchen, a luxe master suite with a private sundeck, and second family room opening to a large terrace. Washington Fine Properties Heidi Hatfield and Anne Hatfield Weir are the listing agents
92
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Number 3: With a cool $12.5 million dollar price tag, Q STREET NW is now the third most expensive listing in The District. Edward J. Mathias, managing director of The Carlyle Group, is selling the 1978 Georgetown Federal. Set back from the street and cloistered behind a brick privacy wall, the eight bedroom, four story boasts a whopping 11,000 square feet of living space -- a rarity in Georgetown’s East Village. This unique house includes a living room graced with 21-foot ceilings, open space kitchen and family room spanning the entire depth of the house, multiple gardens, and a lush pool. TTR Sotheby’s International Real Estate’s Michael Rankin is the listing agent. Send real estate news to Stacey Grazier Pfarr at editorial@washingtonlife.com.
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
HOME LIFE | OPEN HOUSE
Open House Start the new year in a grand new home.
KALORAMA
KALORAMA CIRCLE
ASKING PRICE: $5,750,000
This superior residence features gracious living LISTING AGENT: and dining rooms, a sunlit conservatory, a master Michael Rankin, suite with sitting area and dual his-and-her 202.271.3344, TTR bathrooms, a family room with 11-foot ceilings, Sotheby’s Internaand an incredible viewing deck with 360 degree tional Realty views of Washington. It sits on a large lot with private gardens, entertaining terraces, a detached four-car garage, and an elevator.
MCLEAN VA POTOMAC KNOLLS DRIVE
ASKING PRICE: $4,750,000
This gated waterfront property at the end of a cul-de-sac LISTING AGENT: has impressive views and access to the Potomac River. Penny Yerks An elegant great room opens to a balcony that overlooks (703.760.0744) the river. There’s also a formal living room, dining room, and Piper Gioia custom gourmet kitchen and family room that opens to the (703.963.1363), TTR Sotheby’s courtyard and balcony.The fully finished walkout lower level International includes an expansive recreation room with a bar, wine cellar, Realty fireplace, full bath and a sunroom with vaulted a ceiling that leads out to a terrace designed for grand entertaining. The rear yard with custom designed landscaping has a stone path that leads down to the river.
KALORAMA
CONNECTICUT AVE NW
ASKING PRICE: $2,299,000
This approximately 3,000-square-foot corner LISTING AGENTS: apartment has three exposures, three-four Sylvia Bergstrom bedrooms and three renovated bathrooms. A chef ’s and Marin kitchen boasts Viking/Subzero appliances, granite Hagen, Coldwell countertops and backsplashes.The nine-foot ceilings Banker have plaster moldings, and there are hardwood floors in all rooms except tiled kitchen and stone baths. Other features include an extra room-sized storage space, two parking spaces (one in the garage), 24-hour desk service and sweeping views from the rooftop deck.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
93
WASHINGTON, D.C. | $2,550,000 Search DC9819691 on CBHomes.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. | $2,249,000 Search DC9806750 on CBHomes.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. | $1,650,000 Search DC9797249 on CBHomes.com
This is where opportunity awaits and the possibilities are endless. This is home, and it starts with Coldwell Banker . Every day, we help more people find their own perfect place. It’s why we’re a trusted real estate brand worldwide, and the clear choice for buyers and sellers throughout the District. Contact us today. ®
ColdwellBankerHomes.com
Alexandria 703.518.8300 | Arlington 703.524.2100 | Bethesda 301.718.0010 Capitol Hill 202.547.3525 | Dupont /Logan Circle 202.387.6180 Fairfax 703.691.1400 | Georgetown 202.333.6100 | Leesburg 703.771.8888 North Potomac/Rockville 301.921.1040 | Potomac 301.983.0200 Prince William Parkway 703.763.1950 | Reston 703.471.7220 | Vienna 703.938.5600
MY WASHINGTON DANA BASH | CNN Chief Political Correspondent BY VIRGINIA COYNE
MY TOP SPOTS
I can’t get through the week without at least one order of steamed veggie dumplings from Meiwah. Larry La, the owner, is the best.
There is nothing like the Lincoln Memorial. Since college, I have loved to climb those steps and remember all the history that has happened there and take in the view of this spectacular city.
I love the Phillips Collection and have since I was a student at George Washington University. It is intimate and magical.
And, I just love to stroll through Georgetown, especially in the fall.
98
YOU WERE ON THE ANCHOR DESK ON ELECTION NIGHT. WHAT WAS THAT LIKE? AT WHAT POINT WAS IT EVIDENT DONALD TRUMP WAS GOING TO WIN? It became apparent when Florida’s results started to come in that Trump was leading. I was in constant contact with sources from both sides of the aisle throughout the night. Republicans genuinely did not expect Wisconsin and Michigan to go the way they did. It was a Democratic source who texted me relatively early on with two words: “It’s over.” That’s when I knew Donald Trump was going to be the next president. WHAT STICKS IN YOUR MIND AS THE DEFINING MOMENT OF THE 2016 CAMPAIGN? It is much easier to identify a single consequential moment of the campaign when we are doing it in retrospect. Given that, I would say it was the “basket of deplorables” remark about Trump supporters from Hillary Clinton. That fed right into the notion that Clinton didn’t get what the Trump movement was about - a desire for disruption in the system that so many Americans feel has left them behind. Instead of reaching out to Trump supporters and those on the fence about him, she alienated them. It is a lesson for every politician out there - you can go after your opponent, but when you expand that to their supporters, it is dangerous territory.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
IF YOU WERE TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT THIS ELECTION WHAT WOULD THE TITLE BE? CNN did write a book about the election – “Unprecedented: The Election That Changed Everything” – and it went to press the Friday after Election Day. If I were to write one in retrospect, it’d be “140 Characters - The Story of 2016.” WHICH STORIES ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Towards the end of the campaign, my producer, Abigail Crutchfield, and I did two stories that told us a lot about why the election went the way it did. We traveled to North Carolina to talk to millennials about how they would vote and were surprised to see so much animosity towards Hillary Clinton among so many young people that she needed to win. We also went to the Philadelphia suburbs ... to do a piece on the female electorate there. It was just a few days after the “Access Hollywood” tape broke and not one woman told us Trump’s comments on that tape would affect their vote. They cared more about the fact that he was an outsider, and the fact that he was not Clinton. MUCH WAS MADE OF THE “GIRLS ON THE BUS” – THE UNPRECEDENTED NUMBER OF WOMEN COVERING THE CANDIDATES. YOU WERE ONE OF THEM. HOW HAVE WOMEN CHANGED THE DYNAMIC ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL? Women have different life experiences, especially those of us who are mothers, and that makes us see and hear things that candidates and voters say in a way men may not. Mostly though, it is nice to have the female camaraderie that male counterparts were able to have for all those years. I cherish my female friendships whether it is with my colleagues at CNN or other networks. There is a sisterhood which is really special.
| J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com
DANA BASH PHOTO COURTE SY CNN. PHILLIPS COLLECTION PHOTO COURTE SY THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION. LINCOLN MEMORIAL PHOTO BY JEFF KUBINA VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS. GEORGETOW N CA N AL P H OTO BY I N GF B R UN O VI A W I KI M E D I A CO M M O N S .
I
n a world of musical chairs in television news, Dana Bash is a rarity. The New Jersey native has spent her entire career – 24 years – at CNN’s Washington bureau, having risen through the ranks to become the network’s top congressional journalist, a White House correspondent, and in 2016, a debate questioner and lead reporter covering the Republican presidential field. >>