Washington Life Magazine - March 2015

MEN AND WOMEN OF

SUBSTANCE & STYLE POWER COUPLES

Norah O’Donnell & Geoff Tracy >> Rima & Salem Al-Sabah Marla & Barry Beck

FASHION FORECAST An extended trend report for Spring and a peek at Fall 2015

INSIDE HOMES

&

PA RT I PA ES! RT PA IE RT S! IE S!

Susanna & Jack Quinn

63007 63=')

&)743/ ) ±'SQQMWWMSRMRK E 6SPPW 6S]GI MW SRI SJ PMJI´W YRJSVKIXXEFPI QSQIRXW² +-0)7 8%=036 (-6)'836 3* ()7-+2

=

SY HSR´X FY] E 6SPPW 6S]GI ]SY GSQ QMWWMSR SRI PMOI E TMIGI SJ ½ RI EVX SV E

WYTIV ]EGLX 8LI TSWWMFMPMXMIW JSV TIVWSREPM^E XMSR EVI ZMVXYEPP] PMQMXPIWW *VSQ XLI WQEPPIWX GLERKI XS XLI FSPHIWX WXEXIQIRX SYV XIEQ SJ HIWMKRIVW ERH IRKMRIIVW [MPP LIPT ]SY IZIV] WXIT SJ XLI [E] XS QEOI E GEV XLEX MW YRMUYI XS ]SY ;LEXIZIV ]SY HVIEQ SJ XS GSQTPIXI ]SYV TIVJIGX 6SPPW 6S]GI [I [MPP ½ RH E [E] XS QEOI MX E VIEPMX]

%8 8 6 %' 8 - : ) 0 ) % 7 ) 3 * * ) 6 7 %:% - 0 % & 0 ) [[[ 661'78)60-2+ GSQ

4EGM½ G &PZH 7XIVPMRK :%

1764

63007 63=') +,378 ˆ *IEXYVI 7IPIGXMSR

ˆ 0ERI (ITEVXYVI ;EVRMRK

ˆ 'EQIVE 7]WXIQ

ˆ ,IEH 9T (MWTPE]

ˆ *VSRX 1EWWEKI 7IEXW

ˆ *VSRX 6IEV :IRXMPEXIH 7IEXW

ˆ %HETXMZI ,IEHPMKLXW

ˆ 66 1SRSKVEQ XS ,IEHVIWXW

ˆ 'LVSQI :MWMFPI )\LEYWXW

ˆ -R½ RMX] &PEGO )\XIVMSV

ˆ ,MKL &IEQ %WWMWXERGI

ˆ 1SGGEWMR -RXIVMSV

STOCK # R15009

1328,

14=

-QEKIW JSV ZMWYEP VIJIVIRGI SRP] 7YFNIGX XS 8MIV GVIHMX ETTVSZEP 4E]QIRXW FEWIH SR QSRXL XIVQ TIVGIRX HS[R 8E\ XMXPI XEKW VIKMWXVEXMSR MRWYVERGI TVSGIWWMRK JII RSX MRGPYHIH 7YFNIGX XS GERGIPPEXMSR [MXLSYX RSXM½ GEXMSR JVSQ 66*7

79 38

54 '328)287 MARCH 2015

EDITOR'S LETTER

MEET OUR TEAM ...................................

SPECIAL FEATURES MEN AND WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE AND STYLE..........................

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE AND STYLE ..

MEN OF SUBSTANCE AND STYLE ........

THE TASTEMAKERS ................................

FYIDC

Washington Press Club Congressional Dinner ..............

PERFECT PITCH Audra McDonald on

Art in Embassies Medal of Freedom Luncheon .............

her upcoming concert at Strathmore ............................

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

Young & the Guest List Cocktail Reception .............

Sen. Barbara Boxer on N Street Village ......................

"Man Ray-Human Equations" opens at the Phillips .....

Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala .............................

OVER THE MOON When "Camelot" ame to Hunt Country ....................

LIFESTYLES

"Mr. & Mrs. Sunday's Suppers" Book Party ................

FASHION EDITORIAL Tough as Butterflies .........

BEDAZZLING WASHINGTON

Studio Theatre Gala ..............................................

Alexis Bittar Comes to Washington ...........................

HOME LIFE

INSIDER'S GUIDE .................................... DISPATCH FROM NYFW SOCIAL CALENDAR ...............................

Fall-Winter 2015 ................................................

TREND REPORT On Pointe .............................

WHO'S NEXT Fran Holuba and Giuseppe Lanzone ....................... TREND REPORT Lovely Lace............................

INNOVATORS AND DISRUPTORS TREND REPORT Men's Style............................

Zoobean founders Jordan Lloyd Bookey and Felix Lloyd .

TREND REPORT White and Gold Jewelry............

TIFFANY & CO PREVIEW

POLLYWOOD

New Blue Book collection inspired by the sea ................

HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC

THE DISH Katy Chang's EatsPlace,

The team behind Oscar-nominated short films ..............

Washington's first "pop-uppery"................................

Environmental Film Festival ...................................

BOOK TALK "Gods and Kings," Dana Thomas'

Celebrating "A Path Appears" with Ashley Judd ...........

book on Alexander McQueen and John Galliano ..........

Sundance Film Festival Wrap-up: 13 must-see films.......

WASHINGTON SOCIAL DIARY

EMBASSY ROW

AROUND TOWN

Remembering Arnaud de Borchgrave ..........................

Ina Ginsburg Tribute..............................................

INSIDE HOMES Susanna and Jack Quinn's Wesley home ...............

GIVING BACK AND GETTING AHEAD Beasley Real Estate...............................................

OPEN HOUSE Happy Hunting .........................

REAL ESTATE NEWS Victorian Beauties..............

MY WASHINGTON Rep. Debbie Dingell ..............

68

Catching up with Simon Doonan .............................

CNMC's Dancing After Dark.................................

Ronald Lauder Decoration .....................................

ON THE COVER Norah O'Donnell and Geoff Tracy photographed in the New York CBS Studio for the "Men and Women of Substance and Style" feature (Photo by John Paul Filo/CBS Š2015CBS Broadcasting Inc.); TOP FROM LEFT: "Tough as Butterflies" fashion editorial (Photo by Luis Aragon. See inside for full crew and shopping credits); Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero, Sidney McNiff Johnson, Laura Denise Bisogniero and Jay Johnson at the book party for Lorraine Wallace's "Mr. and Mrs. Sunday's Suppers" (Photo by Tony Powell); Marla and Barry Beck photographed for the "Men and Women of Substance and Style" feature (Photo by Paul Simkin). ABOVE: MIKIMOTO Radiance convertible earrings (price upon request), liljenquistbeckstead.com

10

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

| M A R C H | 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 SENIOR EDITORS

Kevin Chaffee Virginia Coyne MANAGING EDITOR

Alison McLaughlin DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

Laura Wainman ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Erica Moody COLUMNISTS AND CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Janet Donovan, Roland Flamini, Patrick McCoy,Vicky Moon, Stacey Grazier Pfarr and Donna Shor ART DIRECTOR

Matt Rippetoe PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Tony Powell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Joseph Allen, Luis Aragon, Ben Droz, Alfredo Flores,Vithaya Phongsavan, Kyle Samperton and Jay Snap

PUBLISHER & CEO

Soroush Richard Shehabi ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

John H. Arundel ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Todd Kapner ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Denise Rossi BOOKKEEPER

Trina Hodges WEB TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT

Eddie Saleh,Triposs Mihail Iliev LEGAL

Mason Hammond Drake, Greenberg Traurig LLP INTERNS

Nicole Floyd and Caroline Sandholm 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

Substance, style and power couples M

usician Wynton including Fran Holuba and Marsalis has been Giuseppe Lanzone in ‘Who’s famously quoted as saying, Next,” Zoobean founders “Don’t settle for style.

Jordan Lloyd Bookey and Succeed in substance.”

Felix Lloyd in our inaugural Our feature story Innovators and Disruptors this month showcases column, and Jack and power couples and other Susanna Quinn, who let us individuals who’ve done peek into their exquisitely just that. Outwardly, these appointed, yet perfectly accomplished local residents comfortable, Washington are always impeccably residence for ‘Inside Homes.’ dressed, so of course we You’ll also find an asked them about their unprecedented number of personal style. Our main fashion and style pages – from focus, however, was on their our stark and stunning fashion significant accomplishments. editorial shot at Union The Washington Life Magazine team. Back row, from L to R: Erica Moody, Todd Kapner, Alison McLaughlin, Soroush Richard Shehabi, Kevin Chaffee, John Arundel, Laura Wainman, Tony Powell.

Salem Al-Sabah, Market and several pages of Sitting, L to R: Nancy Reynolds Bagley and Virginia Coyne (Not pictured: Trina Hodges, Matt Rippetoe) the ambassador of Spring trend reports for both Kuwait, sends daily dispatches back to his country, a key U.S. ally in men and women to a special dispatch from New York Fashion Week the Middle East, as the two nations work together in the fight against looking ahead at Fall 2015. terrorism. His answer to our question about the threat posed by ISIL Finally, our issue wouldn’t be complete without our signature is both insightful and informative. His wife, philanthropist Rima Alevent coverage. From Ina Ginsburg’s moving memorial service Sabah, an acclaimed Washington hostess with an enviable wardrobe, is to the Art in Embassies Awards, the Alvin Ailey Opening Night, a former journalist with a special interest in the plight of refugees. She CNMC’s “Dancing After Dark,” the Studio Theatre Gala and was recently appointed a goodwill ambassador to the United Nations the opening of the Phillips Collection’s “Man Ray — Human Refugee Agency, and shared details about her mission.

Equations,” we covered them all. Stay tuned next month for As you’ve seen on our cover, we also interviewed journalist and THEARC’s Wacky and Whimsical Tea, the Teach for America Gala, “CBS This Morning” co-anchor Norah O’Donnell, who has helped the Prevent Cancer Gala and much, much more. the program reach its largest audience in more than two decades.

O’Donnell shares her thoughts on the show’s success. Her husband, popular restaurateur Geoff Tracy, continues to expand his Chef Geoff franchise, having recently opened an outpost in Terminal C at Dulles International Airport. He lets us in on a few secrets related to his continued growth in the competitive restaurant industry – and his favorite dishes, too!

Marla and Barry Beck made business news headlines in January Nancy R. Bagley when they finalized a deal to sell Bluemercury, the beauty products Editor in Chief empire they started here, to Macy’s for $210 million. The couple, who will remain based here, exemplify a consummate mix of professionalism and charisma. They tell us how they worked together to become so successful. Any budding entrepreneur will want to read their advice.

Look for other remarkable couples throughout the issue,

14

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

| march

2015

| washingtonlife.com

Meet the Team

The WL Crew

Washington Life has always been a peoplebased magazine.Yet, you rarely see the faces of the people creating WL. This month, as part of our Spring fashion issue, we wanted to introduce you to our editorial team and share a bit about our personal style. >>

Nancy Bagley

Virginia Coyne

Kevin Chaffee

E d i to r - i n - C h i e f

S e n i o r E d i to r

S e n i o r E d i to r

Describe your style.

“It fluctuates between Bohemian chic and classic. I rarely have time to shop, but I have boots for every occasion and wear a lot of tunics and also cashmere.

For more formal occasions, I’m drawn towards short black cocktail dresses or intricately embroidered/beaded silk kaftans with color. I also love capes for dramatic flair and chandelier earrings.

Vintage couture or past collections from designers during various periods in their careers is appealing to me. I am more “back to the future” than “au courant.”

What are your go-to outfits for both work and play?

“Outfits for work and play are usually the same: anything black or leopard print, which I consider a neutral. DVF wrap dresses are a staple and right now, I’m obsessed with everything Vince especially their silk pants and leather dresses. I pair everything with my black Mulberry Alexa bag and always carry a pashmina or in the winter, a furry scarf.”

What is your favorite article of clothing and why?

“A sumptuous vicuña coat from the early 1960s that once belonged to my grandfather and that I wear only on very special occasions because it is becoming somewhat fragile and requires such meticulous care. The extremely fine wool is very soft and warm and also quite rare because the animal can only be shorn every three years, and has to be caught from the wild.”

Laura Wainman

De p u t y M a n ag i n g E d i to r

Alison McLaughlin M a n ag i n g E d i to r

P h o t o s b y T o n y P ow e l l M a k e u p A r t i s t: Va l e n t i n a G r e t s ova , w w w.va l e n t i n ag r e t s ova .c o m H a i r S t y l i s t: K r i s t i a n A n d r a da , k r i s t i a n d r a da @ g m a i l .c o m

16

What is your favorite article of clothing and why?

“My favorite accessory, that I wear every single day, is my father’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust watch with a navy blue dial. I had to have the maximum number of links taken out, but now it fits perfectly and is something I know I will wear and appreciate forever.”

What are your go-to outfits for both work and play?

“I’m a pants and top kind of gal, in and out of the office. In the winter, you’ll almost always catch me in Rag & Bone skinny jeans with an oversized sweater, statement necklace and riding boots.

But in the warmer weather, I’m all about the heels, and the higher the better in my book. I have an embarrassingly large collection in all colors and styles, but no outfit is complete without a killer pair of heels.”

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

Erica Moody

Ass o c i at e E d i t o r

Where do you like to shop?

“I’m a big vintage shopper. I love the hunt and can spend an entire day just browsing for a unique piece or great bargain. Via Gypset has a wonderful selection of curated vintage clothing and accessories that are unique, yet wearable, for the day to day. Meeps in Adams Morgan is great for funkier vintage finds. I’m also addicted to shopping online at Rue La La and eBay.”

| march

2015

| washingtonlife.com

FYIDC The Insider’s Guide to Washington

BY ERICA MOODY

ENVIRONMENTAL FILMS

EARTH-FRIENDLY FESTIVAL The 23rd annual Environmental Film Festival hits town this month, with over 160 films being screened at 60 venues around the city. This year’s theme, “Climate Connections,” focuses on climate change, with expert speakers such as Joe Romm and Tommy Wells. Oscar-winning French director Luc Jacquet will present a retrospective of his work, including “March of the Penguins.”

WINE DELIVERY Make obtaining fine wine as easy as ordering a pizza with DCanter’s latest wine delivery service.

The Capitol Hill wine and beer boutique now offers personalized wine selection and delivery, with no membership fee to join.Your personal concierge will send six to 12 hand-selected bottles to your door each month, catering to your particular tastes and budget. 545 8th St. SE Washington, DC 20003, 202-817-3803, dcanterwines.com.

‘BLITHE SPIRIT’

TV STAR ON STAGE Catch legendary actress Angela Lansbury at the National Theatre this month in “Blithe Spirit.”The five-time Tony Award winner returns to the same stage where she made her pre-Broadway debut 58 years ago.The classic Noel Coward comedy, which had its Broadway debut in 1941, is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Michael Blakemore and features Lansbury as Madame Arcati, a medium summoning the ghost of the protagonist’s dead wife.The special limited engagement follows soldout performances in New York and London. March 17-29, the National Theatre, tickets start at $48, thenationaldc.com.

18

PINK TIES & KITES

Pretend you’re a tourist at the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the annual springtime extravaganza that spans four weekends and brings an estimated 1.5 million people to Washington. The festival, known for promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship, celebrates the 3,000 cherry trees gifted to the U.S. from Japan, with events leading up to the peak bloom. Opening festivities include the “Pink Tie Party” fundraiser at the Ronald Reagan Building; a family–friendly opening ceremony at the Warner Theater featuring entertainment from Japanese performers; and the Blossom Kite Festival on the National Mall. March 20-April 12, nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

CRAFT BEER

PARTY WITH BREWERIES Have questions about beer you are afraid to ask?

Not to worry! Two events this month will turn you into a craft beer expert in no time. Sample handcrafted selections from more than 30 of the region’s best craft breweries at the 10th anniversary Brewer’s Ball. And you can feel good about indulging as the event raises funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. March 7, 7 p.m. to midnight, National Building Museum, cocktail attire, dcbrewersball.org.

For a more casual day of imbibing, head to the D.C. Craft Beer Festival to find out if you like your beers hoppy or crisp. Nearly 75 participating breweries from across the country are expected to showcase two of their finest offerings. Many of the 150 beers, ciders and meads will be limited release or seasonal selections. For the uber beer enthusiasts, informative seminars and a VIP session with extended tasting hours are available. March 21,Walter E.Washington Convention Center, handcraftedtasting.com.

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

ILM PHOTO BY HARRIET GETZELS FROM THE FILM “PENGUIN COUNTERS”; DCANTER, PHOTO Y L A U R A F O R D P H OTO G R A P H Y; A N G E L A L A N S B U R Y, P H OTO B Y J OA N M A R C U S ; C H E R R Y LO S S O M F E ST I VA L P H OTO BY R O N E N G L E ; D C C R A F T B E E R F E ST I VA L LO G O, C O U RT E SY T H E E ST I VA L

DCANTER DEBUTS

CHERRY BLOSSOMS

F B B F

Several local filmmakers will be featured: Peter Getzels and Harriet Gordon Getzels premiering“Penguin Counters” at the National Museum of National History; William Kleinert showing “Project Ice” at the Embassy of Canada; and Michael Pack with “Rickover: The Birth of Nuclear Power” at the National Portrait Gallery.

March 17-29. For a complete schedule, visit dceff.org.

FYIDC | SOCIAL CALENDAR

MARCH

1

THEARC’S WACKY AND WHIMSICAL TEA This fun-filled Sunday afternoon includes family games, activities, entertainment, a silent auction and high tea. All of the proceeds go towards the Town Hall Educational Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC). Annie Lou Berman, Sarah Cannova, Jessica Heywood and Elena Tompkins will serve as the afternoon’s chairwomen. Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.; 2 p.m.; afternoon tea attire; $90 per child, $160 per adult; sponsorships start at $500; contact Janet Stone, 202889-5901, jstone@thearc.org.

4

TEACH FOR AMERICA GALA Committed and passionate leaders, educators and supporters will gather at Teach for America’s fifth annual gala to celebrate 23 years of service in the Washington region.This event will honor a spirit of sponsorship and celebrate the group’s accomplishments while educating and encouraging others to become champions for educational equity. Omni Shoreham Hotel; 6:30 p.m.; cocktail attire; $1,000; sponsorships start at $10,000; contact Meredith Ackerman, 202-552-2400, meredith.

Ackerman@TeachForAmerica.org.

6

CASINO NIGHTS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington will honor the generous contributions of board chairman Mark Sherwin and his sense of community, leadership and dedication to the children of the Boys and Girls Club. Casino night will include table games such as Texas Hold’Em, blackjack, craps and roulette as well as a buffet dinner, music and dancing. RitzCarlton Tysons Corner; 6:30 p.m.; cocktail attire; $95 per individual, $175 per couple; sponsorships start at $1,500; contact Wonhee Kang, 703-304-8631, wkang@bgcgw.org.

6

PREVENT CANCER SPRING GALA More than 1,000 guests from the business, diplomatic, government, medical, and sports communities will attend one of

20

Katherine Bradley, Sen. Corey Booker and Walter Isaacson (Photos by Tony Powell) Washington’s most-anticipated events, celebrating Ireland under the patronage of Irish Amb. Anne Anderson. Sen. Mike Crapo will be honored with the 2015 Cancer Champion award. National Building Museum; 7 p.m.; black-tie; $500; sponsorships start at $7,000; contact Kristen Fagley, 703-519-2103, Kristen.Fagley@preventcancer.org.

7

W PA ART AUCTION

This festive event remains one of the highlights of the contemporary art calendar in the Washington region. Collectors, curators, artists and art lovers gather to celebrate and support the Washington Project for the Arts at the city’s oldest contemporary art auction. Artisphere; 7 p.m.; cocktail attire; $150; sponsorship starts at $3,000; contact Nathalie von Veh, 202234-7103, nvonveh@wpadc.org.

kin’s disease and myeloma.

This year, more than 2,000 guests will attend in honor of the McLaughlin Family. Michal Cavanugh and comedian Jim Gaffigan will provide entertainment. Walter E. Washington Convention Center; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $1,000; sponsorships start at $75,000; contact Korey Linddesmith, 703-399-2957, lindesmith@lls.org.

SAVE THE DATE :/ 6321625(' (9(176

APRIL NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS GALA

APRIL GREAT LADIES LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW

N ST VILLAGE BENEFIT Sen. Barbara Boxer will be honored at N St. Village’s largest annual fundraising event for her personal and professional commitment and contribution to individuals who live on the periphery of society.The event will also recognize members of the community who represent the spirit and culture of the charity. Ritz Carlton, Washington, D.C.; 6 p.m.; business attire; $500; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Allison Putala, 202-4213211, allison@kaminskyputala.com.

APRIL CORCORAN BALL

LEUKEMIA BALL To date, the Leukemia ball has raised nearly $52 million for the fight against leukemia, lymphoma, Hodg-

APRIL

MARCH OF DIMES GOURMET GALA

24

28

APRIL AFRICARE SUMMIT DINNER APRIL TRUST FOR THE NATIONAL MALL BENEFIT APRIL CATHOLIC CHARITIES GALA AND SASHA BRUCE YOUTHWORK’S TH ANNIVERSARY GALA APRIL REFUGEES INTERNATIONAL ANNIVERSARY DINNER

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

FYIDC | WHO’S NEXT

WHO’S NEXT Fran Holuba and Giuseppe Lanzone dish on how to navigate life as a busy twosome.

C

all them “Franseppe.” That’s the name of the shared calendar Fran Holuba has organized for herself and her boyfriend, Giuseppe Lanzone.The White House Office of Global Engagement staffer, 26, and the Peruvian Brothers food truck owner/Georgetown rowing coach, 32, met while guest bartending a charity event at Malmaison two years ago (he joked with her about how to cut limes) and have been inseparable ever since. Well, as inseparable as two people with such demanding schedules can be. I met them for lunch at Teaism to see how they make it work.

Holuba arrives after Lanzone, but not before texting him to please order her kale chips and salmon. “Your truck wasn’t there today, baby!” she says when she breezes in, impeccably dressed in a work-appropriate but still fashionable skirt suit. “I always eat lunch from his truck when it’s parked at Farragut Square,” she explains.

Back from a three-week trip to Peru, both say traveling is a favorite way to unwind.

“We work very hard but we play hard too,” Holuba says. “When we check out, we check out.” In Peru, she got to see where Lanzone, a two-time Olympic athlete, grew up and spend quality time with his family.

They went swimming with sea lions, fishing with harpoons, hiked an island and checked out hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Several times a year, they try to take a vacation with no agenda planned.

“We buy our plane tickets and a book and we explore,” Holuba says. “We’ve been to Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, to name a few.

It’s a small competition who has more passport stamps.”

22

“Franseppe” (Photo by Tony Powell)

“Trips are more fun with Fran,” Lanzone says. “She’s more of an adventurer. She introduced me to new restaurants and places in Peru I’d never heard of before.”

Although opposites in many ways (“I’m a big planner. He’s very much la vie bohème.”) they also complement and support each other. They both take an interest in the work and mission of Peruvian Brothers. He is an entrepreneur; she works on entrepreneurship. She helps with the marketing aspects of his company and philanthropy, while he helps her embrace a life that’s a little less planned.

“When he walked into my life I was so

independent and not making time for anyone else,” she says.

“And now she can’t live without me,” he adds.

“I can’t live without your food truck!” she quips.

On a recent trip to Morocco for work, where she participated in a global entrepreneurship summit, Holuba met a Peruvian woman with a sustainable quinoa company, and decided to visit her while they were in Peru. Now, Peruvian Brothers is working on importing a halfton of fair trade, organic quinoa to use in their trucks.

“It will be the first food truck in the city to have that type of farm-to-table atmosphere,” Lanzone says.

Peruvian Brothers is also working on extending hours of operation, adding trucks and offering cooking classes.

As for Holuba’s career, she is now 4.5 years in the administration, where she started as an intern and quickly moved up. Recently, she planned the first-ever White House travel bloggers summit to encourage study abroad. She often attends up to three events a night, a combination of art and cultural activities, charities she is involved in and work-related events.

“My role is outward facing and trying to engage young leaders, so being social is part of it,” Holuba says. “I take it to the next level I’m sure, so finding someone who can complement that has been hard, but he understands me. I’ve never met anyone as impressive as him.”

Holuba and Lanzone prove it — the couple that travels together, stays together.

Immediately after this interview, the happy twosome booked a spontaneous weekend trip to El Salvador.

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

D R E S S BY LO C A L D E S I G N E R E L I Z A B E T H ST. J O H N , M A K E U P BY F L A M I N I A GARIONI OF FYUBI MAKEUP & BROW STUDIO, HAIR BY COREE MORENO OF PAR LO U R SALO N . S H OT O N LO CAT I O N AT FI O L A M AR E

BY ERICA MOODY

FYIDC | INNOVATORS AND DISRUPTORS

LITERARY WONDERS ‘Shark Tank’ winners help parents and libraries find unique picture books for kids.

BY VIRGINIA COYNE

24

outreach at Google, and Lloyd, once a D.C. teacher of the year, are adjusting their long-term business plan and re-focusing their efforts to reach an even larger audience: the 4.2 million users the American Library Association says visit the nation’s public libraries on a daily basis.

Their new ser vice, called Beanstack, works much like Zoobean did.

Parents can sign up for free online by answering a series of questions about their children. Based on those preferences and tags — a child’s age, likes, dislikes and life experiences — librarians help recommend age-appropr iate books Felix Lloyd that reflect the child’s personality. Parents then receive emails with book suggestions, including where the books can be found and how to use them to help build their child’s vocabulary. Users are also sent a link to sign up for a library card, if they don’t already have one.

“We’d like to be able to serve every family with little kids across the country,” Lloyd Bookey says.

Beanstack is already being used in the Sacramento, California public library system and will be soon be available locally in Arlington, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. www.beanstack.org.

INNOVATIVE THOUGHTS

What’s your advice to other start-ups?

Always focus first on what’s next. Time is our most important asset, so we can’t afford to spend it in too many places.

-Felix Lloyd

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

P H OTO S BY JAY S N A P

Z

oobean founders Jordan L l oy d Bookey and Felix Lloyd are adhering to the number one rule that most investors and successful entrepreneurs set for a startup: be willing to adapt and adjust.

The husband and wife team, who met as teachers at SEED Public Charter school in the Distr ict, launched Zoobean, a webbased book curation service they define as “a Pandora for children’s books” in 2013. They made a name for themselves on the national level last year when they snagged a coveted spot on the hit ABC television show “Shark Tank” and walked Jordan Lloyd Bookey away with a $250,000 investment from billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

The idea for Zoobean was hatched when they couldn’t find the right book to give their son, Cassius, when his baby sister, Florence, was born. The couple wanted a publication that featured a multiracial family such as theirs introducing a second child; not a book that addressed having parents with different skin colors. They simply wanted Cassius to see himself in the pages and feel understood.

“It’s not until you have children that you realize the power of the picture book,” Lloyd says.

They came up with a list of questions that created an algorithm for helping parents find personalized book selections for children, from infancy to age eight — in their case one that reflected a family like theirs — and for others, anything from books that feature girls who aren’t so fond of the color pink to ones about little boys who don’t like to play baseball.

The idea stuck and they have since raised more than $1 million; but their core company, which initially started as a highly specific book-of-the-month type program with 81 subscribers and grew to about 10,000, is no longer taking new clients.

That’s because Lloyd Bookey, the former head of K-12 education

UNCF thanks the sponsors of the Washington, DC Masked Ball UNCF gratefully acknowledges the following sponsors of the UNCF Washington Inaugural Mayor’s Masked Ball: 4OP ,ADIES OF $ISTINCTION 5.#& 3TAFF 6OLUNTEERS MARQUIS SPONSOR

ROYAL COURT SPONSORS

MASKED COURT SPONSORS

"$/ s #!2-%. '2/50 s 02- #/.35,4).' s 2)$'%7%,,3 s 3/$%8/ COURT SPONSORS !( 4 ).352!.#% s "!.+ /& !-%2)#! -ERRILL LYNCH s "2/5'(4/. #/.3425#4)/. s #%.4%2 &/2 6%). 2%34/2!4)/. s #)49"2)$'% #)6)4!3 s #/,,%'% 35##%33 &/5.$!4)/. s #/-#!34 s $#) %.4%202)3%3 s %!2,9 2%%3% s &!-),9 -!44%23 &ED%X s '2!(!- (/,$).'3 s *-! 3/,54)/.3 s +!)3%2 0%2-!.%.4% s -%,$/. (/,,)3 0!5,%44% *!#+3/. s 02%-)5- 4)4,% %3#2/7 s 2%%$ 3-)4( s 7),-%2(!,% s 7-!4!

WE ALSO CELEBRATE THE RECIPIENTS OF THE MASKED AWARD: 0EPCO s (ONORABLE -ARION 3 "ARRY POSTHUMOUSLY s !NTIOCH "APTIST #HURCH

Very special thanks to our distinguished Mayor Muriel Bowser for graciously serving as host.

POLLYWOOD The Nexus of Politics﹐ Hollywood﹐ Media and Diplomacy | Alvin Ailey opening night, Sundance recap, WPCF Dinner and more!

Chief of Protocol Amb. Peter Selfridge and Assistant Secretary with the State Department Evan Ryan at the Art in Embassies Luncheon. (Photo by Tony Powell)

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

27

POLLYWOOD

HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC

WHAT’S IN A SHORT? Kristina Reed, Michael Lennox and Ronan Blaney dish about the inspiration and making of their Oscar-nominated short films.

B Y J A N E T D O N O VA N

Carter Pilcher, Founder and CEO of Shorts International, Michael Lennox, Ronan Blaney and Kristina Reed, whose “Feast” won Best Animated Short Film. (Photo by Joy Asico)

I

n 1987, a film was made that lasted 87 hours; that’s three days and five hours or 5,220 minutes. It was, according to Guinness World Records,” the longest-running film ever made. Appropriately, the movie was titled “The Cure for Insomnia.” In 2013, a film named “A Boy and His Atom” was the world’s shortest movie ever made. It ran for a grand total of one minute and 33 seconds. In essence, that’s the long and the short of film-making.

The Motion Picture Association of America held a reception and screening for the 2015 Oscar Nominated Short Films, with several nominees in tow. It was a great introduction to the art of short film-making — a process unfamiliar to most.

We sat down with Kristina Reed, whose Disney short “Feast” won the Best Animated Short Film Oscar in February. It’s the story of the relationship between a young man and a stray puppy he takes in — as told through the food the dog receives.

“The amazing thing about the short film process is that you have a very small amount of time with which to tell your story,” Reed

28

explained. “We pour over every detail that appears in the frame to make sure it’s all supporting the story. As an example from ‘Feast,’ the story takes place over 12 years of a man’s life and his relationship with his dog. You’ll see the props changing in the background, indicating that time is passing.

You have to pay attention to detail because a short demands it since there is no time to explain anything else.”

We also sat down with Michael Lennox (director) and Ronan Blaney (writer) for “Boogaloo & Graham,” which was nominated for Best Live Action Short Film. Set in 1970s Belfast, it is about two young boys who discover the facts of life with the help of their pet chickens. The heavily-accented Belfast twosome were as amusing as their short.

“It’s actually based on a true story,” Blaney said. “When I was a kid, my father brought two chickens home. He gave them to me and my brother and we reared these chickens in a terraced house. Nobody else had chickens. In the end, we came home from school one day and they were gone. I re-wrote the history of

this story where we get to keep them.”

We were concerned about their fate. As anyone who has ever had chickens as pets knows, there is a lingering fear they will end up on the dinner table. But, we were reassured that their chickens never wound up a meal.

“I loved Ronan’s material,” Lennox said.

“There’s such a heart to the story and it was very funny. Some of the stars just aligned.

The performances of the kids are absolutely fantastic. One of the them is just this nonactor who was in a corner arguing with his mom and telling her in no uncertain terms what was going to happen that evening. He just had something. I think it was because he wasn’t an actor and had no concept of it that he was so great. Who he was was exactly who the character was in the film.”

Of course, we couldn’t help but ask about the Academy Awards. “You make jokes about this when you’re making a film: ‘we’ll see you at the Academy Awards,’” Lennox said. “Now it’s true and it’s absolutely amazing. It’s the start of an exciting chapter.”

And that’s the long and the short of it.

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

Sandra Whitehouse, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Dane Nichols

Christopher Addison

Gouri Mirpuri and Singapore Amb. Ashok Mirpuri

ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL BENEFIT

Marion Guggenheim

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL PARTY FOR THE EARTH: Singaporean Amb. Ashok Kumar Mirpuri and his wife Gouri Mirpur hosted a benefit reception for the upcoming Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital, the largest and longest-running environmental film festival in the country. Costumed entertainers charmed the crowd with a lion dance, traditionally performed to celebrate the Chinese New Year, while Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Sandra Thornton Whitehouse were honored for their commitment to the environment with the Champions of the Earth’s Oceans and Climate award.

Wong People Kung Fu

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Jan Smith and Marie Ridder

‘ Candace Ourisman and Debra Lindsay

“A Path Appears” Executive Producer Maro Chermayeff and James Guerra

Christina Sevilla, Sheryl WuDunn, and Nurith Aizenman Gwen Holliday and Ashley Judd

CELEBRATING ‘A PATH APPEARS’ Meridian House | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Judithe Registre and Emily Jansen

Rob Boone, Susan Snyder and Alyssa Lovegrove

CAUSE CELEB: Actress and activist Ashley Judd spoke passionately about the need to combat sex trafficking during a panel discussion linked to the premiere of the PBS documentary series “A Path Appears.” Judd hosts a segment in the series, which addresses poverty and genderbased violence around the world, and is based on the book by Sheryl WuDunn and her husband Nicholas Kristoff, both Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists The event was moderated by Patricia de Stacy Harrison, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and vice chairwoman of Meridian International Center’s board of trustees.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

29

POLLYWOOD

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL WRAP-UP

MUST-SEE FILMS

L

ucky film fans made it to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah in January to view juryselected documentary and dramatic films from both Amer ican and international independent film-makers. The films getting buzz this year feature topics including the controversial religion of Scientology, the origins of Greenpeace and Mexican drug cartels. We picked the must-see movies from Sundance 2015 that you won’t want to miss. >>

“Cartel Land,” a chilling look at two modernday vigilante groups who took on murderous Mexican drug cartels. Heineman put his own life at risk to make the movie, immersing himself completely in the project. After the Sundance premiere, “Cartel Land” was quickly picked up by The Orchard for distribution in theaters.

director Alex Gibney is based on the book

by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lawrence Wright. Gibney profiles eight former members of the Church of Scientology and in doing so, reveals shocking information from the insiders’ perspectives, including details about high-ranking and celebrity members of the Church. “Going Clear” premieres Sunday, March 29 on HBO.

THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD

BEST OF ENEMIES

The documentary, directed by Robert Gordon and Morgan Neville, delves into a specific historical moment that changed the media landscape for good: the televised debates between Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley in 1968. This heated conversation between two intellectuals changed the way that political debates are handled in the media and some say marks the beginning of pundit television.

CARTEL LAND

In the U.S. documentary category, Matthew Heineman took home the Directing Award and the Special Jury Award for Cinematography for

30

For a smart and funny take on a comingof-age tale, watch “The Diary of a Teenage Girl” from director and screenwriter Marielle Heller. Talented newcomer Bel Powley stars as a teenage girl experiencing a sexual awakening with the boyfriend (played by Alexander Skarsgaard) of her own mother (Kristen Wiig) and is set in counterculture 1970s. Combining live-action and animation in the film is fitting for one that is based on the acclaimed Phoebe Gloeckner graphic novel of the same name.

Winner of the World Cinema Documentary Jury Special Award for Directing, Jerry Rothwell’s “How to Change the World” charts the early days of Greenpeace.

Rothwell’s extensive research into the origins of Greenpeace makes for a fascinating documentary of a group of people who wanted to change the world and began what would later become the world’s largest activist organization.

THE HUNTING GROUND

GOING CLEAR SCIENTOLOGY AND THE PRISON OF BELIEF

People are calling it the film Scientology doesn’t want you to see. The documentary expose from Academy Award-winning

Emmy Award-winning documentar y director Kirby Dick premiered a powerful film about rape on college campus, “The Hunting Ground.” One in five college women are victims of sexual assault, but

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

many of their cases go unreported and, if reported, unpunished. Dick exposes the reality of this statistic with expert insights and first-person testimonies; he follows college rape survivors and examines the toll taken on them and their families, and doesn’t spare elite universities and colleges in his scrutiny of the epidemic. A must-see on a topical national issue.

THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT

UNEXPECTED

In the U.S. dramatic competition, Kyle Patrick Alvarez’s “The Stanford Prison Experiment” stood out. Based on the true story of Dr. Philip Zimbardo’s 1971 psychology experiment, in which 24 male college students were assigned randomly to be either a prisoner or a guard, the film takes a powerful look at the psychology of imprisonment. Dr. Zimbardo himself (played to perfection by Billy Crudup) served as a consultant on the film.

JAMES WHITE

Josh Mond’s drama “James White” is a gritty, character-driven film that follows a man coming to terms with his mother’s serious illness while trying to straighten out his own life in New York. Strong performances

by Christopher Abbott (best known for his role of Charlie in HBO’s Girls), who plays James White, and supporting cast, including Cynthia Nixon, Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi and Ron Livingston, add to the film’s strength.

SEMBENE!

/ MINUTES

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

Kris Swanberg’s dramatic film “Unexpected” takes a look at modern motherhood and the timely question of whether women can really “have it all” — that is, both a career and a family. The lead character, Samantha, is a science teacher who questions whether she should leave the classroom to be a mother fulltime when she becomes pregnant. When her student, Jasmine, faces an unplanned pregnancy, Samantha makes it her mission to ensure that Jasmine graduates and makes her way to college, against the odds.

THE WOLFPACK

Marc Silver’s riveting documentary explores the danger of Florida’s Stand Your Ground self-defense laws by telling the specific story of Jordan Davis, an unarmed black teenager who was killed by Michael Dunn, a white man who got into an argument with him at a gas station in 2012. We see moments from Dunn’s trial and hear from members of the community as well as Davis’s family.

THE RUSSIAN WOODPECKER

This Sambo Gadjigo and Jason Silvermandirected documentary explores the life and career of Senegalese filmmaker and novelist Ousmane Sembene, often called “the father of Afr ican film.” Gadjigo makes it personal by weaving the story of Sembene with tales from his own artistic journey. This comprehensive picture doesn’t gloss over the difficult aspects of Sembene’s personality, making for a revealing and true portrait of the artist’s forty-year career.

the Chernobyl nuclear disaster discovering a dark secret. By packaging the film as a paranoid thriller, director Chad Garcia draws the audience in to examining relations and history between Russia and Ukraine, while also being entertained.

Winner of the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize in the documentary category., “The Russian Woodpecker” centers on a Ukrainian victim of

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

Crystal Moselle went into the home of a family known as “The Wolfpack”and emerged with a fascinating glimpse into the lives of a family that lives away from society. Seven brothers locked inside a Manhattan apartment learn about the outside world through the films they watch; they spend much of their childhood days reenacting their favorites with homemade props and costumes. Moselle shows without judgment how the power dynamics in the family change when one of the brothers escapes the apartment. “The Wolfpack” won the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Documentary category, a well-deserved award.

31

POLLYWOOD | EMBASSY ROW

How Legends Happen Arnaud de Borchgrave lived life to the fullest on a world stage

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

I

n the battle for the Jordanian capital, Amman (a.k.a. “Black September”) in 1970 when King Hussein’s army expelled Yasser Arafat’s PLO from Jordan, a Palestinian sniper caught the glint of what he thought was a weapon on one of the balconies of the Intercontinental Hotel, took aim, and fired his heavy duty AK47.

His shot missed Arnaud de Borchgrave, who was sitting on the balcony with a folding sun reflector under his chin to keep up his tan (hence the metallic glint), but it pierced the closet in his room and went through a blazer and two of his bespoke suits. He complained to everyone about the damage to his clothes, and how the PLO had interrupted his tanning session – and another de Borchgrave legend was born.

Arnaud’s long life (he died at age 88 on Feb. 15) was dominated by the single-minded pursuit of a sole objective: getting the story, getting it right, and getting it first. The episode above makes that very point. He had so many clothes with him because he had just married and cut short his honeymoon to dash dutifully to Amman. As for the sun bathing, about 100 journalists (including this reporter) were trapped in the Intercon by the fighting and a strict curfew; they had little to do except listen to the street gunfire and avoid exposure to snipers.

When the PLO retreated from Jordan and the journalists were once again free to go about their business, Arnaud made his way to Beirut where his new wife, the lovely Alexandra, was waiting; but 24 hours later Egyptian strongman Gamal Abdel Nasser died. Like migratory birds, Arnaud and a covey of other journalists flew off to Cairo.

The obituaries have tended to portray him as a swashbuckling, Hemingway-esque figure.

In reality, he was an outstanding reporter with an infallible instinct for what made news and

32

Alexandra and Arnaud de Borchgrave in 2007 (Photo by Kyle Samperton)

excellent risk judgment, who spoke softly, drank moderately and shunned the Bohemian unmade-bed image in favor of a stylish but somber wardrobe. He looked more like an ambassador than some of the envoys he knew, as a regular guest on Embassy Row. Having honed his skills in the wire service environment of scoops and beating the opposition, he was immensely competitive. When he moved to Newsweek he faced a different situation. Few news scoops can maintain their exclusivity for the newsweekly’s seven-day span, so Arnaud introduced to the magazine equally exclusive, question-and-answer format inter-

views with such world leaders as Charles de Gaulle and Hosni Mubarak and some of them subsequently cultivated him for his sound advice.

At the conservative Washington Times, he is remembered as a demanding editor who pushed the staff, often to exasperation, both his and theirs. But in hindsight, his years at the helm of the Rev. Moon’s paper were the most challenging to the larger and long-established Washington Post.

He covered Desert Storm with the Egyptian contingent in the uniform of an Egyptian army officer because that gave him more access to the war zone. The Pentagon was keeping the U.S. media at a considerable distance from the action.

But by 2003, he passed up coverage of the Iraq invasion, realizing that at his age he would be among the last to dive for the floor when the bullets started whizzing by. He did, however, make an exhausting trip across rugged terrain in the mountainous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan to interview Mullah Omar, the Taliban spiritual leader.

A Cold Warrior who wasn’t taken in by either Glasnost or Vladimir Putin, and a conservative in most other respects, his quest for information was insatiable: he had an opinion about almost everything, but he was always open to the views of others. In Washington, he and Alexandra were famous for what former U.S. Marine Gen. James Jones in his eulogy at Arnaud’s funeral called “you’re on the menu” dinners at which prominent guests were quizzed by their host, and made to sing for their supper.

An entertaining raconteur, he was not bashful about recounting his adventures and he told tales with somewhat whimsical humor. He would say, “Let me give you my card,” and would then hand over a white pasteboard business card that said only “My card.”

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with Susan, Mark and Jonathan Ginsburg

Ina Ginsburg (1916-2015)

Maureen Scalia and Justice Anthony Scalia with Laura Denise Bisogniero WL EXCLUSIVE

INA GINSBURG TRIBUTE The Kennedy Center | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL ONE OF A KIND: Friends turned out to remember the late Christina (“Inaâ€?) Ginsburg, a dynamic force on the Washington arts, cultural and journalism scenes for more than 60 years. A colorful and glamorous ďŹ gure who died in November at age 98, Ginsburg was a founder of the Washington National Opera (WNO), the American Film Institute and the European Union Film Festival, served as the Washington editor of Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine and helped establish the art collection at the Federal Reserve. “Her life puts any libre3o to shame,â€? lawyer Ken Feinberg told the crowd during a special tribute that included musical selections by performers from the WNO and National Symphony Orchestra.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Caroline Croft and Marie Ridder

Nora Pouillon and Hilda Ochoa Brillembourg

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Joanna Breyer and Justice Stephen Breyer

Ronald and Jo Carole Lauder with Vice President Joe Biden, German Amb. Peter Wittig and Huberta von Voss-Wittig Israeli Amb. Ron Dermer

Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Evan Ryan

RONALD LAUDER DECORATION Residence of German Ambassador Peter Wittig | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL PROTECTING CULTURE: German Amb. Peter Wi ig presented cosmetics executive Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, with one of Germany’s highest civilian honors, the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Lauder was honored for his longstanding eorts to promote the rebirth of Jewish life in Europe; fostering relations between Germans, Americans and the Jewish community; and international philanthropy in the arts and education.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

Philipp Ackermann with Daniel and Michal Mariaschia and Brita Wagener

Robert Single and Moshe Ronen 33

POLLYWOOD

Ali Weinberg and Luke Russert Leslie and Andrew Cockburn

Rep. Debbie Dingell and Lynn Sweet

WASHINGTON PRESS CLUB CONGRESSIONAL DINNER

Rep Charlie Dent and Lauren Fox

Mandarin Oriental Hotel | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL PROM SEASON KICKOFF: This long-standing Washington tradition bridges the gap between Capitol Hill and the media with a convivial dinner that establishes a truce — at least for one night — in the everyday battles between the two. This year’s hosts, Rep. Charles Rangel and Sen. Cory Gardner, lightheartedly jabbed one another and their across-the-aisle comrades to a sold-out audience, while MSNBC’s Alex Wagner emceed. The nonpartisan evening promotes women and minorities in newsrooms across the nation.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Charlayne Hunter-Gault

Connor Schmidt, Curtis Powell, Sarah Gibbens and Jordan Humphries

Reps. Gwen Moore and Charles Boustany

34

Patricia Zengerle and Rep. Eliot Engel

Megan Scully and Tamar Hallerman

David Hawkings with Reps. Charlie Rangel and Scott Rigell

Concepcion and Bernd Debusmann with William and Cecilia Schultz

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

Museum directors Kim Sajet (National Portrait Gallery), Dorothy Kosinski (Phillips Collection) and Johnetta Cole (Museum of African Art) Secretary of State John F. Kerry Art in Embassies Curator Virginia Shore and Director Ellen Susman WL EXCLUSIVE

ART IN EMBASSIES MEDAL OF FREEDOM LUNCHEON Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL REWARDING GIFTS: Ambassaadors, philanthropists and art world luminaries gathered for a reception and luncheon in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms to honor Department of State Office of Art in Embassies 2015 Medal of Freedom awardees Xu Bing, Mark Blandford, Sam Gilliam, Maya Lin, Julie Mehretu, Pedro Reyes and Kehinde Wiley. All of the recipients donated works to the program, a fact duly noted by Secretary of State John F. Kerry, who called the gifts “a universal asset for the America brand of diplomacy” that helps counter the increasing use of “architectural barriers now needed for protection” at U.S. diplomatic missions throughout the world.

Honoree Maya Lin with Douglas Baxter

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Laura Ramirez and honoree Pedro Reyes Honorees Xu Bing and Kehinde Wiley

Laurie Tisch and Sue Wollack

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

Tom and Ann Korologos with Stuart Holliday

Ann Nitze and Chinese Amb. Cui Tiankai

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

Eden Rafshoon and Jill Udall

35

POLLYWOOD | CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

Celebrating Courage and Recovery Sen. Boxer discusses her relationship with N Street Village and her daughter’s film, “How I Got Over.”

BY S E N ATO R B A R B A R A B OX E R

I

was in bloom, now have blossomed like a flower in spring.”

That is how Pertrina Thomas describes her life at N Street Village, a community of empowerment and recovery for homeless and low-income women here in Washington, D.C. On March 24, Pertrina and two other courageous survivors of substance abuse and other life traumas will be honored at the N Street Village Annual Gala.

Women who come to N Street Village are among the most vulnerable people in Washington. They face a host of daunting challenges like homelessness, poverty, addiction, mental illness, and chronic health problems. The organization offers them a safe place, a supportive community of peers and providers, and the chance to overcome the problems of the past and create a different tomorrow.

I first got to know the women of N Street Village when my daughter, Nicole Boxer, made a film about them called “How I Got Over.” It tells the story of how 15 of these courageous women crafted an original play, based on their harrowing life stories, which they performed before a sell-out crowd at the Kennedy Center in 2012.

As my daughter worked on the film, I saw how Pertrina Thomas and her N Street Village sisters – with the help of theatrical professionals from the Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts – turned their traumatic experiences into a powerful work of art. Through their honest interactions with each other, I saw how they found strength and redemption through the arts, and how telling their stories helped them free themselves from the demons of their past.

Most of all, I realized how their future depended on having a safe place to live and work together toward recovery. That place is N Street Village, and that is what makes this organization so special. By giving

36

and one at another organization – and she has reconnected with her family.

She also serves as a senior mentor to the N Street Village community, offering support and leadership to other women in need.

I cannot tell you the feeling of pride and admiration I had for Pertrina and the other women of N Street Village when they took the stage together after the premiere of “How I Got Over,” and received a thunderous standing ovation from the crowd for how far they all had come.

At its gala on March 24, N Street Village will honor Per tr ina Thomas, Rachel Sen. Barbara Boxer; Panay, and Dorothy Young (Courtesy photo) with its Steinbruck Award, women a safe haven given each year to the women and a community, N whose leadership, persistence, Street Village helps its and determination reflect the Nicole Boxer (courtesy photo) residents feel connected spirit of N Street Village and its and empowered. And visionary co-founders, Erna and by providing comprehensive services that John Steinbruck. address both emergency and long-term needs, N Street Village helps each woman reach her Sen. Barbara Boxer, Democrat of California, will be honored with the N Street Village 2015 Founder’s full potential.

Pertrina Thomas came to N Street Village Award for her commitment to providing opportunities straight from jail in March 2012. Though she for those at the margins of society. had a history of substance abuse, she had been clean and sober for four months. But she still had a number of physical health problems, and the severe sexual trauma she experienced as a teenager left her suffering from depression.

She was admitted into the organization’s Recovery Housing program, from which she graduated in 2014.

Today, Pertrina lives in what’ called the Permanent Supportive Housing program; she has her own bedroom and shares a living space with one other woman. As she continues to work on her goals of health Pertrina Thomas, Rachel Panay and Dorothy Young. and sobriety, she maintains two volunteer (Photo by Jenny Lehman Photography) administrative roles – one at N Street Village

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

Mayor Muriel Bowser, Alvin AileyArtistic Director Robert Battle and Gina Adams Alvin Ailey dancers Michael Jackson and Ghrai Devore

Marian Wright Edelman

WL SPONSORED

ALVIN AILEY OPENING NIGHT GALA The Kennedy Center | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL JOY OF MOTION: After watching the exquisite movements and extraordinary physical feats of the dancers — followed by a dinner of short ribs and collard greens — couture-clad Alvin Ailey enthusiasts rallied on the dance floor to shimmy and shake with company members to the toe-tapping tunes of SoundConnection by Andy Kushner Entertainment Design. Among the 700-plus guests at the 16th annual Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s opening night gala were D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Reps.

Bobby Rush and Joyce Bea y, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton and gala co-chairmen Debra Lee, Lyndon Boozer and Gina Adams.

Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Izette Folger and James Alefantis

SoundConnection

Sophie Saguil, Alvin Ailey dancer Michael McBride and Elizabeth Trousdale

Pamela Sorensen and Kimball Stroud

Renee Robinson and Carolyn Peachey

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

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Lyndon Boozer, Federal Housing Finance Agemcy Director Mel Watt and Eulada Watt

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

Robin and Andre Wells

37

MEN AND WOMEN OF

SUBSTANCE AND STYLE

38

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

MEN AND WOMEN OF

SUBSTANCE AND STYLE PORTRAITS BY TONY POWELL

W

ashington has long been called the world capital of substance, and the power couples and individuals on the following pages illustrate just that. On the global level, they’re assisting with the plight of refugees, while on the national stage they’re making policy, strengthening communities and asking the tough questions of policy makers.

And they’re doing it in style.

POWER COUPLE

S

KUWAITI AMBASSADOR SALEM AL-SABAH AND SHEIKHA RIMA AL-SABAH

heikh Salem Al-Sabah has been the Kuwaiti ambassador to Washington since 2001 and his wife, philanthropist and former journalist Sheikha Rima Al-Sabah, was recently appointed goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Refugee Agency. The fashionable couple is a fixture on the Washington social scene and invitations to their dinners are among the most-coveted in the nation’s capital. >> H E SHEIKH SALEM AL-SABAH YOU HAVE BECOME PART OF THE DIPLOMATIC AND SOCIAL FABRIC OF OUR CAPITAL HAS WASHINGTON BECOME A SURROGATE HOME FOR YOU? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT HOME? I feel extremely lucky and privileged to have been able to serve my country in Washington for the past 14 years. Washington is indeed my surrogate home. Rima and I have raised our children here, and we have already seen three of them go off to college. We have also forged life-long friendships with many Washingtonians and have accumulated everlasting memories in this wonderful city. The U.S. in general and Washington in particular, will always occupy a very special place in our hearts.

Kuwait is, of course, my home and I do miss it, especially my family and friends, but what I have missed most this past chilly winter is Kuwait’s warm weather.

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

WHAT IS KUWAIT’S ROLE IN TRYING TO ACHIEVE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ESPECIALLY WITH REGARD TO SYRIA AND IRAQ? Kuwait has always been at the forefront of efforts aimed at propagating a climate of peace and stability in the Middle East. Our region is currently facing a clear and present danger at the hands of terrorists who are trying to hijack our region and religion. It is for this reason that Kuwait was one of the first countries to join the global coalition against what is referred to as ISIL. Kuwait is currently the logistical hub for most of the coalition’s military operations taking place in Syria and Iraq.

The headquarters of Operation Inherent Resolve (the name given to the military operation against ISIL) is currently located in Kuwait. Kuwait is also committed to fighting ISIL’s message and funding. Kuwait recently hosted a conference aimed

39

MEN AND WOMEN OF

SUBSTANCE AND STYLE at de-legitimizing ISIL’s perverted message, and we are closely working with the U.S. Department of theTreasury, among others, to cut off ISIL’s funding. Kuwait is also deeply moved by the plight of those directly affected by the tyranny that looms over their daily lives; thus Kuwait has pioneered the global humanitarian efforts by hosting two international humanitarian aid pledging conferences directed to the Syrian people, with a total pledged amount of $3.9 billion. The third pledging conference for Syrian refugees, will be held next month in Kuwait, as a further reiteration of our commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people.

WHAT DO YOU VIEW AS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT HERE? On a professional level, I believe I was successful in forging a closer relationship and understanding between the U.S. and Kuwait. I took up my post in Washington prior to the tragic event of Sept. 11, 2001, and since then many developments have taken place, in which Kuwait and the U.S. have worked closely together for the common good. On a social level, I think my wife and I were able to bring attention and funding to many causes that we hold dear to our hearts, ranging from helping women and children to saving the environment. On a personal level, I think my greatest achievements are the lifelong friendships that I developed with many people here in Washington.

WHAT ARE SOME MISCONCEPTIONS THAT EVEN ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR STAFF HAVE SOMETIMES MADE ABOUT KUWAIT AND THE MIDDLE EAST? I think that U.S. elected officials and their staff are well-informed about the Middle East, but throughout my tenure in Washington, I have come across two misconceptions that I believe are prevalent in public opinion. The first misconception is the belief that all Arab countries are alike, which is, of course, not true.

There are 22 Arab countries that differ from one another, and in certain instances, to a great degree. The second misconception that I’ve come across is the belief that religious fundamentalists are the majority in the Arab and Muslim worlds, which is also erroneous. A recent poll I read put the number of religious fundamentalists in the wider Muslim world at about 7 percent. So let’s not forget about the other 93 percent of Muslims that are just like you and me.

WHAT DO AMERICANS NEED TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT ISIL? Americans should know that ISIL is not representative of Islam or Muslims. ISIL’s actions and brutality go against the teachings of Islam where the messages of peace, tolerance and compassion are fundamental pillars.

One of our basic teachings in the Holy Koran is that: “he who has killed an innocent soul ... is as if he has killed all of mankind.” ISIL is violating this fundamental teaching on a daily basis. Thirdly, ISIL was able to invent itself and grab large parcels of territory in both Syria and

40

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

Iraq because of the following two developments: (1) the Syrian civil war and (2) sectarian divisions within the region. As such, the prerequisite to ISIL’s defeat is to end the civil war in Syria and to mend sectarian divisions in the region. ISIL will be defeated, but the two prerequisites I mentioned, are paramount to their defeat.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? DO YOU HAVE FAVORITE ARTICLES OF CLOTHING OR DESIGNERS? WHAT DO YOU FEEL MOST COMFORTABLE WEARING? Being in a suit all day (and sometimes late into the night) Monday through Friday, I have to say that my favorite article of clothing is jeans … Diesel jeans, to be specific.

For me, nothing beats jeans with a polo or a shirt in summer and a turtleneck sweater in winter. Leather jackets are another favorite article of clothing for me … They are a must in winter with jeans. But do not get me wrong, I also enjoy wearing a well-tailored suit with a crisp shirt and a dark blue tie. I would describe my personal style as a well-suited rebel with a cause.

SHEIKHA RIMA AL-SABAH YOU’VE BEEN NAMED A GOODWILL AMBASSADOR FOR THE UNITED NATIONS REFUGEE AGENCY UNHCR WHY IS THE PLIGHT OF REFUGEES SO IMPORTANT TO YOU? It’s an honor to become a goodwill ambassador for UNHCR. I care deeply about refugees and others who have been forced from their homes because of war and persecution. With more than 51 million people affected, the world has not seen such massive displacement since the end of World War II. These numbers are overwhelming. It’s important to remember that each statistical number is a human being – a mother, father or a child. The plight of women and children especially breaks my heart. If I put myself in a refugee mother’s shoes, it is impossible for me to not get involved.

YOU JOIN THE RANKS OF WELL-KNOWN UNHCR GOODWILL AMBASSADORS SUCH AS ANGELINA JOLIE AS A PHILANTHROPIST AND THE SPOUSE OF A PROMINENT DIPLOMAT HOW CAN YOU FURTHER THE CAUSE OF HELPING REFUGEES? The U.S. government and the American people have an admirable and long-standing commitment to help the world’s most vulnerable people. We need continued and broad public support to keep refugees safe, provide life-saving assistance - food, water and shelter - and to enable them to engage in livelihoods and pursue their education until they can safely return home or start a new life in a new country. I hope to do my part to encourage others to take action. To learn more about how to get involved, please visit www.UNrefugees.org.

I invite people who may be new to Washington and to government, so that they can meet others in the diplomatic and social community. When we have a seated event I always follow the rules of protocol. Most people in government positions, both American and foreign, know their rank. It would be discourteous to seat them in a way that didn’t conform to their official position.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LIFE AS A JOURNALIST I had just graduated from college and was living in Beirut, working as a journalist covering the Lebanese Civil War. It was a challenging time, but I learned a lot about how the world works and how people think. It not only taught me how to talk to people, but also how to listen. How to get people to open up and be comfortable enough with me to allow me to get the facts and to tell their story. It also taught me empathy. These are all valuable lessons that have prepared me for my role with the United Nations as I raise awareness for the plight of refugees, and in effect, tell their stories.

IF YOU COULD SIT AT A DINNER BESIDE ANYONE LIVING OR DEAD WHOM WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU ASK THEM? I would love to sit with Eleanor Roosevelt and ask her what she would make of the world today, and how to best address the issue of refugees, particularly the plight of women and girls. Her esteemed work with the United Nations on human rights, as well as her activism on behalf of women’s rights, are awe-inspiring.

THERE IS AN ART TO CONVERSATION AT A DINNER PARTY ONE SHOULD GIVE EQUAL TIME TO THE PERSON ON BOTH SIDES ARE THERE TOPICS ONE SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM? I do not restrain myself from any topics of conversation with a guest, but I will take care in how I couch a question that may concern a controversial issue.

WHAT ARE SOME FAUX PAS IN ENTERTAINING THAT ARE COMMONLY MADE? To me the worst faux pas is to sit at a dinner at which all of the highest-ranking guests are placed at one table with the host, and the rest of the guests are gathered together with little thought as to how they’re seated. It’s disrespectful to the other guests and shows a lack of knowledge of protocol in a city where many people know it well, and will notice the slight.

YOUR WARDROBE IS ENVIABLE AND YOUR SENSE OF STYLE IMPECCABLE HOW DOES CLOTHING EXPRESS WHO YOU ARE? DO YOU FIND YOU DRESS DIFFERENTLY IN WASHINGTON THAN IN OTHER CITIES? I dress more conservatively in Washington because everyone dresses more TELL US ABOUT THE REFUGEE SITUATION IN SYRIA AND LEBANON conservatively here. I prefer dresses and heels for dinners and other evening events, WHAT SHOULD AMERICANS KNOW ABOUT THE REFUGEES? and more casual clothing for daytime. Clothes are less important here; people are When conflict erupted in Syria just four years ago, no one could imagine that the concerned with serious issues and how they look is simply less of a priority than violence would continue and result in such massive displacement. There are now in Paris or Los Angeles. more than 3.8 million Syrians who have fled their country because of the war and they now account for nearly one in four of the 13 million refugees worldwide WHAT ARE YOUR STAPLE WARDROBE ITEMS AND WHO ARE YOUR GObeing assisted. The countries surrounding Syria -- Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey - TO DESIGNERS FOR BOTH DAY AND EVENING ATTIRE? - are generously hosting most of the refugees and they also need support to cope My go-to outfit on any given day is a great pair of jeans and a white shirt. For with the crisis. Most refugees are women and children, and they face specific evening, I like anything by Emilio Pucci and fitted dresses by Victoria Beckham and risks, such as discrimination, violence, and exploitation. With support, refugee Roland Mouret. My shoes of choice are almost always Jimmy Choo and Christian women can improve their own lives and the lives of their children, families and Louboutin. And of course, what woman doesn’t love a Birkin bag? communities. And educating kids and keeping them safe will help ensure that an entire generation of youngsters does not lose hope for the future and will be able SHEIKA RIMA AL-SABAH’S BLOUSE AND PANTS to safely return to their homeland one day to rebuild their nation.

by Emilio Pucci and shoes by Christian Dior.

SHEIK SALEM AL-SABAH’S TURTLENECK

by Ermenegildo YOU HOST A-LIST EVENTS THAT INCLUDE DEMOCRATS REPUBLICANS Zegna, blazer by Canali, jeans by Diesel and shoes by Tod’s AND PEOPLE FROM NATIONS THAT DON’T GET ALONG HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHOM TO INVITE AND WHERE TO SEAT THEM?

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

41

MEN AND WOMEN OF

SUBSTANCE AND STYLE

PHOTO JOHN PAUL FILO/CBS © CBS BROADCASTING INC

42

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

POWER COUPLE

NORAH O’DONNELL AND GEOFF TRACY N

orah O’Donnell is co-anchor of “CBS This Morning,” which recently posted its best ratings in 21 years. Geoff Tracy is a restaurateur whose popular Chef Geoff franchise continues to expand -- the latest outpost at Dulles Airport. Although the couple, who met as freshmen at Georgetown University, jets between Washington and New York, where Norah is based, and D.C., where Geoff manages his restaurant empire and the two maintain a home, Geoff says he is 100 percent focused on Washington. “It’s where I feel most at home,” he says >> WHY DO YOU THINK “CBS THIS MORNING” IS DOING SO WELL AND WILL YOU TAKE SOME OF THE CREDIT? O’Donnell: I believe that our show has had success for two major reasons: one, we focus on the news, plain and simple – we like to say “The news is back in the morning,” and we mean it. The second reason is that Gayle [King], Charlie [Rose] and I are great friends. We don’t just play television – what you see on screen is the same as what you see off. I feel incredibly blessed that I get to work with some of the finest people I have ever met each and every day.

WHICH INTERVIEW OR STORY IN YOUR CAREER ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AND/OR HAS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU? O’Donnell: The story that has impacted me the most was my interview with Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot and nearly killed by the Taliban.

You hear her story – but meeting her in real life, she had such a strong, courageous presence about her. Following the attack, she received constant death threats and even relocated to England for her own protection. I asked her, “Weren’t you afraid?,” and she told me, “I may be afraid of ghosts and dragons, but I’m not afraid of the Taliban.

Why should I be afraid of someone who is afraid of me already?”

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES AND GREATEST REWARDS THAT COME FROM THE BOTH OF YOU HAVING SUCH PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS? O’Donnell: Journalism is a great career - an opportunity to have a front-row seat to history. I pinch myself sometimes thinking that I get paid to read five newspapers in the morning! I love finding out what’s happening around the world, or even the latest twist in a political campaign. It has been a lifelong goal of mine to report for “60 Minutes,” and I am deeply grateful that I’ve had that opportunity since joining CBS News.To me, the biggest challenges of the job are the early morning hours and the extensive travel schedule. Coordinating my schedule with Geoff ’s can cause a migraine, but we make it work. Our secret is several well-organized Google calendars!

Tracy: The restaurant business is a tough and competitive industry, but I chose it because I truly love it. I get so much enjoyment and satisfaction out of the hospitality and creative aspects of it. When a night is humming and my staff and guests are happy, it makes me so proud of this little spot in the world that I created.

HOW DO YOU SPLIT YOUR TIME BETWEEN NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON? Tracy: We travel between the two cities a lot. I was one of six passengers on a 5:00 a.m. Acela recently so that I could make it to the kids school for a Parents’ Day by 8:30 am. Norah has done the back and forth in the same day on the shuttle dozens of times, for both business and personal reasons.

WHO ARE YOUR MENTORS? HOW HAVE THEY HELPED YOU? O’Donnell: Tim Russert. I started as a correspondent in the Washington, D.C. bureau of NBC News when I was just 25-years-old. I had been a print reporter for Roll Call newspaper, but I was still very inexperienced. Russert made sure I had assignments at the Pentagon, the White House and Capitol Hill. He was also very supportive when

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

I had twins and was worried about how I was going to manage a busy schedule.

Tracy: Tom Meyer, president of Clyde’s Restaurant Group, and Rich Rosenthal, Founder of Max Restaurant Group in Hartford have both been instrumental in getting me started in this industry. Not only did they give me my first opportunities, but they’ve unwittingly pushed me and led me in the right direction ever since. I was also very influenced by numerous chef instructors during my two years at the Culinary Institute of America WHY DO YOU THINK YOUR RESTAURANTS ARE SO SUCCESSFUL? AND HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO KEEP THE AUTHENTICITY AND CONSISTENCY WHEN YOU CAN’T ALWAYS BE THERE? Tracy: My motto from day one has been “Great Food, Libation, and Merriment.” I believe in chef-driven food and hospitality without pretension, and I want guests to feel comfortable coming to Chef Geoff ’s any day of the week. We have great people and excellent systems that empower our teams to take care of our guests. I learned long ago that it is possible to hire chefs and managers who are a lot more talented than I am. That makes growth possible.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE DISHES? WHAT SHOULD WE ABSOLUTELY ORDER NEXT TIME WE ARE IN ONE OF YOUR RESTAURANTS? Tracy: Sometimes I eat more than 10 meals a week at Chef Geoff ’s. In order to keep fit, I frequently select from the Simple and Healthy part of our menu. When I treat myself, I go for my top three - our handmade Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Madras Curry Chicken or Shrimp and Very Gouda Grits. I’m aslso a sucker for our Spicy Chicken Sausage, Bacon, Capicola, Broccoli and Fontina Pizza.

WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO PIECES OF CLOTHING AND FAVORITE STORES? WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS? O’Donnell: My style is practical and simple, but not boring. I wear mostly colorful dresses and suits with clean lines and very few patterns. Television is a visual medium, but I don’t want my clothes to be the focus or a distraction to the stories that I’m reporting. Saks is one of my favorite stores because they have the best customer service. They always call me when there’s a sale, and they’ll put clothes on hold for me. My favorite designers to wear on-air and off are Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, Escada and Teri Jon. Tracy: I like to keep things simple and versatile by sticking to monochromatic blacks and blues, but I’ll add small touches of color in my accessories - shoes, belt, socks, or pocket squares. Hugo Boss, Zegna, and Gucci suits and dress shirts fit me well. I’m also a huge fan of Bonobos and Vince. My friend Brian Vincent from Saks keeps me appropriately attired for the formal fundraisers in Washington and the hip streets of New York. Truthfully, I’m most comfortable in jeans – I wear them at work 99 percent of the time – a perk of being the boss.

MS O’DONNELL’S DRESS Valentino from SAKS 5TH AVENUE MR TRACY’S SUIT Ermenegildo Zegna from SAKS 5th AVENUE WARDROBE James W. Swift STYLIST Fran Taylor MAKEUP Brandice Coletta HAIR Cheryl Porter

43

MEN AND WOMEN OF

SUBSTANCE AND STYLE

44

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

POWER COUPLE

MARLA AND BARRY BECK M

arla and Barry Beck, co-founders of upscale beauty retailer Bluemercury, made headlines in February when they sold their company to Macy’s for a reported $210 million. The couple, who started their business in 1999 right here in Washington, – their flagship store is on M Street in Georgetown - also started the M-61 skincare line together and recently partnered with HSN to sell the popular products on the shopping channel. >>

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE SALE OF BLUEMERCURY! WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE COMPANY FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS AND FOR THE TWO OF YOU? Marla Beck: We are incredibly excited about this next phase of our company’s growth.

The great news is that we will still be the same company, offering the best beauty products in neighborhood stores with honest, expert advice. We will continue to be innovative and creative. With Macy’s as a partner, we’ll have access to more resources – they have a huge tech innovation lab in San Francisco where I can design mobile apps and technology experiences to enhance the purchase of cosmetics. We will also be able to grow nationally at a faster pace. I am still the CEO and Barry is still the COO of the company, and we will remain headquartered in Washington.

YOU BUILT A COMPANY TOGETHER AND WORK SIDE BY SIDE HOW DO YOU SPLIT THE WORK? WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF STARTING A COMPANY WITH YOUR SPOUSE? WHAT ARE THE BEST PARTS? AND WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO OTHERS WHO DO SO? Barry Beck: We hold primary responsibility for different areas. Marla is the CEO and handles the parts of the company that touch the customer: how we merchandise the products, our company branding, field hiring and product development. I am the COO and am responsible for the overall daily operations of the company, from the finance function to real estate site selection and store design and development around the country.

The challenge is making sure running the company doesn’t consume our lives, but the upside is we’re doing what we love and we’re doing it together, which makes every day rewarding.

I feel some of the best businesses usually have two founders. It’s rare that one person has all the characteristics to build a great company.This has been a secret to Bluemercury’s success.This concept of a partnership Yin and Yang relationship has been a key source of so much gratifying personal and professional success for both of us. We complete each other. It’s funny, we never attend any meeting of consequence separately; we always go together because we each bring something unique to the table.

WHAT IS YOUR GENERAL ADVICE TO ANYONE STARTING A COMPANY TODAY? Marla Beck: If you are passionate about what you are doing or selling, it is not work. My favorite thing, still, is to go into stores and ask our staff what are your favorite products, tell me your favorite tips and tricks around beauty. I also love asking: if there was a beauty product you could invent, what would it be?

Barry Beck: I have a couple of recommendations for anyone starting a business. (1) Just do it; jump in and start your business. Many hopeful entrepreneurs suffer from analysis paralysis.They over analyze their business plan, rather than jumping in and getting started.

I always tell entrepreneurs that after a year, they will throw their plans in the trash because even after just six months in business, everything will change. (2) Read my favorite book, “Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald’s” by Ray Kroc. The McDonalds story exemplifies how entrepreneurs are constantly required to examine, revamp and rework their businesses, starting over and over again; being forced to start and restart their enterprise and restructure for growth. I believe it is one of the most important entrepreneurship books ever written.

DID YOU EVER IMAGINE THE COMPANY WOULD BE AS SUCCESSFUL AS IT IS? Marla Beck: I don’t think of success as a thing in and of itself. For me, everything is about being creative and innovative and changing an industry. When we started Bluemercury,

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

90 percent of all prestige cosmetics were purchased at department stores. Now that number is 60 percent. We are always setting out to change and revolutionize an industry, a product, a way of doing things.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START YOUR COMPANY IN WASHINGTON AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO REMAIN HERE? Marla Beck: Washington is home for us. Our family is here, our friends, and it’s a quick train ride to New York, so it’s worked for us. Barry and I met here, our first store was here, it is a creative and energetic city.

WHAT WOULD YOUR CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BIGGEST CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS? Barry Beck: The capstone of my career is when we joined forces with Terry Lundgren, CEO of Macy’s Inc., a Fortune 100 company in their first acquisition in over a decade. Macy’s is one of the most prestigious and respected retailers in the entire world, and they have made a resounding statement that they intend to make Bluemercury their most important growth platform. This was an amazing feeling of validation and the confirmation and recognition of the value we have created.

WHO ARE YOUR MENTORS? WHY? HOW HAVE THEY HELPED YOU? Marla Beck: Leonard Lauder has been a huge mentor over the years. His mother, Estee, was an entrepreneur and he saw her ups and downs and was able to take what she created to a global level. He is a visionary and has always given us amazing guidance.

Barry Beck: My father, who always wanted me to go into business for myself. He was adamant that I do so, so I did. One of the earliest real conversations I can remember with my father was when he said to me,“I don’t care into which field of work you go, so long as you own it.” I thank him for that; it was probably the best advice I received. Additionally, my father was always a man of extreme honesty and integrity and a man of action. He had the opportunity to go into a family business, but chose the hard road and went into business for himself. He always said, “The most sincere form of sincerity is action.” That conversation set the stage for my serial entrepreneur career which has involved starting several different companies.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS AND WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP? Marla Beck: I love mixing high and low, always. I have Zara and J. Crew mixed with Prada and Carven and James Perse and Helmut Lang and Theory. I love new designers like Veronica Beard, Emerson Fry and Laveer. I love supporting entrepreneurs. I am uniform based. I wear dresses or pants plus silk blouses.

Barry Beck: My favorite ties are Charvet and Brioni, both from Neiman Marcus in Chevy Chase,and pants by Ralph Lauren, who is doing amazing work with pants, jeans, and slacks. I also wear belts from John Lobb. I am also crazy for anything Brunello Cucinelli, including their sweaters and buck shoes in suede; I have them in both tan and blue suede. My favorite suit maker has always been Brioni and Kiton, but I have a few custom tailored suits that are quickly becoming go-tos.

MS BECK’S DRESS by A.L.C. MR BECK’S CUSTOM SUIT by Marcraft, shirt

by Tom Ford, tie by Ferragamo

45

WOMEN OF

SUBSTANCE AND STYLE

REP. BARBARA COMSTOCK She’s been called too conservative by liberals and not conservative enough by members of her own party, but newly-elected Republican Rep. Barbara Comstock of Virginia, a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates who helped pass legislation on human trafficking and battling Lyme Disease – two significant problems in our region, -- maintains labels don’t matter to her or her constituents. When she was sworn into office on January 3, she became part of Congress’ largest Republican majority since President Herbert Hoover occupied the Oval Office. >> YOU REPRESENT LOUDOUN COUNTY THE WEALTHIEST COUNTY IN THE U S ARE THERE UNIQUE CHALLENGES THAT COME WITH THAT DISTINCTION? It is a wonderful district. I represent parts of Fairfax and Prince William Counties, as well as all of Clarke, Frederick and Loudoun counties.

We have suburban and rural areas and it is a diverse district that has a tremendous amount of expertise to address the challenges facing our district as well as the entire country. We have a growing technology community, as well as a growing agricultural community – with many wineries and breweries popping up throughout the district along with technology companies. We also have many government contractors as well as government employees so issues like sequestration hit our entire district harder than elsewhere. Diversifying our economy as well as addressing the misguided sequestration cuts are both priorities of mine.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS IN CONGRESS? IS THERE ONE PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PASSED DURING YOUR TIME HERE? I always want to stay in touch with my constituents and learn from them every day. There are so many important issues we will be facing over the next few years, but a very important one we will address is the “21st Century Cures” initiative - which is legislation to accelerate the pace of cures and research on cancer and chronic and deadly diseases.We can and should find the best ways to maximize medical innovation to produce breakthroughs in curing and treating these diseases and saving lives.

YOUR TERM IS ONLY FOR TWO YEARS IS THAT ENOUGH TO GET ANYTHING DONE? DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU NEED TO START CAMPAIGNING AGAIN IMMEDIATELY? I think our 2014 class and this Congress have a strong will to get things done. I’m reminded of two quotes from President Ronald Reagan: “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit” and the other is one that I have on a plaque on my desk, “It can be done.”

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO PIECES OF CLOTHING AND WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP? WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS? I like bright colors – Nancy Reagan red and bright blue are favorites.

End of season sales and online sales, as well as shopping on eBay, are all great for finding classics, basics, and great bargains.

46

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

WOMEN OF

SUBSTANCE AND STYLE

ROBIN GIVHAN

Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan’s first book, “The Battle of Versailles: The Night American Fashion Stumbled Into the Spotlight and Made History,” hits bookstores this month. Givhan is no stranger to the spotlight herself: back in the ’90s, she famously critiqued women who wore sneakers with their business attire on the Metro, garnering both vitriol and back pats. Givhan went on to have stints at Vogue and Newsweek before returning to the Post to cover the White House >> YOU SAY WASHINGTON SHOULDN’T CALL ITSELF A “FASHION TOWN” AND/OR COMPARE ITSELF TO NEW YORK WHY? Why should Washington compare itself to New York? We don’t compare ourselves to Boston or Chicago or Los Angeles…. Is it just proximity? New York is a fashion town because that’s where Seventh Avenue is located. It is the home for a lot of creative industries that are involved in fashion. People should be borderline obsessed with fashion. Washington is full of smart, successful and ambitious men and women. They use style in a different way. They don’t need to compete to see who has the hottest new handbag or who can have the edgiest ensemble. But folks in Washington do use fashion as a form of social and intellectual currency. It’s a powerful armor. And it’s entertainment.

HOW DID YOU COME TO WRITE YOUR BOOK AND WILL WHAT WILL PEOPLE FIND MOST INTERESTING ABOUT IT? The book is a cultural history of a 1973 Franco-American fashion show that changed the fashion industry. At a time of social turmoil, people looked to fashion as part of the solution. It ws a way of broadening diversity, empowering women and loosening sexual contstraints. The American industry, which existed in the shadow of Paris, was just coming into its own; and it embraced social change in a way France did not. The willingness to look to the future allowed American designers Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Stephen Burrows, Anne Klein and Halston to triumph over the French.

I learned about the show (The Battle of Versailles) at a luncheon at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and during an interview with Burrows. I was fascinated that the American designers used 36 models, ten of whom were black. That was unusual. It set them apart and ultimately led to their success at Versailles.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO PEOPLE BUILDING THEIR WARDROBE AND TRYING TO CREATE THEIR OWN UNIQUE STYLE? Buy less. Buy better. I consider a purchase a success when I have to eventually throw the garment away because I’ve worn it down to a few threads. Try on a lot of clothes – even if you think you can’t afford it. You can make a more informed decision when you see the difference between a high end frock and a less expensive one.

And do not fear the tailor. There’s no reason a pair of pants or a skirt should fit you perfectly off the rack. Little elves didn’t come in the middle of the night and measure you. And I wish women would rememeber: if a garment doesn’t fit, there’s a problem with the garment, not your body.

PHOTO HELAYNE SEIDMAN

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

47

Men of

Substance and Style

REGGIE LOVE

33-year-old Reggie Love is as imposing in person as the notion of his close friendship with President Barack Obama.The 6-foot-4 former Duke basketball and football player spent four years anticipating the every need of the leader of the free world as Obama’s personal assistant.

His recent memoir, “Power Forward: My Presidential Education,” chronicles the highlights. With a resume like that, and the apparent success of his “Body Man” predecessors, it would be easy to get cocky. But after spending just a short amount of time with Love, it’s apparent that everything about him is genuine, from the ear-to-ear grin to his retelling of the first time he met the future President, wearing a hand-me-down Hugo Boss suit that was a couple sizes too big. “I thought I looked sharp though,” says Love with a laugh. >> There have been many nicknames for your job with President Obama: “Body Man,” “Chief of stuff,” “First Friend” etc. What did you consider your role in Obama’s life?

I’ve never been one for titles; you are either on the team or you’re not. I defined my job by trying to figure out how to add as much value to the process as possible. Anything that made the day easier, more efficient or more enjoyable, I would try to figure those things out.

How did you wind up in politics when sports were your real passion? Can you draw any comparisons between your life in sports and your life in politics?

Sports are definitely a passion of mine and athletics opened up education, opportunities, friendships and relationships that I probably wouldn’t have if I didn’t play. A lot of the principles that I apply to my overall life are things I learned growing up playing sports: toughness, hard work, competing on every play, sportsmanship and respect for my opponents, teammates and coaches. But, the chance to be a small part of the Obama campaign and administration was the opportunity of a lifetime, bigger than any game that I ever played in.

What did you get out of writing the book?

Reflection. I grew up most of my life in sports being taught how to get ready for the next play. There wasn’t a lot of time spent reflecting on how certain experiences and events made me feel and what I learned from those things. Taking the time to write this book helped me to grow mentally and to truly appreciate the journey I have been on to date.

Tell us about your personal style.

I’ve got a hodgepodge of style. I have my father’s style of simplicity.

The president taught me how to tie my tie with a perfect dimple, and shared insights about which type of tie makes the best knots.

Chris Duhon introduced me to the world of tailored shirts and suits. And I always have hats to cover up this massive head on my shoulders. photographed at The Oval Room

48

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

| march

2015

| washingtonlife.com

MEN OF

SUBSTANCE AND STYLE

JON PETERSON

He’s behind many of the popular mixed-use developments throughout the region—downtown Silver Spring, the Washingtonian Center, the Milestone Center and National Harbor. As son of the company’s founder, Jon Peterson has been involved with the Peterson Companies for 25 years, and currently serves as principal and chairman of the executive committee.>> TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL HARBOR Right now National Harbor is getting all of the attention just because of what we’ve been able to develop there. We call it the trifecta, or the triple crown, because all within one year we opened the Tanger Outlet Center which has been really successful...and then MGM announced that they were coming, they’re under construction [and will] in 2016, and we invested in the Capital Wheel, the 180-foot wheel with views that you can’t find anywhere in Washington. We’ve gotten pretty good at building a live/play/work environment. People want the walk-able, livable communities and are willing to pay extra bucks to be in those locations. I think if you look at the most successful projects in the Washington area, they are those projects that combine the office, the residential, the retail and the entertainment.

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW PROJECTS ON THE HORIZON? WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS? We’ve got a number of projects that we’re working on in Loudoun County. There’s Commonwealth Center where we’re building Top Golf, which is a great new golfing venue. It’s more entertainmentoriented than it is golf, as 50 percent of the people that go there are non-golfers. We are putting in the infrastructure for Compass Creek and are going to open a Wal-Mart there. Then we have the entertainment-based Avonlea in southern Loudoun County. We’re in a development phase of the company that we haven’t really been in for a while.

WHAT CHARITIES ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT? The Peterson Family Foundation. Peterson Companies have always believed that it’s important to give back to the communities we serve.

Most recently, the Foundation announced a $10 million gift to Inova to assist with their plans to build an internationally recognized Center for Personalized Health in Fairfax, $1 million to Teach for America to support Prince George’s County Schools and committed to feeding one million people a year for three years in Prince George’s County.

I’m also very involved with Youth for Tomorrow, a residential and educational home founded by Joe Gibbs, for “at-risk” boys and girls in the community.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? DO YOU HAVE FAVORITE ARTICLES OF CLOTHING OR DESIGNERS? WHAT DO YOU FEEL MOST COMFORTABLE WEARING? I don’t shop very often but when I do, I’ll go somewhere like Nordstrom and buy five suits or 20 shirts. When I find something I like, I buy a lot of them. I like Peter Millar. I’m pretty casual but when I’m out, I don’t want to have my shirt hanging out, because you never know who’s looking; you never know whom you’re going to run into.

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

49

Men of

Substance and Style

R. David Edelman

R. David Edelman was only 24 in 2010 when he became the youngest person ever appointed to the National Security Council, where he directed international cyber policy. Now this stylish Millennial is at the White House, charged by President Obama with overseeing Internet, innovation and privacy policy at the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Economic Council. >> What are the tech and internet issues that you are most concerned with now?

Broadband in schools is a major focus — and the program the president launched to help solve it, ConnectED. Consider this: the average American school has the same connectivity as the average American home, but with hundreds more people. If a teacher wants to stream a video from Khan Academy to students’ desks, oftentimes they can’t.That’s not fair, and it’s holding schools back from embracing amazing innovations in personalized learning. These kinds of tools can help teachers understand their class’s progress in a very precise way, put a teacher’s one-on-one time to better use and ultimately keep kids from falling behind. ConnectED is working to solve that by making sure schools have the high-speed Internet connectivity and technology to enrich teaching and learning. The president launched ConnectED in mid-2013, and last year alone the private sector has committed over $2 billion in free technology and services for schools -- and the FCC is on track to meet his goal of connecting 99 percent of U.S. students to high-speed broadband and wireless within five years. Delivering on that could transform American K-12 education.

How can we better protect economic data in an age of brilliant hackers who seem to be able to penetrate even the most carefully safeguarded sites?

Cyber security and consumer protection are two sides of the same coin.

Whether you’re focused on threats from organized crime or nationstates, the reality is they are exploiting the same cyber security problems.

Before we can take on the issue, we have to find a way to communicate not just to techies, but to CEOs and the general public, that the risk is real. All the defenses in the world won’t help if you don’t take the threat seriously and ignore basic steps.You’d be amazed how many cyber security breaches and cases of identity theft could be prevented by basic cyber hygiene. Changing passwords, updating software, using two-factor authentication takes only seconds but can save you hundreds of hours of headache — and millions of dollars for companies..

What did you learn at Yale and Oxford that most changed the way you see the world?

In college I did improv comedy. Imagine being locked in a room with a hundred of your closest friends, being put on a stage in front of them all, and having to deliver every time someone pointed at you and said “be funny.” A life skill, and a lesson in humility, all at once how would you describe your personal style?

My workplaces haven’t traditionally been hotbeds of sartorial expression…but when there’s not a lot of room for variation, little details can be great. As a graduation present from my doctorate, I got a Shinola watch. I love it, especially for the story they’re telling — Detroit’s renewal meets American style.

Mr. Edelman’s suit by John Varvatos. Watch by Shinola. Photographed at Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers, Georgetown

50

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

| march

2015

| washingtonlife.com

TRENDSETTERS

FASHION MAVENS

THE TASTEMAKERS Washingtonians continue to impress us with their sartorial evolution. These men and women have been pushing that cultural shift forward, daring to delight in color, pattern and texture. >>

Anchyi Wei is wearing a Marni leather collar, Anchyi Wei Designs necklace, Alexander Wang top, Opening Ceremony skirt, Stuart Weitzman boots and a Chanel bag.

(Photo by Leticia Salazar)

Sondra Ortagus is wearing a Parker dress and Sam Edelman boots. (Photo by Dan Swartz)

Rich Dinning is wearing a Zegna suit, shirt, tie and shoes with a Brequet watch and Chopard cufflinks. (Photo by Greg Powers)

ANCHYI WEI

SONDRA ORTAGUS

RICH DINNING

OWNER< ANCHYI WEI DESIGNS

HEAD BOOKER< T H E ARTIST AGENCY

SENIOR GENERAL MANAGER< TYSONS GALLERIA

“My style is an extension of communication. Getting dressed is not just to look nice, but to use my body as a canvas to create an artistic expression. I do most of my shopping online, but some of my favorite finds are from local vintage and consignment stores like Rock it Again, Nomad Yard Collectiv and Snobswap.”

“I am a big advocate of balancing different lengths and shapes. If you are choosing a look with a plunging neckline then the hemline needs to be longer, or there need to be sleeves or something to balance out the sexiness.The beauty of fashion is you can play around with different silhouettes, patterns, and textures until you find what works best for your body.”

“I’m fortunate to work with some of the most iconic brands in the industry. I’m surrounded by the finest fashion, however being on the business and operations side of things, my personal style tends to lean towards a more classic look – I’ll add colors and patterns to convey trends and a modern spin. When it comes to accessories, I prefer very clean, classic pieces that are versatile, yet hold their own no matter the trend of the season.”

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

51

trendsetters

fashion mavens

Renaud is wearing a suit from The Kooples, J Crew shirt, Purple Label Ralph Lauren tie, a bespoke coat and Church’s shoes. Anaïs is wearing a J Crew coat, Zadig et Voltaire blouse, J Brand jeans, Christian Louboutin shoes and a Stella McCartney clutch.

(Photo by Anne Scherrer Photography)

Ethan is wearing a Ralph Lauren Purple Label sport coat. Breuer shirt, Peter Blair tie and Randy Hanauer pocket square. Lindsey is wearing an Adam Lippes dress and Feragamo scarf. (Photo by Kyle Samperton)

Ethan and LindsEy Drath Owners, Sherman Pickey

Ethan: “We both have a very classic style, with a modern twist, and like lots of color.We actually met while working for Ralph Lauren!”

Lindsey: “I could wear a black cashmere turtleneck and Chanel ballet flats every day and be happy.”

Renaud and Anaïs de Viel Castel

General Manager, enviroCAB; Co-Founder, Petite Lucette

Renaud: “I value subtle and elegant attire.

When I go shopping I know exactly what I am looking for, unlike someone I married who loves to try 50 different things, ask for my opinion, ignore it and move on to the next store.”

Anaïs: “I don’t think I put that much thought into a look before getting dressed. It’s more about restyling what I have. On a typical day, I wear a pair of leather skinny pants, cashmere sweater and flats.”

Will and Shani Lawry Owners, Capital Image

Will is wearing an All Saints leather jacket, Diesel shirt and pants and Saint Laurent shoes. Shani is wearing a Burberry London blazer, H&M top, Eileen Fisher pants, Vince shoes and an Ibeautiful Mia Elliott necklace. (Photo by Tony Powell)

52

Will: “My style would be best described as Urban Luxe. I am a big fan of mixing texture and classic sensibility with architectural details. I owe my style evolution to my mother and moving here 10 years ago. I wanted to prove that D.C. had a color palate beyond navy and white.”

Shani: “I love the idea of being comfortable, edgy and modern. I agree with Will’s definition of personal style, as we often duplicate each other’s looks, with my look containing more feminine details. My style icons include Japanese street fashion, Rachel Zoe and Tom Ford.”

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

| march

2015

| washingtonlife.com

LIFESTYLES

839+, %7

&YXXIVÂMIW A GRITTY< INDUSTRIAL SETTING JUXTAPOSED WITH A FEMININE< DELICATE WARDROBE CREATES A PARADOXICAL MOOD HIGHLIGHTING THE BEST OF EARLY SPRING FASHION

EDITORIAL DIRECTION BY LAURA WAINMAN PHOTOGRAPHY LUIS ARAGON AND ANTHONY POFF FOR LOFT < WWW LUISARAGON COM WWW ANTHONYPOFF COM WARDROBE WILL AND SHANI LAWRY FOR CAPITAL IMAGE< CAPITALIMAGE@LIVE COM MAKEUP ERICA BASHA< WWW ERICABASHAMUA COM HAIR CAROLYN BERRY POFF FOR LOFT < WWW CBERRYBEAUTY COM MAKEUP AND HAIR ASSISTANT STEPHANIE WOLF MANICURE HEIDI JANSEN< HEIDICJANSEN@GMAIL COM MODEL CASSANDRA TURNER FOR T H E ARTIST AGENCY PHOTOGRAPHED AT DOCK OF UNION MARKET

OSCAR DE LA RENTA dress ($2,290), Saks Jandel, 5510 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-6522250; COCLICO “Joni” cut-out wedge sandals ($465), Hu’s Shoes, 3005 M St., NW, 202-342-0202; ALEXIS BITTAR hand-painted Lucite and molten metal cuff ($1,295), www.alexisbittar.com.

YIGAL AZROUEL fitted cape top ($650) and YIGAL AZROUEL framed skirt ($650), Hu’s Wear, 2906 M St., NW, 202342-2020; SAINT LAURENT “Bianca” leopard sandals ($1,195), Hu’s Shoes, 3005 M St., NW, 202-342-0202; ALEXIS BITTAR skinny color coated collar necklaces ($195 each), www.alexisbittar.com; ring, stylist’s own.

CELINE cape with arm loops ($3,600) and CHLOE “Marcie” perforated satchel ($2,950), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-657-9000; VALENTINO chevron print dress ($3,390), Saks Jandel, 5510 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-652-2250

VALENTINO dress ($2,590) and VALENTINO army jacket ($4,790), Saks Jandel, 5510 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-652-2250; MANOLO BLAHNIK laser lace pumps ($795), Huâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shoes, 3005 M St., NW, 202342-0202; GIVENCHY bag ($1,940), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301657-9000; ALEXIS BITTAR diamondencrusted draping chain bib with turquoise ($595) and ALEXIS BITTAR diamond-encrusted parallel cuff ($295), www.alexisbittar.com.

JASON WU silk chiffon embellished sleeveless top ($2,595), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-657-9000; ALEXIS BITTAR molten detailed color coated bangles ($95-$125 each), www. alexisbittar.com

ETRO dhely rose print long coat ($2,655) and ALEXANDER MCQUEEN silk flapside skirt ($1,395), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-657-9000; SAINT LAURENT “Bianca” leopard sandals ($1,195), Hu’s Shoes, 3005 M St., NW, 202-342-0202

ISABEL MARANT “Kral” jacket ($695) and MOTHER DENIM “The looker party crasher” jeans ($185), Hu’s Wear, 2906 M St., NW, 202-342-2020; ALEXIS BITTAR soft facet cross pendant with custom link chain ($395), www.alexisbittar.com

LIFESTYLES | ALEXIS BITTAR

BEDAZZLING WASHINGTON W

omen in Washington will soon be better accessorized, as Brooklyn-based jewelry designer-to-the-stars Alexis Bittar is opening a new boutique in CityCenter this month. We talked with the designer about his unconventional advertising campaigns, artistic inspirations and the state of style in the nation’s capital.

BY ERICA MOODY

messages that are important to me and synonymous with the brand, and present them to the world. It starts a dialogue. The model I am closest to is Iris Apfel. She’s 93, and just a real beacon of strength. She’s counterintuitive of what most people think of aging and I think that’s such an important topic. I’ve really been trying to look at the topic of ageism and really dealing with it by showing images of women who are mature and incredible and beautiful and really pay reverence to that and not just focus on girls who are young twentysomethings and photoshopped.

WASHINGTON LIFE: Why have you chosen to open a store in Washington, and do you see it as a fashionable city?

ALEXIS BITTAR I’ve spent a lot of time in D.C. over the years, more so at the White House for Michelle Obama, and, even though the city is never thought of as a fashion forward thinking city, I’m always struck by the hunger for fashionforward brands. When I do personal appearances in D.C. people get really excited. D.C. gets a bad rap for being super conservative but over the years, I’ve noticed that women in D.C. really want to dress up. So we figured this was the perfect time. I think that CityCenter is going to be incredible. D.C. was in need of that.

how we filter and see the world. There’s a whimsy in Jeremy’s style that I relate to.

WL: You have collaborated with many designers in the past (Jason Wu, Michael Kors, etc). Is there one that you enjoyed working with the most?

AB One that I feel really close to is Jeremy Scott. I think Jeremy and I have a very similar sensibility. He’s doing great work with Moschino right now. We have the same back-story in terms of our youths and

WL: You’ve received a lot of attention for featuring older women in your campaigns. What is your thought process behind these campaigns?

AB One of the good things about not being a public company is that I can make a decision and go with it. I look at advertising as adult graffiti, in a way. It gets the public to look at issues. It has enabled me to drive home

62

Moonlight Panther Ring ($275), alexisbittar.com

WL: You also recently featured a transgender woman in one of your campaigns.

AB I’ve known many transgender women over the years and I thought it was about time that there was an ad that didn’t have to say the model was transgender. The ad didn’t say it.

In fact a lot of people thought she was J.Lo, which was funny. I wanted to handle the topic with dignity and not get too much into politics.

WL: Outside of fashion, who/what are your artistic influences?

AB I look a lot at Wiener Werkstatte, an

Royal Marquis Sunburst Ring in 18k gold ($2,495), alexisbittar.com

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

Bracelet from 25th Anniversary Lucite Collection (available in Alexis Bittar stores)

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

A L L I M AGE S CO URT E SY AL E XI S B I T TA R

Gold Muse D’or Vine Clip Earring ($345), alexisbittar.com

Alexis Bittar (Photo by Terry Tsiolsis)

Jagged Diamond Cluster Cuff ($295), alexisbittar.com

Moonlight Cluster Clip Earring ($325), alexisbittar.com

Michelle Obama in Alexis Bittar pin (Photo courtesy alexisbittar.com)

Silver Gaze Marquis Cluster Bib Necklace ($3,795) alexisbittar.com

Moonlight Stacked Cocktail Ring ($295), alexisbittar.com

art movement in Vienna at the turn of last century. It was very revolutionary in terms of how they thought of color and form and shape. Josef Hoffmann was a genius in terms of his ability to look into the future.

WL: Do you have a specific target market in mind when designing?

AB It’s really broad. Each collection has a different demographic. It’s usually 25-65 but I think overall the woman tends to be a stronger personality. She doesn’t want to hide or blend into the background. She’s artistic, with strong opinions, and just more creative.

WL: What do you see as the emerging jewelry trends in 2015?

AB There’s definitely a real want for things to kind of pare down, to be slightly less embellished. People are looking for real artistic expression in jewelry, a combination of art infused with jewelry. They want jewelry that’s artistic but unexpected.

WL: What’s the number one factor a woman should keep in mind when searching for a piece of jewelry?

AB You never want it to wear you. You need to really feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. You want to have fun with it. I think sometimes people take jewelry very seriously.

It becomes very competitive. But I think there’s a part of it that’s about self-expression and having fun with fashion. Jewelry can have a lot of power. Women get very attached to jewelry when it has sentimental value. It can send a statement of strength.

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

Miley Cyrus in Alexis Bittar jewelry (Photo courtesy alexisbittar.com)

63

LIFESTYLES | NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

DISPATCH FROM NEW YORK FASHION WEEK: FALL-WINTER 2015 Fur, fringe and shades of green dominate the runways

BY HILARY PHELPS

A BEVY OF FUR — both inside and outside the tents at the Fall 2015 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week — proved a harbinger of what would soon be walking down the runway. With temperatures dipping into the single digits, New Yorkers and visitors alike bundled up to protect themselves from the wintry elements.

FUR: Altuzarra and Custo Barcelona used pelt as accoutrements; Nicole Miller showcased skirts made entirely of fur. Inside the tents, both men and women had wrapped themselves in fur capes and Russian-inspired hats and vests, none of which were removed upon entering 64

Delicate shoulder fringe at Lela Rose.

“Dried Herb” at Banana Republic.

the warm lobby at Lincoln Center. At fashion week, the runways aren’t the only avenues to showcase attire – guests use the stairs and the lobby of the theater to catch the eye of street style photographers.

CULOTTES: Keeping with the ’70s theme, culottes sauntered down the runway of many a show. The wide-leg, cropped pants popped up last season and, like them or not, are here to stay for at least another year.

FRINGE: Another trend, carried over from the current season, is ’70s-inspired fringe.

It appeared on everything from bags and boots to skirts and shirts. Lela Rose strung delicate fringe across lady-like dresses. Banana Republic, in it’s first official New York Fashion Week show, highlighted the trend on the shoulders of a marbled wool sweater.

DRIED HERB: The IT color for Fall was “Dried Herb.” It was used as a neutral next to fuchsia, navy and, of course, black. “An olive green shade once thought of as strictly for a safari or the military, dried herb has been elevated into a color we now perceive as sophisticated and chic,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

A L L I M AGE S CO URT E SY E AC H D E S I G NE R .

Fur pelts at Altazurra.

LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT

GUCCI Cashmere and silk-blend cardigan ($1,150); gucci.com

BANJO & MATILDA Ballet silk and cashmere-blend wrap cardigan $350); banjoandmatilda.com CHLOE Floral-lace and wool and cashmere-blend skirt ($2,550); net-a-porter.com

CHLOE Ruffled cottongauze dress ($3,295); neta-porter.com

3R 4SMRXI

BOTTEGA VENETA Convertible intrecciato leather tote ($3,100); saksfifthavenue.com

Channel an off-duty ballerina in Spring 2015â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dance-inspired pieces including ballet flats, wrap sweaters and lots of blush tones.

RICK OWENS Lilies stretch-jersey bodysuit ($420); saksfifthavenue.com

BY ALISON MCLAUGHLIN

DONNA KARAN Draped cableknit cashmere cardigan ($2,695); neimanmarcus.com

MICHAEL KORS Lace-paneled satin maxi skirt ($4,500); shop.nordstrom.com BOTTEGA VENETA Felted cashmere coat ($5,400); neimanmarcus.com

EQUIPMENT Cara washed-silk camisole ($100); net-a-porter.com

ISABEL MARANT Leo snake-effect leather ballet flats ($650); barneys.com

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

DONNA KARAN Cashmere-blend leggings ($550); saksfifthavenue.com

REPETTO The Cendrillon leather ballet flats ($265); saksfifthavenue.com 65

LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT DOLCE & GABBANA Lace top ($2,375); neimanmarcus.com

ADAM LIPPES Lace midi skirt ($1,490); saksfifthavenue.com

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Julianna lace wrap dress ($500); saksfifthavenue.com

LELA ROSE Lace dress ($1,595); neimanmarcus.com

DONNA KARAN Asymmetric macramé lace skirt ($2,695); neimanmarcus.com

DOLCE & GABBANA Guipure lace top ($1,695); saksfifthavenue.com

4IIO E FSS

Lace, often considered ladylike, is a bit naughty by nature, with natural cut-outs in the fabric, making it a sought after look this season.

BY ALISON MCLAUGHLIN

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG 440 envelope lace and crepe clutch ($250); saksfifthavenue.com

ALICE + OLIVIA Julissa lace maxi dress ($700); saksfifthavenue.com

BURBERRY PRORSUM Degradé stretchlace dress ($2,795); saksfifthavenue.com

GIANVITO ROSSI Lace and suede pumps ($870); neimanmarcus.com DKNY Lace maxi skirt ($395); neimanmarcus.com

VALENTINO Lace and leather espadrilles ($595); saksfifthavenue.com 66

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

RALPH LAUREN Gilmer leather chukka boots ($795); saksfifthavenue.com

BARBOUR Sapper waxed jacket ($429); saksfifthavenue.com

TAG HEUER Carrera Calibre 1887 automatic chronograph 43mm (price upon request), liljenquistbeckstead.com

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Stonewashed fivepocket jeans ($595); saksfifthavenue.com

FERRAGAMO Push-stud leather belt ($380); neimanmarcus.com

(EVO /RMKLX

Take a walk on the dark side in the new year with ebony-hued apparel and accessories.

BY ALISON MCLAUGHLIN

CALVIN KLEIN Crosby slim-fit cotton and silk-blend trousers ($575); calvinklein.com SAINT LAURENT Classic western shirt ($650); neimanmarcus.com

DIOR HOMME Satin trim classic suit jacket ($2,676); dior.com

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

RAYMOND WEIL Mens nabucco black and yellow chronograph watch (price upon request), liljenquistbeckstead.com

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

JOHN LOBB City Ii oxford shoe ($1,204); johnlobb.com 67

LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT

CARTIER Amulette De 18kt yellow-gold, mother-of-pearl and diamond necklace ($2106); cartier.com

TIFFANY & CO. White agate bracelet and square ring with diamonds in 18kt yellow gold ($85,000, $20,000); tiffany.com TEMPLE ST. CLAIR 18kt vine amulet earrings with rock crystal and diamond (price upon request), liljenquistbeckstead.com

ALEXIS BITTAR Gilded muse dore skull cameo ring ($295); alexisbittar.com

;LMXI +SPH

Brighten up this spring with pearlescent pieces paired with yellow-gold for a light, fun and on-trend look.

BY ALISON MCLAUGHLIN

LONGINES Ladies La Grande classique watch (price upon request), liljenquistbeckstead.com

MIKIMOTO Four seasons summer ring (price upon request), liljenquistbeckstead.com

MIKIMOTO Golden south sea cultured pearl graident necklace (price upon request), liljenquistbeckstead.com

ALEXIS BITTAR Asymmetrical hinge bangle ($275); alexisbittar.com

BVLGARI BVLGARI earrings in pink gold and mother of pearl ($3,850); bulgari.com

68

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

LIFESTYLES | TIFFANY & CO

BY THE SEA

Washington Life previews design director Francesca Amfitheatrof ’s first Blue Book collection for Tiffany & Co., inspired by the beauty of the ocean.

B Y L A U R A WA I N M A N

CATE B L A N CH ETT I N A TU R QU OI S E , AQ UA M A R I N E A N D D I A M O ND NEC KL AC E FR O M T H E 201 5 T I F FA N Y BLU E BO O K CO L L ECT I O N AT T H E 87 T H ACA DEM Y AWA R DS . ( P H OTO BY JA SO N M E R RI T T/G E T T Y I M AG E S) ; E M M A STO N E I N D I AM O ND CU FF S I N 1 8 K Y E L LOW A N D W H I T E GOLD FROM THE 2015 TIFFANY BLUE BOOK COLLECTION AT THE 87TH ACADEMY AWARDS. (PHOTO BY ST EVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE)

Amfitheatrof compares jewelry sketches to wax castings, for what will become the Blue Book collection (Photo by Trevor Undi)

F

rancesca Amfitheatrof has worn many hats over the course of her chic, storied career. From designing jewelry for Chanel, furniture for Muriel Brandolini, silverware for Asprey & Garrard and consulting for several major art collections, including Museo Gucci in Florence, Amfitheatrof has experienced all facets of the fashion industry. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment came in September 2013, as she broke into the elusive boy’s club that had helmed Tiffany & Co for 177 years; her coveted design director title had only been bestowed on four others before her and she happened to be the first with two Y-chromosomes.

With the well-received launch last August of her first collection, Tiffany T, under her belt, she is now preparing for the debut of her first Blue Book — the annual publication that highlights 250 of Tiffany’s one-of-a-kind creations each spring. Washington Life was invited to New York to be among the first to preview the collection and got the inside scoop from Amfitheatrof herself as she walked us through a few of her favorites, shared her inspiration behind the designs and brought WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

to life her one-year journey to completing Blue Book.

“The theme is ‘The Art of the Sea,’ and it’s really about the force of nature, the force of water and all the elements that you find in the sea,” Amfitheatrof says. “It’s a very poetic, dreamy, fantastical collection, with a lot of elements of fun. I think it’s moved, and it’s evolved, how we usually approach Blue Book at Tiffany.”

Rather than designing around sourced materials, as Tiffany Blue Book has previously been created, Amfitheatrof came up with a firm concept of her theme and designed around it, sourcing materials as they went along. She knew her collection would have a lot of pearls, which she said she wanted to do in a “more youthful, less old-fashioned way,” so she let the team know that immediately, as it can take months to find the right components for a design. (A master jeweler at Tiffany told us he spends upwards of 400 hours placing the jewels for a single necklace.)

Amfitheatrof starts the collection presentation with a necklace of Tahitian cultured pearls with diamonds in platinum that she says “represents what you’d expect

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

from Tiffany’s,” before moving on to pieces composed of brilliant colored diamonds and rings and bracelets with wavelike movements. It’s not hard to see inf luences of the sea, or her feminine touches on the collection.

“I really wanted to go diving for this collection, but I never made it,” Amfitheatrof says. “But I spend most of my summers by the sea.”

69

LIFESTYLES | THE DISH

POP IN, POP OUT Katy Chang mentors aspiring chefs at EatsPlace, Washington’s first “pop-uppery” B Y L A U R A WA I N M A N

I

t’s a blustery Tuesday morning as bartender, cheesemonger, line cook EatsPlace founder Katy Chang and sous chef all over the world. She greets me at the door of a threeeven launched her own line of kimchi story rowhouse built in 1919 and and fermented sauces, named Baba’s ushers me in with a hug, immediately Cooking School after her father, when followed by an offer of “coffee, tea, she was in Dubai and unable to access water or anything really.” some of her most beloved foods. She As she sets to work making a latte found it very difficult to find venues behind the cozy bar area of her food to produce her products in the ethical, incubator, I pull up a stool and she responsible manner she required and casually says, “So, what’s your story?” I found that other foodie friends shared find myself bonding with this 5-footthe same frustration. nothing bubbly chef over our legal Flash forward to 2012 when Chang world forays, sharing what led us to purchased an abandoned building our passions and learning the details in Park View and decided to turn it of her upcoming nuptials. Though we into a space that is part neighborhood weren’t yet discussing the reason I had restaurant/bar and part food incubatorshown up at her door that morning, thus, a “pop-uppery.” we were connecting, and I got the Now, with more than a hundred feeling that is exactly what Chang applicants vying to take their turn strives to do with every person who in EatsPlace’s commercial kitchen to crosses the EatsPlace threshold. test their dinner and weekend brunch Perched at one of the long, menus on paying customers, Chang wooden communal tables occupying has mentored four chefs and hosted the 40-seat dining room, I finally get her own Baba’s Dumplings restaurant Chang to share her own story and in the EatsPlace space. Several have she animatedly begins telling me her gone on to pursue their own brick and Founder of EatsPlace, Katy Chang (Photo by Joseph Allen) vision for what she calls “the world’s mortar restaurants, including both the first pop-uppery.” inaugural chefs-in-residence Mason Dixie Biscuit company, currently “I guess it is easy to be the first since I made the word up,” in Union Market, and DC Born and Raised, both of whom are Chang says with a laugh. expected to open their own spaces early this year.

She goes on to explain that EatsPlace, which hosts a rotating cast Chang thoroughly vets her potential chefs, beginning with the of chefs-in-residence for short periods of time to allow them to application process in which prospective candidates submit a proposed test their restaurant concepts on the public, is more than just a food menu with pricing, a business plan, resumé and also answer her incubator or even a shared space. It’s a chance for her to be part of the favorite question: “What’s your food story?” Those selected move on entrepreneurial community, to offer critical infrastructure and all the to what Chang calls the best part of her job, the tasting interview. resources needed to start a business to aspiring chefs, and at the same “Candidates that have solid restaurant experience as well as a time offer mentorship, guidance, friendship and connections. unique concept stand out, with as much emphasis on quality and “My story is that food is healing and can save people and I really flavor as novelty,” Chang says. wanted to share that,” Chang says. When asked why she didn’t open At press time, BevEggs Pork & Grits was finishing up its final her own restaurant, she replies that there was more to the story. dinners at EatsPlace. Though Chang won’t reveal the next chef in Chang grew up in kitchens with a chef father who “worked the lineup, she does allude to some exciting possibilities: “a chef who very hard to never have his children have to be in the kitchen,” so cooked for the president, a chef who you will recognize from TV, and she trained elsewhere, dabbling in the culinary world as a barista, perhaps a second location for EatsPlace.”

70

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

LIFESTYLES

BOOKS

BOOK TALK

FALLEN FASHION GODS

BY ERICA MOODY

Veteran journalist and former Washington Post style reporter Dana Thomas has penned a biography chronicling the lives and careers of two legendary couturiers.

“Gods and Kings: The Rise and Fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano” posits that the changing climate of an increasingly corporate high fashion industry led to the tragic downfall of both designers. >>

to me. I understood everything, including his suicide.

WL: How did that make you understand

his suicide?

DT Because he didn’t like taking pills.

He didn’t like doing the regime. HIV is a very manageable disease but you have to manage it, and he could barely manage himself. I think that deep down inside he saw it as a terminal disease. He once said to a friend, “Gays don’t do old well.” And looking back at him, you could never imagine him as an old man.

WASHINGTON LIFE: How did the idea for

this book emerge?

DANA THOMAS When Galliano imploded, I wrote a piece about him for the Washington Post and [included] a paragraph about other designers’ crack-ups in recent years, most notably McQueen’s, and I thought, there’s something bigger here. This isn’t just about one guy mixing pills and booze and getting sloppy at a café.

There’s something more going on. And I came up with this theory, this argument that they were victims of the war between art and commerce that had been going on in the age of globalization. Commerce had needed art to get to where it was going but sucked it dry along the way and left the artists f lailing, overworked and depressed.

WL: What do you think needs to change

DA NA T H O M AS P H OTO BY FE L I P M OT WA RY B O O K I MAG E CO URT E SY P E N GU I N P R E S S

in the fashion industry?

DT The business model needs to be reinvented somehow. The shows now last 12 minutes. In the old days they lasted two hours. It was an event. These days, nobody’s even taking in what they’re seeing. They’re just Instagramming it and moving on. And nobody is writing proper commentary on fashion anymore, except for Robin Givhan, Vanessa Friedman and Booth Moore.

WL: What surprised you the most when writing this book?

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

Dana Thomas

DT How hands on both

designers were in the beginning, and how hands off they became at the end. I also didn’t realize the degree of paranoia that McQueen was suffering because of his drug issues.

WL: There is so much research that went

into “Gods and Kings.” How long did it take you to write?

DT I thought it would take a year, but it took four. To really understand them, I really had to know them. And there was a moment, with both of them, when I reached a point where I thought I might know them better than they know themselves, because I’m actually taking the time and ref lecting about who they are. Then I realized that’s what biographers do. It was like a light went off. With McQueen, this moment was when I discovered he was HIV positive.

It took two years of reporting before someone told me. And then within two hours I had the whole story. Suddenly, the last ten years of his career became so clear

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

WL: You write about similarities in the fates of both designers, but what do you think their differences are?

DT John Galliano was all about beauty. McQueen had a far deeper thing going on. His shows were part of a bigger statement. McQueen was an extremely democratic designer.

He wanted to reach as many people as possible. I’m surprised he never did a collaboration collection with Target or H&M. He was from the working class and proud of it. Galliano, on the other hand, was all about exclusivity.

WL: Did Galliano and McQueen ever know each other?

DT Not really. Galliano went through life with blinders on, just racing ahead. McQueen was always chasing Galliano. There came a point when McQueen passed Galliano, creatively and technically, and Galliano acknowledged it to a mutual friend. He said, “I think he’s passed me by.” McQueen is like the talented little brother who got overlooked and then suddenly came into his own.

71

WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y around town﹐ CNMC Dancing after dark﹐ Studio Theatre Gala﹐ over the moon and more!

Kristen Welker and Chris Jansing at Washington Life’s party for those photographed for the YGL issue. (Photo by Tony Powell)

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

73

AROUND TOWN

Simon Says Bon vivant writer and window dresser Simon Doonan shares a few terrific tales from his latest book

BY DONNA SHOR

IMPISHLY IMPALED: At the question “Have you seen what he’s done now?” cool New Yorkers have known for 20 years that “he” must be Simon Doonan, designer of Barney’s edgy, irreverent windows offering shock value on the street and luxury inside. The vitrines drew gawking crowds and featured everything from taxidermists’ rats in tiny tuxedos to “Margaret Thatcher” garbed as a dominatrix.

Columnist, author of six books, V fashion commentator and peerless raconteur, the diminutive Doonan recently entertained Washingtonians from the book launching podium of the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, introducing the paperback version of his “The Asylum: True Tales of Madness From a Life in Fashion.”

Doonan’s asylum “inmates” include Vogue’s Anna Wintour (the omniscient and powerful “leader of the pack,” whom he admires), Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld (“he can be bitchy in six languages”), the late iconic fashion arbiter Diana Vreeland and other industry figures who come to life in his telling.

Invited by a bubbly film producer to audition for the role of art director Nigel (said to be modeled after him) in “The Devil Wears Prada,” Doonan was delighted at his prospective shot at fame. When he called his father in England for support, the answer was “They must be really scraping the barrel.”

“He was always the wind beneath my wings,” Doonan sighed. “I swept up my dog, Liberace, telling him we were going to claw our way to the top, anticipating rides down Hollywood Boulevard, Champagne corks popping. I went skipping over to the studio, determined to deliver the ultimate campy fashion portrayal.”

The bubbly one, impressed, called in her boss, and all went well at first;

74

Simon Doonan (Photo by Michael Childers)

but Simon felt a grim foreboding when he spotted two acquaintances also interviewing for Nigel. His “aha moment” came when he realized that the studio “would have all three of our auditions in their hands, perfect training tapes for some straight actor to play mincing fashionistas.”

A few days later Stanley Tucci, definitely a non-fashionista, got the role.

Despite a 35-year immersion in fashion (he is now creative-ambassador-at-large for the Barney’s chain) Doonan is realistic about the industry, understanding there is a much wider world beyond the runway. He does not like to give fashion advice, saying “I am uncommonly unhelpful.” Nevertheless, to the 20 or so young women waiting at the microphones with fashion-career queries, he gave thoughtful and kind answers — leavened with impish Doonan humor.

Street campus heard of Princess Diana’s visits there when she came to Washington.

The hospice movement was long one of her charitable interests: she had visited all 44 hospices in England.

The special guest speaker was Patrick Jephson, who for eight years served as the princess’s chief of staff, personal secretary and confidant. He told of her life as observed at close range and the impact of her daily work for good causes before taking questions from the audience.

Afterward, guests discussed Diana’s involvement in the anti-land mine campaign and her attendance at a related Washington event sponsored by the American Red Cross.

Lecture listener Nina Pillsbury, who was subsequently appointed chairman of the Red Cross Land Mine Dinner, was able to shed some light on those events.

Along with Didi Cutler, Alexandra de Borchgrave, Linda White and other Honorary Host Committee members, Pillsbury is planning the April 11 Washington Home and Community Hospices Gala to be held this year at the French Embassy. The Washington Home is renowned for never turning away anyone throughout its entire 125-year history.

REVISITING PRINCESS DIANA: Supporters

gathered at the Washington Home and Community Hospices’ handsome Upton

Nina Pillsbury and Patrick Jephson (Photo by Neshan Naltchayan)

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

Madeline Grayson, Lindsey Richardson, Lauren Wynns and Laura Gaiser Dr. Kurt Newman, Elizabeth Ballas and Paul Grayson

WL SPONSORED

Jessica Calvert

DANCING AFTER DARK Carnegie Library | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL THE GREAT EIGHT: The Children’s National Health System’s Dancing After Dark is one of the first soirées of the new year and a great way to welcome everyone back to the city after the holidays. The 8th annual event, hosted by the Children’s National Junior Council, raised more than $170,000 to support the health of children in the nation’s capital. Approximately 650 young professionals and rising community leaders gathered for a festive evening of cocktails, desserts and dancing.

John Green and LeeAnn Goheen

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Sara Bourne, Mollie Holleman and Elizabeth Heng

Sean Sullivan and Madeline Brady

Tanmika Hysmith and Lillie Lowery

Megan and Chris Watts

Bub Windle and Kristen Weeks

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

Kylie Thoman and Reid Ellison

Lauren Carpenter, Jennifer Robbins and Ashley Killgore

75

perfect pitch

Winner’s Purse

By PAT R I C K D. M C C OY

M

ultiple Tony and Grammy Award-winning singer/actress Audra McDonald, 44, dishes about her upcoming concert at the Music Center at Strathmore, balancing singing and acting and dressing up on and off stage.

WASHINGTON LIFE: When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in the arts?

Audra McDonald: I was about nine years old in my hometown of Fresno, Calif., and I was performing at a dinner theater.

It was the first time I felt truly comfortable with who I was and the sense of selfawareness I had as a person. I found that through performing.

WL: How have you been able to embrace both the classical and popular dimensions of your training as a singer?

AM: I usually sing what moves and inspires me. For the most part, as I get older, I listen to my voice and whatever it tells me it feels good singing, and that is what I do. I follow my gut.

WL: During President Obama’s second inauguration weekend, you performed in honor of soprano Jessye Norman at a brunch hosted by the Washington Performing Arts Society. Could you reflect back on that moment?

AM: Jessye Norman is someone that I have always looked up to. When I was a student at Juilliard, I would play her recordings over and over again. I remember in 1989 when she sang the “La Marseillaise” in Paris for Bastille Day, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution. She was draped in the French flag walking around the monument at Place de la Concorde and was the world as far as I was concerned.

WL: Your portrayal of Billie Holiday in “Lady Day Emerson’s Bar and Grill” earned your sixth Tony award. What was the most difficult aspect for you in portraying this legendary, yet somewhat controversial, artist?

76

AM: Having to live in her shoes every night. Regardless of the people who argue and debate if she enjoyed her life or whether she suffered, it was a hard life. To live in that world night after night was the most difficult part.

WL: What are some of the elements that you consider when you are putting together a concert, such as your upcoming performance at the Strathmore?

AM: My music director Andy Einhorn and I try to give the audience a full meal, which means a little bit of everything.

Some people call it a hodgepodge, but every song is very carefully considered in terms of what sort of emotional tone it sets, the story it tells. We are also looking to educate the audience in terms of new artists making their way in the musical theater scene and perhaps forgotten gems from their past.

Singer/actress Audra McDonald (Photo by Autumn de Wilde)

WL: Many of our readers may remember your early appearances with conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops on PBS. Tell us about the transition from singing on television with an orchestra to acting with a cast.

AM: I am always looking for challenges and things that will educate me. I am not looking just to succeed, but to grow. So, it was quite a challenge to learn how to appear as an actress in a television show such as “Private Practice” where you are speaking among the cast as opposed to with an orchestra. I am curious about all aspects of performing arts and looking to learn as much as I possibly can.

WL: How would you classify your personal style and how has it evolved over the years?

AM: My personal style is that I am a tomboy, probably because I have been performimg

in theater for so many years, having to wear gowns, costumes and makeup since I was nine years old. When I am not performing, the last thing I want to do is get dressed up. It is rare to find me in anything but jeans and a comfortable top.

WL: Do you have a personal stylist who handles most of your wardrobe? If so, how do you balance your own style versus what the stylist puts you in?

AM: I have a great stylist, Sylvia Greiser. She trusts my instincts but at the same time will push me to be a little braver about certain styles from time to time. I like to stick to the tried and true because I am not about trying to make people pay attention to what I am wearing, but rather to what I am doing.

Audra McDonald will perform at the Music Center at Strathmore on Friday, March 27.

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

| march

2015

| washingtonlife.com

Elizabeth Heng and Nancy Reynolds Bagley Jason Spear and Shaniqua McClendon Rachna Choudhry and Aaron Pultz

WL EXCLUSIVE

YGL COCKTAIL RECEPTION

Raffi Williams and Andrew Clark

Neil Grace

W Hotel Root Cellar Whiskey Bar | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL CELEBRATING THE LIST: Washington Life and the W Hotel fêted the individuals photographed for the magazine’s 10th annual The Young and the Guest List issue with an intimate cocktail reception at Root Cellar in the lower level of the W’s Pinea restaurant. Guests nibbled hors d’oeuvres, took home a few extra magazines for mom and dad and raised glasses to the list’s featured power players, including NBC News White House correspondent Kristen Welker, The Huffington Post’s Ryan Grim, Ready for Hillary’s Jessica Grounds, RNC deputy press secretary Raffi Williams and Capitol Hill staffers Jason Spear and Elizabeth Heng.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

George Vradenburg, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, Dorothy Kosinski and Suzanne Wright

Pam Stevens, Kristen Welker and Chris Jansing

Wendy Grossman, Mark Green, Stephanie Cho and John Greathouse

Stephen Miles, Jessica Grounds and Wes McClelland

Peggy Jacobs Bader and Roz Jacobs

‘MAN RAY—HUMAN EQUATIONS’ OPENING The Phillips Collection | PHOTOS COURTESY OF PEPE GOMEZ SURREALIST EVENING: Art lovers, benefactors and mathematicians gathered at the Phillips Collection to preview the exhibition, “Man Ray — Human Equations: A Journey from Mathematics to Shakespeare,” also featuring photographs and sculptures by Japanese contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. Paintings from the collection “Shakespearean Equations” are displayed for the first time with the original mathematical models that inspired both the series and Ray’s photographs of the objects. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception with remarks from museum chairman George Vradenburg and director Dorothy Kosinski. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, District Councilmember David Grosso and D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ Commissioner MaryAnn Miller were among those in a3endance. The exhibition will be at the Phillips Collection through May 10.

Carol Brown Goldberg and Trish Vradenburg

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

Liz Akahtarzandi and Loretta Downey

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

77

OVER THE MOON

When ‘Camelot’ came to Hunt Country A recent auction of items connected to ‘Wexford’ rekindles memories of John and Jacqueline Kennedy’s happy days in Middleburg

BY VICKY MOON

A

n interesting treasure trove related to the property known as “Wexford” recently came up for auction. “Wexford,” as some may recall, was the Middleburg weekend retreat of then President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline, built in the early 1960s to indulge the first lady’s equestrian passions.

The original 26 acres cost $26,000 in 1961 and the property was named after County Wexford, the Irish birthplace of the president’s ancestors. It was sold to the Kennedys by steel heir Hubert Phipps, who owned the Loudoun Times Mirror and Fauquier Democrat with Fitzhugh Turner. Now totaling 166 acres, it was listed in October, 2013 for $10,995,00 and the asking price has since dropped to $7,950,000.

Paul Fout, a close Kennedy friend along with his wife, Eve Fout, oversaw the construction of “Wexford” and they served as agents in all aspects of the property as well as Mrs. Kennedy’s horse pursuits. The 400 lots in the sale conducted by RRAuction of Amherst, N.H., brought a final bid of $17,500.

There were building plans and photographs and also the 1961–1964 correspondence between Mrs. Kennedy and the Fouts. Ten letters were hand-written by her. In one, she raved, “You have done the most fantastic job and everyone agrees that house is really a dream. One could not wish for anything more perfect — if only we could live there all year long! And Jack loves it.”

The first lady and her mother, Janet Auchincloss, helped design the house, which then had seven bedrooms (including two for servants). The residence also included five-and-a-half baths along with a dining room, study, library, breakfast room, pantry, children’s room, kitchen and living room. An expansive stone patio stretched out across the

78

John and Jacqueline Kennedy with son John in a golf cart at “Wexford” accompanied by an unidentified Secret Service agent, circa 1962 (Photo courtesy John F. Kennedy Presidential Library)

back with breathtaking views of rolling hills and pastures.

Construction costs at “Wexford” were originally estimated at $45,000 and part of the reason the Fouts served as building agents was to avoid public scrutiny of the finances.The late Ben Bradlee, a presidential buddy who was the Washington bureau chief of Newsweek (and later the executive editor of The Washington Post), bet the president that the final cost would be over $100,000. One letter from the auction reveals the final bottom line — just over $127,000 — paid for by the president’s father, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. One reason for the soaring costs involved Secretary of Labor Arthur Goldberg. He discovered that non-union workers were on the construction site and changes were made immediately. At the time, union labor rates were $40 an hour, portal to portal. Bradlee won his wager but never collected.

SOUTHERN MIGRATION: It’s difficult to calculate how many people have remained in Middleburg during the winter of the frozen tundra, because so many have migrated to Wellington, Fla. for the horse show season.

Wendy and Mike Smith hosted a party at their Florida home, “Smith Stables,” to show the riders a photo display of the new $1 million renovation of the historic Upperville Horse Show grounds.The show, which dates to 1853, is the oldest in the U.S. and set for June 1-7 this year.

Smith, the show’s current president, told guests that “We intend to keep the tradition alive.” Olympic gold medalist equestrian Joe Fargis put in an appearance at the Wellington event as did Middleburg real estate gurus John Coles of Thomas and Talbot and Jim Thompson from Washington Fine Properties. Both have family and horses competing in Wellington during the winter season.

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

Emma Loughman and Sarah Smothers

Chris and Lorraine Wallace with Lea and Wayne Berman Ronald Braso, Buffy Cafritz, Mary Haft and Helen Lewis

WL EXCLUSIVE

‘MR. & MRS. SUNDAY’S SUPPERS’ BOOK PARTY Wayne and Lea Berman Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL HOMEMADE & DELICIOUS, TOO: Lorraine Wallace, wife of “Fox Sunday News” Anchor Chris Wallace, knows how important food is to keeping a family together and she has turned her cookbook-writing career into a solid franchise. “Mr. and Mrs. Sunday’s Suppers,” her third volume of recipes, is sure to be another winner with easy-to-follow instructions for preparing everything from lobster pot pie to turkey tetrazzini. NICE TOUCH: No standard catered fare at this party, which featured hors d’oeuvres based on selections from the book.

Laurie Monaha and Mariella Trager

Howard Kurtz VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Jonathan Burke, Carl Cole and Zach Lynch

Michael HiggIns and Virginia McArthur WL EXCLUSIVE

STUDIO THEATRE BLACK & WHITE BALL

Victor Shargai, Pamela Nash and Scott Hunt

The Studio Theatre | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL THE TWENTIES ROAR AGAIN: Studio Theatre celebrated the 1920s with an evening of nostalgia at its “Black & White Ball” featuring cocktails, dinner on four different levels and the screening of a madcap Buster Keaton silent movie followed by late night drinks and dancing. Most guests, it should be noted — including at least 50 “flappers” — dressed appropriately. Benefiting a fund to develop provocative and diverse plays, the evening included a tribute to newlyweds Michael Higgins and Virginia McArthur, who met while serving on the theater’s board of trustees.

Nancy Jason, Carl and Undine Nash, Jill McGover and Trish Smith VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

79

HOME LIFE Real Estate News and Open House I Inside Homes and My Washington Real Estate News and Open House | To come

)PIKERGI ERH 'SQJSVX Susanna and Jack Quinn meld formal with welcoming in their Wesley Heights house

BY VIRGINIA COYNE FAMILY PORTRAIT BY TONY POWELL HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH ALLEN

HOME LIFE | INSIDE HOMES

s you walk through the door of Susanna and Jack Quinn’s graceful Wesley Heights Colonial, it’s the scent that draws you in.

The Rigaud Cyprès candle burning on a nearby table is the same fragrance Jacqueline Kennedy reportedly burned at the White House.

The smell is classic, warm and inviting — a perfect mirror to the rest of the couple’s abode.

Susanna, founder of the on-demand beauty and fitness app Veluxe, which brings hair stylists, makeup artists and personal trainers to your door, and Jack, former White House counsel to President Bill Clinton and co-founder of the strategic communications firm QGA Public Affairs, have created a home that is steeped in family history and filled with heirlooms, yet is far from stuffy; the perfect place to entertain Washington Alisters or have intimate tête-a-têtes with their closet friends.

When they moved into the house in 2005, the couple sought the help of interior designer Lavinia “Vin” Lemon.

“Our vision was to combine the formal furniture from Susanna’s grandparents with new comfortable seating, carpets and fabrics, ” Lemon says.“I think we have successfully created a warm family home and an elegant space for entertaining.”

Friends agree. “A lot of nice houses feel like museums, but theirs doesn’t,” says CNN Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash. “It’s sophisticated enough for Susanna to host spectacular dinners in her fabulous dining room, but it’s casual enough for me to feel comfortable bringing my young son for a play date with theirs — and plopping down on the floor to play with them.”

82

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

PREVIOUS PAGE (clockwise from top left): A red Janine Pol painting over the fireplace sets the tone in the formal living room. The silver box and trays on the coffee table are all family heirlooms except for one box with a poem engraved, which Susanna gave Jack for a wedding anniversary. Fabrics in the room and throughout the house come from Cowtan and Tout, Old World Weavers, Zoffany and Bergamo, with carpets from Stark.

The dining table belonged to Susanna’s grandparents, Sen. Mike Monroney and Mary Ellen Monroney.

The couple’s bedroom opens up to Jack’s book-lined home office.

Susanna shops for fresh flowers and makes her own arrangements weekly.

A first floor powder room features art by the late Sen. Ted Kennedy and a marble vanity from Waterworks.

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

Bash is a regular in the dining room, where Susanna holds court over her off-the-record women’s media dinners about once a month. She invites an elected or administration official along with a dozen female journalists, each of whom get a chance to grill the guest of honor before the tables are turned on them.

According to Susanna, many a politician has talked war and peace at the same visibly worn dining table, which once belonged to her grandparents – Sen. Mike Monroney of Oklahoma and Mary Ellen Monroney. Susanna says the Monroneys entertained the likes of Lyndon B. Johnson, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower around the same table — a table where her father would do his homework and count his baseball cards as a young boy.

“You can still see the scratches in my dining table from when my Dad was cutting his baseball cards,” Susanna says.

“I feel like refinishing it would erase some of the wonderful history that it holds.”

The prominent sideboard and silver service are also Monroney family pieces, but the muted murals, painted by French artist Christine Meyers, depicting Lake Como in northern Italy, were Jack’s brainchild.

“What better room to evoke the taste of Italy than the dining room?” says Jack, who wanted to surround himself with images of a region he loves to visit. “Susanna and Vin were worried that the murals would be too much for the room, but I thought the neutral colors would make it work.”

Although the dining room is muted in tone, the formal living room boasts red accents.

A vibrant red floral painting over the mantle by another French artist, Janine Pol, anchors the room.The same color in the rug and the curtains complements the art.

“I love rich fabrics and colors but mixed with neutral walls — think Miles Redd on a light sedative,” Susanna says, referring to the famed interior designer know for his whimsical, sometimes over-the-top, color-infused rooms.

The front hall features another splash of color — one of many paintings the Quinns own by Sante Febased artist and abstract expressionist Stephanie Shank,

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

who boasts on her website that her works are in the Quinn’s private collection as well as that of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

A signed lithograph of a painting by Sen. Ted Kennedy graces the wall next to the marble Waterworks vanity in the powder room. The piece was a wedding gift to the Quinns from the senator and his wife Victoria.

Upstairs is the real “sanctuary,” as 15-year-old daughter Jocelyn describes it. Her meticulously maintained room is filled with mementos, including photos of herself with close family friend Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, with whom Jocelyn developed a special bond as a young girl. She continues to correspond with him to this day.

Two-year-old son Storm’s room is also desgined to showcase heirlooms and gifts, including a pillow Susanna had made from her father’s St. Alban’s sweater and a Tiffany’s fire truck cup and saucer, a gift to Storm from New York Rep. Joe Crowley and his wife Kasey, and a nod to the heroes of 9/11.

The Quinn’s own spacious bedroom opens up to Jack’s home office – they knocked a wall down to the adjacent

83

HOME LIFE | INSIDE HOMES

room — so the busy lawyer-lobbyist doesn’t need to walk downstairs to begin his work day.

“I love my home office, and I love the way Susanna and Vin decorated the bedroom, so it struck me as a fine idea to take down the wall and make one big space to accommodate both purposes,” Jack says. “ We both work quite late and get by with not enough sleep, so there’s no issue there.”

Susanna, whose business launched Jan. 15, has found herself answering emails into the wee hours of the night from eager potential clients waiting to try the services Veluxe offers. She has her own home office down the hall — a light-filled walk-in dressing room she has repurposed as a work space. The room is filled with built in shelves, a favorite design trick she’s used throughout the house; she’s added doors over the shelves and racks to remove distraction. Designer handbags are artistically arranged on shelves around her computer.

But it’s not all work, all the time at the Quinns’ house. The family also knows how to play. In warmer weather, you’ll find all of them outside swimming in the pool or putting golf balls on the small green they’ve installed off the back patio. And then there’s the former home theater in the basement they have reincarnated as a playroom for both Storm and the adults — vintage Pacman and pinball machines sit alongside their son’s toys. The movie posters from the home theater remain, though “Finding Nemo” hangs on he wall now, too.

“The scary poster of ‘The Perfect Storm’ had to make way for the real Storm and a toddler’s perfect playroom,” Jack says.

84

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

PREVIOUS PAGE (clockwise from top left): Murals on the wall in dining room depict scenes from Lake Como, Italy by decorative painter Christine Meyers Movie posters found on eBay

by Jack hang on the walls of the former home theater, now a basement playroom.

THIS PAGE (clockwise from top left): Susanna’s dressing room doubles as a home office. She calls the corkboard on the far left her “mood board” and says it’s one of her favorite things in the house. She keeps her calendar there, as well as letters from her husband, thank you notes from friends and artwork from her children.

Son Storm’s room features a wall of built-in shelves filled with gifts and mementos.

Family photos by photographer Tony Powell fill the table in the front hall. The art is one of many paintings the Quinn’s own by abstract artist Stephanie Shank.

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

HOME LIFE | BEASLEY REAL ESTATE

Giving Back and Getting Ahead After only four years in business, Beasley Real Estate is expanding rapidly, with its agents ranking in the top two-three percent in the country, in terms of annual production.

BY ERICA MOODY

The Beasley Real Estate team (Photo by Craig Steinberg)

I

t’s not every day that a Washington real estate firm gets approached by Japan’s top agencies as a case study, but Beasley Real Estate isn’t your typical D.C. carriage-trade operation. The uniquely “dual-focused” agency is technologically advanced, inclusive and intent on giving back to the community.

When you meet Jim Bell, Beasley founder and managing partner, he’s quick to tell you what sets his firm apart.

“It’s our business model,” Bell says. “That’s the primary reason Japan took notice.”

Last December, the Association of Real Estate Agents of Tokyo selected Beasley’s business model as the Washington region’s exclusive case study, and came to its District. headquarters. Chairmen from eight of Japan’s

88

top agencies, including Mitsubishi Real Estate Services — the second largest real estate company in Japan — participated in a Q&A panel with Beasley agents, heard a presentation from Bell and toured homes currently listed between $4-6 million. At the end of the visit, Bell was personally invited to visit Tokyo for further talks in the spring.

Bell’s enthusiasm is palpable. “We have partnerships with a lot of real estate firms in the U.K. and I was very comfortable with that,” he says. “What I didn’t expect was the East. The Japanese completely surprised me.

We were fully vetted by the chairmen of all eight companies including Mitsubishi. These guys are heavy hitters. I did not get the depth of who was sitting in front of me until after

the meeting was over. I was stunned at the level of people.”

But Bell should not be surprised that Beasley is getting noticed, both in the DMV and far beyond. Expanding outside of Washington, the firm now has an office in Bethesda and recently opened one in Old Town Alexandria, where it’s seeing the most growth. Internationally, Bell even counts the Vatican among his clients.

“Between our developers and our buyers, there is not a single neighborhood in the city that we’re not covering,” Bell says. “People have options now ... it’s all happening.”

Bell insists that this growth wouldn’t be possible without Beasley’s unique business model: “Here’s the difference in the Beasley

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

business model and this is why the Japanese were fascinated. You have to be an agent for a minimum of ten years. You have to have a minimum annual production of ten million a year.”

According to Bell, “This figure equates to the top two-three percent of agents in the country, and the average age of Beasley’s agents is 37, much younger than the national average for that level of success. In total, Beasley boasts the highest average agent sales numbers in the U.S.” Despite the impressive figures, Bell insists that Beasley is not a transactional company.

Nobody talks numbers; no agent holds first or second place. “It doesn’t exist as a culture,” Bell explains. Instead, focus is placed on client experience, similar to Apple.

“The Apple influence and the structure … it doesn’t say Washington,” Bell says, clearly proud that Beasley has embraced a different way of doing things, marking a departure from the status quo.

“The company’s not important,” Bell says.

“It’s the people that are important, and we are an inclusive company. Alienating people by image or perception is not what we do.

While some companies focus their marketing on the brand, we have focused on the agents, the clients and the clients’ charities.”

You get the sense that charitable giving is integral to the company, not merely an afterthought. The firm’s focus on giving back is seen on its website, where you’ll find a long list of causes the company supports, from Martha’s Table to the Human Rights Campaign. Beasley launched “Homes with Heart” events to showcase the firm’s best properties while promoting the charities in each particular neighborhood. Beasley asks every client what his or her favorite charitable group is, and then works to raise awareness of that organization through community events, like the popular, free summer movie nights in the park. Every broker, associate and staff member is encouraged to give back. Bell himself served hot dogs on Kalorama Day, supporting the community he lives in.

Even Beasley’s focus on philanthropy is outside the box in the way its philanthropic

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

efforts take agents, clients and their neighborhoods into account.

“Everything we do as it relates to a client’s particular home, we segue in and include the information of the charitable organization,” Bell says. “For community events, we always have a group that partners with us. There’s only been one example this year where a client did not have a single philanthropic

Jim Bell -( Photo by Craig Steinberg)

While some companies focus their marketing on the brand, we have focused on the agents, the clients and the clients’ charities. group in mind.”

Bell recently set up the Beasley Foundation, as a way to do more for his agents’ and clients’ charitable organizations. And when it comes to raising awareness about both charities and Beasley properties, it helps to have mobile apps

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

that are the best in the business, and attention to reaching people via technology, whether it be social media or Beasley TV, an updated monthly housing data visual presentation.

“We have a communications hub that the Japanese recognized from 6,500 miles away,” Bell says. “As a company model, we have the best technology tools in the country.” These include the iPads handed to the Japanese visitors when they sat down for Bell’s presentation, so they could follow along and view all of the free information available to anyone on the website.

“We have a communications experience that I call pushing information to people,” Bell says. “You don’t have to go out looking for it.”

You can find Beasley across social media, including an active Pinterest page that features photographs of properties inside and out. This push also helps showcase the company to international clients, as Bell explained a recent experience with Beasley TV. “I was talking to one of the Vatican’s ambassadors on the phone,” he said, “And as we were speaking, in the background in Warsaw, I heard them playing Beasley TV.” Most convenient for those on the go, Beasley’s mobile app utilizes location technology to give users a sense of place within the areas of their home search.

As Bell says, this visibility of information helps to cement Beasley as an “inclusive” company, welcoming clients and potential clients to participate in all aspects of their communities.

Beasley handles all communication for its agents — from traditional to social media, advertising, parties and community events, and plans to increase these methods of outreach in the next year. At the end of the day, all the agents have to do is go out and sell.

And sell they do, equipped with extensive market knowledge and maturity of vision that one might expect from a company that’s been around much longer than four years.

Clearly, things are looking bright for the future of Beasley. Bell is considering branching out to New York, and told us he wants to open an office in Palm Beach. But first, he has a trip to Japan to plan.

89

HOME LIFE | OPEN HOUSE

Happy Hunting Top-quality properties that meet the most discerning house-hunter’s standards

ASKING PRICE: $3,850,000

BURNING TREE BLAISDELL ROAD< BETHESDA< MD

This builder’s own dream house is located in the prestigious Burning Tree neighborhood and features custom finishes throughout 13,000-square-feet on four levels. The dynamic floor plan boasts numerous amenities including a banquet-size dining room, billiard room, gourmet chef ’s kitchen, home theater, exercise room, massage room, sauna, elevator, wine cellar, six fireplaces and a four-car garage.

LISTING AGENT: Wendy Banner & The Banner Team, 301-3659090; Long and Foster Real Estate

GREAT FALLS RIVER PARK LANE< GREAT FALLS< VA

This contemporary residence, pleasantly resting on a lush, landscaped property, features a pool, slate deck, private tennis court, art studio, fitness center and the Savant automated home systems. The finest details were carefully executed in a thoughtful renovation for a true fine arts enthusiast.

ASKING PRICE: $3,195,000 LISTING AGENT: Ron Mangus, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

BRADLEY HILLS

ASKING PRICE: $1,997,000

BURDETTE ROAD< BETHESDA< MD

With almost 6,000-square-feet of living space, this completely remodeled house, in sought after Bradley Hills, features a new custom gourmet eat-in stainless steel chef ’s kitchen with a separate sitting area and “Story-Book” wood-burning fireplace that walks out to a dramatic stone-terraced patio and pool. The oversized master suite offers a gas fireplace and a private balcony overlooking the gorgeous outdoor area.

LISTING AGENT: Jan M. Evans, 301-873-3596; Beasley Real Estate

WEST END

ND ST NW ^ D< WASHINGTON< DC

ASKING PRICE: $2,695,000

This extraordinary upper-level apartment at 22West includes two bedrooms and a den, converted from a third bedroom, floor-to-ceiling windows throughout with generous 9 1/2-foot ceilings, natural oak floors, large entry foyer, expansive living room and dining area with walls of windows on the point of the building, open chef ’s kitchen with granite countertops and top-of-the-line appliances plus a large master suite with a hallway lined in closets.

LISTING AGENT: Patrick Chauvin and Brad House, 202-2569595; Washington Fine Properties

90

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS

Victorian Beauties Two late-19th-century mansions change hands: 3127 Dumbarton Street NW sells for $3.2 million in Georgetown while the Aaron Shipman House sells for $3.8 million in Logan Circle.

BY STAC E Y G R A Z I E R P FA R R

Jackie and Charles Reed operated a bed-and-breakfast in the historic Aaron Shipman House at Q STREET NW on Logan Circle for more than 30 years. After its recent sale for $3.8 million, the grand Victorian dwelling is now slated to be developed into a six-unit condominium building.

Built in 1887 for construction magnate Aaron Shipman as his personal residence, the ten-bedroom mansion went on the market for the first time since 1975 featuring historic interior details that include handsome millwork, carved mantles and stained glass. Exterior amenities include a double lot boasting an enormous garden, covered porch and terraces. Washington Fine Properties’ Daryl Judy was the listing agent while Kimberly Casey, also of Washington Fine Properties, was the buyer’s agent.

THE DISTRICT

STREET NW along with her husband, Neal Macalester Limited sold - ST (a retired executive at Coltec Industries, an STREET NW for $5.2 million to Georgetown aerospace and industrial parts manufacturer), Property Acquisition LLC. The five-bedroom, and her daughter Alexandra Nemerov, a

five-level, 6,713-square-foot Federal-style house in Georgetown’s East Village was renovated to be a combination of three 19thcentury row houses. The property boasts one of the largest private gardens in Georgetown and includes a 43-foot swimming pool. RE/ MAX 100’s Herbert Riggs was the listing agent; Nancy Taylor Bubes of Washington Fine Properties was the buyer’s agent.

Jacki Nemerov , president and chief operating officer at Ralph Lauren Corporation in New York City, purchased ST

92

curatorial assistant at the Glenstone Museum in Potomac. The Nemerovs purchased the East Village house from David Barnhardt and Kevin Ford for $4,250,000. The detached brick five-bedroom Colonial was built in 1980 and has since been extensively renovated to include Nanz hardware, Waterworks baths and a custom Boffi kitchen. The meticulously maintained grounds are lush with mature plantings surrounding a pool and outdoor dining area. TTR Sotheby’s Michael Rankin represented the sellers while Nicole Norton,

also of Sotheby’s, was the buyers’ agent.

Alice Ross and Megan Murphy bought P STREET NW in Georgetown from 3010 P Street LLC for $3,950,000. Murphy is the Washington bureau chief of the Financial Times where Ross is also a journalist. The completely renovated five-bedroom Federal townhouse features a gourmet kitchen, a family room overlooking a lush garden, roof deck, and pool. Washington Fine Properties’ Nancy Taylor Bubes was the listing agent; Susan Jaquet of W.C. & A.N. Miller, A Long & Foster Co. was the buyer’s agent.

Former NFL football player Domonique Foxworth and his wife Ashley bought 4815 DEXTER STREET NW in Foxhall Crescent for

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS

$4,005,000 from Diana Goldberg. Foxworth played for the Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens. The 10,000-squarefoot Colonial includes seven bedrooms, a large main-level wine cellar, a mahogany and rosewood paneled office and a play room complete with fire pole. The property also boasts a phenomenal gourmet chef ’s kitchen — which has a history of a real chef cooking there. The property was once owned by Jaleo and Zaytinya restaurateur Rob Wilder. Long & Foster’s Nancy Itteilag was the listing agent while Denise Champion-Jones, also of Long & Foster, was the buyer’s agent.

MARYLAND Paul and Miriam Dell’Isola sold MOORLAND LANE in Bethesda for $8,550,000 to Moorland Lane Residence Trust.Washington Fine Properties’ Sherry Davis was the listing agent while Washington Fine Properties’ Mark McFadden represented the buyer. The 16,000square-foot Edgemoor estate sits on a half acre lot and boasts nine bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and seven fireplaces plus an indoor sport court, wine cellar, home movie theater, outdoor kitchen, pool and four-car garage. The couple then purchased HAMPDEN LANE, a 9,000-square-foot Arts and Crafts-style home in Bethesda, for $4 million from Gary and Dale Abrahams. Long & Foster’s Marc Fleisher represented both sides of the transaction.

Dell’Isola, a senior executive at FBR, and his wife have six children. The Abrahams split their time between Bethesda and Jupiter, Fla., and were looking to downsize. Mr. Abrahams,

Mike and Heidi Slocumb sold DUMBARTON STREET NW for $3.2 million to James Slavin. The couple purchased the five-bedroom Victorian mansion in Georgetown’s East Village from the estate of the late Frank Lorson, chief deputy clerk for the Supreme Court.

Mr. Slocumb is the founder of the Mike Slocumb personal injury firm with offices in several states. The property was built in 1875 but has been renovated from top to bottom featuring 12foot ceilings, bedrooms with a private second-level sleeping porch, and intimate rear garden.

Washington Fine Properties’ Nancy Taylor Bubes represented both the buyer and the seller in the transaction.

who is now retired, co-founded a company that financed short-term corporate housing that was purchased by Marriott. The five-bedroom, eight- bath mansion features a custom English library with two sided professional aquarium.

VIRGINIA Hemant Sabharwal bought

GROVEMONT DRIVE in McLean for $3.6 million from Matthew Schuyler. Located

on a quiet cul-de-sac in The Reserve, this magnificently appointed seven-bedroom 2001built Colonial offers a recently constructed pool with limestone terrace and pergola.

The 11,700-square-foot residence includes a spectacular wine tasting room, gourmet kitchen and spectacular master suite. TTR Sotheby’s International Realty’s Karen Barker was the listing agent; Warren Kluth of Long & Foster represented the buyer.

PROPERTY LINES DISNEY’S LOBBYIST LISTS: Richard Bates, vice president of government relations for the Walt Disney Company, is selling

CONGRESSIONAL COURT in Potomac for $5.2 million. The seven-bedroom Colonial on two landscaped acres in Bradley Farms overlooks Congressional Country Club’s fifth fairway. The main residence was custom built in 2000 and boasts 12-foot ceilings, sun-filled embassy-sized rooms, a chef’s kitchen with separate serving kitchen and an expansive master suite. The grounds include a guest cottage built by Studio Z in 2012 that boasts

94

an indoor batting cage, half basketball court, pool and lanai.

POLITICAL PAD: Former Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh and his wife Susan have listed their Spring Valley home at TILDEN STREET NW for $2,595,000. The 14-room Georgian was built in 1939 and features six bedrooms, including an owner’s suite with a fireplace and spa-like bathroom. Five fireplaces, wall mural and a renovated lower level are among the property’s many highlights. James Kaull of Washington Fine Properties is the listing agent.

A ROSE IN ROSEDALE PARK: Robert and Virginia French listed MAPLE AVENUE for $1,699,500 with Beasley Real Estate’s Kira Epstein. The six-bedroom Bethesda beauty was built in 2012 by Menditch Homes and features four finished levels complete with a gourmet kitchen, separate dining room, beautiful master suite, mud room and two-car garage. The Arts & Crafts Colonial also boasts a unique sunfilled lower level.

Send real estate news to Stacey Grazier Pfarr at editorial@washingtonlife.com.

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

| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com

My Washington

Debbie Dingell, Member, U.S. House of Representatives (D-Mich.)

BY kevin chaffee

consummate Washington insider, Debbie Dingell recently made history when she succeeded her husband (who in turn had succeeded his own father) as a Democratic representative from Michigan’s 12th district. The Dingells have now served their constituents for a record-breaking 82 years. Descended from one of the Fisher brothers, the founders of Fisher Body, her ties to the state and its auto industry also include working for General Motors for 30 years. >>

3

5

6

7

114

HOW DO YOU CHARACTERIZE THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP THE DINGELLS HAVE WITH A DISTRICT THEY HAVE REPRESENTED SO LONG? It’s home, where our friends and families live and our roots are firmly planted. It is where we go to church, grocery shop, share coffee groups and where I get my hair colored and cut. It is the best community in the world with people from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds.

It’s home to Ford Motor Company and manufactures Mustangs. It has strong education and research communities and sports teams.

We are the only part of the U.S. that is north of Canada. It’s a special place and community that lives in our heart and soul.

WHAT ADVICE DID YOUR HUSBAND OFFER ABOUT SUCCEEDING HIM? Be a first class Deborah, not a second class John.

WHAT ARE YOUR OWN FAMILY’S CONNECTIONS TO MICHIGAN? I am a car girl and proud of it. My grandfather and his brothers, the Fishers, were early pioneers in the industry and built bodies for both Ford and GM before becoming part of GM. I worked for GM for more than three decades.The American auto industry is the backbone of this economy and many of those who voted for me are the working men and women of those companies who build the best product in the world.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES RIGHT NOW? My priorities in Congress are what I’ve fought for my entire life — good jobs and a strong economy, education and women’s issues. Recent experiences have focused my

attention on long-term healthcare.We have a complicated broken system that isn’t working, and as baby boomers age the problems are rapidly approaching a major crisis. Not dealing with it doesn’t make it go away.

CAN YOU USE YOUR LONGTIME BIPARTISAN TIES TO IMPROVE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE PARTIES? I am never going to stop trying. It is far harder to demonize someone if you know them, take the time to listen to them and learn from them. Compromise is not a dirty word. So, I will continue trying to bring people together to exchange ideas, appreciate one another as individuals and recognize there is far more that unites than divides us.

My Top Spots

We like comfort food and simple places, so the (1) McLean Family Restaurant (1321 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean) has been a staple for years. More recently, another Midwest member introduced me to (2) Pete’s Diner on Capitol Hill (212 2nd St. SE). Pete’s serves the closest thing to a Michigan Coney Island I have found in this area.

Summer evenings attending the (3) Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks on Friday nights or just sitting on the steps of the (4) Lincoln Monument is Washington at its best with rituals, traditions and ways to celebrate our heritage.

(5) The U.S. Botanic Garden (100 Maryland Ave. SW) is a perfect escape all year round but especially perfect during the holidays with its Christmas decorations.

(6) Ford’s Theater (511 10th St. NW) is an important historic site, but also a cozy theater that has outstanding performances and events. It has been a favorite since college when I saw “Godspell” more than a dozen times, and we have enjoyed many viewings of “A Christmas Carol” over the decades.

(7) The Smithsonian American History Museum‘s Transportation Hall with lots of auto history and its first ladies’ dress collection among many other special exhibits.

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

| march

2015

| washingtonlife.com

d e bb i e d i n g e l l p h oto co u rt e sy d i n g e l l’s o ff i c e ; m ar i n e ba rracks p h oto co u rt e sy m a r i n e ba rrac ks ; ga rd e n p h oto co u rt e sy U. S . B ota n i c Gar d e n ; F o r d’s T he at r e P hoto by Ma xw e l l M ac Ke n z i e ; d re s s p h oto Co u rt e sy S m i t h so n i an

A