Washington Life Magazine - November 2018

Exclusive Coverage:

Middleburg Film Festival All the Stars, Screenings and SoirĂŠes

Food:

One-on-one with chef Emeril Lagasse

Fashion:

Vintage glam & primary colors

Inside Homes:

Architect Travis Price’s modern treehouse

innovators:

Chris Whittle on educating the next generation of global citizens

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Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal & Middleburg Film Festival Founder Sheila Johnson

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EDITOR'S LETTER

FEATURES EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE OF THE MIDDLEBURG FILM FESTIVAL Hollywood in Hunt Country.................................

WASHINGTON SOCIAL DIARY FYIDC SOCIAL CALENDAR ...................................

INSIDER'S GUIDE ........................................

CHEF SPOTLIGHT Emeril Lagasse .................

WHO'S NEXT James Hawthorn ........................

Washington Life Magazine's 27th Anniversary Party and Toast to the Social Season ..................................

OVER THE MOON A Meadow and a Garden ....

National Symphony Orchestra's Gala ........................

PEN/Faulkner's 30th Anniversary Gala....................

NARAL's Men for Choice Happy Hour ................46

POLLYWOOD

Afterdark@THEARC Gala ..................................

Meridian Ball's 50th Anniversary ..........................

College Success Foundation DC's Annual Breakfast.......

Kennedy Krieger Institute's Tribute to Judy Woodruff ......

Mary's Center 30th Anniversary Gala .......................

Armenian Assembly of America Gala Honoring Annie Totah............................................

Association of Black Cardiologists Spirit of the Heart Awards Dinner.............................

MS Society's Ambassadors Ball..............................

John Waters Retrospective at the Baltimore Museum of Art .......................................

Boys & Girls Club National Youth of the Year ..........

National Archives Records of Achievement Awards .....

Go Bo Summer of Love Party..................................

Community of Hope's Night of Hope ........................

Michelin Guide Party ..........................................

EMBASSY ROW The Real MBS Stands Up .....

LIFESTYLES FASHION EDITORIAL Clothes with Soul........

TREND REPORT Punchy Primaries..................

STYLE VISIONARIES Local Fashion Stylists ....

HOME LIFE INSIDE HOMES Travis Price's Place in the Trees ......

REAL ESTATE NEWS ...................................

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

INNOVATORS & DISPRUPTORS Chris Whittle of Whittle Schools ...............................

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COVER: Maggie Gyllenhaal and Sheila Johnson at the Middleburg Film Festival (Photo by Joy Asico) TOP FROM LEFT: Viggo Mortensen at the Middleburg Film Festival (Photo by Joy Asico); INSIDE HOMES: Travis Price's dining room (Photo by Joy Asico) FASHION: On Izzy: MEISEN silk kimono ($175); pearl brooch ($25); CARMEN MARC VALVO silk pants ($75); gray fox stole ($199); rhinestone earrings ($35), www.instantvintage78.com; Vintage lace bustier, stylist’s own.On Kelsey: CHRISTIAN DIOR vintage robe, stylist’s own; JEANNE MARC metallic pleated skirt ($95); rhinestone earrings ($55), www.instantvintage78.com. (Photo by Bruce Allen); TREND REPORT: RAG & BONE beha mixed leather and suede zip up boots ($595); neimanmarcus.com. Kristin and John Cecchi with Ashley Taylor Bronczek at the Washington Life Party (Photo by Tony Powell).

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EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nancy Reynolds Bagley EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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Tony Powell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

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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

HOLLYWOOD COMES TO MIDDLEBURG

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P H OTO BY E D FE L KE R

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ith over 3,000 film festivals A new private school opening in held annually in the United Northwest touts itself as the “first global States, one might wonder school.” Thanks to Whittle Schools for why our focus this month is on a giving us a hard hat tour of its stunning relatively new film festival held in campus, designed by Renzo Piana, and bucolic Middleburg,Va., a town of to Chris Whittle for filling us in on his less than 1,000 residents, plus a few vision. stray cows and horses.

For Inside Homes, we stepped Well, in just six short years, inside the mystical tree house of worldthe Middleburg Film Festival has renowned architect Travis Price, whose quickly ascended to powerhouse eco-friendly pad features cutting-edge status among American film design and loads of sacred art from his festivals, not only drawing big travels. stars and premiering a film which Last but definitely not least, we went on to win the Oscar for Best enjoyed chatting with celebrity chef Picture two years ago (Lee Daniels’ Emeril Lagasse who is headlining next With Soroush Shehabi at the WL-sponsored Middleburg Film Festival The Butler), but also drawing major month’s WL-sponsored MetroCooking dinner at Wind Hill farm with Tim Harmon’s horse “Newton de Vains” studio executives from Hollywood DC show at the Walter E. Washington and film critics from The New Convention Center. Come join us and York Times and The Washington watch the charismatic chef and other Post to check out Tinseltown’s famous foodies “kick it up a notch” latest offerings heading into the with live cooking demonstrations and a all-important holiday and awards slew of other food-related events. seasons. Or as the Post’s Ann As our party pages continue to heat Hornaday wrote two years ago, up (check out our social calendar if Middleburg is a festival “that in you don’t believe us). This month you four swift years, has managed to will find the WL-sponsored National garner cachet, enthusiasm, and Symphony Orchestra Gala, Boys & Girls loyalty that other festivals spend Club National Youth of the Year and decades developing.” of course, the 50th anniversary of the None of this would have Meridian Ball. Next month look out for occurred without the without the our holiday gift guide and our annual Susan Koch, Kris Bowers, Viggo Mortensen, Sheila Johnson, Michael Robinson and Peter Farrelly visionary leadership of two veterans social list. Happy Thanksgiving! of the independent film industry, Susan Koch and Sheila Johnson.

Flip to our “Pollywood” section for all the filmmaker panels, parties and screenings that have us excited about the state of cinema today.

Kudos to the dynamic duo of Sheila Johnson (who graces our cover alongside actress Maggie Gyllenhaal) and Susan Koch for making it happen.

Middleburg isn’t the only local film festival worth visiting.

Nancy R. Bagley We chatted with D.C. native James Hawthorn, whose “Flicks 4 Editor in Chief Change” fest on November 10 at Halcyon House aims to connect changemakers with those who want to make a difference. Expect Readers wishing to contact Nancy Bagley can email her to mingle with nonprofit representatives at an interactive festival at nbagley@washingtonlife.com focused on making change happen.

How do you decide where to send your children to school?

FYIDC | SOCIAL CALENDAR

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IN T ERNATIONAL WOMEN’S MEDIA FOUNDATION’S COURAGE IN JOURNALISM AWARDS DINNER Join the IWMF’s efforts to honor the brave journalists who report on taboo subjects, work in hostile environments and face continuing threats to press freedom around the world.

The ceremony will recognize leaders in the industry including female photojournalists and “60 Minutes” correspondent Leslie Stahl, who will be awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award. IWMF leads efforts in supporting and protecting journalists who risk their lives to bring vital stories to light. Newseum; 6:30 p.m.; $300; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Kaitlin Garthwaite, kgarthwaite@inezevents.com.

F IG HT FOR CHILDREN’S ‘FIGHT NIGHT’ Live boxing and mixed martial arts matches will kick off the high-spirited evening that supports the work of Fight for Children, an organization focused on youth sports programming in high-need communities throughout the metropolitan area. Guests will also enjoy a live performance by Grammy-nominated artist Flo Rida. Washington Hilton; 6:00 p.m.; black-tie; tables start at $10,500; sponsorships start at $35,000; contact Judy Wrench (202) 722-0417, Judy.Wrench@FightForChildren.org.

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K NO CK OUT ABUSE GALA The 25th anniversary event invites guests to “break the chains” of abuse. Delight in an inspirational, entertaining evening to reach Knock Out’s goal to raise $1 million for local beneficiaries that aid survivors of domestic abuse. In addition to a silent auction, the event will feature live performances by a Grammywinning artist and a seated dinner. The RitzCarlton,Washington, D.C.; 6:30 p.m.; cocktail attire; $1,000; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Jamie Miller (202) 813-9161, Jamie@knockoutabuse.org.

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LAB SCHOOL AWARDS GALA The school’s mission is to unlock each child’s full potential by providing tools and resources for students with learning differences. Its Gala raises awareness about lear ning differences while recognizing students who have achieved great heights in

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their careers and lives, as well as the parents, educators, and the greater Washington community who help them flourish. Nat ional Building Museum; 6:00 p.m.; black-tie optional; $250; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Marty Cathcart marty.cathcarty@ labschool.org.

INT ERNATIONAL STUDENT HOUSE OF WASHINGTON’S GLOBAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS DINNER At the annual dinner, Senators Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont and Susan M. Collins of Maine will be presented with Global Leadership Awards. Proceeds from the evening help support the organization’s mission to provide young scholars and professionals with a unique cross-cultural experience to help them become dynamic global citizens and leaders. International Student House of Washington, D.C.; 6:15 p.m.; business attire; $400; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Jill Holcomb (202) 232-4007, jholcomb@ ishdc.org.

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FREER | SACKLER GALLERIES ‘FOUND IN TRANSLATION: SPIRIT OF TOKYO’ GALA Globe-trot to Japan for the inaugural fall bash celebrating creativity sparked by cross-cultural immersion. Celebrate the country’s fashion, food, music and art with performances, traditional and innovative cuisine and an exhibit commemorating Japanese revolutions through photography. DJ Nori, Japan’s dance music and disco king, and contemporary artist Mariko Mori will perform live. Smithsonian’s Freer | Sackler; Galleries 6:00 p.m.; $250; creative cocktail attire; sponsorships start at $10,000; contact Megan Krefting (202) 633-0271, kreftingm@si.edu.

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Mayor Muriel Bowser at Fight Night 2017 Hospice and Paliative Care Program, one of the oldest of its kind in the country. Mariott Marquis; 5:30 p.m.; cocktail attire; $400; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Katie Tran-Lam ktranlam@capitalcaring.org.

MEN TOR FOUNDATION USA’S ‘IN LIGHT OF YOUTH’ BENEFIT DINNER Hosted by Swedish Ambassador Kar in Olofsdotter, the evening will gather business and government leaders from around the world for an intimate dinner at the Embassy of Sweden. Proceeds will benefit the Mentor Foundation USA, which raises awareness about the importance of positive youth development and drug prevention on local and global levels.

Queen Silvia of Sweden will be the evening’s special guest. Embassy of Sweden; 6:00 p.m.; blacktie; sponsorships start at $15,000; contact (571) 458-7050, melisa@mentorfoundationusa.org.

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CAP ITAL CARING’S ‘PASSION FOR CARING’ GALA’ Thi s elegant affair gathers innovators in healthcare, business, government and local philanthropies to support ongoing efforts to improve healthcare for those facing life limiting illness. A cocktail reception and silent auction will be followed by dinner, a live auction, music and dancing. Proceeds benefit the Pediatric

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DECEMBER - MetroCooking DC DECEMBER Washington Ballet Nutcracker Tea Party DECEMBER

Choral Arts Society of Washington’s Holiday Concert & Gala

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P H OTO BY TO N Y P OW E L L

NOVEMBER

FYIDC The Insider’s Guide to Washington

BY ERICA MOODY

JOHN LEGEND AT MGM

CHRISTMAS CONCERT John Legend’s first Christmas album debuted in October and the soulful singer is celebrating with a special Christmas tour including a stop at MGM National Harbor. The 14-track album offers fresh takes on classic holiday songs like “Silver Bells” and “Christmas Time Is Here.”

You might want to splurge on the VIP package including a Q&A with the legend himself. Tickets start at $117, Nov. 28,The Theater at MGM National Harbor,

A CONVERSATION WITH MICHELLE OBAMA

RODARTE FASHION EXHIBITION

WHITE HOUSE WISDOM

The National Museum of Women in the Arts’ firstever fashion exhibition celebrates luxury fashion house Rodarte. It showcases more than 90 complete looks from sister designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy that span the first 13 years of the company.The Los Angeles-based duo designed the ballet costumes for the award winning film, “Black Swan,” and were the first Americans, and the first women, to receive the prestigious Swiss Textiles Award.

Nov. 10-Feb. 10, National Museum of Women in the Arts, $10 adults, nmwa.org.

TINY JEWEL BOX HARRY KOTLAR EVENT

DAZZLING DIAMONDS

P H OTOS CO U RT E SY

This fall, Tiny Jewel Box expands its repertoire with a Harry Kotlar boutique. The Kotlar salon-the brand’s first East Coast location- will feature 8,000 square feet of 18 unique collections, representing the heritage and craft Kotlar is known for. Internationally acclaimed for its diamond jewelry and a favorite of famous figures like Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez and Carrie Underwood, it’s sure to bring extra sparkle to the Tiny Jewel Box family. The official boutique opening will feature the designer’s 70th anniversary and Vault Collections.Visitors will be able to customize jewelry with a brand illustrator. Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m., Tiny Jewel Box, 1155 Connecticut Avenue, 202-654-1654. RSVP to Grace marketing@tinyjewelbox.com.

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REBECCA MAGNUSON BENEFIT

ETHEREAL COUTURE

Former First Lady Michelle Obama showcases her writing talent in “Becoming,” a memoir in which she has called the process of writing “a deeply personal experience.” In her public book tour event, Mrs. Obama will reflect on the experiences that shaped her and life lessons she learned, taking us from her early years in Chicago to her time residing at the White House and everywhere in between. If her writing is anywhere close to the caliber of her husband’s (and we suspect it is), readers are in for a treat. Nov. 25, Capital One Arena, tickets start at $112

SINGING FOR SURVIVORS Domestic violence survivors and their allies should make it out to Arlington native Rebecca Magnuson’s one-woman show.

The original musical is “derived from an amalgamation of many survivors’ experiences” and is meant to empower those who have suffered abuse whether it be physical, verbal or economic. A portion of the night’s proceeds support Knock Out Abuse Against Women. Nov. 16, Atlas Performing Arts Center, $55-125, atlasarts.org.

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FYIDC | CHEF SPOTLIGHT

EMERIL’S SPECIAL SAUCE Ahead of the MetroCooking DC show on December 1 and 2, celebrity chef and philanthropist Emeril Lagasse discusses his secret to success.

BY C AT H E R I N E T R I F I L E T T I

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR PATH FROM BEING A CHEF BEHIND THE SCENES AND IN THE KITCHEN TO BEING A WELLKNOWN CHEF ON TELEVISION? Emeril Lagasse: I never really looked at it that way. I just looked at it as an extension of the kitchen and that if I could touch one person a day to make them a little bit more knowledgeable about cooking or shopping or wine or spirits, then I could easily sleep at night and feel accomplished because I made a connection with a human being.

going to try a little bit harder than we did yesterday. I have a really simple philosophy when it comes to food. If people would try a little bit to understand the people of where they want to focus on, then they can understand the culture. And once they understand the people and the culture, then they can understand the food.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED IN THE KITCHEN? EL: I was very young and I was sort of a tyrant, if you could believe that. I would rather do things my way instead of waiting for people to do as they were told. Long story short, we were having service one weekend. It was quite busy and I was kind of raising hell to get things done. [Ella Brennan, Lagasse’s mentor] handed me a little piece of paper and said, “When you have a chance later chef, read this.

I just want you to know how I’m feeling.” She had written: “Tomorrow, please leave your ego at home.” I never forgot it. It put a different perspective on how I should really manage the kitchen. I started working on it from that day on.

WHY DO YOU THINK METROCOOKING DC AND OTHER SHOWS LIKE IT ARE IMPORTANT TO THE INDUSTRY AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU TO BE THE FACE OF THIS EVENT? IS THAT HOW ALL YOUR CATCHPHRASES CAME TO BE? WERE EL: I’m a big believer in mentoring and education and that’s one of the YOU JUST TRYING TO RELATE TO YOUR AUDIENCE? biggest reasons why I started on the Food Network way back when. I EL:Well I just always “kick things up a notch!”That refers back to what I really feel that people want to learn about food, about cooking. We’ve was saying about tasting and seasoning. “Bam!” came up as an expression. gotten so competition based that we have forgotten about the magnet of Being a food cooking show, we were shooting eight shows a day. After what happens when we relate to people about cooking—whether it is three or four, you take a break and the crew wants to go to the table and something as basic as a roux or something more complex like bouillabaisse. try everything that we just cooked.We would come back after that break I’m really excited about getting [to Washington, D.C.] and connecting and everyone was kind of sleepy, one-eye-closed and yawning. “Bam!” with the people and cooking. Hopefully one person will leave the show came about to wake everybody up so that we could finish the day. having learned something.

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TO LONGEVITY AND STAYING RELEVANT IN SUCH A RAPIDLY CHANGING EVOLVING FOOD SCENE? EL: I think that I have a pretty solid foundation in the styles of cooking that I do. I try to get better every day. That’s my philosophy and I try to share it with my team as well. We’re going to get up today and we’re

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Visit www.metrocookingdc.com for schedule and ticket information. December 1-2 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center

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CO U RT E SY O F M E T RO CO O KI N G D C

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aving multiple restaurants, cooking shows, product lines, cookbooks and a successful philanthropic foundation are just a few of the ventures celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse keeps under his toque. Through all of his enterprises, Lagasse’s dedication and passion for teaching and sharing knowledge are what keeps him tying on his apron each day. According to the Massachusetts-born, New Orleans transplant, what sets successful restaurateurs apart from the rest is the ability to listen to their diners. Anything else? Lagasse emphasizes “taste” as the most important tool for young chefs who enter his kitchen. Having been in the business for over three decades, this natural-born leader is definitely worth hearing out. Bam! >

Forbes named DC as one of the Top 12 Destinations of 2017. U.S. News and World Report named us one of 2017â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Places to Live. The U.S. Green Building Council recognized us as the ďŹ rst LEED Platinum City in the world for achieving sustainability and resiliency goals. The American College of Sports Medicine named DC as the #2 Fittest City in America and Zagat named us as one of the 30 Most Exciting Food Cities in America 2017. Need any more reasons to host your event in DC? Discover what makes DC such a happening place at EventsDC.com.

Walter E. Washington Convention Center | Carnegie Library | RFK Stadium | DC Armory Festival Grounds at RFK Stadium | Gateway DC | R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center | Entertainment and Sports Arena

FYIDC | WHO’S NEXT

ART INSPIRING ACTIVISM Flicks 4 Change co-founder James Hawthorn brings socially conscious films to Washington.

BY ERICA MOODY

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ne film changed the course of James world issues such as the Syria refugee issue,” Hawthorn’s life forever. The 25-year-old Hawthorn lists.“Assisted suicide, abortion, enviwas unhappy, stuck in a safe corporate job in ronmentalism.” One, “Love the Sinner,” deals Denver, doing business-to-business sales for a with Orlando’s Pulse nightclub shooting and is major satellite TV company and feeling genera personal transformation story. Another, “RV,” ally unfulfilled. He went home one night and puts viewers into the life of a woman who lives turned on the movie “The Bucket List.” Morgan in an area with no abortion clinics, who must Freeman and Jack Nicholson’s characters were go underground to complete the procedure. dying from cancer and created a list of things Hawthorn is impressed by the talent it takes they wanted to do before they died. to make short films, which make up the bulk of “I thought about what my list would be,” Flicks 4 Change’s screenings.“When you convey Hawthorn remembers. “Some might even call an impactful message, when you can provide that a silly movie but it was the right movie information, tell a story and really move people with the right message at a time when I really in under ten minutes that is a really special skill needed to receive that message. It inspired me to and incredibly hard to do. When people come grow some guts.” to the D.C. events and see these films, they’re So, the District native packed his bags and going to be blown away by the skill set that is moved to Los Angeles to follow his bliss—he present in every one we’re going to show.” embarked on a career as an actor, personal Join Flicks 4 Change in Washington, D.C. on Nov. trainer and documentary filmmaker. Now 33 8 and Nov. 10 for two distinct programs of short films, and thriving, he took another leap and added James Hawthorn interactive nonprofit partner exhibits, engaging discusfilm festival creator to his repertoire two years sion and live music by Leonard, Coleman and Blunt. Both limited VIP and general ago, creating Flicks 4 Change with fellow actor Andrew Steele.

“We’re the festival that turns film into philanthropy,” Hawthorn says, admission tickets are available and range from $30-$180. adding that his mission is to connect change makers with people who want to make a difference and also inspire grassroots activism. One thing he has noticed about nonprofit film festivals with socially conscious topics is “a gap between art and awareness and real change in the world.”

What really makes the festival stand out, Hawthorn says, is its collaboration with nonprofit groups, whose representatives set up exhibits at the festivals that illuminate the issues covered in each evening’s films. In addition to panel discussions with filmmakers after the screenings, the heads of organizations speak about the films as they relate to the issues they represent and what the audience can do to make a difference.

“It’s like a town hall style discussion,” Hawthorn explains. “We really want our audience to feel like they’re a part of the process rather than Flicks 4 Change co-founders James Hawthorn and Andrew Steele coming to passively view art.” When audience members look at their voting ballots to select their favorite film, on the flip side will be “facts for change” collected from each nonprofit partner, and prizes to encourage Visit www.flicks4changedc.eventbrite.com and enter proengagement. motional code “washingtonlife” in the top right of the ticket And what sort of social issues can a local audience expect to see at Flicks window for 20 percent off a two-day pass.”

4 Change this year? “Gun violence, disability, addiction, sex trafficking, third

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POLLYWOOD The Nexus of Politics﹐ Hollywood﹐ Media and Diplomacy | Middleburg Film Festival, Boys & Girls Club National Youth of the Year Award, Embassy Row and more!

Viggo Mortensen, Emmy Award winner Kris Bowers and Director Peter Farrelly at the Middleburg Film Festival, where their film “The Green Book” won the Audience Choice Award. (Photo by Joy Asico)

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POLLYWOOD | MIDDLEBURG FILM FESTIVAL

HOLLYWOOD IN HUNT COUNTRY Oscar-worthy films debut at the sixth annual Middleburg Film Festival.

BY ERICA MOODY PHOTOS BY NANCY MILBURN KLECK, TONY POWELL , JOY ASICO, IRYNA KRUCHK0, ALFREDO FLORES AND ED FELKER

Director Jason Reitman, screenwriters Jay Carson and Matt Bai and producer Helen Estabrook at Wind Fields Farm with Tim Harmon’s horse, Newton de Vains

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vernight this has become one of the biggest film festivals in the world,” director Peter Farrelly marvelled as he introduced his film “Green Book” on the closing day of this year’s Middleburg Film Festival.Viggo Mortensen was mingling nearby with Hollywood insiders and local film buffs in the halls of the Salamander Resort & Spa in bucolic Middleburg,Va. (population 673).

It was like that all weekend. The intimacy of the events (fireside chats felt like living room conversations), ease of attendance (lines were short, events started on time and shuttle buses chauffeured guests to various screening venues in town) and access to star power cannot be overstated. Where else could you chat with Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jason Reitman without the barriers of paparazzi and PR reps? And the films! Not a bad one in the bunch. From the Steve McQueen

heist thriller “Widows” to the heartbreaking “Capernaum” from Lebanese filmmaker Nadine Labaki, which won the Jury Prize at Cannes, screenings ran the gamut from indie nonfiction to blockbuster narratives. Among the 26 films featured in 2017, there were 33 Oscar nominations, and judging by the quality, this year may produce even more.

But just how did this sleepy Virginia town become a staple stop for contenders on their way to the Oscars?

We have Salamander Hotels CEO (and “Lee Daniels’The Butler” executive producer) Sheila Johnson and Middleburg Film Festival executive director and Emmy Awardwinning filmmaker Susan Koch to thank.

After working together on the documentaries “Kicking It” and “The Other City,” in 2013 Johnson had the vision to bring in Koch who, with her excellent taste in cinema, foresight

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for films that matter and strong Hollywood contacts, has created a year-after-year lineup of high-quality movies worthy of discussion and acclaim.

Screenings combined with events that engage the community (wine tastings and dinners, conversations and concerts, even a downtown art show) make the Middleburg Film Festival a sought-after event, not only for those in the film world but for hunt country and District residents as well. Every night, movie lovers gathered by a fire in the Salamander’s lobby over a spread of food and fine Scotch to digest each day’s films and forge new and lasting friendships.

THURSDAY Festivities kicked off with a “Welcome toVirginia” reception on the Garden Terrace of Salamander Resort, where sponsors and special guests

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Ben is Back

Boy Erased

What They Had

| N O V E M B E R | washingtonlife.com At Eternity’s Gate

Viggo Mortensen

gathered for speeches, congratulatory remarks and an overview of what was yet to come.

“I never know what films we’re going to get so we always have to hold our breath,” Sheila Johnson told the crowd before Susan Koch filled everyone in on the movies they’d be seeing throughout the weekend.

“Every year you move the bar, raise the bar, crush the bar,” Virginia Film Office Director Andy Edmunds said as Rep. Barbara Comstock (taking a night off from campaigning in a tough race) looked on with former Middleburg Mayor Betsy Davis.

Prior to the festival’s official opening, filmgoers had the opportunity to see “What They Had,” director/screenwriter Elizabeth Chomko’s heart-wrenching portrait of a family dealing with Alzheimer’s. It had also screened the previous evening at the National Archives, in an event co-hosted by the MPAA. “The film was an intensely personal experience for my sister and me,” said attendee Kimberly Evans. “We lost my father unexpectedly earlier this year, and we are still processing our loss while navigating caring for my mom. Chomko perfectly captured the challenging dynamics at play when adult children and their parents begin to switch roles.”

The opening night film, “Roma,” has been receiving considerable Oscar buzz. It’s the most personal film yet from Academy Awardwinning director Alfonso Cuarón (“Gravity”).

Producer Gabriela Rodriguez and lead actress Yalitza Aparicio were in attendance. Aparicio had never acted before and was discovered in a casting call in a small Mexican village. She’s now on many Oscar watchers’ lists as a Best Actress contender.

A mariachi band greeted filmgoers as they made their way from the theater to the after-

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Maggie Gyllenhaal and Lauren Shweder Biel

John Horn, Sheila Johnson and Kris Bowers

Mary Streett and Sharon Virts

party, featuring a Hennessy tasting bar and s’mores roasted over outside fire pits.

FRIDAY Guests awakened early for a full day of screenings and special events scheduled at Salamander, The Hill School, Middleburg Community Center, National Sporting Library & Museum and Boxwood and Greenhill Wineries.

At mid-day, 50 women made their way to Salamander’s Equestrian Center Stables for a chic, private luncheon sponsored by Moët et Chandon and Morgan Stanley that celebrated women in film. Afterwards, we spotted legendary songwriter Diane Warren and Sheila Johnson petting and posing with Cupcake, Salamander’s resident miniature horse.

For Johnson (an accomplished violinist and former music teacher), the highlight of each year’s festival is its focus on the music of film. Composer and jazz pianist Kris Bowers, who brilliantly scored the closing film “Green Book,” performed and then discussed his craft in the intimate setting of the barrel room at Greenhill Winery. Bowers received a standing ovation for creating, on the spot, a five-minute score for a film scenario presented to him by moderator John Horn.

Bowers left with a quote that summed up a weekend of thoughtful, socially conscious films:

| N O V E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

Everybody Knows

The Kindergarten Teacher

Green Book

Gary and Tina Mather with Yalitza Aparicio, Gabriela Rodriguez, Veronica Valencia and Arturo Sarukhan

Susan Koch and David Gale

Director Peter Farelly

Jacob and Jackie Porter

Director and Actor Joel Edgerton at Salamander Library

Sarah O’Keefe, Rod O’Connor, Missy Owens,21Vikram Jeet Roma ThePeter Favourite Singh, Ashley Bommer Singh, Parita and Selfridge

POLLYWOOD | MIDDLEBURG FILM FESTIVAL

Courtney Strauss

Roy Joseph and Rynthia Rost

Chef Nick Stefanelli Amazon Studios Head of Marketing & Distribution Bob Berney

German Amb. Emily Haber and Hans Haber

Marisa Corvo, Sheila Johnson, Diane Warren and Anthony Krizia

Karen Schaufeld, Producer Ron Yerxa and Director Elizabeth Chomko

“Artists are supposed to hold the mirror up to society and I’m drawn to films that do that.”

Peter and Sarah O’Keefe, Rod O’Connor, Missy Owens, Vikram Jeet Singh, Ashley Bommer Singh, Parita and Peter Selfridge

Linda Ross, Gina and Gene Adams and Dwayne Ross

SATURDAY The cozy Salamander Library was the site of an early morning conversation between “Boy Erased” director, screenwriter and actor Joel Edgerton and John Horn, host of KPCC’s “The Frame.”The illuminating story of a Baptist preacher’s son’s experience in a conversion therapy program was one of most powerful and well-executed films of the weekend.

The memoir’s author, Garrard Conley, was also present for the previous evening’s postscreening Q&A and we overheard Lynda Bird Johnson Robb, the former first lady of Virginia, say that “Boy Erased” was her favorite of the 11 films she saw that weekend.

In the afternoon, Warren accepted the 2018 Impact Award for using “the power of her songwriting to raise awareness about critical social issues and connect with people worldwide for her music.”

Talented up-and-comer Marisa Corvo took the stage with a band to belt a selection of her idol’s songs including “How Do I Live,” “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and “Til It

22 Capernaum

Happens to You,” a song written for “The Hunting Ground” about campus rape and recorded by Lady Gaga that has become an anthem for the #MeToo movement. For the finale, Warren and Johnson joined the band on stage to sing and dance to “If I Could Turn Back Time,” bringing the audience to its feet.

“I was thinking about my dad believing in me,”Warren said when asked for the inspiration behind her Celine Dion hit, “Because You Loved Me.” Two private dinners celebrated farm-totable produce, fine wines of Virginia and Moët champagne. At Wind Fields Farm, patrons, filmmakers, special guests and diplomats indulged in industry talk and a multi-course meal prepared by Masseria’s Michelin-star chef Nicholas Stefanelli. We spotted MPAA’s Francesca Craig, directors Jason Reitman and Peter Hedges, screenwriters Jay Carson and Matt Bai, Amazon Studios’ head of marketing and distribution Bob Berney, National Geographic’s Gary Knell, Sony Classics cofounder Tom Bernard, the festival’s honorary co-chairs Tina and Gary Mather, Cliff and Debbie White, Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio and wife Micaela, German

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

Widows

The Front Runner

Jacob and Jackie Porter

A Private War

| N O V E M B E R | washingtonlife.com Shoplifters

Director Nadine Labaki

Rahsaan Bernard and Tim Harmon

Ambassador Emily Haber and husband Hans and former Saudi Arabian Ambassador Prince Turki Al-Faisal, among many others.

Another top chef, Chiko’s Scott Drewno, directed the menu at Greenhill Winery & Vineyards, where sponsors joined David Greenhill and his fiancé Rebekah Pizana for wine and appetizers on the terrace, followed by a threecourse meal inside the spectacular winery.

After a screening of Jason Reitman’s “The Front Runner,” (a drama that follows the last days of Gary Hart’s 1988 presidential campaign) and Q&A, the night continued with cocktails, funk music and a Belvedere Ice Bar at the Salamander’s disco-decorated after-party.

SUNDAY Sunday began with a candid conversation in the library between longtime New York Times film and literary critic Janet Maslin and Reitman (“Up in the Air,” “Juno”), who spoke about “The Front Runner,” his career trajectory, filmmaking philosophies and his passion for film festivals.

“It was film festivals where I found my identity,” he said, noting that they “serve as the most democratic entry to any art form” that he could think of. Reitman shared the love by kindly chatting with fans and accommodating their selfie requests after the event.

A tribute to actress Maggie Gyllenhaal followed a screening of “The Kindergarten Teacher,” a film that she starred in and produced that may be her best performance yet, although as she put it, “I’ve been feeling like acting is a really strange job lately,” as she moves more into producing and directing.

A panel on changing the world through film highlighted what film can do to shine a spotlight on social issues and inspire change.

Scott Budnick, producer of “The Hangover” movies, said it was at the first Middleburg Film

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

Tom Foster, Joan Ramsey and Mimi Abel Smith

David Greenhill and Rebekah Pizana

Jeanne Berney and Prince Turki Al Faisal

Jordanian Amb. Dina Kawar and Francesca Craig

Festival where he had a breakthrough. He had left the film world to focus on juvenile justice reform, but when Ted Leonsis told him that filmmaking was the best tool he had to change the world, Budnick took the advice and recently launched Good Films. The company’s first feature, an adaptation of Bryan Stevenson’s bestselling book “Just Mercy,” is slated for release in 2020.

The closing film “Green Book,” a comedydrama and true story about the unlikely friendship between pianist Don Shirley (played

by Mahershala Ali) and Bronx bouncerturned-driver Tony Lip (played by Viggo Mortensen) in the early 1960s is a certain Oscar contender.

“We were very aware of the white savior and black savior tropes in American film and we didn’t want that,” Farrelly said. “Both characters grow.” And both actors got to show off their comedic chops in ways that hadn’t been showcased before—who knew Viggo Mortensen was so funny?

“Green Book” received the Audience

Micaela Varricchio and Italian Amb. Armando Varricchio

Never Look Away

Producer Scott Budnick founder of Goodfilms

Producer Albert Berger and Assistant Secretary of State Marie Royce at the MPAA/MFF “What They Had” screening at the National Archives

Award for Best Narrative Film, while John Chester’s “Biggest Little Farm” got the documentary award. Washington Post chief film critic Ann Hornaday, who facilitated a few of the post-film discussions, closed the book on “Green Book” by saying, “Every year I look for the movie to say, ‘go see it,’ and this is it.”

Visit washingtonlife.com for additional content on the Middleburg Film Festival.

| N O V E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

Free Solo

Michael Robinson

23 Wildlife

Cold War

Women at War

POLLYWOOD

Chief of Protocol Sean Lawler, Gloria Riviera and Jim Sciutto Rep. Mark Meadows and Kellyanne Conway

Stuart Holliday and United States Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein

Jane Sloat

WL SPONSORED

MERIDIAN BALL Meridian International Center PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL AND STEPHEN BOBB

Bret and Amy Baier, Toni and Lee Verstandig with April Delaney and Rep. John Delaney

Loran Aiken and Lalie Tongour

Azerbaijan Amb. Elin Suleymanov and Lala Abdurahimova

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Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Bryan Sanders

FIFTY AND THRIVING There is a reason the Meridian Ball has grown and prospered over the last half-century and it is obvious as one looks out over the electric scene in the gala event’s main tent where guests, clad in black-tie, are dancing like nobody’s watching. From its genesis in 1969, when Jane Sloat founded and chaired the event as a way to introduce the diplomatic community to the rest of Washington, it’s unique format has remained unchanged. Guests dine at numerous embassies (35 this year) and the White-Meyer House before congregating for dessert and dancing at Meridian House to end the evening. FAST FORWARD 2018: With three security guards in tow, the unexpected star of this year’s ball was Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, spotted happily chatting with fellow guests who included Trump administration colleagues Kellyanne Conway and Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Their presence at the ball is proof that Meridian International Center’s bipartisan mission to spread diplomacy is still working.

Also seen in the diverse crowd – numerous ambassadors, members of Congress and major media figures along with various philanthropically minded business executives and social folk.

The sold-out event raised more than $1 million for Meridian’s diplomatic and global leadership programs.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Bill Stuart and Marjorie Dick Stuart

Rickie Niceta

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Huda and Samia Farouki with Megan and Rep. Don Beyer

| N O V E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

Rep. Mark Meadows and Kellyanne Conway Botswana Amb. David John Newman and Changu Newman

Rep. Mark Meadows and Kellyanne Conway Mexican Amb. Geronimo Gutierrez Fernandez and Irasema Infante

John Lepore and Christina Gungoll with Lepore, Manisha and Roy Kapani

Michelle Kosinski

Stuart and Wilma Bernstein

Jordan and Bianca Karem

Lee Satterfield and Natalie Jones

Rep. Susi Markand Meadows and Kellyanne Eric LarsenConway

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Isabel Fezas Vital and Portugese Amb. Domingos Fezas Vital

Heather Florance and Max Angerholzer

Nick Schmit and Jonathan Capehart

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Fouad Talout and Jack Spahr

Ulla Ronberg and Danish Amb. Lars Gert Lose

Ann Stock, and Adrienne Arsht

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POLLYWOOD

Andrea Mitchell and Dr. Brad Schlaggar

Barby Allbritton and Sherri Bohinc Sharon Percy Rockefeller and Judy Woodruff WL SPONSORED

‘WHATEVER IT TAKES: A TRIBUTE TO JUDY WOODRUFF’ Capital Hilton | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Benjamin Hunt, Jeffrey Hunt and Linda Potter

CHAMPIONING BRAIN RESEARCH: One in every six children in the U.S. is affected by a brain disorder, disease or injury—a statistic that drives the work of doctors and researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. The organization serves 24,000 people a year through inpatient and outpatient clinics, home and community services and school-based programs throughout the Baltimore-Washington region. At its inaugural gala in Washington, Kennedy Krieger’s recently-appointed president and CEO Dr. Brad Schlaggar helped honor PBS NewsHour anchor Judy Woodruff for her advocacy on behalf of children with pediatric brain disorders. The veteran journalist has championed the cause since her son Jeffrey’s traumatic brain injury 20 years ago. Woodruff’s longtime friend Andrea Mitchell interviewed her on stage regarding her experience with the organization. Beyond the groundbreaking brain research and science, Woodruff said “it’s really the people who make Kennedy Krieger the remarkable place it is. Their amazing doctors, nurses, and physical and occupational therapists made it their mission to give Jeffrey every possible opportunity he could have.” All proceeds from the event benefit Kennedy Krieger Institute and Joey’s Foundation.

Alli Elkman and Dr. Stephen Kwong

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Calvin and Jane Cafritz with Marian and Stuart Lemle

George and Liz Stevens

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Candy Carson and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson

Bob and Janet Sloan

Joey Shaw

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

Elizabeth and Jan Lodal

| N O V E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

POLLYWOOD

Finlay Lewis, Shelley Ross-Larson and Willee Lewis

Rep. Steny Hoyer, Annie Totah and Sen. Ed Markey

Elliot Totah and Robert George

WL SPONSORED

Nicole d’Amecourt, Joe David and Jan du Plain

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA GALA Marriott Marquis Hotel | PHOTOS BY ALFREDO FLORES

Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Van Krikorian

Paul Vartan Sookiasian, Aram Bakshian and Rhoda Septilici

HONORING AN ADVOCATE: The Armenian Assembly of America’s three-day advocacy conference ended with a gala dinner that honored philanthropist Annie Simonian Totah with the Distinguished Humanitarian Award. She also received the Movses Khorenatsi Medal from the government of Armenia presented by Armenian Amb. Grigor Hovhannissian. “If you were to look up ‘Armenian excellence’ in the dictionary, you would see a beautiful photo of Annie,” Sen. Ed Markey said. “She has spent her life fighting for recognition for the Armenian people and the Genocide. And tonight, we finally give her the recognition which she deserves.”

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Mike Manatos and Laura Evans Manatos Cristina Antelo, United Arab Emirates Amb. Yousef Al Otaiba and Chartese Berry Greg Schuckman and Admiral Susan Blumenthal

AMBASSADORS BALL The Anthem | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL DIPLOMATIC DANCE The Multiple Sclerosis Society raised more than $500,000 at its annual benefit dedicated to supporting research for the debilitating disease. The honorary co-chairmen, Japanese Ambassador Shinsuke Sugiyama and his wife, were among the 450 guests, along with many other members of the diplomatic corps and several members of Congress. The Japanese embassy provided a sake tasting station and a stunning Ikebana flower display at the event’s VIP reception and sponsored entertainment from Nen Taiko, the taiko drumming ensemble known for their performances at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. After a passionate speech from the evening’s Champion Award Honoree, Dr. Susan Blumenthal, guests flocked to the dance floor to enjoy tunes from Big Ray and the Kool Kats.

Min Krishnamurthy, Karen Fernandez and Morgan Allen VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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Ivonn Szeverenyi and Hungarian Amb. Laszlo Szabo

Japanase Amb. Shinsuke Sugiyama

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Toyota President & CEO Mike Groff

Kelly Rowland Youth of the Year Malachi H and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee WL SPONSORED

Denzel Washington and JB Smoove

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB NATIONAL YOUTH OF THE YEAR AWARD National Building Museum | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Stephanie McMahon

EXTRAORDINARY FUTURE GENERATION Fresh off a flight from Prague, where he was shooting a new “Spiderman” movie, actor JB Smoove made two entrances giving the audience a second chance to show more enthusiasm for the evening’s program. It wasn’t long before the emcee’s excitement spread across the crowd as they listened to the six candidates vying for the prestigious national Boys & Girls Club award. The impressive group shared stories of how the club had fostered their personal growth and self esteem. One candidate began her remarks with the words “Buck tooth, ugly and stupid,”referencing insults she says defined her before she built confidence at her club. With the support of mentors there, he eventually updated her self description to “Kind, compassionate and beautiful.” The evening’s winner, Malachi H., discussed his hard journey and how the club gave him tools to overcome his life’s obstacles. Denzel Washington, Kelly Rowland, Rep. Steny Hoyer and Redskins cornerback Josh Norman, all past BGCA members themselves, were among the presenters. INCREDIBLE SUPPORT CEO Jim Clark announced the organization’s goal to double the amount of children served from 500,000 to one million in the upcoming year. The evening raised more than $1.1 million.

Mickey Mouse and Nicole Venable VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Lily Smith, Josh Norman and Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith

Majida Mourad and Rep. Darrell Issa

BGCA Members singing “True Colors”

Rep. Steny Hoyer

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| N O V E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

Jessica Moore

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POLLYWOOD Rep. Charlie Dent and Tom McMillen

Catherine Lewis Robb and Lynda Bird Johnson Robb

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft and Joe Craft

Jacqueline Mars and Cokie Roberts

RECORDS OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD National Archives | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ CIVIC SERVICE: Former first lady Laura Bush was honored with the National Archives Foundation’s Record of Achievement Award for her commitment to spreading the values of civic engagement. Jim Blanchard, chairman of the Foundation’s board of directors noted that through her work as the nation’s teacher and librarian, Mrs. Bush has made a “significant contribution to the American experience, to understanding what our citizenship is.” Honored guests including journalist Cokie Roberts and Lynda Bird Johnson Robb, helped celebrate the occasion during a seated dinner in the Rotunda Galleries and a dessert reception on the National Archives’ portico overlooking the National Mall. GOOD COMPANY Upon receiving the award, Mrs. Bush joined a formidable group of outstanding representatives of American democracy, including Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Ken Burns and David Rubenstein, who have preciously received the honor.

Reggie Govan and Riley Temple

Laura Bush and James Blanchard

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Connie Milstein and Inn at Little Washington’s owner Patrick O’Connell

Barbara Crocker

French Amb. Gerard Araud, The Michelin Man and International Monetary Fund Director Christine Lagarde

MICHELIN GUIDE RECEPTION

Sfoglina’s Fabio and Maria Trabocchi

French Ambassador’s Residence | PHOTOS BY BRUCE ALLEN AND ©FRANCE IN THE US

Tail Up Goat’s Jill Tyler, Bill Jenson and Jon Sybert

STAR-STUDDED CELEBRATION: Washington’s restaurant community gathered over spoonfuls of caviar and sheep’s milk ricotta pansotti, courtesy of Sfoglina, to celebrate the restaurants that earned coveted recognition from the Michelin Guide’s third annual Washington, D.C. edition. Patrick O’ Connell’s Inn at Little Washington hit the three-star mark making it one of only 136 in the world and 16 in the U.S. to earn the coveted accolade. Guests mingled over sherry and French wines, posing for pictures with the Michelin Man, who diligently worked the crowd despite difficulty moving through small doorways. NEW TO THE CREW Ryan Ratino’s Bresca and Robert Wiedmaier’s Siren RW made their debuts with one star each.

Himitsu’s Kevin Tien and Emily Potter

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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

| N O V E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

EMBASSY ROW

The Real MBS Stands Up Saudi Arabia’s young crown prince loses credibility (but keeps his head)

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

S

P H OTO C R E D I T: W I K I M E D I A CO M M O N S

urely the last thing the Saudi Arabian regime expected when its hit team was dispatched to deal with Jamal Khashoggi in the desert kingdom’s Istanbul consulate was that the Turkish government would publicly claim the dissident journalist had been murdered and his body dismembered—and that it had an audio soundtrack and was prepared to use it.

As a result, frantic private calls to Riyadh from an alarmed White House and unrelenting global outrage forced the Saudis to change their version of events from one in which Khashoggi left the consulate as alive as when he walked in, to a reluctant admission that the Washington Post journalist had somehow died in a “fist fight” against 15 members of the Saudi state security apparatus sent to persuade him to return to his homeland.

But the Saudis failed to win back the narrative from the Turks, and despite arrests and firings of those involved, and denials from senior Saudi officials, Crown Prince Muhammed bin Salman (MBS), de facto ruler of the desert kingdom, was widely believed either to have been aware of the hit, or even to have ordered it.

In choosing to go public with the gruesome details of Khashoggi’s fate, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan first intended to slap down the Saudi royal house for its arrogance in committing a premeditated, state-sanctioned killing in his country. But Erdogan also saw an opportunity to boost Turkey’s prestige as a leading Sunni Islamic country at the expense of an influential rival.

And if the Trump administration was also undermined by the exposure of its ally, that was a plus given the current strained relations between Washington and Ankara.

Embarrassed from two directions—by Turkey’s chilling narrative and the Saudi atrocity—Trump spent days performing crisis public relations for the Saudi monarchy. His comments were confused and often contradictory, but there was a transparent determination to keep intact the relationship with Saudi Arabia and the prince.

One compelling reason was the president’s deter-

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

| N OV E M B E R

2018

Crown Prince Muhammed bin Salman

mination to salvage a promised multi-milliondollar arms deal, which, as he often repeated, meant jobs. But it wasn’t just another case of money winning over morality. Many of Trump’s foreign policy ambitions are tied to MBS. The Saudis have been partners in Trump’s running fight against Iran and drumming up Arab support for Jared Kushner’s Middle East “peace” plan, long in preparation. New oil sanctions against Iran that were due to come into force on Nov. 5 would need Saudi Arabia’s cooperation to keep prices steady.

Sir John Sawers, former head of the British intelligence service MI6, is not alone in believing that MBS was emboldened to reach out for Khashoggi in a foreign city because he thought he had cover from Washington. Sawers told The Guardian newspaper the prince thought he had “a license from the White House” to act with “impunity.”

Washington had played a key role in the 33year-old crown prince’s emergence as a benevolent social and economic reformer. No other world leader owes a greater debt to American image makers.The narrative of a young, dynamic prince determined to lead his ultra-conservative petro-state into the 21st century was born in a dozen lobby shops on K Street at the cost of millions of Saudi dollars, and confirmed with MBS’s carefully orchestrated charm offensive across America, earlier this year.

| washingtonlife.com

Now that the prince seems to have turned into Frankenstein, lobby firms, think tanks, universities and other institutions that had benefited from Saudi largesse are running for cover. Three main firms—The Harbor Group, BGR and The Glover Park Group—have promptly dropped the House of Saud as a client. Others, notably Qorvis MSL Group, the CGCN Group, The Hohlt Group, The Albright Stonebridge Group and Brownstein Hyatt Farber and Schreck were continuing their representation, perhaps waiting to see what retaliation the Trump administration settled on.

One self-confessed MBS supporter, the former top diplomat Elliott Abrams, currently senior fellow for Middle East Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, writing recently in the Washington Post, deplored MBS’s “impulsiveness, inexperience, and repression of any criticism of his approach to modernization.” Others have mentioned his insecurity.

That was the Prince Mohammed at the heart of Jamal Khashoggi’s columns in the Washington Post. Khashoggi likened MBS’s tactics to Vladimir Putin’s (Nov. 5, 2017). He accused the prince of creating political havoc in Lebanon (Nov. 13, 2017). He charged him with starting the war in Yemen with its heavy toll of civilians and burgeoning humanitarian crisis. In addition, observers say, MBS regarded Khashoggi, who was well connected in his home country, as the voice of members of the House of Saud who opposed his methods.

King Salman, however, has demonstrated his continued support for his favorite son by appointing him to head the investigation into the criminal act he is widely seen to have ordered. But MBS were no longer magic letters to the Trump administration, even though realpolitik dictates that Washington will continue to deal with the Saudi regime - albeit from a greater distance.

Still, Trump calling it “the worst cover-up ever” hardly counts as a strong White House condemnation of this harrowing act.

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LIFESTYLES

CLOTHES WITH

SOUL VINTAGE WARES WITH TIMELESS APPEAL

PHOTOGRAPHY BRUCE ALLEN | WWW BRUCEALLENSTUDIOS COM ASSISTED BY TAYLOR QUINN STYLING SHAREEF MOHAMMED STACIE MOORE AND SAMANTHA SIMMS | INSTANT VINTAGE | WWW INSTANTVINTAGE COM MAKEUP/ HAIR CONNIE TSANG | T H E ARTIST AGENCY | USING ORIBE HAIR CARE AND MAC COSMETICS MODEL IZZY HATFIELD AND KELSEY | T H E ARTIST AGENCY EDITORIAL DIRECTION CATHERINE TRIFILETTI

PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE EATON HOTEL | K STREET NW EATON IS A GLOBAL BRAND MERGING HOSPITALITY WITH PROGRESSIVE SOCIAL CHANGE IT IS A HYBRID MODEL OF A HOTEL CO-WORKING MEMBERS CLUB AND WELLNESS CENTER

On Kelsey: DO THE RIGHT THING VINTAGE cropped sherpa jacket ($40); metallic knit top ($25); sunglasses ($80), dotherightthingvintage.com; INSTANT VINTAGE 78 enamel tiger brooch ($55); vintage rhinestone earrings ($25), www.instantvintage.com; White ankle boot, stylist’s own.

On Izzy: GUESS faux shearling coat ($100); vintage t-shirt ($25); GUESS jeans ($70), dotherightthingvintage.com; GIVENCHY necklace ($65), instantvintage78.com; BETSEY JOHNSON leopard slingback shoes, stylist’s own.

DO THE RIGHT THING VINTAGE red coat ($70); blouse ($30); ANN TAYLOR white pants ($40), dotherightthingvintage.com; INSTANT VINTAGE 78 pearl brooch ($35), instantvintage78.com.

DO THE RIGHT THING VINTAGE trench coat ($60); blouse ($30); cropped pants ($50), dotherightthingvintage.com; VENDOME earrings ($35), instantvintage78.com; FRENCH CONNECTION Ts-trap shoe, Stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own.

DO THE RIGHT THING VINTAGE velvet floor-length dress ($100), dotherightthing. com; INSTANT VINTAGE 78 GARTENHAUS mink coat ($899), instantvintage78.com; Triplestrand pearl necklace, stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own.

On Izzy: MEISEN silk kimono ($175); pearl brooch ($25); CARMEN MARC VALVO silk pants ($75); gray fox stole ($199); rhinestone earrings ($35), www.instantvintage78.com; Vintage lace bustier, stylist’s own.

On Kelsey: CHRISTIAN DIOR vintage robe, stylist’s own; JEANNE MARC metallic pleated skirt ($95); rhinestone earrings ($55), www. instantvintage78.com.

LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT

EDIE PARKER Jean solid acrylic box clutch bag ($895); Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-9669700, neimanmarcus.com

ALICE AND OLIVIA Eric high waist pant ($295); Saks Fifth Avenue, 2051 International Drive, 703-761-0700, saksfifthavenue.com TOPSHOP Utility denim jacket ($90); Topshop, Springfield Town Center, 6500 Springfield Mall, 703822-8091, topshop.com

VERSACE Large icon handbag ($2,675); versace.com

Paulina Pistone in Balenciaga at Paris Fashion Week (Photo courtesy of Balenciaga)

492',= 46-1%6-)7

Bold colors throw back to the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;80s.

BY AARON ROYCE

OSCAR DE LA RENTA Large Impatiens clipon earrings ($425); saksfifthavenue.com

RAG AND BONE Beha mixed leather and suede zip-up boots ($525); Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-966-9700, neimanmarcus.com

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H&M Dress with belt ($40), H&M, 1133 Connecticut Avenue NW, 855-466-7467, hm.com

TOM FORD Fringed satin captoe pumps ($1,290); Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-966-9700, neimanmarcus.com WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| N O V E M B E R | washingtonlife.com

STYLIST FEATURE

STYLE VISIONARIES

These fashion stylists rely on their imaginations to create unforgettable couture combinations.

BY C AT H E R I N E T R I F I L E T T I | P H OTO BY D R E W X E R O N

Y

ou know those gorgeous fashion editorials we like to flip through in the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Washington Life?

Those styled snapshots only tell a small part of the story, providing a surface glimpse into the extensive process that underlies the final spread. Anyone who has been behind the scenes of a shoot knows that there is a welloiled village made up of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to produce the iconic images in our favorite glossies.

We turned the spotlight on four talented local stylists who make that tiny moment of perfection seem effortless, when in reality, they have spent countless hours planning and collaborating. They approach projects weeks in advance, setting the stage with mood boards and inspiration for the rest of the team. As the big day nears, you can find Joy Kingsley-Ibeh, Frederique Stephanie, Joelle Firzli and Stara Pezeshkian signing their lives away to stores and brands that have agreed to make garment loans, and hauling around thousands of dollars

worth of merchandise from pulls. Once on set, stylists are the glue that hold the entire vision together. In addition to being incredibly organized, they are expected to stick to a strict schedule and stay on their toes. Despite all the chaos, these four women are behind some of the city’s most impactful editorial and commercial spreads. What are their keys to success? We asked and they dished.

Having experienced the model side of the business, Kingsley-Ibeh decided to launch her own agency Kingsley Model + Talent Management for which she styles a variety of clients. Her styling philosophy revolves around understanding the body and building relationships. Once trust is established, “the sky is the limit,” she says.

Stephanie, a recent Washington transplant from London who now works at TAA Public Relations, has styled a wide array of shoots, from Rihanna to drool-worthy food spreads for French Grazia Magazine. Her secret: “You need to have stamina, be very creative, determined, diplomatic

and open minded.”

Firzli, a Lebanese-Ivoirian fashion researcher, writer and ethical stylist, has been featured in publications throughout the world. She draws inspiration from history, art and street style in order to create original looks that transcend individual pieces of clothing. Of the creative process, Firzli says: “It’s making stuff up, being innovative and asking questions.”

Pezeshkian has been in the business working with T.H.E. Artist Agency and freelancing for eight years. She explains that there is a science behind each of her clients, through which she navigates with creativity. “It’s important to tap into a happy place of the consumer’s subconscious with color and pattern,” she says.

All four agree that the intense preparation all feels worth it once images are published — a true embodiment of the old saying “Anything for the shot.”

FROM LEFT Joy Kingsley-Ibeh, Frederique Stephanie, Joelle Firzli and Stara Pezeshkian

P H OTO BY G I OVA N N I D E S A N D R E

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Jane and Calvin Cafritz with a Stormtrooper at the National Symphony Orchestra gala. (Photo by Tony Powell)

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Amy Donnelly, Kristin Cecchi, Andrea Rinaldi, Stephanie Lemer and Amra Fazlic Ann Hand, Aniko Gaal Schott and Bridget Taylor

WASHINGTON LIFE’S 27TH ANNIVERSARY & TOAST TO THE SOCIAL SEASON French Ambassador’s Residence PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL AND BEN DROZ

Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Hilary Geary Ross

JOIE DE VIVRE Washington Life is known for party coverage and when the magazine hosts an event, great care is taken to ensure every detail is as perfect as can be. Planning begins with choosing a location and, as in past years, editors took great care to select a site that would prove pleasing to all of our guests. A>er hosting our events at the Ritz-Carlton Washington and Mandarin Oriental hotels, Cafe Milano, Union Station, Meridian House and Dumbarton House (among others), we gratefully accepted French Ambassador Gérard Araud’s kind offer to entertain le tout Washington at his exquisite Tudor Revival residence on Kalorama Road NW. The second step was securing a veteran caterer Design Cuisine, whose team rose to the occasion with French cuisine specialties and an impressive dessert spread that included colorful macarons and towering croquembouches. Jos. A. Magnus created a cocktail corner where guests enjoyed signature drinks and samples from its fleet of spirits. As the night progressed, guests gravitated toward music providedby the Harry Bells—a Harry Belafonte tribute band.

Andrea McIntosh and Nicole Bernard

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Melissa Moss and Rep. Debbie Dingell

Dana Hines and Bob Hisaoka

George and Elizabeth Stevens with Susan Tolson and Charles Rivkin

42Rep. Ed Royce and Assistant Secretary of State Marie Royce

Jack Davies, Craig Pascal, Kay Kendall and Victor Shargai

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

| washingtonlife.com | D E C E M B E R Pascal Blondeau, Irina Rapoport and Carole Feld

Lloyd Hand and Howard Fineman

Monte Durham and Jakob Evans

Mehrdad Youssefiani, Farinaz Akhavan, Roya Hakimzadeh,and Dadi Akhavan

Jenifer Bernardi, Kara Krause and Farleigh Jewett

William Webster, Kiyomi Buker and Lynda Webster

Tom Daley, Trish Yan, David DeSantis and Jonathan Taylor

Dino and Farah Pampillonia

| D E C E M B E R | washingtonlife.com Admiral Susan Blumenthal and Ann Stock Karen Schaufeld and Sue Yee

Clayton Baker and Allen Gannett

Tracy Bernstein, Francesca Craig and Cleo Gewirz

Matt Rippetoe of the Harry Bells Sara Jaffe and Joy Kingsley-Ibeh

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Arlie Schardt and Bonnie Nelson Schwartz

Monaco Amb. Maguy Maccario Doyle and Theo Adamstein

OVER THE MOON

A Meadow and a Garden Cate Magennis Wyatt rides to the rescue of Great Meadow, the home of the International Gold Cup, just as Bunny Mellon’s famous gardens come to life in an impressively illustrated new book.

BY VI C KY MO O N

ate Magennis Wyatt recently gathered friends and residents of the countryside to save Great Meadow, the beloved 374-acre equestrian expanse in The Plains. The venue’s foundation was facing economic challenges, but now, thanks to her efforts, the International Gold Cup races and countless other sporting and entertainment events will go on.

Magennis Wyatt was named chairman of Great Meadow last April after being a board member for nine years. She lives in Waterford and is an entrepreneur and non-profit specialist.

In 2005, she founded The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership, a non-profit four-state history and conservation group now a part of the National Heritage Area. She’s created start-up corporations and non-profits all over the world and served as secretary of commerce and trade in former Virginia Governor Doug Wilder’s cabinet.

Great Meadow was founded in 1982 when publisher, Arthur “Nick” Arundel paid $2.1 million for 500 acres in a bankruptcy proceeding and donated 200 acres to create the venue and the foundation. His goal was to conserve open space for equestrian events and community use. In 2016, the property grew with an additional land purchase of 174 acres for international equestrian competitions.

“By doubling the size, it’s no surprise expenses went up and we incurred debt. We had to look at all options,” Magennis Wyatt says.

Facing two large payments to local banks, she and fellow board members swung into action, raised $435,000 in private donations, re-negotiated the loans and created finance, governance and personnel committees.

She’s spent long hours creating an “Under 40” team lead by polo-playing Nate Chambers, CEO of Washington based CS Holdings, a private equity firm.

The Arundel family remains active in Great

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Cate Magennis Wya was recently named chairman of Great Meadow a er nine years serving on its board.

Meadow. Nick Arundel’s wife, Peggy, along with her son John, are Life Members of the foundation. Former trustee Peter Arundel is chairman of the Trustee Alumni Committee.

Magennis Wyatt said she’s also launching a “Friends of Great Meadow” campaign committee.Another son, Tom Arundel, director of digital services at Marriott International, is a board member.

Meanwhile up the road in Upperville … three historical markers from the Department of Historical Resources in Virginia will honor the late Paul Mellon (1907-1990), his Rokeby Stables and his first wife, Mary Elizabeth Conover Mellon. Mellon was “one of the foremost American philanthropists of the 20th century,” according to the text for a marker summarizing his life.

Inheriting a vast fortune from his industrialist father, Andrew W. Mellon, the younger Mellon “supported universities, civic improvement

projects, conservation efforts, and fine-arts institutions.” Along with his second wife, Rachel “Bunny” Lambert Mellon,“he amassed a worldrenowned art collection,” and “donated more than 1,000 objects to the National Gallery of Art.” He also made substantial contributions to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.

In 1975, Mellon donated the land to Virginia that became Sky Meadows State Park.

As a young girl, Linda Jane Holden became enchanted by stories of the Rose Garden while growing up in Fairfax.Years later, while working at The White House, she met head gardener Irwin Williams. Later she began research on the garden at Bunny Mellon’s Oak Spring Garden library. All of which led to the opportunity to write the newly published book, “The Gardens of Bunny Mellon.” (Vendome, $60) The large and very heavy volume has luxurious photos by Roger Foley and covers Mellon’s gardens in New York, Cape Cod, Nantucket and Antigua as well as Virginia.

The Rose Garden and East Garden at The White House, the John F. Kennedy gravesite in Arlington and the Boston-based presidential library are also included. Add to this the gardens at the Hubert de Givenchy residence in France and the Potager du Roi (Louis XIV’s kitchen garden) at Versailles.

Bunny Mellon’s extraordinary efforts at her Oak Spring estate in Upperville are included in a new book about her gardens.

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PORTRAIT BY VICKY MOON; PHOTO BY ROGER FOLEY

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J. Stephen and Kathryn Jones

Gary Knell and Kim Larson

Co-chairwoman Jennifer Fischer, Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter and Co-chairwoman Anita McBride

WL SPONSORED

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GALA The Kennedy Center | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL HITTING HIGH NOTES: Two major announcements were made at the season opening gala of the National Symphony Orchestra this year.

First, the contract of conductor Gianandrea Noseda had been extended through the 2024-2025 season. Second, $10 million (including $2 million that night) had been raised since his arrival to support “special initiatives” that include recording and digitally streaming orchestra performances. The concert, which included movements from Gustav Holst’s space-inspired “The Planets” and violinist Joshua Bell performing works

by Dvorak and Sarasate, was followed by dinner and dancing in a grand pavilion erected on the North Plaza. TAKING THE NIGHT BY STORM: “Star Wars” fans reveled in the evening’s space theme, snapping photos with fully-costumed Stormtroopers who wandered around the cocktail hour.

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Marcelle Leahy and Sen. Patrick Leahy with Stormtroopers

Frank Mars

Karin Wells, Gigi McBride, Carole Dorlipo and Elsbeth Fager

Marianne and Douglas Charnas

Jay Johnson and Sydney McNiff Johnson

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Jane Rosenthal Cafritz with Bill and Alison Paley Gala Chairwomen Jayne Visser, Lisa Barry, Willee Lewis, Ann Brown and Julie Garcia

Wendy Benchley, John Jeppson, Aniko Gaal Schott and Didi Cutler

WL EXCLUSIVE

PEN/FAULKNER 30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA Folger Shakespeare Library | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Sen. Susan Collins and ZZ Packer

Marcelle Leahy and Sen. Patrick Leahy

ENCHANTED EVENING Literary lions joined local luminaries at the 30th anniversary PEN/ Faulkner Foundation Gala, an evening with a magical element from beginning to end. After cocktails in the Great Hall, guests proceeded to the Elizabethan Theater for readings by 11 authors on the subject of “Magic,” which was cleverly explored by Sarah Shun (the blessing of mentors), Kate Christensen (kindred spirits) and ZZ Packer (love’s aftermath), among others, with a bit of a jolt when James Hannaham took a different tack — asking the audience to hold hands and then “bind and banish” a long litany of social evils from their lives and the body politic. Gala organizers Willee Lewis, Lisa Barry, Ann Brown, Julie Garcia and Jayne Visser hosted the post-performance dinner in the Folger’s Old and New Reading Rooms.

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Rene Redwood and Linda Paris Liz Sizer and Kate Damon Doug Gordon, Adam Ruben and Sam Nurick

WL SPONSORED

NARAL’S ‘MEN FOR CHOICE’ EVENT Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Ilyse Hogue

Franklin Hall | PHOTOS BY ALFREDO FLORES REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM FIGHTERS: Pro-choicers gathered for a casual happy hour to celebrate a woman’s right to choose and the important role of men in supporting that decision. Guests at the event hosted by NARAL: ProChoice America cut through serious political conversations surrounding the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination with light-hearted games of UNO and Connect Four. NARAL president Ilyse Hogue welcomed the crowd and introduced the evening’s special guest, Sen. Chris Van Hollen. The organization’s other initiatives include ensuring access to abortion care, birth control, paid parental leave and protections from pregnancy discrimination.

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Bailey Koch and Adrienne Carmack

Brina Milikowsky and Isaac Bloom 46

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Gabrielle Webster

Gala Chair Bill Von Hoene, Jerry Tyler and BBAR President Rahsaan Bernard WL SPONSORED

Kay Kendall and Aaron Jackson

AFTER DARK AT THEARC Building Bridges Across the River | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Tisha Hyter and Jack Evans

COMMITTING TO CHILDREN Building Bridges Across the River’s annual gala, AfterDark@THEARC brought together 450 guests, including District Councilmembers Jack Evans and Charles Allen, gala chairman Bill Von Hoene Jr. and Building Bridges Across the River (BBAR) board chairman Chris Smith for a night that raised $800,000 to celebrate 13 years of improving the quality of life for children and adults who reside east of the Anacostia River. The funds fulfilled the commitment to complete THEARC’s Phase III Expansion, which added a third and final building to its campus. Guests enjoyed cuisine from Occasions Caterers plus dancing and a special performances by the Washington Ballet, the Boys & Girls Club FBR Branch and the Levine School of Music. BBAR Staff member and testimonial speaker Jerry Tyler said ”THEARC is not only a home for me as a janitorial staff member, I walk the halls of these buildings and I see family.”

Nora Pouillon and Linda Roth

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Cynthia and Alex Atkinson

Erin Ritz, Katie Mitchell, Hillary Chassin and ‘ Katelin Haney

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Brenda and Mark Moore

Barbara Liotta, Carrie Marriott and Jean-Marie Fernandez

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Mark McFadden and Jane Ottenburg

Daren Thomas and Laura Gail Smith

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Christina Eaglin and Terri Trotter

Barbara Lang and Herb Tillery

Amy Goldson and Elizabeth Marriott

D.C. Councilmember Phil Mendelson WL SPONSORED

COLLEGE SUCCESS FOUNDATION-DC BREAKFAST

Jim Sinegal

Marriott Wardman Park | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

James Dorsey and Mike Cheever

SUPPORTING STUDENTS: Early risers made their way to the Marriott Wardman Park where they enjoyed a seated breakfast in support of the College Success Foundation-DC’s mission, which provides thousands of underserved and low-income District students with the academic, social, emotional and financial support they need to graduate from college.

Keynote speaker Costco co-founder and Director Jim Sinegal spoke to the group about the importance of a corporation’s active involvement in low-income students’ academic path. The event, emceed by Christina Eaglin, raised a total of $1.3 million.

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Gizelle Bryant, Dorothy Watts and Candiace Bassett

Lisa Hughes, Jim Maruca and Kathy Woodcock

Susanne Aynaga and Guadalupe Pacheco

MARY’S CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Scott Holbrook and Heather Ness

Marriott Marquis | PHOTOS BY JAY SNAP HEALTH ADVOCATES: Housewives stepped out for health at Mary’s Center 30th Anniversary Gala’–’Real Housewives of Potomac,’ that is. Several members of the hit reality show joined 750 others who helped the nonprofit exceeded its goal of $580,000 to build a healthier tomorrow for District area families.

NBC4’s Susan Hogan emceed and participants came onstage to reflect on how the center had changed their lives. “American Ninja Warrior” Sean DarlingHammond performed a “Warrior Ladder” challenge, inviting guests to donate with each rung of the ladder. The center had lots to celebrate: in 2018, it was recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as one of the top community health centers in the country among 1,400 community centers.

Jacob Brown, Katie Rost, Rynthia Rost and Roy Joseph

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John Fontaine, Anne Taylor and Cheryl Pegus WL SPONSORED

Elizabeth Ofili, Freda Lewis Hall and Icilma Fergus

Kyle Hutchinson and AJ Calloway

Robert Gillespie and Roderic Pettigrew

‘SPIRIT OF THE HEART’ AWARDS DINNER The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown | PHOTOS BY VITHAYA PHONGSAVAN DOCTORS WITH HEART: The Association of Black Cardiologists welcomed over 400 guests to its ninth annual black-tie affair recognizing those who have made extraordinary contributions in medicine, research, mentoring, public service, leadership and volunteerism. This year’s awardees included doctors from Duke and Columbia universities who, along with other honorees, have helped forge a path for doctors of color in their respective medical fields. “Extra” co-host AJ Calloway served as the master of ceremonies and Grammy-nominated jazz and R&B artist Maysa performed for the packed house.

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Tiffany Garland, Jamie Jones and Kanita Howard WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Xavier Richardson, Cassandra McCullough and Seyi Bolorunduro

Wayne and Zaneta Batchelor

Ali and Terry Dastouri, with Daryl Furman

Kevin Sneed, and Christine Hayes Botts

Paula Yound and Briana Yound

Kevin Williams,Angela Reese and Richard Allen Williams 49

Patty Burgee, Sascha Wolhandler and Susan Allenback

Patricia Hearst Shaw Mink Stole and John Waters

TOASTING AN ICON Baltimore Museum of Art PHOTOS BY MAXIMILIAN FRANZ AND B O B PHOTOGRAPHY

Miss Guy

BALTIMORE’S FAVORITE SON: To celebrate the opening of “John Waters: Indecent Exposure,” more than 120 of the iconic film director, actor and artist’s friends dined with collectors of his work, gallery owners and museum trustees to celebrate the first Baltimore retrospective of his visual artworks containing more than 160 photographs, sculptures and sound and video works. Two nights later, many of the guests also attended a lively preview party for more than 1,000 BMA members.

FLASH FROM THE PAST: Those wearing attire inspired by legendary Waters productions that include “Pink Flamingos,” “Polyester” and “Hairspray” weren’t hard to spot as they danced to the beats of New York-based DJ Miss Guy.

Kitsy Lee, Pat Moran and Judith Pringle

Nancy Taylor Bubes and Tom Nides

Alex Grieve, Will Buchanan and Guy Van Syckle

Deb Waterman Johns and Ben Johns

GO BO ‘SUMMER OF LOVE’ PARTY Johns Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Michael Trager, Dale and Melissa Overmyer, Mariella Trager and Tom and Margaret Rietano

SOAKED BUT NOT SOMBER: This year’s annual Go Bo benefit was wet, but despite ruined shoes and mud-speckled attire, spirits did not dampen. Rain poured down in buckets as partygoers of all ages in their best 1960s and ’70s ensembles came out to celebrate Bo Johns who survived a battle with cancer after being diagnosed with Lymphoma at the age of 11.

Proceeds from the evening support the Johns family’s Go Bo Go! Fund, which they created to assist families of cancer patients at Georgetown University Hospital. Bo’s parents, SCOUT bag co-founders Deb and Ben Johns throw the annual party in the backyard of their Georgetown residence, sparing no expense on themed decorations.This year, Volkswagon Bugs painted in colorful and psychedelic patterns served as props for impromptu photo shoots while tie-dyed drapery framed every inch of the outdoor tent. Guests danced to music by the Waller Family Band (who played at the Johns’ wedding) while snacking on Sloppy Joe sammies. COOL HOST As people moseyed in and out of the event, Deb held court to hand out parting gifts of SCOUT bags. Asked about the massive pool of mud being created in her backyard, she said that it was all “worth it” for the party.

Gibson Johns, Kate Kegan and Bo Johns

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Lynne and Joe Horning

Board Chairman Dr. Tabari Baker Annabelle Lockhart and Ray Llanos

WL SPONSORED

Chris Smith and Kelly McShane

COMMUNITY OF HOPE’S NIGHT OF HOPE The Roof Terrace, 101 Constitution Ave, NW | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Co-Chairs Raj and Emily Madan, Melissa McGuire and Andy Miller

Wayne Fortune and Brandon Clay

HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS: The views were spectacular at Community of Hope’s (COH) annual benefit reception, where guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on a terrace overlooking the capital’s iconic monuments. Bill Conway of the Bedford Falls Foundation, Walker Dunlop and Joseph and Lynne Horning were among those who sponsored the evening emceed by WUSA9 reporter Delia Goncalves. Proceeds supported efforts to end homelessness and improve health for District families. COH recently received an award by the National Alliance to End Homelessness for its efforts to reduce the city’s homeless population by 38 percent since 2016.

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Alison Friedman and Carrie VanRoekel,

Jan White, Valerie Holt, Courtney Lattimore, Kyndra Jones, Pat Carter, Violet Parker and Marian Pegram WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Thomas Nees and Bill Conway

Leah Garrett, Pam Schaeffer and Kim Harris

Sara O’Keefe and Olwen Pongrace

Stephanie Leonetti and Kam Lo

Abby and Casey Moc

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home life Real Estate News and Open House I Inside Homes and innovators & dispruptors

A Place in the Trees Globally recognized modern architect Travis Price finds peace and tranquility inside a sun-filled tree house overlooking Rock Creek Park.

By catherine trifiletti portrait and interior photos by joy asico exterior photos by ken wyner

home life | Inside homes

estled in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Northwest Washington, Travis Price’s 3,500-square-foot glass and copper house overlooks a tangle of old growth trees and Rock Creek Park below, offering a perspective as unique as Price himself.The architect by trade designed his modern tree house in 2001 as a place to retreat and escape the world.

Suspended over a cliff, the house hangs on four steel cables with two steel columns running directly through its center ensuring the structure never touches the ground. Its balance relies solely on invisible forces of friction and gravity, making it a stand out among countless “colonial bolonials,” as Price witheringly describes them.

Because of the home’s distinct floating design, the endeavor required approval from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (due to its proximity to Federal land), the Advisory Neighborhood Commission and the Army Corps of Engineers.

In addition to bureaucratic red tape, Price also faced critical neighbors who were initially concerned about the facade’s eccentric aesthetic. Their tune presumably changed once the project was realized, and most likely, once they got to know their easy-going neighbor, who loves to fill his space with good company and positive energy.

Price is a visionary in both his work and life, which he says are inextricably intertwined. “I’ve always lived 100% in what I think,” he explains. Recognized with prestigious awards for projects in the U.S. and internationally, he bursts with passion for his craft that extends beyond normal office hours. By teaching at Catholic University and leading National Geographic expeditions called “Spirit of Place,” he is able to fill his proverbial cup. A pioneer in the ecomovement, Price considers himself one of the country’s first “green cowboys.” His early work creating sustainable buildings laid the groundwork for the environmentallyfriendly practices he, and many others, still employ today.

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PREVIOUS PAGE: (clockwise from left) The entire house hangs on the support of steel cables that get thicker as they rise. Price chose the deep red color for the steel columns mindful of the hue of Tibetan monks’ robes. He says the color has a welcoming effect; In the living room, hundreds of books hang on suspended shelves that fit in with the tree house atmosphere.

A photograph of a Berber outside a mosque in Timbuktu hangs over a shoji-inspired wall. The photo was taken by Price’s friend Chris Rainier. A series of eight scrolls from China line the back wall.

The living area is anchored by a wood-burning stove; The exterior of the house is oxidized copper, a green color, that helps camouflage it amid the trees. A glass bridge connects the stairs to sliding glass doors. Price modeled the entrance after traditional Japanese home design, which does not use front doors.

THIS PAGE: (clockwise from top left) A windy turquoise spiral staircase leads upstairs to four bedrooms.

Walls are lined with 4 by 8 sheets of maple plywood from Home Depot. “The idea is that I want to enjoy the beauty of wood and nature,” Price exclaims. I’m in the tree!” It took him 10 years to fill his space with pieces he loves.

Price’s kitchen where he makes his famous French toast; An exterior view of the back of Price’s home at night.

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Though Price always knew he would be an architect— he was known for making tree forts in his youth—he resisted taking the standard path of least resistance to get there. After two years of architecture school he dropped out to enroll in the small St. Johns College in Annapolis where he spent four years reading the 100 great books of the world from Aristotle to Tocqueville. The experience gave him context for modern life and a greater understanding and appreciation for the thinking that changed the course of history.

For that reason, you will never see Price replicating designs of a classic Italian villa or a Japanese tea house, for example. With each new project, his goal is to unearth the story of the unique individual or persons behind it using the lenses of “ecology, mythology and technology.”

Price admits that the process isn’t always smooth sailing, especially when dealing with residential clients who often don’t know what they are looking for. He half-jokes that getting to the crux of someone’s personal narrative takes ample “discussion and wine.”

When the time came to become his own client, Price pushed boundaries, keeping the design “simply modern” and sustainable by using “the least material for the most value.” Aligning with the fantastical tree house theme, Price decided to line the interior walls with maple plywood. He says it makes the house feel warm, as if you are actually in the tree, in what he describes as an “anti-minimalist modern” approach.

Several elements are influenced by Japanese design, including the translucent shoji-inspired walls on either side of the house that offer a compromise between light and privacy. Whereas Western architecture begs the viewer to look at it, Eastern styles are designed to be looked out of, he explains.That ethos matches Price’s quest for unity with his surroundings. “The Japanese are masters at bringing

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OPENING PAGE: Travis Price and Kali, his recently-rescued Labrador.

nature into the house,” Price says. Small details like having the outdoor deck flush with the interior floors point to a seamless transition from outside to inside.

As for the interior design, I am politely corrected for calling his belongings decorations. They are, rather, “portals into a story,” with each object serving as a memoir about where in the world Price acquired it. Nagas from Japan and tonkas from Kathmandu are among the sacred pieces Price has collected on his many travels.

Several years ago TTR Sotheby’s approached Price with an offer to auction the house as art, he responded with a “fools price,” citing no real interest in selling it. Price isn’t driven by the money, though he is intrigued by the prospect of embarking on a new personal project. In other words, it would take a special plot of land to pull him away.

“I wouldn’t move from here,” he says, “if I couldn’t build my new guitar to go with me.”

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HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS

Late Summer Settlements The government of Nepal acquires a mansion in Wesley Heights, local doctors buy in Foxhall and real estate developer Marc Weller purchases on Congressional Parkway in Potomac.

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

The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal bought the secluded 2002-built stone and stucco mansion tucked away at

UNIVERSITY TERRACE NW for $6.8 million from developer and banker Eric Hovde. The gated, seven-bedroom residence was designed

by Chryssa Wolfe and is set back from the street, nestled amid old growth trees on a stunning nearly one-acre lot. The 10,000-plus-square-foot house features large-scale entertaining rooms, a generous master wing with high ceilings, a first floor guest suite, a grand library, a detached artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s studio, a wine cellar, and a pool overlooking the grounds and gardens of this private estate. Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Heidi Hatfield was the listing agent while Anne Hatfield Weir of Washington Fine Properties represented the buyer.

THE DISTRICT John and Kathleen Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien purchased

O STREET NW for $2.9 million from Shaun and Lynn Gilmore.The sunny and bright fourbedroom, semi-detached townhouse is situated in the heart of Georgetown. The 18th-century Federal was recently renovated by Cecchi Homes to include a gourmet kitchen that opens to a cozy family room with a wall of sliding glass doors, an impressive master suite with a Waterworks bath and a spacious lower level with a separate entrance.Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Diane Lewis was the listing agent.

Long & Foster Real Estateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kathleen Ryan was the buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent.

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Ian and Carola Carter bought ND an undisclosed buyer for $5.625 million.

ST NW for $4.6 million. The 1957-built Nusrat purchased the property in 2015

Colonial in the heart of Georgetown features over 4,000 square feet of living space on four levels. Large sun-filled common rooms, a private courtyard and a huge upper level office are a few of the features of this charming painted brick six-bedroom abode. Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Nancy Taylor Bubes listed the property and Patrick Chauvin of Compass was the buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent.

from the founder of the largest AsianAmer ican manufactur ing business in the U.S. Rashid Chaudary , owner of the RAANI Corporation. The 12-bedroom house in Avenel, a sprawling 33,000-squarefoot Colonial residence that was built in 1995 boasts a grand foyer with a 37-foot ceiling, a stunning crystal chandelier, an elevator, indoor pool, tennis court and fourcar garage. Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MARYLAND Delia McCormick was the listing agent.

Jamal Mohammad Nusrat sold Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mark McFadden NATELLI WOODS LANE in Bethesda to represneted the buyer.

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Local oncologist Dr. Marc Lippman and cardiologist Dr. Nanette Bishopric purchased DUNMORE LANE NW for $4.825 million from John Kammeier and Stan Sroka. This 2009-built custom residence built by Gibson Builders offers superb design and fine architectural details throughout. Gracious living spaces open to a lush landscaped garden with a saltwater pool. Interior highlights include custom-designed millwork, moldings, furniture grade built-ins and a gym. TTR Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realtyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Michael Rankin was the listing agent. Compassâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Erich Cabe was the buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent.

MORGAN DRIVE in Chevy Chase fetched $2.850 million when Albert Policicchio sold his 2007 Art Deco-inspired house to Hongxia Terra Magnum, a private

LLC. The 12,000-square-foot custom property features superior craftsmanship throughout and amenties such as a waterfall entry wall in the front foyer, a first floor master suite, an elevator, and a Top Chef caliber kitchen.

Long & Foster Real Estate, Incâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heller Coley Reed team.The buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent was Northcrest Realtyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Justin Wang.

VIRGINIA Michelle and Timothy Fanning bought

WOODLEA MILL ROAD in McLean for $2.895 million from Hyeran Kim. The custom 1997-built Colonial in sought after Woodlea Mill boasts a two-story foyer, a gourmet eatin kitchen, a private terrace with a hot tub, a wood-paneled study and a private pool with a posh pool house. Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mark McFadden represented both sides of the transaction.

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Marc and Eileen Weller bought CONGRESSIONAL PARKWAY in Potomac for $4.125 million from Edward and Loretta Downey. Mr. Weller is president of Sagamore Development Company, a real estate company he founded in 2013 with Under Armour Founder Kevin Plank. The 1996-built Brendan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill mansion in Bradley Farms sits on over four acres of land and features embassy-sized formal rooms, a luxe paneled library, an indoor pool and spa and a greenhouse. The ten-bedroom estate also includes an apartment over the garage. TTR Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marc Fleisher listed the property while Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Joanne Pinover represented the buyer.

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HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS

PROPERTY LINES

TED KENNEDYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FORMER GEORGETOWN RENTAL: Cathy Brentzel, a former securities attorney, is selling an East Village mansion once rented to Senator Edward M. Kennedy and his first wife, Joan, following his election to the Senate in 1962. The 1887 Edwardian mansion at TH STREET NW was once part of the neighboring Evermay estate, which sold in 2011 to biotech executives Sachiko Kuno and Ryuji Ueno. Since buying the nine-bedroom historic house in 2011, Brentel has redecorated and renovated it from top to bottom and installed pieces she acquired from the estates of Bunny Mellon and Brooke Astor. TTR Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realtyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Daniel Heider is the listing agent.

INTERIOR DESIGN DREAM: Salah Brahimi through the LLC Djurdjura, is selling the 2016 DC Design House, a spectacular 11,800square-foot manor constructed by Jim Gibson. FOXHALL ROAD NW was temporarily the residence of the French Ambassador and his family while the official French residence in Kalorama was renovated. The seven-bedroom, smartly appointed property includes two kitchens, eight full bathrooms, exercise and party rooms, a wine cellar and an infinity pool. Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Nancy Itteilag is the listing agent.

TREMENDOUS TUDOR: Investment banker Carlos Fierro, currently of Guggenheim Securities, and his wife, interior designer Jennifer Tonkel, are selling

GARFIELD STREET NW for $9.995 million. The property is the former residence of philanthropists Stephen and Diana Goldberg (the couple donated over $25 million to Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Medical Center in 2001). The 1930s Wesley Heights Tudor mansion has been completely renovated and boasts nearly 12,500 square feet of interior space featuring an atrium-like family room, a custom library, a three-island kitchen and two attached garages. The main house has seven bedrooms and eight baths in addition to a two-bedroom, threebath guest house. Exterior features include a private gated garden with multiple terraces, a swimming pool and a circular brick paved driveway.

HRL Partners of Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; are the listing agents.

CLASSIC TUDOR CHARM: Stephen and Andrea Weiswasser listed their Massachusetts Avenue Heights estate at ND STREET NW for $5.375 million with the help of Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Margot Wilson. The couple are both attorneys. The stately 1925 Tudor is surrounded by parkland and features grand scale rooms, an expansive owner suite with his and hers bathrooms and dressing rooms, a private pool and a well manicured garden.

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

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OPEN HOUSE

Open House Luxurious homes in Maryland, Virginia and the District BLUEMONT

CALUMET LANE

ASKING PRICE: $2,950,000

This Bluemont,Va. estate combines a love of English architecture and American charm. The classically designed, sprawling Georgian-revival house is surrounded by formal English-style gardens and features a true-blue American ice cream parlor, an indoor pool, stables, a wine cellar and tasting room, a private chapel, a guesthouse and large, open rooms.

LISTING AGENT: John Eric, 703-7980097, Compass

ANNAPOLIS

ACTON PLACE Located in downtown Annapolis, Md., this classic colonial delivers a masterful blend of historic architecture and modern design. Built in 1925, the residence has been meticulously restored and updated for modern living. Featuring a stunning gourmet kitchen and expansive family room, this 5,600-square-foot home is a rare offering in one of the most coveted locations in Annapolis.

ASKING PRICE: $2,450,000 LISTING AGENT: Shane Hall, 410-991-1382, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

GEORGETOWN

ASKING PRICE: $2,250,000

WATER STREET NW \ M This condominium features an excellent floor plan, high ceilings, an entry foyer and Potomac River and Skyline views. The large master bedroom suite has lots of closet space, the gourmet kitchen has an island and room for a dining table. There is two-car parking plus storage. A full-service concierge doorman building with 24-hour desk, rooftop pool and fitness center. Fee includes all utilities and pets are allowed.

BETHESDA

GLENBROOK ROAD

ASKING PRICE: $2,145,000

This expanded Colonial with five bedrooms and four and a half baths is mere blocks from the popular restaurants, shops and parks of downtown Bethesda, Md. It’s a spacious and light-filled home in a superb close-in location with a fully fenced yard and a heated pool. Mature and blooming trees are abound.

LISTING AGENTS: Tricia Messerschmi^, 202-3302275 and Mark McFadden, 703-216-1333, Washington Fine Properties

LISTING AGENT: Monica Byrd, 202-471-5295 direct, 202-333-6100 office, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

KALORAMA

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TRACY PLACE NW

ASKING PRICE: $5,295,000

This former consulate has been restored and transformed into an open, bright, cheerful and elegant residence. After a high-end renovation in 2014 with decor designer Lauren Liess, this 6,900-square-foot classic has a fresh new feel. There are light custom floors, soft neutral tones, a huge entry gallery, high ceilings, wide stairs, a center island kitchen, breakfast and sun room, four bedrooms, a library and an office that can be a fifth bedroom.

LISTING AGENT: Benjamin Tessler, 202494-3111, Long & Foster I Christie’s

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HOME LIFE | INNOVATORS AND DISRUPTORS

EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE

Chris Whittle’s new private school in Northwest Washington aims to produce the next generation of global citizens.

BY ERICA MOODY

The Whittle School & Studios Van Ness campus is skillfully designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano

W

hen looking for a city to launch the first Whittle School & Studios in the U.S, to coincide with the Fall 2019 opening of a school in Shenzhen, China, education entrepreneur Chris Whittle found Washington, D.C. to be a perfect fit.

“We chose Washington because it’s one of the most international cities in the United States and Shenzhen is the Silicon Valley of China in many respects, very entrepreneurial,” he explains by telephone from China. “We like the connection and interestingly, the first nonstop flight from D.C. to Hong Kong just launched about two months ago.”

Whittle, one of the original founders of the charter school movement in the U.S., has moved entirely into the private school space with his new concept, a pre-K-through-12th-grade model that he calls the “first global school that we also hope will be viewed as the most modern one as well.” He imagines 36 campuses in 15 countries over 10 years with an enrollment capacity of 90,000 students and he has raised $700 million for the effort. The open, expansive and eco-friendly Washington campus in the former Intelstat building sits on more than 13 wooded acres with an elegant and child-friendly design by Italian architect Renzo Piano.

Several factors make the school particularly “global.” Immersive language learning of Mandarin begins in pre-K. In Grade 3, students will have the choice to continue with Mandarin, switch to Spanish or do both. In addition, multiple languages will be offered at Whittle Studios, the extracurricular arm of the project. Each Whittle School in cities across the world will be integrated into one educational program, allowing for seamless study abroad opportunities. “They might spend a semester in Beijing or a summer in Paris. It allows both students and faculty to experience the world but stay within one school.” And each school will be connected with the most modern technology.

Diversity is key. “We built a very global and diverse team from the beginning.” Whittle notes. Faculty and staff are 40 percent from the

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Whittle School & Studios Founder Chris Whittle

U.S., 30-40 percent from China and the rest from elsewhere. While standard tuition begins at $40,000 per year, need-based financial aid is available and scholarship opportunities fund gifted students from 50 to 100 percent; an estimated 300 students (of the 2,500 total here) will be scholarship recipients.

“It’s going to be very important that Whittle School & Studios reflect the demographic of Washington,” says school head Dennis Bisgaard. “In D.C. you have 174 embassies and people from all over the world, so it’s a great city to start a school like this. We don’t want to be the school on the Hill; we want to be part of the community.”

Three options are available: a full day school for local students, fiveday boarding for local and regional students (grades 8-12 only) and full boarding for national and global students. There’s a nine-to-one student to faculty ratio, with a typical class size of 15 to 20 students.

A personalized approach with an advanced advising system, Whittle says, is what most sets the school apart. “We have an entire team working on just the advising system of the school. We think a school needs to know its children in a very deep way and know their strengths, their weaknesses and be guiding them.”

“We want school to feel different,” Bisgaard adds. “Oftentimes there is such a level of rigor that stress becomes overwhelming for kids. They want to be perfect and often the high-achievers feel inadequate or don’t quite have the confidence. There are a lot of schools that somehow produce rule followers, which is not a bad thing, but if you always perform because you think a task has to be done in a certain way, some of the creativity and problem-solving is diminished.”

Whittle Schools is now accepting applications for age 3 through grade 10 for Fall 2019. The School is currently under construction, but modified site tours will be available in the near future on a case by case basis.

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