SOCIAL SCENE
‘Beyond the Runway’ with the Italian Cultural Society BY M ARY BIRD The Italian Cultural Society held its Gala Awards Dinner 2022 “Beyond the Runway” at the Italian Embassy on June 10. The evening began with a cocktail reception, both indoors and on the sun-dappled patio to the sounds of a jazz trio. Ambassador Mariangela Zappia welcomed guests and lauded the ICS for its Italian language instruction, which opens the door to the vast riches of Italian culture. Best-selling author, chef and television personality Amy Riolo served as master of ceremonies. After a video tribute by Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan, Riolo introduced honorary guest Domenico De Sole. As chairman of Tom Ford International and former president & CEO of Gucci Group, he has been a fashion industry game changer.
De Sole engaged in a conversation with Sara Gay Forden, author of the “House of Gucci.” He recounted his early association with the embroiled Gucci family and foresight to bring in Tom Ford to salvage the Gucci brand. His business savvy and Ford’s creativity became a model for the fashion industry. Looking back on “a good run,” De Sole expressed pride in making Tom Ford known. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner by Merone Catering as scholarship awards were presented, and young pianists entertained. A surprise second video honoring De Sole was shown, Amy Riolo chaired a live auction and ICS Executive Director and CEO Francesca Casazza presented the honoree with a special wine cooler by jewelry designer Giovanni Raspini.
NSLM Board Vice Chair and Honorary Gala Committee Co-Chair Jacqueline B. Mars, Honorary Gala Committee Co-Chair Jay Griswold and NSLM Executive Director Elizabeth von Hassell at the Middleburg gala. Courtesy NSLM.
‘Diamond’ Affair for National Sporting Library & Museum This is an impressive 10-year-old, wherever you live. Diamonds are called for the tenth anniversary as well as 60th and 70th. The National Sporting Library & Museum celebrated 10 years with a gala on June 2 with more than 350 attendees and announced the launch of its $14 million capital campaign. The Honorary Gala Committee was co-chaired by Jacqueline B. Mars, Vice
Chair of the NSLM Board of Directors, and Jack S. “Jay” Griswold. Also serving on the Committee were Anita M. Antenucci; John E. Cay, III; Karen H. Crane; Timothy J. Gardner; Winton S. Holladay; George S. Hundt, Jr.; Sheila Johnson; Susan S. Mullin; Mark J. Ohrstrom; Sarah F. Perot; Nicole H. Perry; Sarah L. Slack; John R. Staelin; and Viviane M. Warren.
Hillwood Gala — Full of Grace BY M ARY BIR D Annelise Brody Morani, Francesca Casazza, Sara Forden, Domenico De Sole, Amy Riolo and Eleanor De Sole. Photo by Antonella Ciancio.
Despite raindrops, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens was aglow on June 7 as it hosted its annual fundraising gala, highlighted by the current special exhibition “Grace of Monaco: Princess in Dior.” For the first time in North America, 86 selections from Princess Grace’s Christian Dior wardrobe and other special objects are on display in tribute to her dedicated relationship with the haute couturier. Co-chairs Barry Dixon and Will Thomas, Mark Lowham and Joseph Rizzo; Sara and Peter O’Keefe; Mary and Ron Slip, together
with Hillwood’s Executive Director Kate Markert, hosted the event which raised more than $500,000, the highest amount in Hillwood’s history. Following cocktails and an opportunity to visit the exhibit in the Adirondack’s building, guests enjoyed an elegant dinner on the Lunar Lawn. Proceeds from the evening will make it possible to preserve and share the beauty of Marjorie Merriweather Post’s treasures in one of the premier art collector’s museums in the United States.
Italian Ambassador Mariangela Zappia with Domenico De Sole. Photo by Antonella Ciancio.
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George Iverson, Ellen Charles, granddaughter of Marjorie Merriweather Post, and Andrew Iverson. Photos by Tony Powell, courtesy Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens. GMG, INC.
JULY 13, 2022
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