Capitol File - 2017 - Issue 4 - Fall - Cher

@ CA P I TO L F I L E M AG M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M

CHER

Life As Few Know It.

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FULL FRONTAL

FASHION STATEMENT! FALL FASHION IS ALL ABOUT WEARING YOUR POLITICS ON YOUR SLEEVE.

BY MARISSA MITROVICH

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CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

The current political discourse in our nation’s capital is showing up in a big way in this fall’s fashion.

In addition to trends like velvet everything and classic black-and-white check, politically inspired messaging features in the ready-to-wear collections of everyone who’s anyone.

The runway star for Annapolis-born Christian Siriano is a T-shirt proclaiming PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE. It’s

no surprise that his line includes a must-have tee with a human rights message—he always knows what a woman wants, and he designs for every woman. Alice + Olivia offers a BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD

T-shirt. The brand’s East-meets-West collection suggests pairing this mantra, often attributed to Gandhi, with a sequined power suit. And the

Row—very subtly, in its understated, swoon-worthy way—nods to politics with its current collection by delicately embroidering words like UNITY and FREEDOM onto garments.

Nancy Pearlstein, owner of DC’s avant-garde boutique Relish, is right in step with this fashion moment. Relish and the brand 6397 have created a chic politically inspired T-shirt with “(202)” printed

on the front, in a strong rep for DC, and the Congressional switchboard number on the back. “It’s more important than ever [to be politically active],” says Pearlstein.

“We hope our shirts spark engagement in the political process, regardless of affiliation.” 202 T-shirts are available at Relish, 3312 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-333-5343; relishdc.com.

.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB KIM/GETTY IMAGES FOR ALICE + OLIVIA BY STACEY BENDET (TOP LEFT); COURTESY OF RELISH (TOP RIGHT); SLAVEN VLASIC/GETTY IMAGES FOR NEW YORK FASHION WEEK: THE SHOWS (BOTTOM RIGHT)

CLOCKWISE FROM HERE: A model at the Alice + Olivia

by Stacey Bendet Fall 2017 show; Relish’s (202) shirt; Christian Siriano’s onmessage PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE tee.

CONTENTS FALL 2017

74

LABEL ON FIRE Alessandro Michele’s outrageous designs have reestablished Gucci as one of today’s hottest fashion brands.

SCENE. STYLE.

18 // LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

SPACE.

20 // THE LIST 25 // INVITED

33 // RETNA TAGS AIDA The superstar street artist discusses his modern-day hieroglyphics for Washington National Opera.

34 // REBEL YELL Fashion expert Ken Downing of Neiman Marcus finds empowerment in this season’s punk rock trends.

6 CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

36 // MIXING MUSIC At his new bar, Trevor Frye can make you a drink based on your favorite song.

38 // WORK IT! WEAR DC’s fall office looks for men and women are bringing the fun.

These three boutiques show you how to do it.

40 // THE WRITE STUFF With a new memoir out about the Obama years, speechwriter David

Litt talks about adulting at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

42 // SO HOT RIGHT NOW As temperatures cool, the city’s cultural calendar heats up. Check out our picks for fall’s must-sees.

44 // COMMANDER IN TWEET! President Trump is not the only political leader using social media as a platform to communicate with constituents.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GUCCI

04 // FULL FRONTAL

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CONTENTS

FALL 2017

38

WORK IT! WEAR Argent gives business attire a refreshing new look.

36

46 // HAUTE COLLEGIATE

52 // GEOMETRY LESSON

This fall, fashion goes back to school with classic tweeds and supple leathers.

It’s hip to not be square this season with graphic and whimsical hexagons.

48 // AL DENTE

54 // FRONT ROW SEAT

Two of DC’s top chefs are sauced up about 2017’s pasta resurgence.

Lexus’s groundbreaking new flagship sports car, the 2018 LC500, is breathtaking both inside and out.

Here, take its next-generation interior for a test-drive.

50 // SCENTS AND THE CITY

48

AL DENTE These DC chefs are getting their pastas just right—like the spaghetti alla chitarra at Centrolina.

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From an autumnal blend of English oak to a musky accord with a floral twist, refresh your fragrance wardrobe with this season’s top notes.

56 // SHAW’S HIDDEN GEMS Real estate expert Andrew Smith shows us around one of DC’s hottest neighborhoods.

51 // GLAM ON THE GO DC lifestyle blogger Meg Biram shares her beauty tips for fall.

58 // MAGNIFICENT MÉRIDA Spa treatments take inspiration from ancient Maya at the gorgeous Mexican wellness resort Chablé.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFFREY MARTIN (DRINK); JESSIE ENGLISH (ARGENT); GREG POWERS (FOOD)

MIXING MUSIC Mixologist Trevor Frye shakes it to the beat with music-inspired cocktails.

FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE IN THE DISTRICT OF JOY

R E T A I L B O S S B U R B E R RY C H CA R O L I N A H E R R E R A D I O R G U C C I H E R M È S LO U I S V U I T TO N LO R O P I A N A M O N C L E R PAUL STUART S ALVATORE FERRAGAM O VINCE ZADIG & VOLTAIRE ALLEN EDMONDS ARC’TERYX BVLGAR I CANALI CAUDALIE BOUTIQUE SPA CHRISTOFLE DAV ID Y U R M A N EAGLE CO. J O M A LO N E LO N D O N KATE S PADE NEW YORK LONGCHAMP M O R G E N T H A L F R E D E R I C S T H E GR E AT R E P U B L I C

TUMI

COR E POW E R YOGA

D E L F R I S C O ’ S D O U B L E E A G L E ST E A K H O U S E

FLYWHEE L

D O LC E Z Z A

DINING

FIG & OLIVE

10T H & H S T R E E T N W, WA S H I N G T O N , D C

C E N T R OL I NA

FRUITIVE

MILK BAR

DBGB K I TC H E N A N D B A R MOMOF UK U

C I T Y C E N T E R D C .C O M /J O Y

R AR E SW E E T S

CONTENTS

FALL 2017

FEATURES 60 // BELIEVE!

60

BELIEVE! Cher takes center stage at MGM National Harbor.

As Cher returns to MGM National Harbor with her smash Las Vegas show, we sat down with the living icon to talk about her career, the costumes, and of course, life after love.

66 // MAKING STRIDES The newest suits step in as one of the season’s strongest looks and biggest surprises.

74 // LABEL ON FIRE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW MACPHERSON

Lighting up the runway with irreverent sensuality and a bold sense of wonder, designer Alessandro Michele has Gucci burning through the fine fashion firmament.

10 CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

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CONTENTS

FALL 2017

81

FALL IN LOVE Check out these ideas for an unforgettable wedding bash.

81 // FALL IN LOVE The top-notch venues in and around Washington provide your wedding with the perfect backdrop.

86 // LIGHT IT UP You can never have too many candles! A warm, elegant ambience suits any season—especially fall.

84 // YOUR FANTASY WEDDING With the right team, a quirky theme can still be turned into a swanky affair.

12 CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

BANTER 104 // BACK IN SESSION

THE SOURCE

82 // HISTORIC GLAMOUR Elegance can be fun with the right custom plan.

BIPARTISAN

91 // SCENE. STYLE. SPACE. Your essential guide to fab dining, shopping, and living in DC.

Congress and schoolkids are both back from summer break, and the question is: Who’ll be more productive?

on the cover: Cher Photography by Andrew Macpherson

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICH KESSLER

WEDDINGS

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We have the inside scoop on Washington, DC’s best parties, pursuits, and more. food

THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN DC This Mexican food is more than the standard taco.

photos

Couldn’t attend? Browse the newest photos from Washington, DC’s most exclusive parties.

real estate

DC HOMES WITH GORGEOUS POOLS Check out homes perfect for a summer soirée!

COME FOLLOW US

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ESPITA MEZCALERIA (FOOD); RICH KESSLER (PHOTOS); WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES (REAL ESTATE)

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

The fall season represents change—and is also symbolic of the new and exciting things happening in the District.

Capitol File finds meaning around town in so many of these, including the changes you’ll be making to your wardrobe after reading our fashion-focused Fall issue.

Experiencing comfort, mystery, and new beginnings are a few ways Capitol File finds synergy with this special time of year.

Chillier temperatures make us crave comfort, and there’s no better place to be comforted than a luxurious five-star Washington, DC hotel. We recommend taking a staycation in town. Pamper yourself and your soul with a luxurious massage at the Mandarin Oriental spa. Or how about a

glass of Champagne on the outdoor rooftop of the Rosewood to relax after a day of Georgetown shopping?

The National Gallery of Art is one of the most magnificent places in town to feel a sense of mystery—wander the museum and see the wonders of color in this season’s exhibit of 21 prints

by Edvard Munch, “Color in Context,” opening September 3. The show “considers the choice, combinations, and meaning of color in light of spiritualist principles,” as the museum describes it, and draws from “popular manuals that explained the science of color and theosophical writings on the visual and physical power of color.”

Meanwhile, new beginnings here at Capitol File mean new relationships. We’ve begun a

partnership with Pentagon Federal Credit Union, a group that is certainly doing well by doing good in the community, and we look forward to showcasing their good works. We want to congratulate Mary Streett on her new position as the head of US communications and external affairs at BP America. Kudos are also in order for EastBanc and the many wonderful places it has added to our city, including the Squash on Fire courts, which you can read about in this issue. And Georgetown continues to amaze me with the one-of-a-kind retail and home design stores in Cady’s Alley. Take an afternoon yourself to experience the gems of this special location, and enjoy all that fall has to offer in DC!

meredith merrill Follow me on Instagram at @meredithmerrill0202 and at capitolfile-magazine.com.

18 CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK KLEIN (DESANTIS, SCHAUER); DANIEL SWARTZ (ESPINOZA)

above, from left: With Dave DeSantis at Capitol File’s Best & Brightest of Real Estate & Home Design at Tredici Enoteca in the St. Gregory Hotel; with Director Arthur Espinoza and Marissa Mitrovich at Capitol File’s Art of the City Summer Party at W Washington, DC; Bruce Schauer and Sherri Beckstead at Liljenquist & Beckstead’s Rolex Baselworld event.

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THE LIST FALL 2017 Yoko Ono

Mike Isabella

Olivia Cusick

Kristin Bodenstedt

Karl Lagerfeld

Paul Grimwood

Shana Glickfield

Joe Ross

Madison Brengle

Jimmy Gardner

Judd Apatow

Wayne Frederick

Xina Eiland

Jennifer Horn

Zelda Heller

Brent Kroll

Parita Shah Selfridge

Patricia Ferrick

Mason Anderson-Sweet

Ainur Bekturganova

Patrick Frisk

Clay Schaefer

Tiffany Trump

Jim Koons

Steve Glickman

Serena Williams

Sophia Loren

John Lettieri

Elisabeth Moss

Meghan Markle

Meredith Fineman

David Van Fleet Bloys

Rowan Blanchard

Joaquin McPeek

Carl Holshouser

Victoria Pomeroy

Jon Favreau

James Schenck

Adrienne Elrod

Tommy Vietor

Lindley Thornburg Richardson

James Comey

Dan Pfeiffer

Shallon Hunter

Allyson Waldrep

Susan Collins

Greg Monares

Jodie McLean

Nicolle Wallace

Matt Stanton

Vicki Lowell

Andre Burakovsky

Raymond R. Wright

Suzanne Critchlow

20 CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

Photo by Cory Weaver

Photo by Julio Rodriguez

Francesca Zambello, Artistic Director

Nothing could hold her captive… except his heart.

What happens when the enchantress becomes the enchanted?

Aida

Alcina

Giuseppe Verdi/Antonio Ghislanzoni

George Frideric Handel/Riccardo Broschi

September 9–23, 2017 | Opera House

November 4–19, 2017 | Eisenhower Theater

In Italian with Projected English Titles New Co-Production with San Francisco Opera, Seattle Opera, and Minnesota Opera

In Italian with Projected English Titles New WNO Production

KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/WNO | (202) 467-4600 For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.

Major support for WNO is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars.

WNO’s Presenting Sponsor

David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO. Generous support for WNO Italian Opera is provided by Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello.

WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS in Real Estate Long & Foster | Christie’s is honored to salute these sales associates who have been ranked among REAL Trends The Thousand list of top real estate professionals nationwide, as advertised in The Wall Street Journal.

To these industry leaders, we say “thank you” for providing a level of service that is not only recognized by your clients, but also has placed you among the most elite of real estate professionals.

Creig Northrop Debbie Doğrul

The Creig Northrop Team Ranked #1 Team in the Nation by

Debbie Doğrul Associates Ranked #44 Team by Transaction Volume and Ranked #79 Team by Transaction Sides Fairfax Office, Virginia

Transaction Volume and Ranked #3 Team in the Nation by Transaction Sides Maryland and Washington, D.C. 410-531-0321

703-425-3582 Debbie.Dogrul@LNF.com

CNorthrop@NorthropTeam.com

Arthur Herling and Arthur Herling, III

Stephen Mottola

Cindy Schneider and Tom Pietsch

Zelda Heller, Jamie Coley, Leigh Reed

The Art Herling Team

The Mottola Group

Tom & Cindy and Associates

Heller Coley Reed Team

Ranked #62 Team by Transaction Volume & Ranked #34 Team by Transaction Sides

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Stephen@MottolaGroup.com

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888-907-6643 HellerColeyReed@gmail.com

TomandCindy@HelloVirginia.com

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Charity Cox Ranked #105 Individual

by Transaction Sides Staunton/Waynesboro Office, Virginia

540-294-5682 CharityBucky@aol.com

Leslie Kopp

Wendy Banner

Brandon Brittingham

The Leslie Kopp Group

The Banner Team

Ranked #159 Team

by Transaction Volume Bethany Beach Office, Delaware

Ranked #193 Team by Transaction Volume

The Maryland Group of Long & Foster

302-542-3917 Leslie@LeslieKopp.com

Bethesda Gateway Office, Maryland

301-370-5076 Wendy@BannerTeam.com

Ranked #101 Team by Transaction Sides Salisbury Office, Maryland

410-546-3211 Brandon.Brittingham@LNF.com

Darin Greear Ranked #219 Individual

by Transaction Sides Blacksburg Office, Virginia

540-320-5859 Darin@RinerVa.com

Call one of our celebrated experts today.

The Real Estate Authority Bringing more buyers and sellers together than any other real estate company in the Washington, D.C. Capital Area.

19,372

4,276

Long & Foster Christie’s

Weichert

3,762

KW

3,525

Coldwell Banker

2,759

2,603

2,461

2,449

Fairfax Realty

Sampson Properties

TTR

Century 21

TM

Long & Foster. For the love of home.

LongandFoster.com

Number of transactions. Data supplied MRIS and its member Association(s) of REALTORS, who are not responsible for its accuracy. Does not reflect all activity in the marketplace. 1/1/16 – 12/31/16. Info deemed reliable but not guaranteed and does not constitute an opinion of MRIS or Long & Foster.

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INVITED Jerry Seinfeld stands up for a good cause at the Kennedy Center.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GETTY IMAGES/KEVIN MAZUR

A GOOD LAUGH The David Lynch Foundation hosted a National Night of Laughter and Song at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on June 5, after opening its newest meditation center on Capitol Hill. Celebs including Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Hugh Jackman, Katie Couric, Kesha, and many more came out for a night of music and stand-up comedy to benefit meditation programs for veterans and at-risk adults and youth in the greater DC area.

CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM  25

INVITED

Katie Wojcik and Erin Billings

Laura Pearlstein Mills and Hywel Mills

Kristin Bodenstedt and Peter Barnett

Pamela Sorensen and Neil Grace

Ashley Forrester and Max Brown

ART OF THE CITY SUMMER PARTY

James Hooley and Peter McKernan

Capitol File hosted its annual Art of the City Summer Party to celebrate the art and artists that were showcased in the Summer issue and at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Held at W Washington and Pinea Restaurant with the help of Events DC, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, New Heights Communications, and Long & Foster | Christie’s International Real Estate, guests enjoyed candy bars, nibbled on delectable bites, and mingled to an upbeat soundtrack from DJ Premonition.

Will Carter and DC film office director Angie Gates

Arthur Espinoza, executive director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities

Jaime Horn, Jennifer Myers, Christy Setzer, and Aurora Matthews

Patrick Mellody and Anna Palmer with Mary Kathryn and Michael Steel

26

CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

John Brendan Guinan, Paula HuYoung, Tony Francavilla, Christina Brown, Steven Birnbaum, and Jeanne Shewmaker

Chef Barry Koslow and Chloé GrayLe Coz

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL SWARTZ

Rebecca and Matt Haller with Ryan Triplette

Lessimus, omnis eossum ius alis vendipsapici nihil

Lessimus, omnis eossum ius alis vendipsapici nihil EmmaLee Gough and Joe Janolo

Gaëlle Vanderborght, Keiara Robinson, Desirée Venn Frederic, and Catherine Cassidy

Trevor Frye and Jamison Grove

“ON THE SCENE” DINNER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY SNAP (ON THE SCENE DINNER); NICK KLEIN (REAL ESTATE AND HOME DESIGN)

Christine Delargy and Mark Paustenbach

Capitol File hosted the “On the Scene” dinner at China Chilcano, bringing together DC friends across industries and spotlighting the restaurant’s fabulous ceviche bar and spring selections from José Andrés’s Chinese-Peruvian fusion menu.

Lessimus, omnis eossum ius alis vendipsapici nihil Jessica Speckhard, Sarah Mamula,

Nicole Mortier, and Marissa Mitrovich

Gloria DeRusso and James Grant

Joseph and Lindley Richardson

Scott Brewer and Catherine Arnaud-Charbonneau

CAPITOL FILE’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST OF REAL ESTATE & HOME DESIGN The best and brightest in real estate and home design joined Capitol File at the St. Gregory Hotel’s Tredici Enoteca. While sipping Peroni Nastro Azzuro and enjoying gourmet cuisine, guests mixed and mingled with the some of the best in the business, showcased in Capitol File’s recent issues.

Monica Boyd and Craig Davitian

Mark Riddle and Lisa Scroggins

Amber Bush-Joseph and Katherine Wellborn

CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

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INVITED Duff Rubin

Marin Hagen, Sylvia Bergstrom, and Rick Hoffman

James Braeu and Monique Ligthart

COLDWELL BANKER LUXURY AGENT LUNCHEON Capitol File hosted a luncheon to celebrate Coldwell Banker’s top luxury agents at The Jefferson, Washington, DC. Guests enjoyed lunch and conversation about the city’s luxury real estate market.

Betty Lynott, Adrianna Duggan, and Sheila Duncan-Peters

Phyllis Jane Young, Mike Schaeffer, Gary Jankowski, and Cody McBeth

Ivan De Irish and Anthony Lanier II

Peter Karounos, Derek Bills, and Dimitri Galanis

Anthony Carter

LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD JEWELERS’ THIRD ANNUAL BASELWORLD EVENT

Rolex watches on display.

Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers hosted its 3rd annual Rolex Baselworld event at its newly renovated watch boutique in Tysons Galleria. Eighty private guests were treated to an exceptional evening of acoustic music by former Bad Company bassist Paul Cullen, along with custom cocktails, inspired by the Rolex Sky-Dweller, and specialty Rolex Cellini sugar cookies. The evening was perfectly paired with an exquisite collection of timepieces.

Bruce Schauer and Fred Aghili

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY SNAP (COLDWELL BANKER); NICK KLEIN (LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD)

Alan and Vivian Dao

Tom and Liz Munz

Chuck Teubner, Lynda O’Dea, and Connie Cadwell

Frances Fang, Stephanie Roma-Brown, Patty Housman, and Kristen Hohman

THE FLEISHER GROUP’S 1800 HOLLY BEACH FARM ROAD EVENT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM BRECKENRIDGE (FLEISHER GROUP); JAY SNAP (CHAMBER DANCE PROJECT)

Greg Munz and Alison Kramer

Stephanie Martin and Carla Samson

Capitol File and The Fleisher Group hosted an event at the 1800 Holly Beach Farm Road historic estate in Annapolis, currently listed by Marc Fleisher. The afternoon included a tour of the expansive property, lawn games, and a raffle of a David Yurman bracelet, courtesy of Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers.

Cara and Travis Gray

Lessimus, omnis eossum ius alis vendipsapici nihil Marc Fleisher, Charles Oliver, Trish Yan, and James Semeyn

Paige Bestington, Patrick Palkens, Diane Coburn Bruning, and Angelina Sansone

CHAMBER DANCE PROJECT’S BALLET, BRASS & SONG OPENING NIGHT Chamber Dance Project held its opening night performance, “Ballet, Brass & Song,” an evening of short pieces, at Sidney Harman Hall. Guests attended an afterparty with Chamber Dance Project performers, where they enjoyed food, drinks, and—of course—dancing.

Elaine Kudo and Luz San Miguel

Chris Reed, Lena Seikaly, and Maureen Doyle

Peter and Cynthia Schiffrin with Patricia and John Bevacqua

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INVITED

Jessica Gomes and Nadia Fairfax

Murray and Reed Kessler

LONGINES LADIES AWARDS

Michelle Payne and Belinda Stronach

Georgina Bloomberg

Deb and Dave Boyd Nina Totenberg

Judith Batty and Edward Gero

ARENA STAGE LUNCHEON HONORING MOLLY SMITH Capitol File and Arena Stage held a luncheon at the Sofitel Lafayette Square to celebrate the theater’s artistic director, Molly Smith, as she enters her 20th-anniversary season. Guests enjoyed lunch and a lively discussion moderated by NPR’s Nina Totenberg.

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Peter Nguyen, Molly Smith, and Joseph Reef

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAI WILLIAMS (LONGINES LADIES); JAY SNAP (ARENA STAGE LUNCHEON)

Longines hosted its Ladies Awards at the Ronald Reagan Building in DC, to honor the leading women in the equestrian world.

Honorees Reed Kessler, Georgina Bloomberg, Michelle Payne, and the Hon. Belinda Stronach, PC, were recognized during the ceremony, which was attended by many prominent international equestrians.

HIGH SCHOOL WILL NEVER BE THE SAME

SEPT 8 8 7C

Join the biggest stars in entertainment for an unforgettable, live special, as we come together to rethink American high schools. Visit XQSuperSchool.org/live to get a sneak peek at the future of education.

XQ Institute and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) are 501(c)(3) organizations.

SCENE | STYLE | SPACE

EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT...

RETNA TAGS AIDA THE SUPERSTAR STREET ARTIST DISCUSSES HIS MODERN-DAY HIEROGLYPHICS FOR WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA.

BY SIMON CHIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON LAKE/COURTESY OF IRON EYE ART GROUP (TOP RIGHT); SAN FRANCISCO OPERA (BOTTOM LEFT) CORY WEAVER (REMAINING IMAGES)

Marquis Duriel Lewis, aka Retna, is an acclaimed contemporary artist known for his graffiti script fusing symbols from ancient cultures. On September 9, the Washington National Opera opens a production of Verdi’s Aida with his set designs, which lend a modern look to the canonical opera set in ancient Egypt.

Retna working on set designs for Aida (HERE AND TOP RIGHT).

ABOVE AND BOTTOM RIGHT: Scenes from the production are given a modern edge thanks to the artist’s eye-catching calligraphic designs.

What was the inspiration for your Aida designs?

I was trying to go in a very Egyptian style. My artwork has always been influenced by different cultures, and a lot of my symbols deal with obelisks and domes. Aida [is] a story of two distinct nations [Egypt and Ethiopia] at war. It was very consumed with what my work is about, and how different people from different cultures end up falling in love and come together to become one.

What was it like working with director Francesca Zambello?

Francesca gave me a lot of freedom.

There were parts of it where I was obviously intimidated, but she said, “Marquis, just be yourself, just do your style.”

How did you adapt your art for the opera stage?

I was blown away by the [scenes] with the fabrics. I had utilized them to make letters in a three-dimensional format, and then to see how the dancers would make other forms out of that fabric… It became like a sculpture. That was beautifully done. September 9–23, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW, 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org

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STYLE NOTES FROM THE RUNWAY

REBEL YELL FASHION EXPERT OF NEIMAN MARCUS FINDS EMPOWERMENT IN THIS SEASON’S PUNK ROCK TRENDS.

BY MARISSA MITROVICH

“WITH SO MUCH UNREST IN OUR OWN COUNTRY, DESIGNERS TOOK TO THIS REBEL VOICE AND USED THE RUNWAY TO VOICE OPINIONS.” —ken downing

34 CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

A look from Fendi’s fall runway.

Why punk? “With many designers moving out of the sedentary ’70s, the ’80s seemed like the next frontier to mine for ideas. Punk rock in the ’80s was much more about fashion and music instead of political commentary, but with so much unrest in our own country, designers really took to this rebel voice and used the runway as a stage to voice opinions.” What does the trend look like? “We’re seeing the return of the power suit for women via modern tailoring with an exaggerated shoulder.

The biker jacket has come back in a very strong way, replacing the bomber. Designers are announcing their points of view on message T-shirts, which harken back to Katharine Hamnett. Reds, from deep cranberry to bright lipstick, are many times accented with pale pink to shocking pink. Boots run up the leg, creating this cover and armor. The leather legging has returned, and it’s an interesting

THIS PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATWALKING/GETTY IMAGES. OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KEN DOWNING (DOWNING); CATWALKING/GETTY IMAGES (MICHAEL KORS AND CALVIN KLEIN); VICTOR VIRGILE/GAMMA-RAPHO VIA GETTY IMAGES (VICTORIA BECKHAM)

As senior vice president and fashion director for Neiman Marcus, Ken Downing is a widely trusted style authority.

For fall, he tells us, “Rebel voices are taking fashion by storm,” with heavy punk rock and ’80s influences resulting from the current state of politics. It’s an exciting time for empowerment in fashion, which is manifesting itself in wearable trends for everyday.

Looks from the new fall collections by (above, from left) Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Victoria Beckham, and Michael Kors. left: Ken Downing, senior vice president and fashion director for Neiman Marcus, says the return of punk-rock style is a reaction to today’s fractious politics.

dichotomy, where a trouser now is superwide with absolute menswear referencing.” How does DC wear this style? “As soon as you say ‘punk,’ it sounds like you’re talking about a T-shirt with profanity on it. That’s not the case. It comes through in the embellishment that appears on shoes and the details on a handbag.

The biker jacket is a pivotal piece in every woman’s wardrobe, adding edge to elegance.”

Will Congress take note? Attire rules— including a ban on sleeveless looks—are being enforced. “I can’t affect what’s happening

in Congress and how they will dress. That is so the opposite of where fashion is. But Raf Simons for Calvin Klein showed a biker jacket with silver roses that are very Americana, and a wrap skirt made out of fabrics that resemble the American flag. Calvin Klein and Proenza Schouler both presented modified cowboy boots, really showing the American spirit and inclusiveness of the fashion industry. What woman is this for? We saw every race, creed, color, body type, and age walking the runways.

Through adversity, good

things happen. Designers realize the importance in these times of truly empowering women. I thought that was a positive stride forward in our industry, because that is who the customer is.” It’s a beautiful, moving time, isn’t it? “It takes a lot to move me—not that I am jaded, but I have been doing this a long time. There is nothing I enjoy more than being delightfully surprised and taken off guard at a fashion show. It just felt right.”

Neiman Marcus is located in Mazza Gallerie, 202966-9700, and Tysons Galleria, 703-761-1600; neimanmarcus.com.

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CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM 35

SCENE SIP Trevor Frye shakes up the DC scene with his new bar Five to One.

MIXING MUSIC AT HIS NEW BAR, TREVOR FRYE CAN MAKE YOU A DRINK BASED ON YOUR FAVORITE SONG.

Cher, Reinvented We asked master mixologist Trevor Frye to design a drink for Capitol File’s cover star, Cher, and the result (RIGHT) is named after her hit “Dark Lady.” “Cher wears a sparkly dress in the video, which inspired the Champagne ingredient and the flute the drink is served in,” he says.

Rujero singani brandy, mezcal, agave mint syrup, lime juice, and a pinch of “worm salt” are finished with Côtes du Forez red wine and atomized chamomile extract.

Any mixologist worth his weight in cocktail napkins can make you a drink based on a few flavor preferences, such as bitter, sweet, or citrus. But Trevor Frye, formerly of Jack Rose and Dram & Grain, will customize a drink to your tastes in music—a rare talent and one of the many reasons his new bar’s opening has been so highly anticipated.

“If someone tells me they’re in a Tom Waits mood, I’ll make them something dark and stirred to sip on,” says Frye, founder of Five to One, a new music-themed bar on U Street that is, coincidentally, in the location of a former music store.

The three-level space is designed to mimic a music hall.

Concert posters deck the walls, and the lighting is dim with music to match the menu.

Featured drinks are in frequent rotation, influenced by the bands performing at the 9:30 Club just around the corner.

Five to One celebrates the similarities between attending a concert and enjoying a cocktail at a favorite watering hole; guests looking for that front-row experience can even reserve a seat in advance at the bar.

“When you go to a concert, you have a shared commonality,” says Frye. “Same with bars. There’s already a little bit of a rapport built in.” 903 U St. NW, 202629-2877; fivetoonedc.com

.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFFREY MARTIN

BY HOLLEY SIMMONS

STYLE TASTEMAKER

WORK IT! WEAR DC’S FALL OFFICE LOOKS FOR MEN AND WOMEN ARE BRINGING THE FUN. THESE THREE BOUTIQUES SHOW YOU HOW TO DO IT.

BY MARISSA MITROVICH

ARGENT Oversize images of women in quirky eyewear, bright lipstick, and vivid, well-cut suiting dominate the windows of The Shay in North Shaw, the site of the new Argent store. Shaking things up and helping women dominate the workplace is exactly why cofounders Sali Christeson and Eleanor Turner have brought their fashionforward workwear brand to this city of powerhouse players.

“Historically, the DC working woman hasn’t had fun options for work, much less functional ones,” says Turner. This season, she says, “a desire for versatility inspired an entire reversible program.” Also known for its creative use of color and clever prints, Argent is featuring “a bolder glen plaid in robin’s-egg blue and burgundy, unexpected turquoise and tangerine colors, and gingham for fall,” says Turner. “We love to turn things upside down!”

In addition to filling a void with style and functionality, Argent is on a mission to “drop-kick the glass ceiling” and help women beyond wardrobing. The store will serve as a community center to bring women together. Says Christeson, it’s about “connection, awareness, and empowerment.” 1921 Eighth St. NW, #115, 415-294-1991; argentwork.com

38 CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

Mock-neck sweater ($198), colorblocked blazer ($325), and colorblocked trousers ($238), Argent.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSIE ENGLISH

Washingtonians want to work hard, play hard, and look good doing it.

In response, the city has seen a rise in chic, edgy retail options.

LEFT: Sid Mashburn’s shop in Washington, DC. BELOW LEFT: Chelsea boot in tobacco suede, Sid Mashburn ($450). BELOW RIGHT: Joshua Milliard’s finely finished office-wear is available at Rizik’s.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSIE ENGLISH (ARGENT)

SID MASHBURN DC men are smitten with Sid Mashburn—both the man himself and his namesake Georgetown store. The men’s fashion pioneer and his shop exude all things cool. That is, cool but not intimidating. “We want you to feel like you’ve arrived at your friend’s house,” says Mashburn about the customer experience. His shop offers a range of thoughtfully selected menswear, everything from $65 Levi’s 501s to $10,000 handmade suits. “A little bit stretchy,” he says, “but accessible.”

For fall, Mashburn explains, “We are taking the suit and popping some of the air out of it—but not skinny, not tight, and not too short or shrunken.”

His top styles for the season include Chelsea boots and five-pockets, a dressier version of jeans, available in a range of fabrics and colors. Mashburn also believes men should invest in a really good piece of outerwear, though his highest priority is always making you “feel and look good.” 3206 N St. NW, 202-864-0365; sidmashburn.com RIZIKÕS Established in 1908, Rizik’s has historically been known for dressing the who’s-who of Washington.

Diplomats, first ladies, and the city’s elite have long been frequent customers of this iconic boutique. With a recent renovation and a refresh of its designers, however, Rizik’s is ready to reign again.

Ande Riggins-Johnson, general manager for Rizik’s, has selected more than 30 of the hottest designers in luxury fashion to fill the racks— Brandon Maxwell, Paule Ka, and Adam Lippes, to name a few. Her intention is to ensure that DC’s working women can “make their closets multitask,” and she guides customers toward styles and lines that fit their figure, which she prioritizes before addressing trends. Some standouts for fall officewear include a brocade suit with black Lurex thread

by Roberto Cavalli and boiled-wool culottes by Christian Siriano. 1100 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-223-4050; riziks.com

.

Double-breasted blazer ($328), wide-leg trousers ($238), and crepe shell ($118), Argent.

CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

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SCENE GOINGS ON David Litt, seen here working with President Obama, became a White House speechwriter at only 24.

THE WRITE STUFF WITH A NEW MEMOIR OUT ABOUT THE OBAMA YEARS, SPEECHWRITER DAVID LITT TALKS ABOUT ADULTING AT 1600 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.

At age 24, David Litt became one of the youngest White House speechwriters in history. In Thanks, Obama (HarperCollins; $28), due out September 19, Litt shares what it’s like to come of age in Washington while simultaneously writing speeches for the Leader of the Free World.

Why the title Thanks, Obama?

Thanks, Obama started off

as a joke, but became something a lot of people feel seriously. While the book has plenty of laugh out loud moments, it also ended up being about why the work we did in the White House mattered.

What is an example of a “Thanks, Obama” moment?

When my girlfriend, who is now my fiancé, wasn’t insured and we had to go on healthcare.gov, which at

40 CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

the time was a mess. In the book I talk about how annoying the website was but also the incredible relief that came from knowing she actually had coverage.

How did you end up in the Oval Office?

Almost every speechwriter, myself included, kind of falls bass ackwards into speechwriting. One of the things I learned about speechwriters is that you don’t get to script what

anyone is going to say. You get to do your best to help them sound like they would sound if they had the time to write the speech themselves. That was eye-opening to me. It made me more confident in the political process.

What is one crazy, amazing experience that you can share?

There was a time I mistook Justin Timberlake for an intern.

.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DAVID LITT (OBAMA AND LITT)

BY MARISSA MITROVICH

Photo credit: Rodney Bailey

301.987.0095

WWW.SYZYGYEVENTS.COM

SCENE GOINGS ON

SO HOT RIGHT NOW AS TEMPERATURES COOL, THE CITY’S CULTURAL CALENDAR HEATS UP. CHECK OUT OUR PICKS FOR FALL’S MUST-SEES.

“XYZT: ABSTRACT LANDSCAPES” AT ARTECHOUSE This new tech-focused art space has exploded onto the scene and is currently presenting “XYZT,” an experiential exhibition by French artists Adrien Mondot and Claire Bardainne.

Visitors move among 10 digital landscapes that shape-shift in response to physical interaction.

“The most rewarding thing has been seeing 99.9 percent of the attendees leaving with an art experience they’ve never had before,” says Artechouse managing director Tati. Get ready for your selfie, as the Instagram-worthy opportunities are endless. Through September 3, 1238 Maryland Ave. SW; artechouse.com 202CREATES Mayor Muriel Bowser’s monthlong initiative to support and celebrate DC’s creative community is back this September with even more exciting programming. “The District is a vibrant and diverse city that has creativity and inclusive innovation at its core,” says Angie Gates, director of the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment, which helps bring the mayor’s vision to life.

Gates is also proud to say that, going forward, some events will be held annually: the Labor Day Weekend Music Festival,

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CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AI WEIWEI STUDIO (THE ANIMAL THAT LOOKS LIKE A LLAMA, AI WEIWEI PORTRAIT); SHIRLAINE FORREST/WIREIMAGE (PERRY); NADIA ADONA (H STREET FESTIVAL); MARYANN LOMBARDI (202CREATES); COURTESY OF ARTECHOUSE (REMAINING IMAGES)

BY RACHEL COTHRAN

clockwise from far left: “XYZT: Abstract Landscapes” at Artechouse; Field of Vectors, part of “XYZT” at Artechouse; DC artist Kelly Towles painting a mural at SXSW in Austin for 202Creates; Katy Perry at the Glastonbury Festival in June; Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers at H Street Festival; “Ai Weiwei: Trace at Hirshhorn”; a detail view of Ai Weiwei’s The Animal That Looks Like a Llama but Is Really an Alpaca, 2015.

the 202 Arts & Music Festival, and celebrations marking the series’ opening and closing. September 1–30, various venues; 202creates.com KATY PERRY’S WITNESS TOUR On September 25, Katy Perry’s Witness tour roars into town for a one-nightonly performance at the Verizon Center. Sure to reflect the pop star’s recent transformations in both her empowering personal style and her woke lyrics, this evening of guaranteed fun (Left Shark, please!?) will certainly be one to, well, witness. September 25, 601 F St. NW, 202-628-3200; katyperry.com “AI WEIWEI: TRACE AT HIRSHHORN” On the heels of its smashhit show “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors,” the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden has opened “Ai Weiwei: Trace at Hirshhorn,” an exhibition of 170-plus portraits of free speech and human rights activists. Created using 1.2 million Lego bricks, the installation marks a triumphant DC return for works by this artist, who, after speaking critically of the Chinese government, was barred from leaving China to attend the opening of his

first major US retrospective, mounted at the Hirshhorn in 2012.

Through January 1, Independence Avenue and Seventh Street SW, 202633-1000; hirshhorn.si.edu H STREET FESTIVAL September brings the return of this beloved celebration, among the most popular of the city’s many vibrant festivals. Revelers can expect music, fashion, poetry, dance, children’s programming, and participatory art stations along the 10-block route—plus plenty of the unexpected.

September 16, H Street NE, from Fourth to 14th Streets; hstreetfestival.org IN THE HEIGHTS AT OLNEY THEATRE CENTER Before there was Hamilton, there was In the Heights. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first Broadway musical tells the story of immigrants in New York City navigating the complexities of identity, family, love, and the American dream. A collaboration between the Olney and the Round House Theatre, the production stars original cast member and two-time Tony Award nominee Robin de Jesús.

September 6 to October 8, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, 301-9243400; olneytheatre.org

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CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM 43

SCENE BY THE NUMBERS

COMMANDER IN TWEET! PRESIDENT TRUMP IS NOT THE ONLY POLITICAL LEADER USING SOCIAL MEDIA AS A PLATFORM TO COMMUNICATE WITH CONSTITUENTS. BY MARISSA MITROVICH

535 ONE-HUNDRED SENATORS AND 435 HOUSE

5,000,000

REPRESENTATIVES

The number of viewers

HAVE ACTIVE

who tune in per episode

TWITTER

for Good Luck America,

ACCOUNTS, FOR

100,000

UNANIMOUS

OF THE 115TH CONGRESS ON THE SOCIAL PLATFORM.

show, which just won an

100,000 LIKES AND RETWEETS WERE MADE IN THE NEARLY SIX HOURS PRESIDENT TRUMP’S OVERNIGHT “COVFEFE” TWEET WAS

Edward R. Murrow

LIVE. URBAN DICTIONARY HAS 487 USER-SUBMITTED DEFINITIONS

Award for Excellence in

FOR THE MYSTERIOUS WORD. THE PRESIDENT’S FOLLOW-UP

??? ENJOY!”—GARNERED 50,000 RESPONSES. FASHION NOTE:

included senators Cory

RACHELLE HRUSKA DESIGNED A COVFEFE SWEATER (ABOVE) STILL

Booker, Steve Daines,

44 CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC SOCIAL-MEDIA ACCOUNTS FOR THE SUPREME COURT AND ITS JUSTICES. THIS BRANCH SAVES ITS OPINIONS FOR THE COURTROOM.

ZERO

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT INFO@LINGUAFRANCA.NYC. THAT’S THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS FOLLOWING SENATE MAJORITY LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL ON INSTAGRAM; MINORITY LEADER CHARLES SCHUMER HAS 34.1K. IN THE HOUSE, SPEAKER PAUL RYAN HAS 95.3K TO MINORITY LEADER NANCY PELOSI’S 73.9K.

Innovation. Guests have

TWEET—“WHO CAN FIGURE OUT THE TRUE MEANING OF ‘COVFEFE’

Lindsey Graham, John McCain, Chris Murphy, Rand Paul, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren, and

36

A FACEBOOK VIDEO OF THE 36-HOUR #BIPARTISANROADTRIP THAT REPRESENTATIVES WILL HURD (R–TEX.) AND BETO O’ROURKE (D–TEX.)

representatives Beto O’Rourke and

MADE FROM TEXAS TO CONGRESS HAS BEEN VIEWED MORE THAN 1 MILLION TIMES.

Eric Swalwell.

.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LINGUA FRANCA (SWEATER); SHUTTERSTOCK.COM (SNAPCHAT)

REPRESENTATION

Snapchat’s political news

Matt McCormick J O I N S T T R S OT H E B Y ’S I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E A LT Y Matt McCormick has joined TTR Sotheby’s International Realty as Executive Vice President. With over 30 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate, McCormick consistently ranks as one the nation’s top producing real estate professionals and is among the most highly regarded professionals in the Washington Metropolitan Region, with annual sales consistently surpassing $100 million.

Beginning his real estate career at CB Commercial in Washington, D.C., McCormick served in various senior executive level positions at Charles E. Smith, one of Washington’s premiere development and management companies. In 2004, after two years as the Chief Marketing Officer for Archstone-Smith, McCormick joined Washington Fine Properties, where he quickly became one of its top producers and was consistently ranked in the top 100 agent teams in America.

G EO RG E TOW N | D OW N TOW N D C | C H EV Y C H AS E | A N N A P O L I S | M C L E A N | A L E X A N D R I A | A R L I N GTO N

ttrsir.com

STYLE #TRENDING Resin baroque pearl and crystal necklace, $2,280, at Gucci in CityCenterDC.

Extreme cologne, $130, by Tom Ford at Neiman Marcus.

HAUTE COLLEGIATE THIS FALL, FASHION GOES BACK TO SCHOOL WITH CLASSIC TWEEDS AND SUPPLE LEATHERS. BY FAYE POWER Ali MacGraw in Love Story, 1971.

Runway pilot sunglasses, $250, at Tory Burch, Georgetown.

Off campus, on the runway: With rich monotones accented with a statement patterned tweed, Stella McCartney flaunted the cold-weather collegiate styles taking haute couture by storm at her Fall/Winter 2017 show.

Coat, $3,250, at Bottega Veneta.

Large rounded ring, $400, at Christian Dior in CityCenterDC.

Leather double-T loafer, $825, by Tod’s at Neiman Marcus.

46 CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

Hardcase check-print shoulder bag, $498, at Tory Burch, Georgetown.

Stud earrings, $440, at Gucci in CityCenterDC.

Leather football, $150, at Shinola.

Alem no.

High-heel Patursulvit, patus leather Chelsea boot, derortabem ordio, $1,000,

by Fendi at sentemqua cepos Saks Fifth Avenue caet Castere Theus Collection statquit.inLius, in at Chevy Chase. tia din deo, qIhilica resenic eracibunum qua

Gold-plated steel-case watch with leather strap, $2,625, at Hermès in CityCenterDC.

Bag, $4,550, at Louis Vuitton in CityCenterDC.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETTMANN/CONTRIBUTOR/GETTY IMAGES (MACGRAW)

Arthur Script large briefcase, $928, at Tory Burch, Georgetown.

ARLINGTON

3905 N Upland Street Arlington, VA $2,395,000 MICHAEL RANKIN +1 202 271 3344

SHAW

1806 9th Street NW | Unit 1 & 2 Washington, DC

BOXLEY FARMS 18599 Calumet Lane Bluemont, VA $2,995,000 18599calumet.com ROB CARNEY +1 703 927 4290

POTOMAC

10017 Bentcross Drive Potomac, MD

Unit 1: $1,395,000 Unit 2: $1,595,000

$5,295,000

ROB SANDERS +1 202 744 6463 BRENT JACKSON +1 202 263 9200

MAURA SHANNON +1 301 346 4183

CLEVELAND PARK

3124 38th Street NW Washington, DC $3,995,000 JONATHAN TAYLOR +1 202 276 3344 MAXWELL RABIN +1 202 669 7406

LOGAN CIRCLE

1934 15th Street Washington, DC $2,722,000

DANIEL HEIDER +1 703 785 7820

KENT

2946 Chain Bridge Road NW Washington, DC $3,995,000

JONATHAN TAYLOR +1 202 276 3344

BLOOMINGDALE

30 Florida Ave NW | 8 Units Washington, DC Upper $400s ROB SANDERS +1 202 744 6463 BRENT JACKSON +1 202 263 9200

PHILLIPS PARK

2166 Dunmore Lane NW Washington, DC $4,950,000 MICHAEL RANKIN +1 202 271 3344 STEPHANIE OKONEK +1 301 580 8661

WEST END

2501 Pennsylvania Avenue PH2B Washington, DC $5,995,000 JONATHAN TAYLOR +1 202 276 3344 MAXWELL RABIN +1 202 669 7406

NORTH ARLINGTON 2501 N Lincoln Street Arlington, VA $3,000,000 DANIEL HEIDER +1 703 785 7820

ROSSLYN

Turnberry Tower 1881 Nash Street # 2209 Arlington, VA $2,499,540 DANIEL HEIDER +1 703 785 7820

G EO RG ETOW N, DC BRO K ERAGE +1 202 333 1 2 1 2 | D OWNTOWN, D C BROKE RAGE +1 202 234 334 4 | CHEV Y CHASE , MD B ROKE RAG E +1 3 0 1 967 3 3 44 A N NAP O LIS, MD BRO K ERAGE +1 410 2 80 56 00 | MCLE AN, VA BROKE RAGE +1 703 319 334 4 | ALE XAN DRI A, VA B ROKE RAGE +1 703 3 10 680 0 AR LI NGTON, VA BROKE RAGE +1 703 74 5 1 21 2

ttrsir.com

©2017 TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed real estate broker. Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

Equal housing opportunity. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Price and availability subject to change.

SCENE DINE “This dish incorporates carrot in the egg pasta base, giving it balanced, sweet notes,” says chef Amy Brandwein of her spaghetti alla chitarra. “I love introducing people to pastas made with unfamiliar ingredients, grains, or greens.”

AMY BRANDWEIN Who: Chef-owner of Italian hotspot Centrolina, who earlier this year snagged a James Beard Award nomination. The hard part of pasta: “Nailing the texture and elasticity. You have to tinker with it, depending on the humidity and the size of the egg.”

Centrolina style: “We have six pastas, and each dough is made differently, for the shape and mouth feel we’re going for.” What’s hot: “A red-wine pasta dough made with truffles. We put it together with woodroasted mushrooms and garlic.” Fall favorites: “All the ragùs, the beautiful squash, the bitter greens. It’s time to cook all that woodroasted food.” 974 Palmer Alley NW, 202-898-2426; centrolinadc.com

AL DENTE TWO OF DC’S TOP CHEFS ARE SAUCED UP ABOUT 2017’S PASTA RESURGENCE.

BY HOLLEY SIMMONS

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY TK; ILLUSTRATION BY TK

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG POWERS

ED SCARPONE Who: The brand-new executive chef of Michelin-starred Fiola by Fabio Trabocchi. Italian roots: “Before the water even started boiling, my grandmother had the dough rolled, cut, and ready to go.”

Inspirations: “An unusual combination of ingredients or a classic flavor I want to tweak. I’m not going to Instagram to

find something to cook.”

Why pasta now? “Crafts have fallen by the wayside in every industry; pasta is one of these. People want to elevate it to an art form.” Fiola’s most popular: “The tasting menu; we can change it daily with the most high-quality ingredients.”

The Fiola experience: “Anyone can go to a restaurant and eat, but if you’re baking a whole chicken in a pumpkin and serving it tableside, everything comes full circle.” 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-628-2888; fioladc.com

“The tortellini includes Parmesan foam, roasted porcini, and truffle,” says Fiola’s executive chef, Ed Scarpone.

“It’s simple.

Simplicity is its own form of sophistication.”

A CELEBRATION OF THE FASCINATING FLAVORS OF PERU FROM JOSÉ ANDRÉS

RESERVATIONS • 202.783.0941 or chinachilcano.com 418 7th Street NW • Washington, DC

THINKFOODGROUP.COM

STYLE FRAGRANCE

THE NEW CLASSIC Chanel introduces its first “pillar” fragrance in 15 years: Named after the founder herself,Gabrielle Chanel Eau de Parfum features four florals, including orange blossom and tuberose. Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Dr., McLean, 703-8470555; chanel.com

SEASONAL SPRITZ Jo Malone London launches two colognes with a base of roasted oak absolute: English Oak & Redcurrant adds rose, while English Oak & Hazelnut includes cedar ($135 each for 100 ml). CityCenterDC, 202-7894239; jomalone.com

SCENTS AND THE CITY

BY CHRISTINA CLEMENTE

As you swap your summer whites and billowy linens for darker hues and heavier fabrics, autumn likewise calls for a fragrance revamp—especially as we continue to forgo signature scents for perfume wardrobes. “We see customers

50 CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

trying something new instead of replenishing old favorites,” says Stacie Borteck, vice president and DMM of cosmetics for Bloomingdale’s. This season, there’s no shortage of unique, bold fragrances to add to your collection.

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WORLD TRAVELER For September, Washingtonians will have access to all 11 of Le Labo’s city-inspired scents (usually sold only in each location), such as London’s Poivre 23 (100ml for $460), a spicy oriental, and Gaiac 10 (100ml for $460), a woodsy musk inspired by Tokyo. 1924 8th St. NW, Ste. 120, 202-986-0600; lelabofragrances.com

AU NATUREL Dahlia Divin Eau de Parfum Nude, from Givenchy, enhances the skin’s natural aroma with notes of apricot, jasmine, and white musk. Macy’s, 1201 G St. NW, 202-628-6661; macys.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DENNIS GOVONI/GETTY IMAGES

FROM AN AUTUMNAL BLEND OF ENGLISH OAK TO A MUSKY ACCORD WITH A FLORAL TWIST, REFRESH YOUR FRAGRANCE WARDROBE WITH THE SEASON’S TOP NOTES.

STYLE SOCIAL NETWORK

GLAM ON THE GO

“THE OLDER I GET, THE MORE I REALIZE I NEED TO TAKE CARE OF MY BODY, SKIN, AND HAIR.” —MEG BIRAM

DC LIFESTYLE BLOGGER MEG BIRAM SHARES HER BEAUTY TIPS FOR FALL.

BY STEPHANIE GREEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA METZLER (TOP LEFT IMAGE, BOTTOM IMAGE); EMMA WEISS (CENTER RIGHT IMAGE)

For Meg Biram, it’s clear that the secret to a well-curated Instagram feed (39.2k followers and counting) is a well-curated life.

The social-media influencer likes to dip her well-pedicured toes into everything—travel, interior design, teacup cocktails, perfumed deodorant—but beauty advice remains a favorite subject.

Capitol File caught up with her to discuss the latest.

Beauty notes: “The older I get, the more I realize I need to take care of my body, skin, and hair. I try to tell the story behind the products; the science is fascinating.” District destinations: “PR at Partners K Street for hair (2033 K St. NW, 202-862-3870; pratpartners.com/k-street), Nail Saloon (1508 14th St. NW, 202-299-0095; thenailsaloon.com) and Varnish Lane (5236 44th St. NW, 202-506-5308; varnish lane.com) for manicures.

Caudalie (953 Palmer Alley NW, 202-898-0804; us.caudalie.com) for the grape-water facial spray, and Bluemercury (3320 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-2440001; bluemercury.com) for the microdermabrasion exfoliator.”

Black-tie hair: “A low bun. It’s easy, and I can do it myself—messy or sleek depending on what I’m wearing.” Go-to services: “GlamSquad (glamsquad.com).

And my friend Claire Ashley (claireashleybeauty.com) sometimes does my makeup.” Top fall trend: “I haven’t tried the wet lid look, but I want to. The colorblock lid would be fun.” @megbiram; megbiram.com

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Pro tip: Meg Biram often saves time by wearing a chic and easy-to-style low bun for galas.

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SPACE DESIGN The foyer of the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom in Washington, DC.

Hive sconce, $1,200,

by Arteriors at Theodores Furniture.

Mosaic tile, $25 per square foot,

by Mark Williams for Stonelluxe at stonelluxe.com.

GEOMETRY LESSON

Tariq console, $2,070,

by Noir at Decorium Gift and Home.

IT’S HIP TO NOT BE SQUARE THIS SEASON WITH GRAPHIC AND WHIMSICAL HEXAGONS.

BY LAUREN FINNEY

Hexagon wallpaper in teal/ gold, available to the trade, by Cole & Son at Lee Joffa, The Design Center.

Antwerp pedestal table, $995, at Jonathan Adler.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE RITZ-CARLTON, WASHINGTON, DC

Spade Cube ottoman, $450, at jaysonhome.com.

Go ahead, be fabulous.

Just protect yourself.

When you’re out in the sun be sure to protect your skin. Shade, sunscreen, and a cover-up can go a long way to helping your natural beauty shine through.

Go with your own glow™ SkinCancer.org

©2008-2015 The Skin Cancer Foundation Campaign created in cooperation with Laughlin Constable, laughlin.com

SCENE AUTO

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FRONT ROW SEAT LEXUS’S GROUNDBREAKING NEW FLAGSHIP SPORTS CAR, THE 2018 LC500, IS BREATHTAKING BOTH INSIDE AND OUT. HERE, TAKE ITS NEXT-GENERATION INTERIOR FOR A TEST-DRIVE. BY NATE CHAPNICK

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GAUGE CLUSTER

STEERING WHEEL

Inspired by Lexus’s LFA supercar, the center gauge ring [1] employs thin-film transistor (TFT) display technology and moves to the left and right while driving. Metallic-trimmed rotary knobs [2] next to the steering wheel provide quick traction control and suspension setting changes. Plus, the low instrument panel position and low hood line [3] help give the driver a commanding view of the road, despite a very low, sporty seating position.

In addition to a leatherstitched center cap [4], attention to detail is on display in the outer wheel [5], too, which features different circumferences and careful stitching for the perfect grip, allowing the magnesium-alloy paddle shifters [6] to fall readily into hand.

CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

DOOR PANEL

The flowing lines of the door panels [7] add visual depth and a sense of constant movement to the interior, while the metallic

door handle [8] is perfectly contoured to the hand.

CENTER CONSOLE

Embedding the 10.3-inch color screen [9] in the leather dash (at the level of the instrument cluster) while extending the center stack [10] toward the driver adds depth—a plus for ergonomics and the driver’s sight lines. The screen responds to the Remote Touch Interface pad, displaying everything from navigation instructions to Lexus’s Enform App Suite. In a nod to

old-school luxury, Lexus added an elegant analog timepiece [11] just to the right of the screen.

LEATHER DETAILING

“Takumi” is the Japanese word for artisan, and Lexus’s takumi craftsmanship is on full display in the meticulously wrapped leather gearshift [12], the contrast stitching just underneath the magnesium-colored climate control buttons [13], and the sculpted side bolster [14], which gradually rises to create a grab handle for

passengers and add another layer of depth to the interior design.

LOWER CONSOLE

Knurled seeking and tuning buttons, as well as a gleaming volume knob [15], make audio adjustments painless. A high, well-padded armrest [16] is ideal for operating Lexus’s new Remote Touch Interface pad, which understands gesture inputs like swiping, tapping, and drawing when entering various infotainment commands.

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CALLING ALL PARTY ANIMALS FOR SOME MONKEY BUSINESS! Honoring Harrison Ford and Betty White for their Conservation Efforts Thursday, September 28 Forego the “monkey suits” and break out the animal print to celebrate and support the Zoo’s wildlifeconservation programs. Against the backdrop of a tropical rainforest, see live animals up close and dance the night away while enjoying sustainablysourced foods inspired by global cultures. The gala is hosted by Zoo advisory board members Angie Marriot and Ziad S. Ojakli.

nationalzoo.si.edu/gala (202) 633-3144 / ZooRSVP@si.edu A portion of each ticket purchase is tax deductible.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute It’s a conspiracy (of lemurs) Did you know…

A group of orangutans is called a “congress.”

A group of lemurs is called a “conspiracy.”

A group of monkeys is called a “barrel” or “troop.”

IGNITING A PASSION FOR WILDLIFE As the Washington, D.C. region’s favorite destination for families with children, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through

PHOTOS: Visit baby orangutan Redd (top) and giant panda cub

engaging experiences with animals and the people working to save them. Open

Bei Bei (middle) at the Zoo. Spring 2017 brought a cheetah cub boom (bottom) at SCBI.

364 days a year and with free admission, the Zoo has some of Earth’s rarest animals that serve as ambassadors for their species.

SAVING SPECIES AROUND THE WORLD Our scientists and animal care experts can be found at the Zoo, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s (SCBI) 3,200-acre campus in Front Royal, Virginia and in more than 30 countries across the globe. Through the study and breeding of endangered wildlife, we are unraveling the mysteries of declining populations and directly impacting the survival and recovery of species and ecosystems.

SPACE ’HOOD

SHAW’S HIDDEN GEMS REAL ESTATE EXPERT ANDREW SMITH SHOWS US AROUND ONE OF DC’S HOTTEST NEIGHBORHOODS.

“I start my day at La Colombe (924 Blagden Alley NW, 202-289-4850; lacolombe.com),” says Andrew Smith of TTR Sotheby’s. “I go to work on my own because of the nice, tranquil environment, and it’s off the beaten path. I set up my laptop, have a cup of coffee, and do emails before heading out for the day.

“I often take a spin through the Darryl Carter showroom (1320 9th St. NW, 202-234-5926; darrylcarter.com) to get inspiration for home design. Anyone can go in; you just knock on the door. You’ll find pieces from housewares to unique antiques Darryl has collected throughout the country that fit his clean and modern traditional aesthetic.

“For lunch, I like to go to Sundevich (1314 9th St. NW, 202-319-1086), which is hidden in an alleyway—seems to be a recurring theme in Shaw. I’ve tried most of the sandwiches, and they’re all fantastic. It’s gourmet deliciousness.

“I love Read Wall (1921 8th St. NW, 202-733-1913; readwall.com) for custom suiting. They measure you in-store, and you can pick the fabric and lining, and get initials embroidered inside. Super chic.

“I take classes at Solidcore Shaw (1821 7th St. NW, 202-643-7765; solidcore.co). I don’t go as much as I should, but I love it. You’ll burn afterward, but the next day you will be so glad you did it. The arms-and-abs class is my favorite. I’m a fan of all the instructors.

“My favorite restaurant is The Dabney (122 Blagden Alley NW, 202-450-1015; thedabney.com). I’ve been lucky enough to dine there on multiple occasions. It absolutely deserves the Michelin star it was awarded. I’ve gone there for dates with my partner, with friends, and for work dinners. It’s a special place that wows, and it’s great for celebrations.”

TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, 1206 30th St. NW, 202-333-1212; ttrsir.com

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Shaw and tell: Some of Andrew Smith’s (INSET) favorite spots around Shaw include (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) Darryl Carter, Solidcore, The Dabney, and La Colombe.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT HENRICHSEN PHOTOGRAPHY (SMITH); GORDON BEALL (DARRYL CARTER); COURTESY OF LA COLOMBE (LA COLOMBE); ANDREW CEBULKA (THE DABNEY)

BY MARISSA MITROVICH

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Alexandria 703.518.8300 | Annapolis Church Circle 410.263.8686 | Annapolis Plaza 410.224.2200 | Arlington 703.524.2100 Bethesda 301.718.0010 | Capitol Hill 202.547.3525 | Dupont/Logan Circle 202.387.6180 | Fairfax 703.691.1400 Georgetown 202.333.6100 | Leesburg 703.771.8888 | North Potomac/Rockville 301.921.1040 | Potomac 301.983.0200 Prince William Parkway 703.763.1950 | Reston 703.471.7220 | Vienna 703.938.5600 *comScore, Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2016. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS® are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. ©2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 150400BRK-4/17

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SCENE GETAWAY

MAGNIFICENT MÉRIDA

The entrance at Chablé sets the tone at this historic property, which sits on a former sisal plantation.

SPA TREATMENTS TAKE INSPIRATION FROM ANCIENT MAYA AT THE GORGEOUS MEXICAN WELLNESS RESORT CHABLÉ.

BY RIMA SUQI

Creating a resort on a historic property can be a daunting task, but at Chablé, a luxurious Mexican property about 30 minutes outside Mérida, the team has nailed it. Guests arrive at a 19th century manor house,

58 CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

an age-old building set on 750 acres of a former sisal—or agave—plantation.

Accommodations, however, are very much of the 21st century. Outside, individual pool villas are surrounded by lush greenery, outdoor showers,

and hammocks; inside, floor-to-ceiling windows make it seem like you’re sleeping in the jungle. A world-class spa features Mayan-inspired treatments, as well as yoga and meditation, and the opportunity to have a healing session with

a shaman. Wellness extends to culinary offerings from the regional, seasonal cuisine (much of it sourced from the resort’s own garden) to the daily juice offered at breakfast to the extensive wine and tequila offerings (be sure to try the

house añejo). For those who want to venture outside the property, the beaches of Celestún and incredible Mayan ruins of Uxmal are only a short drive away.

Rates from $1,040 per night, including breakfast, chableresort.com.

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BELIEVE!

As Cher returns to MGM National Harbor with her smash Las Vegas show, we sat down with the living icon to talk about her career, the costumes, and of course, life after love.

by ANDREA BENNETT photography by ANDREW MACPHERSON

✺ IT’S HARDLY ACCURATE to say that Cher’s having a moment—she’s been having them since 1965. The genre-busting star’s career of hit songs, television shows, blockbuster films, and awards has included such moments as accepting her 1988 Oscar statue for Moonstruck in a nearly completely sheer, black Bob Mackie gown, and her 1986 Oscars outfit—with mohawk headdress made of 800 rooster feathers—that Mackie admits he questioned as “overkill.” (It is one of the most famous ensembles ever to have attended the Academy Awards.) She has taken a few farewell laps: Her 2002 Living Proof tour began as a 59-date tour in North America and morphed into 326 appearances around the world; a three-year residency at the Colosseum; and another farewell tour—Dressed to Kill—in 2014. The day we spoke, she’d just added 18 dates to her extended Classic Cher engagement at The Park Theater at Monte Carlo and the new theater at MGM National Harbor. And in March, the septuagenarian opened her National Harbor show by asking the audience, “What’s your grandmother doing tonight?” At this moment, as she kicks off another string of shows at MGM National Harbor, on August 31, Cher is saying farewell to no one.

Obviously, you’re not calling this a farewell tour. What does it take to pull you out of quieter times?

I don’t know! Each time, I’ve honestly thought this was the end, because you can only do it for so long. There’s a finite time. And

who knows if anyone’s ever going to want to come see you again?

So you start it, but you have no idea what’s going to happen. I think it’s fun and that’s your main objective. I mean, you want to bring people to a place that brings them great joy and that reminds them of a time in their life. And I’m always surprised at how many young people come too, because you don’t expect that.

Do you still have the same excitement when you go on stage?

You have to let yourself be free to enjoy it. I know what it’s like not to enjoy it, and it’s really not fun, so if you give yourself permission to have fun, then everything else falls into place. I’ve felt like I was being held back [before], and this place just allows me all the freedom that I want.

You pre-dated any performer we think of as edgy. Is there anyone contemporary you think is pushing boundaries the way you were in the ’60s and ’70s?

Of course I do, but when I was doing it, I was the only one that was doing it, so it was a little bit harder. When I went on the boat and did “Turn Back Time” [on the battleship USS Missouri in a fishnet body stocking surrounded by the ship’s crew], people freaked out, and it got taken off MTV, and people were shocked—and how could I? and whatever. And now anyone can do anything. I was the first person ever to show their bellybutton on TV. Well, it doesn’t sound like much now, but it was a big deal then. So some-

CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM 61

Small-town aspiring singer Ali (Christina Aguilera) doesn’t make an appearance in this rendition of “Welcome to Burlesque” from the movie they did together in 2010. It’s all Cher.

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Cher has worn dozens of headdresses to perform her smash hit, “Half-Breed,” but the song has the same power it did when she first recorded it in 1973.

“WHEN WE FIRST STARTED WORKING TOGETHER, THE IDEAL WAS THE TURNED-UP NOSE, SQUEAKY-CLEAN BLUE-EYED GIRL, AND YET THERE WERE MILLIONS OF GIRLS WHO HAD OLIVE SKIN AND A BIGGER NOSE. CHER GAVE THEM THE FREEDOM TO BE WHO THEY ARE.”—bob mackie

✺ DRESSER CONFESSOR body’s got to be blazing some trails.

You’d only sung “I Got You Babe” on the road once, and now with Sonny on a huge screen, you’re singing it together again. What prompted you to bring it back?

Well, a couple of things. I figured this is probably going to be the last time, no matter what I’m thinking, and I was thinking that he would just love that. I didn’t think I could do it before. I didn’t think I’d actually get through it. And then when we were in rehearsal, just to see if I could get through it, I really enjoyed it. When he died, everything changed. When he was alive, we could fight or do whatever we wanted to, but then all of a sudden he was gone, and it was a big loss—a huge loss. Our marriage was the least important thing that we did together.

Was it a revelation when you realized you could get through it? And maybe even have fun with it?

Yeah. It was the having fun with it that really changed things. Every night when I do it, I see him and it’s different. Warm. We had rough times, but every time I see him and we’re singing together, I like it. Look, we always had a good time working together. That’s just what Sonny and Cher was. If he came back today, we’d be able to pick up and do the same thing that we did before. Once we were in rehearsal and I realized that it wasn’t scary, and it didn’t make me feel bad, or make me feel sad, I was kind of thrilled because it added something new, and it added something new for me, and it was fun to see him.

There’s a clip in the show of you accepting your Oscar, where you said, “I’d never been accepted. I’d succeeded at everything I ever tried, but I’d never been part of the group.” But you’re Cher! Is it important to be accepted?

It’s not very important to me now, but it was in the beginning. Because you want to be accepted by your peers, except I didn’t have any peers. There was no one welcoming me with open arms, so finally it took me a while to not care. There was always a point in my career, and that never stopped, that I was going to do what I wanted. But I was always going to be terrified to do what I wanted. And so I wanted to do it, and I was afraid, but not afraid enough to not do it.

Have the best moments of your career been the ones people would expect?

I think that most of the time that’s true, but it’s not

true all the time. I did a play on Broadway and it wasn’t a huge success, [Ed Graczyk’s Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, in 1982, directed by Robert Altman, a role she later reprised on screen]. But for me it was a milestone, and I got Silkwood from it. And I would have enjoyed it if I hadn’t gotten anything from it because it was just for me exciting and fun and unusual. It was an unbelievable amount of freedom and I loved acting. Sometimes things just come to you and they might not look like what you’re expecting but something makes it special and amazing to you.

It feels like there’s a lesson in there…

Well, for sure that was a freak. Because I was going to do an audition and then my mother thought I was someplace else and she called Bob Altman and they knew each other. And he said, “What’s Cher doing this year?” and my mom said, “She’s doing this that and the other,” and he called me and he said, “I’m going to send you a script,” and that was the Broadway play. And it was something that opened a door for me that was a whole new chapter of my life and I loved it.

Do you love acting for the same reasons you like performing onstage?

It’s different. It’s much different. I always say this but I always mean it. Singing is like going to a party at someone else’s house and acting is like throwing the party at your own house.

Do you have a favorite part of your show?

And a favorite costume?

“Burlesque” I like the most. It’s just so much fun and it’s kind of new… like a little baby play. And I love the songs—and it’s choreographed so well. I just really enjoy it. I think the gold dress is really beautiful [worn with a blond wig and a gold halo in “After All”]. I’m singing in the boat. I enjoy the costume-wearing, too. It’s fun to make a storyline that isn’t just music. It’s just like an extra part of performance. It’s not like in a film where you put your work clothes on and it gives you an insight into the character that you wouldn’t otherwise have maybe, but the costumes are kind of like the cherry on the top.

You’re returning to MGM National Harbor.

How do you feel about the DC–Baltimore area?

People will come from all kinds of places. I do really well in that particular section of the United States. So I’m not worried about that part at all.

Those people are great, rowdy fans.

.

Cher’s longtime friend and costume designer Bob Mackie weighs in.

You’ve been working with Cher for a long time. Yes, 50 years…terrifying! And we were full-blown adults when we met.

Do you have a favorite costume for this show? I don’t have a favorite. Some of the looks go back to the beginning, like the headdress [“Half Breed”], and the bellbottoms [“I Got You Babe”]. The costume she wears for “Woman’s World” is exciting—it’s all turquoise with a big afro, and that’s a whole new costume. And when she comes out on the boat [for “After All,”] she’s like a religious icon. She falls into all these ethnic groups so beautifully—African, Indian, Middle Eastern. You never lose her in a costume. When we first started working together, the ideal was the turned-up nose, squeaky-clean blue-eyed girl, and yet there were millions of girls who had olive skin and a bigger nose. Cher gave them the freedom to be who they are.

It’s been said that there are dozens of major fashion moments that wouldn’t have happened without your collaboration with Cher—like the Met Gala dress that Kim Kardashian wore in 2015 inspired by a dress you made for Cher in 1974.

In the beginning, she was the only one who [dressed up]. The pop music stars thought it was cool to wear T-shirts—whatever you showed up in. Cher loved getting dressed.

Then Madonna, and now Gaga, Pink, J Lo, Britney: Every time they change a song they change their clothes. That Met dress—Cher wore it to the Met Gala in 1974, and I was her date, and the place went crazy. Then, people just wore nice clothes, and now it looks like a costume ball. [Kardashian] didn’t look like Cher.

What are your favorite memories of working with Cher through the years?

The woman is still the girl she was years ago. Nowadays, she has a little more of an opinion. When she wanted that mohawk for the Academy Awards, she was mad at the Academy because she hadn’t been nominated for Mask. “Don’t you think it’s a little overkill?” I asked. “No, it’ll be fine,” she said.

And that picture has shown up every year since 1986.

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left: Jacket in Nero cotton and silk smoking twill, $3,650, and pants in Nero cotton and silk smoking twill, $1,440, both at Bottega Veneta, Tysons Galleria; bodysuit, $185, at falke.com; Rejane Opera clutch in Black Box calf leather, $3,400, at moynat.com; gold skinny flat-plate choker, $195, at jenniferfisherjewelry.com; Alcazar ring, $145, at aureliebidermann.com. right: Heavy double-faced wool jacket, $3,520, and pants, $2,290, both by The Row at Neiman Marcus, Tysons Galleria; white cotton dress shirt, $1,250,

by Fendi at Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase; Cinhetic bag, $5,350, at Hermès, CityCenterDC; Pennies from Heaven earrings, $440, at attling.com.

left: Power jacket in graham, $585, and HW pleat pants in graham, $455, both at theory .com; cashmere long-sleeved turtleneck sweater, $695, and calfskin belt, $185, both at Max Mara, Tysons Galleria; Jacno camel loafers, $595,

by Pierre Hardy at ssense.com; long classic gloves, $500, at jilsander.com; Roulis mini bag, $6,850, at Hermès, CityCenterDC. right: Angela blazer in scarlet red, $1,595, vest pants in scarlet red, $1,095, and Steinem turtleneck in red, $595, all by Gabriela Hearst at Saks Fifth Avenue, Tysons Galleria; double-buckle leather shoes, $650, at santonishoes.com; Thalia Cocktail handbag, $1,150, at Salvatore Ferragamo, CityCenterDC; Sans pavÊ curved bar necklace, $1,050, by Paige Novick at Saks Fifth Avenue, Tysons Galleria; gold 2.5-inch Samira hoop earrings, $550, at jenniferfisherjewelry.com.

De Gaulle TM jacket, $2,910, Darleen top, $670, and Dexter pants, $1,520, all at jilsander.com; shoes, $595, at church-footwear.com; Cinhetic bag, $5,350, at Hermès, CityCenterDC; black Pioneer calf leather eyelet belt, $765, at alexandermcqueen.com.

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Double-breasted blazer, $1,895, classic straight-leg pants, $895, stocking top, $1,075, and Western boots, $1,295, all by CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC at Relish, Cady’s Alley.

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Jacket in navy wool felt, $2,850, trousers in navy wool felt, $1,600, and shirt in white featherweight leather, $3,250, all by CĂŠline at Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase; Richard earrings, $6,400,

by Ana Khouri x Narciso Rodriguez at barneys.com; Jacks split-sole slip-on white lizard embossed calf shoes, $325, at newbark.com; Fetiche long clutch, $1,790, by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello at Saint Laurent, Tysons Galleria.

Wool double-breasted jacket, $1,250, and wool wide-leg pants, $745, both at Max Mara, Tysons Galleria; silk bias top in stone pink, $245, at theory.com; Boything shoes, $425, at Stuart Weitzman, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City; Desert Rose crocodile clutch, $10,900, at Bottega Veneta, Tysons Galleria; gold Overlap Script ring, $295, at jenniferfisherjewelry.com.

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Navy blue wool roundedsleeve jacket, $1,900, Klein blue embroidered hooded knit sweater, price upon request, and navy blue wool pleated trousers, $1,900, all at delpozo.com; shoes, $595, at church-footwear.com; chocolate Christy python clutch, $2,150, by Michael Kors Collection at Michael Kors, Georgetown; twosome ring in 18k yellow gold, $3,100, Wide & Signature ring in 18k yellow gold, $4,100, and Moonwalk ring in 18k vermeil, $350, all at attling.com.

PHOTO ASSISTANTS: MISA CUELING AND MIKE BYLIK | DIGITAL TECH: MICHAEL ELLIS

Hair by Louis Angelo with Judy Casey Makeup by Viktorija Bowers with Ray Brown Pro Models: Olga C. and Luisa B. with One Agency

LABEL ON FIRE

Lighting up the runway with irreverent sensuality and a bold sense of wonder, designer Alessandro Michele has Gucci burning through the fine fashion firmament.

by RACHEL FELDER

THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GUCCI

“I am trying to cause a little revolution, a different way to talk about beauty and sexiness,” Alessandro Michele said upon his appointment as Gucci’s creative director in 2015, a sensibility seen throughout the house’s recent Fall/ Winter collections (this page and opposite page).

FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, GUCCI HAS SET THE FASHION WORLD ABLAZE. And to many of its fans, the brand’s amazing popularity— marked by waiting lists for its most buzzed-about items, with velvet-roped lines of shoppers snaking outside its flagship US boutiques, as well as a global sales spike of more than 40 percent through the first half of 2017—--can be attributed to one man: Creative Director Alessandro Michele.

Michele, a 44-year-old native of Rome, has infused the Gucci line with a theatrical sense of confidence that’s hard to resist, from clothing featuring brash, colorful prints to shoes and bags accentuated with unexpected flourishes like fur or embroidery. A key element of its current success has been the familiarity of certain details, like horse-bit toggles and thick red and green piping, that come straight from the brand’s archives—although their current versions have been spunkily updated for the day’s zeitgeist. As Michele told Vogue in 2015, soon after his appointment to his current role, “I am trying to cause a little revolution inside the company—to push another language, a different way to talk about beauty and sexiness.”

The house was founded in Florence nearly a century ago, in 1921, with an initial focus—like Prada, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and other now-iconic high-end brands—on luggage and leather goods. After several successful decades, Gucci’s popularity was amplified in the 1950s and ’60s when celebrities began to embrace new items like rigid top-handled purses and golden belt buckles in the shape of large capital G’s, oriented, like the faces of Janus, back to back. In that era, the brand became virtually synonymous with a glitzy, glamorous, international lifestyle. “It was very identifiable,” says Cameron Silver, a fashion historian and founder of the vintage retailer Decades. “It identified that aesthetic of a very jet-set traveler. The bamboo handle and the double-G motif are iconic.”

A few decades later, Gucci redefined itself as more than

CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM 75

just a source of luxury accessories. Under designer Tom Ford—who joined the company as creative director in 1990, initially overseeing women’s clothing design and gradually transitioning into a larger, more unisex design role—the brand began to focus as much on clothing for women and men as on accessories. Ford’s pieces were distinguished by an overt, ultraconfident sexiness. “He gets there and injects an almost American, Halston-like DNA into Gucci, and there’s this spectacular revival,” says Silver. The brand became highly fashionable again, with memorable pieces like extra-trim women’s tuxedos, cut in velvet and designed to be worn without a shirt underneath, a look still emblematic of the period.

Ford stayed at the house (ultimately also overseeing design at Yves Saint Laurent, which shares ownership with Gucci) until 2004, when he left, along with Gucci Group CEO Domenico De Sole, a key champion of both Ford and the brand. The designs of his successor, Frida Giannini, lacked the assertive oomph that had become a component of Gucci’s appeal. “The clothes lost a bit of their sensuality,” says Ken

FLOWER POWER Alessandro Michele’s touch reaches from fashion to fragrance with another striking creation for fall: Gucci Bloom (100ml for $124), a confident and complex floral scent that reinvigorates the house’s storied fragrance heritage.

Jasmine, one of Bloom’s most prominent notes, is complemented by rarer aromas, like that of the flower of the Rangoon creeper, which has never before been used in a perfume. Grown in southern India, the blossom opens at dusk, gradually deepening in color from white to pink to a deep red. Gucci Bloom similarly evolves as you wear it, from an initial floral scent to a more intense, earthier tone that’s especially suited to fall.

The fragrance is bolder and less delicate than the brand’s other women’s offerings, like Eau de Gucci (which debuted in 1993 with its mix of citrus, tuberose, and lily of the valley) and Envy (a fresher, grassier fragrance introduced in 1997). Bloom is, essentially, a perfume for Michele’s modern woman: feminine and beautiful but never predictable or shy.

(Appropriately, actress Dakota Johnson, artist Petra Collins, and model Hari Nef are at the center of Bloom’s ad campaign.)

While the company introduced its first perfume, Gucci No. 1, in 1974, and has had international success in the arena ever since, it has increased its focus on fragrance over the last decade, unveiling more scents than ever before, like 2009’s clean, youthful Flora and, in 2010, the bold Gucci Guilty. But Bloom is the only perfume with Michele’s thorough input and imprint. To create its powerful floral blend, he worked with revered perfumer Alberto Morillas, whose résumé includes Calvin Klein’s CK One and Cartier’s Panthère de Cartier. The result, like most of Gucci’s offerings, seems to bridge a gap, appealing as much to a sophisticated socialite who’s been a Gucci fan for decades as it does to a young woman, newer to Gucci, heading out for a night on the town.

Fall/Winter 2017 Runway Standouts

Downing, fashion director at Neiman Marcus. “That Gucci guy and girl want to be noticed. They’re attentiongetting—they are not wallflowers, and they want clothes that have a real sexiness to them.”

And so early 2015 saw the installation of a new creative director, Alessandro Michele, who had quietly worked on the Gucci design team since being hired by Ford in 2002. His take on Gucci’s sexiness is empowered and modern, exemplified by the fluid cut of a boldly printed dress, or the transparent fabric on an otherwise straightforward, high-neck blouse. But the real power of Michele’s designs comes from being rooted in the brand’s most identifiable motifs, reworked in a quirky and confident way that makes them modern but still indelible; often the designs’ over-the-top impact anoints them with true statement-piece status.

“There’s the great love of tradition in a very audacious way, where he has taken the sensibility of heritage and love of things that feel very recognizable and he’s twisted them in a way that makes them feel übercool and of-themoment,” says Downing. Case in point: Michele’s reinterpretations of Gucci’s popular loafers, embellished with embroidered designs or giant faux pearls and updated with a clunky high heel and—in what might well be the most copied shoe of the last few years—lined with fur and turned into a leather backless slide.

“ALESSANDRO DOESN’T CREATE FASHION FOR THE SAKE OF A TREND; HE CREATES COLLECTIBLES. THAT PUTS A LOT OF JOY IN THE CUSTOMER’S HEART.”— ken downing “The chord that Alessandro’s really struck is that there’s an enormous love for the idea of Gucci,” Downing adds.

“That’s a love that began when Tom Ford took over that fêted house decades ago, and as the house began to fall from favor, it left behind many loyalists to the Gucci brand who were truly yearning for something exceptional.”

The timing of Michele’s promotion couldn’t have been better. As Lisa Aiken, retail fashion director at Neta-Porter, explains, “Alessandro’s first collection came at a point when actually everything was a little more stripped back. We were coming off the back of what was termed ‘normcore,’ so it brought back this quite romantic vision of what fashion could be. It inspired a much more emotional reaction.” In early 2015, the first presentations of Michele’s creations—a group of men’s pieces that he famously whipped up in just a few days, followed by womenswear a month later—garnered raves from both the

INSIDE JOB Alessandro Michele’s assertive trademarks aren’t limited to Gucci’s sturdy-heeled shoes or jackets with expertly cut sleeves. The brand recently unveiled Gucci Décor, a collection of items designed to adorn living rooms and dressing tables while sharing the vibrancy that has come to distinguish his wearable pieces. “He loves abundance,” says Neiman Marcus’s Ken Downing. “[He has an] ability to create this romantic, effusive abundance that captures the imagination and draws you in.”

That extravagant sensibility lends itself especially well to décor; it’s easy to imagine a single statement piece accenting an otherwise understated room. The collection includes ornamental pillows, trays, richly lacquered chairs with embroidered cushions, and small tables, all made

press and shoppers, who responded viscerally to his spunky retro-inspired prints, his elegant draping, and a broad color palette that included brights, neutrals, and muted shades of mustard, olive, and maroon.

Unlike some fine fashion pieces that evoke an emotional reaction in their buyers, Michele’s items are of-the-moment but don’t feel as if they’ll go out of style next season, plus they sell for a price that’s admit-

tedly high but less astronomical than other brands. “Alessandro doesn’t create fashion for the sake of a trend; he creates collectibles,” says Downing. “In general terms, of all of the brands that hang in the luxury spectrum, it is a lot of look for the money you’re spending. That puts a lot of joy in the customer’s heart.”

In his handful of seasons as creative director, Michele has offered new iterations of some of the designs that have most resonated with Gucci’s fans, from boldly printed dresses and separates to white leather sneakers covered with serpents or bright crimson flowers. “I love the fact that he is evolving and developing rather than starting fresh every season,” says Net-a-Porter’s Aiken. “That gives women the sense of ‘Actually, I’m going to purchase this; it is an investment, it has longevity, it’s going to feel relevant for seasons to come because he isn’t radicalizing every season with something new.’”

She adds, “I think he’s being very smart.”

.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GUCCI (PAGE BORDER); BY VENTURELLI/GETTY IMAGES FOR GUCCI (BORGHI); NEILSON BARNARD/GETTY IMAGES (JOHNSON); DAVID LEWIS TAYLOR (DÉCOR STILL LIFE). OPPOSITE PAGE: COURTESY OF GUCCI

In good company (from above): Actor Alessandro Borghi, photographer Ryan McGinley, artist Trevor Andrew (who collaborated on last year’s GucciGhost capsule collection), musician Olly Alexander, actor Jared Leto, and Gucci President and CEO Marco Bizzarri attend the house’s Spring/Summer 2017 show during Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week; Michele accompanied (and dressed) actress Dakota Johnson, one of the faces of the Gucci Bloom campaign, to this year’s Met Gala in New York City.

in Italy. It features many of Michele’s bold signatures: embroidered images of animals, such as slithering serpents or roaring lions; the use of rich velvet; and a vivid palette that includes colors immutably associated with Gucci’s heritage, like crimson red and bright green.

Among the line’s standouts are the deeply scented candles encased in decorative porcelain vessels (which are designed to be keepsakes long after the fragrant wax has burned off). The elegant containers are made by Richard Ginori, a centuries-old producer of china, founded, like Gucci, in Florence. Ginori is, not coincidentally, owned by the same parent company, and for the last few years Michele has overseen that brand’s creative direction in addition to his duties at Gucci. gucci.com

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WEDDINGS SAYING “I DO” IN DC ST YLE

FALL IN LOVE THE STUNNING VIEWS AND TOP-NOTCH VENUES IN AND AROUND WASHINGTON PROVIDE YOUR WEDDING WITH THE PERFECT BACKDROP.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOY ASICO

BY CHRISTINA CLEMENTE

While summertime has long been known as wedding season, colorful foliage and rustic vibes make autumn just as popular.

Pinterest reports that fall wedding searches are up by 280 percent!

Tiffany Rioux, director of sales and marketing for Rosewood Washington, DC (1050 31st St. NW, 202-617-2400; rosewoodhotels.com), agrees. “I think people are less attracted to the summer heat,” she says. “I see fall leaves changing, the weather improving and becoming more comfortable.”

Yet the nation’s capital offers more than just favorable temperatures this time of year: Our city’s historic setting plays a huge role. Says Rioux, “When you draw everything in together, what will provide lasting memories are photos, and to that point I think DC is unique.”

.

The gardens at Carlyle House, a historic Georgian mansion in Old Town Alexandria once owned by the city’s founder, provide an idyllic backdrop for Susan and Joseph Blumenthal’s nuptials.

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WEDDINGS GLAM IT UP!

HISTORIC GLAMOUR ELEGANCE CAN BE FUN WITH THE RIGHT CUSTOM PLAN.

Just a stone’s throw from the White House and the Washington Monument in a landmark location, the W Washington DC (515 15th St. NW, 202-661-2400; wwashingtondc.com) lends its allure to the city’s center. “The ballroom was perfect,” says Katherine Johnson, who chose the space for her wedding to fiancé Robert. “The simple colors, historical pictures in the lobby, beautiful chandeliers and staircase—all fit in with our vibe.”

As Rhonda Holt, social catering manager for the W, explains, “All our event spaces are customizable, but we definitely want to balance

edge with sophistication. We want it to speak to the truth of the couple.”

From the cocktail hour to the reception in the great room, Katherine and Robert opted for a glamorous color scheme of black, white, and gold, with a touch of silver. And it didn’t hurt that, as Holt says, “there’s a lot of historical detail and architecture, but it still has that W flair.”

The couple also worked closely with another W catering manager, Sloane Aureli, to design a meaningful menu.

The three-course meal began with lobster bisque in homage to the bride’s Maine roots. Latenight food trucks added to the festivities, and guests received mini bottles of Champagne as party favors. Says Katherine, “Our guests popped them open and drank with straws during the afterparty in the POV lounge.”—C.C.

At the W, Robert and Katherine Johnson (TOP LEFT) found traditional elegance with modern flair, from the mini champagne party favors (TOP RIGHT) to the afterparty in the POV lounge (LEFT).

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEIGH ANN SAPERSTONE/SAPERSTONE STUDIOS

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Rosewood Washington, D.C. is superbly located along the historic C&O Canal in picturesque Georgetown. The charming upscale neighborhood is the ideal place from which to explore the city.

The refined residential boutique hotel seamlessly blends classic elegance with modern sophistication.

Guests enjoy highly personalized guest services, fine dining at three exceptional establishments, and an array of wellness amenities including spa services, a fitness studio and a rooftop infinity pool.

1050 31st Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-617-2400 | rosewoodhotels.com/washingtondc

WEDDINGS GET INTO THE MOOD

YOUR FANTASY WEDDING

clockwise from top: This Harry Potter and Star Wars-themed wedding had a magical, wooded feel; the bride putting on her Tony Ward gown from Kleinfeld; friends and family wished the couple well through this Owl Post station.

WITH THE RIGHT TEAM, A QUIRKY THEME CAN STILL BE TURNED INTO AN ELEGANT AFFAIR.

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Foliage in the centerpieces helped transform the ballroom into the Forbidden Forest. below: The groom sneaks a kiss.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEEPESH AGARWAL/SHOOTING STARS

Following a traditional ceremony in India, Kavita Pallod and Vibhav Sekhsarias switched gears for their reception. “We were both born and raised in the States and always had this idea of a more American wedding, so we wanted to incorporate those elements into our reception,” says Pallod. For this couple, that meant getting thematic.

“Vibhav is a huge Star Wars nerd, I love Harry Potter, and we love that about each other,” says Pallod. The pair turned to wedding planner Sumeet Bagai of Dream Shaadi (571-4771605; dreamshaadi.com) and opted for the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center (201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, 301-965-2300; gaylordnationalriverviewballroom.com).

They were among the first to use the venue’s 16,000-square-foot RiverView Ballroom.

Together, they made sure the theme permeated all aspects of the event without overshadowing it. “That’s one thing we were all on the same page about,” says Bagai. Decorator and florist Priti Verma of L’Ambiance, Inc. (703-584-7039, myweddingdecorator .com) transformed the ballroom into an enchanted forest reminiscent of the Hogwarts campus, while a Millennium Falcon-shaped ice sculpture served as a drinks luge. “It looked really classy,” says Pallod. Finally, the Honeydukes dessert table, named for the wizards’ confectionery, boasted about 17 different sweets, from Harry Potterinspired chocolate frogs to Star Wars-themed cookies. “Even those who weren’t completely in tune with the theme picked up on it,” says Bagai.

“That’s a pretty special thing to do with 600-plus people.”—C.C.

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WEDDINGS GET LIT

LIGHT IT UP YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY CANDLES! A WARM, ELEGANT AMBIENCE SUITS ANY SEASON— ESPECIALLY FALL.

86 CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

Bride and groom Taryn Dorfman and David Vieweger knew the Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC (1330 Maryland Ave. SW, 202-554-8588; mandarin oriental.com) would be perfect for their dream fall wedding. “Obviously it’s beautiful, it’s elegant, but the biggest selling feature was the staff,” says Taryn. “Immediately the people make you feel

special, and the service is incredible. Right away, I was like, ‘This is the place I want to welcome my family and friends to DC.’” The couple turned to planner Tiffany Rivera of Simply Breathe Events (simplybreatheevents.com) and opted for a neutral palette with all-white flowers from Love Blooms (loveblooms here.com). Adding to the

atmosphere in the hotel’s Oriental Ballroom, the head table, which accommodated the entire wedding party, was dappled with candlelight.

“On that table were large crystal candelabras. I wanted it to be romantic and not have really tall centerpieces,” says Taryn.

“We also kept the amber uplighting instead of bright colors.”

Adding to the glimmer,

crystal resin Chiavari chairs with champagne shantung cushions picked up the candlelight throughout the ballroom.

“The lighting, twinkling off the candles and the glass, gives you that feeling of warmth, especially in the fall,” says Hillary Hamm, associate director of catering sales for the hotel. “I think romance and elegance go hand in hand.”—C.C.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL CONNOR/CONNOR STUDIOS

clockwise from left: The happy couple; bridesmaids wore matching champagne and white; crystal candelabras add a touch of romance to the elegant table setting.

MAKE THIS THE BACKDROP FOR YOUR WEDDING

CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE at the most breathtaking venue in the Capital Region

301.965.2300 GaylordNationalWeddings.com

FREED PHOTOGRAPHY

I

Gaylord National Resort 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland 20745 Conveniently located minutes from Washington, D.C. and across the river from Old Town Alexandria.

More wiggle in the wag!

Dog Daycare • Dog Boarding • Dog Grooming • Dog Shop

2301 14th St. NW • Washington, D.C. 20009 202/986-7679

doozydogclub.com

GRAND OPENING

Discover Washington’s newest haute décor design center for antique and contemporary rugs, furniture, fine art, lighting, flooring and more.

Reception: Featuring the Art of Ariel Messeca Thursday Sept. 14, 2017 • 6 – 8:30pm 5510 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD (former site of Saks Jandel)

Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres • RSVP (301) 229-4472

Save the Date: Private Auction 2pm • October 7–9, 2017 • Online bidding chevychasedesigncenter.com

LAUREN CONRAD WANTS TO SAVE THE SEA TURTLES

www.oceana.org/saveseaturtles

The

SOURCE: SCENE WHERE TO EAT, DRINK, AND PLAY IN DC

RAISING A RACQUET

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM VAN ASSELT

SQUASH ON FIRE HOPES TO DEMOCRATIZE DC COURTS BY MAKING MEMBERSHIPS A THING OF THE PAST.

The full-service bar at Squash on Fire’s Upper West Side Cafe, stationed next to one of two glass-encased showcase courts.

Squash on Fire, the country’s first pay-as-you-go squash facility, has opened its doors in DC to make the game more accessible for all.

“Squash On Fire is revolutionizing the way the sport is played and accessed,” says cofounder Philippe Lanier. “The membership-free model, central downtown location, and streamlined booking system allow anyone the ability to come in, borrow a racquet, and give the sport a try.”

The center boasts eight courts, a full-service bar and restaurant, a patio, locker rooms, and showers, as well as an on-site pro shop offering Squash on Fire-branded Lululemon apparel and other gear.

Fees start at $20 per court for 45 minutes, and packages start at $89.

All you need is a pair of shoes with non-marking soles; racquets, balls, and (for juniors) goggles are all available to borrow. Players can also book private or group lessons designed by Squash on Fire’s head coach, champion squash pro Amir Wagih, who has won more than 23 world titles as a coach.

Lanier, a longtime player himself, says, “Squash is gaining popularity in the US. It’s an exceptional workout for both the mind and body, and the most truly urban athletic experience I know.” 2233 M St. NW, 202-241-2233; squashonfire.com

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The SOURCE: SCENE DINE & DRINK ALL PURPOSE Red Hen’s Mike Friedman does it again with classic Italian comfort dishes at this eatery in Shaw. One of the most talked-about is the eggplant Parmesan, whose recipe comes from the chef’s mother. There’s also an assortment of pizzas, which you can order for takeout, and Italian delicacies, like rainbow cookie cake.

1250 Ninth St. NW, 202-849-6174; allpurposedc.com

ARROZ Renowned Washington restaurateur Mike Isabella brings a mix of Spanish and North African food to Mount Vernon Square. Menu items include aged duck bomba rice, lamb ribs, and fried cauliflower. In keeping with a favorite DC tradition, this restaurant also serves brunch. 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 202-869-3300; arrozbymic.com

BAD SAINT Planning on dinner here? You’d better get in line early... like 3:15 pm early. This Filipino restaurant in Columbia Heights has limited firstcome, first-served seating, but take it from us: the wait is worth it. Chef

Tom Cunanan cooks soul-satisfying eats, such as squid adobo, and the cocktails, like the fiery Chili Manilli, are a must-try. 3226 11th St. NW, no phone; badsaintdc.com

BLUE DUCK TAVERN This Michelin-starred farm-to-table favorite in the Park Hyatt hotel offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Its ever-evolving seasonal menu captures the spirit of the mid-Atlantic region, with locally inspired entrées and delicious shareable sides.

Seafood lovers should consider ordering the whole fish—it’s a passion point for chef de cuisine Brad Deboy.

1201 24th St. NW, 202-419-6755; blueducktavern.com

CAFE MILANO Celebrating 25 years serving “upscale Italian” in Georgetown, Cafe Milano is a magnet for some of the city’s movers and shakers. It’s not at all uncommon to spot members of DC’s top brass (such as the Bidens or Nancy Pelosi) enjoying a lunch or off-the-clock dinner among the influential crowd of regulars and celebrity visitors. 3251 Prospect St. NW, 202-333-6183; cafemilano.com

CENTROLINA

THE DABNEY

Chef Amy Brandwein is homegrown talent, and she has a passion for authentic Italian cooking. Each dish uses locally sourced ingredients tied to the season. The adjoining Italian market is an easy way to bring authentic Italian cuisine into your kitchen, too. 974 Palmer Alley NW, 202-898-2426; centrolinadc.com

The Dabney emphasizes all things mid-Atlantic, with a menu that showcases some of the region’s finest farms and food purveyors. Chef Jeremiah Langhorne oversees a staff of cooks committed to fresh and local food, and from his perch he can see almost everyone in the dining room.

122 Blagden Alley NW, 202-450-1015; thedabney.com

COLUMBIA ROOM Derek Brown has transformed a small, seated bar experience into a full-fledged tasting room. The three-course cocktail tasting by bartender JP Fetherston includes drinks like the Sugaring Season, a Canadian rye whisky cocktail with dry vermouth, fresh apple juice, maple syrup, herbs, and acorn. INSIDER TIP: Walk-ins are welcome, but it’s better to secure a spot with advance online booking. 124 Blagden Alley NW, 202316-9396; columbiaroomdc.com

COMPASS ROSE International street food makes its way into owner Rose Previte’s kitchen.

Influenced by Previte’s world travels, dishes here include lamb kefta from Lebanon and kakuni steamed buns from Japan. 1346 T St. NW, 202-5964765; compassrosedc.com

ESPITA MEZCALERIA Holy mole! This restaurant captures the essence and flavors of Oaxaca and has the largest selection of mezcals in DC. Bartender Megan Barnes will help steer you through the many pages of the drinks menu, and for dinner there are moles representative of traditional Mexican cuisine. 1250 Ninth St. NW, 202-621-9695; espitadc.com

FILOMENA RISTORANTE This downstairs Georgetown gem is the go-to place for Italian comfort food. The spicy shrimp appetizer is a must, and you can’t go wrong with any of the homemade pasta dishes. For more direction, just ask which pasta was made fresh that day (the selection rotates daily). 1063 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-338-8800; filomena.com

‒ Secret Source ‒

WHO: A cofounder of the All Things Go Fall Classic music festival. CHOICES:

ZACH FRIENDLY

“Whether we get tacos from TaKorean, breakfast bagels from Buffalo & Bergen, or a pimento grilled cheese from Red Apron, we always leave Union Market (1309 5th St. NE, 877-775-3462; unionmarketdc.com) with our bellies full.”

from left: All Things Go cofounders Will Suter, Zack Friendly, Stephen Vallimarescu, and Adrian Maseda.

EATING ITALIAN: “The mafalde verde at Red Hen (1822 1st St. NW, 202-8389972; theredhendc.com) is daydream-inducing. Order the cacio e pepe off the secret menu (but don’t tell them we told you).” HOT SPOT: “We don’t know if it’s a restaurant, coffee bar, or clothing store, but everything at Maketto (1351 H St. NE, 202-838-9972; maketto1351.com) is so incredible, we don’t care.”

WELCOME TO DC: “We love giving out-of-towners a night tour of the monuments. The Jefferson and FDR memorials around the Tidal Basin are our favorites.” NATS PRIDE: “Grab a pregame beer at Bardo (25 Potomac Ave. SE, 762-233-7070; bardo.beer) and watch Bryce Harper and company destroy the rest of the league—in the regular season—at Nationals Park (1500 S. Capitol St. SE, 202-675-6287; washington.nationals.mlb.com).” The fourth annual All Things Go Fall Classic runs October 6 to 8 at Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE; buy tickets through 888-512-SHOW or allthingsgofallclassic.com.

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FIOLA This Michelin-starred Italian favorite in Penn Quarter makes regular appearances atop restaurant rating lists across the city, so it’s no wonder it’s the flagship restaurant of DC power duo Fabio and Maria Trabocchi, who also own Fiola Mare in Georgetown, Casa Luca near Mount Vernon Square, and the newly opened Sfoglina in Cleveland Park.

INSIDER TIP: The lobster ravioli is a can’t-miss. 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-628-2888; fioladc.com

HAZEL Executive Chef Rob Rubba serves medium-size plates at his personalized Shaw restaurant. A foodie favorite that offers sticky-crunchy ribs and zucchini bread, it also has a selection of handcrafted cocktails such as the Mistadobalina: Meletti amaro, grapefruit juice, and sparkling wine.

808 V St. NW, 202-847-4980; hazelrestaurant.com

HIMITSU The restaurant named after the Japanese word for secret has a daily-changing menu. The Japaneseinspired cuisine also boasts Latin American and Southeast Asian flavors. Arrive at the quaint space early, as they accept walk-ins only. 828 Upshur St. NW; himitsudc.com

IRON GATE This small-plates favorite has one of the best outdoor patios in all of Washington, DC. The rustic, Italianinspired farm-to-table menu changes seasonally, but if you ever see a version of burrata or cacio e pepe while you’re there, definitely order it.

1734 N St. NW, 202-524-5202; irongaterestaurantdc.com

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LADURÉE

JALEO José Andrés’s vibrant and artfully decorated small-plates lounge has been a Penn Quarter fixture for nearly 25 years. The lomo de buey con piquillos (grilled hanger steak with confit piquillo peppers) and arroz cremoso de setas (creamy rice with seasonal mushrooms and Idiazábal cheese) are Capitol File favorites. 480 Seventh St. NW, 202-628-7949; jaleo.com

Macarons from Ladurée’s Georgetown shop.

KINSHIP

LE DIPLOMATE

This “modernist American” spot is the more casual of the two Mount Vernon restaurants owned by James Beard Awardwinning chef Eric Ziebold (formerly of CityZen and Per Se).

Located at street level, the restaurant features an à la carte menu serving just over 70 seats in a historic Seventh Street building. The Maine lobster French toast is one of the most buzzed-about dishes. 1015 Seventh St. NW, 202-737-7700; kinshipdc.com

Here you’ll find a little bit of France tucked into a corner café along DC’s bustling 14th Street corridor. “Le Dip,” as it’s lovingly called, features decadent French classics, one of the city’s best brunches, and an impressive menu of fruits de mer—not to mention a dining room chock-full of Washington notables. 1601 14th St. NW, 202-3323333; lediplomatedc.com

KOMI If there’s one constant to the ever-changing neighborhood of Dupont Circle, it’s this AmericanMediterranean restaurant run by chef and owner Johnny Monis. You’ll quickly lose count of the dishes that come out of the kitchen as part of the tasting menu ($150 per person), which culminates with a family-style goat feast. 1509 17th St. NW, 202-3329200; komirestaurant.com

THE LAFAYETTE The Hay-Adams hotel offers refined contemporary American fare at its fine-dining restaurant, with cocktails at its bar, Off the Record. 800 16th St. NW, 202-638-6600; hayadams.com

MAKETTO Maketto may just be the coolest hangout in Washington, DC. In fact, don’t come here when you’re in a hurry, because the restaurant will cause you to linger. There’s Vigilante Coffee upstairs, and the bar is a see-and-be-seen spot. But the real magic is out back, beyond the courtyard, where chefs Erik BrunerYang and James Wozniuk cook Taiwanese- and Cambodian-style. Just be sure you order the Taiwanese fried chicken. It’s already a dish with a cult following. 1351 H St. NE, 202-8389972; maketto1351.com

MASSERIA This Michelin-starred favorite from James Beard Foundation Rising Star nominee Nick Stefanelli offers the

Baltimore native’s modern take on classic Italian fare, with well-crafted prix-fixe and tasting menus. The setting combines the industrial look of nearby Union Market and the feel of the Italian countryside. 1340 Fourth St. NE, 202-608-1330; masseria-dc.com

MAXWELL PARK Located in the historic Shaw neighborhood is this new, hip wine bar opened by sommelier Brent Kroll. With a constant rotation of glasses, guest chefs, and winemakers, it features more than 50 wines by the glass and 500 bottle labels. While sipping from the large variety, wine lovers can also enjoy seasonal bites. 1336 Ninth St. NW; maxwelldcwine.com

MÉTIER Located downstairs from Kinship, Métier is the realization of chef Eric Ziebold’s culinary ambitions: It pairs a luxurious tasting menu with extraordinary service for what he calls “a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Yes, there is a dress code, but it’s doable (jackets for the guys).

1015 Seventh St. NW, 202-737-7500; metierdc.com

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The SOURCE: SCENE MINIBAR This internationally renowned dining concept by José Andrés is among the most coveted reservations in Washington: It accommodates just six—yes, six—patrons per seating (and there are only two per night!) at the restaurant’s lone communal table.

The meal takes the form of 25 to 30 mini courses. INSIDER TIP: Parties of six can also reserve the adjacent private dining room, which provides an even more intimate experience.

855 E St. NW, 202-393-0812; minibarbyjoseandres.com

OSTERIA MORINI

PINEAPPLE AND PEARLS “Lavish” is the only word to describe the 13-course tasting menu at Pineapple and Pearls. Chef Aaron Silverman strives to pamper diners with dishes like white asparagus okonomiyaki and blue-ribbon bone marrow. The restaurant has three online-ticketed experiences: dining room, chef’s counter, and bar service. The first two are priced at $250 per person and include beverages; the third is $150 per person and does not. 715 Eighth St. SE, 202595-7375; pineappleandpearls.com

PLUME DC’s only Forbes five-star restaurant, Plume is inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s kitchen gardens at Monticello. Tucked inside the Jefferson Hotel, this resto offers diners a choice of seasonal prix-fixe or tasting menus.

1200 16th St. NW, 202-448-2300; plumedc.com

ROSARIO A new classic Italian hot spot has opened its doors in Adams Morgan. In an intimate space that serves brunch, dinner, and plenty of wine and cocktails, this venue includes dishes like

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Tiger Fork is a little bit Cantonese, a little bit modern DC, and even a little bit of traditional Chinese medicine.

veal saltimbocca and swordfish piccata.

Don’t miss the delicious pistachio cannoli. 2435 18th St. NW, 202-7910298; rosariodc.com

SALT LINE This nautical restaurant brings flavors of New England and the Chesapeake to DC’s southeast waterfront. The menu features a classic lobster roll, crispy-skin rockfish, and scallops with gooseberry chutney. Top off your meal with the fluffernutter milkshake (it comes with a doughnut). 79 Potomac Ave. SE, 202-506-2368; thesaltline.com

SUSHIKO Brothers and executive chefs Piter and Handry Tjan lead this DC sushi powerhouse, where they aim to honor and enhance the traditional way of making and serving sushi. INSIDER TIP: The team’s new $40 Japanese whiskey flights feature three one-ounce pours of premium Japanese whiskeys. 5455 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-9611644; sushikorestaurants.com

SUSHI TARO This isn’t your average sushi spot. Nobu Yamazaki is on a mission to redefine

Japanese cooking in DC, and there is no better place to experience that than at Sushi Taro’s Omakase Counter. The reservation-only counter takes you through a fun, interactive tasting course. 1503 17th St. NW, 202-4628999; sushitaro.com

TAIL UP GOAT Owners Jon Sybert, Jill Tyler, and Bill Jensen—veterans of Komi and Little Serow—pull out all the stops. In their first year of operation, they’ve earned customer loyalty with detailed service and dishes like the lamb ribs served with root vegetables, pickled mustard seeds, and salsa verde. 1827 Adams Mill Road NW, 202-986-9600; tailupgoat.com

THIP KHAO Chef Seng Luangrath treats her diners like family, serving up Laotian favorites like her Lao curry puff (a curried potato dish served with sweet-and-sour sauce) and the naem khao (a crispy coconut rice with lime, scallions, sour pork, peanuts, and cilantro, wrapped in lettuce).

3462 14th St. NW, 202-387-5426; thipkhao.com

TIGER FORK Hong Kong’s electrifying cuisine comes to Shaw. Executive Chef Irvin Van Oordt brings a new take on traditional Cantonese dishes. The fun-filled cocktails include ingredients used in traditional Chinese medicine to remedy what ails you.

922 N St. NW, 202-733-1152; tigerforkdc.com

TREDICI ENOTECA Situated within the newly renovated St. Gregory Hotel, this restaurant has assembled a menu that pulls from various regions of the Mediterranean, including Italy, Greece, and the Middle East. INSIDER TIP: A Cruvinet temperature-controlled wine-keeper system stores six premium wines that guests can enjoy by the glass or half-glass. 2033 M St. NW, 202-888-2899; tredicidc.com

WHALEY’S A 22-seat bar and a 44-seat dining room, located in a historical industrial building at DC’s Navy Yard, overlook the waterfront and park. Serving up local favorites from oysters and

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REY LOPEZ

Fresh pasta is one of the main draws of this Italian eatery from chef Michael White, but pastry chef Alex Levin, who specializes in the cuisine of the Emilia-Romagna region, is no slouch: Each dessert is packed with ingenuity, texture, and flavor, including his peanut-butter-and-chocolate budino. 301 Water St. SE #109, 202484-0660; osteriamorini.com/ washington-dc

seafood towers to family-style seafood risotto, this restaurant is sure to deliver a seaside feel. 301 Water St. SE, 202-484-8800; whaleysdc.com

THEATER BIG FISH A new musical, adapted from Daniel Wallace’s Big Fish: A Novel of Mythical Proportions, centers around a traveling salesman’s wild yarn-spinning. Through September 2, The Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW, 202-265-3767; keegantheatre.com

SHEAR MADNESS Presented in the Theater Lab at the Kennedy Center, this whodunit comedy based in a hairstyling salon has surpassed 13,000 performances and is still going strong. Through October 1, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW, 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org

NATIVE GARDENS Written by Karen Zacarias, this DC-rooted comedy shows neighbors pushed over the edge through clashes of culture, race, and privilege.

September 15 to October 22, Arena Stage, 1101 6th St. SW, 202-554-9066; arenastage.org

DEATH OF A SALESMAN Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic demonstrates the cost of chasing the American Dream. The play is presented at the famous Ford’s Theatre. September 22 to October 22, Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW, 202-347-4833; fordstheatre.org

CLASSICAL NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: SEASON OPENING GALA CONCERT The concert that brings the NSO back in full force is here, featuring worldrenowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Tony-winning singer and Broadway

star Cynthia Erivo in a tribute to composer Leonard Bernstein.

September 24, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW, 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: CARPENTER PLAYS COPLAND/ FAVORITES BY BERNSTEIN AND ADAMS Organist Cameron Carpenter joins the NSO alongside conductor Cristian Macelaru in a performance showcasing the friendship between Copland and Bernstein. Performances include Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Bernstein’s Divertimento. September 28–30, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW, 202467-4600; kennedy-center.org

WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA: AIDA In Verdi’s classic love triangle set in ancient Egypt, a young female slave falls for one of her captors, while the pharaoh’s daughter also vies for his

attention. The opera is performed in Italian. September 9–23, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW, 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org

CONCERTS BRUNO MARS This singer-songwriter, record producer, and choreographer brings the 24K Magic World Tour to DC for two magical nights. Hits from his new album include “That’s What I Like” and “24K Magic.” September 29–30, Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW, 202628-3200; verizoncenter. monumentalnetwork.com

CHER DC is one of two stops for this music and fashion icon’s Classic Cher tour.

At the age of 71, the music industry mogul is still as successful as ever, with a performance full of classic songs, new material, and—of course—spectacle. August 31 to September 10, The Theater at MGM National Harbor, 7100 Oxon Hill Road, 800-745-3000, mgmnationalharbor.com

THE CRANBERRIES The unique Ireland-born rock quartet is promoting its new album, Something Else, consisting of acoustic takes on classic hits. September 18, 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW, 202-265-0930; 9:30.com

ED SHEERAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FREDERICK M. BROWN/GETTY IMAGES

The global music sensation is making a stop in DC during his North American arena tour. The tour is a celebration of his latest album, which includes his hit single “Shape of You.” September 19, Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW, 202-628-3200; verizoncenter. monumentalnetwork.com

LIZZ WRIGHT The acclaimed jazz singer and songwriter performs for one night in the middle of production of her highly anticipated fifth album. A full dinner menu is available. September 20, Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW, 202803-2899; thehowardtheatre.com Bruno Mars will bring his “24K Magic” to DC for two nights in September.

JAZZ IN THE GARDEN Throughout the summer on Friday evenings, attend free jazz concerts on

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The SOURCE: SCENE the National Mall. Enjoy the open-air setting, bring a blanket, and sit back with a sangria in hand as you listen to a variety of DC-area-based jazz musicians. Through August 25, National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 9th St. and Constitution Ave NW; nga.gov

KATY PERRY With a new sound and new haircut, the outspoken singer-songwriter promotes Witness, her new album of “woke pop.” September 25, Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW, 202-628-3200; verizoncenter.monumentalnetwork.com

SHINYRIBS Led by Kevin Russell, the country-soul band will end its nationwide tour in the eclectic neighborhood of Adams Morgan. September 4, Songbyrd Music House and Record Café, 2475 18th St. NW, 202-450-2917; songbyrddc.com

COMEDY JOE ROGAN The popular stand-up comedian, actor, and podcast host comes to DC for two shows, one night only, halfway through his 20-stop US tour. With his libertarian outlook and pugnacious

style, an outrageous time is guaranteed. August 26, Warner Theater, 513 13th St. NW, 202-7834000; warnertheatredc.com

JEN KIRKMAN The stand-up comedian, bestselling humor author, and writer-performer on Chelsea Lately is making an appearance at Howard University on her All New Material, Girl tour.

Dinner and drinks available. September 24, Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW, 202-803- 2899; thehowardtheatre.com

GALLERIES & MUSEUMS BLIND WHINO Previously known as the SW Art Club, this hidden gem is a community-based arts space that hosts events and provides education. The building, a work of art itself, has a kitchen, a lounge space, an art annex, a courtyard, and an urban farm, as well as a performance space.

700 Delaware Ave. SW, 202-554-0103; blindwhino.org

KREEGER MUSEUM More than 300 works from the late David and Carmen Kreeger’s personal collection of Impressionist and

Ed Sheeran brings his hit songs to Verizon Center on September 19.

American art constitute the offerings at this private, nonprofit museum. 2401 Foxhall Road NW, 202-337-3050, ext. 310; kreegermuseum.org

HILLWOOD ESTATE, MUSEUM & GARDENS The former estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post features both a museum and 25 acres of gorgeously

landscaped gardens and outdoor spaces. 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, 202-686-5807; hillwoodmuseum.org

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART The US’s official art museum, gifted to the country by Andrew W. Mellon, is home to thousands of works of art, spanning from the Renaissance to the present day. Sixth and Constitution Ave. NW, 202-737-4215; nga.gov

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS

JOHN STIRES & BRIAN LEVENTHAL

WHO: Cofounders of District Winery. DRINK UP: Stires: “I love the hotel-lobby-bar-inspired vibe with enjoyable wines and cocktails at Truxton Inn (251 Florida Ave. NW, 202-733-4952; truxtoninndc.com).”

Leventhal: “Anxo (300 Florida Ave. NW, 202-986-3795; anxo.com) transports you to northern Spain with authentic pintxos and great cider.

They just opened DC’s first cider production facility and will begin serving

Mt. Vernon Trail (nps.gov) offers 17 miles of beautiful running and biking trails overlooking the Potomac, and it’s so close to the city!” MOMENTS

THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION

OF REFLECTION: Stires: “Open until 7 pm on weekdays, the National

This modern-art museum—housed in the stately Georgian Revival home of the late Duncan and Marjorie Phillips—showcases works by Renoir, Rothko, van Gogh, and O’Keeffe in an intimate setting. 1600 21st St. NW, 202-387-2151; phillipscollection.org

SE, 202-465-7080; capitolriverfront.org) has something for everyone: open space, a water park, river views, and a cool breeze.” Leventhal: “The

Portrait Gallery (8th St. at F St. NW, 202-633-8300; npg.si.edu) is a great place to grab some culture after work. Yoga District (various locations, yogadistrict.com) has all styles and costs $12 per session.” District Winery is located at 385 Water St. SE, 202-484-9210; districtwinery.com.

CAPITOLFILE-MAGAZINE.COM

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY This Smithsonian gallery is dedicated to portraits of people who have made significant contributions to American history and culture. Eighth St. NW and F St. NW, 202-633-1000; npg.si.edu

their own soon!” GET OUTSIDE: Stires: “Yards Park (355 Water St.

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This institution finds ever-ingenious ways to spotlight female artists of all nationalities and periods. 1250 New York Ave. NW, 202-783-5000; nmwa.org

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHIRLAINE FORREST/WIREIMAGE (SHEERAN)

‒ Secret Source ‒

Let’s determine if you’re going to get breast cancer, like your mother did.

Stephanie Akbari, MD Breast Cancer Surgeon

A woman’s lifelong health is at the heart of Inova’s approach to personalized medicine, including the area’s most robust program of predictive genomic testing and counseling for women’s cancers. Our breast cancer specialists and genetic counselors work as a team to review the particular genetic makeup of a patient’s cancer – including a detailed family medical history on both the mother’s and father’s side.

Preventing disease is always preferable to curing it, so let’s make a proactive plan. Text GAMEPLAN to 99000 for mammogram and breast self-exam reminders from Inova.

Official Breast Cancer Awareness Partner and Health System of the Washington Redskins

The SOURCE: STYLE FASHION & JEWELRY ADELER JEWELERS Celebrating more than 40 years of stunning custom jewelry, Adeler Jewelers produces one-of-a-kind pieces that are spotted on celebrities on the red carpet and Washington notables on the town. Each item is custom-designed by Jorge Adeler (who owns the store with his wife and daughters), then handcrafted in-house by master craftsmen.

INSIDER TIP: For inspiration, check out the jeweler’s red-carpet blog, which documents A-list celebrities wearing the brand’s custom designs.

772 Walker Road, Great Falls, 703-759-4076; adelerjewelers.com

BOONE & SONS This family-owned jewelry store has served DC—and four White House administrations!—for over 40 years.

Today, Boone & Sons has grown to three DMV locations, each offering fine and fashion jewelry, as well as loose diamonds and luxe watches.

1025 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-7854653; booneandsons.com

CANALI

CURIO CONCEPT

Get custom-suited with this reliable practitioner of classic Italian style. The brand’s made-to-measure program, Su Misura, includes a consultation to discuss the client’s tastes and needs, a fitting, and the chance to choose from hundreds of fabrics and custom finishes. CityCenterDC, 202-5456579; canali.com

Bringing the best in emerging, luxe design to Georgetown, Curio Concept presents a curated selection of what’s hip and now in fashion. 1071 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, 202-851-4946; curioconcept.com

CITYCENTERDC Downtown DC’s hottest shopping mecca, this destination is a one-stop shop with a carefully curated collection of luxury retailers. The stores range from fine jewelers like Bulgari to fashion heavy hitters like Carolina Herrera, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Zadig & Voltaire. For dining, there’s Milk Bar for something sweet and Fig & Olive for something savory. INSIDER TIP: Check back often to see the rotating installations in Palmer Alley.

SwatchRoom’s Dream Closet installation is currently dazzling shoppers with its glittering lights suspended in the air. 800 10th St. NW, 202-2899000; citycenterdc.com

BOTTEGA VENETA The brand’s signature technique for weaving leather (known as intrecciato) turns its bags, bracelets, and accessories into covetable objects, but Creative Director Tomas Maier’s genius for understated Italian style also comes through in beautifully draped dresses in subtly tinted shades. Tysons Galleria, 703-443-3138; bottegaveneta.com

BROOKS BROTHERS Bringing a refreshing style evolution to the preppy American clothier, newly installed Creative Director for Womenswear Zac Posen makes the label about more than just classically tailored men’s suits, as ladies can look forward to updated preppy styles and silhouettes and lots of color. 3077 M St. NW, 202-2988797; brooksbrothers.com

DIOR The iconic French fashion house offers ready-to-wear, jewelry, and accessories from its new creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, who spent 17 years as half of the duo behind Valentino.

INSIDER TIP: The CityCenterDC boutique is one of the prettiest in the District, thanks to a collection of commissioned pieces of furniture and a two-story wall of cascading LED lights.

CityCenterDC, 202-408-5990; dior.com

shoes, and scarves. CityCenterDC, 202-789-4341; hermes.com

HUGO BOSS The German luxury label serves up sleek, no-nonsense fashion staples for well-suited gents, from shoes and leather goods to suits and ties. 1517 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-625-2677; hugoboss.com

I GORMAN JEWELERS I Gorman boasts unique pieces for men and women, with a bridal section that includes exquisite engagement rings. Jewelry designers include Todd Reed, Shinola, and Kothari.

1133 20th St. NW, 202-775-8544; igorman.com

LEDBURY HERMÈS Drawing heavily on its equestrian heritage and making its mark with superior craftsmanship, Hermès brings DC shoppers the ultimate in refinement, straight from Paris. The selection runs from sophisticated wardrobe staples to bags, small leather goods,

This men’s clothing store is the latest Cady’s Alley hot spot. After years of DC pop-ups, Ledbury has finally opened its first permanent shop with ready-to-wear clothing. Customers can also book made-to-measure appointments for any last-minute changes or first-timer shopping sprees.

WHO: Host of Great Day Washington. ON THE WATER: “The scenery

‒ Secret Source ‒

at the Georgetown waterfront (3303 Water St. NW, 202-895-6000;

MARKETTE SHEPPARD

georgetownwaterfrontpark.org) epitomizes what the Washington area is all about, with the Kennedy Center, the Potomac, and the fall foliage in the backdrop. There are also so many great restaurants to enjoy down there.” PARK EVANGELISM: “Hey, America, DC has a park too! You can find me at Rock Creek Park (nps.gov/rcor) any given weekend in the fall, riding my bike or taking a hike with my husband and son. Rock Creek Park is my personal heaven on earth.” AT THE MOVIES: “I’m a movie lover, and the Atlantic Plumbing Building (807 V St. NW, 202-534-1965; landmarktheatres.com) is my go-to when I want to take in a good film and relax with my friends and family. It’s a boutique theater with reclining seats and decent food.” MUSEUM MUST: “The National Museum of African American History and Culture (1400 Constitution Ave. NW, 844-7503012; nmaahc.si.edu) is hands-down one of my new favorite places in DC. The history and culture is so thoughtful and touching—not to mention the amazing food in the Sweet Home Café. But what grips me every time I pass by is the amazing architecture.” @markettesheppard; markettesheppard.com

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3319A Cady’s Alley NW, 202-7962626; ledbury.com

LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD This family-owned luxury jewelry and watch boutique offers a vast collection of high-end designers and a shop-in-shop Rolex boutique. There are also custom pieces by in-house master goldsmith Stephen Clarke, whose jewelry résumé includes collaborations with such notables as interior designer Barry Dixon. INSIDER TIP: Clarke was handpicked by the Smithsonian to reset the Hope Diamond. Tysons Galleria, McLean, 703-448-6731; liljenquistbeckstead.com

PRADA

REDEEM

RELISH

The hipper-than-thou Italian luxury brand has a penchant for setting trends, thanks to Miuccia Prada’s daring style and disinterest in fashion-as-usual. Tysons Galleria, 703-245-3438; prada.com

This minimalist, high-end boutique on bustling 14th Street includes clothing from up-and-coming designers.

Founded by a native Washingtonian, the store works to constantly update and change its selection in order to bring in the newest, freshest names in fashion. 1810 14th St. NW, 202-3327447; redeemus.com

Located in Georgetown’s design row is Relish, a luxury boutique that focuses on the artistic, sophisticated side of fashion. Attending to a worldly clientele, owner Nancy Pearlstein brings rarity, modernization, and class to her store. 3312 Cady’s Alley NW, 202-333-5343; relishdc.com

LOUIS VUITTON For modern-day fans of the historic trunk maker, Nicolas Ghesquière offers stylish upgrades to the women’s and men’s collections, travel goods, and accessories. The DC boutique provides two personalization services: hot stamping and the more elaborate Mon Monogram program, which allows clients to add initials and colored stripes to bags, duffels, and select accessories. CityCenterDC, 202-774-2519; louisvuitton.com

MAX MARA Last fall, the oh-so-classic and clean Italian fashion house launched a new campaign featuring It girl Gigi Hadid and reintroduced its iconic 101801 camel cashmere topcoat. The mix of fresh faces and archival favorites is part of the celebration of Max Mara’s 65th birthday. Tysons Galleria, 703-556-6962; us.maxmara.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEBASTIAN MARIN

NEIMAN MARCUS Home to haute names like Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen, the must-shop retailer brings customers ready-to-wear, accessories, and so much more for a shopping trip worth splurging on. INSIDER TIP: It has the only Van Cleef & Arpels boutique from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Short Hills, New Jersey. Tysons Galleria, McLean, 703-761-1600; neimanmarcus.com

CENTER OF IT ALL Sure, CityCenterDC is about luxury shopping—with designer brands like Dior, Hermès, and Loro Piana— but it’s also about much more than that. The public programming includes Toned Up Tuesday fitness classes (like group yoga) and rotating art installations, which recently featured hundreds of vibrant beach balls suspended in the air for the summer. And don’t forget dining options like Fig & Olive and DBGB Kitchen and Bar.

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The SOURCE: STYLE SAKS FIFTH AVENUE The go-to for trending yet accessible contemporary collections, Saks is one-stop shopping for day, night, and everything in between. 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 301-6579343; saks.com

the field of fashion, the husband-andwife duo has created impeccably curated boutiques that offer a twist on classics for Washingtonians. Sid: 3026 N St. NW, 202-864-0365; sidmashburn.com. Ann: 3251 Prospect St. NW, 202-864-0367; annmashburn.com

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

STEADFAST SUPPLY

Put your best foot forward in sleek Italian style. There’s a selection of fine leather goods and ready-to-wear, and the made-to-order program allows men to customize the brand’s famously luxurious shoes with a choice of color and material. CityCenterDC, 202-2896610; ferragamo.com

This storefront assembles the best of local artisanal vendors and creative designers. Carrying fashion and home goods, this retail space focuses on quality and innovation. 300 Tingey St. SE, 202-308-4441; steadfastsupplydc.com

SHINOLA Stock up on Detroit-inspired bicycles, watches, bags, and more at the Motor City import’s DC outpost. The shop champions American manufacturers, like Horween Leather and Waterford Precision Cycles, with a history of creating beautiful things. 1631 14th St. NW, 202-470-0250; shinola.com

SID + ANN MASHBURN With their men’s and women’s stores, respectively called Sid and Ann, this fashion-forward team combines classic, hard-to-find styles with their own designs. After years of experience in

TIFFANY & CO. Good things come in robin’s-egg-blue packages at the famed jeweler’s DC outpost, including sweetheart necklaces and rings in sterling silver (the Elsa Peretti collection); sleek, contemporary cuffs and bracelets (the Tiffany T collection); and show-stopping fine jewelry (Tiffany Masterpieces). The Collection at Chevy Chase, 301-657-8777; tiffany.com

Ave. NW, 888-501-8101; tnuck.com

on your to-do list. Tysons Galleria, 703-942-5564; dolcevitasalon.com

TYSONS GALLERIA Luxury and convenience go hand in hand here: There’s fashion (Prada, Ermenegildo Zegna, Bottega Veneta, and Vince), lifestyle (Williams-Sonoma and covetable pieces from Anthony Vaccarello’s newest collection for Saint Laurent), and good eats (Maggiano’s Little Italy and Wildfire). 2001 International Dr., McLean, 703-8470555; tysonsgalleria.com

VINCE Contemporary and cool, Vince’s pieces bring modern minimalism to men and women on the DC circuit, whether they’re heading to the office or running weekend errands. Tysons Galleria, McLean, 703-663-4909; vince.com

SPAS & BEAUTY

TUCKERNUCK

DOLCE VITA SALON AND SPA

This Georgetown boutique showcases traditional American styles inspired by New England sport, travel, sun and sand, and lots of fun. From handbags to dresses, swimsuits to bow ties, this seaside shop has it all. 1053 Wisconsin

The premier salon in McLean, Virginia, takes its facials to the next level with high-tech tools like Dermatude (to stimulate collagen and elastin), and the Galleria location makes it easy to check off other items

GEORGETOWN SALON AND SPA DC ladies and gents flock here for everything from facials and haircuts to waxing, nail services, and electrolysis.

Walk in or make an appointment.

2715 M St. NW, 202-333-8099; georgetownsalonspa.com

MANDARIN ORIENTAL The Spa at Mandarin Oriental allows visitors to discover a pure sense of peace with its impressive facilities, offering the finest in spa and beauty services. Treatments range from bamboo massages to Ocean and Earth body wraps. 1330 Maryland Ave. SW, 202-787-6100; mandarinoriental.com/ washington/luxury-spa

POLISHED OF GEORGETOWN Tucked into a deceptively spacious spot, Polished offers traditional salon services, including manicures, pedicures, spray tans, and waxing. INSIDER TIP: Make an appointment with Pam for a rocket-fast wax that’ll have you in and out in barely 10 minutes. 1425 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-333-7877

SPA AT THE RITZCARLTON, TYSONS CORNER

‒ Secret Source ‒

REBECCA MILLER SPICER

WHO: Senior vice president of the National Beer Wholesalers Association. GO NAVY! “Military tradition and American patriotism are on full display at Naval Academy football games (566 Brownson Road, Annapolis, 800-874-6289; navysports.com), so it’s no surprise that they are great fun for families.” FUN RUN: “The Arlington Police, Fire & Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5K (arlington911race.com) is a big race in the shadow of the Pentagon. You feel the powerful sense of community and shared pride in supporting local first responders.” DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER: “The National Museum of Natural History (10th St. and Constitution Ave. NW, 202-633-1000; naturalhistory. si.edu) has something for all ages, from dinosaurs and mammals to deep-sea fish—and don’t miss all the gemstones, especially the Hope Diamond!” DIVE IN: “Sit at the bar at Hank’s Oyster Bar (three area locations; hanksoysterbar.com) with a tray of fresh oysters and a cold beer (great beer menu!), and you might as well be on vacation with your feet in the sand.” @followyourbeer; nbwa.org

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The spa at The Ritz offers a serene escape from the din of the District, with seasonal treatments and packages.

INSIDER TIP: Be sure to leave time after your appointment for some lounging by the indoor pool. 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean, 703-744-3924; ritzcarlton.com

SPA AT SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA Offering some of the best massages in the DMV, the spa at this luxury resort is a destination unto itself. The huge amount of outdoor space makes it a full-on wellness and relaxation oasis— just an hour’s drive from DC in horse and hunt country. 2500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, 844-303-2723; salamanderresort.com

TRADITIONAL AND MODERN. TWO APPROACHES IN ONE TEAM.

AINUR BEKTURGANOVA & DEBORAH SHAPIRO T: 443-570-6454 | E: abekturganova@ttrsir.com

“When You’re Here, You’re Home” Mention This Ad For Exclusive Savings

REHOBOTH BEACH, DE • THEBELLMOOR.COM • 800-425-2355

The SOURCE: SPACE WHO: An interior designer and owner of Sroka Design. ART WALK:

‒ Secret Source ‒

“When I’m looking for art, I love that within a few blocks in Georgetown I

SKIP SROKA

can cover Cross MacKenzie Gallery (1675 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-337-

the Adelaide chair, created to fit each customer’s individual need. 3342 M St. NW, 202-333-5656; boconcept.com/en-u

7970; crossmackenzie.com), Addison Ripley Gallery (1670 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-338-5180; addisonripleyfineart.com), Maurine Littleton

I’m showing someone Washington, a dinner at Fiola Mare (3050 K St.

Named for an Italian craftsman who got his start in 1923, the Calligaris brand today offers Washingtonians “smart design”—versatile and ergonomic Italian furniture—in an elegant showroom in Georgetown’s stylish Cady’s Alley.

3328 M St. NW, 202-244-5544; washingtondc.calligaris.us

NW, 202-628-0065; fiolamaredc.com) always is a pleasure.” HOME

DALTON BRODY

AWAY FROM HOME: “If I have friends staying in town, I recommend

A local go-to for premium gifts and select home goods, Dalton Brody offers an adorable assortment of tabletop items, handmade jewelry, and the perfect gift for every occasion and person, from recent college grads to that hard-to-shop-for hostess.

INSIDER TIP: Let the team know when you’re purchasing a gift and they’ll take care of the wrapping! 3412 Idaho Ave. NW, 202-244-7197; daltonbrody.com

Gallery (1667 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-333-9307; littletongallery.com), and Susan Calloway Art (1643 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-965-7370; callowayart.com).” DINE HERE: “While in Georgetown, if I want to grab a bite to eat with a friend, I love the familiarity and coziness of Martin’s Tavern (1264 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-333-7370; martinstavern.com). If

the Jefferson (1200 16th St. NW, 202-448-2300; jeffersondc.com), and I love meeting them at the bar there.” Sroka Design is located at 2158 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-734-3920; srokadesign.com.

APARTMENTS & CONDOS

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

THE SIGNET

COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE

The McLean/Tysons area is booming, and residents of The Signet’s 123 soon-to-deliver condominiums will be at the center of the action. The low-rise will feature six residential levels, plus 5,000 square feet of carefully curated retail on the ground floor. Elm Street and Fleetwood Road, McLean, 703-535-5550; signetmclean.com

VIO The luxury condominiums in this new southwest waterfront redevelopment, opening this year, offer sweeping Potomac River views and designer finishes in what is sure to be a bustling destination—the Wharf—with easy access to The National Mall and downtown. 750 Water St. SW; viodc.com

WARDMAN TOWER This historic landmark was designed by the legendary Harry Wardman in 1928 but recently underwent a lavish modern restoration by Deborah Berke Partners to create 32 luxury condos priced from $3 million to $9 million, delivering this year. 2660 Connecticut Ave., 202-7512900; wardmantower.com

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CALLIGARIS

This venerable firm is a leading residential brokerage in the mid-Atlantic area, with 2,200 agents, from the Delaware beaches to northern Virginia. 3000 K St. NW, 202-333-6100; multiple locations; coldwellbankerhomes.com

COMPASS A relative newcomer to DC real estate, Compass prides itself on its trend watching and its innovative use of technology for marketing. Dupont Circle Office, 1506 19th St. NW, #1, 202-4911275; multiple locations; compass.com

THE FLEISHER GROUP Marc Fleisher leads this small, highly experienced TTR Sotheby’s group, with more than 33 years as an agent and $3 billion in career sales. 5454 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 240-2350181; marcfleisher.com

Christie’s International Real Estate specializes in luxury. It operates in 45 countries, focuses on $1 million–plus homes, and has more than $100 billion in annual sales. 730 12th St. NW, 202-737-1727; longandfoster.com

WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES Billed as the preeminent “carriage trade” brokerage in the region, this firm has more than 100 brokers specializing in affluent neighborhoods of DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Recently, WFP’s Nancy Taylor Bubes was selected to represent the former home of first lady Jacqueline Kennedy. INSIDER TIP: For a fun real estate report, sign up for Kimberly Casey and Daryl Judy’s weekly newsletter. 3201 New Mexico Ave. NW, #220, 202-9445000; multiple locations; wfp.com

FURNITURE & HOME DÉCOR BO CONCEPTS

LONG & FOSTER, CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE Like its renowned sister company,

This Danish-inspired home furniture showroom offers customized designs as well as accessories interpreted from geographic locations. One of Bo Concept’s most recognized pieces is

LE VILLAGE MARCHÉ Located in Cathedral Heights, this shop is the place to find exquisite gifts and home décor items with French flair, courtesy of owner Angela Phelps. 3318 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-362-4444; levillagemarche.com

LIGNE ROSET This forward-thinking design company offers high-end, French-built contemporary furniture, home décor and accessories, lighting, and textiles, in collaboration with dozens of top designers. 2201 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-248-3112; ligneroset-dc.com

ROOM & BOARD This high-end, American-made furniture and home goods store has a vast selection spread across four beautiful levels. Shoppers can find everything from solid-wood dining tables and chic kids’ bunk beds to handsome bedding and picture frames, plus a wide variety of accessories and outdoor furnishings. 1840 14th St. NW, 202-729-8300; roomandboard.com

DÉCOR & DESIGN SERVICES JENNIFER HORN High-end landscape architect Jennifer Horn has a small but exquisite firm that offers services to both residential and commercial spaces. Her specialties include patios, walkways, herb gardens, outdoor kitchens and bars, and many more outdoor features. Her firm assists the whole DMV area. 2221 S. Clark St., Fl. 1, Arlington, VA, 202-573-7581; jenniferghorn.com

SROKA DESIGN This high-end interior design firm has over 30 years of experience and excels in balancing its own artistic knowledge with a client’s taste. Services include furniture selection, renovation, new construction, material selection, and more. 2158 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-734-3920; srokadesign.com

ZEN ASSOCIATES A local mainstay for design, Zen Associates’ highly experienced landscape architects and interior designers also provide design-and-build services.

2321 Distribution Circle, Silver Spring, 800-834-6654; zenassociates.com

HOTELS & RESORTS THE BELLMOOR INN & SPA Lushly appointed rooms and a not-tobe-missed spa in the heart of Rehoboth Beach make this charming inn a perfect destination for a beach-bound girls’ weekend or some low-key R&R. 6 Christian St., Rehoboth Beach, 302-2275800; thebellmoor.com

THE GREENBRIER Worth the drive, this historic luxury resort, dating back to 1778, sits on expansive (we’re talking 11,000 acres), impeccably landscaped grounds at the foot of the Allegheny Mountains in West Virginia and hosts a full yearround schedule of events, including an annual PGA Tour FedExCup tournament. 300 W. Main St., White Sulphur Springs, 855-453-4858; greenbrier.com

THE HAY-ADAMS The historic boutique hotel is set just steps away from the White House.

Take in breathtaking rooftop views of the city and enjoy a drink in its popular political meeting spot, Off the Record Lounge. 800 16th St. NW, 202-6386600; hayadams.com

THE JEFFERSON This boutique luxury hotel is as convenient as it is charming. Just a couple of blocks from the White House and downtown, it boasts DC’s only Forbes five-star restaurant, Plume. INSIDER TIP: In a city that goes to bed early, Quill, the hotel’s upscale lounge and cocktail bar, offers light bites until 12 am seven nights a week. 1200 16th St. NW, 202-448-2300; jeffersondc.com

KESWICK HALL AND GOLF CLUB You will find this luxury Virginia getaway 6.8 miles from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and seven miles from downtown Charlottesville. With the estate featuring magnificent views, an infinity pool, wine cellar, spa, event space, three on-site dining options, and an 18-hole golf course, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

701 Club Dr., Keswick, VA, 434-9793440; keswick.com

1770 Euclid St. NW, 202-588-0525; thelinehotel.com/dc

MANDARIN ORIENTAL This five-star luxury resort is ideally situated between the marina and the Washington Monument. The Mandarin Oriental has two options for dining; one is an American-Asian fusion restaurant, while the other is a quaint lounge offering cocktails, light fare, and tea.

And you can’t forget its legendary spa honoring its Asian heritage. 1330 Maryland Ave. SW, 202-787-6100; mandarinoriental.com/Washington

PARK HYATT Home to the Michelin-starred Blue Duck Tavern, this hotel has hired renowned designer Tony Chi to renovate its rooms, with spa-inspired baths and a refined palette of grays, blues, and yellows. INSIDER TIP: Look for fresh honey by the jar, produced by a hive on the roof and collected by an in-house beekeeper. 1201 24th St. NW, 202789-1234; parkwashington.hyatt.com

RITZ-CARLTON TYSONS Offering luxury accommodations and a top-notch spa (which recently underwent a $1 million renovation) amidst all the Tysons shopping, the RitzCarlton Tysons also boasts fun events throughout the year and one-stop shopping for weddings and more.

1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean, 703-5064300; ritzcarlton.com

SALAMANDER RESORT AND SPA Sheila Johnson’s equestrian escape is just an hour from DC. Nestled in the historic town of Middleburg, the resort offers 24-hour in-room dining, a 14,000-square-foot stable, an exceptional spa, and more. INSIDER TIP: It also hosts one of the most exciting events in the region: the annual Middleburg Film Festival. 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, 540-3264040; salamanderresort.com

SOFITEL This French-inspired five-star hotel is perfectly situated downtown, just a stone’s throw from the White House.

Inside, a charming bar is the ideal spot for coffee, tea, or a drink. Fun fact: Sofitel’s Alexandra Byrne is the city’s only female general manager of a luxury hotel. 806 15th St. NW, 202730-8800; sofitel.com

THE ST. GREGORY HOTEL A quick walk from the center of DuPont Circle, this downtown hotel is located in the heart of the nation’s capital. With the recently opened Tredici Enoteca restaurant on the premises, guests can enjoy a raw oyster bar, small plates, flatbreads, and other dishes inspired by the Mediterranean.

The hotel boasts 155 rooms and suites, some with their own kitchens and private balconies. 2033 M St. NW, 202-530-3600; stgregoryhotelwdc.com

A snapshot of the Presidential Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Tyson’s Corner.

THE LINE THE FAIRFAX AT EMBASSY ROW A classic boutique hotel in the tony Upper Northwest area of Embassy Row, the Fairfax has hosted such notables as the Gore and Bush families, Frank Sinatra, and Jackie Kennedy. 2100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 202-293-2100; fairfaxwashingtondc.com

Located in the hip neighborhood of Adams Morgan, this exquisite hotel is housed in a 110-year-old historic church.

Featuring modern and minimalistic designs and including art by local artists in every room, the hotel has a fitness center that offers classes taught by state-of-the-art fitness trainer Graham King. Classes are free for hotel guests.

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BIPARTISAN BANTER

BACK IN SESSION CONGRESS AND SCHOOLKIDS ARE BOTH BACK FROM SUMMER BREAK, AND THE QUESTION IS: WHO’LL BE MORE PRODUCTIVE?

ON THE LEFT

BY JIMMY WILLIAMS

ON THE RIGHT

BY DOUG HEYE

With the clock ticking before Congress leaves for the year, fall is the time to tackle big-ticket items like tax reform and trade. That these items are still on the docket telegraphs the longstanding divisions among Republicans—spanning politics, policy, and personality—despite controlling both chambers.

Enter Donald Trump.

Single-party rule means business should be getting done. Republicans have had success enacting into law more legislation than in President Obama’s first months, including passing the VA reform bill and, not insignificantly, confirming Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.

But the GOP promised big things, and the president promised big beautiful things. And big things cannot happen if Republicans let internal divisions get in the way of enacting a legislative agenda.

Will Trump push Republicans to pass bold agenda items, or will tweets and controversies remain constant distractions? The answer will determine Republican legislative victories this fall—and electoral victories next.

.

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GRAPHICS BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Never in a million years would I have thought a united GOP Congress and president wouldn’t be able to move the ball—any ball—across the finish line.

What happened to that “mandate”?

Alas, the GOP caucus is deeply divided. Congress is one year out from reelections, but not much is scheduled for votes except post office namings.

Maybe the GOP should reach out to Democrats.

They vote, too.

Democrats also have to decide: Do they try to win Congress back, or do they want to create jobs and infrastructure projects in their districts? Senior staff say they’ll work together if asked. Sadly, the GOP isn’t asking. So Democrats are focused squarely on the Don, and they have the Twitter accounts to prove it.

Congress’s approval rating is abysmal, and America’s craving better dialogue. Let’s see if the GOP and Democrats can get it together long enough to get what everyone wants: results.