EDITOR’S LETTER
GRAND AFFAIRS T
he social season is upon us! Each September, to help you celebrate (and give back, because after all, these events are charitable fundraisers) we compile a comprehensive list of the upcoming year’s balls, galas and significant soirées. Our special section showcases stunning portraits of gala organizers and participants by our immensely talented and creative principal photographer Tony Powell. Powell’s vision to inject movement into this year’s photo shoots is evident throughout the feature, from the image of the Washington Ballet dancers captured pirouetting mid-air to that of ABC News producer and Meridian Young Professional chair Ali Weinberg playing the piano as fiancee Josh Rogin looks on. We would be remiss in failing to acknowledge Meridian International Center and the Capella Hotel in Georgetown for serving as beautiful backdrops for our photo sessions, as well as Rent the Runway for providing many of the dazzling gowns. Our feature also highlights the missions of a number of organizations with submitted pieces by such luminaries as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on behalf of Boys and Girls Clubs of America and former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood for the Susan B. Komen Foundation. We know you’ll want to keep this issue as a reference throughout the coming year as we are certain it contains information on the cause that is right for you. Need a proper gown for the ball? Our Arena Stage photo shoot showcases dramatic looks that will surely impress fellow partygoers. When you’re ready to hang up the formal wear, check out our Fall trend report featuring color blocking in black and white. Philanthropist and frequent ball chairwoman Annie Totah is opening her residence to strangers for the first time as a participant in the 59th annual Potomac Country House Tour this October. We got an exclusive sneak peek inside her home, where she has played host to numerous political figures, diplomats and donors to important causes. This month’s book column highlights famed local chef Nora Pouillon and her memoir “My Organic Life: How a Pioneering Chef Helped Shape the Way We Eat Today.” What does one do after snagging a World Cup victory for their country? We found out over a lunch of empanadas and charred veggies with defender Ali Krieger and goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris at Shaw’s
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newest restaurant, The Royal. Joined by DC Spirit teammate Crystal Dunn, the soccer players chatted about life on the road, living out of a suitcase, playing on the international stage and how they balance time in Washington with national team duties. Just as the presidential campaign is heating up we spoke to Rock the Vote president Ashley Spillane for our Who’s Next column and Matt Colbert, creator of the BuyPartisan app, which allows you to vote with your pocketbook, for our Innovators and Disruptors feature. You will also see coverage of the many events we attended before our readers left on vacation. Among them: the Washington National Opera Ball; the Phillips Collection, Ford’s Theatre,Vital Voices and Step Afrika galas; the Nationals’ Dream Ball and CharityWorks’ 100 Point Vintage Wine Photographer Tony Powell directs our cover stars at the George Washington Statue. Dinner. Check back next month as the fall social season heats up for coverage of numerous WL-Sponsored affairs such as Ambassador’s Ball, After Dark @THEARC, the Joan Hisaoka “Make a Difference” Gala and NOFAS’ International Gala. And, of course, October will bring our annual Ambassadors Directory featuring exclusive features on the diplomatic corps.
Nancy R. Bagley Editor in Chief Readers wishing to contact Nancy Bagley can email her at nbagley@washingtonlife.com
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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