Washington Life Magazine - February 2006

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Irene Pollin, Dine & Dish, The “Plame Game,” Pollywood, Ducati and Escada...

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Wa s h i n gto n’s P r e m i er Luxu ry Li fest y le M ag a zi n e S i n c e 19 91

Aspen living

the lOOK OF LOVE Gowns, Diamonds, & the Wedding hot list

inside washingtonian winter Retreats

Society Weddings

georgetown, london & santa fe

the 28th annual kennedy CENTER HONORS

& parties, parties, parties!

The Young & The Guest List 2006 February 2006 • $3.50 www.Washington Life.com

d.c.’s Emerging social Players

from top: Charles Goorah, Mary Moffett, Michelle Haney Maddux, Tobin Moore, Marco minuto, Mae Haney Grennan and Ashley Taylor

WASHINGTON LIFE

CONTENTS F E B R U A R Y

2 0 0 6

A RT S & CU LTU R E

TH ANNUAL KENNEDY CENTER HONORS

COV E R STO RY

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THE YOUNG & THE GUEST LIST

FA S H I O N F E ATU R E W E D D I N G S

THE LOOK OF LOVE

I N S I D E H O M E S A S P E N

FEATURES

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LITERATURE Honoring Native American writers .

POLLYWOOD The White Countess and Garnett Stackelberg . . . .

CHARITY Irene Pollin’s Sister to Sister charity . .

MEDIA SPOTLIGHT Verbatim: Bob Merry plays the Plame Game . . . . .

REAL ESTATE & HOME DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . .

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Dine & Dish: Media gossip served hot . . . . . . . . . .

HISTORY The Madisons and the White House . . . . . .

SOCIETY Catherine Eddy Beveridge . . . . . . . . . .

WEDDING SPECTACULAR Society weddings from around the globe . . . . . . . . . . .

Wedding hot list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FASHION Debra Lee interviews Kai Milla plus Escada . . . . . . . .

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Ducati at Muleh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Q & A CAFÉ with Carol Radziwell . . . . . . . . . . .

HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC with Janet Donovan: Syriana and Munich . . . . . . . . .

AROUND TOWN with Donna Shor . . . . . . . .

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WL SPONSORED & SUPPORTED EVENTS WL KICK-OFF PARTY . . . . . . . . . . .

STARLIGHT STARBRIGHT BALL . . . . . . . .

WASHINGTON BALLET Nutty or Nice Bash . . . .

CHORAL ARTS Enchanting Evening in Exotic Brazil RENWICK GALLERY Artrageous . . . . . . . . . . .

ANN HAND Sew Much Comfort . . . . . . . . . . .

CARTIER Chevy Chase Opening . . . . . . . . . .

Holiday Lunch Honoring Cabinet Spouses . . . . . . . .

Dinner at the Bolivian Ambassador’s Residence . . . . . .

Dinner Reception with Tony Bennett . . . . . . . . . .

Penn, Schoen and Berland 30th Anniversary Dinner . . .

Ski Apres

DEPARTMENTS EDITOR’S LETTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CONTRIBUTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CALENDAR OF EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . .

FYIDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WHAT’S HOT Diamonds, diamonds, diamonds . . .

TREND REPORT Trendy touches for any Wedding.

TRAVEL Petite St.Vincent and Barbados . . . . .

HOTEL WATCH Kevin Chaffee at the Bellagio .

THE DISH Aster and Town Hall . . . . . . . . .

TEN TO DO Get out and have fun! . . . . . . . .

DESIGN Tips for better loft living . . . . . . .

OPEN HOUSE The Watergate and other properties ready for buyers .

REAL ESTATE ROUNDTABLE Jim Abdo, Marc Dubick and John Mason . . . .

REAL ESTATE NEWS with Mary Mewborn .

LIFE OF THE PARTY

COLUMNS

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People for The American Way: Spirit of Liberty Awards

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The Steel/Satterfield Holiday Brunch . . . . . . . . . . .

96 § SNAPS FROM TOP Ina Ginsburg at the Cartier Chevy Chase Opening, Tina Turner at The Kennedy Center Honors and Britlan and Fred Malek, Jr. at their wedding. Engagement ring from Finks.

COV E R PH OTO BY ZA ID H A MID

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WASHINGTONIAN WINTER RETREATS

WA S H I N GTO N ’S PR E M I E R E LUXURY L IFE STY L E M AGAZ IN E SIN C E 1991

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nancy Reynolds Bagley MANAGING EDITOR

Michael Clements EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Katie Tarbox COPY EDITOR

Claudia Krieger FASHION EDITOR

Barbara McConaghy STYLE EDITOR

Alison Lukes COLUMNISTS

Janet Donovan, Mary Mewborn and Donna Shor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & EDITORS

Mark Bisnow, Kevin Chaffee, Donna Evers, Carol Joynt and Michael Wharton EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Clay Gaynor PRODUCTION ARTIST

Susan M. Dickey GRAPHIC ARTISTS

Elizabeth Demers and Barton Kelecava CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lucien Capehart, Roy Cox, Zaid Hamid, Immanuel Jayachandran, Robert Millman, Jonah Koch,Vickey Pombo, Kyle Samperton and Douglas Sonders DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

Audrey Weppler ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Tara deNicolas and Alexandra Misci ACCOUNT ASSOCIATE

Robyn Weinstein MARKETING & CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Charlotte Grassi EVENTS COORDINATOR

Heather Guay CONTROLLER

Catherine Sumner WEB TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT

Ernesto Gluecksmann, Infamia, Inc. INTERN

Adenike Olanrewaju PUBLISHER

Vicki Bagley

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Gerry Byrne

Washington Life magazine: Celebrating Washington’s Social Scene and Power Elite, publishes ten times a year. Issues are distributed in February, March, April, May, June, July/ August, September, October, November and December and are hand-delivered on a rotating basis to over 150,000 homes throughout D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland.

Additional copies are available at various upscale retailers, hotels, select newstands and Whole Foods stores in the area. For a complete listing, please-consult our website at www.washingtonlife.com. You can also subscribe online at www.washingtonlife.com or send a check for $35.99 (one year) to: Washington Life Magazine, 2301 Tracy Place, NW, Washington D.C., 20008 To post or view events on our interactive online social calendar, visit www.washingtonlife.com and click on “social calendar.” To contribute ideas or provide feedback Email us at info@washingtonlife. com with press releases, tips and editorial comments. Copyright ©2005 by Washington Life. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial content or photos in any manner without permission is strictly prohibited. Printed in the United States. We will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Magazine format by Wayne DeSelle Design / www.deselle.com

EDITOR’S LETTER

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All You Need is Love...

here I was sitting in Maté in Georgetown kicking off 2006 surrounded by our Washington Life extended family, and it dawned on me: I love my job! Where else can one collaborate with Washington’s finest political, social, media, business, entertainment and lifestyle minds while at the same time sampling divine sushi and Matétinis...And that’s when it really hit me (no, not the martinis), but the true source of my lovely epiphany: People. Pick up a magazine, flip through the pages, save it on the nightstand, read it in the bathtub, what have you, and the thread that binds a great publication is not the binding itself, but it¹s the people...and at WL we get to meet and cover Washington’s finest.

Speaking of love...this issue is filled with it! From beautiful Lower Lavey, County Caven in Ireland to Santa Fe, to right here in our backyard, WL was privileged to be invited to the weddings of Chris Murray and Carlotta Hester, Toby Constantine and Julia Moffett, Henry Von Eichel and Monika Apponyi, and Angela McGlowan and John Venners and the Malek family celebrated two weddings: Michelle Malek Dupont wed Christopher Olson in Sante Fe, while her brother Fred W. Malek married Britlian Gorse in Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown.

If you happen to be thinking about taking the big step into marriage, not to worry, our Wedding Spectacular is filled with bridal fashions from Saks Jandel, Neiman Marcus, Vera Wang, Tiffany and many others (Special thanks to The Four Seasons for providing the perfect backdrop for our fashion shoot.)You can also peruse our Wedding Hot List and search for local wedding photographers, stylists, venues and more.

having fun . . . which is exactly what we did as we invited our readers and helped support the opening of the new Cartier store at The Collection at Chevy Chase, a fundraiser for So Much Comfort at Ann Hand, and other events with The Choral Arts Society of Washington, The Renwick Gallery, The Washington Ballet, and Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation. Mark your calendar for future WL-sponsored events: The Washington National Mid-Opera Gala on February 11, and the Best Friends Foundation Gala and Corcoran 1869 Spring Gala both on March 4th.

We were also on the scene at fashion shows for Escada, Ducati and Kai Milla, who BET Chairman Debra Lee interviewed this month for our Fashion Section (Debra, congratulations on your promotion).

Our Media Spotlight section is filled with lots of tasty tid-bits this month.

For Dine & Dish, we take an Italian spin on media gossip as Craig Crawford, Harry Jaffe, John McCaslin, Danielle Decker-Jones and Chuck Conconi digest access to the White House, media sourcing, and pasta from Teatro Goldoni. And as part of our expanded coverage, we also feast on the latest from the arts, philanthropy, entertainment and literature world with WL’s-insider coverage of the 28th Annual Kennedy Center Honors and literary contributions from Willee Lewis and Leslie Cockburn of Penn Faulkner and Bitsey Folger’s interview with Albert Beveridge on his recently published book.

In our ever expanding Real Estate and Design section you’ll read about the latest trends driving the city’s continuing property boom. For those in the market, you won’t want to miss our Real Estate Roundtable with developers Michael Dubick, Jim Abdo and John Mason.

The Young & The Guest List 2006 special feature takes note of many emerging leaders and social players in Washington but don’t mistake “young” for “green”...those listed are at the leading edges of our city’s revitalization.

On a side note, we are happy to announce the addition of Managing Editor Michael Clements to the WL team. Michael brings reams of publication experience from Hong Kong and Los Angeles (along with a few guitars and paint brushes).

As fellow Washingtonians were busy falling in love, we were busy swooning over some of our residents amazing Aspen retreats. A warm thank you to those who graciously opened up their homes and hearts to us: Stuart and Wilma Bernstein, Mel and Suellen Estrin, A. Huda and Samia Farouki, Bill and Anne Nitze, and from the Aspen Institute, Walter Isaacson. Their beautiful residences had us all wanting to hop the next private charter jet Telluride Flight to Colorado.

Lastly, we hope that it’s been a little easier for you who do not subscribe or receive home delivery to find WL now that we can be found throughout the city at Whole Foods, Faber newsstands at the airport and train stations, Books-a-Million and more. Check out www.washingtonlife.com to sign up for the Digital Edition and for a complete list of locations where you can purchase WL. So, spread the love and tell your friends to pick up a copy or subscribe today!

For something a little closer to home, be sure to check our Calendar of Events and Ten To Do and kick off the New Year by getting out there and

Wishing everyone a lovely 2006,

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

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CONTRIBUTORS

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CHRISTOPHER BARSON

JANET DONOVAN

Chr istopher Barson is 1 proprietor of Christopher Barson Interior Associates. His work has been featured in The New York Times and Washington Spaces.

Janet Donovan is founder and president of Creative Enter pr ises Inter national, a Washington, D.C. publicity firm whose clients include celebrities, authors, politicians and publications.

She created and hosted The Beltway Broads radio show and writes the column Hollywood on the Potomac.

MARK BISNOW Mark Bisnow has been a lawyer and businessman in Washington for nearly three decades and publishes a growing series of electronic newsletters, including Real Estate Weekly.

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KEVIN CHAFFEE Kevin Chaffee is the Assistant Features Editor and Society Editor of The Washington Times.

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ANDREW COCKBURN 3

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Donna Evers has more than 28 years experience in residential real estate in the Washington Metro marketplace. She was one of the most successful sales agents in the area before starting her own company and now, as the principal of Evers & Co., manages a team of awardwinning agents.

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BITSEY FOLGER

LESLIE COCKBURN

A former producer for Larry King, Charlie Rose and Chris Matthews, Joynt is the owner of Nathans, the popular Georgetown restaurant. After 9/11, Joynt began hosting monthly neighborhood power lunches called Q & A Cafe.

Featuring such guests as Tom Brokaw, Dan Snyder and Tim Russert, the lunches showcase the city’s best known figures, speaking candidly in an intimate atmosphere.

Leslie Cockburn works as a producer for CBS’s “60 Minutes.” Her coverage of foreign affairs has won Emmy, George Polk and du Pont-Columbia Awards, the Robert F. Kennedy Award for International Reporting, and the National Press Club Award for Diplomatic Correspondence.

ROY COX Baltimore native, Roy Cox began his career in advertising and fashion photography. He has developed a unique and easily identifiable style of imagery while working with international actors, models and professionals.

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DONNA EVERS

Andrew Cockburn is an independent journalist who frequently writes for National Geographic, The Independent and Counterpunch. He is the co-author of Out of the Ashes: The Resurrection of Saddam Hussein and a contributor to CounterPunch’s recent history of the last three U.S. military operations, Imperial Crusades.

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

Bitsey Folger, a former teacher and longtime Washington resident, is former chairman of the White House Endowment Fund.

She serves on the board of directors for several organizations, including Vital Voices.

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CAROL ROSS JOYNT 10

ANNA KIMSEY Anna Kimsey is a recent graduate of Yale University and works at the lobbying firm, Dutko Worldwide.

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CONTRIBUTORS

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DEBRA LEE Debra Lee is the new 12 Chair man and for mer president and chief operating officer of BET–the leading media and entertainment company targeting African Americans. BET reaches into more than 78 million homes.

WILLEE LEWIS 13

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Willee Lewis serves as the executive vice president for the PEN/Faulkner Awards. Lewis is active in the literary community and has been a long-time advocate of libraries. In 2003, she published Snakes: An Anthology of Serpent Tales.

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ALISON LUKES After four and a half years in New York and Paris and landing her dream job at Michael Kors, Alison Lukes, WL’s style editor, returned to Washington ready to dress some of the city’s power players. As a personal stylist she helps many of the city’s best dressed women find the appropriate and chic wardrobe. She heads up her own company, Alison Lukes et Cie. www.alisonlukes.com

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IRENE POLLIN 15

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Irene Pollin is a social worker 15 and lecturer in the department of psychiatry at Harvard University.

As president and founder of the Linda and Kenneth Pollin Foundation, she serves on a number of national advisory boards. She is active in fields of both mental and women’s health, and is the founder and chairperson of Sister to Sister—Everyone Has a Heart Foundation.

BARBARA MCCONAGHY Washington Life fashion editor Barbara McConaghy is a nationally recognized stylist, fashion show producer and editor. In upcoming issues she’ll share her views on Washington men’s and women’s fashion, and the city’s celebrity style.

Her work has appeared in Elle and Detour magazines, and locally in the Washingtonian, Baltimore Magazine,

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

DC Style and special sections of The Washington Post. She has produced national tours for YM and Seventeen magazines and dressed such stars as Lauren Hutton, Brandy, and Jennifer Love Hewitt.

ROBERT MILLMAN Robert Millman is a freelance photographer, and has worked internationally as an advertising, editorial and stock photographer. He has worked with the legendary Ansel Adams as an assistant for his book and calendar projects. He lives in Aspen.

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BETH SOLOMON Beth Solomon started her career as a freelance reporter for the Voice of America in Nairobi, Kenya before working for ABC News and Radio France International in Berlin. She was a speechwriter for Sen. Sam Nunn and a columnist for Cox Newspapers and the Santa Monica Daily Press before joining the National Association of Manufacturers, where she is Director of Communications and Media Relations.

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ASHLEY TAYLOR Ashley Taylor, granddaughter of Ann Hand, is the manager of the Ann Hand’s Georgetown Boutique and a recent graduate of the University of Southern California.

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MICHAEL WHARTON Michael Wharton left the Center for Scientific Review at the National Institutes of Health to become an editor at America Online CityGuide where he covers DC nightlife and Baltimore. The former editor-in-chief of UC Berkeley’s Daily Californian, he has successfully climbed Monday Morning Leap in Yosemite National Park. He can be heard Friday mornings at 9:10AM on WTOP radio.

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CHRISTINA WILKIE Christina Wilkie is a Washington, D.C. native and director of events at the Aspen Institute.

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C A L E N D A R

Visit Washingtonlife.com’s online calendar to view hundreds of galas and events, or post your own event to have it be considered for publication within our printed calendar and Annual Ball and Galas Directory.

Washington National Opera Midwinter Gala, 2004

FEB R UARY

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INTER-AMERICAN ECONOMIC COUNCIL WINTER GALA will honor R. Allen Stan-

ford, Chairman and CEO of the Stanford Financial Group with the Council’s 2006 Excellence in Leadership Award. Culinary feast, impressive wines and dancing. Proceeds benefit the Inter-American Economic Council’s programs to alleviate poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean. 6:30 p.m., Organization of American States; blacktie; $500; contact (202) 548-0400.

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THE FAIRFAX SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

will host its annual “Valentines Pops” gala, celebrating the orchestra’s 49th season of musical excellence in

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Northern Virginia. Black-tie gala for up to 400 guests, including a silent auction, dinner, and a pops concert by the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. 6:00 p.m., Sheraton Premiere at Tyson’s Corner; $300; tables of 10 available for $7,500, $5,000, and $3,000, contact Ann Morrison (703) 827-0600.

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S O M E JUNIOR GALA will

be sponsored by So Others Might Eat, an organization consisting of local young professionals dedicated to making a difference in their community. In past years, S.O.M.E. has raised over $80,000 to benefit families, build playgrounds and develop afterschool programs for local children. 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.,

The Galleria at Lafayette Centre; Cocktail attire, $75; contact Molly McNamara or Danielle Perraut 301-229-1314.

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WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA MIDWINTER GALA

will feature “Midwinter Gala in the City of Edo,” presented by the Woman’s Committee.

Cocktails, live and silent SPONSORED auctions, dinner, and dancing. Cocktails and silent

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charity. 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., City Tavern Club of Georgetown; blacktie optional; Ladies $55, Gentlemen $70, Couples $115; contact www. capitolentertainmentgroup.com.

auction, 7:00 p.m., dinner and live auction, 8:30 p.m., dancing until midnight, Mellon Auditorium; $175 for patrons under age 40, $500 and above for others; contact (202) 295-2486.

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HEARTBREAKER’S BALL

Join the gentlemen of Capitol Entertainment Group for a Valentine’s soireé with cocktails and entertainment by “Super T.” Enjoy an open bar and light hors d’oeuvres all evening, in addition to a Valentine’s gift for the ladies.

Lucky Roosevelt at the Washington National Opera Midwinter Gala, 2004

Ticket sales will benefit a local

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The Greater Washington Muscular Dystrophy Association will be hosting its annual HEARTSONGS GALA This year’s theme is “Carnaval: a Journey through Latin America,” which will feature entertainment, cocktails, dinner and dancing with stops in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala and Mexico with a grand celebration at Carnaval!

The emcee for the evening will be Tony Perkins, of “Good Morning America.” Live entertainment will be provided by Latino standup comic Paul Rodriguez and Orquesta La Romana. Wendy Rieger, anchor for NBC4, will be the auctioneer for the live portion of the auction. There will

for a single ticket, $120 per couple; contact Mariel Barnes (703)-597-2775

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NARSAD Mental Health Research Association will be hosting their third annual MISSION POSSIBLE GALA and VIP reception to benefit brain disorder research. A seated dinner, live orchestra, VIP Champagne reception, and the presentation of the Paul Wellstone Award. Champagne reception, 5:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., gala, Mellon Auditorium; $500/person for VIP Reception and Gala, $250/person for Gala only; contact narsadgwdc@ aol.com or visit NARSAD’s website at www.narsad-dc.org.

Barbara Harrison and Grace Bender at Best Friends, 2004

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American Heart Association will be hosting their annual HEARTS IN BLOOM GALA where over 800 corporate sponsors and individual guests will commemorate a year of fundSPONSORED raising activities for the organization. Festivities begin with a

Mellon Auditorium; for ticket prices and contact information, (703) 558-0525

MARCH

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pre-event reception including silent and live auctions, dinner, entertainment, and dancing. 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., The Ritz-Carlton, McLean, Virginia; contact Jeana Foster (703) 914-3717 or jeana.foster@heart.org

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Mica and Bob Mosbacher at Best Friends, 2004

Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation Dream Fulfillment Fund will host its SHOOTING STARS MAKING WISHES COME TRUE event, granting wishes for women and men who have stage IV breast cancer.

SAV E T H E DAT E

Silent auction with cocktail and hors d’ourves. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Ritz Carlton Pentagon City; Cocktail, $65

MARCH OF DIMES GOURMET GAGA MARCH 21ST

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St. Jude Children’s Hospital will be hosting their EIGHTH ANNUAL GOURMET GALA an event featuring networking opportunities with business leaders as well as delectable tastings from 1789, Citronelle, Lebanese Taverna and 20 other great restaurants. 5:30-9:00 p.m.,

also be a silent and super silent auction, as well as a raffle for a 2006 Mercedes Benz C230 Sports Sedan. 6:00 p.m., Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C., formal; $600 each; contact (301)486-7680, mwilliams@mdausa.org

For the following Washington Life supported and sponsored events coming up in the month of March!

CORCORAN SOCIETY’S SPRING GALA MARCH 4TH WASHINGTON OPERA GOLDEN GALA MARCH 19TH

| washingtonlife.com

BEST FRIENDS FOUNDATION ROCK´ N `ROLL GALA “Do

you remember when rock was young?” Proceeds benefit Best Friends Foundation, which provides a nationwide network SPONSORED of programs dedicated to enhancing the physical and emotional well being of adolescents.A fun-filled rock` n ´roll themed evening with top entertainment and prominent Washingtonians wearing ’ 50s and ’ 60s attire. Reception 6:30 p.m., dinner 7:15

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p.m., entertainment and dancing 8:00 p.m., Marriott Wardman Park Hotel; $400; contact Roberta (202) 478-9686

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F .Y. I . D.C .

UNIQUE GIFTS

BREAK THE GIFT ROUTINE

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ive your loved ones and friends a chance to play polo together, a stone massage for two, or a whitewater Kayaking trip in Germantown.

It’s all possible via gift experience provider Excitations. According to the company: “Each experience is an engaging answer to giving—each one is selected to thrill, rejuvenate, educate, or simply enjoy.” Plus, with the Circle Choice Packages, you can let recipients chose their activity.

Whether they are into fly-fishing or

feng shui, they’ll find something to get them up early on the weekend.

Retail locations in Tyson’s Corner Center and Union Station. (877)-8392483 www.excitations.com

Polo, one of the many Excitations experiences.

BEAUTY

KIEHL’S V-DAY SET P

amper someone on Valentine’s Day with a collection of Kiehl formulas for face, hair, and body. The fully buffed-out basket includes, for face: Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser; Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub; Cucumber Alcohol-Free Toner; Ultra Facial Moisturizer; Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado; Gel Masque; and Lip Balm #1.

For body and hair: exfoliating Liquid Body Scrub and Cleanser; Creme de Corps body cream, ideal for colder seasons; Ultimate Strength Hand Salve; Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant Cream; coconut-infused Amino Acid Shampoo; Hair Conditioner and Grooming Aid “Formula 133”; Intensive Repairateur Deep Conditioning Pak; Grapefruit Non-Soap Moisturizing Cleansing Bar (deluxe); and Creme with Silk Groom for hair. $193.50.

FASHION

LV IN CHEVY CHASE

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inally! Louis Vuitton has opened a new store at The Collection at Chevy Chase. The location will be the largest Louis Vuitton in the Washington, D.C., area and will carry leathergoods, men’s and women’s shoes, watches, jewelry and accessories. The boutique will feature the Louis Vuitton Damier pattern in addition to watch and jewelry offerings, and two unique scenic vitrines designed by artist Gerard Cholot.

Store Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10:00am-6:00pm; Thursday-Friday 10:00am-8:00pm; Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm; Sunday 12:00pm-6:00pm.

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Be fo re

A ft er

ARTS

FAMILY WARHOL

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ove those special family photos from the refrigerator to the wall with Custom Canvases, an online design studio that can turn your favorite photos into works of art. It’s easy: upload an image, select a canvas size, and pick out a color scheme. The rest is taken care of by the in-house creative team, who will convert your shot into a personalized, Warhol-esque wall-hanging. You can also divide a picture into multiple canvases for a larger, more modern look. Andy would be so proud. Normal delivery time is 2-3 weeks. www.customcanvases.com

FASHION

OLD TOWN NEW LUXURY

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tylephiles take note: The second annual Old Town Boutique Warehouse Sale will be held at The Campagna Center in Alexandria on Saturday, February 18, 2006, from 9am to 4pm. The much welcomed sale will feature deeply discounted merchandise from Old Town’s premier fashion boutiques including Hysteria (LAMB, 3.1

by Philip Lim, Development, Cacharel,

and Diane von Furstenberg); The Shoe Hive (Marc Jacobs, Easy Spirit

by Tara Subkoff, Bettye Muller, Cynthia Rowley and Lulu Guinnes); Romance for the Senses (lingerie); Tickled Pink (Lily Pulitzer), Mystique Jeweler, Gossypia, Queen Bee Jewelry, In By Ten, Remix (vintage), and more. Arrive early for the best selection! 418 South Washington Street, Alexandria.

FITNESS

ROCK-N-YOGA

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ree your inner rocker! Whether you are into The Stones, U2, Fugazi or the Ramones, you won’t find it much of a stretch (well, actually you will) to enjoy Alexandra Luzzatto’s Rock and Yoga classes at Hot Yoga. Luzzatto, a former D.C. punker and Xena action hero, teaches yoga at the

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White House and the CIA, and has traded in her sanskrit mantras for AC/DC. Her class mixes standard yoga poses with dancey moves, while the constantly changing playlist ensures you’ll never get bored… just don’t pull out your concert lighter during downward dog. 3408 Wisconsin Avenue NW. (202) 468-9642

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Power lunching (from left to right): Rev. Kathi Card (wife of White House Chief of Staff), Edilia “Edi” Gutierrez (wife of Secretary of Commerce), Suzann (wife of Secretary of Veteran Affairs), Joyce Rumsfeld (wife of Secretary of Defense), Marcia Jackson (wife of Secretary of HUD), Debbie Johnson (wife of Se Rima Al-Sabah (wife of Kuwati Ambassador), Diane Bodman (wife of Secretary of Energy), Deni Mineta (wife of Secretary of Transportation), Meryl Chertoff (wife of Secr Jacalyn Leavitt (wife of Secretary of Health), Ann Hadley (wife of National Security Advisor) and Becky Gonzales (wife of Attorney General)

Joyce Rumsfeld and Diane Jones

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Rima Al-Sabah and Diana Negroponte

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Meryll Chertoff and Evelyn de Bona

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Elizabeth Natsios, Rev. Kathi Card and Mary Ourisman

Suzanne Micholson and Ann Hadley

O F T H E PA R T Y

H O L I D AY L U N C H H O N O R I N G CABINET SPOUSES December 9 • Kuwaiti Embassy PHOTOS BY VICKY POMBO

THE PARTY Hostess extraordinaire Rima Al-Sabah’s ladies-only holiday lunch honoring 100 of Washington’s most powerful women who came dressed to impress with hands full of gi s, including games, dolls, books and balls for children displaced by Hurricane Katrina. THE SCENE Al-Sabah is known for her a ention to detail, and this lunch didn’t disappoint: she doled out handmade gingerbread snowmen, decorated the embassy with hundreds of red roses, and invited a singer from the Washington National Opera to perform Ave Maria. THE PEOPLE Buffy Cafritz, Sally Quinn, Mary Ourisman, Rev. Kathleen Card, Edilia “Edi” Gutierrez, Suzanne Nicholson, Joyce Rumsfeld, Marcia Jackson, Debbie Johnson, Diane Bodman, Deni Mineta, Meryl Chertoff, Jacalyn Leavi , Ann Hadley, Diane Negropante and Becky Gonzales.

uzanne Nicholson of Secretary of EPA), Secretary of Homeland Security), eral).

Maureen Orth, Sally Quinn and Andrea Mitchell

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Marcia Jackson and Suzanne Nicholson

Jacalyn Leavitt, Norah O’Donnell, and Diane Bodman

Buffy Cafritz, Susan Watters and Amb. Nancy Brinker

Ann Johnson, Linda Sonnenreich, Willee Lewis and Becky Gonzales

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Mariana Pacheco and Ina Ginsburg

Roberto Alvarez

Sec. Carlos Gutierrez, Bolivian Amb. Jaime Aparicio and John Negroponte

O F T H E PA R T Y

P R I VAT E D I N N E R AT T H E B O L I V I A N AMBASSADOR’S RESIDENCE November 30 • Bolivian Ambassador’s Residence PHOTOS BY ZAID HAMID

Susan Ginsburg

THE PARTY Bolivian Ambassador Jamie Aparicio and his wife Pamela hosted a delectable sit-down dinner honoring Andrew Natsios, former administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). THE SCENE The first-rate company also celebrated Aid to Artisans, a non-profit group that fosters artistic traditions and cultural values. THE PEOPLE Sec. of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez and his wife Edilia, President of Aid to Artisans David O’Connor, Susan Ginsburg, Willee Lewis, the Post’s Roxanne Roberts and The Washington Times’s Kevin Chaffee, Lloyd and Anne Hand, Ina Ginsburg, and Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte and his wife Diana.

Andrew Natsios

Pamela Aparicio

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Wes and Betty Foster

Gail Percy and Arturo Brillembourg

David O’Connor and Jordanian Amb. Karim Kawar

Gabriella Moreno and Lloyd Hand

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Tony Bennett, Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Vicki Kennedy and Sen. Ted Kennedy

Ober Star and Sen. Patrick Leahy

O F T H E PA R T Y

DINNER RECEPTION W I T H TO N Y B E N N E T T December 2 • Italian Embassy PHOTOS BY ZAID HAMID

THE PARTY Deputy Chief of Mission of Italy Minister

Hilda Brillembourg

Libby Greer and Kelly Craighead

Stefano Stefanini along with the National Italian American Foundation Sons of Italy and other fellow Italian-Americans, saluted iconic crooner Tony Benne in a swinging start to the 28th Annual Kennedy Center Honors weekend.

Guest came dressed in their best cocktail a ire in order to honor the Grammy award winning singer’s illustrious 55-year career, and Kennedy Center Honors Award THE SCENE Hundreds of fans, friends and relatives were on hand to pay tribute to the singer and, of course, enjoy Amb. Giovanni Castellaneta‘s home-cooked Italian cuisine (you can’t go to the Italian embassy without a home-cooked meal!) THE PEOPLE All of Tony Bennett’s children and grandchildren; Sen. Ted Kennedy and his wife Victoria; Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Rep. Charles B. Rangel and CNN’s Bill Schneider.

Mariachiara and Luca Ferrari

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Kim Zimmerman and Laura Stuber

Wayne and Amy Marshall with Lars Erickson

Beatrice Botta and Alessia Galfano

Linda and John Donovan and Kara Kennedy

Gerry Harrington and Kimberly Skeen Jones

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Rep. Charles Rangel and David Jones

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Don Baer and Liz Bernstein

Sen. Hillary Clinton

Mariella Trager and Hadassah Lieberman

O F T H E PA R T Y

PENN, SCHOEN AND BERLAND 30TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER December 14 • Residence of Nancy Jacobson and Mark Penn P H O T O S B Y I M M A N U E L J AYA C H A N D R A N

Sen. Evan Bayh and Nancy Jacobson

Terry McAuliffe and Skye Raiser Perlin

Terry Liermam

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Claire Shipman, Evan Ryan and Virginia Shore

THE PARTY A high-powered mostly democratic evening of holiday cheer at the home of Nancy Jacobson and Mark Penn. The gathering marked the 30th anniversary of Mr. Penn’s research and polling firm, Penn, Schoen and Berland. THE SCENE A comfortable and inviting atmosphere was the perfect backdrop for both casual and sharp-wi ed conversations (had to be up-to-snuff on current events to hold your own with this group.) THE PEOPLE Sen. Hillary Clinton, ABC news correspondent George Stephanopoulos, former Clinton security advisor Sandy Berger, Sen. Evan Bayh, former DNC chief Terry McAuliffe and “Good Morning America’s” Claire Shipman, among others.

Gene Sperling, Howard Fineman and David Mercer

Joe Lockhart

Amb. Tom Siebart and Mark Penn

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Todd Stern and Melissa A. Moss

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Vanessa Haas and Ross Chanin

Nelson Byrd, George Seals, Davis Murte and Elizabeth Sims

O F T H E PA R T Y

SKI APRÈS December 2 • The University Club PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

THE PARTY Snow bunnies and ski bums pulled out their fur vests, wool-lined pants and Oakley goggles to hit the not-soslippery social slopes at the University Club for the Proctor L. Dougherty Society, which promotes the involvement of young professionals in the life and affairs of the University Club. THE SCENE An evening of winter-clad socializing, cool cocktails (served from an ice luge), and hot ’80s tunes played by Right Foot Red. “We wanted to throw a party that was more laid back and fun,” said clubwoman Anna Kimsey.

THE PEOPLE Costa Gogos, George Seals, Anne Clarke, and Katie Tipermas were spotted.

Russell Canard and Emily Rike

Will Lombard and Katherine Wilkinson

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Josh Brewer and Kelly Cayer

Krist and Alexa Johnson

Ashley Taylor, Katie Tarbox, Anna Kimsey and Katherine Kennedy

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George Gummere and Jim Gordon

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Johnathan Lewis, Sharon Stone and Sharon Gless

Reg Weaver

Lara Peng and Nick Ucci

Paul Yandura and Ralph G. Neas

O F T H E PA R T Y SPIRIT OF LIBERTY AWARDS December 6 • The Kennedy Center PHOTOS BY JONAH KOCK

Dr. Susan Blumenthal and Rep. John Conyers

Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly

THE PARTY People for the American Way annual award ceremony, cocktail reception and postshow desert buffet. Honorees included Reg Weaver, Sharon Gless, Peter and Jonathan Lewis, and Sharon Stone. THE SCENE Rent cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp kicked-off the ceremony with a bang, and both receptions buzzed with political and entertainment talk. THE PEOPLE Sharon Stone and her father Joseph Stone, Norman Lear, Ben Bradlee, Nick Ucci, Ralph Nader, Tyne Daily, John Conyers and Bruce Gordon rounded out the mix.

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Nap Time

Bennett Stichman

Caitlin Durkovich, Simon Rosenburg and family

O F T H E PA R T Y

T H E S T E E L / S AT T E R F I E L D H O L I D AY B R U N C H December 17 • The Steel/Sa erfield Residence PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

THE PARTY Patrick Steel and Lee Sa erfield Steel’s annual holiday brunch for 100 friends and family members. THE SCENE Politicos and journalists—many with their children in tow—showed up for great food and fun times. THE PEOPLE Todd Purdham of the New York Times and his wife, former Clinton press secretary DeeDee Myers, Debbie Fine, John and Jaye Rogovin, and lady-about-town Pie Friendly. Other guests included Liz Martinez and her daughter Serena Baldick, and Dr. Robert and Capricia Marshall with their son Cole.

Dee Dee Myers and Lee Satterfield Steel

Michael Feldman and Jay Carney

Phil Kaplan and David Leavy

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Capricia and Rob Marshall with their son

Patti and Jim Doyle

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Evan Ryan and Tony Blinken

Sharon Stichman and Patrick Steel

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A R T S & C U LT U R E

28 ANNUAL TH

KENNEDY CENTER HONORS TINA turns heads, BENNETT shines and REDFORD stays natural KENNEDY CENTER HONOREES Singer TONY BENNETT, dancer and teacher SUZANNE FARRELL, actress JULIE HARRIS, actor, director and producer ROBERT REDFORD, and singer TINA TURNER.

Tony Bennett and Vanessa Williams

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etween Sundance, the Oscars, the Golden Globes, Grammys and countless others, award season now seems to rival major league baseball in length. Nonetheless, the Kennedy Center Honors still stand out among the rest as the true pinnacle of career achievement. To be a Kennedy Center Honoree means you have essentially become an icon within your respective field.This year’s artists, like those before them, fit the bill. “We honor five extraordinary American artists whose unique and abundant contributions to our culture have transformed our lives,” said Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman.

Transformation has also been a part of Tina Turner’s life. Forget coming back in your next life as a tree or your favorite pet: Try Tina Turner. Let’s try that again: Tina Turner in the second half of her life. As longtime friend Oprah Winfrey pointed out in her introduction of the honoree at the 28th

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Sibylle Szaggers and Robert Redford Kennedy Center Honors Gala, life was not always as it is today. Having suffered at the hands of her abusive husband during her Ike and Tina years, she walked out on fame and fortune to find solace. Instead, she became a cultural phenomenon.

Young, spirited and gorgeous singer Beyonce’s on-stage rendition of Turner’s greatest hits recreated the singer so flawlessly that it was like a time warp. All her trademark moves were there from leg baring fashion to heartrending lyrics.

But as one would expect of the Kennedy Center Honors, the performances were flawless from top top to bottom: The ballet performed for honoree Suzanne Farrell was breathtaking in its own right; Golden voice Tony Bennett savored his rock star status; Robert Redford’s boyish looks and charm made everyone want to book tickets for Sundance; and sweet, demure and unpretentious; Julie Harris was a classy presence, as was Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, who opened and closed the evening.

Christine and Stephen A. Schwarzman Mystery of the night: Why did Karl Rove leave during a rendition of Tina Turner’s “East Flatbush?” Was it that one spin master misinterpreted another…?

THE RED CARPET AND AFTER PARTY Who was there: Joan Rivers, Sen.Ted Kennedy, the Honorable Jim Symington, HLS honcho Michael Chertoff sans bodyguards, George Stevens, Jr. (who created the Honors in 1978 with Nick Vanoff and produced and co-wrote the 28th annual awards), Rep. Newt Gingrich, Mayor Anthony Williams and wife Diane, Lloyd and Ann Hand, Sen. Arlen Specter, Rep. Charlie Rangel, DC Councilwoman Carol Swartz, Sen. John Kerry, George and Liz Stevens, former Defense Secretary Bill Cohen and TV wife Janet Langhart, and Actor Ron Silver with his daughter. Who wasn’t: Tina Turner (we hear she and Oprah skipped on the dinner and went to Bistro Francais).

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Christine Schwarzman and Kid Rock

Art Buchwald and Alan Novak

ART BUCHWALD’S TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY MAYBE Tina Turner

BY JANET DONOVAN

Julie Harris and Tony Bennett

S Oprah Winfrey

Suzanne Farrell

Christine Baranski

Queen Latifah

Les Moonves and Julie Chen

George Stevens, Jr. and Willie Nelson

Helen Mirren and Robert Redford

atirist, humorist, columnist and author Art Buchwald has been involved in The Kennedy Center Honors along with good friend and Kennedy Center Founding Chairman, Roger L Stevens (1910-1998) since its inception, doing standup routines “to any President who was si ing in the Royal Box,” jokes the Pulitzer Prize winner.

He credits Stevens for making it all happen: “Roger went up to the Hill to seek funding for a Washington Cultural Center. He was turned down by Congress.

Not discouraged, he went back to the hill and asked for money to build a Missile Site on the Potomac—he knew there was always money for defense. Roger did it, and now Washington has a great cultural hall. And everyone has forgo en to put missiles there.”

When Washington Life asked Buchwald to provide us with his thoughts on the 2005 Honors, he decided to pontificate on his life instead: “At a certain time in life—actually, right now—you ask two questions: ‘What was I doing here?’ and ‘Where am I going?’ The first answer is a narcissistic one: I believe I was put on Earth to make people laugh. The second one is much harder: I have no idea where I’m going, and no one else knows, and if they claim they do, they don’t know what they’re talking about….We seem to be going through a period of nostalgia, and everyone seems to think yesterday was be er than today. I don’t think it was, and I would advise you not to wait ten years before admi ing today was great. If you’re hung up on nostalgia, pretend today is yesterday and just go out and have one hell of a time. Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time we’ve got. As for me, I’ll always have Paris…”

33 PHOTOS BY MARGOT SCHULMAN

Meredith Brokaw, George Stevens, Jr., Tom Brokaw and John Reilly

Sen. Frank Lautenberg, David Gregory, Beth Williams and Margaret Warner

O F T H E PA R T Y KENNEDY CENTER HONORS BRUNCH December 04 • The Mandarin Oriental PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

Alma Gildenhorn and Anne Johnson

David and Alice Rubenstein

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THE PARTY What the post-Oscar parties are to Hollywood, the Honors Brunch is to Washington. The star-studded event was hosted by Kennedy Center Honors co-creator George Stevens, Jr. and his wife Liz. THE SCENE Café MoZU, with its spectacular views of the Potomac Tidal Basin, was the perfect se ing for the dim sum-inspired buffet. The atmosphere was like a page out of central casting, except no one was trying out for a part. THE PEOPLE Alec Baldwin hung out with Michelle Lee; Frenchloving bon vivant Art Buchwald joked with Robert Redford and Ben Bradlee; Florence Henderson, Tony Benne , British actor Michael York, Alan Greenspan, Andrea Mitchell, Ki y Carlisle Hart and Dina Merrill—daughter of Marjorie Merriweather Post—cha ed over mimosas. Clintonites Vernon Jordan and Terry McAuliffe gave their Hollywood counterparts a run for their money, while Rep. Ed Markey and Ron Silver debated over a West Wing plot line, proving that Jack Valenti was right to once quip: “Celebrities and politicians spring from the same DNA.”

Kevin Spacey

Stephen and Christine Schwarzman

Former Sen. Tom Daschle and Linda Daschle

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Rep. Ed Markey and Ron Silver

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Q & A

C A F É

A Camelot Tale

CAROLE RADZIWILL shares her story of LOVE, LOSS and KENNEDIAN tragedy

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arole Radziwill’s story is both fairy tale and tragedy. After leaving her working-class upstate New York hometown, Radziwill became an award-winning producer for ABC News, where she met her future husband, Anthony Radziwill, who as nephew to President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Onassis, and one of the princes of American public life. Through marriage she became close friends with JFK Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessette during summers in the Hamptons and on Martha’s Vineyard, and intimate dinners in New York City.

Now, she is the only one of the quartet who remains to tell a unique story of love, friendship and loss in “What Remains,” a tender memoir of

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the time before John and Carolyn died in a plane crash and Anthony died from cancer. Here are excerpts of an interview of Carole Radziwill by Carol Joynt at the Q&A Café at Nathans:

Carol Joynt: You have carried on remarkably and I think the first thing I want to know is, was this book therapy for you?

Carole Radziwill: I first started writing the book four years after the summer of ’99, when my husband, John and Carolyn died. I was moving on with my life a bit but I was forgetting things. It started as a little bit of therapy but then it quickly became good old fashioned hard work.

CJ: Well, let’s go back. How did you meet your husband?

CR: I was working at ABC News as a production assistant for Leslie Cockburn, working on a documentary about Cambodia.Then, I was assigned to “Primetime Live” to work on the Menendez murders and Anthony Radziwill was one of the producers. There was something very sort of steady and stable about him. He was handsome and very polite.When I walked over to the table where he was sitting, he stood up immediately.

Most don’t do that.

CJ: Did the romance happen right away?

CR: No, no. Although there are some of the

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“He [John Kennedy, Jr.] and Anthony [Radziwill] had a very close relationship and they had pet names for each other. John would call Anthony Princeipo or Tony Pro.” producers who to this day say that they saw sparks. It wasn’t. I didn’t see him that much.

CJ: At what point in your relationship, if ever, did he sort of give you the 411 on his family?

CR: I think he assumed that I knew a lot about his family. [He never said] that John Kennedy is my cousin, Jackie is my aunt, and my mom is Lee Radziwill. He was very compartmentalized about his family and I liked that. We dated for a long time, almost two years, and we had very few conversations about family, mine or his.We were kind of creating a little private world for just the two of us.

CJ: You fell in love and got married. Did you know when you got married that he had cancer?

CR: I did, because he was diagnosed right before we got engaged. I also knew he had testicular cancer already five years prior, and couldn’t have kids. It never reccurred. He didn’t have testicular cancer the second time. It was a completely new, different, primary cancer. And we were talking about kids or something…no we were talking about sex actually. Actually, safe sex.

CJ: It was on your honeymoon that you thought you saw or you felt a lump? When was the first time you were scared? How did you deal with your fear?

CR: The very first time that he was diagnosed was before we even got married. I didn’t have any experience with cancer. My grandmother had died of cancer, but she was very old. I was pretty nervous. [But] I put it in the back of my mind.

CJ: Could you talk to him about it?

CR: No, he wasn’t on the same track. He was always beating it and except for the cancer, he was very healthy. It allowed us to be in denial because he was very strong. He ran marathons.

He was at the gym twice a day and biking twenty miles. He was good at compartmentalizing, and he comes from a family of stellar people. They kind of just keep marching on.

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CJ: So let’s try to walk through when you met John Kennedy, Jr., for the first time. How did you meet?

CR: Anthony and I shared a summer house with him in 1992. We’d been together for almost two years and this was the first time I was meeting any of his family. John came out of the bedroom and he knew that I was there and he introduced himself. When he felt comfortable with people and when he was around people that he trusted, he was very funny and very open. He came over to me and he was wearing his boxers. He and Anthony had a very close relationship and they had pet names for each other all the time too.

John would call Anthony Princeipo or Tony Pro. They were like brothers in the way that brothers can really get on each other’s nerves. They constantly kept each other in check. There were times when I could see Anthony being protective of John. They knew each other’s secrets.

CJ: You were a journalist, and you saw John’s world. How did you see the world that he saw?

CR: I think nowadays, anyone who has a camera, and screams a question, claims to be a journalist. I worked with people like Leslie Cockburn and Peter Jennings, who are journalists.What we did at ABC and what I saw people doing to John and his family are not the same things. It would be like saying that pharmacists and drug dealers are both in the pharmaceutical business. But John was really good at dismissing it. He didn’t really let it intrude on his life.

Carole Radziwill

CJ: Carolyn enters the picture. [With the relationship you shared] I couldn’t help but think of Princess Diana and the Duchess of York.

CR: Does that mean I’m Fergie?

(Laughter) CJ: Or that the men you were [each] in love with were from this strange family.

CR: Yes. John and Carolyn were out for the weekend and I didn’t know anything about her, but she seemed familiar to me. Her mannerisms,

Carol Joynt

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“[Carolyn Bessette] found out we both worked at Caldor, which was a discount department store in the Northeast. It was funny, but I had never told my husband I worked at Caldor.”

Graham Wisner and Leslie and Andrew Cockburn at the Q & A Cafe but she seemed familiar to me. Her mannerisms, how she spoke, what she talked about. She just felt familiar. I got to know her more, it turns out she grew up not far from where I grew up. We found out we both worked at Caldor, which was a discount department store in the Northeast. It was funny, but I had never told my husband I worked at Caldor.We didn’t talk about that kind of stuff. And Carolyn hadn’t told John, either.

One night we decided to tell both of them, and we realized we were kind of being snobs. They didn’t care, they enjoyed it.

CJ: And Carolyn had pet names for you, too?

CR: Yes, Lamb or Lamby.

CJ: How did Carolyn Bessette get along with Caroline [Kennedy Schlossberg]? Did she have a good relationship with her?

CR: I don’t think that they were very close.

There wasn’t enough time and they were very different. I spent a lot of time with Caroline, because Anthony was very close to her, but she had a different life with children.

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CJ: Was John different around Caroline?

CR: He was definitely different around his family than when he was out in public.

CJ: You were going through grief for such a long time and in many instances you were experiencing it all alone because you were surrounded by people who said, ‘No we’re going to keep going. We’re going to get through this. Nobody’s dying.”’

CR: I was.

CJ: Except you had Carolyn [Bessette] because she was going through all of it with you.

CR: She saw that I was struggling with it a little bit. I was already two years into his illness and probably two or three operations down the line, she stepped in. We used to go together to the NIH down in Bethesda to Dr. [Steve] Rosenberg.

CJ: Everybody knows that John and Carolyn and her sister Lauren were killed in a plane crash. And at the time that happened, your husband [Anthony] was virtually at death’s doorstep. He died three weeks

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later. How did you get through that night, those three weeks?

CR: I really don’t remember those three weeks. I think that the night of the accident I was mourning and grieving for the three of them. Anthony as well because I knew it was just a matter of time.

But Anthony was still in denial about his illness.

And he handled it much better than I did. At this point, he was on dialysis every morning because his kidneys had failed. It really is a bit of a blur to me, those three weeks. I stayed in bed a lot.

CJ: Do you think there is a curse on the Kennedy family?

CR: No, no but they’ve certainly had to endure their share of sorrow.

CJ: They don’t wallow in their sorrow?

CR: No, no not at all. They just keep moving.

For more information please visit www. nathansgeorgetown.com. Coming up: One of the nation’s top divorce layers, Washington’s own Sanford Ain, February 28.

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L I T E R AT U R E

N. Scott Momaday and Debra Magpie Earling

Celebrating Native American Literary Art PEN/Faulkner HONORS two greats: N. SCOTT MOMADAY and DEBRA MAGPIE EARLING

BY WILLEE LEWIS EXECUTIVE V P PEN/FAULKNER FOUNDATION

O

ne made his mark in 1969 by winning the Pultizer prize for House Made of Dawn, the other has captivated readers with her first novel, Perma Red. Both deserve their accolades as leading Native American authors.

The PEN/Faulkner Foundation was proud to collaborate with the American Indian Museum Dec. 8th and 9th in order honor two outstanding and award-winning Native American novelists: fiction writers N. Scott Momaday and Debra Magpie Earling.The main event included a dinner for 160 guests in the museum’s spacious Potomac Atrium. The next day included a reading in the Rasmuson Theatre attended by an audience of

150 book lovers. The event was made possible with the support of Perini Corporation.

Highlighting the foundation’s continuing outreach to public schools through its Writers in Schools program, the two authors met at the museum with 30 students from D.C.’s Cardozo High School for a reading, Q and A and book signings.

N. SCOTT MOMADAY

I N. Sco tt Mo ma day

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Poet, novelist, playwright, storyteller and artist

n 1969, Momaday, a husky man with a deep and rich rolling baritone, won the Pulitzer Prize for his novel, House Made Of Dawn.That was only an early stage in a triumphal career that has opened the door for other Indian fiction writers. Critics also credit Momaday with enrichening American literature through his distinctive voice and an artistic vision that evokes his experiences from childhood on several reservations in the southwest. Currently, he is senior scholar at the School of American Research in Sante Fe, New Mexico.

Momaday bears the imprint of parents who both were teachers. His mother was a writer, so he had the beginning of a relationship with language. Mean-

while, his father was both a story teller and a painter, pointing Momaday in that direction before becoming a writer. Photography also captured his interest–causing a knee injury after a fall during a recent trip to western Siberia while photographing a 19th Century cabin that had caught his eye. He still relies on a wheelchair while he recuperates.

He is a Kiowa and a member if the renowned Kiowa Gourd Dance Society. Aside from his Pultizer Prize winning first novel he is the author of Circle of Wonder, In a Bear’s House, The Man Made of Words, and In The Presense of the Sun, among other titles. Momaday is also a founding Trustee of the National Museum of the American Indian.

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Richard J. Rizzo, Sherry Loftus, John Loftus and Mike Ciskey

Leslie Cockburn, Willee Lewis and Susan Eisenhowser

Matthild Schneiler and E. James Morton

Haynes Johnson, Kathryn A. Oberly, Catherine Wyler and Richard Rymland

Sam Donaldson, Jan Denton and John Andrews

Elizabeth Conaghy and James Oldham

DEBRA MAGPIE EARLING

Writer’s harrowing first novel gains her critical acclaim

I

BY LESLIE COCKBURN

PH OTO BY L EE B. P HA N

f a museum can sometimes feel empty and soulless, Magpie Earling filled this one with life with her luminous presence and prose drawn from her days on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. Magpie Earling, author of the stunning first novel Perma Red, was in Washington as a guest of PEN Faulkner. For her reading, she chose an unpublished alternative ending to her novel, the sort of thing literary aficionados love to hear, a haunting passage about a young Indian girl on her way to the reservation morgue to identify her dead sister. Earling teaches fiction and Native American studies at the University of Montana in Missoula and has taken a sabbatical to

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write the fictional journals of Sacajawea, the legendary Shoshone Indian guide and translator who accompanied Lewis and Clark. Earling is so taken with Sakajawea, the woman who made it possible for the explorers to gain safe passage from some 50 Indian tribes en route to the Oregon coast, that one is left with the impression that Sakajawea is speaking through her, “This young girl, pregnant, who has syphilis, mistreated, so smart...

I feel like it’s a hallucination.” She herself keeps a forest service log cabin on the Flathead Reservation. She says, “I asked my father to winterize my cabin. He put a light bulb in.”

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De bra Ma gpi e Ea rlin g

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P O L L Y W O O D

White Countess

Last MERCHANT and IVORY film recalls SHANGHAI’S pre-war HEYDAY

Natasha Richardson and David Ivory explain The White Countess–like Merchant and Ivory hits Howard’s End and Remains of the Day– uses the “slow burn” to draw viewers in.

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adly, The White Countess marks an end of an era in more ways than one. In late 2005, Merchant and Ivory co-founder and producer for more than 44 years Ismail Merchant died in London while working on Countess. It’s fitting then that his last collaboration with David Ivory has all the hallmarks of their greatest: attention to detail, complex characters, and a love for the unspoken. It also records the end of an era in swinging pre-war Shanghai.

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The film follows the story of blind former American diplomat Todd Jackson (Ralph Fiennes) and Sophia (Natasha Richardson), a former Russian countess, working at a dance hall. Together, with mysterious friend Matsuda (Hiroyuki Sanada), they realize Jackson’s ultimate dream of opening a glamorous nightclub amid the political turmoil of 1930’s Shanghai.

Aside from the natural chemistry between Fiennes and Richardson, the project unites Richards with her mother Vanessa and aunt Lynn Redgrave (Aunt Sara and Olga) together for the first time on film.

The screenplay is by Remains of the Day scribe Kazuo Ishiguro. After the premiere, WL sat down with director David Ivory and star Natasha Richardson to get their take on the film and hear about Natasha’s next project: a turn as Mary Todd Lincoln.

WL: Is this a political film?

DI: I never thought of it as a political film. But, I realize that it can be thought of as that. If you have the Japanese invading China, bombs dropping, people fleeing, and everyone’s lives turned upside down, it’s got to be a little bit political. And of course it was made at a time when there was beginning to be in China a tremendous feeling against the Japanese again for all the things that happened in the Second World War. The film is a kind of reflection of that kind of turmoil today as well as all the terrible things that happened at the time of the Japanese invasion.

Washington Life: Are you planning to visit the President while in town?

David Ivory: [pause followed by laughter] Are you serious? I kind of doubt the President will have time for us.

WL: Merchant and Ivory films are known for a lot of unspoken dialogue.

NR: A lot is unsaid.

WL: Did you call his publicist?

DI: Well, we are very good at calling publicists. [laughs again with Natasha]

WL: It’s a love story?

DI: It’s a film about man’s esthetic feelings. No. Natasha Richardson: I think I prefer love; romance is always first and foremost in my mind because I am a hopeless romantic.

WL: There’re some of them left in the world?

NR: There are a few of us left, yea. [laughs]

DI: Sophia and Jackson make a whole performance out of not saying anything; of really not speaking. It’s what’s unsaid that really that counts…

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Capitol Countess The Graceful GARNETT STACKELBERG

BY DONNA SHOR

They say that art imitates life. In the case of Garnett Stackelberg and “The White Countess,” you could say that art and life...are similar.

Garnett, who passed away this time last year at 95, was, in the eyes of all who met her, a beautiful soul. She also, like the character played by Natasha Richardson, settled in bustling Shanghai in the 1930’s, only to become caught up in the Japanese invasion. I’m proud to shed light on this lesser known aspect of Garnett’s life.

NR: There is so much feeling between them—one makes a step forward and the other one pulls back; it’s a very slow burn between two people who are very scared.

WL: How did you prepare for that?

NR: I felt an immediate empathy with this woman and what she had been though, having lost everything and her husband and her home. What was very important for me was that I came to the right starting point by having an innately Russian soul as possible and trying her, seeing her grace and dignity and strength.

WL: Your Russian accent was excellent.

NR: I rehearsed for several months on that, thank you.

WL: David, how are you finding Washington?

DI: I’ve been here a lot over my life. I actually came to Washington to shoot my very first film, which was, unbelievably, more than 50 years ago. It was at the Smithsonian.

WL: Natasha, you are coming back in February.

NR: Yes, with my husband [Liam Neelson]. We’re going to do a reading of Abraham Lincoln and his wife’s letters to each other for the bicentenary commission that Michael Bishop has asked us to do.

WL: You’re playing Mary Todd Lincoln?

NR: I’m doing the reading.

WL: With a Russian accent?

NR: [laughs] No. I’m a replacement. Liam has been so immersed in his research (he’s playing Lincoln in the film) for a year and a half, and at the last minute there was an actress who was going to do a reading, but she is about to give birth, so they asked if I would do it.

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hanghai in the 1930’s, with its influx of Russian emigrés, was familiar to Washington’s late beloved journalist, Garnett Stackelberg (1910-2005), who lived there ten years when Shanghai, “the Paris of the East,” was a dazzling party scene for the international community. Twenty-three year old Garnett left her Portland, Oregon home to sail to Shanghai with a college girlfriend, found a job with the U.S. embassy, and joined the whirl, dancing the night away at the Cathay Hotel. The radiant beauty, who was offered six marriage proposals in six weeks, married a Canadian, Dr. William Gardiner, and lived in high style with six servants, a houseboat, and a 14-room penthouse “filled with ivory, jade and pearls” as frequent guest Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr. (later Mrs. Jack Frye) described it.

But in 1937, she watched Japanese troops march into Shanghai and lost 40 pounds during seven months of house arrest before she was released.

She arrived in Washington after a two-month odyssey on the old liner, the Gripsholm. She later married Estonian Baron Constantine Stackelberg, who was a cousin of Lord Mount-batten’s and related to the royal houses of England, Spain and Sweden (Spain’s Queen Victoria Eugenia was godmother to their son “Sandy”). Throughout her marriage and journalistic career she traveled to 72 countries and although she interviewed and socialized with kings, queens and heads of state, she often wrote and spoke nostalgically of the Shanghai she knew.

As a Shanghai friend, Washingtonian Marlys Chatel (see the adjoining column) recently reminisced: “The whole world came there, with visitors from the international smart set including Noel Coward and Charles Chaplin. We gathered at Ciro’s club, at the French Cercle Sportif, Garnett Stackleburg in and of course at Sir Victor Sassoon’s Shanghai c.1930 Cathay Hotel. Shanghai then was a special place, never to be seen again.”

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David Ivory and Ina Ginsberg

Pamela Aparicio, Bolivian Amb. Jaime Aparicio and Amanda Downes

Mary Kate Owen, Angelina Hawley and Richard Hawley

O F T H E PA R T Y WHITE COUNTESS, METRO AREA PREMIERE December 14 • AFI Silver Theatre PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

Gary Silversmith, Natasha Richardson and Murray Horwitz

Party: Indy Hollywood came to Maryland for a red carpet premiere to benefit the AFI Silver Theatre. The screening was book-ended by a cocktail reception and Q&A with director James Ivory. Scene: Entertainment, political and media figures talked film and savored Shanghai-inspired hors d’oeuvres in the recently restored 49,000 square-foot AFI Silver complex. Guest list: Director James Ivory, actress Natasha Richardson, Ina Ginsberg, producer David Hawley, Bolivian Amb. Jaime and Pamela Aparicio, British Embassy Social Secretary Amanda Downes and AFI Advisory Council Chairman Gary Silversmith.

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P O L L Y W O O D

Hollywood on the Potomac There might still be life left in the POLITICAL THRILLER

BY JANET DONOVAN There was a time when political intrigue meant box office dollars. Over the past few years, however, it’s been more akin to box office oblivion (unless it was a documentary by Michael Moore, of course). Lead by Syriana and Munich, the trend could be reversing—although, studios are still working out the kinks after a self-imposed political hiatus.

SYRIANA Making a point...?

The plot: Syriana is director/writer Stephen Gaghan’s (Traffic) mini-epic based on the global oil industry, flush with all the characters and subplots you would expect to find: shady deals, backroom shenanigans, questionable ethics and characters caught up in the saga either knowingly or unwittingly.The dots have a wing span that spreads from Washington, D.C., to the Persian Gulf; from CIA agents to princes and clerics; and from innocent players to roughshod counterparts.

Like Traffic the film utilizes multiple plotlines in order to weave together a story that unfolds in nonlinear fashion. When WL asked Gaghan about the film, he commented: “When I screened the film in Washington, the former Ambassador to Israel

under the Clinton administration–who also served as a high ranking NSC staffer–came up to me and said,‘How did you figure out all of that? It’s exactly right.’ This is by far the most gratifying reaction I had, particularly after folks from the American Enterprise Institure had walked out fifteen minutes into the film–which I thought was indicative of this administration’s policy of never wanting to hear bad news.The question I hope Syriana raises is whether or not we need limits on self interest.”

At least Jeff Stein, U.S. National Security editor for Congressional Quarterly, and Spy Talk columnist, stayed for the whole film, but seemed perplexed: “It has important stuff going on in U.S. foreign policy: Big oil, blank-check U.S. support for the Saudi royal family, and some insight into how innocent kids become terroristist....but I personally think there is at least one sub-plot too many for the ordinary viewer. It’s as hard to figure out as the CIA is.”

Ambassador Dennis Ross, producer Kathleen Kennedy and Anne-Marie Slaughter.

In a country which still celebrates the Easter bunny, this newly heightened awareness of world violence and vengeance in the wake of 9/11 makes for an oft-confusing and disturbing dialogue of the rights and wrongs of such actions. Munich producer Kennedy: “When 9/11 happened, Steven backed away from the project and said, “I don’t think I can do this. I think it will be viewed as something that looks like it’s exploiting the topic of terrorism,” and we tabled the project for about eight or nine months.

But we kept returning to it and talking about it quite frequently. We then realized that perhaps it was in fact exactly what we should be doing and was a story that needed to be told.”

Dennis Ross: “My reaction to it in some ways is less about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and more about the larger context of dealing with terror.”ABC Radio Network’s Chris Berry: “It is very powerful and like any good story sometimes it ‘zigs’ when you think it’s going to “zag”.

In Munich’s deadly game of hide and seek, the real heat was the smoking performance of Eric Bana.

MUNICH Spielberg breaks the mold (again) as Bana sizzles Munich’s cloak and dagger trip around the world in two hours and 44 minutes makes you wish you were on a night train to Disneyland. Director Steven Spielberg’s attempt to reconcile the rebound effect of “violence begets violence, which begets violence,” is often a befuddling and problematic take on the aftermath of the 1972 Olympic Massacre.

In Washington, the premiere was held at The Ronald Reagan Building where red carpet sequins and stilettos were traded for brain food in the form of policy wonks and politicos. The hosts were Universal Pictures, Foreign Policy Magazine and The Woodrow Wilson Center for Public and International Affairs. Former White House Clinton Press Secretary Mike McCurry introduced the post-screening discussion with

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The Heart of the Matter

Irene Pollin’s SISTER TO SISTER CHARITY motivates women to face the reality of heart disease

BY IRENE POLLIN Most Washingtonians recognize me as the wife of Abe Pollin and co-founder of the Washington Wizards and MCI Center enterprises. Look closer, however, and you’ll see me rooting for another team–the one I’ve helped assemble to make Sister to Sister: Everyone Has A Heart Foundation, Inc. a winner over the leading cause of death among women: heart disease.

B SISTERhood means...

Screening opportunities for heart disease risk factors in all women of all ages, races and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Information through seminars, speakers, exhibits, fitness events and cooking demonstrations.

Support and encouragement from women helping other women.

True partnerships with companies that sponsor health fairs and encourage their female employees to participate.

Empowering women to “take charge” of their lives by making lifestyle changes that will reduce their risk of heart disease.

Researching women screened at our health fairs to show that screening saves lives.

More information on Sister to Sister can be found at: www.sistertosister.org.

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eing involved with Abe and following the Wizards has been my life for more than half of my years. I’ve loved it– especially when we win. However, I have to say that the most exciting and satisfying aspect of my life has been my work in the last six years creating the Sister to Sister campaign.

Improving lives has always been the focus of the work I’ve undertaken for the city: I’ve created medical counseling clinics, written books, and helped thousands of patients and families. But, again, my defining moment came in 2000 when I founded Sister to Sister–the only national organization dedicated to providing free screening to women for the potential risk of heart disease.

Having my husband Abe as my “top negotiator,” and son Jim on our executive staff, certainly adds to the personal satisfaction of working with this charity. But if you were to ask me to pinpoint my motivation behind keeping Sister to Sister moving forward, my response would be as direct as a Wizards slam dunk: We’re reaching large numbers of women in a meaningful way. Better than writing a check is personally watching women learn about their risk for heart disease and teaching them that they can do something about it.

I adhere to the philosophy of “Doing is the action step that follows awareness.” For Sister to Sister, that “doing” starts at home. The free testing and education the organization offers

provides women with something they can do for themselves, which carries over to their families.The woman is the heart of the family everywhere; she is the gatekeeper; she influences the lives of her loved ones.

Sister to Sister has been well received at the governmental, corporate, local and national levels, and even within the international community. We have fabulous government support from the Women’s Health Committee, from socially responsible corporations such as Bank of America, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Kellogg’s, Discovery Health Channel, Whole Foods Market, AOL, Quaker Oats, Tropicana, and General Motors; and WJLA and anchor Maureen Bunyan have been fantastic as well.

Although involvement within the international community is relatively new, it holds the promise for even greater rewards. After I met Rima Al-Sabah at the Kuwaiti Embassy two years ago, we began mapping out a strategy to expand the foundation’s reach. When Catherine Manning of the British Embassy later joined as co-chair, the international committee of Sister to Sister began to take shape. Reflecting on the importance of our work at a Neiman Marcus breakfast screening, which they hosted at their store, over 60 percent of the ambassadors’ wives in attendance discovered that they were at risk for heart disease–a figure in line with overall statistics for the United States. Simply, heart disease is a reality women can not overlook.

The organization has extended its reach from one city to 14, with new cities lining up to be included. On Friday, February 17, just a few days after Valentine’s Day, Sister to Sister will hold Woman’s Heart Day fairs in these 14 cities, emphasizing the importance of screening for heart disease. All of the group’s health fairs and services are free and open to the public–D.C.’s health fair will be held at the MCI Center. We look forward to seeing you there.

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V E R B A T I M

The Plame Game

BOB MERRY asks, “What will Patrick Fitzgerald’s two-year investigation accomplish?”

BY BETH SOLOMAN As special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald continues his investigation into the Valerie Plame leak case–and more journalists are dragged before federal grand juries–I sat down with Congressional Quarterly publisher and veteran Washington journalist Bob Merry, who told me that the ongoing inquiry has unlocked a Pandora’s Box of Woodwardian proportions. Here’s what he had to tell me... verbatim.

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y own view is that what Scooter Libby is accused of is rather incredible. It’s hard to imagine that he would play games with a grand jury under oath, which is what he seems to have done.

But he’s one guy in the administration and I don’t think it’s going to have a great political impact. If the White House had played it smart, I don’t think that this thing would be continuing. They could have said, “Look, we did not break the law, so this prosecutor is going to have to prove that we did, and we didn’t. So we’re going to cooperate fully, we’re not going to play any games.” Had they done that, this thing would likely have been done by now.

I don’t know what to think of Viveca Novak’s role at Time. She was asked to testify after having allegedly said something relevant to the case to Karl Rove’s lawyer while reporting on it. She didn’t tell her supervisors. If somebody on my staff were embroiled in something of this nature, with this much significance and the possibility that it is going to come out, and did not tell me, that’s a firing offense.The fact is, and as Norm Pearlstine’s decision at Time made very clear, the law and the Constitution do not provide any kind of federal protection for reporters or news organizations that may have knowledge regarding criminal justice matters. It’s very unfortunate, but it’s as simple as that. I would be in favor of a federal shield law, recognizing that there are always going to be consequences–effects on civil and criminal cases.We’d have to wind our way through those. But in the meantime, there is no such protection. I don’t think buying notebooks or not buying notebooks is going to have any materiality whatsoever.

I wrote a book some years ago on Joe and Stuart Alsop, who broke news all the time on national security matters. They were under investigation by the FBI on numerous occasions in which vast, extensive investigations took place because the government wanted to know who was leaking information to these guys. Sometimes it was unquestionably classified information.

Bob Merry, formerly of the Wall Street Journal and now publisher of Congressional Quarterly, is author of Taking On the World: Joseph and Stewart Alsop (Viking) and Sands of Empire (Simon & Schuster).

In one particular case, I collected all the FBI field reports that came in from San Francisco and Albuquerque, and Chicago and NewYork–so many reports were filed and so many people were interviewed–and what came out of it was at least 2,000 people in the federal government knew the classified information in question. The Alsops were pro forma interviewed by the prosecutor and they basically said,“We’ll cooperate as far as we can but we’re not going to give you our source.” And that was the end of it. And that was during the Cold War. I think it was a more sane, more civilized approach to these things than what we’re seeing today.

This case has opened Pandora’s Box. As I said, tough cases make bad law, and it’s a precedent that is going to erode further the circumstances under which journalists are left alone on these things unless they absolutely have to be brought into it. A federal shield law would help. In the meantime it’s going to have whatever impact it’s going to have on eroding journalists’ ability to do their job without being pressured by federal officials.

“THE FACT IS, AND AS NORM PEARLSTINE’S DECISION AT TIME MADE VERY CLEAR, THE LAW AND THE CONSTITUTION DO NOT PROVIDE ANY KIND OF FEDERAL PROTECTION FOR REPORTERS OR NEWS ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAY HAVE KNOWLEDGE REGARDING CRIMINAL JUSTICE MATTERS.” — BOB MERRY

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An American Love Story THE MADISONS IN THE WHITE HOUSE, 1809-1816

BY DONNA EVERS

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he White House is often considered the ultimate symbol of our nation, but in the early 1800’s, it wasn’t so beautiful.

James Madison and his wife Dolley renovated the Presidential Mansion twice during Madison’s terms—just one of the couple’s many accomplishments.

Designed by architect James Hoban, the mansion took eight years to build and cost over $232,000, a fortune at that time. In 1809, the Madisons inherited a structurally unsound house with just a few pieces of worn furniture. It needed a total renovation and the President turned this project over to Dolley. She hired Benjamin Latrobe, who had designed the capitol, to head the renovation.

Both Dolley and Latrobe understood the mansion had become a symbol of the nation and saw the project as a way to enhance national pride.

One of the first rooms completed was the Oval Drawing Room, where mirrors, candelabra and sconces were installed with Dolley’s choice of red velvet draperies. The guests who entered the room on New Years Day in 1810 were impressed.

So began Dolley’s remarkable career as “Queen Dolley.”

James Madison was seventeen years Dolly’s senior. He was reserved and quiet; she was vivacious

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and outgoing. As Washington Irving said, she was “a fine, portly, buxom dame who had a smile and a pleasant word for everybody”, whereas Madison was “but a withered little applejohn”.

Madison might have been reserved at large gatherings, but he was witty with friends and Dolley. She wrote to a friend of how thrilled she was that the “great little Madison” wished to see her that evening. They were married in 1794. The Quaker Society disowned her because Madison was an Episcopalian, but this only left Dolley free to express herself with elegant dresses and turbans trimmed with feathers and jewelry. She even took snuff, which quickly became the rage with fashionable women.

Dolley’s dazzling personality and parties greatly aided her husband’s career. When widowed President Jefferson appointed James Madison Secretary of State, he asked Dolley to be his official hostess, and she was able to sharpen her entertaining skills at presidential parties.When her husband became President, she already knew the ways of Washington society. She hosted parties at the mansion where her diplomacy, popularity and political instincts made her a trusted confidant of the President.

Her crowning achievement was the “drawing

rooms” she hosted every Wednesday night. These were most unusual because the public–at least the public personally acquainted with the Madisons– was invited. Dolley is often remembered for saving the portrait of George Washington during the War of 1812. The British were nearly at the front door when she had an aid cut the painting from its frame so she could take the canvas and leave. That night, Washington was torched. When Dolley and James returned, they found the mansion gutted. Dolley couldn’t speak without breaking into tears.

The question of moving the capital back to Philadelphia was debated and dismissed, and Congress hired Hoban to rebuild the mansion.

While legend has it that the mansion got its present day name because of the white paint used to cover the char marks, in fact the house was first painted white in 1798, and was only officially recognized as the “White House” when Teddy Roosevelt put the term on his stationery.

When James Madison finished his presidency, the couple retired to Montpelier. James suffered from poor health for years, but Dolley never left his side. He died at 85, and Dolley moved back to Washington, where she lived for the rest of her life.

By all accounts, their forty-two year marriage was blissful.

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MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

An Italian Dish

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Forget martinis and pina coladas﹐ the Dine & Dish monthly gabfests are an off-the-record inside scoop lunch﹕ The shenanigans of politicians﹐ reporters﹐ lobbyists and all things that make Washington tick﹒

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everal years ago, CBS early show producer, Penny Britell; MSNBC’s Craig Crawford and Publicist Janet Donovan decided to invite a group of media folks to form what has now become the Dine & Dish club. The idea was reinforced by a hefty dose of political gossip at the RNC Convention in New York where they entertained at the Algonquin Roundtable with FOX News’ Rita Cosby, best selling author Larry Leamer, Vaughn Ververs of the Hotline, and assorted other guests.

Most of the original group remains in tact with the exception of Hardball producer Ann Klenk who is glued to Chris Matthews 24/7, and Ed Henry, who moved on to a consuming gig at CNN. To a packed luncheon crowd at Teatro in December, WL collected on-therecord tidbits in between fritto misto and lobster risotto. The first order of business: finding out more about Dine & Dish.

would say who split up with whom in the media, and who’s sleeping with whom— those kinds of things.”]

“On the Democratic side, I think it will be Hilary Rodham Clinton; but I doubt that either Allen or Clinton are going to win because senators never become president, except for JFK.”

WL: What are some of the favorite topics?

Danielle Decker-Jones: I like talking about the 2008 Presidential race.

WL: Have you been handicapping Presidential the race?

Criag Crawford: I was stuck with Mark Warner for a while.

WL: Do you think Allen’s running?

Crawford: I think he’s running—he’s the front runner for the Republican Nomination.

Jaffe: I think its Clinton-Warner versus AllenBush, Jeb Bush.

– JOHN MCCASLIN ON THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE

L’ANTIPASTO ON DINE & DISH WL: Tell us about the origin of the Dine & Dish group.

Harry Jaffe: I’m here because of the free meal.

John McCaslin: Chuck [Conconi] and I used to do what was called the ‘Spiteful Bunch Lunch’ at the Four Season every month when Stan Bromley was here. After Stan went to San Francisco, this kind of evolved. It was a lot of fun and now Jan is [Donovan] doing similar things.

WL: What are the favorite topics?

[Immediately slipping into off-the-record mode, an anonymous Disher responds: “I

McCaslin: I still think it may be a Republican dark horse. I don’t see it being George Allen at this stage. I just don’t think he has the experience he needs and the name recognition outside of Washington circles.

WL: What about Senator Frist?

McCaslin: No, I don’t think its Senator Frist either. I still think it remains to be seen. I don’t know if it will be a big shocker, but then again Jeb Bush was obviously the favorite of the Bush family (in 2000). On the Democratic side, I think it will be Hilary Rodham Clinton; but I doubt that either Allen or Clinton are going

DINE & DISH: INGREDIENTS JUST ADD SPICE: 1. Inside the Beltway’s John McCaslin and Washingtonian’s and The Examiner’s Harry Jaffe 2. Publicist Janet Donovan and Journalist Craig Crawford 3. The Hotline’s Danielle Decker-Jones 4. Former Washingtonian editor-at-large Chuck Conconi 5. Dine and Dish regulars, TV political commentator and columnist Bill Press and CBS’s Penny Britell (not pictured) could not attend.

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to win because senators never become president, except for JFK. Chuck Conconi: I think Allen is a good possibility; I’ll go along with that. And the Democrats, I don’t think they’ve gotten themselves organized yet. There is still more than enough time for one of the other Democratic state governors to come up. Who is one of the really good Democratic governors right now?

Crawford: The North Carolina governor that can impersonate Hank Hill. But that’s the problem…I can’t think of his name. (It’s Michael Easley) I even interviewed him for a column and I had him do Hank Hill [cartoon character].

Janet Donovan: I think it’s going to be Hilary against McCain.

WL: Danielle, you’re the only one taking the fifth on this issue.

Decker-Jones: I think it’s a great battle and it’s so fun to watch.

IL PRIMO ON SOURCES WL: Do you have to coddle sources by publishing their leaks in order to keep them feeding you information?

Jaffe: Sourcing is one of the most important things that all of us deal with. And if we couldn’t protect sources then we couldn’t find out anything.

That doesn’t mean if a source tells me something that I’ll go with it. It means that I’ll check it out and if it leads to something then it’s used. But Watergate, and any of the great scandals that have been broken in the media, only broke because of confidential sources.

he the final information arbiter? Is he the ultimate station chief?

“In our business information is currency. It’s like a business world; we’re making deals all the time, you know?”

— CRAIG CRAWFORD ON JOURNALISTS AND PROTECTING SOURCES

Crawford: Here’s the analogy I would make: In our business information is currency. It’s like the business world; we’re making deals all the time, you know? If you’re buying or selling a property, you’re making deals all the time.We’re buying and selling information, and the information is currency, and sometimes you hold it, and sometimes you take it, and sometimes you publish, and sometimes you don’t. What people don’t realize is that we’re just making deals all the time.

IL SECONDO ON WOODWARD WL: Michael Wolf recently wrote this about Bob Woodward in Vanity Fair: “There may be no greater independent, unaccountable, and intelligent operation in Washington.

Woodward’s dismissal of the entire Plame investigation turned out to be a cagey dissembling. He turned out to be the very center of the deal.” Is it true that nobody is more octopus like in his Washington relationship as Woodward?

Is

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Jaffe: I defend Woodward on this point. I can understand him wanting to keep the secret that he had this confidential source, because that’s our only leverage now. Now that we have no legal rights—thanks to runaway courts—to protect sources, the only option is to keep secrets that you even had a source. Woodward’s unique. I worked with him for several years at the Washington Post and if we were ranking the great journalists of the world he would be up there, extraordinarily high—there’d be a huge gap before you saw Frank or the rest of them. He has a unique position, and I have always felt that Woodward has that sort of honesty and integrity. But I do think he screwed up on Larry King.

WL: How did he screw up?

Jaffe: He knew inside information and, yet, he said nothing.

“Woodward agreed to testify to the grand jury and identify a source, but he didn’t agree to go public.”

– CHUCK CONCONI

Decker-Jones: He had the bombshell (information about Valerie Plame) a few weeks before the bombshell came out, and he said nothing—that’s what you’re talking about?

Jaffe: Well, that and the fact that he said there wasn’t anything to this investigation. You know, he essentially said: “It’s not important.”

He shouldn’t have done that because he knew something that nobody else knew.

Conconi: What I don’t like about what Woodward did is that he agreed to testify to the grand jury and identify a source, but he didn’t agree to go public. The problem with this ‘access journalism’ and making deals is that if you lose sight of the

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primary function—which is to serve the public and not your sources—things get messy.

McCaslin: I think a pervasive problem in journalism today is that so many of the journalists become the ‘players’ in Washington. Many of them are making tremendous salaries, more than the people they’re covering. So, who’s the player and who’s the official in Washington anymore?

I agree with Chuck, I think the way Woodward handled this entire Plame affair raises a lot of red flags, journalistically and ethically speaking. At the same time, obviously, his journalism credentials speak for themselves….And how he has become the stenographer for the Bush White House I will never know—but he knows every sneeze and burp that takes place inside the White House.

IL CONTORNO ON MEDIA ACCESS TO THE WHITE HOUSE WL: In the same Vanity Fair article, Wolf writes: “In the media age and twentyfour seven news cycle, which has come to dominate politics since the end of the Cold War, the cool guys are those on the front lines of today’s most pressing battle: the one with the media. You have to trick the media before the media plays a trick on you. Strike and strike hard in lightning quick time before public opinion congeals and hardens. Is this the age of the message spook?”

Jaffe: Oh yes, there’s no question about that. I think the Bush administration has mastered this entirely. Internally, the control of the information is unprecedented. The Bush administration has controlled the information from the bottom—from the low level bureaucrat—all the way up to the top.

The discipline of this administration is unparalleled as far as controlling information. They’re amazing.

What’s happened is that politicians have gotten sophisticated at bypassing the media and convincing people that we’re liars and untrustworthy. It’s allowed politicians to get their own propaganda out unfiltered and unquestioned to a degree we haven’t seen before.

Serving Suggestions

“I think a pervasive problem in journalism today is that so many of the journalists become the ‘players’ in Washington.

Many of them are making tremendous salaries, more than the people they’re covering.”

– JOHN MCCASLIN

McCaslin: I agree with Harry. But with regard to, and going back to what he said about the communication of this White House, the Clinton White House ran a much more professional press operation, where they would return your phone call; and they seemed to have more scandals, it appears, than this administration will ever have, yet they always got back to you. This administration is afraid to talk, and I’m talking all the way down. Nobody is allowed to say anything. It’s phenomenal. I went to interview a low-level press person in government and she had to work her message through the political people just to make sure she was talking to me with their permission. That to me is pretty astounding. And the thing is they work for us. Let’s not forget the fact that everybody in government is paid for with our tax dollars; they are our employees. And so I think that the flow of information should not be controlled by the political people at the top, but instead by the bureaucrats working for us.

Conconi: Well, it’s always done that way, but I would disagree with some of what you’re saying: I think there are more scandals in this

• If you don’t show up﹐ do so at your own peril If you use an item that was off- the- record without permission﹐ you’re out﹒ • No flash photography!

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administration—much more serious scandal than the silly little sex scandals of the Clinton Administration. Here’s how I would compare this White House with perhaps the Reagan White House: The Reagan White House knew how Washington works; they were open; you could get information. This White House is closed down, tight and locked.

WL: The White House Iraq group—the “taskforce” or internal working group assembled by Bush Chief of Staff Andrew Card in summer of 2002 to create, in Bob Woodward’s description, the “echo” for the rationale for war—included the best of the Bush message specialists: Rove, Libby, Mary Matalin and Karen Hughes, among them.

Was this, in essence, a clandestine countermedia unit?

Jaffe: That’s their job. They’re trying to control our information; and I think in this situation the Bush people have won at the beginning, but ultimately I think they’re losing the war because the facts actually do speak at the end.

Crawford: I don’t blame the government for

“I counted this morning and it’s been 958 days since ‘mission accomplished.’”

– DANIELLE DECKER-JONES

trying to put out propaganda. The problem is the media just basically bought into it.The media is who failed the country.

McCaslin: Craig is absolutely right. The media has been lazy on this; they were dragged into believing the WMD justification for war. Some of this happened at the NY Times— and to me, the NY Times is a newspaper that is really embarrassing and deserves to be.

Decker-Jones: I counted this morning and it’s been 958 days since “mission accomplished.”

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“I don’t think the media ever bought the rational [for war in Iraq], they were just afraid of the public. What has changed is the drop in the President’s approval rating.

That’s why we see more critical press about the war.”

– CRAIG CRAWFORD

WL: After the Libby indictment, Nicholas Lehman–the long time Washington correspondent for the New Yorker, and now Dean of The Columbia Journalism school– wrote a strangely rationalized and almost impossible to decipher account of the media in the war, which seemed to suggest that because so much of the press in fact signed onto the Administration’s reasons for going to war, it necessitated a continued defense of the war. Did the press buy the Bush Administration’s argument for war?

Crawford: I don’t think the media ever bought the rationale; they were just afraid of the public.

What has changed is the drop in the President’s approval rating. That’s why we see more critical press about the war.

Jaffe: There’s always a certain amount of cheerleading when the country is supposed to be going to war. And I think the press, certainly the Washington Post, got caught up in that. I will give you an example–Walter Pincus’ stories about whether there really were weapons of mass destruction.

Pincus kept writing time after time that “there are no WMD” and “guess what—there are no WMD” and the Washington Post kept burying it in page A17 or saying, “Sorry Walter, we can’t understand…”

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WL: What explains that?

Jaffe: That’s a very good question.What Craig said is they were intimidated and that’s something frightening when our media and the big papers like the Washington Post and the NY Times get intimidated.

That’s what bothers me more than anything.

IL DOLCE THE PERSONAL WL: Craig, what’s it like to be on your first book tour for “Attack the Messenger?”

Crawford: One guy told me I was very confused and should get another job. I mean the thing is you get some very blunt questions—particularly when you’re sort of defending the media.

WL: Harry Jaffe, you cover inside the Washington Post, that’s your beat. There are lots of rumors going on. What can you tell us about what’s happening internally there?

Jaffe: They’re scared (unprintable) because they’re losing so many readers. They can’t figure out how to bring more people into reading the newspaper. And more people are reading the web site, but they don’t know how to justify the finances.

WL: John, what’s it like being a single parent? I understand you have custody of your child. You and Harry both do.

McCaslin: It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and that’s how I began writing the Inside the Beltway column, in fact. I was ready to find another angle in journalism that would allow me to work either mornings or afternoons so I could spend half the day with my daughter.

Jaffe: I don’t have total custody of my daughters, but I have learned something about women, which is that if you just shut up and let things pass, their feelings will change and come around.

person. I thought it was interesting to see what the other side is like, besides it pays a hell of a lot better. Janet has been a great source for all of us, and she’s one of the smarter PR people in town.

Before the wrap, former DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe stopped by to say hello. He and former D.C. prosecutor Richard Ben-Veniste had been dining at Power Booth #5.

WL: Terry, when’s your book out?

McAuliffe: December or January.

WL: What’s the juiciest tidbit?

McAuliffe: [Coyly] It costs $34.95.

At which point Decker-Jones slipped back to her office to get the scoop out before McCaslin, by filing this before him: THE HOTLINE, NATIONAL JOURNAL, Tuesday, December 13th. “$34.95”—Terry McAuliffe, asked today at Teatro Goldoni to reveal the juiciest tidbit in his ‘07 book. …And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how it works.

Finito.

WL: One word: Wonkette.

Decker-Jones: Hilarious.

Jaffe: Great cheekbones WL: Chuck Conconi, you’ve been with Washingtonian since the beginning of time and now you’ve moved over to the corporate side.

Conconi: It’s interesting because a lot of people are down on PR people. My experience over the years is that, except only on about two occasions that I can think of, I’ve never been lied to by a PR

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2006

THE YOUNG & THE GUEST LIST P H O T O S B Y Z A I D H A M I D s t y l e d by b a r b a r a m c c o n ag h y h a i r a n d m a k e u p by v i da l s a s s o n ﹐ t y s o n ’s c o r n e r p h o t o g r a p h e d at t h e m a n da r i n o r i e n ta l H o t e l

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From left to right: Adrian Talbott, Mae Haney Grennan, Enrico Cecchi, Charles Goorah, Amy Holmes, Ashley Taylor, Marco Minuto, Toby Moore, Mary Moffett, Mat Lapinski, Eleanore Richards de Sole, and Michelle Haney Maddux.

53

A NEW GENERATION ESTABLISHES ITSELF ashington has no shortage of accomplished junior (in age only) social achievers. Their contributions may or may not be millions of dollars to the Kennedy Center, or a new wing at NIH, but they are significant just the same. Not surprisingly, when “Fortune” published its annual list of “40 richest under 40,” Washington was home to a few including: Raul Fernandez, Dan Snyder, Mark Ein, Jeffrey Zients and Michael Saylor.

Their faces and names may not be recognizable to all. These younger folks are not found in large numbers at such events as the Lombardi Gala; more likely they’re dancing at the Corcoran Gallery’s 1869 Society’s parties, or sharing happy hour drinks at chic Maté or IndeBleu with the Young Benefactors of the Smithsonian. Some are making headlines with their political involvements—Adrian Talbott and Justin Rockefeller for example, with their newly formed “Generation Engage” to encourage voter turnout. Others are penning their first books right out of college, as Ross Douthat did when he published Privilege, a compelling tale of his Harvard experience.

Sam Hornblower

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Sometimes their efforts are discounted, especially when members of fraternity and sorority type organizations, known for giving only pennies to charity, dominate the coverage of younger Washingtonians. But there is another side of the city that is more than a bevy of future “trophy wives” and men prancing around in embroidered pants.

There are many serious contributors to the city’s vibrancy, growth and future success. This list includes those who are donating to deserving philanthropic endeavors, pioneering in the business and political worlds, and raising the bar of taste and style in D.C. Their accomplishments vary as much as their age, from those making significant contributions right out of college, to those on the older cusp, who are already leaders in their respective fields. All may not call Washington their main place of residence, but each is deeply rooted and among the trendsetters.

For these reasons, Washington Life is pleased to debut the Young and the Guest List. There is always room for additions (and subtractions), and we welcome suggestions at wl@washingtonlife.com to our advisory committee.

Tarah Donoghue and Kathryn Duryea

Elbridge Colby

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Miss Clara Brillembourg Mr. Sam Brooks Mr. Warren Brown Miss Barbara Bush Miss Jenna Bush

Mr. Eric Adler Mr. James Alefantis Mr. Michael Allen Mr. Steve Andronico Mr. and Mrs. Peter Arundel (Brady)

Nellie Boone

B

Mr. Brett Baier Mr. Patrick bateman Miss Annie Lou Bayly Miss Christian Bailey Miss Sarah Baker Ms. Veronique Bardache Mr. John Barnett Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Barth (Mary) Mr. William Bass Mr. Fernando Batista Mr. Peter Beinart Miss Deborah Berger Mr. Julian Berger Mr. Peter Bergen Miss Elizabeth Berman Ms. Molly Bingham Mr. Robert “Bo” Blair Mr. G﹒ trenholm Boggs﹐ Jr﹒ Miss Eleanor Boone Miss Tara Boone Ms. Nicole Boxer Mr. Quinn Bradlee

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Sarah Baker

Miss Amy Cada Mr. Tanner Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Bill Canfield (Paige) Mr and Mrs. Enrico Cecchi (Andrea) Mr. G﹒ John Cecchi Miss Wendy Champan Miss Alexandra Chopvisky Mr. George Chopvisky﹐ III Miss Chelsea Clinton Miss Julia Cohen Mr. Elbridge A﹒ Colby Mr. Evan Coluccio Miss Makeba Coyoka Mr. and Mrs. Michael Crain (Joanna) Miss Whitney Cumming Miss Lee Culp

Ana Marie Cox

Michael Crain

D

Mr. and Mrs. Francis Colt de Wolf﹐ III (Nathalie) Miss Eleanore Richards de Sole Miss Jordan Delphos Miss Nunu Deng Mr. Caesar Devoto

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Miss Deborah Fine Miss Karen Finney The Honorable Harold Ford﹐ Jr﹒ Mr. Charles Fox Mr. Wesley fricks

Ross Douthat

Cleo Gewirz

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Deutch (Marne Levine) Mr. and Mrs. John Dickerson (Ann) Mr. Carling Dinkler﹐ IV Mr. Raymond “Tripp” Donnelly﹐ III Mr. Ross Douthat Miss Tarah Donoghue Miss Jill Dowell Mr and Mrs. Kevin Downey (Michelle Jolin) Mr. Theodore Downey Miss Katherine Downs Mr. Seyhan Duru Miss Kathryn Duryea

E 2 0 0 6 JUNIOR SOCIAL LIST

Miss Catherine Edwards Mr. Christopher Edwards Mr. Mark Ein Miss Valerie Emerson Ms. Page Evans

G

Mr. Curtis Gallagher Miss L﹒ Hadley Gamble Mr and Mrs. Douglas Gansler (Laura) Mr. Robert Garza Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Gergen (Heather) Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gewirz (Cleo) Mr. and Mrs. Steven Gewirz (Katrina) Mr. Trevor Gibbons Mr. Joshua Ginsburg Mr. Constantine Gogos Mr. John Goodwin Mr. Charles Goorah Mr. Albert Gore﹐ III Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Gould (Piper) Mr. Matthew Jessee Mr. Garrett Graff Mr. Jeffrey Y﹒ Grappone Miss Melissa Grassi Mr. and Mrs. Andre Grennan (Mae Haney) Mr. Carlos Gutierrez﹐ Jr﹒

F

Mr. and Mrs. Tarek Farouki (Shiva) Mr. Michael Feldman The Honorable and Mrs. Adrian Fenty (Michelle) Mr. and Mrs. Raul Fernandez (Jean Marie)

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Chelsea Clinton

Doug Gansler

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The Corcoran Gallery’s 1869 Fall Fete.

YO U N G D C G E T S E N G AG E D

BY CHRISTINA WILKIE

Younger Washingtonians are making a difference in our communities, the environment, and the arts. So it’s only natural that when we paint the town, it’s often for a very good cause.

THE CORCORAN SOCIETY Whether they’re hosting a happy hour with swanky cocktails or their fall fete with the beats of DJ Seyhan, the 1869 Society has a strong following with dynamic young professionals here. More than that, this group is known for hosting intriguing monthly lectures and gallery openings featuring the Gallery’s renowned American, European and contemporary art collections. Their spring black tie gala (March 4) is not to be missed with an elegant dinner in the atrium followed by dancing.

How to get involved﹕ To attend one of the 1869 Society’s events go to www.corcoran.org/membership/1869_society.htm.

THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION The world-renowned contemporary art collection of philanthropist Duncan Phillips draws a dynamic group of young supporters, many of whom are as familiar with great art as they are with a great party.

The Phillips Contemporaries (donors age 20-39) organize educational programs, sponsor special exhibitions, and give more than a few brilliant parties throughout the year. Chief among these are the annual Photography Acquisition Event (scheduled for Tuesday, February 28) where Contemporaries are invited to vote on which pieces will be added to the museum’s permanent collection, and the Black and White Ball (scheduled for Saturday, September 16), a high-profile annual fundraiser traditionally held in one of Washington’s most beautiful embassies.

How to Get Involved﹕ For more information about joining the Phillips Contemporaries visit www.phillipscollection.org/join.

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Nicole and Courtney Reynolds at the Corcoran Gallery’s 1869 annual spring gala.

THE MANY HATS INSTITUTE Looking for something a little more off-beat? Many Hats is an organization dedicated to urban youth-empowerment through programs like City Dance and the adventure/mentoring program Reach Your Peak. Their events bring together Washington hipsters in distinctive locales. “We want to inspire others in the pursuit of a cause greater than self,” explains Board Member Tanner Campbell, “…we make it fun by incorporating great sponsors like Gucci, Lacoste, and Thomas Pink…We want people to have fun.” Sounds just about right...

How to Get Involved﹕ For a rundown of recent Many Hats initiatives and information about upcoming events visit www.themanyhats.org.

THE FRIENDS OF THE NATIONAL ZOO For environmentally aware scenesters, supporting a Zoo might seem at odds with protecting wild habitats, but membership in the Friends of the National Zoo’s Young Professionals directly supports the Zoo’s groundbreaking international conservation efforts. Last year’s event highlights included February’s Tsunami Wildlife Benefit, August’s Brew at the Zoo, and of course, the annual Jingle in the Jungle. And if the parties weren’t enough, this fall the group enjoyed exclusive access to the hottest show in town, Tai Shan, the baby giant panda cub born at the Zoo in July of 2005.

How to get involved﹕ Learn more about the wide array of benefits offered to members of the Friends of the National Zoo at www.nationalzoo.si.edu/JoinFONZ.

OTHER NOTABLES The list of dynamic non-profits engaging young people in Washington is (thankfully) a very long one, and this is merely a sampling of what the city has to offer. Inspirational efforts are being led by the Studio Theatre, www.studiotheatre.org, So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.) www.some.org, and the KIPP DC Key Academy, www.keyacademy. org, among many others. Check out www.charitablechoices.org for even more ways to give back.

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J

Mr. and Mrs. David Jacobs (Gigi) Mr. and Mrs. Griffin Jenkins (Kathleen) Mr. Brian Jones

K Henry Hager

H

2 0 0 6 JUNIOR SOCIAL LIST

Mr. and Mrs. Brett Haber (Jennifer) Mr. Henry Hager Mr. Mark Halperin Mr. and Mrs. John Halpin (Jamie) Mr. Ted Halstead Mr. John Hanshaw Mr. Scott Hanson Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hartley (Gretchen) Mr. and Mrs. Jason Herrick (Lindsay) Mr. Eric Hilton Mr. Jeffrey Himmelman Mr. Paul Holder Miss Amy Holmes Mr. Sam Hornblower Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Howard (Rebecca) Mr. Matthew Hunter H. R. H. Prince Hashim Hussein of Jordan H. R. H. Princess Iman Hussein of Jordan Mr. S﹒ Brooks Huston Mr. Scott Hutchinson

Sarah Lenti

Miss Katherine Kennedy The Honorable Patrick Kennedy Mr. Rheza Khadiri Mr. Jeffrey Kimbell Miss C﹒ Anna Kimsey Mr. Mark Kimsey Mr. David P﹒ Kodack Mr. Joseph Konzelmann Mr. Peter Korbel

L

Mr. Mathew Lapinski Mr. Christopher Larsin Mr. and Mrs. David Leavy (Katie) Mr. and Mrs. Chris Lehmann (Ana Marie Cox) Miss Sarah Lenti Miss Emily Lenzer Mr. Joel Limerick Mr. Terrell Limerick Miss Lisa Ling Miss Kristen Lodal Mr. Winston Bao Lord

I

Mr. Anthony Imamura Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Ingersoll (Honor) Miss Sarah Ingersoll

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Joseph Konzelmann

Winston Bao Lord

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Dragonfly

Mantis Bar

SPICE UP YOUR NIGHT

K STREET LOUNGE

BY ASHLEY TAYLOR

It’s easy to do the same old, same old. Drinks at Daily Grill or Paulo’s before heading over to Smith Point. It’s also easy to forget there is more to Washington nightlife than Georgetown. There are other places out there and no excuse not to take a field trip to a few different spots.

After opening this summer, K Street has become one of the hottest clubs in town, attracting a lot of the Euro scenesters. DJ’s specialize in rap but often play R & B as well. Lines are long, and the only way to ensure no waiting is to reserve a bottle service table in advance. Best Night﹕ Saturday.

INDEBLEU

MANTIS

Located across from the National Portrait Gallery and steps away from the MCI Center, this is the place to go after a concert or sporting event. Intriguing cocktail combinations such as blackberry mojitos and basil champagne are sinfully good. The back lounge plays a fun mix of house and pop. Best Night﹕ Thursday. Friday and Saturday there is barely room to breathe.

Most Adam’s Morgan bars are holes in the wall, Mantis is a surprising change. The large Buddha and bar with minimalist decor is reminiscent of London and New York clubs. Most nights they have a DJ playing house music. Downstairs there’s lots of candlelight and a more intimate, moody experience. Not to be missed. Best Night﹕ Friday.

DRAGONFLY

MATÉ

Washington may not be Los Angeles or New York, but Dragonfly reminds us that we can still be up-to-date. This all-white lounge serves up sushi and sake as Bruce Lee and anime cartoons are flashed on the walls. The techno and house music also offer an alternative to the overplayed pop and ’80s sounds at Georgetown bars. Best Night﹕ Friday.

Located on K Street near the Georgetown movie theater, Maté is quickly spicing up the club scene. Nightlife gurus Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld and Osmar Nunez have created a unique restaurant and lounge combination.

There is no dance floor, but ample space for moving while the DJ plays Latin and house rhythms. The Matetinis, a signature drink infused with herbal tea, are delicious. Best Night﹕ Saturday.

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N

Mr. Matthew Lowe Miss Alison Lukes

Mr. Brad Nirenberg Mr. Paul Nitze Mr. Jonathan Novak

O Nick Mele

M

David and Kirsten Pollin

2 0 0 6 JUNIOR SOCIAL LIST

Miss Nora Maccoby Mr. and Mrs. Victor Maddux (Michelle Haney) Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Malek﹐ Jr﹒ (Britlan) Mr. and Mrs. Michael Manatos (Laura Evans) Mr. and Mrs. David Marriott (Carrie) Mr. Richard Marks Mr. Roman Martinez Miss Jaclyn Mason Mr. Jeb Mason Mr. John Mason Miss Lauren Mason Mr. and Mrs. John Murdoch Matheson (Susan) Mr. Robert Matheson Mr. Michael Matthews Mr. James Maxwell Miss Kelly McLaughlin Mr. Nicholas Mele Mr. Benjamin Meredith Ms. Blase Mills Mr. Marco Minuto Miss Mary Moffett Mr. Tobin Moore Mr. and Mrs. Eric Mullen (Kelly Craighead) Mr. Grantham Myers Mr. Paul Myers

Mr. and Mrs. William O’Leary (Pilar) Mr. and Mrs. Jack Oliver (Rachel) Mr. and Mrs. Nels Olson (Kristen) Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Olson (Michelle du Pont) Mr. Peter Oppenheim Mr. Joshua Overbay

P

Mr. Sam Patten Miss Angel Paulson Mr. and Mrs. David Perlin (Skye Raiser) Miss Danielle Perraut Mr. Peter Pflug Miss Katherine Pingree Miss Leah Pisar Miss Ada Polla Mr. and Mrs. Dave Pollin (Kirsten) His Excellency August Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg Mr. Omar Popal

Ray Regan

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Kimball Stroud

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Yoga Sessions at The Sports Club/LA

LOOKING GOOD Somewhere along the way Washington got a bad rap as the “Hollywood for the ugly.” Or, as Ana Marie Cox shares in her new book Dog Days, Washington’s attractiveness scale is graded on a very generous curve. It doesn’t have to be this way, and there a few places that younger Washingtonians frequent in order to look and feel good.

THE SPORTS CLUB/LA A membership to the Sports Club/LA offers much more than a big gym with cardio and weight equipment. This sports palace is more than a sweat on the elliptical trainer for 45 minutes. It’s specialized yoga, aerobic and pilates classes have become favorites among patrons such as John Mason,

The Sports Palace, The Sports Club/LA

Charles Fox and Sarah Baker. Oprah, Dave Matthews and Katie Couric have also dropped in for visits.

SPAS After Toka Salon owner Nuri Yurt coiffed their mother, First Lady Laura Bush’s hair so well, it’s no surprise both Jenna and Barbara Bush now have Yurt styling their tresses as well. Both prefer the Georgetown location, rather than the Penn Quarter, and are frequently spotted on Friday afternoons having a blow-out. Yurt and his staff have been styling politicians, power brokers, socialites and other celebrities for years. Now Toka and Soma Fit are the go-to spots for the younger social set as well. Both offer manicures and pedicures, facials, microdermabrasion, body wraps and massages.

T Christopher Reiter

Lindsay Stroud

R

Mr. Ray Regan Mr. and Mrs. Hans Reimer (Angela) Mr. Christopher Reiter Miss Courtney Reynolds Mr. and Mrs. Roland Reynolds (Diana) Mr. Timothy Reynolds Miss Lucinda Robb Mr. Justin Rockefeller Miss Lisa Rockefeller Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Rosenheim (Elizabeth) Mr. Adam Rosman

S 2 0 0 6 JUNIOR SOCIAL LIST

Mr. Steven salyer The Honorable Linda Sanchez Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sanchez (Elissa Rubin) Mr. and Mrs. B﹒ Francis Saul﹐ III (Dawn) Mr. Michael Saylor Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Sears (Starr) Mr. William Sharp Mr. and Mrs. Mark Shriver (Jeanne) Mr. and Mrs. William Slover (Laura McGifford) Mr. Thomas Snedeker Miss Allison Starling Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Steel (Lee Satterfield) Mr. and Mrs. Edward Stettinius (Sarah) Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stettinius﹐ Jr﹒ (Regina) Mr. Drew Stroud Miss Kimball Stroud Mr. Lindsay Stroud Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Snyder (Tanya) Mr. Brendan Sullivan

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Mr. Adrian Talbott Miss Ashley Taylor Mr. Joshua Thomas Miss Alexis Tobin Mr. Joseph Toce Miss Maggie Toepher Mr. Gayraud Townsend Mr. and Mrs. Geoff Tracy (Norah O’Donnell) Mr. Eric Trump Mr. Sean Tuohey

U V

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Underwood (Blair)

Mr. James van Wynen Mr. George Vincent

W

Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Walker (Nicole Bagley) Mr. and Mrs. Clark Wallace (Katherine) Mr. John Wallace Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Warsh (Jane Lauder) Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Weiss (Juleanna) Ms. Katherine Weymouth Mr. Michael Wharton Mr. Paul Wharton Mr. and Mrs. Burton White (Jill) Mr. Charles Edward “Ward” Williams﹐ Jr﹒ Miss Christina Wilkie Miss Elizabeth Wilner

Z

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Zients (Mary) Mr. Ryan Zimmerman

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YO U R G R A N D FAT H E R ’ S CLUB... OR IS IT? The Old School Appeal of Private Social Clubs

BY ANNA KIMSEY

Their dress codes do not allow jeans. Their rules prohibit cell phone use. “Young,” “hip,” and “trendy” are definitely not the adjectives most frequently used to describe the University Club, City Club, Metropolitan Club, Georgetown Club, and City Tavern Club. Even private establishments—most of Jeff Kimbell, which are over 50 years old— City Tavern Club maintain a noteworthy presPresident ence in the social life of young Washingtonians.

Recruitment of young professionals continues to be a key focus of membership boards and directors in social clubs around the city. The City Tavern Club, reported that approximately 30 percent of its members are under the age of 35 and that in the past year the majority of their 90 new members were from that age bracket. All clubs offer reduced-rate junior membership options, such as the “Young Executive Membership” at the City Club of Washington, which encourage D.C. residents to join sooner rather than later.

Each club presents a different menu of social offerings, services and benefits to its members. The dining rooms and bars provide an intimate atmosphere to entertain clients and friends over a meal or cocktail and the chefs hail from D.C.’s finest restaurants.

The University Club just brought esteemed chef L. J. Cousson on board, who was formerly the executive chef at Kinkeads Restaurant and a Four Seasons culinary team member for more than 15 years. Aside from a place to grab a drink or bite to eat, private clubs also function as venues for debates and events like wine tastings and parties—many of which are geared toward younger members.

Bars, fine dining, speakers, parties and gyms are a plentiful in Washington, however, it is the long-standing legacy and tradition of private clubs that make them a part of the city’s social landscape.

In a transient town with constantly changing restaurants, bars, and residents, these clubs—and the communities they contain—have remained steadfast, connecting members with each other and with a place in the city’s history. While this scene is not for everyone, “exclusive” membership (most require a nominal fee and two letters of recommendations) applications continue to flow in from young professionals who want to embrace the old school charm at the same time that they seek to make these clubs their own.

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1330 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20024 at Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. www.cityzenrestaurant.com

MAKING THEIR BID Young Washingtonians Become Politically Active This wouldn’t be a Washington roundup without a little political flavor, found here in the form of a relatively new non-profit, founded in February of 2005 by Justin Rockefeller, son of Sen. John D. Rockefeller, IV (D-W.Va.), and brothers Devin and Adrian Talbott, sons of Brookings Institution president Strobe Talbott. Devoted to engaging young adults in the political process through grass-roots outreach programs, non-partisan Generation Engage is becoming a nationwide leader in youth civic empowerment, aided by a well-connected network of supporters and friends. This fall’s launch of their “Politics through Art Initiative” took place at the smart new Ralph Lauren store in Georgetown and featured a number of Washington’s most engaging young political players. This Generation is definitely on the rise.

In local politics, Councilmember Adrian Fenty is making a strong bid in the mayoral race. At just 36, he made his mark on Ward 4 by helping to re-gentrify the area. Sam Brooks, 24, is running for Coun-

cilmember for Ward 3. Brooks has established deep roots in politics working in the offices of both Fenty and Sen. John Kerry.

On the other side of the aisle, many young Republicans shined during the Presidential campaign, including Sara Taylor who now serves as the White House political direcPresident Bill Clinton tor, and Brian Jones who now acts as the and Adrian Talbott communications director at the RNC. Even though most young Hill staffers remain addicted to their “berrys,” they do find time to socialize. On the Hill, you’ll find Democrats at Union Pub for swirl margaritas and unbeatable happy hour specials. Lounge 201, the Sinatra-themed martini bar, has become a favorite among the GOP. Bullfeathers and Capitol Lounge are other GOP watering holes, while the Pour House and Hawk and Dove draw a more liberal crowd. Charlie Palmer Steakhouse has become a non-partisan hotspot attracting power players from both sides of the aisle.

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s the daughter of a prominent Indianapolis family and the wife of Senator Albert J. Beveridge, Catherine Eddy Beveridge’s life was a window to some of the most important historical events and personalities of the early 20th century. Beveridge’s world spanned from Chicago, to Washington, D.C., to Russia where she debuted at Emperor Nicolas II’s court.

Catherine detailed her memories in a dairy which her grandson, Albert Beveridge, III, recently published in The Chronicle of Catherine Eddy Beveridge (University Press).

Bitsey Folger, a friend of Al Beveridge and his wife Madzy, sat down to discuss Catherine’s world of privilege and politics as a young woman in Washington society.

Bitsey Folger: I remember your grandmother very fondly. She had the most charming laugh and the only way to describe it was doll like. It tickled.

Al Beveridge: I’m glad you mentioned that, her laugh just floated on the top and drew you in. It was one of her distinctive features.

BF: How do you remember her? How old were you?

AB: She was omnipresent. I don’t remember when I first heard her name anymore than I do when I first became aware of my father or my mother. We lived in adjacent houses in Indianapolis. Not the best arrangement, frankly, if you have a very strong woman like my grandmother. My mother felt totally intimidated by her and it would have actually, in retrospect, been better if we’d been a little more geographically spaced.

PRIVILEGE AND POLITICS An intimage look into Catherine Eddy Beveridge’s Life Bitsey 66

Folger and Al Beveridge, III

BF: A diary is considered to be personal history. Why did you want to publish your grandmother’s diary?

AB: Are you suggesting I’m a voyeur or something? First of all, this was a diary once removed. My grandmother took her original diary, and on her own turned it into a narrative in the 1940’s. Then she combined it with memorabilia, photographs and everything else and just left it. I think the act of her turning it into a narrative already indicated something. It indicated maybe she wouldn’t object if people read it. The other reason I published it, is because my wife loved it so much. She gave it to individuals who said this is a terrific story. So, I was emboldened enough to publish it.

BF: Describe your grandmother when the diary begins, she was a young woman.

AB: She was younger and she was really taught to be charming. She had to learn to draw, play an instrument and sing and make a little conversation. She was fluent in French and pretty fluent in German, she summered in

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Germany. She was taught to make people feel at home.

BF: Tell us a little about her trips to the White House.

AB: One thing I’ve always remembered was that she said that when Teddy Roosevelt entered the room, even if your back was to the door, and even if you didn’t hear anything, that the hairs on the back of your neck would stand up a little bit.

BF: When you’re reading about the romance, it’s all very formal and you don’t really get a picture of him courting her?

AB: I do know that the marriage between her and my grandfather was opposed by her aunt and her mother. She was a very reserved person.You read in the book that at one point she says, ‘I was in love,’ and that was as much as you’re going to get.

However, I do know from her closest friends that it was an extremely passionate relationship.

BF: Oh really?

AB: Yeah. Good old fashioned passion. It wasn’t just that he could read poetry but when my grandmother took the train from Washington to Indianapolis, a telegram would be waiting for her from him that he’d sent ahead saying “thinking of you” or “miss you very much.”The only thing they really fought about was my grandfather’s chain smoking. She couldn’t stand it.

BF: I love reading it and it’s really romantic.

AB: The other aspect of the diary that has come true is when the Senators and members of the House were in Washington, they stayed in Washington. They didn’t have airplanes. So they really got to know each other and it’s really one of the very sad things about our present situation. So many members of Congress who basically work only Tuesday through Thursday, frequently only have a little apartment here and so they do not enter into the social life of Washington, as they did back in the turn of the century.

BF: At the end you reference a “Dramatis Personae” with over 350 names, a number of which are familiar in Washington.

AB: When I did the first draft of the diary and the footnotes and identified all the individuals, there were over 600 footnotes. So we took out all the personal names and put them in the back of the

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book. With the exception of very well known names, most of these people no one would know.

Especially if you are in Washington, reading about Chicago, you might have a vague idea of who they were, but if you are interested we tell you who all of the contemporary McCormicks were.

What is remarkable was that there was essentially an international community that knew each other and went to Europe together.

she doesn’t really give a great deal of how she felt about that.

BF: Where can people get the book The Chronicles of Catherine Eddy Beveridge?

AB: Online www.univpress.com. Put in Beveridge and the book pops up.

BF: But Washington is an extremely social city today, I think society does march on so to speak. I have some of my favorite excerpts from the book and I’m curious what yours are?

AB: I can’t imagine in the dead of winter going into the court of St. Petersburg for 1500 guests and seeing fresh asparagus on all the plates. I mention it was 1902 and fresh asparagus on all the plates.

We’re all used to refrigeration but back then in St. Petersburg in the middle of winter. I have no idea where they got it from, whether they went to Turkey and got it I don’t know.

BF: She had a quote where she questioned her mother’s decision to present her [to society] and she thought it was too early.

AB: She said she had not yet put her hair up so that meant essentially they were in braids. And she was not yet seventeen, which is very, very young to be presented. My great grandmother and her sister, I think, were extremely socially ambitious.

They were pushing this idea of being presented to all these courts which was unusual then. I mean U.K. wasn’t so bad, but to go to St. Petersburg to be presented was virtually unheard of for an American.

Catherine Eddy Beveridge being presented at Emperor Nicolas II’s Court.

BF: If your grandmother was alive, and was born in this era, what questions would you ask her about going through this very personal experience.

AB: I would ask a lot of questions about her relationship with the Senator, Albert Beveridge.

If I were an editor, I would take the ‘07 and ‘08 years and say please expand on the whole political scene a little more. I certainly knew a lot about her relationships with her son and her daughter which was not as happy as I indicate in the book.

I would also ask her to come through, to be a little more extensive of how it felt to be a wealthy, very good looking young woman in Chicago and in Washington. She recites what she did but

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SOCIETY WEDDINGS

VOWS, VACATIONS, MEMORIES AND MORE

Carlotta Hester and Chris Murray

From the frolicking green hills of Ireland to the painted desert of Santa Fe and back to London’s legendary Holland Park, WL was there to celebrate with some Washington’s best known newlyweds.

Carlotta Hester and Chris Murray plant a tree on cousin Gerry Murray’s farm

Chris Murray and Carlotta Hester Lower Lavey, County Cavan, Ireland

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BY ANDREW COCKBURN

t’s hard to know when to start the story of a wedding. The happy day itself? The prenuptial parties, backdated to the original engagement? In the case of this summer’s union of Govinda Gallery maestro Chris Murray and Carlotta Hester, we have to start in 1888, when 15 year old Matthew Murray walked down a country lane in Lower Lavey, County Cavan, Ireland. He was taking the first steps of the emigrant journey to New York, and the last wave from the end of the lane, his family knew they would never see him again.

That might have been the end of that, except that, three generations later, Chris Murray took the trouble to scour the lakestrewn Cavan countryside in search of his roots and found them in Grandfather Matthew’s birthplace. The Murray farm came complete not only with long lost cousins but also the ruins of an ancient chapel in a dell just beside the house—a perfect spot to marry the beautiful Alabama-born Carlotta.

Thus it was last July that Chris brought part of his enormous circle to Lower Lavey, including Bill and Alison Paley, Carol Gray and Joel Ludlow, Washington Post critic Paul Richard, and Smithsonian Under Director for Art Ned Rifkin. At the ceremony in the grassy ruins, Donovan Leach, a famous ‘Sixties’ singer song writer, read a prayer by St. Francis of

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The Sonia School of Irish Dancers

Christina James and Phil Moreau The Murray-Meyer family Assisi. Later, at Redhillls House, the transatlantic multitude was wafted into a Celtic twilight by the Sonia Leonard School of Irish Dancers and the twinkling fiddles of the Gaeghan Sisters. As the last guests floated away, cousin Francis Murray summed it all up. “Jesus, Chris,” he said, gripping the groom by both arms, “you put on a powerful show.”

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Julia Moffett and Toby Constantine Orangery in Kensington’s Holland Park, London

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t’s said that people in love will follow each other to the ends of the earth. In the case of Londoner Toby Constantine and former D.C. native Julia Moffett, this turned out to be true—and not only because they lived an ocean apart.

Not long after their transatlantic romance began, Toby–a media and marketing veteran who runs his own firm, Market Evolution—set off for the remote island in Indonesia he co-owns with several partners. He suggested that Julia—a former Clinton aide who now works as Director of Strategy and Development for the BBC World Service Trust—consider joining him. With the help of two jets, a small plane, a motor boat of questionable buoyancy and a steely nerve, she did just that.

Two years and a great many plane trips later, the globetrotting couple were wed on July 9, on a perfect summer’s day at the Orangery in Kensington’s idyllic Holland Park, accompanied by a small gospel choir that had the assembled guests dancing in their pews long before the DJ started spinning at the reception, held at the Belvedere.

Participating in the picture-perfect ceremony were, among many others, Best Man Paddy Byng; Lopo Champalimaud, who introduced the peripatetic bride and groom, Susannah Constantine, the groom’s first cousin and creator of “What Not to Wear”; Julia’s father, former United States Congressman and chief executive of the Livingston Moffett International Practive Group Toby Moffett; her seven siblings; Toby’s young son Finn Constantine; and the very joyful presence of a prominent bump under Julia’s Proenza Schouler gown. (The happy couple are now proud parents of Calla and Estelle, born in London in early December.)

Honored guests included the groom’s father, Robert Loudon Constantine and the bride’s mother, Suzanne Cliver. Among many Washingtonians past and present who joined the festivities were Liz Bernstein Norton, James P. Rubin and his wife, Christiane Amanpour, Jake Siewert, Carrie Goux, Jonathan Spalter and Jordan Tamagni. The bride, who will keep her name, and groom (who says he plans to keep his, too) will continue to reside in Notting Hill Gate–in between trips across the Atlantic and around the world. The twins’ passports are in the works.

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Julia Moffett and To

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Julia and Toby with Toby’s son Finn Constantine and guests

It’s said that people in love will follow each other to the ends of the earth...

The Bride with her father Toby Moffett The bride’s brother Rufus Moffett

Maggie and Mary Moffett

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Wedding Guests

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The von Eichel family castle Leslie and Andrew Cockburn

Henry and Monika in Dirndl and Lederhosen

Susanne von Meiss, Count Tito Douglas and Monika von Eichel

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Henry von Eichel and Monika Apponyi

Germany, Munich Countryside

BY GRAHAM WISNER

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s part of the raucous wedding party that traveled from Washington to Germany last June to enjoy the celebration of Washington’s favorite son Henry von Eichel to Austrian super interior decorator Monika Apponyi, I can say for all of us, that the experience was unforgettable (as well as an interesting experience in international diplomacy).

Henry and Monika actually took their marriage vows during Christmas 2004 in a quiet ceremony at Henry’s rappahannock farm– this gathering in Germany then was more in the European tradition of a wedding celebration. The party was held in Henry’s magnificent family castle (replete with moats and onion-shaped turrets) just outside Munich. Not surpringly, the setting was prepped perfectly–Monika is an international desinger, whose collection ARTABA is available in Switzerland and London, and soon in the U.S. Her pieces are handmade in Italy and finished in gold and aluminum leaf (www.artaba.com).

At first, our European counterparts eyed us warily, at times apparently amused that we too could behave on special occasions. Despite endless commentary on American foreign policy, both groups enjoyed each other’s company enormously. Over succulent food, serious rock and roll, and thousands of twinkling candles, us “Yanks” scrupulously avoided eating with our hands and laid a variety of killer dance moves on the bemused Europeans.

Monika couldn’t stop smiling all evening and Henry was delighted and exhausted when we crawled off to bed as the sun rose. I was reliably informed that Henry and Monika’s families got along famously. Other Washingtonians attending included Leslie and Andrew Cockburn, John Henry, Ann Crittenden, Amb Richard Burt, Joel McCleary, and Veronique Barach.

Joel McCleary and Richard Squires

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Henry’s Sister, Countess Stephanie Pfuel

He nr y an d Mo nika von Ei

chel

Grahm Wisner

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ONE FAMILY, TWO WEDDINGS

Michelle and Chris’ wedding invitation depicted a reproduction of a commissioned portrait by David Cochran.

2005 was truly a lovely year for the Malek family as Michelle Malek du Pont and brother Fred W. Malek each tied the knot in respectively stunning fashion Michelle Malek duPont and Christopher Olson

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Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe, N.M.

or jewelry designer Michelle Malek du Pont and software entrepreneur Chris Olson, New Mexico was the perfect spot to tie the knot. Michelle and Chris said ‘I do’ in the elegant Loretto Chapel, filled with red roses, which were especially beautiful against the Santa Fe backdrop. The Loretto Chapel is home to the “Miraculous Staircase.” Built in 1870 and famous for its engineering structure (it has two 360 degree turns and no visible means of support), the staircase was constructed by a traveling craftsman using only hand tools.

After the ceremony, in traditional New Mexico fashion, a mariachi band paraded the bride and groom through town along with 45 of their closest friends and relatives to the reception at La Posada where guests enjoyed such Southwestern favorites as lobster burritos, fish tacos, and cucumber margaritas. Guests received jewelry and cufflinks at the tables, made specifically for them by Michelle, a jewelry designer for Saks Fifth Avenue and other retail outlets. The bride and her seven year old daughter, the flower girl/ring bearer, wore a similar necklace made by Michelle from real roses and various colors of coral.

The fun was contagious, particularly for the bride, her mother Marlene, and the bride’s 90 year old grandmother—as four generations danced into the night!

Guests enjoyed the Mexican themed weekend, which included live Mexican carnival music and dancing in downtown Santa Fe; massages at 10,000 Waves; hikes in the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains, in the slot canyons; and the 1,000 year old Indian pueblo ruins in Bandelier, New Mexico.

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Guests received jewelry and cufflinks at the tables made specifically for them by Michelle–a jewelry designer whose exquisite designs can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue and other luxury purevors of fine merchandise. To see more of Michelle’s “vibrant, rich, chunky and happy jewelry” visit www.michelledupont.com.

Michelle with her grandmoteher, mother Marlene Malek and daughter Olivia

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Left to right: Ted Krai, Rob Zamboldi, Matt Conway, Michelle Olson, Chirs Olson, Will Buss, Tom Hicks, Jay McAndrew and Jay Iannini

Caroline Rocco, Laura Scahwitz and Michelle Olson

After the ceremony, a mariachi band paraded the bride and groom through town...

Chris Olson, Maryalice McKaughan, Michelle Olson, Leila Baheri and Jack Corwin

Michelle and Chris Olson...with Mariachi band

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Fred W. Malek and Britlan Gorse Saint John’s Episcopal Church, Georgetown Parish

B Britlan and Fred W. Malek

ritlan Gorse earned a doctorate in clinical psychology and is currently specializing in developmental assessment of infants and toddlers at Children’s National Medical Center—two very important career accomplishments that could very well help her as she moves into family life. Equally as appropriate for the next stage in his family life (especially if teenagers are in the picture) is Fred W. Malek’s background–Mr Malek is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and has served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during the first Gulf War. He is now founder and CEO of TIG Global, an interactive marketing and web publishing firm.

But business and accomplishments were secondary on this picturesque day at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown. One good thing about marrying close to home is having all your friends there to enjoy it, including the 17 bridesmaids and groomsmen. An elegant upscale reception was held at the Mayflower Hotel, where Britlan says, “the service was impeccable.”The hotel’s floral decorators created dramatic candelabras with giant spheres of orchids, garden roses, and calla lilies. The colors chosen for the wedding were terra-cotta, mahogany and bronze; the bride wore a classic gown by Steven Yearick. Not a detail was overlooked from the couple’s custom monogram–which adorned the wedding cake, ice sculptures, and was projected onto the dance floor–to the cutting of the wedding cake with the groom’s Navy standard issue sword…which we imagine was not packed for the honeymoon trip to Morrea and Bora Bora, French Polynesia.

The reception at the Mayflower Hotel

Anthony and Kandice Gorse, Britlain and Fred W. Malek, and Marlene and Fred V. Malek

Bride and bridesmaids

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Wedding guests

The groom’s Navy sword was used to cut the cake

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Angela and John leaving the wedding

Angela and John leaving the wedding

Angela and John leaving the wedding

Angela McGlowan and John Venners

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Grace Episcopal Church, Georgetown

lthough Tahiti might be warm and beautiful, there is nothing like having a Washington society wedding right at your doorstep—we don’t call it ‘America the beautiful’ for nothing! Speaking of beautiful, we couldn’t help but include the stunning Angela McGlowan and her husband John Venners in the Society Wedding feature. Angela McGlowan is host of the Fox Channel’s “Street Talk” in New York,a former DC beauty queen, and Miss America pageant contestant; John Venners is CEO of Veneers Group in Fairfax and a handsome fellow in his own right.

For the ceremony, the bride wore a tastefully selected Vera Wang gown.

The church was filled with hundreds of flowers that perfumed the air and gave way to an afternoon fit only for a king and queen in love. After they vows exchanged vows, the happy couple celebrated with 250 of their closest

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The happy couple honeymooned in Italy... friends at Sequoia Restaurant on the waterfront in Georgetown.The menu included Pumpkin and Pear Sachotte finished with truffle cream, fresh Apple and blue cheese baby greens with cider vinaigrette, yellowfin Tuna with lime soy and ginger, grilled lamb chops with wine sauce, chocolate dipped strawberries, and last but certainly not least, a wedding cake and flutes of champagne. Guests danced the night away until the bride and groom retired to their yacht—the happy couple honeymooned in Italy.

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THE WEDDIN M A R I TA L BLIS S

EVENT PLANNING

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

NATALIE STEMP SAGEWOOD NATALIE STEMP SAGEWOOD WEDDINGS & EVENTS LLC www.sagewoodweddings.com 703.967.9575

EAST COAST ENTERTAINMENT www.eastcoastentertainment.com Bands include Liquid Pleasure, Midnight Movers and Right on!

Celebrations infused with chic designs.

MAHA FEINSTEIN www.mfimage.com 202.271.6006

BURNETT THOMPSO www.pianojazz.com 703.641.0719 Jazz artists, big bands, dance bands, ensembles and intimate chamber groups.

Personalized image consultants.

DJ ARTIE K www.Djartiek.com 845.224.5101 Spinning rock to hiphop, funk to world.

TRAVEL MACNAIRTRAVEL COM 703.836.1100

CATERERS

Two certified in-house destination wedding planners.

J& T TRAVEL LLC www.jandttravel.com/honeymoon www.jandttravel. com/honeymoon 301.352.4357

DESIGN CUISINE www.designcuisine.com 703.979.9400 50 full-time chefs can prepare food for more than 15,000 guests daily.

Honeymoon travel made easy.

THE CATERING COMPANY OF DC www.thecateringco.com 202.347-8040

HALF MOON ROSE HALL www.halfmoonweddings.com 876.953.2211 Breathtaking ceremony and reception locations, a spa, and luxury resort amenities will make your special day truly magical.

Boutique caterer that intimately embraces food and entertaining.

OCCASIONS www.occasionscaterers.com 202.546.7400

RSVP CATERING www.rsvpcatering.com 703.573.8700

MYSTIQUE JEWELERS www.mystiquejewelers.com 703.836.1401

Fine dining, artfully presented.

Diamonds and designer jewelry. Living room atmosphere overlooking the Potomac.

WEDDING BANDS/RINGS

CONTINENTAL JEWELERS www.continentaljewelersdc.com 202. 833.3366 Imported ruby, sapphire and diamond engagement rings. Designer mountings, custom designs, or loose

LOUIS GLICK www.louisglick.com 1800.77.GLICK 60 year old diamond manufacturer specializing in rare yellow, pink and other colored diamonds.

PROTEA DIAMONDS www.proteadiamonds.com 1.800.333-8339 Offering finely cut diamonds for over 40 years.

KWIAT www.kwiat.com Cuts each stone to reveal the maximum brilliance within.

TIFFANY & CO www.Tiffany.com 301.657.8777 Fine jewelry, timepieces and silver in a signature blue box.

CARTIER www.cartier.com 301.654.5858 Renown French jeweler and watchmaker.

BAILEY BANKS & BIDDLE www.baileybanksandbiddle.com 1.800.651.4242 Fine jewelry along with selections of designer jewelry, branded Swiss watches and giftware TINY JEWELRY BOX www.tinyjewelbox.com 202.393.2747 One of our favorite retailers of fine jewelry, collectables and fashionable items.

LILJENQUIST & BECKSTEAD www.LandBjewelry.com 703.749.1200 Houses many prestigious jewelry brands.

Unique events, great food, personal attention and creativity.

PAMPILLONIA www.Pampillonia.com 202.363.6305

SELECT EVENT RENTALS www.weparty.com 800.439.8729

Rare gems, diamond designs, and one-ofa-kind antique and period jewelry, as well as custom design.

35 years of experience.

RIDGEWELLS www.ridgewells.com 301.652.1515 Innovative award-winning cuisine.

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FINKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JEWELERS www.finks.com 540.344.8697 Extensive diamond selection.

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NG HOT LIST STA RT S H E R E

THE RITZ-CARLTON www.ritzcarlton.com 800.241.3333

VENUES

Romantic elegance at it’s best.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL www.MandarinOriental.com 202.554 8588

Personalized embroidered linens.

Two-level atrium in a fine art environment.

THE WILLARD INTERCONTINENTAL www.washington.intercontinental.com 202.637-7326

DRESSES SAEYOUNG VU COUTURE www.vucouture.com (202) 338-2400

FLOWERS

Heritage and luxury with contemporary comfort.

Modern, simple and classic dresses for brides, bridesmaids and flower girls.

VOLANNI www.volanni.com 202.547.1603

FOUR SEASONS www.fourseasons.com 202.342-0444 Superb settings, award-winning cuisine and meticulous, personalized service.

Elegance and natural flow that can change an event, a room, or even just a single moment

DUMBARTON PLACE www.dumbartonhouse.org 202.337-2288

ULTRA VIOLET 202.333.3002 www.ultravioletflowersdc.com

Uniquely romantic, intimate setting for special events

Commitment to detail that expresses your personality.

OMNI SHOREHAM www.omnihotels.com 202.234-0700

THE ENCHANTED FLORIST 703. 836.7775 Eclectic to elegant with a shabby chic touch.

Event spaces, accommodations and catering for any size affair.

GREENWORKS www.greenworksflorist.com 800.992.1920

HAY ADAMS www.hayadams.com 202.638.6600 Flawless service and outstanding cuisine.

Flowers and bouquets for ceremonies and receptions.

WHITE SWAN www.whiteswanbridal.com 703.255.9032

FANCY CAKES BY LESLIE www.fancycakesbyleslie.com 301.548.9390

Sophisticated wedding dresses, bridesmaid and mother of the bride attire.

Winners of the “Today Show:

VERA WANG BRIDAL BOUTIQUE AT SAKS JANDEL www.verawang.com 202.337.4201

Hometown Wedding” contest CREATIVE CAKES www.creativecakes.com 301.587.1599

The authority on bridal elegance.

Modern and sophisticated styles.

Customized and delectable edibles.

CLAIRE DRATCH www.clairedratch.com 301.656-8000

CAKELOVE www.cakelove.com 202.588.7100

Exclusive full-service bridal salon.

Imaginative cakes and cupcake trees made from scratch.

PROMISE FOR THE SAVVY BRIDE www.promisedc.com 301.215-9232 Hip yet elegant for today’s young bride.

BRIDESMAID GIFTS

STEPHEN DECATUR HOUSE MUSEUM www.decaturhouse.org 202.842.0917

CAKES

Distinguished address makes for a special wedding site.

PÂTISSERIE POUPON Washington, DC 202.342-3248

MADISON HOTEL www.themadisondc.com 202.862-1600

Non-traditional wedding cakes and French pasteries.

NEIMAN MARCUS www.neimanmarcus.com 202.966.9700 One stop Bridesmaid gift shopping.

TESTA BAGS testabags.com Funky, yet practical, one of a kind personalized bags to thank your friends.

For graceful and intimate affairs.

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LAURA REESE AT THE SILKEN THREAD www.thesilkenthread.com

CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART www.corcoran.org 202.639.1781

It’s the Mandarin...need we say more?

Gorgeous ballrooms, superb banquet services.

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CALLIOPE BOUTIQUE www.calliopeboutique.com Unusual gifts.

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OWN IT

RIZIK BROTHER www.riziks.com 202.223.4050

U STREET www.ustreetparking.com 202.265.0010

Private and attentive service for brides, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride.

Valet services.

BETSY ROBINSON’S BRIDAL COLLECTION robinsonsbridal.com 410.484.4600 Full-service bridal salon featuring highend dresses.

PRISCILLA OF BOSTON priscillaofboston.com 703.821.0167

Rare Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring of exceptional quality

FLEET TRANSPORTATION www.fleettransportation.com 703.933.2600 Timely and professional personalized transportation.

BEAUTY

Handmade gowns.

DAVID’S BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE www.davidshairdesigner.com 301.881.2540

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE BRIDAL SALON 703-761-0700

Named top bridal salon in 2004 by the Washingtonian magazine.

Extensive selection of gowns in exquisite styles from the foremost American and European designers.

VALET/LIMO MARC PARC VALET www.Marcparc.com 202.464.2900

TOKA SALON www.tokasalon.com 202.333.5133 One of the premiere and top-rated day spas in the area.

GEORGE AT THE FOUR SEASONS 202.342.1942 Four Season’s luxury brought to beauty

Clean, safe professionally operated, off-street commercial parking.

QUESTIONS for Romantic Destination Planner Harvey McGarry from MacNair Travel & Cruises WL: What are the hot spots for destination weddings?

HM: Jamaica is the reigning hot spot for destination weddings. The Riviera Maya in Mexico; Turks & Caicos Islands; Barbados; and the Hawaiian Islands.

Continental

J EWE L E RS

WL: Where do the trendsetters go?

HM: This is better answered in terms of the honeymoon. Exclusive places such as the One and Only Palmilla in San Jose del Cabo; the Four Seasons Nevis; Royal Hideaway in Playacar, Mexico; Four Seasons Manele Bay in Lanai, Hawaii; Punta Islita in Costa Rica; and luxury Mediterranean Cruises.

WL: What should you look out for?

1010 Connecticut Ave. Washington, DC 20036 202-833-3366 Catalogue Available

HM: The most important thing is to know the legal requirements of getting married at your destination spot and make sure you can meet them.

Also, sometimes special arrangements and additional fees are required for Catholic, Jewish or other versions of the wedding ceremony.

MacNair Travel & Cruises, 703.836.1100 ext 228, hmcgarry@macnairtravel.com

www.dcjewelers.com

SALON BLU www.salonbludc.com 202.332.7774 Contemporary cuts, color, highlights and waxing in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.

PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID MICHELE PHOTOGRAPHY www.Davidmichele.com 240.601.2115 Modern romantic photojournalistic.

FREED PHOTOGRAPHY www.Freedphoto.com 301.652.5452 Classic, unobtrusive combination of traditional and photojournalistic editorial ISACSON STUDIOS www.Isacsonstudios.com 310.299.0800 Modern, edgy, timeless.

SOTA PHOTOGRAPHY www.sotaweddings.com 703.645.0900 Modern, romantic and fresh.

JONAH KOCH www.kochfoto.com 202.674.2428 Young and talented with excellent client servicing.

KYLE SAMPERTON MARIANNE WYBLE 301-928-1499 Specializing in intimate weddings with an artistic eye.

JACKIE VANLY www.Vanly.com 703.534.5900

ZAID HAMID 301.440.6000

Classic portraiture and photojournalism.

If perfection is what you seek.

BRIDEZILLA BE GONE! Styling tips for your desination wedding

¢

Practice with your personal stylist and take a picture of it, so you can repeat it.

¢

Be ready for last minute changes

¢

Don’t wear a style you’re not comfortable with!

¢

Stylists charge a half-day (four hours) for work on 1-4 people; five or more is a full day (eight hours).

Many brides also want the stylist around after the wedding ceremony to fix problems.

¢

If you bring a stylist with you, expect to provide air fare and accommodation plus $1,500 for the day of the wedding and $950 for each additional day lost at the salon.

T I P S A N D ST Y L I N G BY DAV I D’S B E AU T I FU L P EO P L E . W W W. DAV I DS H A I R D E S I G N E R .CO M

%$ 4 #&45 8&%%*/( #"/%4

Timeless elegance.

Historic charm.

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Located in the heart of Georgetown and steeped in 1"35: 0/ 5)& .00/ 0OF PG .PEFSO #SJEF T A5PQ 8FEEJOH #BOET GPS

Washington history, Dumbarton House provides a uniquely romantic, intimate setting for special events.

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(202) 337-2288 ext. 230

www.dumbartonhouse.org

FOR ONE HUNDRED YEARS THE COPENHAVER IMPRINT HAS TOLD GUESTS MORE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING THAN MERELY THE TIME AND PLACE. Copenhaver has been featured in USA Today and Pen World magazine.

Call for an appointment with Theron White, one of the most experienced wedding stationery consultants in the nation. Theron has been advising bridal couples for over twenty years. Ask Theron about our wedding special.

COPENHAVER ENGRAVERS & STATIONERS 1301 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. (202) 232-1200 M - F 9:30 - 5:30 Saturday 10 - 4

Look Love2006

The

of

T

HE LOOK OF LOVE for Washington Weddings 2006 is elegant, romantic and sophisticated. No matter what side of the isle you favor politically, when it comes to wedding style there’s only one isle and it’s clearly classic, traditional and beautiful.

Just as it takes a “village” to raise a child—it also requires a topnotch team of professionals to produce a wedding. So, with the help of DC’s top wedding brands, Washington Life brings you the Look of Love for 2006.

00

BY B A R B A R A M C C O N AG H Y Photographed by ROY COX at The Four Seasons Hotel, Georgetown

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The backdrop for our elegant wedding party is the elegant Four Seasons Hotel. Michael Lanni of Volanni designed the flowers. TOKA Salon master stylists, Mesut Ozaydin and Mazir Ozturk, designed the hair.

Anita Bahramy created the makeup. Tiffany and Company chose the fine jewelry, champagne flutes and china. T.H.E. Artist Agency provided models, Vanessa Payne, Devon Stewart, Nichole Friday, Samantha Casey and Christopher Hoey; and our toasts were filled with cuvee brut Perrier Jouet.

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00

The bride is wearing a 30’s inspired bridal gown of crepe back satin “Hollywood Glam Gown”, VERA WANG; crystal/pearl flower hair comb, TIFFANY. Bridesmaids wearing (from left): VERA WANG almond crepe back satin column gown; diamonds by the yard necklace, TIFFANY. Second: VERA WANG café satin, strapless mermaid dress; Keshi necklace, pearl and diamond earrings, TIFFANY. Third: blush satin slingbacks with jewels by Giuseppe Zanotti, SASSANOVA. VERA WANG café satin, strapless, side drape A-line dress; nude rhinestone open-toe pumps, SASSANOVA; diamonds by the yard solitaire, mesh earrings, TIFFANY. Bridal party flowers, VOLANNI.

<

00

The is bride wearing a VERA WANG ivory silk organza ball gown with beaded bodice trim and champagne bow accent, crystal chandelier earrings, all VERA WANG; Christian Lacroix satin and rhinestone evening shoes, NEIMAN MARCUS; ivory silk 3-buttoned gloves, WHITE SWAN.

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OUR LATEST “ COLLECTION FOCUSES

ON SOFTNESS, FEMININITY AND A ROMANTIC SENSE OF STYLE…. SIMPLY, THE FULL-BALL GOWN IS BACK –JENNIFER JOHNSTON, MANAGER, VERA WANG

”

“IT’S THE PERFECT DAY…

THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE

”

BRIDES TODAY “ ARE LOOKING FOR

WEDDING GOWNS THAT EXPRESS THEIR PERSONALITY. –JESSICA FOX,

”

OWNER, PROMISE FOR THE SAVVY BRIDE

00 The groom is wearing BRIONI black silk singlebreasted tuxedo; ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA shirt with orange details; SMITH ivory tie; FERRAGAMO black-laced shoes, all NEIMAN MARCUS; coupe watch, platinum 4mm band ring, Atlas column cufflinks, all TIFFANY.

00 The bride is wearing a JUNKO YOSHIOKA FOR BONAPARTE, NY ivory silvana, silk mikade, silk duchese, satin gown, PROMISE; pearl and rhinestone chandelier earrings, TABANDEH; diamond cell bracelet, TIFFANY; Christian Lacroix satin and rhinestone evening shoes, NEIMAN MARCUS; flowers, VOLANNI.

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00 The groom is wearing CORNELIANI black silk single-breasted tuxedo; ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA white classic shirt, black brocade bow tie and cumberbund; and FERRAGAMO slip-on tuxedo shoes, all NEIMAN MARCUS; cufflinks and platinum wedding band, TIFFANY. The bride is wearing ANNA MAIER ULLAMAILA couture white strapless embroidered ball gown with ruffles, HITCHED; crystal flower tiara, pearl crystal choker, strappy crystal sandals, all VERA WANG.

ROY COX WAS ASSISTED BY STUDIO MANAGER MANDY STRONG AND PHOTO ASSISTANTS ANDY ROBINSON AND PAT MOORE COORDINATED BY TIFFANI CAILOR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS OF THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WITH THE GRACIOUS ASSISTANCE OF STAFF AND CHEFS TABANDEH RELATIONS OF THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WITH THE GRACIOUS ASSISTANCE OF STAFF AND CHEFS TABANDEH AND WHITE SWAN BRIDAL AND WHITE SWAN BRIDAL 95

W H A T ’ S

H O T

1

3

2

DIAMONDS

are a girl’s best friend

(Especially on Valentine’s Day) 5

4

6

7

8

PLATINUM DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING WITH -CARAT EMERALD CUT CENTER DIAMOND WITH HAND ENGRAVED FILIGREE $15,000. Available at Liljenquist & Beckstead, (703)-448-6731, www.liljenquist.com. OPEN SQUARES PINK SAPPHIRE NECKLACE WITH DIAMONDS $1,850. Available at Tiffany & Co., (301)-657-8777, wwwtiffany.com. JACK KELÉGE’S THREE-CARAT CANARY AND BRILLIANT DIAMOND SET IN PLATINUM Starting at $50,000. Available exclusively at Mystique Jewelers, (703)-836-1401, www.mystiquejewelers.com.

VERSACE’S LIMITED EDITION SAINT VALENTINE’S DAY PRECIOUS DV ONE WATCH with 45 white diamonds. Starting at $7,500. Available at Versace, (301)-907-9400, www.versace.com. CHOPARD’S “PRINCE CHARLES” LADIES WATCH IN -CARAT WHITE GOLD WITH D-FLAWLESS DIAMONDS $55,560. Available at Boone & Sons, 301-657-2144, www.booneandsons.com. FINK’S

CARAT EMERALD CUT ENGAGEMENT RING Starts at $44,500. Available at Fink’s Jewelers, (540)-344-8697, www.finks.com. PLATINUM AND PEAR SHAPED DIAMOND EARRINGS WITH

-CARATS $84, 600. Available at Liljenquist & Beckstead, (703)-448-6731, www.liljenquist.com.

FINK’S -CARAT RADIANT INTENSE YELLOW CANARY DIAMOND WITH TRAPEZOID SIDES $110,000. Available at Fink’s Jewelers, (540)-344-8697, www.finks.com.

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A beautiful, I do.

Trusted by Washingtonians for over 50 years

.........................................

202.546.7400

www.occasionscaterers.com

Chevy Chase, MD 5550 The Hills Plaza 301-657-2144

Washington, DC 1025 Connecticut Ave., NW 202-785-4653

www.booneandsons.com

McLean, VA Tysons Galleria 703-734-3997

TREND REPORT

A WIVES’ TALE

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue…

GOOD LUCK TOKENS that say “I do”

BY ALISON LUKES STYLE EDITOR

SOMETHING OLD A modern take on vintage lingerie.

Fine Italian cotton one-piece romper with back tie and front silk embroidery.

Dessous, $225; www.dessousnyc.com 1

The Edwardian period inspired cushion cut Legacy engagement ring. Tiffany & Company, priced from approximately $15,500. 301-657-8777; www.tiffany.com 2

SOMETHING NEW A new length for that modern bride.

Ivory draped silk tulle dress with slate blue grosgrain tie. Vera Wang Boutiques, price upon request. 202-337-4201. www. verawang.com 3

A perfect start to any marriage, his and her Cartier Roadster watches. priced from $3,800 202-654-5858; www.cartier.com 4

SOMETHING BORROWED Toast your marriage with the same classic crystal champagne flutes your parents or grandparents used on their wedding night. Tiffany & Company, $90 for the pair. 301-657-8777; www.tiffany.com 5

SOMETHING BLUE The finishing touch for any bridesmaid, a bronzite and blue agate necklace. Tulip by Kristy Homes $200; www.kristyhomes.com 6

Bring a dash of blue to the table with a lush trio of violet Lisianthus, shocking blue Delphinium, and vibrant Hyacinth in clear glass cubes. The Enchanted Florist, $200 per arrangement.

Old Town, Alexandria; 703-836-7777 7

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Cookie cutters make great cookies.

But not invitations.

CUSTOM DESIGNED CARDS & SENTIMENTS AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE Custom Invitations • Stationery • Holiday Cards • Announcements • Business & Calling Cards

A DESIGN FOR EVERY REASON

photo: DavidMichele.com

www.pinkandinkdesigns.com • info@pinkandinkdesigns • 703.340.8278

(AIR 3ALON $AY 3PA

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Any event can be made better by design.

Design Cuisine Caterers Washington, DC (703) 979-9400 www.designcuisine.com

F A

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Kai Milla with Deborah Rales at Saks Jandel

10 Q’S FOR KAI Washingonton’s own Kai Milla comes back home

BY DEBRA LEE CHAIRMAN OF BET

A

t 16, Washington, D.C. native Kai Milla, wife of Stevie Wonder, was officially bitten by the fashion bug after designing her prom dress. However, it wasn’t until years later--and a formal education in the arts— that Milla developed the confidence to start her own clothing line. Her timeless and elegant designs have since been swept up by celebrities such as Eva Mendes, Christina Aguilera, and Kelly Osbourne, to name a few. Locally, Saks Jandel showcased Milla’s designs at their annual holiday brunch. I took the occasion to find out more about the always fashionable Kai Milla for Washington Life.

PH OTO BY DA N CU NNINGH A M

Debra Lee: Have you always loved fashion?

Kai Milla: Fashion is always with me. It was with me as I grew up with art. I’ve always had this talent for designing and drawing. I didn’t know which direction I wanted to pursue at the time. I thought my calling was painting.

DL: You studied at the Corcoran College of Art

and Design?

KM: Yes, I wanted to do fine arts, but I went back

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and forth between painting and design. I had to make a decision. I just stopped and said it’s going to be design.

DL: What are your thoughts on style in D.C.?

KM: It’s very stylish and still conservative and tailored.

Trends come in, but we tend to stick with dark colors.

We’ve always had that. For this particular collection we are doing a lot of dress and pant suits for day that by taking off the jacket you’re set for the evening. It’s hard to find time to go home and change.

DL: What kind of woman wears a Kai Milla design?

KM: I design for women who are ageless and at times elegant, but at the same time provocative. I design for everyone from Paris Hilton to Kelly Osbourne.

When I think about design, if you’re going to spend money on something, I don’t want it to be in one season and out the next. I don’t know how to do trendy.

lady, how is it going to flow, and how is the air going to catch it.’

DL: What trends can we expect for Spring 2006?

KM: I think color is a big thing; I like color.

DL: Does music influence your work? And what

song best sums up your brand?

KM: Nina is the artist I used for this collection.Twenties hip-hop. I think about specific songs as I design and I use that music for the fashion shows.

DL: What do you admire most about Stevie?

KM: He is very spiritual. He’s about people, he loves people.

DL: How did you meet your husband?

KM: We met at the end of the night at Nell’s in New York and I told him that I had never seen him perform but I knew right away we would be together.

DL: Good luck with your line and your love.

DL: Tell me about the movement of your designs.

KM: I just love movement. When I am designing, I say ‘okay, how is that going to look on a young

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Susan Pilchard and Joanne Schneider

Susan Hurley, Mary Ourisman and Mel Estrin

Kai Milla and Stevie Wonder

FA S H I O N SAKS JANDEL H O L I D AY B R U N C H December 11 • Saks Jandel PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

THE EVENT BET President Debra Lee and chair of this year’s Saks Jandel brunch with owner Peter Marx welcomed Washington, D.C.born designer Kai Milla and her husband Stevie Wonder, to a fabulous Milla and Escada fashion show. Proving that Wonder’s song “Anything you want me to do,” was from his heart, the award winning Wonder charted a private jet to make it in time for his wife’s homecoming show.

The brunch benefited the Wonder Foundation, and its support of Hurricane Katrina victims.

THE SCENE 200 fashionistas and prominent Washingtonians were treated to a fashion show featuring her soulful, sexy and sophisticated designs along side Escada’s spring collection followed by a delicious brunch by Design Cuisine.

THE GUESTS Washington’s fashion elite along with Cindy Jones, Bob Johnson, Ann Jordan, and Patricia Crenshaw.

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Peter Marx, Bob Johnson and Debra Lee

Jellie van Eenennaam

Cindy Jones

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Model in Escada

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Model in Escada

Model in Kai Milla

Model in Kai Milla

Model in Kai Milla

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John Meyer

Ducati racing legend Paul Smart

Pablo Bermudez, Lucas Lanza and Brian Balganard

O F T H E PA R T Y D U C AT I S P O R T CLASSIC LAUNCH Café-Saint-Ex, Bar Pilar, Muléh and the Black Cat January 12 PHOTOS BY ZAID HAMID

THE PARTY An evening of speed, style and leather that took place in three parts on the 14th Street corridor: a private dinner at Café-Saint-Ex, the unveiling of bikes and fashion at Muléh, and a concert by bands, The Meek and Monopoli at the Ducati Lounge (a.k.a. the Black Cat). THE SCENE Washington Life Fashion Editor Barbara McConaghy was the artistic director for the fashion show, which featured over 40 cu ing edge looks from the 2006 Ducati apparel collection. 400 guests (with 200 more looking into the building’s glass façade) at Muléh watched legendary racer Paul Smart unveil a Ducati SportClassic motorcycle. THE PEOPLE Christopher Reiter, Pamela Aparicio, Ma Ross, Fabio Beggiato and bike lovers.

Mindy Suissa and Richard Stein

Sheldon Scott and Edward Robinson

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Linda Erkiletian and Muléh owner Christopher Rieter

Marc Ricciardelli, Franc Rihouey, Teri Rihoey and Oliver Roumy

Fabio Beggiato, Patrice Beggiato and Allesandra Beggiato

Pamela Aparicio

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Model wearing Ducati

o o

Model wearing Ducati

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Model wearing Ducati

Model wearing Ducati

Matt Ross

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Ducati Bikes

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PH OTO BY DA N CU NNINGH A M

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HONEYSWOONING OVER PSV & BARBADOS Sunshine, sand, pampering (and turtles) should be a part of every coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s island getaway

Whether for a weekend jaunt, extended vacation or honeymoon, Barbados and the nearby private isle of Petite St. Vincent have a range of options for travelers looking for peaceful and serene, jet-set chic or loud and electric.

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arbados and Petite St. Vincent (PSV to locals) occupy the same stretch of windward Caribbean sea space; both have tranquil beaches, and average eight to nine hours of sunshine a day; both offer ample opportunity to snorkel, scuba dive, fish, and / or sun and spa the day away. But the similarities stop there. In fact, for being so close geographically, the two islands couldn’t be father apart in the types of holiday experiences they offer travelers. If you’re lucky enough to be vacationing in either destination, here are a few things you should know:

SERENE AND PEACEFUL PETITE ST VINCENT

PSV: FOR THE NATURE LOVER ö One of the biggest surprises guests have

at PSV, if they are staying on the island in May and June, is the arrival of sea turtles, which come ashore to lay eggs

ö Guests can view nightime nesting and egg laying, but, of course, must be respectful of the turtle’s territory

ö Loggerhead, leatherback and hawksbill

turtles can be found nesting on the island

ö If turtles aren’t your thing, try the island’s therapist, who simply goes by “Lisa.”

She specializes in Yoga, meditation, spa facial treatments and perhaps email withdarwal.

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No airport, no phones, no formal check-in, no keys, no television...

PSV is best described by what it is not: A place to go in order to remain connected to this wonderfully connected 24/7 world we’ve created for ourselves. Nope, PSV is about one thing and one thing only: Tranquility. And in today’s world that can be hard to find–then again, so can PSV. Getting there requires a flight to Barbados, then an island hopper to Union Island, followed by a quick boat trip. Not to worry though, once you arrive on this 113-acre privately owned hideaway in the Caribbean chain of islands called the Grenadines, you will be greeted with a Pina Colada, and the travel will seem worth it.

PSV is completely surrounded by secluded white sand beaches, clear turquoise water and shallow reefs.

Its 22 cottages are scattered over the island’s hills, cliff tops and beaches. The only way around the boutique island is by golf cart or by walking. The cottages, built with native stone quarried from the island, are spacious and open with terracotta floors and wood ceilings. If you want service, just raise the yellow flag outside your cottage and place your order next to it–an attendant will bring you whatever your heart desires within half an hour. For honeymooners who want undisturbed privacy, simply raise the red flag.

If you need to ask if your Blackberry still works here, you’ve chosen the wrong island for your vacation at.

The shallow reefs surrounding PSV are home to colored fish and large turtles. Complimentary snorkel equipment is available for all guests in addition to the small sailing fleet of Hobie Cats, Sunfish, windsurfers and glass bottom kayaks at the dock house. The speedboat Jahash or Jambalaya, a new sailboat, are available to charter for a day of snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing or exploring nearby islands.

There is also a lighted tennis court surrounded by fragrant flowers and bushes where guests can play during the cooler hours of the day.

Or pamper yourself with a facial or Swedish massage.

Meals are served in your cottage or the main pavilion looking out on the harbor where guests can socialize. The cuisine includes fresh seafood and meats flown daily from a Boston butcher. If you would like, the staff can prepare a gourmet picnic meal, complete with china and linens for you and your guest.

Rates: $585 to $910 per night, including food.

Honeymoon packages and summer rates approximately $3900 double occupancy for a week. Children welcome.

Tel: (800) 654-9326; Fax: (954) 963-7402; www.psvresort.com

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

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

HOT DISHES ö

DAPHNE’S–just like the famous London establishment; delicious Italian and fresh fish. Located on the beach next to The House.

ö

Ask your concierge where you can try the national dish of Barbados: FLYING FISH.

fruit, cool towels, spritzers, massage, and drink service—perfect for soaking up the sun with that someone special. Water sports are complimentary and there is a fitness room and swimming pool on the property.

Rates: $1700 per night during the high season, $600 per night during the low season. Special wedding and honeymoon packages are available. Tel: (246) 432-5525; Fax: (246) 4325255; www.eleganthotels.com

LOUD AND ELECTRIC JUMP UP ON KADOOMENT DAY

THE BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE THE HOUSE If trendy travel is what you seek, try “The House,” located on the west coast of Barbados.

The destination is perfect for youthful couples and young celebrities (like Alicia Keys) that prefer boutique hotels over boutique islands such as PSV. The House blends chic design and minimalist grace with the essence of the Caribbean. Upon arrival you are given a complimentary half-hour massage and assigned your Personal Ambassador, who will make sure that your stay is all you desire.

All 31 rooms, overlooking sand and sea, include air conditioning, bath tub and shower with a variety of Molton Brown products. Each suite also boasts 100% Egyptian cotton linen, a feather bed, pillows, and duvet, cable television, a tea kettle, hair dryer, mini-fridge, Espresso Machine, candles and a personal safe.

The hotel sits on a stretch of sandy coast with complimentary beach services including

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

| FEBRUARY

When in Barbados, do as the Bajans. And if you are there at the end of July / beginning of August, that means Crop Over festival. These summer months are when the country celebrates its cultural heritage with festivals throughout the island. The festival’s roots can be traced to the 1780’s, when Barbados was the world’s leading producer of sugar. As the sugar industry waned, so did the festival, and it was eventually terminated in the 1940’s. But Crop Over was revived in 1974 and has been going strong ever since. During the five-week-long festival, travelers can experience a myriad of traditions, including folk concerts and art exhibitions.

Cohobblopot is one of the festival’s mustattend events. This carnival regularly features the most popular calypso performers and bands playing to packed audiences. Calypso is a huge part of Crop Over and the many performers compete for titles such as Party Monarch, the Road March Monarch and Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch.The semifinals for this competition are held on the East Coast Road, where performers showcase their talents on a stage backed by the Atlantic Ocean. Fans bring picnics and sit on the hillsides to watch. The finals, where the titles are decided, are staged in the National Stadium.

The grand finale of Crop Over is the Grand Kadooment. The parade features costumed bands marching to calypso music, while revelers in the street have nothing to worry about except “jumpin’ up” and having a good time. The parade makes its way from the National Stadium to Spring Garden, where the party continues with more music, great food and fantastic drinks.

For some, the celebration isn’t complete without a swim at the nearby beach.

| washingtonlife.com

BARBADOS: QUICK GUIDE ö If you travel in August, don’t miss

“Crop Over Festival” and Kadooment Day—the biggest party day of the year

ö Barbados has maximum daily

temperatures of 75 to 85 ºF year around.

ö The 21 by 14 mile island has a population of approximately 254,000.

ö The island’s west coast is marked by the

calm Caribbean sea while the east coast boasts Atlantic surf and rugged cliffs.

ö U.S. Airways and American Airlines fly from Miami (3 ½ hours) and New York (4 ½ hours) to the capital city of Bridgetown.

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H OT E L WATC H

FOUNTAIN DREAMS

THE BELLAGIO

3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, NV 89109 Telephone: 1-702-693-7111 Toll-free reservations: 1-888-987-6667 website: www.bellagio.com

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Ocean’s 11 made it famous, but its grandiose Italian spirit made it the Bellagio

BY K E V I N C H A F F E E

THE LOCATION

THE BATHROOMS

The Bellagio is the ideal place to stay in Las Vegas if you are planning to gamble, shop, eat or see a show at the MGM Grand, Venetian, or Caesar’s Palace. All are within walking distance—a major plus since cabs are often hard to get at night or on busy weekends.

Italian marble floors, oversized vanities, deep soaking tubs and plush towels and robes are standard in all of the luxurious bathrooms. Suites boast separate his-and-her facilities with a whirlpool for Madame and a shower-cum-steam room for Monsieur.

WHAT TO DO BESIDES GAMBLE THE GUESTS Entertainment and sports stars, tech moguls and well-heeled high rollers can be spotted among the doe-eyed honeymooners, boisterous family groups and one-time splurgers. Don’t, however, expect to see much high-stakes gambling action in the enormous casino unless you’ve got the cash to pass muster in the strictly private gaming rooms where “whales” and “super whales” are known to drop six (and sometimes even seven) figure sums.

Check out the “Fiori di Como” chandelier by renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly in the lobby; admire the seasonal flowers and plants in the Conservatory and Botanical Garden (maintained by a horticultural staff of 140); tour the famous Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art; stroll down Via Bellagio and do some shopping (window or otherwise) at Hermes, Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Christian Dior, Prada and Tiffany & Co.Above all, don’t fail to see Cirque du Soleil’s “O.” (Tickets $155-$350. Reserve in advance for the best seats.)

THE DRAW The “wow factor” starts with the famous “ballet of dancing fountains” on the 8.5 acre lake facing the original Bellagio Tower with 2,602 rooms and suites, and the newer Spa Tower, with 928 rooms and suites. Superior service, luxurious appointments and a lack of typical Las Vegas “theme park” garishness have earned guest loyalty along with a AAA Five Diamond Award for four consecutive years.

THE SPA

THE DRAWBACKS

WHERE TO EAT

The Spa Tower lacks its own separate entrance, which means it takes a long time to reach guest rooms through the cavernous lobby of the older building. If your room is located over the construction site, forget sleeping in—even on the 30th floor— until this summer when work is completed. There have been complaints about mini-bar sensors which register a sale if you move any of the (very pricey) items inside. And, think twice about sending a fax. My fee for an 8-pager to Washington: a whopping $22.

There are more than a dozen restaurants and a variety of cuisines from which to choose along with a steakhouse, Petrossian caviar bar, noodle kitchen and patisserie. Highly recommended: Dining on renowned chef Julian Serrano’s fusion of French and Spanish fare at Picasso in the presence of an eye-popping exhibition of works by the modern art master.

THE ROOMS Muted colors, handsome contemporary furniture, electric curtains, queen or king beds covered in fine linen, plus Internet access, multiple telephone lines and flat-screen TVs should impress even the most discerning clientele. Most guests prefer “Lakeview” rooms facing the fountains and Las Vegas skyline. Less expensive accommodations on the back side feature vistas of surrounding mountains.You get both if you check in to a deluxe room at the end of the Spa Tower’s halls (the tubs have spectacular views).

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If the quiet reflecting pools and candle-lit water walls of the new, Zen-inspired Spa Bellagio don’t inspire you to indulge in something more than a facial or Swedish massage then nothing probably will. The Indian head massage is particularly recommended as a quasi trance-inducing way to de-stress after a bad streak at blackjack.

ROOM SERVICE It’s round the clock in a town where people gamble and party 24-7. I enjoyed a perfectly-cooked hamburger sent up within twenty minutes of placing my order at 1 a.m. Breakfast service was equally punctual, with reasonably hot scrambled eggs (softcooked) and bacon (very crispy) delivered just as requested.

THE BOTTOM LINE Standard rates are among the highest on the Strip and range from $159-$799 for a room and $350-$6,000 for suites. Prices climb on weekends, major holidays and whenever there is a “major event” (championship fight, headline act opening, etc.).

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Culinary Gems

UNIQUE dining experiences await at ASTER and Glover Park’s TOWN HALL

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ASTER IN MIDDLEBURG VA hen you drive from the city to Middleburg’s culinary gem, Aster, you slowly feel the hustle of the city peel away like the onions Aster Master Chef Hump Astorga grows in the organic garden he tends next to the restaurant he and his wife bought and renonvated 14 months ago.

Astorga, also an interior designer, prides himself on personally cultivating every detail of the business from the redesign of the historic 1790’s building the restaurant calls home, to the extensive training courses he offers his servers, and of course to the delicate and artistic combinations he includes in his progressive American culinary menus (which vary seasonally).

There is just something about being in the countryside that makes Asters’ dishes taste unique; as if each item has been hand-picked just for you. No matter what urban gour met establishments attempt to do, they won’t be able to replicate the intangible ingredients that makes Aster a must try: Wholesome country American cuisine served with the flair of an artistic perfectionist in the heart of Virginia horse country.

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Aster’s Blue Hubbard Squash Cream Soup 3

Peeled and Seeded Fresh Blue Hubbard Squash, chopped into 2” pieces

½ cup

Grape Seed Oil

2

Spanish Onions

4

Large Shallots

1 clove Elephant Garlic 1 bunch English Thyme 1

Fresh Bay Leaf

8 oz.

Riesling Wine

4 oz.

Brandy

1 gal.

Vegetable stock

4

Whole Cloves

1

Star Anise

1 tbsp

Fresh Ground Cinnamon (sticks in a coffee grinder)

1 tsp.

Fresh Grated Nutmeg

2 qt.

Whipping Cream

1 tsp.

Fresh Grated Ginger

1 cup

Brown Sugar

1 cup

Apple Juice

¼ lb.

Butter

¼ cup

Pumpkin Seed Oil Kosher Salt White Pepper

GLOVER PARK’S TOWN HALL o, Town Hall is not the new Smith Point and it doesn’t take discerning of J.Crew shoppers to observe the differences. There is no list at Town Hall, no red carpet, and certainly not any ropes. There is an open door policy at this Glover Park neighborhood establishment; one that welcomes all and serves up casual comfort food.

Their recipe for the restaurant’s success is simple: Five gentleman who have all worked at var ious establishments around the city and have now banded together to create good food in an atmosphere where you can kick back and enjoy the comfortable ambiance.

There are simple bar tables placed against calm yellow walls, and a menu filled with chicken pot pies, steaks and hearty salads–all prepared by Head Chef Paul Madrid, formerly of Paolo’s.

Madrid suggests spicing up chicken, pork or shrimp with his signature marinade. This savory addition is sure to make your next meal sizzle.

1.

Rough-chop shallots, garlic, and onions; sauté on low with grapeseed oil until partially caramelized. Add squash to same pot and cook on low until squash is caramelized and soft.

2.

Add apple juice and reduce to syrup. Add Riesling and reduce by ½. Add half of vegetable stock. Make a sachet with cheesecloth, of cloves, ginger, star anise, and thyme; add to pot and simmer for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add cream, simmer 20 minutes on very low heat.

3.

Remove sachet, puree in a blender, and strain through a fine chinoise. (Mixture will be thick.)

Return to low heat and adjust consistency with remaining 4. vegetable stock.Add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, brandy, pumpkin oil; whisk in butter. Season with salt and white pepper.

Strain again.

5.

Jerk Sauce 1 cup Allspice Berries 1 cup Brown Sugar 6 cloves Garlic 6 Habanero Peppers 1 tbsp. Dried Thyme 2 bunches of Scallion 1 tsp. Cinnamon ½ tbsp. Nutmeg 2 tbsp. Soy Sauce Grind Allspice berries in coffee grinder and then put all ingredients into a food processor and blend.

Aster, 101 South Madison St., Middleburg,VA, (540) 687-4080

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Town Hall, 2218 Wisconsin Ave, (202) 333-5641

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AROUND TOWN

THIS MONTH HEARSAY • SAFE AND SOUND • TOTAHS • TEACHER • VALENTINE’S • BIG DROP • CLASSIC WEEK • ONE HUNDRED

WITH DONNA SHOR

Tim

, Dennis Friedman Shayne Coletta, tah Residence ie Totah at the To nn A d an t ch re lb A

andiary Nilou Amini and Dr. Ahmad Esf at the Totah’s Holiday Gathering

Kathy Kemper and Wolf Blitzer at the Kemper /Valentine Home

AMBASSADOR OF HEARSAY

One of Washington’s favorite former ambassadors is having his ears boxed back in London because of his tellall book, DC Confidential. Laid-back Sir Christopher Meyer, the British ambassador, and his wife, Lady Meyer are not your typical diplomats; he always wore his trademark red socks, and she, petite, pretty and utterly charming, wore mini-skirts which amply revealed her great legs (to which he pays enthusiastic homage in these memoirs.) His six years here straddled the Clinton and Bush administrations and the run-up to the Iraq war. The British decision to join the U.S. military effort is still a bitterly contested issue in his country, and he shows us the behind-the-scenes diplomatic maneuvering between the Bush administration and Tony Blair which

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brought them on board.

On New Year’s Eve, the text of some of the documents exchanged with the British Foreign Office came to light.They reveal “threats” if Meyer’s book were not submitted to them pre-publication. Because he had seen the book of another diplomat stopped after the FO was given extended time to study it, Meyer cannily held his back until the last couple of weeks before printing.

(The Foreign Office evidently keeps pretty tight controls on their subjects. He tells us the informative FO directive on sex given to budding diplomats is “White, single, female and NATO”).

Meyer’s publishers, Weidenfeld and Nicholson, have not yet released the book here, but it can be ordered on the Internet. He is under criticism for some of his observations, and the

book, which is written with his characteristically dry wit, also takes aim at several of his British colleagues and has them squirming.

He seems truly fond of President Bush, saying that in talking to him informally, he found him “articulate, interesting,” and “smart as a whip.” Unfortunately, he added the comment that in person he found George Bush to be quite different from the reputation he has abroad of being “a religious simpleton.”

Now that’s the type of compliment that could make the recipient say, “Gee, thanks. Now try one for your right hand.”

SAFE AND SOUND

Another former ambassador, Germany’s Juergen Chrobog, his Egyptian-born wife Magda, and their three grown sons were released

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unharmed after being kidnapped in Yemen. After Washington, Chrobog had returned to his country where he served as deputy foreign minister until the recent elections voted in the new government.

The Chrobogs are eager archaeologists, which led them on their trip to Yemen, where they were seized by tribesmen. Their friends here, where they were known as a warm and hospitable couple, have breathed a sigh of relief.

TOAST FROM THE TOTAHS

Hailed as one of the most elegant and festive dinner parties of the holiday season, Annie and Sami Totah opened their home to welcome and entertain about 300 family and friends. Gold reindeer, festive topiaries and a winter wonderland scene adorned the marble stairway in the foyer as musicians filled

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A

D

A R O U N D TOW N A R O U N D TOW N A R O U N D TOW N A R O U N D TOW N A R O U N D TOW N

Jason Smith, Sen. Christopher Dodd and Margaret Carlson at The Week’s Capital Classics

Bruce Gordon , n to n li C l il B ent Former Presid at the NEA Awards er av e and Reg W

Jordanian Amb. Karim Kawar and Jim Valentine at Kemper/Vale ntine Home

“Age does not protect you from love, but love does protect you from age.”

– AS TOASTED BY KATHY KEMPER

the air with holiday music.

Guests included Senator Paul Sarbanes and his wife, Christine, along with up-and-coming congressional candidate John Sarbanes.

Annie Totah extended a heartfelt toast to the Senator for his 40 years of dedicated public service.

HONORING THY TEACHER

The National Education Association Foundation hosted its 11th annual Salute

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to Excellence in Education Gala at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Former President Bill Clinton and the NAACP were awarded the prestigious NEA Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education, bestowed upon individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to public education.

LOVE AT THE VALENTINE’S

Despite a disheartening Redskins loss, the mood at the Valentine/Kemper home on November 20th was upbeat as Rep. Roy and Abby Blunt, Al Hunt and Judy Woodruff, Wolf and Lynn Blitzer, and Sen. Joe Lieberman all celebrated the engagement of Morton Kondracke, executive editor of “Roll Call,” to Marguerite Sallee, CEO of America’s Promise.The best toast of the evening came from Kathy Kemper, who eloquently stated:“Age

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does not protect you from love, but love does protect you from age.”

THE BIG DROP

The thirty international guests at Giorgio and Anna Maria Via’s McLean home New Year’s Eve were talking so animatedly at their round tables that they almost missed the stroke of midnight. Someone yelled “It’s five of twelve,” and everyone rushed to the television, but they were still talking, and not until someone handed the remote to Heba Agustsson, the wife of the Icelandic ambassador, saying “The one with the remote has the power” was the Times Square scene tuned in at 11:59.34.

percent.The magazine’s annual Capital Classics event on November 21 was a tribute to that success drawing all the favorite political pundits in town including, Chris Matthews, Margaret Carlson and Ana Marie Cox. ONE HUNDRED AND COUNTING Marlys Chatel reached that special year the day after NewYear’s and Jill Smart Gore helped her celebrate along with her California relatives Bill and Vini Floodman, and Connie and John Byrne, who made an entrance singing

and bearing a candle-lit cake. Marlys, with the late Garnett Stackelberg, shared the marvelous years betweenthe-wars in Shanghai. (See Pollywood section for more on Stackelberg)

CLASSIC WEEK

Since The Week magazine launched in 2001, it’s readers have increased by 200 percent and it’s advertising over 500

Send advance notice of an event you think Around Town should know about to donnashor@washingtonlife.com.

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Michael Clements and Tasha de Vasconcelos

Debbie Gasper, Rob Banner, Beau Young and Anne Sittmann

Paul Turner and Sue Huckaby

O F T H E PA R T Y

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E 2 0 0 6 K I C K - O F F PA R T Y January 10 • Maté, Georgetown PHOTOS BY JONAH KOCH

Catherine Bartels and Brian Murray

Heather Long and Beth Hardwick

Carol Joynt and Richard Marks

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THE PARTY A perfect start to 2006 as Washington Life hosted its New Year party at Georgetown SPONSORED chicest locale: Mate’. THE SCENE Two-hundred guests came for chilled tunes, magnificent mingling and Mate’s out-of-this-world hand-rolled sushi with a Latin flair.

But the hit of the night were the ‘Mate-tinis’ made with an irresistible mix of Argentinean rum and fresh-fruit purees.

THE PEOPLE Bolivian Amb. Jaime Aparicio and Pamela Aparicio with her sister Tasha de Vasconcelos, John Mason, Chic Cudlip, Mate’ owners Osmar Nunez and Mauricio and Nesrin Fraga-Rosenfeld, Blase Mills, Henry von Eichel, Graham Wisner, Andrew and Leslie Cockburn, Ghislaine Boreel, Ann Geracimos, Michael Saylor and Christopher Reiter. Thanks to all for making this an incredible start to what is destined to be a magnificent year!

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Dave Jenks, Gregg Busch, David Helfrich and Brook Rose

John Mason, Anna Kimsey, Mark Ein and Katherine Kennedy

Crystal Torchio and Alston Frazier

Reza Jahanbani

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Nicole Boxer and Julia Cohen

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Maricio Farah and Nesrin Fraga-Rosenfeld, and Dino Pampillonia Bolivian Amb. Jaime Aparicio, Dr. George Bitar

Hump Astorga, Craig Erion and Joanne Errico

Farah Atassi, Fariba Jahanbani and Roya Kingdom

Luma Kawar, Martha Slagle, Chic Cudlip and Jordanian Amb. Karim Kawar

Lynda Erkiletian and Christopher Reiter

Mauricio and Nesrin Fraga-Rosenfield with Bolivian Amb. Jaime Aparicio

Sabine Jourdan and Graham Wisner

Samantha Redmund and Dr. Saundra Seaman

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Chris and Tracey Haynes

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Andrew and Leslie Cockburn

Rob Kram and Dennis Donato

Osmar Nunez and John Cecchi

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Dave Polin, Brent Shaw and Paul Doughtery

Jonathan Klein, Kate Koffman, Kim Klein and Sid Banerjee

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S TA R L I G H T S TA R B R I G H T B A L L November 18 • The Four Seasons Hotel PHOTOS BY DOUGLAS SONDERS

THE PARTY Washington Life, with the help of the elegant The Four Seasons Hotel, helped raise SPONSORED money and awareness for Steven Spielberg’s Starlight Foundation, which provides seriously ill children in the mid-west with “distractive entertainment” tools to reduce the stress of hospital care. THE SCENE While the Starlight Foundation and chairs Cheryl Kristen Bitsberger, Jennifer Haber and Kimberly Holland played perfect hosts, The Four Seasons whipped up a rich starshaped chocolate cake…luckily, a Motown band motivated everyone in the ballroom to burn off their calories. THE PEOPLE Dave and Kristin Pollin, Geoff Tracy and Norah O’Donnell, and Jim Bell.

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Jon Holland and Dave Roberts

Kim Klein, Jen Haber and Kathy Williams

Brent Shaw, Shanon and Paul Dougherty

Lucile Huber and Jon Talcott

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The Padgett Family

Steve Lombardo and Bruce Bradley

Tim Bitsvergel and Kim Holland

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Jim Bell

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Ninerva Espinal, Jellie van Eenennaam, and Nini Ferguson

Connie Carter and Susan Colby

Sharon and Bruce Bradley, Aimee and Robert Lehrman, and Mai and Jim Abdo

O F T H E PA R T Y T H E WA S H I N G T O N B A L L E T NUTTY OR NICE BASH December 9 • Willard InterContinental Hotel PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

THE PARTY Choreographed glamour and yuletide spirit were de rigueur as The Washington Ballet SPONSORED patrons celebrated the opening night of Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker. Now in its second year, Webre’s interpretation comes with a Washington twist—it is set in historic Georgetown in 1882. Guests were fortunate to catch the Warner Theatre performance before a labor-management dispute forced the company to cancel the rest of the season. THE SCENE Judging by the couture fashion and dazzling diamonds, “nice” won out over “nu y” (by evening’s end most guests had found a way to combine the two). THE PEOPLE Event Chair Gahl Hodges Burt, Pamela Aparicio, Arturo Brillembourg, Mike and Julie Connors, Nini Ferguson, Nina Auchincloss Straight, Robert and Mary Ha , Jim Abdo and his wife Mai, Robert and Aimee Lehrman, Ann Walker Marchant, Mary and Mandy Ourisman, and Dutch Ambassador Boudewijn van Eenennaam and his wife Jellie.

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Liz Vandel

Dominican Republic Amb. Flavio Espinal

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Amb. Richard Burt

Viebke Loft, Netherlands Amb. Boudewijn J. van Eenennaam, Septime Webre and Jane Swensen

Gahl Burt and Floris Koch

Natalia Shrachko and Bill Meyer

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Terry and Dorothy McAuliffe with Amb. Marc Ginsberg and Janet Ginsberg

Brazilian Amb. Roberto Abdenur and Maria Abdenur

Mitzi Perdue, Maria and Larry Fischer and Chic Cudlip

O F T H E PA R T Y CHORAL ARTS: AN ENCHANTING EVENING I N E XO T I C B R A Z I L December 11 â&#x20AC;˘ Mandarin Oriental PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

THE PARTY Brazil is one of the few places in the world where singing is a way of life. The partnership SPONSORED of the Choral Arts Society, chair Juanita Duggan and honorary chairs, the Brazilian Ambassador Roberto Abdenur and his wife Maria made for perfect party harmony.

THE SCENE Guests dined, danced merengue and bid at a silent auction, which included a jaw dropping four-night stay in Rio de Janeiro, two oil paintings by South American artist Patricia Secco, and a two-night stay at the Alvear Palace in Buenos Aires. THE PEOPLE Coleman Jackson, William and Linda Webster, Chris and Lorraine Wallace, Mark Bisnow, Margot Machol, Grace Bender, Togo West, and Rep. John and Debbie Dingell.

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Caroline Boutte and Keith Lippert

Roselyn Epps, Jr. with Charles and Roselyn Epps

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Coleman Jackson and Juanita Duggan

Nels Olson

Rose Barondess and Diane Brown

Debbie Sigmund

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Mina Nguyen and Viet Lee

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Carmen and George Denby with Sen. John and Jeanne Warner

John Jeppson and Giselle Therberge Jeppson with Suzanne Blickenstorfer and Swiss Amb. Christian Blickenstorfer

Nini Ferguson

Tim Albrecht

O F T H E PA R T Y

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R E N W I C K A RT R AG E O U S

SPONSORED

December 7 • Grand Salon of the Smithsonian American Museum of Art PHOTOS BY JONAH KOCH

Betsey Broon

THE PARTY An Art-infused cocktail reception which raised four times the amount of funds as in previous years for the Renwick gallery and its world renowned collection of American cra s and decorative arts. THE SCENE The Grand Salon’s custom-made draperies and gilded frieze elements created a stylish se ing for milling. The 200 guests took part in a silent auction which included an overnight stay at the National Zoo, as well as sampling cheese fondue and enjoying a live jazz trio. THE PEOPLE Art lovers and chairs Shannon Finley, Rachel Pearson and Raka Singh.

Shannon Finley and Tom Quinn

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Hadley Gamble, Winston Lord, Ashley Taylor and Charles B. Fox

Heather Russell and Adrienne Pierce

Robin Mellas

Raka Singh

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Elena and Marco Minuto

Ann Hand Necklace

Ghislaine Boreel and Kevin Chaffee

Andy Rankin, Katherine Kennedy and Mitch Johns

O F T H E PA R T Y ANN HAND: SEW MUCH COMFORT December 8 â&#x20AC;¢ Ann Hand Georgetown Boutique PHOTOS BY ZAID HAMID

THE PARTY Ann Handâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s granddaughter, Ashley Taylor and Washington Life teamed up to benefit Sew Much Comfort, a charity dedicated to helping military amputee SPONSORED victims. With the store in Ashleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capable hands, Ann Handâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patriotic jewelry is finding younger admirers in addition to the Ambassadors and the First Ladies who already own her one-of-a-kind pieces. THE SCENE Guests mixed, mingled, and shopped (15% went to charity). THE PEOPLE Winston Lord, Bo Phillips and Marco Minuto.

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Delectable treats from Nottie Bianche, Circle Bistro and Dish.

WLChristina Wilkie and SPONSORED

Winston Lord

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Fariba Jahanbani and Olivier Moingeon

David Levinas and Bob Johnson

Sherri Haten and Shiva Zargham

O F T H E PA R T Y CARTIER CHEVY CHASE OPENING December 7 • The Collection at Chevy Chase PHOTOS BY ZAID HAMID

THE PARTY In 1847 jeweler Louis-Francois Cartier took over the Parisian workshop of Adolphe Picard.

SPONSORED December 7th, 2005 might not carry the same significance in Cartier’s history, but for metro area high-end shoppers, it is definitely a date worth noting as it marked the opening of the luxury brand’s new boutique at The Collection in Chevy Chase. THE SCENE 300+ guests invited by Washington Life and Cartier sipped martinis while sizing up the jewelry, watches and accessories. THE PEOPLE French Ambassador Jean-David Levi e and his wife Marie-Cecile, Alex and Angelina Vahabzadeh, Joseph Giuliano, former BET owner Bob Johnson, the Honorable Esther Coopersmith, Debra Lee, Morton and Grace Bender, Rima Al-Sabah and Mirella Levinas, co-owner of Cartier Chevy Chase and Tysons Corner.

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Ellie and Alex Safavi

Jaleh Fariborz, Sheila Saleh, and Gilan Toca Corn

Cartier Store at the Chevy Chase Collection

Eleonara Molfino and Myrna Haft

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Alex and Angela Vahabzadeh

Mirella Levinas

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David Kanter and Theodore Kanter

Grace Tang

Iraklis Karabassis

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INSIDE HOMES

ASPEN LIVING The Rocky Mountain lifestyle has never looked this good.

BY NANCY BAGLEY AND CHRISTINA WILKIE PHOTOS BY ROBERT MILLMAN

“White House” has a different connotation in Aspen, but the two do share similarities... both are home to powerbrokers.

The Aspen Institute draws leaders such as Madeleine Albright, Bill and Ann Nitze, Queen Noor and Jack Valenti, while Washingtonians Wilma and Stuart Berstein, Mel and Suellen Estrin, and Samia and A. Huda Farouki, along with Henry and Jessica Catto, Sidney and Rep. Jane Harman, Joe and Alma Gildenhorn, Prince Bandar, Fred and Marlene Malek, Albert and Shirley Small, and Dick Blum and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, all own winter west wings here that would make 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue green.

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THE BERNSTEIN/ESTRIN RESIDENCE

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ormer Ambassador to Denmark and succesful developer Stuart Bernstein and his wife Wilma haven’t strayed far from their childhood roots. They share their Aspen playground/residence with Wilma’s brother, business heavyweight Mel Estrin, and his wife Suellen. After falling in love with each other as children, they fell in love with Aspen and bought a house nestled into a hillside behind the exclusive Aspen Club spa (a top spot in town for celebrity sightings) and the Aspen Mountain Club (a private club that both the Bernsteins and Estrins enjoy). Its facade conjures up images of the classic Hollywood “House in Aspen,” complete with an antler chandelier and a wood-paneled library. The exterior is appropriately log-paneled with the balcony and trim in contrasting dark woods; a beautiful stone

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chimney r ises from the center of the house.

Step into the interior of their residence, however, and all illusions of a Hollywood home quickly disappear, replaced instead by something far more original and captivating. Everywhere you turn, there are elements of the Bernstein’s Old-World renaissance style subtly blended with the Estrin’s taste for traditional Western interiors. Though they do share the home, each has put their own personal touch on the living space.The most obvious example of the separate yet matching motifs can be seen in the two master bedrooms. Wilma personally decorated hers while the Estrin’s hired top designer Bob Trown to create their personal sanctuary.

The dramatic front hall is adorned with floor-to-ceiling tapestries and a theme of richly needlepointed textiles is evident throughout

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Wilma and Amb. Stuart Bernstein with Mel and Suellen Estrin much of the space. Passing through the entryway and into the two-story great room, the first thing a visitor notices are the windows, which soar 30 feet high. Nearby, an Italian marble fireplace stands nearly seven feet high, and the deeply cushioned sofas are upholstered with plush fabrics in warm neutral colors. But the crowning jewel of the great room is the magnificent wrought-iron chandelier, where 18 reindeer dance on three tiers of oak leaves, each one exquisitely handcrafted, and no two exactly alike.

Ultimately, this house reminds one of a Latin proverb, “De gustibus non disputandum est,” which, loosely translated means “in matters of taste there is no room for argument.”

Certainly not when it looks this good.

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An antler chandelier and antique touches create a sophisticated Aspen feel.

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Wilma Bernstein personally decorated their master suite.

Plush upholstery balances out the hard wood floors.

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An iron chandelier of 18 prancing reindeer crowns the livingroom.

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Designer Bob Trown chose a fur look for the Estrin masterbed.

THE FAROUKI RESIDENCE

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his beautiful example of Victorian-style home design belongs to long-time Washingtonians Samia and A. Huda Farouki, a financial investor. Situated off Main Street and across from Paepcke Park, the exterior of the house is a masterpiece of terraces and dormers perfectly rendered in stormy blue, and off set by snow white gingerbread trim. The ground-floor interior features a beautiful wide center staircase framed by entertaining spaces on either side all of which are accessed through a wide entry hall.The airy high ceilings in the living room give way to a decadently floral dining room and out into a lovely English garden that’s brimming with flowers from May to October. Directly below the living space is another room designed for entertaining, featur-

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ing a wonderful assortment of Southwestern art and French wicker café tables, all set against walls painted a deep cantaloupe.

It comes as no surprise that this house feels designed for a great party at every turn; Samia and A. Huda Farouki are known for their gracious entertaining. In addition to the one-time events, the Faroukis regularly open their Aspen house to vacationing friends and family (they have three children in their twenties and thirties), so the house always feels warm and welcoming. The décor is equally inviting, filled with rich colors and unexpected details, many of which reflect the Farouki’s Jordanian heritage. This combination of French, Alpine and Middle Eastern influences work uniquely well together, and the result is just as engaging as its elegant owners.

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A. Huda and Samia Farouki

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The Faroukiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chose bolder colors for the diningroom.

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The livingroom blends modern with Victorian.

THE NITZE RESIDENCE

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ust down the street from the Faroukis lives another of Washington’s top hostesses, the incomparable Ann Nitze, whose father-in-law, former Secretary of the Navy Paul H. Nitze, was one of the original investors in the Aspen Skiing Company in the late 1940’s. Ann and her husband, Gridpoint Chairman Bill Nitze, have been coming to Aspen for as long as anyone can remember, and their house is one of the town’s hidden gems.The architecture is mid-to-late 20th century modern, and the exterior wooden panels have been allowed to age naturally, rendering them a soft gray that seems to blend into the trees.

An avid art collector and consultant, Ann Nitze designed the interior of the house to showcase a beautiful selection of both Asian and modern pieces, including a Ming tapestry and murals by the architect of the Aspen Institute, Herbert Bayer.

The living and dining rooms share an open floor

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plan, high-beamed ceilings and clean spare furnishings. Guests are treated to a feeling of expansive quiet space, which provides an enjoyable respite from the traditional Aspen “alpine” interior. The adjoining kitchen and breakfast space also benefit from sliding glass doors, and the high counter in the center of the kitchen provides a perfect informal perch for all the friends and extended family members who enjoy the Nitze’s relaxed hospitality. Adding to the energy in the house are Ann and Bill’s charming sons, Paul (28) and Charles (21), who often join their parents in Aspen during summers and holidays. Right off the living room lies a 20x20 ft. wooden deck, home to some of the summer’s most delightful sunset cocktail parties. As you might imagine if you’ve ever been invited to a gathering at her Georgetown home, the Nitze’s Aspen fetes are known for their sparkling mix of diplomats, artists, business and political leaders, scientists and many other interesting people.

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Bill and Anne Nitze

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The Nitzeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s combined traditional Western furniture with a 19th century Japanese painting for the dining room...

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...but infused the livingroom with131animal prints and modernist art by friend Katherine Warren.

THE ASPEN INSTITUTE

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ne of the most visible reminders of Aspen’s long-running relationship with Washington can be found on the pristine campus of the Aspen Institute, located at the far end of North Third Street. This Washington-based think tank was founded in 1950 by Chicagoan Walter Paepcke and his wife Elizabeth (nee Nitze), herself a native Washingtonian.What began with a one-time celebration of the Goethe bi-centennial has evolved over the past five decades into one of the few high-level think tanks that can claim the distinction of being genuinely nonpartisan. Under the leadership of its dynamic CEO, best-selling author and Washington resident Walter Isaacson, the Aspen Institute has undergone a renaissance during the past two years, reemerging as an intellectual powerhouse on the political landscape. In Aspen, the Institute holds symposia, seminars and public events through-

out the year on a wide variety of topics, but all of their diverse programs are informed by the common theme of seeking deeper understanding through dialogue.

All of which brings us on a chilly December evening at Plato’s, the hip new restaurant located in the recently renovated Aspen Meadows Resort on the Institute’s campus. The walls of the restaurant are made of 20 foot high glass panes, and the view is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular in all of Aspen, sweeping over 360 degrees of immaculate wilderness.

Incredible vistas like this one seem to be everywhere on the Aspen Institute’s 1000-acre property, and their quiet splendor is an important part of the total experience of attending an Aspen Institute program. Visitors are encouraged to spend time outdoors when they’re not

GETTING TO ASPEN

There are many direct commercial flights from National, Dulles and BWI to Aspen.

Based out of Colorado, Telluride flights offers affordable private jet service to Aspen, and other destinations worldwide. Their shared flight programs matches others with similar itineraries while still offering the intimacy of private jet travel. www.tellurideflights.com

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CFO Amy Margerum, President Walter Isaacson and Chairman Bill Mayer in meetings or seminars, and while golf carts are available to those who request them, nearly everyone chooses to walk along the winding paths that hold together this miniature village.

The architecture of the Aspen Institute campus represents one of the most significant examples in North America of the mid-twentieth century German school of Bauhaus (which loosely translated means “house for building”), and the unified vision of architect Herbert Bayer is apparent everywhere. In the guest rooms, smooth lines and monochromatic furnishings allow the mountain views to take center stage, while the public spaces contain cubist murals along the way to unadorned meeting rooms. Taken together, all of these elements coalesce to evoke a deep sense of clarity and simplicity of purpose; it is as though Herbert Bayer himself were reminding visitors to look beyond the bells and whistle of modern life to the essence of things.

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Bill Mayer, Ann Korologos and Amb. Tom Korologos

Phil and Ellie Merrill

Lorraine Dell and Barbara Goldsmith

O F T H E PA R T Y ASPEN INSTITUTE C E L E B R AT E S A N N N I T Z E December 20 • The Aspen Institute PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ASPEN INSTITUTE

Murray Gell-Mann and Ann Nitze

THE PARTY Friends of the Aspen Institute gathered to celebrate the holidays and to pay tribute to Ann Nitze for more than a decade of service as chairwoman of the Institute’s Art Advisory Committee. THE SCENE Many Washingtonians were on hand to mark the opening of Nitze’s final exhibit as Chair, a collection of works by famed Aspen Institute architect Herbert Bayer, on loan from the Bayer Family Collection. Earlier in the afternoon, the curator of the collection, Hugo A. Anderson, III gave a brief lecture on the origin and significance of particular pieces. The exhibit, entitled Joella’s Bayers: Original Works by Herbert Bayer will be on display in the art gallery of the Aspen Institute’s Paepcke Building until late spring 2006.

Bill Nitze and Amy Margerum

Kenneth and Carol Adelman

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Herbert Bayer’s Painting

Walter Isaacson

Dr. William Haseltine and Lynda Resnick

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The Hudson, 1425 P St., N.W., Washington DC. Property by PN Hoffman.

Lofty Aspirations

TOTO we are not IN THE SUBURBS anymore…

BY CHRISTOPHER BARSON INTERIOR DESIGNER

PH OTO BY DA N CU NNINGH A M

You’ve traded in your patch of green for sleek and clean only to find suburban furniture, concrete floors and exposed ductwork go together like jeans at a Congressional hearing. Not to fret, with the following design tips you’ll remember what you and your suburbanite brethren knew all along—modern world means modern home, and that means modern loft living… without the skirted sofas.

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any Washingtonian homeowners are making the transition from traditionally styled living spaces to very modern–almost industrial–

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lofts. In fact, three years ago I made the transition myself. Although each loft space is different, and each person’s needs are different, there are some common guidelines you can follow.

important. A good floor plan separates the dining area from the desk area, and the entry from the main seating or living room.When shopping, take a tape measure; furniture in showrooms looks smaller than it will in your home.

SCALE Lofts rooms serve multiple purposes; therefore, a sensible floor plan is the first requirement.

Imagine yourself living in the space and how you would typically use it. Each piece should have a specific purpose.The idea is to keep the look spacious, not cluttered. Before you purchase any furniture, draw sketches of possible furniture floor plans or “furniture layouts”. Remember, scale is

AESTHETICS Think clean. Avoid cushy, slouchy, loose pillowed sofas. Aim for a tight back sofa with clean lines—maybe even chrome or stainless legs.

Muléh, Artefacto, and Vesta Home all carry good selections of these pieces. Also, steer away from skirted sofas or chairs that are covered in plaids, chenille or corduroy. Cleaner lined and less bold

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colored furniture will allow you to accessorize with ease.

Keep the tables modern. Don’t be afraid to mix glass with plastic, leather and chrome. You can soften the look with a shag or leather rug, a fur throw or a piece of crystal. A glass dining table will help to visually expand the space, but make sure the base for the table is tasteful and timeless. Pair the glass table with simple but comfortable chairs…maybe ultra suede. And remember: good dining chairs are ridiculously expensive. Invest in chairs, they are more visible than the table, especially when the table may be dressed in linen for guests.

COLOR AND DRAMA In loft design, keep the overall color palette neutral.

Drama, texture, and color can be achieved through small upholstered pieces such as benches or chairs, or through large paintings.You’re better off having three large paintings than 12 small framed pieces of art. It makes the room look larger, fresh and hip. Again, less is more. Try to find sophisticated colors for your objects. Steer away from jewel-toned combinations such as burgundy and emerald green—they’re traditional and a little overdone. Start by picking a good background color for walls and main upholstery, and then add two beautiful accent colors so the space looks defined, but not confusing.Try soft muted cocoa for walls and main upholstery, then add lilac and oyster white for pillows or chairs. With that simple color scheme, your unique accessories will stand out.

LIGHTING

TIPS FOR LOFTY LIVING

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•

When shopping, take a tape measure; furniture in showrooms looks smaller than it will in your home

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Aim for a tight back sofa—avoid cushy loose pillowed sofas

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Keep the overall color palette neutral

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Place lamps on both ends of a sofa

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Select main furniture on your travels

Down lighting with recessed or track lights is important, but lamps are vital in maintaining warmth. I tend to light each corner with a lamp of some type, whether it be a floor lamp or a table lamp. I prefer lamps on both ends of a sofa and if you have a pair of chairs floating in a room, place a short floor lamp between them and run the cord under a rug. Combine parchment shades with linen shades or metal shades; steer away from silk—again too traditional.

If you need to watch your budget, hire a professional designer to plan the space. Once the scale, lighting and main color scheme have been adapted to your taste and lifestyle, you may be able to pinch pennies by selecting the main furniture on your own travels.

Most people who move into a loft want a chic, hip, non cluttered feel to their space. Think before you purchase any furniture. Enjoy your space because, as with any space you live in, it is a reflection of you and your persona—and who doesn’t want to be hip and modern?

Christopher Barson Interior Associates (202) 387- 0643 christopher.barson@verizon.net

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O P E N

H O U S E

WAT E R G AT E FA C T S

THE WATERGATE MODERNIST LUXURY HISTORY AND INTRIGUE

Ensconced in a lush, verdant setting along the Potomac River, this artfully transformed former hotel will house 103 world-class one-, two-, three-bedroom and penthouse residences in the heart of the world-renown Watergate complex. Each uniquely designed luxury residence will be equipped with SubZero, Bosch and Viking appliances, Poggenpohl cabinetry, sleek Dornbracht bathroom fixtures, exquisite stone surfaces and premium hardwood flooring. All residences will overlook the Potomac River, and many will also feature dramatic fireplaces and expansive balconies. The Watergate will pamper residents with a full offering of amenities, including 24-hour concierge and valet-parking services, a world-class restaurant and an elite spa and health club. A private library, lounge, theatre, conference room and hospitality suite for visiting guests will be reserved for residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; exclusive use. Scheduled for completion in the fall of 2007 and ranging in size from approximately 800 to more than 5,400 square feet.

Asking: Residences from the $600s to over $9 million Listing: For Monument Realty, www.monumentrealty.com; for sales, www.thewatergate.com

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n Named for the Water Gate, a broad marble staircase near the Lincoln Memorial that once served to welcome dignitaries arriving by sea n First structures in Washington to be designed by computer, and the only buildings in America designed by Italian modernist architect Luigi Moretti n Landscape architect Boris Timchenko designed gardens for First Ladies Jacqueline Kennedy and Mamie Eisenhower n Shops in the complex include Saks Jandel, Valentino, Vera Wang and Yves Saint-Laurent n The scene in which Forrest Gump meets President Nixon was filmed in the Watergate complex n

Cher once crooned in the hotel lobby

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TH STREET N W EMBASSY SWEETS ITALIAN STYLE

With an exterior and interior carefully designed with the best European styles in mind, this magnificent property is unparalleled in the Washington area.

The house has approximately 18,000 square feet and sits on half an acre in Massachusetts Avenue Heights, a premier location near Embassy Row. The marble was imported from Italy and installed by Italian craftsman. Antique fireplaces and chandeliers were selected from England and France. Crown moldings, friezes and custom millwork and add an air of elegance not easily found in today’s construction. The exterior features beautifully manicured gardens, enclosed gazebo that serves as a kitchen for outdoor events and a swimming pool.The flagstone terrace along the rear length of the house is accessible

by French doors from most of the main-level rooms and can easily accommodate large parties and receptions.

This home provides a formal and elegant venue for entertaining as well as a perfect place for small gatherings.

Asking: $20,000,000 Listing: Jennifer Wellde (301) 602-1596 and Maggie Shannon (202) 486-4752. Long & Foster Realtors, Inc.

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KALORAMA ROAD NW MASSACHUSETTS FRAME OF MIND

The Lindens, Norman and Diane Bernsteins’ historic colonial mansion is currently on the market with Arnold Bradley Sargent Davy & Chew, Inc. The Bernsteins’ collection of museum quality early American furniture was recently sold at Sotheby’s.The house was built in 1754 in Massachusetts and moved to Washington in the 1930’s. It was reconstructed on one of the largest lots in Kalorama, together with the original woodwork, flooring, decorative wallpaper and window glass in place.With the classic proportions of its gracious rooms, the stunning architectural detail and natural light, The Lindens is truly a work of art.

Asking: $11,500,000 Listing: Virginia Chew (202) 362-1600. Arnold, Bradley, Davy & Chew, Inc

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CREST LANE IN MCLEAN VA A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

A magnificent river view estate—flawless custom finishes and details throughout. Grand proportions, breathtaking Living Room, Dining Room and Library all offer gracious formal entertainment space. First level apartment with wonderful family room next to masterful new kitchen opening to outdoor dining terrace. Third floor with media room and home office features spectacular river views from Master-suite, Living Room and home office. Situated on approximately 1 acre of beautifully landscaped grounds with pool, 7Bedrooms/7 Full and 2 Half Baths.

Located on McLean’s most sought-after address: Crest Lane.

Asking: $6,200,000 Listing: Patrick Chauvin, (202) 243-1621 and Ellen Morrell, (202) 243-1616. Washington Fine Properties

BELMONT ROAD NW GEORGIAN ON MY MIND

This elegant home is situated along Rock Creek Park on a quiet Kalorama street just off Massachusetts Avenue. Conveniently located near Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle, shops and restaurants. This distinguished 1929 Georgian and fieldstone residence is grand for entertaining, and very livable as well. The main level features a large entry foyer and spiral staircase, a dining room that seats up to 22, a large livingroom, library, full butler’s pantry and kitchen. All of these rooms flow onto a flagstone patio that allow for entertaining on a very large scale. The second and third levels feature seven bedrooms, five full bathrooms and an artist’s studio. There is also a two-car heated garage and private gated driveway.

The back garden features a flagstone pool, patio and lush wooded surroundings.

Please take a virtual tour of this home at www.homevisit.com/DC5237826 Asking $4,450,000 Listing: Connie Carter Lawson, (202) 491-6171. Washington Fine Properties

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R O U NDTA B L E

Building Trends Developing the NEXT BIG THING

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ontributor Mark Bisnow talked with three Washington developers, Jim Abdo, Marc Dubick and John Mason, about their latest projects, which will surely become some of the next best addresses in the Washington area.

Key Projects Mark Bisnow: Would each of you tell us a bit about your key projects?

Jim Abdo: I wanted to become a specialist in preservation and create very high-end residential housing and we have done some really notable projects, which have won a significant number of awards. Through the Planned Urban Development (PUD) Project we are involved in an undertaking called the Blind School Walk at Bryan Square on Capitol Hill.We’ve transformed a 100 year-old abandoned school building into very high-end luxury loft condominiums.

This is a project in Bethesda on the corner of Woodmont and Old Georgetown Road.

Abdo: Landmark Lofts is a project at the gateway of the city, the H Street corridor. We were one of the first developers to go to 14th Street and create that as a new developing market of the city. 14th Street is now exploding with development, both retail and residential.

John Mason: I founded Intrepid Real Estate in 1997, and we have been primarily focused on office building redevelopment over the last six to seven years. We have Given that I love historic redeveloped quite a few office preservation, H Street seemed buildings in this central office ideal. I was passionate about district—1200 Connectigoing after the site. We’re now cut Ave., 1522 K St. 1720 I converting that historic building St., and 122 C St. Two years into lofts at Senate Square.We’ve ago we bought an apartment renamed that entire city block at —JIM ABDO building on 1227 Conn. Ave., Senate Square and it’s going to which was our first jump into be all residential projects. There the multi-family business. My will be two new towers. It’s a great location biggest project today is 2501 Pennsylvania Ave., because when you have that much control a luxury condominium project at the corner of over an entire city block you are able to create 20th and Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., right outside tremendous amenities. We have a 70-foot lap of Georgetown. pool on the rooftop of one of the towers, which is 110 feet high with an amazing view of the Landmark Lofts city. There is a theatre room, a conference room office that people can use to hold meetings, and Bisnow: Jim, tell us a little more about Landa club room with a pool table. mark Lofts.

“Given that I love historic preservation, H Street seemed ideal. I was passionate about going after the site.”

Jim Abdo

Marc Dubick: I started Duball, LLC. about a year and a half ago. Prior to that I was with Lowes Enterprises for 17 years, which is based in California. We were institutional investors. One of their most notable projects here is City Vista, formerly the Wax Museum site. I spent some time on that project with my former partners, but the vast majority of my time is spent on Duball and a project called Lionsgate at Woodmont Corner.

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Wooster Lofts at H Street

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COLUMN NAME

Landmark Lofts at H Street

Bisnow: Would you have worked on H Street if you couldn’t have gotten your hands on the whole block?

Abdo: I would have, even if I could have just one building. But, the fact that we were able to control that whole city block was great.

Bisnow: What is it that jazzes you about historic preservation?

Abdo: The quality of construction that took place 100 years ago and building materials used at the time are very compelling. It’s superior craftsmanship.

Bisnow: You will be preserving the interior as well?

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Abdo: We always make it a standard to restore the inside as well. We expose architectural and construct elements in the buildings. It’s not unusual to come into units that we design and buildings that we hold and see maps of beams, timbers that are over 100 years old. We have exposed these in the interiors of the units. It’s a fabric you just can’t recreate with new building material.

Bisnow: How many square feet do you get with one of these units?

Abdo: Our preconstruction sales are going at $650 per foot at that location, but you’re getting underground parking and you have access to use all these Senate Square amenities that you can’t get anywhere else.

“Bethesda has become a place where you can live, work, recreate and socialize. There’s pretty much all of the amenities that you would desire in upscale society.”

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

—MARC DUBICK

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Lionsgate Bisnow: What is Lionsgate all about?

Dubick: Lionsgate, at Woodmount Corner, is a luxury condominium project that we think is probably the premier site in Bethesda and probably all of Montgomery County. It is strategically located less than 1,000 feet from the Metro, right in the midst of an area which has become a matured, active urban environment. Currently it’s an old building that’s going to be torn down.

We expect to demolish the building by the end of January and it will be replaced with luxury town homes.

Bisnow: Young people, older people, mixed?

Dubick: We expect there to be a mix, but mostly those that for whatever reasons want to have a very urban lifestyle.

2,000 square feet. We haven’t set the price for them yet but clearly they will be what you will find anywhere in the U.S. In all likelihood, they could be priced over $600,000 to over two million dollars, so there is a range in there for the smaller units.

Bisnow: So why would somebody choose to go to Bethesda verses H Street or Clarendon?

Dubick: We expect [buyers] to have been longtime Montgomery County residents. I find that a lot of people typically who live in Bethesda and Montgomery County enjoy the urban lifestyle, but are removed from downtown. Bethesda has become a place where you can live, work, recreate and socialize. It has all the amenities that you desire in upscale society.

Bisnow: When do you expect it to be done?

Bisnow: What size for what price?

Dubick: The unit’s sizes are close to 1,700 feet, but we have a number of units that are well over

Dubick: We expect residents to move in late 2007 or early 2008.

Marc Dubick

2501 Pennsylvania Avenue Bisnow: Should Pennsylvania?

we

move

to

2501

Mason: 2501 Pennsylvania is a place that I am very excited about.We went through a long and beneficial process to allow us to build the project in a way that would be acceptable to historic preservation.

Bisnow: What about the structure?

The future 2501 Pennsylvania Ave

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Mason: It was built in the late 1800’s by an architect, Nicholas Howard. The building is truly [representative of] a lost art and it would be impossible to build it again. The property itself will consist of 18 units, 16 of which are very large, about 2500 square feet. They will feature custom Italian cabinetry throughout the kitchen and bathrooms. There will be an underground garage and each unit will have two parking spaces. There will be a 24-hour concierge.

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Bisnow: What will the price of the units be?

Mason: Prices ranges from $1.8 million to $4 million.

Bisnow: Does having so few units help in your market, or is it a challenge?

Mason: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a challenge with any kind of construction, especially with historic preservation.

The whole concept is a boutique apartment but still allowing a lifestyle in the city where you have an apartment.

Bisnow: When will this be completed?

Mason: We will deliver in the summer of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;07.

Bisnow: What are people are paying for in terms of maintenance fees for these units?

INTREPID RESIDENTIAL PENNSYLVANIA AVE

Mason: We are actually very sensitive to that because, I think that if youre paying two million dollars for an apartment, regardless of how much money you have, the last thing you want to do is be stuck with a gigantic condo fee every month.

- - WWW PENN COM

LANDMARK LOFTS H STREET

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Bisnow: Are we moving directly into New York style living?

WWW ABDO COM

Mason: Yes, absolutely.

But we are not at New York prices.

WOODMONT AVE AND

LIONSGATE

OLD GEORGETOWN ROAD BETHESDA - -

WWW LIONSGATEBETHESDA COM

John Mason

Rendering of 2501 Pennsylvania Ave

CORRECTION: In the December Holiday issue, WL incorrectly identified â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carlyle Squareâ&#x20AC;? as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carlisle.â&#x20AC;? In addition, Chase Point is located in Chevy Chase, not Bethesda, MD. WL regrets the errors.

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MARK McFADDEN

WWW.

MCFADDEN-GROUP.COM | 703.216.1333 Virginia • Washington • Maryland

Georgetown Office and Virginia: 202.333.6100

G

Arlington,VA

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E O R G 2721 O STREET, NW $1,295,000

E T O W N

Four Seasons Plaza 2828 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington DC 20007 202.333.6100

NANCY TAYLOR BUBES 202.256.2164

R E

N E W S

1601 28th Street, N.W.

2727 Q Street, N.W.

2723 Q Street, N.W.

THE DISTRICT â&#x20AC;˘ MARYLAND â&#x20AC;˘ VIRGINIA

THE DISTRICT

PH OTO BY DA N CU NNINGH A M

By press time, three Georgetown houses situated on land that was once part of the historic Evermay estate will have been sold. The properties are th Streetďš? Nďš&#x2019;Wďš&#x2019;, Q Streetďš? Nďš&#x2019;Wďš&#x2019; and Q Streetďš? Nďš&#x2019;Wďš&#x2019; The seller of all three properties is Harry L. Belin, whose grandfather, diplomat F. Lammot Belin, bought Evermay in 1923. The 22 room main house was designed in the late 1700â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

by Nicholas King, surveyor of the City of Washington, for Samuel Davidson, who also owned the sites where the White House, the Treasury Department and Lafayette Park are now located. The landmark manse will remain in the Belin family and continue to be leased for special events. Harry Belin reaped $4,750,000 from the sale of 2727 Q Street, N.W. The listing agents were Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Robert Hryniewicki and the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regional director and founder William Moody. The selling agent was Donna Turner with Chatel Real Estate.

Also listed by Robert Hryniewicki, the threestory brick Italianate-style/Second Empire Vic-

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, be it ever so humble, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no place like home.â&#x20AC;?

- John Howard Payne (1791 - 1852)

BY MARY K M EWBORN

torian at 1601 28th Street, N.W. is scheduled to have gone to settlement at the end of January for $2.965 million. Built circa 1880, it has been home to numerous diplomats over the years and boasts four bedrooms, four and a half baths and three fireplaces. The selling agent is Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bill Moody who according to Business

Forward, is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Real Estate Broker to Sell Your Million-Dollar Home.â&#x20AC;? The Evermay house at 2723 Q Street, N.W, was once home to President Eisenhowerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CIA director Allen W. Dulles, and rented by President Clintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief of staff, Erskine Bowles. Washington Fine Properties listed the mini-estate for just under $4 million.

PBS journalist Gwen Ifill has purchased rd Streetďš? Nďš&#x2019;Wďš&#x2019; in the Chevy Chase area of D.C. Ifill is moderator and managing editor of Washington Week and the senior correspondent for â&#x20AC;&#x153;The News Hour with Jim Lehrer.â&#x20AC;? Ifill paid $1.175 million for the home. In Kalorama, William A. Homan, III one of the owners of the posh catering service Design Cuisine, cooked up quite a deal with his purchase of Massachusetts Avenueďš? Nďš&#x2019;Wďš&#x2019; for $1.7 million. The house was designed in 1929 by renowned architect George Ray. Following the stock market crash, Ray joined the real estate firm of Randall H. Hagner & Company and went on to become that companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s president and chairman of the board.

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World-class urban loft condominium homes in Tysons/McLean from the $500s.

Join the Priority Preview List at TheLoftsatParkCrest.com | 703-388-2810

Marketing by The Mayhood Company The Lofts at Park*Crest Condominium has not been registered by the Virginia Real Estate Board.

No contract may be entered into prior to registration.

6104 Eastview Street, Bethesda

6235 Park Road, Franklin Park, McLean

“In 1936, Franklin D. Roosevelt rented Marwood for use as the summer White House.”

MARYLAND The historic “Marwood mansion” at River View Drive in Potomac, now belongs to Chris Rogers who founded the telecommunications company that became Nextel. He and his wife Nalini got a real steal at $4.91 million for the thirteen-acre estate that boasts breathtaking views of the Potomac and has been home to Presidents and Pulitzers alike. The Italian villastyle mansion was built in 1930 by New York millionaire Samuel Martin. In 1936, Franklin D. Roosevelt rented Marwood for use as the summer White House. The following year, John F. Kennedy’s parents, Joseph P. and Rose Kennedy leased the estate and resided there until 1939 when Joe Kennedy became ambassador to Great Britain. In 1942, H. Grady Gore, a cousin of Vice-President Al Gore bought Marwood from a member of the Pulitzer publishing family. More than fifty years later, in 1995, the Gore heirs sold to neurosurgeon Dr. Yonas Zegeye and his wife H. Seleshi Zegeye for $2 million despite having listed the property for twice as much. Now once again the magnificent estate has sold for below the asking price. Marc Fleisher with Long & Foster Inc. had listed the property for the Zegeyes for $7 million.

Jane Fairweather with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Bethesda listed

Eastview Street in Bethesda for Howard and Anita Ratain for $1495,000.The 12,000 square-

156

foot home has newly renovated kitchen with an adjacent family room, a large living room with hardwood floors, a banquet size dining room, and a luxurious master bedroom. The property sold for $1.299 million. Fairweather was also the listing agent for the brick rambler at 8205 Bryant Drive in Bethesda. The seller was Renee De Zoysa. The home features a new gourmet kitchen with walk-in pantry, family room with a wet bar and brick fireplace, a sunroom addition, and a newly expanded master bedroom with cathedral ceilings. The Montgomery County property sold for $926,000. Fairweather similarly listed Wilson Lane in Bethesda for Stanley Wolf and Ruth Spodak.The couple bought the colonial-style house in the summer of 2004 for $940,000 and have now sold it for $1,195,000.

VIRGINIA Yet another historic home has been purchased by a technology tycoon. Steve Case, the former chairman and CEO of AOL has purchased Merrywood, the childhood home of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The sevenacre waterfront estate in McLean belonged to Jackie’s mother and stepfather, Janet Bouvier Auchincloss and Hugh D. Auchincloss. Built in the 1920’s, the nine-bedroom estate has since been extensively renovated and refurbished by Washington designer Victor Shargai. It features a 5,000 square-foot pool house and a tennis

court. Washington Life last reported on the home in December of 1999 when Washington Fine Properties listed the estate for real-estate developer Alan Kay and his wife Dianne, who sold it for slightly more than $15,000,000 to William Conway, a founder and managing director of the Carlyle Group. Case reportedly has now paid Conway $24.5 million.

Weichert Realtors’ Sue Huckaby was the listing agent for Park Road in the Franklin Park area of McLean. The newly constructed Colonial-style home was built and sold by the William Detty Company. Highlights include a large central hallway, gourmet kitchen, two-story family room, master suite with a sitting room and exercise room, and a rear stone lanai. The buyers are Carrie L. and Andrew R. Cristinzio who paid $2,032,000 for the property.Weichert realtor Sharon Hayman was instrumental in the transfer of Sledding Hill Road in Oakton, to Iliana Ghanem vice president for community lending at Freddie Mac. The property was listed at $1,890,000 and sold for $1,780,000. The previous residents were consultant Myra S. McKitrick and her husband Jeffery S. McKitrick, an executive with S. A. I. C. Have real estate news?

Send it to: Mary_Mewborn@Yahoo.com

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When it comes to Washington Metro Area Real Estate …

there is only one Nancy to call!

Nancy Shahin Itteilag 24 HR Tel: 202-905-7762 Licensed in DC, MD & VA

Representing Washington Area Developers & Resale Homeowners for more than eighteen years

#1 Agent Long & Foster Foxhall Top Five Agent of Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors 2001, 2002 & 2003.

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Potomac/ Bethesda

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

Turnberry Tower

Parc Somerset

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AVENEL

Georgetown

Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. ŏ Foxhall Office Email: Itteilag@aol.com 3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW Web Site: www.NancyItteilag.com Washington, DC 20016 ŏ 202-363-1800

T E N

T O

D O

BY MICHAEL WHARTON

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LIVE ON A PRAYER Join Jon, Richie

Sambora and rest of Bon Jovi @ MCI Center to rock out to their classics hits and songs from their latest release,“Have a Nice Day.” www.bonjovi.com, (202) 628-3200. February 2

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BUY A VOWELL Sample the scalpel-sharp

wit of Sarah Vowell, author of “Assassination Vacation”, frequent contributor to public radio’s “This American Life”, and voice of teenage superhero Violet Parr from The Incredibles. Lisner Auditorium. www.lisner.org, (202) 994-6800. February 16

TANGO TO TWO Heat up the winter with the sultry dance of Julio Bocca and Ballet Argentino at the Music Center at Strathmore.Take in a pre-show four-course dinner at the Mansion at Strathmore then tango the night away with free post-performance lessons from Tiempo de Tango. www.strathmore.org, (301) 581-5253. February 14

LOVE AQUATIC Settle into a four-

course meal and spectacular Potomac views during a Valentine’s weekend cruise aboard the Odyssey III. After dinner, dance the night away with the D.C. skyline as a glittering backdrop. www.odysseycruises.com/dc, (888) 741-0281. February 11

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KEEP IT SURREAL

VIVA LAS DEGAS Grapple with the impact of Edgar Degas on British artists.The show comes straight out of London’s Tate Britain and features works by Henri de ToulouseLautrec, James Abbott McNeill Whistler, among others. www.phillipscollection.org, (202) 387-2151. February 18

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5

DO A DUET Smooth

jazz is the order of the day when sax master David Sanborn and trumpeter Chris Botti play the Warner Theatre. www.warnertheatre.com.

February 23

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Dabble in Dadaism at the National Gallery of Art.View the work of Man Ray, Marcel Duchamp, and their contemporaries, in media ranging from sculpture and painting to film and collage. www.nga.gov, (202) 737-4215.

February 19

TUNE UP Be dazzled by

violinist Midori at the Kennedy Center stage with Leonard Slatkin and the NSO. From her triumph at 14 with Leonard Bernstein to her philanthropic overtures, Midori blazes trails onstage and off. www.kennedycenter.org, (202) 467-4600.

February 24

VIBE AND VEGETATE Chew on urban art,

modern vegetarian cuisine, and great music at Vegetate, a new restaurant in D.C.’s historic Shaw district. Local deejay Dominic Redd, (DJ Dredd), is both the owner and occasional provider of sonic refreshments. www.vegetatedc.com, (202) 232-4585.

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BE A BASKET CASE Cheer on the Wizards as they battle struggling rivals the New York Knicks at the MCI Center. www.nba.com/ wizards, (202) 628-3200. February 25

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

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