A quick look inside five of The Young & The Guest List Members

Jackie Kucinich, Reporter, Roll Call

Where to find me on a Friday night: On deadline
Favorite movie: Zoolander
Favorite D.C. date spot: The Gibson
Favorite D.C. brunch: Mansion on O Street. – it’s like dining inside Clue…without the murders.
My cell phone: Pinkberry
My indulgence: Terrible (with a capital “T”) reality television. I’m anxiously awaiting “Rock of Love Bus 2.”
I cannot live without: Diet Coke
Personal hero: My mom – she’s the best.
My perfume: Jo Malone Orange Blossom
My celebrity crush: Bill Compton (His real name is Stephen Moyer… but I can’t see him as anyone but Bill on HBO’s “True Blood”).

Click below to read about our other YGL’ers!

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In her own words: Meghan Blair tells us her recipe for opening up Something Sweet Bakery

Meghan Blair, Founder, Something Sweet Bakery

Last summer, I was fortunate enough to open my own dessert shop. Having no business experience, I drew from practice and encouragement from others to turn something that I loved doing into my profession.

As a young child I learned to bake from both my mother and grandmother. I loved looking through their recipes and cookbooks, choosing my favorites and testing them out on family and friends as I grew older.

Four years ago, my husband Bo gave me an opportunity to bake sweets for his sandwich shop, Jetties, where I started making special-order cakes and cupcakes for birthday parties and desserts for catered events. With my new found confidence I began to think about starting my own business, and that’s where my dream for Something Sweet Bakery began.

I knew the most important decision would be the location. With Woodley Park’s young and active restaurant scene, Bo thought that a dessert shop would be a great addition to the neighborhood. Fortunately, a space was available – the perfect size and affordable. But my naïveté was apparent when I submitted my design plan to the contractors, for I had no idea the construction and permit process would take so long. In hindsight, it all happened for a reason.

While waiting for the completion of the store, I put together the baking team, including my manager, Katie, who shares my philosophy and baking style of traditional American desserts. Together, we put the finishing touches on the shop and opened our doors last August.

It’s very gratifying to peak through the kitchen doors and watch an adult squeal because we have their favorite childhood dessert. And while we are still fine tuning things, we’re excited to show that all of the time and effort was worth it.

Jessy Tolkan, Executive Director of the Energy Action Coalition; Political Director at Green For All

By Jessy Tolkan

Jessy Tolkan, Executive Director of the Energy Action Coalition; Political Director at Green For All with former Vice President Al Gore

In a packed Copenhagen meeting last month, presided over by former Vice President Al Gore, I found myself tucked into a corner seat at the table trying to raise my voice above the many world leaders tasked with negotiating the logistics of my generation’s future. I may be 4’10,” but I learned a long time ago that speaking passionately on behalf of my peers can double my presence in even the most daunting of scenarios.

Reminded of this maxim, I all but shouted what I wished all our leaders – local, national and global – could truly hear: that lives can be built and national problems solved if we invest in a green economy now.

My insistence resulted in an introspective hush in the debate, and as I left the meeting, Vice President Gore approached me with a warning I’ll never forget, “Jessy, protect your heart this week.”

He was right, of course. The negotiations were a colossal disappointment, and my heart was broken. Young people, including myself, who voted for President Obama in 2008 thought the change we wanted would become reality, and a year into his presidency we’re still being offered solutions that fall short of scientific benchmarks and being told to wait for the now-tenuous passage of lackluster legislation that is merely a small step in the right direction.

On the one year anniversary of the historical 2008 presidential election, the “It’s Game Time, Obama!” initiative was launched in which thousands of young Americans banded together to ask the President to meet with youth leaders, give an address to the nation outlining his strategy, and attend Copenhagen in person. This work culminated in the White House’s first-ever Youth Clean Energy Forum, when we met with senior officials to discuss our vision for the new decade. Our decade.

Moving forward, my heart will likely be broken again before we achieve our objective of securing a clean and just energy future. I am confident, though, that my generation has the numbers on the ground and in voting booths that it will take to keep our leadership in check. I believe that as we usher in a new decade we will make the lifestyle adjustments and establish the businesses that will create green jobs and spark our struggling economy.

Shooting last week’s Urban Daddy DC launch party at the W Hotel was the perfect remedy to a week of postponed-by-snow photo assignments and cabin fever.

DC Editor of Urban Daddy Jeff Dufour holds court with painted models at the Urban Daddy launch Party at the W Hotel on Feb. 12. Photo by Tony Powell

When I got the call from Fingerprint Communications co-chief Barbara Martin, asking if I was free, I jumped on it!

There was a feast for the eyes and ears on the top floor of the W – intricately painted nearly nude models dishing out trays of cupcakes while – influenced by the roaring twenties/hip-hop/rap group – The James Gang – belted out some of the most original music being made today!

But we all really went there to celebrate Jeff Dufour, newly appointed editor of Urban Daddy DC, who along with new wife, PR maven Jayne Sandman, are one of DC’s youngest power couples.

Some of the politicos and night-lifers that braved the snowed-in side streets and snails-pace traffic of downtown DC included: Kastles owner Mark Ein with girlfriend Sally Stiebel, Meet the Press Executive Producer Betsy Fischer, White House speechwriter Jon Favreau, former Obama aide Dr. David Washington with CityDance Executive Director Alexe Nowakowski, Washington Post writer Amy Argetsinger, Hisaoka Communications prez Wendy Gordon, everywhere there couple Juleanna Glover and Christopher Reiter, CNN political contributor Amy Holmes, Marc Adelman, PEPCO VP Kim Watson and sister, JWoW Founder, Jacqui Watson, Rachel Pearson, a newly brunette Pamela Brown, Christina Sevilla, bloggers Emily Miller, Christina Wilkie, and Matt Dornic, my favorite new couple Ashley Taylor and Omar Popal, Becca Glover and Pepper Watkins, Washington Nationals president Stan Kasten , Carlos and Erika Gutierrez, Victoria Michael, Katherine Kennedy, Andre Wells, Lee Brenner, Latin Concepts’ Anna Chaley, Brian Komar, Todd Flournoy, Lydia and Scott Logan, and Elizabeth and hubby Almus Thorp.

Christopher Reiter, Juleanna Glover, Christina Sevilla and Amy Holmes. Photo by Tony Powell

Kaitlyn Ferrara, Jon Favreau and Barbara Martin. Photo by Tony Powell

Washington Life’s guide to the capital’s most influential under 40 residents in 2010

Mayor Adrian and Michelle Fenty at The Kennedy Center Honors.

Our annual Young & The Guest List feature is known for containing the names of accomplished, dynamic, and successful Washingtonians, all under 40 and devoted to making the nation’s capital a place that attracts (and keeps) the best and the brightest. This fifth annual compilation is no exception. During the past year, myriad political and economic events have made waves far beyond the Beltway and more than a few of our players have gotten bigger headlines than seasoned veterans. Our president, after all, is only eight years past the eligibility cutoff to have been listed himself. Many of his young staff included here, have quickly become fixtures in the White House and halls of Congress, to say nothing of the social scene. We have numerous “change makers” from the government, along with major players in the arts and sciences, journalism and business as well as the non-profit and philanthropic sectors. In the spirit of the famous Irish proverb, “praise youth and it will prosper,” we share with you 250-plus men and women who dare to dream big and act even bigger.

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As D.C. dug out of the 2010 Snowpocalypse, young professionals in the area came out of hibernation to enjoy an evening of drinks and dancing for the SOME Junior Gala.

By Katherine Delmonico

SOME Junior Gala

Founded in 1970 by Father Horace McKenna and a group of interfaith leaders and lay members of the community, SOME (So Others Might Eat) was formed to feed the hungry in D.C. Through the years, the soup kitchen in the basement of a North Capitol Street church has turned into an extensive program that seeks to restore hope to D.C.’s homeless and hungry. As 2010 marks its 40^th year in operation, SOME remains one of the most active charities in the community. With a focus on short term help to encourage long term growth, SOME implements community programs in order for the city’s impoverished to develop life skills that will hopefully help them to restore and most importantly, sustain, their lives.

The SOME Junior Gala provides an opportunity for D.C.’s young professionals to gather for an evening of food, cocktails and dancing in one of the city’s most beautiful galleries, the Corcoran Gallery of Art.  The gala has developed a substantial following in the past few years, and this evening was no exception. Despite the insane traffic problems and city streets that resembled trails on the Iditarod, D.C.’s young blue blood professionals turned out in droves for the event.  Open bars with white wine, liquor and beer were scattered throughout the event, and professional bartenders kept the lines running smoothly. A spread of tea sandwiches, egg rolls, empanadas and other finger foods deviated from the standard “cheese and fruit trays” but didn’t go overboard with complexity.  The Corcoran provided a stunning backdrop for the event, as the expansive space boasts large columns and a grand entry staircase, adding to an ambiance of elegance.  High ceilings and multi-level event space left the party feeling full but not crowded and claustrophobic.  The event’s music began with elegant strings, but later the local cover band, Sick Feed, began to play to liven the crowd. Playing top 40 fan favorites, they dipped between 80’s rock ballads and MGMT, causing even the most rhythmically challenged of partygoers to head out to the dance floor.

As a rule, I am generally wary of events that involve a hefty price tag, lots of people and an open bar. Let’s be honest – with many people currently in tight financial situations, (especially the young professionals the event was targeted at) even knowing your money is going to a fantastic cause sometimes isn’t enough to convince you to shell out $85 for a night.  And as we witnessed at the 2010 New Year’s Eve National Building Museum debacle, when you attend an event of that magnitude, you essentially put your evening in the hands of event planners. Poor event planning can cause the night to become a crowded obnoxious mess in which you only end up drinking about $10 worth of watered down rail liquor drinks. I was genuinely impressed with the operations of this event. With hundreds of people in attendance the evening could have been messy, but everything from the check in to the coat check to the multiple bars and multiple hors d’oeuvres stations, were operated smoothly.

One of the best things about the SOME Junior Gala is knowing that the money  you contribute stays right here in D.C. With umpteenth charity galas on the social calendar in the District, it can be difficult to make any distinction between them. But with a substantial variation in socioeconomic status in D.C. it is extremely apparent that organizations like SOME are a true asset to our city. While global and national charities are obviously also incredibly worthy of support, there is something nice about knowing your contribution helps to further the community you live in.  If you were going to spend the money to go to one charity event and are under 30, the SOME Junior Gala would be the one to bank on. When supporting an incredible local cause by having a hassle-free fun evening with friends, you truly cannot lose.

The Phillips Collection dips into the nightlife scene, with their monthly happy hour that celebrates art, music, food and wine.

By Katherine Delmonico

Phillips After 5

Tucked in a gorgeous residential block of Dupont Circle, it’s easy to almost miss the unobtrusive Phillips Collection. What used to serve as a home for founder Duncan Phillips, now houses a spectacular collection of permanent art pieces, as well as impressive traveling exhibits. Even more spectacular – every first Thursday of the month the gallery hosts a culturally rich happy hour, with DC’s young and artfully inclined gathering to enjoy the collection, music and conversation

Guests enjoy a Gallery Talk about Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boat Party"

Walking by, you might not even notice the museum; save for the fact that on this particular Thursday evening, the museum was lit up and a diverse cross-section of D.C.’s art lovers (and casual cocktail seekers) were on line outside. Upon arriving, Shira Pinsker, Publicist for the Phillips Collection, showed me around the beautifully spare and modern space. They were preparing to debut their Georgia O’Keefe exhibit, which was opened on Saturday, February 6^th and will run through May 9^th (helpful tip: the last day of the exhibit is Mother’s Day, so visiting the exhibit is a great idea for a thoughtful activity if you have family in town or your mom lives in the area). Strolling through the museum, there were several locations and activities to enjoy, allowing for the sizeable crowd to be spread throughout the space. As I passed by one room, a group was gathered around Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party as a museum curator was giving a “Gallery Talk”. Another station was set up to provide tastings of Godiva’s new chocolate liqueurs. Around the corner there were beautifully presented tapas tastings. With dark wood paneled walls and ornate decorations, the music and cocktails portion of the event was cozy, elegant and sophisticated. Partygoers could enjoy the deejaying talents of DJ Adrian Loving, admire artwork, snack on finger foods or indulge in a strawberry fondue station.

Some of the artfully displayed small plates available

However, one of the most unique activities was taking place in a video booth. A love theme encompassed the event as it fell in the weeks before Valentine’s Day, and at Phillips After 5 the Phillips Collection sought to capture love stories that involved the museum. One couple, Pinsker told me, had met at a Phillips’ event in 1996 and were married soon after. Another used a piece of art in the Phillips’ permanent collection for the inspiration for their wedding. As these stories began to filter through the ears of Phillips employees, they decided they wanted to capture them on film, so they placed a video booth in the event that allowed couples to relay their stories of how the Phillips had been a part of their love story, whether it be a first date, where someone proposed, or simply a place the couple enjoyed spending time together. See one of these stories posted on the Phillips Collection YouTube channel.

One of the most appealing things about this event is the fact that it offers none of the pretense and intimidation that can be common with some “artsy” events. The crowd certainly skewed younger, but it truly did represent a diverse cross section of people. With numerous activities, the event provided the option for an avid art lover to immerse themselves in an evening of culture or for the casual gallery-goer to simply relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the scenery. With a certain lively energy that made it a genuinely enjoyable experience,  Phillips After 5 has a finger on the pulse of the youthful nightlife scene in D.C.

The Phillips Collection

Please visit the Phillips Collection website for more information on upcoming Phillips After 5 events.

The annual The Young and The Guest List fashion shoot takes a classic turn this year with “Glamour Redefined.”

Anna Soellner is vice president for communications at the progressive think tank, the Center for American Progress. She is wearing a J. Mendel daffodil yellow silk organza gown ($6,280); Saks Jandel, 5510 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md., 301-652-2250. Mona Taner 18kt gold triple strand necklace ($550) with 18kt Mini Bail with 0.07 ct diamonds ($825), 18kt gold “Rock Star” pendant with 2.00ct diamonds ($10,065), and 18kt “Tie” pendant with 0.50ct diamonds ($3,190); 18kt gold “Sprinkle” hoop earrings with 1.25ct diamonds ($6,380) and 18kt gold “Sprinkle” pendants with 1.50 ct diamonds ($10,120); and 18kt gold “Passion” ring with 1.60ct diamonds ($6,490); Mona Taner Boutique, inside Mervis Diamond Importers, 5480 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-215-9500, www.monataner.com. Valentino black patent leather peep toe heels with large bow detail ($745); Neiman Marcus, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-9700, www.neimanmarcus.com., Photo by Jodi King

Photography Jodi King
Style Lana Orloff
Hair Tyler Larish, Immortal Beloved
Makeup James Cornwell, PR at Partners
Shoot Assistants Beth Beru, Ansley Brown, Carley McClintock, Alison McLaughlin, and Monifa Smart
Photographed on location at THE JEFFERSON HOTEL

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Washington Life goes behind-the-scenes at the 2010 Young & The Guest List fashion shoot at The Jefferson Hotel.

Anna Soellner at The Jefferson Hotel at the Young & The Guest List fashion shoot. (Photo by Jodi King)

For the annual The Young & the Guest List issue, WL gathered together nine prominent members of the exclusive list, along with a fabulous creative team, for an elegant fashion shoot at the newly-renovated Jefferson Hotel.  Photographed by Jodi King and styled by Lana Orloff, with hair by Tyler Larish with Immortal Beloved and makeup by James Cornwell with PR at Partners, the shoot featured Anna Soellner, Tara De Nicolas, Cory Rice, Lani Hay, Austin Bryan, Ashtan Moore, Greta Brawner, Andrew McKenna, and Joe McGinniss Jr.

Check out our behind-the-scenes footage of our most glamourous shoot below!

Congrats to Andrew McKenna and Greta Brawner for gracing the cover of our 2010 The Young and The Guest List issue!

Andrew McKenna and Greta Brawner on the cover of the FEB10 THe Young and The Guest List issue of Washington Life Magazine. (Photo by Jodi King. Lana Orloff Style)

Greta Brawner is a producer and a regular host of C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal” – a live, national, call-in program where viewers are able to talk directly to elected officials, policymakers, and journalists covering the national policy debate. Before joining C-SPAN, Brawner worked as a print reporter for National Journal’s CongressDaily.

An aviation enthusiast, Andrew McKenna is founder, president and chief executive officer of McKenna & Associates, a strategic management, consulting, and fundraising firm. McKenna serves as chief operating officer of Skydance Productions, an independent film finance company in partnership with Paramount Pictures. He is also a managing partner of the private investment firm GoodSijn Management LLC.

The cover was photographed by Jodi King; Style, Lana Orloff; Hair, Tyler  Larish, Immortal Beloved; Makeup James Cornwell, PR at Partners. Photographed on location at THE JEFFERSON Washington DC.

ABOUT THE YOUNG & THE GUEST LIST

The Young & the Guest List (YGL) is chosen by committee of prominent Washingtonians which names 200 of the metro area’s top innovators under the age of 40. These movers and shakers come from an array of professions: politics, media, diplomacy, legal, corporate, real estate, sports, entertainment, the arts, technology, society, philanthropy, K Street, finance, and more. To achieve professional success is one thing; this power set is affecting positive change in our community and abroad.

Look for Washington Life at your local Whole Foods, Barnes and Nobles and Washington’s top area hotels, restaurants, and businesses! To subscribe click here.

The Nation’s Capitol gives MTV’s “Jersey Shore” a loving fistpump as cast members hit up McFadden’s

By Katherine Delmonico

Pauly D & JWoww lead a fist pump contest at McFadden's in Foggy Bottom

The crowd was visible from several blocks away.  About 75 or so twenty-somethings gathered outside of McFadden’s in Foggy Bottom, anxiously craning their necks to see inside of the bar.

“Does anyone have any extra tickets?” a petite brunette in a Burberry quilted jacket shrieked above the crowd. “ANYONE!?”

A guy in tattered khakis, a waffle-knit henley and a ski hat arrives with his girlfriend. “Dude- tickets are sold out!” his friend calls to him as he walks up to the line.

It was obvious to any outsider that something very important was happening here. Something of monumental magnitude that was capable of pulling D.C.’s young partygoing crowd away from Georgetown and Dupont and into a wall-to-wall packed bar, risking life and limb for Jagermeister drink specials. And apparently something monumental was happening. As I was told by one ticketless-hopeful-with-a-dream, “Pauly D is coming.”

If you don’t know Pauly D by name, he is one of the self-loving Italian-Americans that make up the cast of MTV’s breakout hit, Jersey Shore. Pauly and his cast member, JWoww (these are not actual names, rather MTV-imposed nicknames thought up by producers, which make them almost better) are on a publicity blitz that made a stop at McFadden’s last night, only to be greeted by a raucous crowd of D.C.’s undergrads.

Disappointment littered Facebook groups and area websites the day after, as partygoers found out too late that they had to have a sold-out VIP ticket last night in order to enter a cordoned off area where the two Jerseyans were settled. Honestly, however, the fact that they came to our fair city is really nothing of note. After all, they are a group of “regular” (we use that term loosely…) people who are now being paid 5 figures to appear at bars that they probably would have hung out at anyways. Throw in a Spring Break bar theme and throngs of screaming co-eds and Pauly D & JWoww are pretty much in heaven. The real question is: why do we care?

Washington, D.C: a place synonymous with an ever-changing political landscape and a fierce breadth of competition, as the city boasts the most educated population per capita in the country. It’s a city that emanates hope and change, but sometimes elitism and overwhelming pressure. In our pseudo-hipster, irony-is-the-new-black society, it’s easy to lose your sense of self at times. It’s possible that Jersey Shore’s unprecedented popularity has something to do with the fact that it provides an escape from our day to day cerebral context, and allows us to laugh at the simpler things in life, like using the term “grenade” to describe a guy entertaining a less attractive female so his friend can cozy up to her much hotter friend. Genius! After spending a humorless day working on the Hill in your Brooks Brothers tie or ill-fitting pantsuit, it’s kind of a guilty pleasure to indulge in the bizarre life on the Jersey Shore that many of us know little about. We all, deep down, feel this pressure to conform at times, but Jersey Shore gives us a real glimpse of people who, for better (and more often, for much worse), kind of seem okay with who they are. And that’s a feat in itself. As Marlo Thomas said, “We’re all free to be you and me”- even if you’re Pauly D.

Don’t get me wrong; this show will not leave you feeling like you have had a religious experience. More likely, you’ll probably want to take a shower and resolve to stop cursing. But, for what it is, Jersey Shore is kind of interesting, pretty funny, somewhat horrifying and all around entertaining. The show has been panned by Italian-American groups who say it perpetuates negative stereotypes, and Domino’s Pizza recently pulled its ads from the show, so Jersey Shore does not come without controversy. Grab a Heineken and settle in to learn about the mantras of life on the Jersey Shore, such as the essential daily activities as described by the male faction of the gang as “GTL”; gym tanning and laundry. You just might start feeling better about that post-grad summer you spent in Dewey after all…

Backlash against a New Year’s Eve Party at the National Building Museum continues, and revelers take aim at promoters Reed Landry and Fritz Brogan.

By Katherine Delmonico

The event packed the National Building Museum.

As thousands of partygoers dispersed from the National Building Museum on New Year’s Eve, it has since become increasingly clear that the family that parties together doesn’t necessarily stay together. In the aftermath of the party, hosted by Late Night Shots, the George and Gin & Tonic, which has now been chalked up as a bit of catastrophe, partygoers have taken to internet message boards to voice their frustrations. What was advertised as an elegant, black-tie optional affair with a champagne toast at midnight, started out as such, but soon turned into an oversold party scrum. Understandably, hosts Reed Landry, co-founder of Late Night Shots and Fritz Brogan, partial owner of  Glover Park haunts Kitchen and Gin & Tonic, at the forefront of the criticism.

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Napoléon Bistro

Photos by Tony Powell

Omar Popal

THE EVENT: Omar Popal is smart, handsome, charming, a bit mischevious in good hearted way, and oh-so-discreet – just a few of the reasons why 300 of his best pals jammed Napoléon Bistro, his family’s Adams-Morgan eatery, to drink, dine, and dance in honor of the actor/model/restaurateur’s 30th. THE SCENE: The birthday boy watched good-naturedly as a lifetime’s worth of often embarrassing but always wittily encaptioned photos were put together and projected by big brother Mustafa Popal and sister Fatima Popal. Later, clan elders surrendered the premises to late-arriving scenesters who partied until closing in the lower level lounge/discothèque. THE GUESTS: Paul Wharton, Karim Chrobog, Routiza and Bita Vahhabaghai, Carolina Furukrona, Douglas Eldridge, Erwin Gomez, and Will Thomas.

Caron and Andrea Butler

Location: Capitol Plaza and Ibiza Nightclub

WL HOSTED - Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke, Luke Christopher, Fitsum Bellay, Anchyi Wei, and Carol Joynt/NYSD

THE EVENT: This year’s soirée got the accomplished listees down to the growing NoMa district, just north of Union Station. Capitol Plaza, the new-office-space-turned-spectacular-lounge was brimming with political stars from the White House, professional athletes, the arts crowd, journalists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and young social scenesters. THE SCENE: Event planner André Wells turned the salute to the under-40 set into a night to remember. The industrial space featuring a sweeping view of the city was transformed with towering floral arrangements from Janet Flowers, food tiers by Design Cuisine and Georgetown Cupcake, and sashaying models in outfits from CUSP. The 500 guests took a turn on the dance floor, then settled back in Roche Bobois’ sleek lounge areas. The midnight revelers then made their way to Ibiza Night Club to carouse ’till dawn. THE GUESTS: Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, George Chopivsky and Clara Brillembourg, Chris Hayes, and Jason Van Buren.

How to top three years of headline-making fêtes? With the unexpected!

Syzygy’s decor was the perfect complement to Capitol Plaza’s sweeping views of the city,

As we celebrated our fourth year of the Young & The Guest List, we were certain those who attended would expect us to continue using classic venues for the annual soirée. In the past, we celebrated in such historic locations as Dumbarton House, Meridian House, Halcyon House, and the St. Regis Hotel. This year, however, we were after something completely different. From the beginning, the tone of The Young & The Guest List party was set by the black and silver invitations designed by Haute Papier’s Sarah Meyer Walsh.

Once again, we enlisted Events by André Wells. Who better than maestro Wells to transform Capitol Plaza – a recently completed, modern commercial building in the city’s most up and coming neighborhood, the NOMA district in Northeast – into a sophisticated urban lounge? He infused the cavernous concrete space with the elegance of a bygone era and the high-end luxury our guests have come to expect from our annual celebration of 250 of the city’s top under-40 over-achievers.

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Kate Marie Grinold, Adrian Loving, Lindsay Czarniak, Michael Dove, Dominique Dawes and Francis Hoang represent a few of the many successful locals on the list.

In a city filled with some of the nation’s most dynamic young people, the 250 individuals who comprise this year’s Young & The Guest List repeatedly stand out; as leaders, risk-takers, givers, connectors, and changemakers. Their achievements vary widely, but each was nominated, researched, and debated before being added to the list. What emerged from this process is a more accomplished group than ever before, and so for the first time, we’ve decided to include their professional titles alongside their names. The past three months have reminded us all how quickly the city’s young power players can change. But after four years, The Young & The Guest List is still the only place to find them all.

A

Miss Huma Abedin
Aide, Office of Secretary of State Hiliary Rodham Clinton

Mr. Marc Adelman
Principal, Adelmania Consulting

His Excellency the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates Yousef Al Otaiba

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Young Power Players Show Substance and Style are in Vogue.

Photography Gabriel Scindian at the Willard Intercontinental Washington
Style Lana Orloff
Makeup Stacie Snyder Hair by Jesse Harbaugh
Shoot Assistants: Georgia Bobley, Megan Buerger, Sara Siegel, and Whitney Wegner

ON MARIA: Shoshanna gold dress ($350); Urban Chic, 1626 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-338-5398, www.urbanchiconline.com. Spark Creation Signature Collection gold necklace ($14,220) and oval pavé earrings ($4,125); Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers, 2001 International Dr., McLean, Va., 703-448-6731, www.liljenquist.com. Chas. Schwartz dripping earrings ($2,150); Chas. Schwartz & Son Jewelers, Willard InterContinental Hotel, 1400 F St. NW, 202-737-4757, www.chasschwartzjewelers.com. ON JAMAL: Isaia blue pin-stripe suit ($3,120), Isaia purple tie ($225), and Isaia lavender pin-stripe dress shirt ($450); Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Store, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-497-5100, www.saksfifthavenue.com. Hulbot Big Bang 44mm “Red Gold Black Ceramic” automatic chronograph watch ($22,900); Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers, 2001 International Dr., McLean, Va., 703-448-6731, www.liljenquist.com.

Jamal Simmons
Emerged from the 2008 election as one of the new young voices in the world of political analysis, becoming a fixture of CNN’s election coverage. Currently the president of New Future Communications, Simmons is committed to engaging more people of color in the political process, and regularly volunteers his time mentoring and speaking to young people interested in government.

Maria Teresa Petersen
Named by Hispanic Magazine as among the top Latinas in government and politics, the executive director and co-founder of Voto Latino launched the first-ever national mobile texting campaign to register voters in 2006. A frequent guest on Chris Matthew’s Hardball, she also appears on CNBC, NPR, CNN Español, and Fox News as a political analyst.

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The fresh new faces that have all of Washington — and the country — watching

By Kate Palmer

Without a doubt, the young, new Obama aides are overnight celebrities. To the new administration, they’re a continuing connection to America’s youngest voters. To veteran Washingtonians, they’re simply the flavor of the week. And to aspiring young politicos, they’re, well, masters of the universe.

Indeed, the newest members of Washington’s political establishment are a young, ambitious bunch. In that way, they’re not so different from the more conservative counterparts they replaced. And like any members of the postmodern, post-racial, post Clinton, post-everything generation, they’re as aware of the threats of the future they will help shape as they are optimistic about its potential.

So what is it about this crop of fresh new faces that has all of Washington – and the country – watching?

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In a world where pretty young things too often become blond charity parodies, Fashion for Paws is giving a racy web tactic an uptown makeover

By Christina W. Wilkie

The annual Fashion for Paws runway show is Saturday, March 28 at the Embassy of Italy.

Ever heard of a website called myfreeimplants.com? It’s the one where women raise money online for breast implants from anonymous men, who “contribute” to their personal “surgery funds” in exchange for the privilege of interacting with them – also online (or supposedly). Pretty sleazy, but clever, too.  I mean, who wouldn’t want to view a lineup of lovely ladies, and then decide whom to assist in “enhancing” themselves? A voyeuristic power-trip dressed up like an act of altruism. Brilliant.  But tacky.

So, imagine my surprise when a friend recently directed me to her “personal fundraising page” on the website of the ‘Fashion for Paws’ runway show, scheduled for March to benefit the Washington Humane Society. Right below her come-hither photo in an evening gown, there was a tab that said, “Sponsor Me.” Huh? Right above the photo is a box with a thermometer showing just how close she is getting to achieving her “goal.” And a list of the people who’d sponsored her so far. Confused, I backed out of her personal page, and to my total amazement there was a list of 40 of Georgetown’s most beautiful and philanthropic young people, each of whom had a link to a page with their picture and plea for sponsorship. Wait. Where have I seen this before?

Now, don’t get me wrong. Fashion for Paws is a top-drawer party, mostly owing to the tireless efforts of Tara deNicolas, the Humane Society’s darling director of communications. Certainly there’s no quid pro quo for the fundraising models and their donors, and the Washington Humane Society is a charity we can all get behind. Which is why I get such a kick out of this website; managing, as it does, to stay just this side of good taste. In a world where pretty young society gals too often let themselves be turned into blond charity parodies, Fashion for Paws has taken a racy concept and given it a convincingly uptown makeover, raising more than $50,000 for the Washington Humane Society in the process.  You work it, girls.

Like the concept? Choose your favorite model to sponsor at www.fashionforpaws.org

Jennifer Carter and Matt Landsberg

Location: Lima Lounge, K Street

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

EVOLUTION OF STYLE: That was the overall theme of the re-opening of K Street’s Lima Lounge after their “evolution week,” which coincided with the launch of WL’s annual Style issue. Local fashion gurus mixed and mingled with other WL stars while sampling Lima’s new menu items and exploring the re-vamped and re-styled three floors of the lounge, which now includes a new top-floor bar among other additions. THE FASHIONISTAS: NuNu Deng, James Woodyard, Cole Sharp, Brian Komar, Kadrieka Maden, Adam Hasler, Pepper Watkins, and Becca Glover.

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How to cope with the great unknowns

By Edie VanHorn

The newly-minted “Mr. and Mrs. Lett” were among a number of autumn nuptials this month.

Life’s big questions seem especially weighty between the ages of 25 and 40. For instance, what does my birth control really control? Do Red Bull Vodkas make me look cheap, or smart and alert? Is my boss really flirting with me … or am I flirting with him? With any luck, we find answers to some of them, and ditch the ones we’re not likely to figure out. Just this month I came across a few anecdotes to illustrate how some of us are coping with the “ifs,” and “as ifs,” during these uncertain years. Some will serve as inspirations, others as warnings.

Partner Up (and Settle Down)
This fall, some of the best couples I know decided to forego the June swoon to say “I do” amid the falling leaves. First in line were Nancy Margaret Ray and Andy Adler, the belle and the bachelor, whose Mississippi nuptials were enhanced by Michael Saylor’s decision to fly the entire back room of L2 down to the Magnolia State for the 500-plus person bacchanal. Later that month, not-so-rugged individualists Becca Glover and Pepper Watkins tied the knot in a private ceremony, capped off by a primo party at Juleanna Glover’s Kalorama townhouse, where guests danced to a blues band of Pepper’s pickled prepsters. Tate Yost and Gideon Lett rounded out the festivities with a rehearsal dinner at the Metropolitan Club and a divine reception at the Hay-Adams. We also congratulate Lindsay Stroud, who proposed to (and got a “yes” from) Shannon Delany on Nantucket, on the beach, at sunset, with birds singing, and hermit crabs dancing. Cynics be damned – true love is real, and when the hermit crabs dance – marry him!

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Adam Comar and Sophie Pyle

Location: Teatro Goldoni

WL SPONSORED - Photos by Jonah Koch

UP THE ANTE: The stakes were high as the Fabretto Foundation’s Poker Tournament and Masquerade Ball got underway at Teatro Goldoni. Guests donned masks as the clock struck 10 p.m. and it was all captured on film as host Katherine Kennedy and friends Sophie Pyle and Krista Johnson filmed scenes for their upcoming reality show while guests indulged in Teatro chef Enzo Fargione’s delicious dishes at the bar.

Becca Glover and her exemplary fiancé Pepper Watkins

Set personal goals to launch your social season.

By Edie Van Horn

The 2008-2009 social season began last month with a private soirée at the home of Calvin and Jane Cafritz and will end after the Opera Ball in June. With so many parties and personalities to consider, it’s the perfect time to make a New Social Season Resolution (NSSR), or two, for the coming months. There is always room for improvement, and last month provided some perfect examples of how to be better butterflies.

Madison turns five!

The “pre-resolutions” Edie Van Horn might have written something like, “There were lollipops and ferris wheel rides for lucky little girls at L2 the other night. The party celebrated the fifth birthday of the Madison, and was jointly sponsored by MENSA and NuvaRing.” Wait. Stop! How could I be so catty, shallow, and downright ghasp boring? Ergo, my NSSR #1 is to think of something more interesting to say about the Madison’s attractive, successful, philanthropic young ladies. I resolve to forego the easy lay-up, and instead say, when prompted, “Actually, I met the ever so charming Sarah Servesherself last week. Did you know that she’s the chief of staff to Senator Reelectme?”

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Halycon House's Artist's Studio was transformed by Andre Wells into a chic lounge with dramatic illumination from Frost Lighting and a bar for signature drinks. (Photo by Jonah Koch).

The Young & The Guest List party is a blessing and a curse. Each year, the morning after the party when the thank you emails come in and partygoers share that they’ve had an enjoyable time, it’s rewarding. But, as the YGL season descends upon us, there is always growing anxiety about how to throw together an even better bash.

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A year in review.

2007 was a whirlwind year for Jenna Bush: a best-selling book, an engagement, and an impassioned campaign for HIV/AIDS support.

As we rang in 2007, out went the embarrassing postings on Late Night Shots, Katherine Kennedy and longtime favorite bar Dragonfly for more serious causes and sophisticated lounges. While the under forty-set, has always been transient, it seems last year marked some notable changes and moving this crowd closer to becoming the leaders of this city.

The Washington Ballet Jeté society brought the together younger scene for their annual dance party. In the dead of winter, people hiked to the Italian Embassy for one of the most fun parties of the year. The exclusive committee including Pamela Brown, John Cecchi and Bret and Amy Baier sold an impressive 500 tickets with additional 300 on the waiting list. In total, an impressive $70,000 was raised for The Washington Ballet and proved that this set is making significant donations. But more, importantly, it set the tone that The Young & The Guest List contributions to the city’s cultural vibrancy is more than pleasing imagery. The YGL learned that a good time, a good party can also help to serve a greater cause. We saw more events selling out in record numbers including Fashion for Paws, the Courage Cup, and the Corcoran 1869 Society’s Fall Feté. In addition to the society charity staples, many more were actually establishing non-profits and foundations including efforts to support our troops and Imagination Stage. Jenna Bush could perhaps be the poster child for the YGL, who traded her partying Patron days for days in South America writing a compelling book about AIDS, which raised money for UNICEF.

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Tunes our YGL’ers are grooving to.

Justin Fishkin
Evan Bliss & The Welchers, “Sign Off”
Tegan & Sara, “Walking With a Ghost”

Nathaniel T. G. Fogg
The Bravery, “Public Service Announcement”
Flight of the Conchords, “Business Time”

Crosby Haynes
George Strait, “How ‘bout them cowgirls”
Good Charlotte, “I don’t want to be in love”

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WL’s highly anticipated list of those we consider are the future leaders of Washington.

Left to right: Michelle and Adrian Fenty, Kirsten Pollin, Joel Limmerick and Katie Rost, Philippe Cousteau, and Mae Haney Grennan and Michelle Haney Maddux.

Since its debut two years ago, the release of The Young & The Guest List annually creates quite a buzz. The issue sells out in three-days, we receive lengthy nomination letters and last year, several tried to crash our party. We become just as excited about this issue, because it seems this is the only time the spotlight is brightly shined on the under forty set whose formidable accomplishments including best-selling books, multi-million dollar companies, congressional seats and mayorships sometimes go without their deserved fanfare.

Each year, we sit down with a committee to compile a list of 150 members who significantly contribute to the vibrancy of city. More often their names are unknown: are sometimes overshadowed by their boss (these range from the President to financial heavyweight David Rubenstein), perhaps they rarely go out because their writing groundbreaking State policy on Africa or maybe they are helping to securing an election for their candidate. Make no doubt though, these are the future faces of Washington, who behind the scenes are an integral part of making this country work. Listees range from the president of the Corcoran 1869 Society to our very own Mayor and his wife, to award-winning filmmakers and authors. For the third time, we present The Young & The Guest List.

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Our hot and successful Young & The Guest Listers go about their daily routines and explore Cady’s Alley.

Photography Tim Coburn
Stylist Lana Orloff
Make-up Artist and Styling support James Cornwell with Pr@partners
Hair Stylist Loretta Jameson with Pr@partners
Shoot Assistants Amanda Conseco and Melissa Grady with Pr@partners

Brooke Daley at Cafe Leopold

Julie Haus yellow chiffon top ($198); Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700. Louis Vuitton cruise shorts ($1,215); Louis Vuitton, 1-866-VUITTON. Cole Haan yellow croc print heels ($375); Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700. 14K yellow gold amethyst charm bracelet ($595) and 14K yellow gold amethyst cocktail ring ($850); Boone & Sons Jewelers, 5550 The Hills Plaza, Chevy Chase, Md. 301-657-2144;. Jimmy Choo Tasha green wild nappa bag ($1,295); Jimmy Choo Boutiques,www.jimmychoo.com or 1-866-JCHOO-US.

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With hints of romance reminiscent of Paris’ grand cafes, the newly-opened Napoleon Bistro and Lounge in Adams Morgan was the perfect place for Washington Life to meld spring’s hottest looks with some of The Young and the Guest List’s hottest invitees. The result? … The Classic Modern

Photography Yvonne Taylor
Styled Lana Orloff
Make-up and hair Carola Myers and Crystal Maria Whitehead
Produced by Michael Clements

Dabney Langhorne Doswell (Left): Rozae Nichols navy dress with copper strap, $284 (Blush, Potomac, Md); 14k hand made pin/pendant featuring 24.41ct amethyst with checker board faceting and .30ct diamonds, $5,980; 14k ring with an 8.77ct amethyst and over .50ct of diamonds, $3,890; custom designed dangle amethyst earrings with hand applied hammer finish and diamonds, $2,998 (All jewelry, Adeler Jewelers, Great Falls, Va). Marco Minuto in Ralph Lauren Black Label and Megyn Kelly in Dolce & Gabbana, full credits inside.

“For spring 2007, look for modern short and floaty dresses. Forget skintight numbers except for formal – the loose style can be slimming as long as you keep the sleeves and length short. Add pretty girly colors and floral patterns for adornment, and try tulip skirts, bell sleeves and little bolero jackets. Keep the slim pants and don’t forget cork or wood heels!” – WL Stylist Lana Orloff.

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