There are always two sides to every story — even in fashion. Photographed on location at 22 West Residences.

Photography Anton + Prehn
Style: Aba Kwawu
Makeup and Hair: Martin Pretorius
Style Assistant: Robyn Dixon
Shoot Assistants:  Allison Ghegan, Yahaira Keeler, and Ashley Woodfolk
Models: T.H.E. Artist Agency

On Rhiannon (left): Prada black blazer ($1,520), black suede necklace ($4,560), and black pencil skirt ($595); Saks Fifth Avenue, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-363-2059, www.saks.com. Karen Millen black stilettos with ruffle heels ($199); Karen Millen, 1801 G International Dr., McLean, Va., 703-790-3120, www.karenmillen.com. Earrings, model’s own. On Olga (right): Lanvin black sculptural dress ($3,565) and Giuseppe Zannoti natural snakeskin gladiator sandals ($695); Saks Fifth Avenue, 2001 International Dr., McLean, Va., 703-827-1961, www.saks.com. Hue plum tights ($12.50); Cusp, 3030 M St. NW, 202-625-0893, www.cusp.com. ZIIO cuff ($675) and earrings ($375); Mia Gemma, 933 F St. NW, 202-393-4367, www.miagemma.com.

Washington D.C. native, actor and activist Jeffrey Wright gathers the area’s African American power players to support Taia Peace Foundation and Maxwell

By Michael M. Clements

Maxwell

It wasn’t an ordinary Friday afternoon at downtown posh eatery Oya Restaurant (777 9th St NW) as Jeffrey Wright thought it was appropriate to show legendary performer Maxwell – in town playing at the Verizon center – D.C.’s VIP side. The room was filled some of the city’s top African American power players. Once again, behind the scenes hosts Tanya Lombard, Yelberton Watkins, Isaac Fordjour, and Chaka Burgess pulled together an impressive group. As always, there was a worthy cause involved – the Taia Peace Foundation (www.taiapeace.org.)

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Missed events, French women who change their mind, and the art of making covers.

By Michael M. Clements

Executive Editor Michael M. Clements takes to the catwalk in Burberry at the MenzFit celebrity fashion show fundraiser.

I’m blocked. I want to write witty things about events I’ve attended, but I can’t. It all started when I read the WL social calendar and realized how many events I’d missed. How do socialites do this? It’s like a full-time job going to all these parties. Okay … block’s over. I’ve decided to talk about all the events I missed. I missed Fight Night. It’s okay, I didn’t have a seat anyway – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s not exactly an ego boost to sit next to someone you know paid $10,000 for a chair. Plus, I still have the taste of whiskey and cigars in my mouth from last year. I also missed a reception to meet French President Sarkozy at the French residence – wanted to go, but lost the lottery for our one invite; the Washington Performing Arts Society’s fall celebration at the Kennedy Center – Monday nights are hard; the Meridian Ball – Gail Scott had me covered; the Lombardi Gala – had another event; and pretty much the entire C’est Chic! film festival, except for our sponsored opening night party at L2.

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This fall, designers replaced the traditional neutral autumn palette with one that is both exotic and inviting. Take cues from the sizzling culinary arts, and this season’s selection will engage your senses, and wake up your wardrobe! Don’t forget to pair your look with a delicious dish from a local restaurant. Beauty for autumn is sexy. Hair is not overly structured, keep it natural. It doesn’t matter if you are serving up curls or straight hair, it is all about shape. Makeup up is clean and dewy. Just toss on some peachy blush, extra mascara, stain your lips, and you are sure to be delicious!

Photography Tim Coburn
Styled James Cornwell
Guest Fashion editor Aba Kwawu
Makeup and hair James Cornwell and Sean Stredwick for PR@Partners
Models Mega Gouveia-G@G Management and Amelia Loren
Special thanks to: Photographic assistant Todd Peterson and assistant stylist Ron Schmelzer; fashion interns Lee Havlicek and Genevieve Makris; ad intern Elspeth Fergusson; design interns Nia Lindsey and Anna Dorn; and Café Bonaparte. Produced by Michael M. Clements and Anais de Viel Castel.

Sassy in Saffron Use black as an anchor and layer bold, exotic colors and textures around it. This rich number from Gucci is paired with metallic pumps to dazzle.

GUCCI dark orange wool one-button coat ($2,795), stretch flannel two-button skirt ($965), silk short-sleeve shirt with broach detail ($1,095), and medium Aviatrix bag in rust ($1,890). All available at GUCCI, 5481 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-986-8902. GUCCI gold strap sandals ($640). Available at Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-966-9700.

Grilled calamari served with saffron potatoes, $11.00, Neyla, 3026 N. St. NW, 202-333-6353.

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