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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Feeling blue? Start wearing the beautiful Majolica Blue from designers’ Resort collections.

By Anais de Viel Castel

Alicia Keys wearing blue dress from Alexander McQueen 2010 Resort collection at her new album release in London

Now that the holiday season is behind us, it’s time to look at designers’ Resort collection.

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The marching band jacket is back! Here is how to rock this trend.

By Anais de Viel Castel

The Beatles' version of the marching band jacket

I have always liked big shoulders, trimmings, medals and large buttons. So no wonder I have adopted the marching band jacket trend, which is a slightly more fun and upbeat version of the military jacket.

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H&M gets sexy with a lingerie collection designed by Sonia Rykiel

By Anais de Viel Castel

The Sonia Rykiel pour H&M lingerie collection

I’ve always liked Sonia Rykiel. Very French elegance, very Parisian, and very Saint-Germain-des-Pré, my favorite neighborhood. So when I heard H&M was launching a lingerie collection designed by Sonia Rykiel you can only imagine my excitement.

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Washington’s fashionistas get a slice of the Big Apple at the premiere of “The September Issue”

By Kevin Chaffee
Photos by Tony Powell

Darcy Jones, Nathaniel Fogg, Alexandra Wilkis Wilson and Alexis Maybanks. Photo by Tony Powell.

It may have been the doggiest of the dog days of August but that didn’t prevent local glitterati from turning out for the Washington premiere of “The September Issue” Wednesday night. ?

Invitation e-mails were sent only a few weeks ago for the much-anticipated event hosted by the online shopping website Gilt.com at the Landmark E Street Cinema, which was filled to capacity to see Vogue editrix-in-chief Anna Wintour in action as she forged the famed September 2007 issue of her magazine from scratch over a sixth month period. Why famed, you may ask? Answer: the 800-plus-page issue was the largest in Vogue’s history and the cause of much celebration in those pre-recessionary times. ??

Guests enjoyed the behind-the-scenes action as Wintour and her staff forge ahead to final deadline, arguing over photo spreads, dismissing carloads of expensive designer duds as “simply not for us,” tossing out $50,000 fashion shoots, and making snide comments behind each other’s backs. Much to everyone’s surprise, the real star of the show wasn’t Wintour at all, but the magazine’s longtime creative director, Grace Coddington, a fabulously frowsy redhead in her late 60s who couldn’t care less how she looks in a mirror or anywhere else. The flamboyant Andre Leon Talley also captures a few scenes, all of which he plays for laughs. My personal favorite: the obese Talley futilely trying to lose weight on a tennis court as a hunky instructor lobs balls his way. Biggest surprise: the total non-role played by European Editor-at-Large Hamish Bowles, who never gets a single word on camera.??

The W Hotel is Washington’s new oasis of chic, and the 200 or so guests who showed up for the post-screening party must be commenced for their effort to replicate the height of New York chic (mile-high heels, short skin-tight dresses) despite the sticky weather. Spotted sipping rose Champagne and taking the tiniest little bites of lobster: White House staffer Mona Sutphen, Biden communications director Courtney O’Donnell, deputy social secretary Sally Armbruster, CNN’s Michelle Jaconi, Fox Channel 5 anchor Will Thomas, Katie Rost, sports reporter Lindsay Czarniak, Amy Baier, Anais de Viel Castel, Paul Wharton, Annie Groer, and Mary Barth.

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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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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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The sleek glass and metal redesign of the Park Hyatt Washington is the ideal setting for WL’s modern, clean-lined bridal gowns of Spring/Summer 2007.

By Barbara McConaghy
Photography by Len de Pas at The Park Hyatt Washington
Hair Cindy Booth, Make-up by Anita Bahramy
Floral Design Kelly for Capital Décor and Events

Platinum Collection strapless silk gown with embroidered bodice, waist detail, and beaded tulle skirt, $4,800, Carine’s; antique platinum pave diamond drop earrings, $8,100, round and marquise diamond necklace, $35,000, and 5.6 CT diamond ring in platinum setting, $57,500 all by Boone and Sons; Chantel head piece, $195, Trousseau; Moyna Couture beaded wrist-cord handbag, $265, Harriet Kassman; bouquet of jade green roses, hydrangea, cymbidium, and black calla lilies.

Our selections are at once romantic yet confident looks that speak to the contemporary Washington woman. New this season, softer dresses in slip and empire shapes that add airiness; ruching and draping for subtle body consciousness; and the continuation of intricately beaded accents, insets and overlays. As a counterpoint to the modern gowns, reach back for vintage and estate jewelry inspiration, and add the boldness of innovative floral design. In all, go for a modern romance.

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