The 14th annual record of notably social individuals from politics, diplomacy, business, philanthropy, and the arts.
Enrico and Andrea Cecchi (Photo by Joseph Allen)
A
Mr. and Mrs. JAMES ABDO (Mai)
Mr. and Mrs. WILLIAM ABEL-SMITH (Mimi)
The Honorable and Mrs. TYLER ABELL (Bess)
The Honorable DAVID C. ACHESON
Mr. GLEN ACKERMAN and Mr. ERNESTO SANTALLA
Mr. THEO ADAMSTEIN and Ms. OLVIA DEMETRIOU
The Obamas’ first diplomatic reception, the president’s sister comes to town, and diplomatic nuptials of note
By Gail Scott
What vacation?
The Obamas’ White House reception for Washington’s huge diplomatic corps was a gracious invitation even though the late July “command performance” meant that many envoys and their families had to change much anticipated home leave or summer vacation plans to be there.
Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki and his wife Yoriko were originally leaving for Tokyo on July 27, the date of the first “Diplomatic Do,” but the consummate diplomats changed their flight to the next day in order to join the long line of colleagues waiting to have their pictures taken with Barack and Michele Obama (who was dressed in red, white and … black!).
“We thought it was impressive that the first couple was welcoming each envoy so cordially,” Amb. Fujisaki reported, “Yoriko and I were able to feel the very warm atmosphere of the Obama White House. We both wore traditional Japanese kimono and appreciated delicious Japanese dishes as well. We felt very much at home. Our only hope is that the White House will always remain open and friendly as we experienced it that evening.”
Ambassador of Japan Ichiro Fujisaki and Nancy Brinker
Photos by Tony Powell
Author Jane Stanton Hitchcock’s latest novel is the talk of the town, whether you’re in it or not.
By Kevin Chaffee
Author Jane Stanton Hitchcock at home
What do Jim Kimsey, Ben Bradlee, Sally Quinn, Carolyn Peachey, Liz Stevens, Amanda Downes, Jim Johnson, Deborah Gore Dean, Rima Al-Sabah, Ann Jordan, Carol Joynt, Leo and Grega Daly, and Rep. Jane Harmon have in common? – apart from living in Washington, that is.
Yes, all were spotted at the party celebrating Jane Stanton Hitchcock’s recent novel, “Mortal Friends,” at Café Milano on Thursday night, but there is a far deeper connection. It turns out that each is a character in her book – but under a totally different name, of course.
Anyone who really knows the Washington scene won’t have too much trouble deciphering that “Nouria Salaha,” described as the ultra-fashionable spouse of a Middle Eastern ambassador, is based on top diplomatic hostess Rima Al-Sabah, wife of Kuwaiti Ambassador Salem Al-Sabah. Or that “Bob Poll,” an “ageless rake with military bearing” sure seems a lot like AOL co-founder Jim Kimsey, who, if he minded any of the comparisons, was shrugging them off that night (as he did during Joynt’s sold-out “Q&A” lunch with Hitchcock at Nathan’s earlier that day).
“Mortal Friends” is sure to be this summer’s essential plane or beach read. It’s a delicious thriller filled with social climbing, back-stabbing, deceit, betrayal, and the hunt for a serial killer who carries out his terrible deeds in such familiar haunts as Georgetown’s Montrose Park. No wonder Politics and Prose sold out every copy – the first time that has ever happened at a book party, according to a member of the sales staff.
Guests sipped wine and Champagne while waiting patiently in line for author inscriptions. It wasn’t long before the crowd spilled out into the reception area, and from there to patio where Jill Biden, the wife of the vice president, had quietly entered to dine with a friend (even she ended up getting a book.)
Jane Stanton Hitchcock's latest novel "Mortal Friends" explore dangerous liaisons in Washington social life.
Here’s who else was there:
From the diplomatic corps: German Ambassador Klaus Sharioth, Yemeni Ambassador Abdulwahab Al-Hajjri, Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki and Yoriko Fujisaki, and Lady (Julia) Sheinwald, wife of British Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald.
From the media: Jim Hoagland (Hitchcock’s spouse), Bob Schieffer, Arnaud de Borchgrave, Tammy Haddad, Andrea Mitchell, Margaret Carlson, Edie Emery, Jim Lehrer, David Corn, Ann Geracimos, Roxanne Roberts, Fred Hiatt, Patrick Gavin, Steve Smith and Sally Bedell Smith.
From the social scene: Andy Athy, Michael and Afsaneh Beschloss, Dr. Susan Blumenthal, Conrad and Ludmila Cafritz, Buffy Cafritz, Marcia Carter, John Cecchi, Walter and Didi Cutler, Count Renaud de Viel Castel, Susan Eisenhower, Nini Ferguson, Bitsey Folger, Jim and Ann Free, Ina Ginsburg, Lloyd and Ann Hand, June Hechinger, Chris and Jennifer Isham, Winston Bao Lord, Capricia Marshall, Mac and Donna McLarty, Bill and Dorothy McSweeny, John and Diana Negroponte, Mike Peabody, Gerald and Eden Rafshoon, Lucky Roosevelt, Jackie Rush, Aniko Gaal Schott, Prince Ermias Selassie, Jamal Simmons, and Judith Terra.
Queen Rania Al Abdullah and Nafis Sadik
Location: Residences of Ben Bradlee and Sally Quinn, Jim Kimsey, and British Ambassador Sir Nigel and Lady Sheinwald
WL EXCLUSIVE - Photos by Joseph Allen, Carrie Dorean, and Kyle Samperton
HOME SWEET HOME: Since the UN Foundation Board of Directors’ annual meeting brought some of the world’s most influential philanthropic leaders to the District, it was only fitting that consummate Washington hosts Ben Bradlee and Sally Quinn would offer a warm welcome to notable participants in their Georgetown home (where CNN founder Ted Turner livened up the crowd with a convivial “two bits for philanthropy” cheer). On another evening, the swiftly flowing Potomac River provided a stunning backdrop at Jim Kimsey’s McLean home at a private dinner for Nothing But Nets. At a third gathering at the British Ambassador’s residence, climate change was the topic of major concern. WORLD VIEWS: Aside from UN Foundation board members, the three events were attended by influential political scientists, economists, and diplomats, including: Jordanian Amb. Prince Zeid, Japanese Amb. Ichiro Fujisaki, Korean Amb. Tae-sik Lee, Monaco Amb. Gilles Noghes, and Swedish Amb. Jonas Hafstrom.
Click here for the full gallery of photos from the Kimsey Residence
Click here for the full gallery of photos from the Bradlee Residence
Japanese Ambassador Ichiro and Yoriko Fujisaki
Location: Japanese Ambassador’s Residence
Photos by Kyle Samperton
The Event: Ambassador and Mrs. Fujisaki welcomed guests to their their residence to celebrate the opening of the 2009 Cherry Blossom Festival. The first cherry blossom trees in Washington were a gift of the mayor of Tokyo in 1912, to celebrate the special relationship between Japan and the United States.
The Mondales return, diplomatic moves and a movie queen on Embassy Row
By Gail Scott
Joan and Walter Mondale. Photo by Gail Scott
Mondale: A Crucial Bridge
Buddies from the Carter White House, Congress, and Cleveland Park welcomed Walter Mondale back to Washington when the former senator, vice president, and ambassador to Japan (from 1993 to 1997) was decorated with the highest imperial order Japan bestows upon a foreigner. Mondale and his wife, Joan, are still beloved in Japan.
Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki presented the guest of honor with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, saying he had “made the difference” in creating an “everlasting bridge” between the two countries.
Now 81 and still involved with Japanese-American interests, Mondale noted the appropriateness of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s choice of Japan for her first foreign visit. “They had wonderful talks … with such a strong partnership, every big problem can be easily solved.”
The receiving line was full of VIPs with favorite Mondale stories. Norwegian Ambassador Wegger Strommen said his famous friend was not only “Norway’s consul general in Minnesota but ‘chief of the tribe’ of six million Norwegian-Americans,” a “great friend” of King Harald V, and “the first person I called here.” Food writer Marian Burros joked, “The first time I met Walter Mondale was at a Pillsbury Bake-Off in Minneapolis and we’ve been close friends ever since.”
The 13th annual record of notably social personalities from the worlds of politics, diplomacy, business, philanthropy, and the arts.
By Kevin Chaffee
John Pyles and Barbara Harrison
This roster is neither the first, nor will it (inevitably) be the last to single out certain individuals, who, by virtue of birth, rank, wealth or accomplishment, take part in the social life of the nation’s capital. Estimable precursors – drumroll here – include The Green Book,” so-called for its faux green suede cover, which has appeared continuously since 1930; and the Blue Book of Washington, D.C., which ceased publication around 1990 after a century in print. The Social Register, sometimes called the “Black Book,” also contains the names of numerous prominent local figures, many hailing from so-called “blue blood” families, although it merged its thin Washington volume into a much larger 12-city national version back in the 1980s.
A major difference separating Washington Life’s list from the others – apart from having no discernible color – is that we do not publish a “phone book” containing addresses and contact information, much less schools attended, club memberships and yacht listings. Ours is merely an alphabetical nomenclature of people who make a difference by adding immeasurably to their city, and by extension, their country and the world. Another point of contrast is size. Compared to the many thousands of entries contained in other directories past and present, WL’s Social List, currently about 700 names and counting, is relatively small. We do not see the need to include every member of the Congress, Cabinet or Court (i.e., Supreme), much less all those with top jobs listed in the “Plum Book” of political appointments.
Yoriko Fujisak, Alexandra de Borchgrave, and Japanese Amb. Ichiro Fujisaki
Location: Japanese Embassy Residence
WL EXCLUSIVE - Photos by James R. Brantley
HIGH HONOR: Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki and his wife Yorkio hosted a reception honoring Alexandra de Borchgrave’s Heavenly Orders, a collection of inspirational poems influenced by Buddhist teachings and paired with Japanese art. ART & SOUL: The evening included heartfelt personal tributes, a stirring recitation by the author, an exquisite musical interlude by Yoko Nishi on her 13-string koto, (Japan’s national instrument), plus saki, sushi and other traditional Japanese fare enjoyed by Arnaud de Borchgrave, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Buffy Cafritz, Ann Jordan, Britty Cudlip, John Damgard, Bob Kimmitt, Bill and Ann Nitze, Julian Raby, and Bill and Lynda Webster.
Very special national days, diplomatic moves, and a summer barbecue.
By Gail Scott
President Bush and Colombian Ambassador Carolina Barco in the Oval Office.
Oval Office Access
Colombian Ambassador Carolina Barco, the former foreign minister of her country and the daughter of a former Colombian president, enjoys extremely good access at the highest levels of the Bush Administration. It seems that her father, Virgilio Barco, and the President’s father, President George H.W. Bush, held their nation’s presidency simultaneously and enjoyed each other’s company. So, each summer when Colombia’s July 22 national day rolls around, President George W. Bush has hosted a celebration in the White House for Colombia. The first year, 1996, it was Foreign Minister Barco who was there with then-Ambassador Luis Alberto Moreno. This year, Mrs. Barco returned to the Oval Office the very next day as well, with Colombia’s much-in-the-news defense minister, Juan Manuel Santos, who came specifically to thank the U.S. for its assistance in helping with the July 27 release of four political hostages — which included Ingrid Betancourt, the celebrated French-born woman who was running for Colombia’s presidency when she was captured.
WL Photos WLTV
