The Lombardi Gala

Sally Sue and Vince Lombardi, Photo by Kyle Samperton

With glamorous auction items, a luxury car raffle, dinner, and dancing, the Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center Gala at the Hilton Washington is always over the top. “Lombardi is a gift to our city,” said co-chairwoman Tanya Potter Adler, who honored Molly and Mark Decker with the Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award. The Gala has raised over $17 million for cancer research at Lombardi. Garry O. Whipkey of Pohanka Lexus turned over the keys of a snazzy new Lexus convertible to raffle winner Emmebet Selassie.

Jack and Theresa DeGioia with Tanya Potter Adler and Howard Adler. Photo by Kyle Samperton

Tom Donahue and John Delahay. Photo by Kyle Samperton

Nancy Chistolini, Molly Decker, and Wendy Gagnon. Photo by Kyle Samperton

Pierre Lapeyre III, Margaret Hodges, Laurie, Jacqueline, and Pierre Lapeyre. Photo by Kyle Samperton

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

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Gotcha! Meet the men behind the lens

Photographers Kyle Samperton (left) and Tony Powell at the Park Hyatt Hotel. (Photo by Joseph Allen)

On any given night, you can find veteran Washington Life photographers Tony Powell and Kyle Samperton out and about on the Washington social scene, snapping pictures at formal galas and rubbing elbows with the city’s elite. But it’s a lot more than just taking photographs for them – it’s about capturing people in the middle of the capital’s most exclusive events, and providing an intimate glimpse behind the velvet rope to those on the other side.

KYLE: “I find the effort, ingenuity, and talent it takes to create an event as fascinating as the guests themselves. Sometimes, either by a grand statement or a small detail, I’m aware that something wonderful is happening, whether it’s the lighting or the way somebody crosses the dance floor.”

TONY: “There isn’t a job more tailormade for someone with my personality, and while a lot of air-kisses get thrown about, I have been able to forge many meaningful friendships over the years with some of the most important and influential people in Washington.”

A stubborn, aggressive nor’easter pelted Washingtonians with four days of non-stop rain, combined with skin-biting wind and chilly temperatures. But it didn’t stop Washington Life and Gold Cup aficionados from having a great time!

By John Arundel

Carissa Maguire, Lauren Pomponio, Keri Ann Meslar. Photos by Kyle Samperton.

If J. Barbour & Sons had set up shop Saturday at the The International Gold Cup races in The Plains, they might have set a world record for same-day sales of British-made sporting jackets. Barbour’s sturdy wax cotton jackets were much in evidence at the 70th running of the renowned race meeting, as were North Face Arctic Pullovers, Chillkats and insulated Windstopper jackets.

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Amb. La Celia A. Prince, Herold E. Doley

Location: The Hilton Washington

WL SPONSORED- Photos by Kyle Samperton

A Diplomatic Affair: For over 30 years, newly arrived diplomats and longtime Washingtonians have been dancing the night away at the annual Ambassadors Ball benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year’s black-tie gala honored Dr. Susan Blumenthal Markey, Patricia Oxley, Annette Shelby, and Janet Waxman, with former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao and Simone-Marie Meeks serving as co-chairwomen. Performances by the Kardelen Turkish Dance Ensemble, a muy caliente Argentine tango show, and classic big band music had guests twirling in their tuxes between bids at the international silent auction. The Guest: Ambassadors of Madagascar (Jocelyn Radifera), Kyrgyzstan (Zamira B. Sydykova), Liechtenstein (Claudia Fritsche), Bulgaria (Latchezar Petkov), New Zealand (Roy Ferguson), Rep. John Dingell and Debbie Dingell, Rep. Doris Matsui, Sen. Richard Shelby and Annette Shelby, Rep. Robert Aderholt, and Toni Gore.

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Jen Corey, Neil Alpert

Location: Organization of American States

WL EXCLUSIVE-Photos by Kyle Samperton

Operatic Home Run: Who says opera is only for the elite? Not the 19,000 freebie-ticket-holding fans who watched the opening night performance of The Barber of Seville being simulcast on Jumbotrons at Nationals Park (as $1,000-a-pop patrons settled in to their seats at the Kennedy Center). Double Header: Nationals owner and newly initiated opera buff Ted Lerner pronounced the famously comedic opera a success at the post-show dinner dance where guests marveled over the tour de force pantomimed ending of the first act and the wondrous “Cessa di più resistere” finale of lyric tenor Lawrence Brownlee.

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Chipo Chung

Location: Residence Of The British Embassy Deputy Head Of Mission

WL SPONSORED- Photos by Kyle Samperton

Cast Party: Chipo Chung, Ruth Negga and Dominic Cooper, the young actors appearing in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s hit production of Phèdre, celebrated with the under-40 set at British Deputy Head of Mission Dominick Chilcott’s residence on their one night off during the run. Smoked Salmon and Scotch Eggs: Guests sampled Commonwealth Gastro Pub’s British-cuisine-inspired fare and chilled to the tunes of MadLantic, the “embassy’s garage band,” in the garden while trying to recall just what role the handsome and very versatile Cooper played in “History Boys.”

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Marriott Wardman Park

Photos by: Kyle Samperton

Michelle Seiver and Jack Evans

THE EVENT: The ‘50s were in full swing at the 20th annual Best Friends Foundation’s annual benefit in support of middle and high school students striving to make the right choices. THE SCENE: Guests donned poodle skirts, lettermen jackets  and Grease-inspired garb to twist the night away to the sounds of Chuck Brown and The Drifters. D. C. Councilmember Jack Evans and Michelle Seiver led a line dance worthy of Sandy and Danny, and not even the pouring rain could stop the fun. THE GUESTS: Best Friends founder Elayne Bennett and Bill Bennett, Sen. Mel Martinez, Sandy and Bill Bennett, Mike Skehan and Andrea Rohan and Marcia Carlucci.

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Iman Jawad, Lynn Blitzer,

Location: Embassy of Afghanistan

WL EXCLUSIVE: Photos by Kyle Samperton

TOP-NOTCH DIPLOMACY: Afghan Ambassador Said Jawad paid special tribute to Richard Holbrooke, U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, for his quick success in coordinating efforts by myriad governmental agencies (defense, health, etc.) in his country. INTIMATE AFFAIR: Guests from interconnected political, diplomatic, and media circles toasted the guest of honor, who noted that the August elections in Afghanistan would be an important test for the continued development of democratic political processes there. ON THE LIST: Rep. Roy Blunt, Esther Coopersmith, Carlos Gutierrez, Gen. Michael Hayden, and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter.

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Dana and Tim Rooney

Location: Avalon Theatre

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos by Kyle Samperton

SUMMER PREMIERE: “It Might Get Loud” premiered at the Avalon Theatre in July with Washington-born filmmaker Davis Guggenheim’s family, friends, and fans turning out to preview his penetrating profile of three generations of electric guitar legends: Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), The Edge (U2), and Jack White (The White Stripes). A WORTHY CAUSE: The event benefited Woodley House, which provides residential care in a neighborhood setting to those suffering from mental illness. 

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Brett Broesder and Kip Patrick

Location: Roosevelt House

WL SPONSORED: Photos by Kyle Samperton

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Remember your event forever with photographs by these talented artists.

Group portrait from 2008 Balls and Galas by Clay Blackmore

Joseph Allen
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joseph@jallenimages (703) 980-8688

Clay Blackmore
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(301)-670-3232

James R. Brantley
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jrbrantley@mac.com, (240)476-2285

Luke Christopher
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Betsy Spruill Clarke
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Tim Coburn
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Rory Cox
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Len Depas
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Michael Domingo
Natural light, portraits, fashion, wedding, events
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michaeldomingo@gmail.com, (530)746-8642

Jonah Koch
Weddings, portrait, editorial and event photography
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Gary Landsman
Corporate, advertising and editorial photography
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gary@landsmanphoto.com, (301)-529-6155

David Michele
Wedding and portrait
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Tony Powell
Event, editorial, and Fine Art photography
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tonypowells@gmail.com, 301-343-7805

Kyle Samperton
Event and editorial photography, portraits and weddings
irishfoal@aol.com, (301)928-1499

Douglas Sonders
Portrait, advertising, and editorial photography
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douglas@sondersphotography.com, (703)618-4110

“Eat, Pray, Love” author Elizabeth Gilbert with host Ludmila Cafrtiz

Photos by Kyle Samperton

Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert with host Ludmila Cafrtiz at a PEN/Faulkner sponsored-reception.

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Pamela Peabody, Sylvia Ripley, and Henry von Eichel

Location: The British Ambassador’s Residence

WL EXCLUSIVE: Photos by Kyle Samperton

“DENYCE, DINNER & DIPLOMAS”: Cocktails with le tout Washington in a sublime garden, dinner with primo wines, and mezzo soprano Denyce Graves singing works by Strauss, Saint-Saëns, and Offenbach before “Habanera” from “Carmen” and multiple encores of soulful spirituals. Who could ask for more? HERE’S MORE: Capricia Marshall taking a bow as chief of protocol-designate plus an up-from-the-depths tale by Sasha Bruce House “graduate” Anthony Ross that left nary a dry eye in sight. HATS OFF TO: Liz Stevens, who proved she’s just as much of a star wrangler and event mastermind as her husband, George.

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Luca and Mariachiari Ferrari

Location: Luca and Mariachiara Ferrari Residence, Kalorama and Ricardo and Isabel Ernst Residence, Hillandale

WL EXCLUSIVE: Photos by Kyle Samperton

ARRIVIDERCI: Friends gathered at two recent parties to bid farewell to popular Italian diplomats Luca and Mariachiara Ferrari, who are leaving their second Washington tour of duty to accept a new post in Madrid. NUMERO UNO: A lively gathering hosted by Isabel and Ricardo Ernst where the departing guests of honor (who also included Michele Morales and Deppie and Nikos Zaimis) were required to both sing and dance for their supper. NUMERO DUE: The Ferrari’s own festa was memorable as well, not only for the wonderful food and salsa band (playing in the garden of the old Dillon Ripley mansion), but for a special Congressional tribute to Mr. Ferrari delivered by Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.).

Click here for the full gallery of photos at the Ferrari residence

Click here for the full gallery of photos at the Ernst residence

Alexander Cousteau, Nicole Chedid and Jan Cousteau

Location: National Building Museum

WL EXCLUSIVE - Photos by Kyle Samperton

EVERY DROP COUNTS: This year’s theme focused on Mosaic’s initiatives to break the cycle of poverty and disease associated with the lack of clean water in the Arab world. ENTERTAINMENT: Cirque du Soleil’s awe-inspiring stars used dance, song, and acrobatics to mirage-like effect while persuading “the spirit of the cloud” to let it rain again. BLUE LEGACY: Alexandra and Philippe Cousteau, grandchildren of legendary undersea explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, received grants to continue their efforts to restore and protect the global water system. GUESTS: Most of the Arab diplomatic corps was present at the foundation’s 12th (and sadly its last) benefit.

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Andrea Mitchell, Henry Kissinger, Mary Bush, and Nancy Reagan

Location: The U.S. Capitol Building

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos by Kyle Samperton

ONE FOR THE GIPPER: “This place never looked better,” Ronald Reagan Foundation President Fred Ryan proclaimed, summing up prevailing sentiments the night Nancy Reagan celebrated her late husband’s historic enshrinement in bronze in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. AN “AMERICAN GIANT”: During dinner in Statuary Hall, Sen. Dianne Feinstein paid bi-partisan tribute to the Golden State’s favorite son, “a big star who could have stopped in Hollywood but kept playing … and is now among our nation’s greatest leaders.” House Minority Leader John Boehner’s emotional tribute focused on the 40th president’s “dedication to decency and human values.” Speech writer Peggy Noonan spoke of Mrs. Reagan’s key role in the historic presidency: “Without her,” she reminded guests, “there was no him.”

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Joyce Wang and Jennifer Zhou

Location: Ketchup and Aloft at National Harbor

WL HOSTED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

AHOY THERE: WL’s Sunday “staycation” at National Harbor celebrated the openings of the West Hollywood eatery Ketchup (made famous by its frequent cameos on The Hills) and Aloft, Starwood’s ultra-chic new hotel. SUNDAY FUNDAY: The day began with brunch, mimosas, and BloodyMarys at Ketchup. Afterwards, guests explored National Harbor’s many varied businesses and shops (using discount offers they received in generous goodie bags). The day wound down at Aloft’s wxyx bar with fusion cocktails and musical stylings by DJ Adrian Loving. A perfect chic way to spend a Sunday out of the city.

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Location: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton and M.J. Love

FOODIES UNITE!: Start with the city’s top restaurants, add a splash of talented cocktail artists, and garnish with a hefty helping of charity and Voila!: a delicious evening where the stars of the metro area’s culinary universe align to support Share our Strength and help end childhood hunger. SERVING IT UP: Chef Chair RJ Cooper, Carla Hall, Roberto Donna, Bob Kinkead, Kaz Okochi, Michel Richard, Jeff Tunks, and Robert Wiedmaier.

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Mario Acosta Velez and Ed Spitzberg

Location: Jewish Community Center

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

ARTS FOR YOUTH: Supporters of the Sitar Arts Center gathered for wine, Middle Eastern fare, and a program featuring gifted students who attend after-school, weekend, and summer classes in the visual and performing arts center’s modern Kalorama facility. ON WITH THE SHOW: Ten young balletomanes showed their stuff on stage accompanied by a Washington Ballet company member, while others presented dramatic works or played musical instruments.

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Location: Residence of Mark Penn and Nancy Jacobson

WL SPONSORED - Photos by Kyle Samperton

GORGEOUS GARDEN: Mark Penn and Nancy Jacobson hosted National Student Partnerships’ 10th anniversary celebration at their Georgetown home, where Penn told of his firm’s pro bono work to re-name the organization “Lift” (which will go into effect this fall). NSP co-founder and CEO Kirsten Lodal encouraged guests to support local college student volunteers’ efforts to combat poverty in the U.S. 

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Thelonious Monk Jr.

Location: 101 New York Avenue

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos by Kyle Samperton

A SALUTE TO JAZZ: After a stint on the West Coast, the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition returns to Washington this October. To celebrate, Madeleine Albright and several members of Congress hosted a reception in Albright’s downtown office to honor the uniquely American art form. MUSIC LOVERS: Sen. Thad Cochran, Rep. John Lewis, Paul Reisler, Michelle Day, and Bob Pilon.

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Chanel Iman and Egyptian Ambassador Sameh Shoukry

Location: Smithsonian National Museum of African Art

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

AFRICA LIVE(S): The National Museum of African Art celebrated its 30th anniversary with a first ever black-tie fund-raising gala with traditional dancers entertaining the super models, entertainers, arts patrons, politicos, and other guests.  Director Johnnetta B. Cole spoke eloquently of the museum’s mission to the crowd seated at tables covered in tropical flowers amid orange silk-covered walls. Grammy winning singer Angelique Kidjo got everyone on their feet and encouraged guests to share the mic with her, while actor Jeffrey Wright spoke about tracing his family’s genealogical roots. CELEBRANTS: Baroness Valerie Amos, the former leader of the British House of Lords,  Deputy Secretary of State for Africa Johnnie Carson, civil rights leader Dorothy Height, Egyptian Ambassador Sameh Shoukry, Gwendolyn Mikell, James D. Staton, and Howard Dodson.

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Barbara Gordon, June Libin, and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter

Location: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

BLOWN AWAY: When the most renowned jazz musician and trumpter of his generation is the featured entertainment, your event is bound to be spectacular. Special guest artist Wynton Marsalis treated revelers to a set of swing-era jazz that matched perfectly with the roaring ‘20s “Cotton Club” theme. STEPPING OUT: The local dance troupe Step Afrika! performed after dinner and Tina Mather stepped up the auction action with a winning bid/donation of $45,000 for a private concert with violinist Gil Shaham. Corporate chairman Reggie Van Lee showed his own smooth moves as well by contributing a private dinner at his New York condominium, where an infamous Sex and The City balcony scene was shot.

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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

Cristina and John McLaughlin

Location: Teatro Goldoni

Photos by Kyle Samperton

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Nicki Kalokerinos and Mark Goode

Location: Capitol Polo Club, Poolesville, Md.

WL SPONSORED - Photos by Dana Bowden, Robert Keller, Kyle Samperton, and Jeremy Zeigler

A FASHIONABLE START: Crowds trekked out to the highly anticipated match between the U.S. and Australian polo teams with fashion, music, and culinary sideline events organized by event founders Tareq and Michaele Salahi. Before the players took to the field, the weekend kicked off Friday with an action-packed fashion show, “Rockin’ the Runway,” judged by “Apprentice” star Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth and a performance by “American Idol” icon Michael Johns. PONY UP: On match day, players and spectators alike braved the damp fields for the main event, with the lattere filling the Land Rover tent to enjoy the festivities, which included a parachute drop, air show, and evening concert featuring singer will.i.am and a surprise performance by MYA. VICTORY: The U.S. defeated the Aussies, claiming the coveted polo world championship title. The U.S. will battle India in next year’s match. Spotted: Paul Wharton, John Gobin, Debbie Nash, Rick Cutrera, Amy Angelo, and Craig Rice.

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Nunda Ambegaonkar and Vandana Sheth

Location: Freer Gallery of Art | Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

AN EASTERN ODYSSEY: To celebrate its historic collaboration with the Moscow Kremlin Museums, the Freer and Sackler galleries welcomed patrons to a night of opulence in the spirit of imperial Russia. The spring benefit gala celebrated the opening of the exhibition “The Tsars and the East: Gifts from Turkey and Iran in The Moscow Kremlin.” Guests in Eastern-inspired gowns and accessories viewed the exhibition – which included bejeweled Russian ecclesiastical treasures, Turkish dishes, and Iranian daggers from the 17th century – before it opened to the public. John, Cindy, and Roberta McCain toured the exhibit with a guide, posing for pictures and marveling at an intricate gold bridle and saddle, before joining guests for a dinner of classic Russian specialties in the Freer’s marble halls. TSARS OF THE NIGHT: Director of the Moscow Kremlin Museums Elena Gagarina, President of Lukoil Vagit Alekperov, Sergio Millian, Singaporean Amb. Chan Heng Chee, U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Beyrle, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

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Kristin Irish and L’Enfant Society Chairman John Cecchi

Location: The National Mall

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton and Carl Bower

SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS: Nearly half an acre of the National Mall was transformed into a tented ballroom complete with a 14-piece brass band for a sold-out crowd of more than 600 junior patrons of the Trust for the National Mall. The historic evening was hosted by the Trust’s young donors’ group, the L’Enfant Society, which was formed in 2008 to help restore and protect “America’s  front yard.” Underwritten by MicroStrategy founder Michael Saylor, the gathering raised over $150,000 for the cause, and future events are planned. ON THE DANCE FLOOR: Luke Russert and Karena Neubauer, Tripp Donnelly and Amy Angelo, Nat Fogg and Darcy Jones, Desmond FitzGerald, George Chopivsky and Clara Brillembourg, Allison and Michael Signorelli, Chris Edmonds, Ted Downey, and Allison Parent.

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Camille Johnston and Desirée Glapion Rogers

Location: The Corcoran Gallery of Art

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Luke Christopher and Kyle Samperton

ARTISTIC LIBERTIES: Over a thousand guests filled the historic Washington gallery for dinner and dancing to benefit the museum’s award-winning outreach, educational and scholarship programs. Artist Maya Lin’s exhibit, “Systematic Landscapes,” highlighted the festivities showcasing her renditions of environmental phenomena, along with magnificent decorations and Jack Lucky’s transformative floral arrangements in each of the 15 galleries where dinner was served. ECO-ELEGANCE: Ball organizers took the event in an entirely “green” direction – reducing their footprint in everything from the invitations to enviro-friendly Occasion Caterers dishes – to create, as always, one of the most talked-about soirées of the season.

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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.

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Location: The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

HONORED VOICES: Over one thousand guests gathered at the Kennedy Center to celebrate the eighth annual Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards, first over cocktails and then in the Eisenhower Theater. The star-studded evening was dedicated to five honorees from Cambodia, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, all making great progress for women in their respective nations. The final award, presented by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, went to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was declared a “Global Trailblazer.” “As a presidential candidate last year,” Hutchison said, “she made 18 millio

Ben Affleck, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Alysee Larsen

n cracks in the ceiling and inspired women all over the world.” Needless to say, political divides don’t apply when it comes to the global advancement of women. CELEBRANTS: French Ambassador Pierre Vimont, Wolf Blitzer, Andrea Mitchell, Tammy Haddad, Nina Totenberg, Juleanna Glover, Dan and Rhoda Glickman, John Pendergrast, Ellen Bennett, and Melanne Verveer.

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Investing in the Vital Voices that Transform Our World

By Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson. Photo by Kyle Samperton

Throughout March, I was reminded of the power of women to transform the world. I celebrated this power with events at my studios to support Vital Voices – from Moscow to Los Angles, London, Madrid, and New York City, and I donated proceeds from store sales and online to further their important work around the globe.

I also teamed up to develop a global handbag design competition. The idea for the competition originated from the Vital Voices Artisan Export Development Program, supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation. Vital Voices worked with my team to select the best emerging female handbag designer from thousands around the world. I was so pleased when we selected Phelicia Dell, a rising talent from Haiti. Dell became involved with Femmes en Democratie, the Vital Voices chapter in Haiti, about three years ago as she worked to establish a successful clothing design business following the kidnapping and death of her husband. After her loss, she decided to remain in Haiti and build a life for herself and her young daughter.

Dell began designing clothes and was connected with Danielle Saint Lot, co-founder and president of Femmes en Democratie, who assisted her with identifying markets for her products and guided her product development. Soon after, Dell made the decision to focus on handbags. After carefully designing a few samples, she showed them to friends and they were a huge success. She also had the opportunity to participate in the 2008 Vital Voices of the Americas “Women as a Bridge to a More Prosperous Future” summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to gain further skills in design and product development.

Later in March, at the Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards in Washington, I had the opportunity to meet more women like Dell who have overcome unthinkable challenges. Together with my fellow Vital Voices board member, World Bank managing director Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, I presented the 10,000 Women Entrepreneurial Achievement Award, a new partnership between Goldman Sachs and Vital Voices. The award identifies and honors an extraordinary young entrepreneur who is not only building a strong business, but reinvesting in her community as well.

Succeeding in fashion takes more than just a flair for design – it takes passion, perseverance, and a strong understanding of business principles. Tuokpe Esisi owns a contemporary African fashion design company, and to professionalize and grow her business, she applied to become a scholar in the 10,000 Women program – an unprecedented initiative to provide women around the world with high-quality entrepreneurial education. This education will create a new generation of female business leaders poised to change the world.

Both Esisi and Dell embody this smart investment and not only make me proud to be a woman, but proud because they believe, as I do, that success cannot end with one person. Both women are “paying forward” the investment made in them by investing their own success in the success of others. They are a testament to the power that can be unleashed when women with vision and talent are given support.

Irini Tsikurishvili

Location: Warner Theatre and J.W. Marriott Hotel

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

A MAJOR SWEEP: Signature Theatre walked off with 10 prizes at the 25th annual awards ceremony, with Les Miserables nabbing all the musical acting categories except for male lead (which also went to Signature’s David Margulies for The Happy Time). LADIES NIGHT: Eight glamorous gals shared four tied awards, thus doubling the female winner quotient this year. Broadway legend Chita Rivera wasn’t there to accept, but outstanding lead actress/resident musical co-recipient Natascia Diaz held her own with a breathless tribute: “Oh my God, Chita! You are who I want to be when I grow up.” Winners received a glow necklace!

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Leonardo DiCaprio

Location: Kuwait Embassy Residence

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos by Lynn Hornor Keith, Vicky Pombo. and Kyle Samperton

GLAMOUR FOR A CAUSE: Only 144 very select guests made the cut for this year’s dinner, hosted on Earth Day by Kuwaiti Ambassador Salem Al-Sabah and his wife Rima (glamorous in a chiffon leopard print by Dior) to thank donors of $1.8 million to conservation projects in Brazil and Indonesia. THE CHOSEN: Obama Administration heavy-weights, major media personalities, and top corporate donors feasted on baked potato topped with caviar, lamb chops and a Clementine tart before honors were meted out to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and actor Leonardo DiCaprio for their dedication to the cause of conservation. MAGIC MOMENT: Marvin Hamlisch’s special tribute to “Hillary,” sung to the tune of “Maria” from West Side Story, brought down the house.

Allison and Chris Putala

Location: The home of Christopher & Allison Putala

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

ALL THAT JAZZ: At the Georgetown home of Christopher and Allison Putala, The Duke Ellington Ovation Society’s young donors counted down the days to the festival’s main event, a gala concert at the Kennedy Center with Harry Connick, Jr., and the Marsalis family on June 15th. The charismatic Steven Stolman stood barefootted on a white couch in his Palm Beach finery to address the enthusiastic guests who dined on canapés provided by Capital Grille and listened to jazz – of course. THE GUESTS: Ali Hershey, Kimberly Warfield, Keith Blackman, Diana Minshall and Bailey Rockwell.

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Jill Biden, Judith Jamison, and Marian Robinson

Location: Kennedy Center

Photos By Kyle Samperton

MUCH TO CELEBRATE: Fifty years of the country’s pre-eminent African American dance company, another joyous performance of the classic “Revelations” by the talented troupe, and a very special new first couple in the White House. SPECIAL GUESTS: The Obamas didn’t make it into the presidential box until later in the run but Jill Biden and Marian Robinson (Michelle Obama’s mother) stayed for the show and a chat with Ailey artistic director Judith Jamison. ALSO SPOTTED: Co-chairwomen Carolyn Brody and Beatrice Welters, Michael Kahn, Polly Kraft, George and Liz Stevens, Ann Stock, Debbie Dingell, Huda and Samia Farouki, Jim Kolbe, Marc and Jacqueline Leland, John Cochran, Bill Plante, Hilary Rosen, and Sissy Yates.

Tom Nelson with Trish and George Vradenburg

Location: The Grand Hyatt

Photos by Kyle Samperton

REMEMBERING THOSE WHO FORGET: The Alzheimer’s Association’s fifth annual gala was particularly memorable because of the candor of guests such as Sharon Percy Rockefeller, Maria Shriver, and Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens, who shared stories of the tragic decline of close family members. HONORING THOSE WHO REMEMBER: Awards were bestowed on four individuals who have served the cause: Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former Sen. Bob Kerrey, and Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, an Alzheimer’s Disease treatment pioneer. The event raised over $6 million for research and critical care services.

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David and Mary Ritchie

Location: National Building Museum

WL SPONSORED - Photos by Kyle Samperton

DINING FOR A CAUSE: Chefs from more than 40 of the metropolitan area’s top eateries, bakeries, and caterers gathered to bake, braise, fry, fricassee, sear, and sauté their signature specialties to support children being treated for catastrophic illnesses at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. SURPRISE PRIZE: With all the top-ranked restaurant maîtres de cuisine vying to outdo each other, who would have guessed the tasters’ choice award would go to the extravagant dessert mélange prepared by Xavier Deshayes, chef of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center?

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Actress Gretchen Mol

Location: E Street Cinema

WL SPONSORED - Photos by Kyle Samperton and Paul Morigi

AFFAIR OF THE HEART: Gretchen Mol chose winter white for the movie premiere rather than the “American flag and nothing else” look that she wore on the film’s poster, but the crowd was still atwitter at the E Street Cinema and later at Tattoo Bar. Everyone was wondering who Mol’s character — a divorcee covertly dating President Kennedy — was based on. Socialite Mary Pinchot Meyer was the leading contender according to the knowledgeable crowd. THE GUESTS: William Sten Olsson, Robin Bronk, Jessica Hoy, Carly Weisenberg, Kate Novak, James Debhorn, Alex Metcalf, and Kevin Leyden.

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Doran Flowers and Tina Hsu

Location: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

GALA OPENING: WPAS made the brilliant choice of star German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter accompanied by the musicians of the Camerata Salzburg for its season opening performance. Vilde Frang joined her in one Bach piece, then Mutter thrilled the sellout crowd with Tartini’s Devil’s Trill. THE PLAYERS: Diplomats enjoying dinner, the all-Baroque program, and post-performance desserts included envoys from Germany, Great Britain, and Cyprus, WPAS Chairman Jay Hammer, WPAS President Neale Pearl, Shirley and Albert Small, Annie Totah, Paul Stern, June and Jerome Libin, long-time supporter Barbara Gordon, and co-chairmen Rachel Tinsley Pearson and Kevin Fitzgerald.

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Ball chairwoman Cathy Jones and Diane Schaefer

Location: Kennedy Center

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

PARTY IN PRAGUE: The annual concert’s “Winter in Wenceslas Square” theme featured carols sung in Czech (including the one about the “Good King”) as well as the inevitable “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and other favorites. CZECH IT OUT: Cocktails, dinner and dancing for 600 followed on the Roof Terrace where over-the-top silent auction (boasting a 40-page catalog) occupied guests not swooning over the Art-Nouveau-inspired décor and Jack Lucky’s bountiful blooms. CELEBRANTS: Morton and Grace Bender, Winston Bao Lord, Carter and Lisa Cafritz, Linda Stern, Anita and Bill McBride, Jim and Ghislaine Shallcross, Bill and Erica Moorhead, Josh Rales, Pat Sagon, Chuck Ghoorah, and the ambassadors of Afghanistan, Colombia, Bulgaria, Japan, and Mexico.

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Susan Harreld and Diane Brown

Location: Andrew Mellon Auditorium

WL SPONSORED - Photos by Kyle Samperton

GLORIOUS GREECE: Actors dressed as ancient Greek philosophers, warriors, and Olympians greeted guests at the “Thessaloniki: Jewel of the Ages”-themed gala before a night of live and silent auctions, dancing, and a plentiful feast of olives, feta, dolmadakia and lamb washed down with ouzo and Greek wines (of the non-resinated variety). No bouzouki players or Zorba dancers were featured although popular Greek dance music was heard throughout the night. A SPARTAN AFFAIR: Veggie cornucopias (later donated to the D.C. Central Kitchen) replaced floral arrangements; ticket prices were halved to $500. WHO WAS THERE: Moroccan Amb. Aziz Mekouar and his wife, Maria Selice, Judith Terra, Phillip and Nina Pillsbury, Toni Gore, Carter and Amanda Hood, Edward and Marnelle Bruce, and auctioneer Conrad Burns.

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Kay Kendall and Jack Davies

Location: Spices Asian Restaurant and Uptown Theater

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

YES! Continuing its connection with the Valenti family and Hollywood, Woodley House screened Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures’ smash hit, Yes Man, to celebrate its 50th anniversary and its mission to help people suffering from mental illness. ON SET: After an exceptionally catered reception, guests sauntered to the Uptown Theatre screening where Sen. Edward M. Kennedy and his son, Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, were honored for their work on the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.

Chris Murray and photographer David Burnett

Location: Govinda Gallery

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos by Kyle Samperton

JAMMIN’ MON!: In honor of Bob Marley’s birthday, Govinda Gallery opened its doors to Washington’s arts crowd to celebrate “Soul Rebel: An Intimate Portrait of Bob Marley,” presenting David Burnett’s photographs of the legendary musician. On assignment for Time Magazine, Burnett photographed Marley in Jamaica and Europe in 1976 and 1977. THE WAILERS: Susan and Cerphe Colwell, Yosi Sargent, and Cookie Jacobs.

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Bailey Switzer and Bobby Blair

Location: Posh Restaurant and Supper Club

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

JUST DANCE: The night was cold but the city’s young philanthropic set turned up the heat on the dance floor after coming out in force for an evening of drinks, desserts, and of course, dancing. The second annual event brought in over $50,000 for the renowned children’s hospital. GUESTS: Kimball Stroud, Liza Tanner, Tommy Cleaver, Sean Sullivan, Sarah Altmayer, Thalia Attinger, and Zach Mannis.

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Shepard Fairey

Location: 3333 M Street, Georgetown

WL SPONSORED EVENT – Photos by Kyle Samperton

DIFFERENT STROKES: Opening night for the 122 artists creating for hope brought out Washington’s top artists, collectors, curators, and gallery owners. The temporary exhibition was hosted by el fuego American pop artist Shepard Fairey and his label, Obey, along with moveon.org and SEIU. Tireless work by the curatorial team at Irvine Contemporary Gallery made this one of the most important independent art exhibitions in Washington history.

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Luis Alberto Moreno and JoAnn Mason

Location: Organization of American States

WL SPONSORED EVENT – Photos by Kyle Samperton

DINING WITH A DIVA: Soprano Renée Fleming wowed the crowd at the Kennedy Center as the conflicted maternal poisoner in Donizetti’s rarely-performed 1833 work, then did it again at the glam post-performance dinner (along with hunky Italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo, a former Sistine Chapel Choir soloist). Guests marveled at Placido Domingo conducting, the Star Wars-ish costumes and lavish sets (both by director John Pascoe) during cocktails, a late supper and Maestro Domingo’s inevitably lengthy thanks-yous and tributes to the cast and crew.

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Model in Etro. Photo by Kyle Samperton

Location: Saks Jandel, Chevy Chase

Photos by Kyle Samperton

FASHION FORWARD: Washington’s stylish set gathered at Saks Jandel to take in resort wear from J. Mendel and Etro and meet the men behind the celebrated design houses. The event, featuring a runway show of diaphanous evening and warm weather garments, benefited Knock out Abuse. THE FASHIONISTAS: J. Mendel’s Gilles Mendel, ETRO’s Marco Pievani and Robert Amaro, Andrea Roane, and Ludmila Cafritz.

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John Podesta and Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Photo by Tony Powell

Location: The Fairfax at Embassy Row and Jockey Club Lounge

WL HOSTED EVENT – Photos by Tony Powell, Kyle Samperton, and Joseph Allen

A musical celebration with speaker Nancy Pelosi, John Podesta and Warren Haynes

TRANSITION TOASTS: The week of inauguration festivities kicked off with a Washington Life hosted high-octane gathering of power players who were at the heart of the presidential transition and inauguration planning teams.

THE SCENE: Festivities were co-sponsored by The Atlantic, National Journal, Celebrity Service International, and the Washington Capitals. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Presidential Transition Team Co-Chair John Podesta made remarks before guitar virtuoso Warren Haynes wowed the crowd with two sets, including U2’s “One” in honor of Pelosi and Podesta.

ROLL CALL: Larry Summers, Don and Megan Beyer, Michael Strautmanis, Christine Varney, Michelle Jolin, Michael Warren, Chris Matthews, Marne Levine, Vince Panvini, Todd Thompson, and Sen. Mark Warner, amongst other members of Congress and ambassadors.

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By Karin Tanabe

Artist Shepard Fairey. Photo by Kyle Samperton

Let the inaugural games begin. It’s the afternoon of Saturday the 17th and I’ve just trotted to four different inaugural celebrations in 18 hours—all held blocks apart celebrating the same iconic event, yet every one unique in their atmosphere.

The first fête I clicked my heels Friday evening was the launch of Manifest Hope DC, held in the vast space that used to house Artefacto furniture on M Street. In conjunction with Moveon.org, Irvine Contemporary Gallery, artist Shepard Fairey, SEIU, and our magazine Washington Life, more than one hundred artists displayed work that in one innovative way or another paid homage to our 44th president.

My first thoughts when I walked out to brace for the onslaught of the 14 degree weather and my eyes turning to iceballs were, 1) why don’t we have more events like this in Washington? It would be amazing if this cavernous space remained a space for the arts and the community. And 2) I sincerely hope that very soon to be President Obama ought to be able to see this show.

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Paula and Robert Hisaoka

Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

WL SPONSORED - Photos By Kyle Samperton

REMEMBERING: This first annual event benefited Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts and celebrated the late Joan Hisaoka, founder and president of Hisaoka Public Relations. The Healing Arts Gallery at Smith Farm Center was named in memory of Joan because of her dedication to its shared mission to transform the experience of cancer patients through the arts.

BON APPÉTIT: Joan had a passion for food, and the specially crafted four-course menu with wine pairings by Chef Todd and Ellen Gray of Equinox restaurant were exquisite indeed. The night ended on a high note with music by Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals.

THE GUESTS: Richard and Bonnie Patterson, Jack Davies, Gary Nakamoto, Leah Gansler, Ken and Faye Morrissette, and Charles Mann.

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Joe Davies and Joe Stettinius

Location: Washington International Horse Show, Verizon Center

WL SPONSORED – Photos By Kyle Samperton

SADDLE UP: Guests donned “boots and bling” and kicked up their heels to benefit Autism Speaks while enjoying the festivities at the Washington International Horse Show. Whether chowing down on old-fashioned BBQ, cutting a rug on the dance floor, or braving the mechanical bull, everyone got a taste of the Wild West thanks to co-chairs Shelly Galli, Juliet Reid, and Reg Stettinius.

COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS: Gwen Holliday, Wendy Block, Chris Hughes, Sissy Yates, Monica and John Darvish, and Adam Bernstein.

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Kelly Kavcsak and Kamari Wheeler

Location: The Corcoran Gallery of Art

WL SPONSORED – Photos By Kyle Samperton

THE PARTY: A night of glitz, glamour, and, of course, lots of art at the annual fête hosted by the gallery’s youthful 1869 Society. This year’s theme urged guests to Party with the Power Players while featuring an exclusive look at Richard Avedon’s “Portraits of Power” exhibit. Upstairs, guests admired his iconic photographs of statesmen and movie stars; downstairs they kept dancing ’till the very end, breaking it down to some classic tunes mixed by DJ Will Eastman.

THE PLAYERS: Omar Popal, Cameron and Kurt Rupprecht, Kristen Guiter, Trevor Young, Bridget Morris, Phillipa Hughes, Alexandra Alvarez, and Maggie Ford.

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Alina, Francesca, and Katherine Shriver

Location: The Sargent and Eunice Shriver Residence, Potomac, Md.

WL SPONSORED EVENT – Photos By Kyle Samperton

THE BUDDY SYSTEM: The Best Buddies Ball at Sarge and Eunice Shriver’s home featured the usual over-the-top hoopla: a circus-sized tent, big buck auction items, and major talent (Cirque du Soleil acrobats and saxophonist Kenny G) performing for a sold-out crowd of 900 guests. The arrival of Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, wife of the emir of Quatar, added to the mystique (along with the oil rich state’s seven-figure contribution), although the Hollywood power factor was somewhat diluted by Robert De Niro’s embarrassing attempt to publicly cheek smooch the Muslim royal consort after presenting her with an award.

FOND FAREWELL: Best Buddies founder Anthony Shriver announced the ball’s demise after two decades with a fond tribute to his ailing parents, who recently put their estate on the market for $11.8 million.

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Annie Totah, Janet Sloan, Sheila Johnson, and Bob Sloan

Location: The Four Seasons

WL SPONSORED – Photos By Tony Powell

A RECORD-BREAKING NIGHT: Event chairwoman Sheila Johnson and the gala committee raised over $1.25M at the most successful Sibley Hospital event ever, a dinner to benefit the Cancer Center. The Mars Family Award recipient was Sen. Arlen Specter, and the Hope & Progress Award was presented to Thomas Sullivan. A highlight of the evening was the gift, by an anonymous donor, of $50,000 to purchase the auction’s showpiece, a Lois Mailou Jones painting. The donor asked only that the work, “find its home at Howard University” where the painter taught art for many years.

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Aisha Davis and Monica Thompson

Location: The Four Seasons

WL SPONSORED – Photos by Kyle Samperton

A RECORD-BREAKING NIGHT: Event chairwoman Sheila
Johnson and the gala committee raised over $1.25M at the
most successful Sibley Hospital event ever, a dinner to benefit
the Cancer Center. The Mars Family Award recipient was Sen.
Arlen Specter, and the Hope & Progress Award was presented
to Thomas Sullivan. A highlight of the evening was the gift, by
an anonymous donor, of $50,000 to purchase the auction’s
showpiece, a Lois Mailou Jones painting. The donor asked only
that the work, “find its home at Howard University” where the
painter taught art for many years.

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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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