Social Scene

Mary Bird • January 29, 2015

Under heightened security, guests entered the Embassy of France Jan. 14 to attend the first Capricorn party, named after the late legendary Lolo Sarnoff’s annual birthday fete. Sarnoff was truly a renaissance figure who excelled as a Swiss-German artist, scientist and philanthropist. In 1988, at age 72, she founded greater Washington’s Arts for the Aging (AFTA) to engage older adults in health improvement and life enhancement through the arts. AFTA Director & CEO Janine Tursini remembered Sarnoff as “my friend and mentor.” Matt Hastings recalled Lolo’s wit when she remarked, “They tell me the music is country. Which country?”

Mary Bird •

Firmly entrenched in the diplomatic community, Hungarian-born Aniko Gaal Schott and her husband Nash welcomed guests to their embassy-elegant home Jan. 16 to bid farewell to Hungarian Ambassador Gyorgy Szapary, who will return to Budapest. They also chose the occasion to welcome visiting friend Csaba Kael, the CEO and artistic director of “MUPA,” Hungary’s Palace of the Arts, which is the largest performing arts center in Central Europe. Guests enjoyed elegant hors d’oeuvres and a caviar-laden buffet of temptations.

Peter Murray • January 20, 2015

Oscar-nominated actor Bradley Cooper was in town Jan. 13 for a screening of his new film, “American Sniper,” which was directed by Clint Eastwood. The movie is based on the autobiography of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, one of the most lethal snipers in U.S. history, and details his tours in Iraq and his battle with posttraumatic stress disorder upon arriving home. A Marine Corps veteran whom Kyle had brought to a shooting range to help calm his PTSD killed Kyle in 2013.

Kyle’s widow, Taya Kyle, attended the screening held in the Burke Theater at the U.S. Navy Memorial. Vice President Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and former Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) were also in attendance. Biden was “moved to tears during the final sequence,” at the screening according to the Daily Beast.

The movie has received largely positive reviews and was nominated Jan. 15 for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and a number of more minor Academy Awards. Cooper was nominated as Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Kyle. “American Sniper” was snubbed at the Golden Globes, with no nominations in any category.

A Georgetown University alum, Cooper was spotted dining at Café Milano on Prospect Street after the screening. The restaurant is somewhat of a haunt for Cooper, who was last seen there in 2010 with then-girlfriend Renée Zellweger. [gallery ids="101970,135654,135643,135656,135648" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • January 16, 2015

Friends of DryBar met model Molly Sims, whose new book, “The Everyday Supermodel, Molly Sims,” offers “beauty, fashion, wellness secrets made simple.” DryBar Bethesda was the place to be for advice and bubbly on Jan. 8.

Robert Devaney •

The 2014 Leukemia Ball presented by PhRMA—one of Washington, D.C.’s largest non-political, black-ties—raised nearly $3 million for the fight against leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. At least 2,000 attendees danced the night away to the music of Huey Lewis and the News and enjoyed a comedic performance by Ryan Hamilton at the Washington Convention Center March 22. [gallery ids="116953,116946,116958" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Clicked — “Connect, inspire, achieve” — which sets dinners for leading professionals, met March 12 at Rialto Restaurant on M Street. The group likens itself to a “traveling country club.” [gallery ids="101684,144122,144126" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

The American Ireland Fund hosted its 22nd Annual National Gala and honored Vice President Joe Biden with its Peace Award March 13 at the National Building Museum.
Among the other speakers: An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D., Prime Minister of Ireland, and former Sen. Chris Dodd. Norah O’Donnell, co-anchor of “CBS This Morning,” served as mistress of ceremonies.
[gallery ids="101685,144118,144106,144101,144109,144114,144121" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

On March 18, the Fashion Group International of Greater Washington, D.C., Region hosted its inaugural Rising Star awards event, honoring Washington, D.C.’s emerging talent at Fabio Trabocchi’s Casa Luca.

Rising Star 2014 Winners:

Accessories
Camille Gabriele, Camille Gabriele Designs

Beauty
JoElle Lee, JoElle Skin Care

Interior Design
William McGovern, McGovern Design Studio
Jewelry
Sophie Blake, Sophie Blake NY
New Media
All Things Fashion DC

Menswear
Pranov Vora & Philip Soriano, Hugh & Crye

Photography
Violetta Markelou, VM Photography

Stylist
Ariella Toloza, Ariella Faith

Womenswear
Tashia Senn, Tashia Senn Design

Mary Bird •

Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria Elena Poptodorova and her husband Georgi Petrov celebrated the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria, which falls on March 3, at the Organization of American States on March 5. The ambassador expressed her appreciation to the musicians for the beautiful rendition of the countries’ national anthems. She called the occasion a day of optimism and acknowledged U.S. government representatives, members of the armed services and the diplomatic corps. She cited Bulgaria’s membership in NATO and the European Union and thanked civil society and Washington society for their consistent friendship.? [gallery ids="116970,116961,116980,116985,116997,116991" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

On, Feb. 12, the eve of yet another storm that closed the Federal Government the following day, Cynthia Howar hosted an enthusiastic gathering at her home studio for a wine and cheese reception to celebrate her new works of art “Paintings from the Brandywine Valley, Cuba, and Provence (2013).” The artist sells her works and notecards of her paintings from her studio and online. She was recently included in the Citizens Association of Georgetown Art Show at the House of Sweden. [gallery ids="101651,145214,145209,145216" nav="thumbs"]