D.C. ‘American Sniper’ Screening Attracts Bradley Cooper, Political Stars
• 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"]

Meeting Molly Sims, ‘Everyday Supermodel’
• 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.

Cancer Research Gets ‘The Power of Love’
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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"]

Clicked: Networking Dinner at Rialto Restaurant
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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"]

American Ireland Fund Honors Veep
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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.
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Rising Stars in Fashion
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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

Bulgaria’s National Day
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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"]

Cynthia Howar Art Reception
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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"]

Celebrating Norah’s Big 4-O
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Some cool gals got together Feb. 15 to celebrate the 40th birthday of Norah O’Donnell, co-anchor of “CBS This Morning,” and wife of D.C. chef and restaurateur Geoff Tracy. The group took over the second floor of Cafe Milano, the spot where first lady Michelle Obama celebrated her birthday last year. [gallery ids="117004,117001" nav="thumbs"]

State of Kuwait National Day
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Ambassador and Mrs. Salem Al-Sabah welcomed their guests to the 53rd Anniversary of the National Day of the State of Kuwait at the Four Seasons Hotel on Feb. 20. Exquisite floral arrangements adorned the ballroom where food stations offered an international display of temptations. Buffet tables were laden with the very best of the Middle East, Asia, Italy and the U.S., featuring mini lobster rolls, crab cakes and so much more. The dessert treats would take a season of MasterChef programs to reproduce. [gallery ids="101652,145205,145203" nav="thumbs"]