Upon arrival, partygoers were greeted by Marc Parc’s VIP Valet service and quickly escorted to the lobby, which had been decorated with an innovative word board by Avista. Cameras clicked illuminated faces and Champagne flowed. Wells and his team set up a custom bar in the foyer, offering Chandon from Diageo and set up an intimate lounge area decorated with chic furniture from Roche Bobois.
The biggest surprise was yet to come. When the elevator doors opened onto the Capitol Plaza’s 10th floor, the surprise element kicked in. The vacant industrial space had undergone a complete metamorphosis into a sleek modern lounge to welcome the best and brightest of young Washington.
Event production company Syzygy brought in four truckloads of furniture and decorative accessories. The walls were draped from floor to ceiling with diaphanous white curtains, but still allowed for an amazing 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Wells’ selection of simple black and white furniture contrasted dramatically with pink-infused light design provided by Frost Lighting. Syzygy’s four stylish bars (including one mirrored and circular version near the dance floor) were stocked with Diageo brands: Ketel One, Tangueray, Johnnie Walker Black, and Captain Morgan. Also, premiere vintage red Shiraz from Oasis Winery, courtesy of America’s Polo Cup, was served at a special wine bar. Digital video I-board’s added a great multi-media component by looping WLTV videos all night. And MIX 107.3 DJ Tommy McFly broadcasting his show live, added a few sparks.
Equally impressive: the stunning floral arrangements crafted by Janet Flowers Wedding and Event Design. With a mix of James story orchids, mini calla lilies, cymbidium orchids, hot pink roses, and blooming cherry and tulip magnolia branches, Flowers masterfully transformed the space into an ode to spring.
Adding to the heightened sense of style were models from the area’s top agency, T.H.E Artist Agency, showcasing spring fashions provided by trendy clothing boutique CUSP. Nuri Yurt and the team from Georgetown’s TOKA Salon made sure the models’ hair and make-up were as stylish as their wardrobe.
As guests strolled through the energy-filled space, they came to the DJ booth, where some of the city’s hottest talent spun for the exclusive crowd. Cassidy Karakorn and Fabiana, Chris Burns, Adrian Loving, and Jawanza Rand all brought their unique brand of musical stylings to the tables. Jack Shannon from East Coast Entertainment, who supplied the band for the fourth year, brought the crowd-pleasing band B, S & M, who kept guests grooving to upbeat R&B tunes.
Luckily, one of Washington’s top caterers, Design Cuisine, was on the scene to help replenish the energy burned off on the dance floor. Plate after plate of savory hors d’oeuvres provided a treat for both eyes and tastebuds. The Champagne bar with different fruit purees was also a hit as was the cupcake tower of power provided by Georgetown Cupcake.
New this year was the addition of a Gifting Suite with a glamorous lounge area, also featuring Roche Bobois furniture. It was here that guests picked up their gift bags – assembled by the Style & Image Network and Kadrieka Maiden – containing products and gift certificates from top local boutiques and restaurants.
With the main party winding down around midnight, it was time for the night owls to take flight. The revelry moved one block over to Ibiza Nightclub where our DJ’s, along with Emperor Vodka and Smart Water, kept the late crowd moving. A new genmeration in the White House’s inspired everyone to keep on dancing well into the night.
Mindful of a social scene that often revolves around the same venues, we’d like to salute all of our sponsors and guests for believing in something different. It was great to break the mold with you! Until next year…
Special Thanks to our sponsors!
Cusp, Diageo, Noma Bid, Perennial Sports and Entertainment, and Roche Bobois
Swagalicious!
What was inside the gift bag?
Saks Fifth Avenue – Black patent leather gift bag
Co Co. Sala – Chocolate bars
Intermix – $50 gift card
Hudson – $25 gift card
Tourneau – $250 gift card
Lima – Dinner discount card
Red Door Spa – Nail files and compact mirrors and Prevage anti-aging treatment
Après Peau – R. Nichols stationary
Georgetown Cupcake – Gift card
Georgetown Skin – $200 gift card
Shiseido – Hydro powder eye shadow
Forever Lily – Sample fragrance
Alchime Forever – Masque /lumiere et eclat/ brightening moisture mask
Destination DC – Power Tunes gift card
Cibu International – Shampoo and conditioner
Vitamin Water
The Grooming Lounge – Facial products
Lancôme – Secret de Vie perfume
South Moon Under – Discount card
David Yurman – Perfume
Aidah Collection – Limited edition inauguration 2009 champagne flutes
Cartier – Magazine
Wink – Discount card
Yaku – Gift certificate
Kitchen – Gift certificate
Goout2eat.com – Discount card
Washington Nationals – Bobble head doll
Cusp – Discount card
