>> Want more photos? See our slideshow of the party here 

What: Fashion Washington’s one-year anniversary party and Sartorialist book signing.

Where: The just-opened Masa 14 restaurant.

When: October 19, 7 to 9.

Ticket prices: Invitation only, though the book signing was opened to the public at 9.

Why: Fashion Washington, the Washington Post’s W-inspired glossy fashion publication, is a year old. Special guest Scott Schuman, better known as the Sartorialist, was on hand to sign copies of his new book of the same name.

Who: Washingtonian Style Setter and rumored Real Housewives of DC star Lynda Erkiletian showed up late (sans camera crew) and happily air-kissed her way through the crowd. Local noteworthys included Brightest Young Things editor Svetlana Legetic; photographer Dakota Fine; Sean Tuohey, a Washingtonian of Year in 2005; Ebong Eka, one of The Washingtonian’s best-dressed men in 2007; Greg’s List founder Greg O’Neill; Makeda Saggau-Sackey of The Glamazon Diaries; and Kristin Guiter, head of public relations at the Corcoran Art Gallery (who rocked gold-plated shoulder accents). Fashion Washington publisher Jenny Abramson awarded Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau—ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau’s grandchildren—with a special style award. Betsy Lowther—Fashion Is Spinach blogger and Fashion Washington senior editor—stopped to talk with nearly every guest. The world-famous street-fashion photographer Scott Schuman cut a dashing figure in horn-rimmed spectacles and his signature suit-and-open-collar combination.

The scene: Dimmed lights, a cleared floor, and a pop-conscious DJ kept the crowd constantly moving. Schuman signed copies of The Sartorialist until 12:30 AM at the front entrance, and Fashion Washington ushered especially stylish attendees onto its portable photo-shoot set.

Food and drink: Masa 14 appetizers—crispy wok-fried okra, spicy tuna sushi rolls, and mushroom-escabeche flatbread—circled the room on black lacquered trays. House drinks of the night included Emperor Mojitos and vodka-infused strawberry lemonade.

Fashion: Super-trendy, cocktail-ready, and more New York than we’ve ever seen in Washington. The younger crowd leaned toward glamorously disheveled hipster ensembles, though the room was not lacking smart tweed jackets and creatively draped, richly colored cocktail dresses. Favorite looks included a Valentino cream jumpsuit (miraculously purchased at T.J. Maxx), Lesley Benn’s bold-shouldered Marc Jacobs sweater and “leggings”-emblazoned leggings, and Tracy Rosenbaum—Schuman’s super-sweet assistant—channeling an edgy Audrey Hepburn in a leather pencil skirt and pixie cut.

“I expected great things in cities like London and Paris, but DC was a total surprise,” Schuman posted later on his blog. “What a great-looking and diverse crowd.”

Looks like we won the Sartorialist’s seal of approval.

Ratings
Boldface names: 4 out of 5.
Swankiness: 3.75 out of 5.
Food and drink: 3 out of 5.
Overall exclusivity: 4 out of 5.

Total score: 14.75 out of 20.

 More>> 15 Minutes with the Sartorialist