What: 02138 Launch Party, the new Vanity Fair-like magazine for Harvard grads

Where: Former Cuban Embassy, now the house of Atlantic Media Publisher David Bradley

When: October 24, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Who: Assorted Atlantic Media staff including Stuart Taylor, Jr., Ross Douthat, and Matt Quirk; local Harvard alums ranging in age from 21 to 80, including ABC's Jessica Yellin, Time's Perry Bacon, NYT's David Sanger, Fred Malek, and Ford Transportation Secretary William T. Coleman, Jr., 02138 staff, sponsors, and Examiner gossip Jeff Dufour. Also present were two of the "Harvard 100," 02138's list of the school's most powerful alumni: Conservative powerhouse Grover Norquist (#40) and the Aspen Institute's Walter Isaacson (#87). No sign of Harvard MBA George W. Bush, who made #2 on the list (behind Bill Gates).

Entrance Price: One (1) Harvard Degree

Scene: The best dressed were the waiters, followed by Katherine Bradley. Guests mingled through the palatial first floor of the Bradley's house, interrupted briefly by remarks from 02138's founders.

Food: Passed snacks, large table buffet.

Beverages of Choice: Pom magaritas, Champagne, Glenmorangie scotch whisky.

Sign of Excess: The dual Maybachs on display out front.

Gift Bag Contents: Premiere issue of 02138, Maybach branded Titleist golf balls, Hardcover copy of "The Namesake: A Novel" by Jhumpa Lahiri (while Lahiri isn't an alum, the book will be made into a movie by Mira Nair, Harvard '79).

Ratings:

Bold Face Guests: 2 (out of 5)
Swankiness: 3 (out of 5)
Food/Drinks: 4 (out of 5)
Overall Exclusivity: 4 (out of 5)

Total Score: 13 (out of 20)

What: The YouthAIDS Annual Gala, "Faces of Latin America"

Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner

When: October 13, 6:30 p.m. to late

Who: Virgin chief/world playboy Sir Richard Branson, Ashley Judd, Wynonna Judd, Circus leaders Bonnie and Kenneth Feld, Project Runway's Tim Gunn, Poseidon's Josh Lucas and Emmy Rossum, Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera, Stylist Phillip Bloch, Performers Jorge Moreno and Michael McDonald, AOL titans Ted Leonsis and Steve Case, Mystics owner Sheila Johnson and husband Judge William T. Newman, 9 News' Tracey Neale, Discovery Networks President Billy Campbell, Mark Ein, jewelry designer Roberto Coin, and Washington ballet director Septime Webre. Paula Abdul was supposedly in attendance, but there were no confirmed sightings.

Entrance Price: $1,000 a ticket.

Scene: Ambiguous "fiesta cocktail" attire leads to a motley assortment of fashion: Some black tie, some suits, long dresses, short dresses, and then of course there were the Ringling Brothers & Bailey circus performers on stilts. Lengthy program, including more than ten speakers, two musical performances, one salsa dance, and live auction led by Neale, Gunn, and Bloch, leads to many guests ducking out before the evening wraps up. Nevertheless swanky scene, Hollywood stars, and a good cause make for a successful evening.

Food Highlight: Giant tubs of fresh-made guacamole from Rosa Mexicano; Small Mayan temples made out of chocolate.

Main Course: Marquen spiced Carolina grouper, dried tomato flan, autumn root vegetables, and cilantro butter.

Beverage of Choice: Tart 10 Cane Rum "original" daiquiris.

Sign of Excess: For a bargain rate of only $15,000, Steve Case in the gala's live auction won himself a collection of pricey wines, including 2 bottles of 1988 Chateau Latour Premier Grand Cru Classe Pauillac, 1990 Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet, 1991 Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet, 1994 Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet, 2 bottles of 1995 and 1996 Williams Selyem Sonoma County Pinot Noir, 1 Double Magnum of 1999 Ravenswood Pickberry Cabernet, 2 bottles of 1971 La Tache, DRC, 2 bottles of 1947 Chambertin Grand Cru, Louis Remy, 2 bottles of 1970 Petrus, Pomerol, and 2 bottles of 1961 Chateau Haut-Brion, Premier Grand Cru.

Gift Bag Contents: $100 Saks Gift Card, a copy of Veuve Clicquot's own magazine and sunglasses case, Washington Mystics panda bear, Kiehl's sampler, Aldo YouthAids' necklace. Lots of pamphlets and store directories.

Ratings:

Bold Face Guests: 4 (out of 5)
Swankiness: 4 (out of 5)
Food/Drinks: 4 (out of 5)
Overall Exclusivity: 4 (out of 5)

Total Score: 16 (out of 20)

Our hope here is to bring you inside the Washington scene -- whether it's the week's hottest party, the weekend's biggest black tie gala, the morning's juiciest news, or the latest local must read. Check back here regularly for party pictures, swag reports, and general gossip.