Emmy Rossum and John Legend. Photograph by Julie Fischer.
What: W Washington D.C. hotel’s grand-opening fête.
Where: W Washington D.C. hotel (515 15th St., NW).
When: Thursday, October 8.
Ticket prices: Invitation only.
Who: An eclectic mix of more than 500 guests, including some Hollywood stars, White House staffers, media personalities, and the local socialite set. “I’m excited by my proximity to Mr. Obama,” gushed Phantom of the Opera actress Emmy Rossum about the hotel’s position near the White House. We also spotted Obama’s bodyguard, Reggie Love; MSNBC’s Norah O’Donnell; Capitals hockey player Alex Ovechkin; Washington Wizards player Caron Butler; and CNN’s John King, Dana Bash, and Suzanne Malveaux. Singer John Legend played an hourlong set in the ballroom. Sadly, rumors of an appearance by Robert De Niro were false.
Why: Although the hotel, purchased and renovated by Starwood Hotels, had a “soft” opening in July, this was the official debut party, complete with a purple-carpet entryway—a play on both the de rigueur red carpet as well as the hotel brand’s signature color.
Scene: Ridiculous. Modern Marie Antoinette lookalikes and men in powdered wigs mingled with the crowd, rocking out on guitars or dancing on tables. Women dressed with lace veils covering their faces—we’re still not sure who or what they were supposed to represent—circled the party, encouraging dancing and revelry. The crowd packed the hotel’s ballroom for Legend’s performance, which featured a band, dancers, and backup singers.
Fashion: Overall, the crowd won strong points for style—many men sported casual blazers and jeans or opted for figure-flattering suits, while women wore chic cocktail dresses with statement jewels. Actress Rossum donned a tight black, long-sleeved suede sheath dress and matching over-the-knee boots with oversize diamond hoops—stunning but decidedly low-key.
Food and drink: Numerous appetizer trays from Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s J&G Steakhouse, located on the first floor of the hotel, circulated through the party. On the menu: miniature chicken samosas, oysters on the half shell, crab fritters, bite-size burgers, and fresh spring rolls. In addition to beer, wine, and Champagne, the hotel offered a host of signature cocktails, including a strawberry lemonade Circoc vodka and an attractive mojito garnished with fresh mint.
A Night Out: W Washington D.C. Hotel’s Opening Fête
What: W Washington D.C. hotel’s grand-opening fête.
Where: W Washington D.C. hotel (515 15th St., NW).
When: Thursday, October 8.
Ticket prices: Invitation only.
Who: An eclectic mix of more than 500 guests, including some Hollywood stars, White House staffers, media personalities, and the local socialite set. “I’m excited by my proximity to Mr. Obama,” gushed Phantom of the Opera actress Emmy Rossum about the hotel’s position near the White House. We also spotted Obama’s bodyguard, Reggie Love; MSNBC’s Norah O’Donnell; Capitals hockey player Alex Ovechkin; Washington Wizards player Caron Butler; and CNN’s John King, Dana Bash, and Suzanne Malveaux. Singer John Legend played an hourlong set in the ballroom. Sadly, rumors of an appearance by Robert De Niro were false.
Why: Although the hotel, purchased and renovated by Starwood Hotels, had a “soft” opening in July, this was the official debut party, complete with a purple-carpet entryway—a play on both the de rigueur red carpet as well as the hotel brand’s signature color.
Scene: Ridiculous. Modern Marie Antoinette lookalikes and men in powdered wigs mingled with the crowd, rocking out on guitars or dancing on tables. Women dressed with lace veils covering their faces—we’re still not sure who or what they were supposed to represent—circled the party, encouraging dancing and revelry. The crowd packed the hotel’s ballroom for Legend’s performance, which featured a band, dancers, and backup singers.
Fashion: Overall, the crowd won strong points for style—many men sported casual blazers and jeans or opted for figure-flattering suits, while women wore chic cocktail dresses with statement jewels. Actress Rossum donned a tight black, long-sleeved suede sheath dress and matching over-the-knee boots with oversize diamond hoops—stunning but decidedly low-key.
Food and drink: Numerous appetizer trays from Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s J&G Steakhouse, located on the first floor of the hotel, circulated through the party. On the menu: miniature chicken samosas, oysters on the half shell, crab fritters, bite-size burgers, and fresh spring rolls. In addition to beer, wine, and Champagne, the hotel offered a host of signature cocktails, including a strawberry lemonade Circoc vodka and an attractive mojito garnished with fresh mint.
More>> Capital Comment Blog | News & Politics | Party Photos
Editors' Picks
A Heartwrenching Story About Why Teachers Are Leaving DC in Droves
Meet the Obama Appointee the Trump Administration Loves
How a Math Teacher Built a Ludicrously Profitable Escape Room Empire
Why Isn’t Sy Hersh Covering President Trump?
Most Popular in News
Here’s What Crystal City Will Look Like After Amazon Arrives
DC Finally Gets a Mueller-Themed Ice Cream Truck
A Heartwrenching Story About Why Teachers Are Leaving DC in Droves
It’s Being Billed as the High Line of DC. Will Anyone Actually Use it?
This Is Me: A Single Mother Who Conceived Via IVF
November 2018: Top Doctors
Related
There Are Still Six Confederate Memorials Around DC. How’s That Possible?
“Investment Layoff” Is a Masterpiece of Corporate Euphemism
Secret Service: Man Claimed to Be Jesus and Plotted to Kidnap One of the Obamas’ Dogs
The New York Times Thinks Its Readers Should Visit CityCenterDC. We Agree!
More from News
Here’s How You Can See Saturday Morning’s Rocket Launch From Washington
We Asked, You Answered: How Do You Like to Spend Alone Time Around DC?
Washingtonian Today: Bei Bei Is Still Not Over the Snow
Washingtonian Today: More Nerds Coming to the Area?