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Washington Walks the Red Carpet

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Yes, there was a red carpet running the length of the lobby at the Hilton Saturday evening for the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner, but that was far as it went in terms of what looks we, as US Weekly-loving Americans, have come to expect to be displayed on it. Even though though the scene for the annual event rarely delivers on the fashion front, we love it and so pore over the pictures in the paper for days. As Washingtonians, it’s our yearly shot at glamour.

Read on for the rest….

As my friends and I touched (uncomfortable) heels to red carpet entering the Hinckley Hilton early that evening, I quickly took in the scene. Most of the guests, with the exceptions of a few rich wives, were stamping awkwardly, and too quickly, down the red carpet. So quickly in fact that the cluster of photographers, roped off behind a pathetic red rope (?? hello, this isn’t Brad & Angie) was forced to stop the entrants with a polite but firm “excuse me Mr. Kissinger!?!”

But the point is, it’s not–and it likely won’t be–a fashion parade any year soon. This is Washington folks, and there’ a reason folks call it “prom.” Sparkly, long, unimaginatively constructed dresses, too-done hair and jewelry. Too-dark lipstick, poorly applied foundation. White stockings and casual flats (yes…on grown women…no pictures unfortunately, but I SAW it.). Relatives, including children gathered in the lobby after the dinner.

So maybe this is what was going through my head when Amy A asks me if I have a favorite dress. Although honestly and to put it simply, it wasn’t that everything was ugly; actually that was few and far between. It’s just that the “fashion” at the WHCAD was somewhat underwhelming. Lots of black dresses (which I was guilty of, but in my defense I didn’t go to the dinner, yawn.).

But this, to me, is part of the whole gestalt of the Dinner, the charm of it: how glamorously unglamorous it always turns out to be. Just like Washington. Dorky but adorable.

So, this ain’t The Oscars people.

That being said…

There were some lovely moments, one in the willowy form of Petra Nemcova, who oozed the most attractive accessory of all: natural, easy glamour and self-confidence. It had nothing to do with her outfit and everything to do with the casually confident way she carried herself…so much so that I actually didn’t realize that the couple I stopped for a photo was in fact Petra (and some dude). I know some would disagree, I actually kind of liked her dress. It suited her youth (and her glowing, dewy skin) and it didn’t push her super-modelness or breasts in anyone’s face like uhhh………..

….Anyway, Petra’s overall look was soft and pretty, and maybe it’s because she’s paid to do it, but damn if she didn’t look totally relaxed, happy to be there and comfortable in her own skin. She wasn’t looking furtively and self-consciously around like so many women do at parties, checking one another out, looking to see who arrived and who’s wearing the same dress. All women (and men) could take a cue.

Speaking of wearing the same dress, there really weren’t any obvious faux paux in that category, except this woman, in a lovely chocolate brown column dress, who quickly conceded that she bought it “in fifteen minutes off the rack” before mentioning that another woman was wearing the same dress in “some hideous color.” (err, green…!?)

During the day that day, roommate and I were out on a stroll we ended up in Dupont, where we practically bumped into Tim Gunn walking briskly in to Lambda Rising for a book “drop-in” (not a signing, mind you.). First let me say that a) I looked like crap and found myself quickly cursing the luck as we settled in for his talk and b) Tim Gunn is the most adorable, genuine man EVER. I loved everything he had to say and plus he was just as cute as punch. Mostly everyone wanted to gossip about the show & Kevin, but I brought it back to the book for the last question of the signing: “What’s the one thing we should take away from the book? The top tidbit of advice?”

He mentions what he called “the fit conundrum” (isn’t conundrum such a Tim Gunn word? I just want to squeeze him!). But his ultimate tip? Stand up straight. Apparently a gentleman had stopped him in the Metro to ask him how he could improve the fit of his suits. Tim told him to stand up straight, put his shoulders back and down. Walk tall.
Tim went further to say that he doesn’t think that anything is a “do” or a “don’t,” because clothing–and by extension fashion–is necessarily all about the wearer and who they are. He said he catches some flak from other fashion critics for not being critical enough.

This is why I am a fan. I feel like we could chat for a while. I really respect his broad and dynamic view of style, and that he deems confidence the most important way to look and feel stylish. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of that book! Additionally, he was a total champ at the Dinner, snapping pictures with folks and chatting. He was a real charmer, complimenting my shirt that day (“it’s a great color on you!”) and my dress at the Dinner (“who makes it? Turn around!!”).

But I digress. Yall want pictures. Feeding frenzy WHCDApalooza 2007 below:

Miss America. I don’t know a think about pageants, but do you think she has a dress sponsor and has to wear certain things?

They stood out–he for his glasses (guys have it so easy!) and her for the cut of the dress (love that neckline).

Long gowns are standard for ladies for the WHCAD, but her abbreviated length was fresh and age-appropriate.

Actress Kerry Washington in a Monique Lhuillier dress.

Most men wore identical tuxedos–standard rental-types with black cummerbunds and bowties. A few men mixed it up with colors or patterns, a few of which were a little unfortunate (American flags, cartoon characters, etc.).

Stand tall, ladies!!

Not only is the Dinner, to many, the biggest party in Washington & the one to be invited to, it’s got…celebrities! Like the guy from you know…the played the…anyway I forget but let’s get a picture!!! This is the POINT, people. The dresses and the afterparties and their swag and the CELEBS. Who even knows what the White House Correspondents Association is? Several friends of mine in journalism had no idea. Whatever, WHERE’S SANJAYA?!

…sigh. Yes, he was there. This was as close as I could get to take a picture. How ridiculous is that?! It was as if he was a unicorn.

Sort of like prom, the best feeling at the end of the night was being able to take off my shoes.
And eating Ben’s Chili Bowl.

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