In Town

It’s no secret Maria Grazia Chiuri, the first-ever female creative director for Christian Dior, is one of the most successful designers of her generation. Not only has she transformed every fashion house she touches, but what often goes unsaid is the impact she’s made elevating other women in the fashion world.

Nationally recognized as an influential advocate on financial literacy and investor education, Mellody Hobson, President of Ariel Investments, is another female powerhouse who has changed the tide for women and people of color with her community outreach and philanthropic efforts.

On April 8 at the National Building Museum, Chiuri and Hobson will both be honored for their work at the National Museum of Women in the Arts’ annual black tie gala with a lifetime achievement award, alongside fellow nominee, feminist artist Judy Chicago, who is best known for her groundbreaking art exploring the roles of women in history and culture.
While the NMWA is undergoing renovations until 2023, the museum is not missing a chance to stay in the art scene. Its public art installations kickoff on March 15 with MISS CHELOVE.  >> National Museum of Women in the Arts: 401 F. St. NW, Washington, DC (National Building Museum)

Nothing signals the arrival of spring in the District quite like the spectacle of 3,000 trees breaking into bloom during the National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20-April 17). We can’t think of a more lavish way to celebrate the season than with a month filled with floral-themed attractions and pop-ups.

Cherry blossom season–or should we say DC’s annual rite of spring–is filled with festive events honoring American and Japanese cultures, such as the 5th annual Cherry Blossom-themed exhibition at ARTECHOUSE, or our favorite pink-filled installation featuring spring-themed lanterns at Palmer Alley in CityCenterDC. We’ll grab a cherry blossom-themed drink at Daikaya’s izakaya, the upstairs spot that year-round gives us those cool Tokyo vibes. Obviously, we’ll turn this whole event into a staycation with Rosewood’s Cherry Blossom Experience package, featuring a picnic lunch beneath the blooms and a photography session along the Tidal Basin.

DC’s beloved Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, Nicholas Stefanelli, has finally opened the doors of Philotimo, featuring a boundary-pushing menu with creative spins drawn from the chef’s travel experiences and Greek ancestry. Trumpeted by Vogue as “one of the most highly anticipated restaurant openings in America,” the travel-inspired five-course menu at Philotimo invites diners on a journey through the diverse regions of Greece. You won’t find a better culinary escape–no passport required. >> Philotimo: 1100 15th St. NW, Washington, DC

While trending buzz over the metaverse has already given us a small glimpse into what the coming decades might have in store, Smithsonian’s Historic Arts and Industries Building’s latest futuristic experience, FUTURES, might ease your curiosity with a time-traveling peek into the past and future. On display through July 6, 2022, the festival-like exhibition marks the 175th anniversary of the Smithsonian, and pairs historians along with scientists and specialists to reimagine a tomorrow where AI robots and solar-powered futuristic machines coexist. >> Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building: 900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC

Noone does it like the Italians. From high-end fashion to fine-dining restaurants to the walls of the world’s greatest museums, Italy’s fine eye is on display for a one-night-only dinner on Sunday, March 20, 2022 by award-winning chef Enrico Bartolini at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. 

Inspired by the museum’s special exhibition Sargent, Whistler, and Venetian Glass: American Artists and the Magic of Murano (140 objects on display, from rarely seen glass vessels to paintings, watercolors, and prints, now through May 8, 2022),  Bartolini—the only chef in the history of the Michelin Guide to have been awarded four stars at the same time—will prepare an exclusive tasting menu using his favorite ingredients from Venice, accompanied by special wine pairings from the Veneto region of Italy. >> Smithsonian American Art Museum: 8th & G streets, NW, Washington, DC 20004; purchase tickets

Silver Lyan’s ethos of cultural exchange is coming to life with a pop-up from New York’s Katana Kitten. With its dedication to Japanese ingredients and techniques, Katana Kitten’s limited appearance perfectly coincides with cherry blossom season. Inspired by the Japanese custom of flower viewing, called hanami, and Japan’s gift of cherry trees to the District, the fully immersive pop up will feature drinks and food specials and a seriously good time. >> Silver Lyan at Riggs Washington, DC: 900 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20004