Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.life From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Going in style at museum benefit Date: Fri, 30 Oct 92 15:33:28 EST Message-ID: \SE E;LIFE;ABOUT TOWN \HD Going in style at museum benefit \BY Siobhan McDonough \CR THE WASHINGTON TIMES Local celebrity women had a Cinderellalike experience Tuesday when they underwent a major physical transformation at the Best of Washington's 11th annual Fashion Parade and Luncheon Benefit for the Capital Children's Museum. After arriving at the Ramada Renaissance Techworld with no makeup, uncoifed hair and everyday clothes, the business, political, sports and community leaders were revamped rapidly by professional hairdressers, makeup artists and local and national retailers before sashaying down a long ramp in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 1,000 guests. Many of the well-known personalities were hardly recognizable in their silks, chiffons, leathers, blue jeans, platform shoes and hats. Some admitted to feeling a little ridiculous. Megan Beyer, wife of Virginia's lieutenant governor, wore a snug-fitting black leather skirt and red leather jacket by Chanel. "I didn't think I'd ever wear these again," she said, pointing to her platform shoes. "I can't see me campaigning in Southwest Virginia in this outfit, but I kind of like it. "I'd probably have to take a second mortgage on the house to be able to purchase these clothes," she added. Mrs. Beyer wasn't the only one feeling a little outlandish. "This is not exactly my image," said Channel 7's Paul Berry, one of the few men in the show. Sporting a jacket with Mickey Mouse logo, the jovial newscaster said it was worth it to digress from a typical workday to support a good cause. "People in Washington like to see and be seen," he said. Not everyone was feeling self-conscious in the borrowed apparel. Donatella Andreani, wife of French Ambassador Jacques Andreani, seemed quite at home in her Chanel ensemble. Though Mr. Andreani enjoyed admiring his wife's graceful appearance in the red chiffon outfit, he said, "I hope she doesn't get too comfortable in it." One model, who wasn't at all at ease in a $31,000 fur coat by Fendi, had her own way of offsetting the preposterous cost of high fashion. "I don't know if Fendi would be offended, but I'm wearing my Kmart shoes!" exclaimed Liz McEwen, wife of Ohio Rep. Bob McEwen. The celebrity models looked as if they were enjoying their freebie make-overs, and they took full advantage of the anything-to-please beauticians willing to spend ample time on potential future clients. Victoria Reggie Kennedy seemed to be in no hurry as she tried a couple of different looks. And a herd of Hafts, including pompadoured paterfamilias Herbert Haft, kept hairstylists entangled in plenty of big hair. Besides the fashion extravaganza and celebrity turnout, guests were impressed with the all-American theme in which 50 models paraded down the runway accompanied by 1992 Olympic athletes, members of the Youth Marine Color Guard, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus clowns, Bugs Bunny and decorated golf carts. But it was Redskin Mark Stock whose athletic strut down the aisle really awoke the mostly female audience. The red, white and blue occasion was also a reminder that the elections were only a week away. "Things are looking a little more sane these days," reported presidential daughter-in-law Margaret Bush, who was passing through town before meeting the president on the campaign trail in Ohio. From the other side of the political fence came a contingent of Kennedys to cheer Victoria's turn in the limelight: sisters-in-law Ethel Kennedy and Jean Kennedy Smith (who received a Humanitarian Award) and, of course, a proud and beaming husband, Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy. Among the models were such polititical ladies as Ginger Sullivan, Alice Sessions, Elizabeth Reilly, Lois Breaux, Mary Johnston and Mary Sasser. The media contingent included Kate Leherer, Diana McLellan, Lea Thompson, Susan King, Barbara Harrison and Rene Poussaint. Also at the event: D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly, Capital Children's Museum founder-executive director Ann Lewin, lobbyist Anne Wexler, Bitsy Folger, Ann Vanderpool, Evelyn DiBona, Sally Chapoton, Mercedes Cecchi, Aliki Bryant, Marlene Malek, Esther Coopersmith, Estelle Gelman, Grace Bender, Barbara Landow, Janmarie Prutting and event co-chairs Gloria Haft and Deborah Siebert. This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM