I should change my screen name to Cinderella...
Alas, no photos--wouldn't have been appropriate.
It was business attire, so I wore a blouse and pants that I could use as the backdrop for my Hermes shawl and Kelly. On others--I've never seen so many Hermes ties outside a store and the Birkins and Kellys were well represented and gorgeous as always. Some Bolides and Bombays that were just beautiful as well. Nearly every woman had a scarf, but all different and worn so many different ways (as blouse, belt, tied to purse, in addition to many versions around the neck), it wasn't overbearing. I guess I could say the attire was classic Hermes--understated elegance.
As to the residence--just beautiful--the architecture, art, antiques--stunning, but tasteful. More of the understated elegance--okay, maybe not exactly understated, but certainly elegant and sophisticated. The back lawn overlooks Rock Creek Park--most of you won't know this area, but it is a large wooded parkland--you would never know you were in the middle of a major metropolitan area. It was lovely and decorated with topiaries, some horses of course, for the event. It looked really special.
The event started with champagne and hors d'ouvres, brief speeches by the Ambassador and an Hermes executive from Paris and proceeded to a short performance by Eartha Kitt. After that it was on to the food, wine and more mingling. It was a buffet, but very good, including lobster, but the real food star as far as I was concerned was the cheese table. So many different, incredible, delicious cheeses. I could have stood there and eaten cheese all night. I didn't because I saved room for the pastries and chocolate mousse!
The other attendees were a mix of people like me (average, but with a passion for Hermes), other diplomats, some politicians, and some of the Washington social elite (who really aren't known outside of the area). I thought I might feel out of place, but our friends at Hermes created such a nice atmosphere that I felt completely comfortable and had the chance to meet lots of nice people.
In the finale for the evening, as we left, we were given a little orange bag with a little orange box tied with brown ribbon. It contained a pale green leather tassle key ring. The leather is so soft...
That's enough for now. I don't want to overstay my welcome with you all.
Next report...after Thursday evening's grand opening at the store.