Written by Greg
Photographs by Bonnie Wilson, Steve VanSickle, and Chris Ley
April 28, 2013
As Jay Gatsby famously said, “Can’t repeat the past?…Why of course you can!" On Friday, April 26th, Greg’s List DC and What Do I Wear hosted their first-ever event, The Great Gatsby Movie Party, celebrating the upcoming film (starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire—in theaters May 10th.) Over 250 of their fans and members of the media, dressed in their roaring 20s finery, gathered at the historic Sun Trust bank’s penthouse suite for the sold-out event.
Guests began their trip back to the 20s in front of a mint-condition vintage Rolls Royce. Loaned for the evening by architect and car enthusiast Andrew Diem (who played the role of a 20s-era livery chauffeur), the car provided a Great photo-op for partygoers. Guests then strolled down the red carpet and ascended to the venue’s spectacular penthouse suite, overlooking the White House. There, they sipped Mint Juleps and bellied-up to several open bars, hosted by generous spirits, beer, and wine sponsors Batch 19 Pre-Prohibition Style Lager, Bombay Sapphire, Clyde May’s Whiskey, Deep Eddy Vodka, Filibuster Bourbon, and Washington Wine Academy. Guests noshed on a variety of light hors d’oeuvres, including mini vegetable quiches, succulent sliced beef with Cabernet onions, and plantain topped with spicy Adobo chicken—each skillfully prepared by Sun Trust’s catering director, Erik Lyles and his accommodating staff. They also nibbled on popchips, dispensed by 1920s-style cigarette girls.
A host of prominent DC personalities circulated among the crowd dressed as characters from the Great Gatsby, including yours truly as Jay Gatsby, Eric Schulze of Thirst as Nick Carraway, Philippa Hughes of The Pink Line Project as Daisy Buchanan, Leo Schmid of Thrillist as Tom Buchanan, Baille Gelwicks of Fashiontographer as Myrtle Wilson, and Kate Warren of Go Kate Shoot as Jordan Baker. Guests also could strike a pose and have their photo snapped by Greg’s List DC photographer Chris Ley in the step-and-repeat photo booth.
Revelers danced away the night to the tunes of DC-area DJ Aristotle, who mixed today’s hottest music with 20s-era tunes. Towards the end of the evening, guests competed for raffle prizes, including tickets to a May 6th sneak-preview of The Great Gatsby movie and credits at the movie’s online store. Special honors went to those clad in the most creative and convincing roaring 20s outfits.
Cocova’s decadent black-and-white cookies and rich truffles, accompanied by coffee service, provided a sweet ending to the evening. Those who wanted to keep the party going into the wee hours decamped to George for a more intimate after-party.
Skipped this swanky speakeasy? Stay tuned to GregsListDC for info on upcoming events, old sport!
To see more photos from the party, click here. To view our Facebook photo galleries, visit GregsListDC and What Do I Wear.