Huxley Grand Opening Draws VIPs; Mayor Gray, AOL/LivingSocial Founders, Councilmember Evans Raise Glass To Newest DC Club

DUPONT CIRCLE -- Spotlights whirled in the sky and flash bulbs popped on the red carpet last night, as Mayor Vincent Gray was spotted shaking hands with the likes of Washington Kastles owner Mark Ein, AOL founder Jim Kimsey, and Councilmember Jack Evans, amongst others.

The Huxley co-owner Ryan Seelbach (right) and his father.
But it wasn’t the typical movie premiere or fundraiser that attracted such a notable D.C. crowd. Rather, yesterday’s luxe party served as the grand opening celebration for the city’s newest nightlife venue, The Huxley.

Most guests arrived at the Dupont Circle venue clad in their finest dapper duds in keeping with the invitation’s request for “traditional black tie” attire. For guys that meant tuxedos and bespoke suits, with girls sporting the latest designer dress or slinky gown.

AOL founder Jim Kimsey and Councilmember Jack Evans.

Some might question the need for such pretense in a city where denim, gingham, and even the occasional t-shirt serve as the typical late night uniform. But that was exactly the point.

The Huxley owners Ryan Seelbach and Eric Lund are deliberately trying to break D.C. out of its characteristically indifferent nightlife mold by elevating the city’s club experience with New York City and Las Vegas-style amenities and levels of customer service.

And to be sure, such personalized and posh touches were on full display Thursday night. Beginning at the velvet rope outside, guests were greeted with a smile and a handshake as suited doormen checked the guest list to ensure no one crashed (yes, people tried) the by-invitation-only affair.

Once whisked inside, a glass (yes, real glass) of Veuve Clicquot was never more than an arms-length away, with top flight champagne and spirits flowing liberally. DJ Kilo manned the booth inside The Huxley’s main ‘Ballroom’ area, while DJ Heather kept the energy of the “Library” room bustling.

Amenities and service aside, the primary attraction of any club is the quality of its clientele. And The Huxley has taken tremendous steps to ensure that a fun, diverse, and, yes, beautiful crowd can always be found inside – be it Miss Sweden and Miss District of Columbia who were there last night or the professional athletes who have reserved tables for this weekend.

While many might assume that The Huxley takes its name from famed English author Aldous Huxley, that’s only partially true. Seelbach and Lund deliberately sought out a British name that was equally sexy, sophisticated, and professional in order to appeal to both club patrons, as well as corporate clients. And after scouring every street, district, and borough of London and every famous manor in England, they settled on their final choice.

Clearly, it was the right one.