Birkin Beckons With Grand Opening Of Newest Hermes Boutique At CityCenter

CITYCENTER -- Parents might encourage their kids to bring home As on their report cards growing up, but, for the fashionably inclined, it's really Hs that they lust after the most.

That's the 'H' in Hermes for those who were more inclined to follow last night's Caps game (1-0 shutout of the Rangers) than, say, the red carpet of the Met Gala.

But for the District's style-savvy, the arrival of the Parisian luxury brand's newest boutique at CityCenter last week was far bigger news than any playoff game.

Hermes brought its signature 'savoir faire' of style and showmanship to Washington for the occasion, with Wednesday's vVIP celebration broken down into two parts.

Guests began the night with an intimate tour of the sparkling new store, which anchors a prime corner off of Palmer Alley. The lucky invitees, naturally, arrived dressed to the nines in various displays of Hermes accessories and accoutrements. Scarves, belts, hats, and briefcases were all well represented.

And let's not forget about the bags. Birkins, Birkins, and more Birkins! So named after famed actress Jane Birkin, the handmade leather handbags, which can easily run into the six figures (that is after your name moves to the top of a lengthy waiting list), hung prominently from the arms of many a proud customer.

But a sneak peek of the boutique was only just the start of the evening. Guests were then whisked away via limousine to the nearby Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, for a no-expense-spared dinner program.

Among the District's movers-and-shakers in attendance was outgoing White House Social Secretary Jeremy Bernard, Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post journalist Jonathan Capehart, CityCenter's Timothy R. Lowery and Whitney Bossin Burns, Capitol File Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Thorp, political consultant and fundraiser Kimball Stroud, and PCIA Vice President Marissa Mitrovich, among others.

First course arrives. #hermes #dc #choreography

A video posted by Jonathan Capehart (@capehartj) on Apr 29, 2015 at 8:42pm PDT

Beyond a dinner consisting of foie gras, golden cauliflower veloute, pea-crusted lamb loin, and a special 'flower pot' dessert, those seated at the two massive communal tables were treated to a lavish, choreographed presentation with each course (think servers in masks, gold suits, and even a live tapestry display).

A photo posted by Jonathan Capehart (@capehartj) on Apr 29, 2015 at 9:21pm PDT

It was an incredibly memorable way to say, "Welcome to Hermes."