District's Finest Found 'In Full Bloom' At Washingtonian Magazine's Annual Style Setters Celebration

NORTHWEST -- With the day's rain clouds quickly parting, even the District's weather dressed to impress on Thursday evening, as Washingtonian hosted a private cocktail reception toasting its 2014 class of 'Style Setters'.

Ten D.C. notables made the cut for this year's list, which seeks to identify some of the city's most stylish residents (those "who dare to break the rules"). The magazine's fashion editor, Kate Bennett, handpicked each award recipient after an exhaustive year-long selection process.

One need not be a celebrity or a hairstylist to be deemed en vogue by the venerable publication, although there were, of course, plenty of those. Indeed, the fashionably forward honorees for 2014 ran the gamut from President Obama's former 'body man', Reggie Love, to local acupuncturist H. Frank Neely.

In between, there was everyone from CNN political commentator S.E. Cupp to Park Hyatt Director of Special Events Michael Deltette to top Washington lobbyist Linda Daschle (the latter came accompanied by her husband, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, in a gallant display of support).

Beyond the people watching and bottomless pours of Italian prosecco, Thurday's celebration was made all the more special by serving as a first look at the W Washington, D.C. hotel's new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant.

Pinea will open to the general public on October 1st and will replace the J&G Steakhouse that previously occupied the prime two-level space near the White House. Executive Chef Barry Koslow, formerly of top-rated Dupont eatery DGS Delicatessen, has designed an elegant, while still approachable, menu that boasts options, such as roasted Serrano ham wrapped figs with blue cheese.

The photo shoot for the 2014 Style Setters feature, which appeared in Washingtonian's September issue, was conducted on location at D.C.'s picturesque Hillwood Estate.

The lush grounds of the decorative arts museum, which originally served as the residence of leading American socialite and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post, served as the perfect backdrop for this year's feature and its colorful 'in full bloom' motif.

The grass never looked greener.