The Scene: Russian Ball

I've been having a lot of fun photographing for The Scene column of The Washington Post, covering everything from ladies' arm wrestling to fancy balls. Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the Russian Ball, a festive gala held at the Cosmos Club in Washington, DC. I'm grateful for how extraordinarily friendly and accommodating the hosts and guests were, and had fun "working" with them for the evening. 

I often get asked how I dress for the events I attend for the column, so I included a quick snap that Tony Powell took of me at our dinner table. I'm wearing a Ralph Lauren sequined sheath with classic, old Hollywood makeup. The dress is jersey-lined, so it actually feels like a t-shirt on the inside and is correspondingly comfortable. 

The full photo set from the Russian Ball can be found below. I hope you like the photos as much as I do.

Diplomatic Liaison Rhoda Septilici, left, introduces guests Ioana and Paul Lee to ball chairman Paul du Quenoy, center, at the annual Russian Ball on January 11, 2014. This year marks a move from the Mayflower to the elite Cosmos Club, where du Quenoy is one of 13 members under 40.

Ghazi Saad takes his girlfriend Rachel Nicole Cunico for an elegant spin on the dance floor.

Richard Grondine chats with Maryelle Atkinson, whose dramatic collar and coordinating bag were elegant fashion favorites of the Russian Ball. 

Partygoers enjoy after-dinner cocktails as drinks flow, dancing begins, and ball chairwoman Irina du Quenoy looks on.  

Co-chair Prince Nicholas Obolensky jokes with Wilhelm Jonach (from left) after the two commented on their fashion favorites of the evening. 

Portuguese Ambassador Nuno Brito and Countess Suzanne Tolstoy, wearing an heirloom Faberge brooch encrusted with diamonds.  

Partygoers seated at the head table conspire as waiters bring out the soup course at the Russian Ball. Black and white tie tuxes, fur, and sequins were de rigueur for the evening at the Cosmos Club.

Historical novelist Lora Matros shows off her layered accessories.

Adair and John Leach, Pattie Haynes, Feodor Byndas, and Fairfax County Deputy Executive David Molchany (from left) laugh while taking advantage of the bar during cocktail hour.

Fueled by the bar, festive after dinner dancing commenced with great fanfare.

The acclaimed Richard Bray Orchestra prepares for the Russian Ball at the Cosmos Club, where they serenaded princes and princesses from several nations with a mix of classical and contemporary pieces. The tango in particular spiced things up, with the majority of attendees taking to the dance floor.

Ball Chairman Paul du Quenoy laughs with Count Vladimir Tolstoy at the Russian Ball on January 11. From his installment in a chair near the door, Tolstoy regaled passersby with witty remarks, stories, and cheers.

Co-chair Prince Nicholas Obolensky and his wife Alexandra chat with Nick Buick.

Karim Guen chats with Countess Suzanne Tolstoy during after-dinner cocktails.

Traditional Russian musical instruments await their players: the balalaika, center, and domra, left, are among the most common.

Edward Wilson and Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie of Ethiopia laugh with chairman Paul du Quenoy.

Historical novelist Lora Matros, center, chats with W. Caffey Norman of Patton and Boggs.

Acclaimed horsewoman Rose Marie Bogley and Robert Heggested joyfully say goodbye to friends at the end of the evening.