May 19, 2008

Heart and Home: A Parade of Nations

The Congressional Club organized a Parade of Nations, a traditional catwalk fashion show of national costumes and dresses on Thursday, May 15, at 11am in honor of and with active participation of the spouses of the Ambassadors in Washington, DC.

Andrea Bors Somogyi, wife of Hungarian Ambassador Ferenc Somogyi, attended the diplomatic event, which was Washington’s premier opportunity for the spouses of Members of Congress to become better acquainted with the spouses of foreign Heads of Missions and to further relationships within the entire international community.

Hungary was represented by Noémi Toka and Ivan Velev, wearing traditional Hungarian folk costumes from the Kalotaszeg region, with some of the pieces made as early as 1914!

Noémi Toka, President Vivian Bishop, Mrs. Andrea Bors Somogyi and Ivan Velev

Vivian Bishop, President of the Congressional Club, welcomed spouses of the Ambassadors in Washington and other members of the audience to the Congressional Club.

Opening remarks by Judy Istook

Patricia McKeon said a prayer before the event started with the opening remarks of Judy Istook, wife of Hungarian-born American and Retired Representative Ernest Istook.

Jenny Oaks Baker, accompanied by her own daughters, Laura and Hannah

Jenny Oaks Baker, accompanied by her own daughters, Laura and Hannah on violin and piano, played ”Simple Gifts”. Jenny is one of the most accomplished American classical violinist, who performed at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and has been first violinist with the National Symphony Orchestra for seven years.

Model Announcer Ann Santini and Mrs. Andrea Bors Somogyi

Model Announcer Ann Santini guided the diplomatic audience through some of the most beautiful and provocative traditional national costumes, dresses, garments, clothes, attires and toilets.

Noémi Toka and Ivan Velev in the dressing room and on stage of the Parade of Nations

The models representing China (look for the shoes!) and Indonesia

The wife of the Deputy Chief of Mission of Ecuador