"Yes, this is the same night as the Met Gala. New York has the red carpet. Washington, D.C. is the world stage"

~Elizabeth Karcher, Woodrow Wilson House Executive Director

2024 Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace Honoree:
The Late Ambassador Esther Coopersmith

2024 Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace Exhibition and Gala

The President Woodrow Wilson House signature event opened its inaugural exhibition on Monday, May 6, 2024.

35 nations contributed fashion items, which were showcased throughout the museum for one week at the Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace Exhibition. The opening Gala on May 6 drew over 200 attendees, 12 ambassadors, and numerous dignitaries from around the world. An additional 150 guests visited the exhibition over the following week (May 8-11), ending with record attendance during the European Union Embassy Open House Weekend.

During the opening gala, which honored the memory and legacy of the late Ambassador Esther Coopersmith, the guests arrived at the Wilson House to see fashion from locations such as Thailand, Moldova, and Ecuador, then stepped into the rear garden for a celebration under tents and surrounded by the new Native Plant Garden. They were dressed in their gala best or in traditional cultural outfits and mingled with diplomats, politicians, fashion social media influencers, and the social elite of the nation’s capital.

Ambassador Coopersmith's family received the first "Esther Pin" in her memory. The pin will be given to every honoree of the Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace event.

A special note of gratitude goes to Indira Gumarova, President of Diplomacy & Fashion, whose inspiration and friendship have been pivotal to bringing Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace to life. Click here for a message of congratulations to the Wilson House from Indira.

We thank all the staff, host committee members, volunteers, sponsors, and donors who helped make this a truly magical opening.

Password for picture gallery: WoodrowWilsonHouse