The ball scene is one of the most memorable aspects of any inauguration weekend. With President Obama retaking the White House in 2013, black organizations of every type are arranging awesome evenings to celebrate his historic feat. From social organizations like Jack and Jill to politicos in the Congressional Black Caucus, African-Americans representing almost every social strata are putting on parties that impress — and attract the nation’s black elite.
The Root’s held its second inaugural ball last night at the Museum of American History. Underwritten by large corporate sponsors such as Marriott, it attracted marquee names including Angela Bassett and Chris Tucker.
What made the celebration exciting was not just the stars buzzing about, such as MSNBC host Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry. It was watching African-American society ladies and gents bump and grind to go-go music and the latest in rap while wearing fine gowns, bright bow ties, and fabulous cummerbunds.
“This is something you are not going to see at any other inaugural ball,” African-American technology expert and Princeton professor Omar Wasow noted about the raucous party brought by the black intelligentsia and glitterati.
And the party is just beginning. A notable time of course due to the swearing-in of President Obama, this weekend marks an occasion for D.C.’s African-American upper echelons to party in particularly high style.
Lauded black party planner Andre Wells will helm eight extravaganzas this weekend alone. Debra Lee, chairman and CEO of BET — also a doyenne of this exclusive world — attended six events last night herself. Yet, as much as she represents the epitome of D.C.’s black VIP set, she is also a woman of the people, much like first lady Michelle Obama.
“This is very important to our audience, and we are going to be there for them,” Lee told theGrio in a phone interview about covering the 2013 inaugural.
“I’m very excited about the second inauguration, the fact that he won reelection, the fact that he’s our first African-American president,” Lee continued. “Of course, we at BET feel we had a big part in helping him get reelected, so we are going to have an inaugural ball again on Monday. We did it for the first time four years ago. Great people are going to be there — Bell Biv Devoe, Dougie Fresh, MC Lyte. We are going to celebrate his reelection and then of course from the BET News perspective, we have great on air and online coverage. It going to chronicle the significance of this day of celebration, reflection and inspiration for our audience.”
How will she prepare for all the parties, which include another six tonight, and a whopping seven tomorrow, including the two official balls?
“I think it’s really resting and taking vitamins,” Lee said laughing. “Right now, I’m just trying to get my energy level up.”
Style and beauty expert Paul Wharton stressed to theGrio that, for his clients, preparedness for this weekend’s whirlwind was initiated from the inside out well before making party plans.
“The presidential inauguration has always been a special time to celebrate democracy and new beginnings in our country. It’s been especially exciting for me since Barack Obama has been president,” he said. “I started getting calls on the morning of November 7, 2012 as soon as people knew Obama was going to be serving a second term. Politically active women everywhere wanted to plan the look that would make them stand out at the inauguration festivities.”
Wharton’s main beauty motto? “My first tip to all women that want to take the stress out of getting the perfect event look is ‘You never have to get ready if you stay ready,'” he said. Wharton advises a continual regimen of eating well, pampering one’s skin, healthy hair maintenance, and developing inner confidence.
As for the outfits, Lee will be wearing Prada, Calvin Klein, and Yves Saint Laurent this weekend — all “retreads” like Mrs. Obama’s previously worn Election Night frock. Wharton steered his style acolytes towards mid-market retailers. Both choices match the 2013 inaugural’s scaled-back tone. There are only two official balls this year compared to last year’s ten.
“More and more women are choosing uber-affordable designers that they find at stores like Macy’s, Zara and even H&M! I’ve always been a fan of knowing your ‘look priorities’ and that means putting your resources into your body, hair, skin and make-up first, and then your gown,” the style maven who has appeared on Bravo shows stated. “I’ve been on TV for 10 years and I don’t think anyone has ever mentioned remembering any of the flashy, designer clothes that I’ve worn. People remember my hair, my skin and my personality.”
The executive producer and host of Paul Wharton Style on D.C.’s CW might have steered society women towards disciplined beauty routines, but he still intends to fully enjoy the revelry.
After helping the black elite prepare to fete, “I plan on being on the parade route and hopefully catching the president and the first lady as they share their first dance,” the master aesthetician mused. Wharton attended The Root’s ball and is looking forward to Lee’s BET blow out.
The district’s black power players see this weekend’s haute happenings as a kick-off for another great era of a White House that reflects the area’s black high achievers. Lee herself is looking forward to seeing the first family “out and about,” at venues such as the Kennedy Center.
“From the black community’s perspective in D.C., we love having the first family here,” Lee concluded. “It’s been great having them as role models for four years. I think everyone is relieved the election is over, is so happy that he won, and is really looking forward to having them as part of this city for four more years.”
Follow Alexis Garrett Stodghill on Twitter at @lexisb.
Melissa Harris-Perry and Bravo are both owned by NBCUniversal, the parent company of theGrio.com.