Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace
Reception and garden gala at the historic Wilson House honoring Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.
The second annual Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace Exhibition and Gala was held at the Woodrow Wilson House on May 5, 2025. Before the neighborhood was known as Embassy Row, President Woodrow Wilson and his wife Edith called it home after they left the White House in 1921.
The opening gala honored Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, a trailblazing leader and advocate for democracy and human rights, embodying the event’s celebration of diplomacy, resilience, and global engagement.
Executive Director Elizabeth A. Karcher and Chair, Janet G. Pitt welcomed guests to a spectacular exhibition of international style showcasing fashion from over 50 embassies and designers from around the world.
For the world stage not the red carpet, each garment symbolizes power, diplomacy, and cultural heritage.
Representing the USA, The Tie Dress by 8-year-old Max Alexander aka Couture to the Max.
Distinguished guests mingled with other diplomats, politicians, fashion influencers, and the social elite before enjoying a buffet dinner in the tented garden.
Noting the presence of 18 ambassadors, dignitaries representatives from the current one all the way back to the Clinton administration, Elizabeth Karcher addressed the audience: “Strength is fragile… The Wilson Center, all of it can be lost. You agree or you would not be here on a rainy night to support the Woodrow Wilson House. This celebration is a reminder that institutions like ours can not survive by chance. We are not federally funded.”
As thunder roared, Nancy Pelosi graciously thanked hosts and guests, accepting the honor and The Esther Pin. Designed by Ann Hand, the pin, named after Ambassador Esther Coopersmith, draws inspiration from René Lalique’s original Peace Brooch given to Edith Wilson during her 1918 visit to Paris.
An evening of celebration and an opportunity to support a meaningful cause with all proceeds going to the Wilson House museum.
The public exhibition will take place Thursday, May 8 through Saturday, May 10.