by guest contributor Joe David
Photo credit: Patricia McDougall
“I am having this inaugural dinner tonight to honor my customers in the diplomatic circles who have been especially loyal to me over the years,” Tehmina said. “I want them to know by bringing them together like this how much I have enjoyed knowing them and re-furbishing their properties, chanceries and residences during the past three decades.”
Hostess Tehmina Khan, President/founder, McLean Furniture Gallery, Priscilla Panichai Mutembwa, spouse of Amb. of Zimbabwe, Caroline Andjaba, spouse of Amb.of Namibia and Douha Yehia Smith, spouse of Amb. of Ghana
Businesswoman, Washington Socialite and International Hostess Tehmina Khan launched the first of a series of private dinner parties for the business, diplomatic and philanthropic communities of Washington at her McLean Furniture Gallery in Fairfax, Virginia celebrating its 33rd Anniversary. The special dinner brought together 100 of some of the most prominent names in Washington diplomatic circles to honor the African ambassadors and their spouses whom Tehmina has served faithfully during her 33 years in the furniture and home decorating business.
H.E. Ammon Mutembwa, Amb.of Zimbabwe, Priscilla Panichai Mutembwa, spouse of Zimbabwe Ambassador, Tehmina Khan, H.E. General Joseph Henry Smith, Amb. of Ghana, Douha Yehia Smith, spouse of Amb. of Ghana and Caroline Andjaba, spouse of Ambassador of Namibia and H.E. Ali Aujali, former Ambassador of Libya
For many years, Tehmina has been in the center of Washington society, where she has been a much-talked-about insider, who has mingled and become close friends with prominent leaders. On the walls of her furniture gallery, she has a collection of photos of many recognizable names. They include Sammy Davis, Jr., Al Gore, Jesse Jackson, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George Bush and President Bush senior. There is even a collage of magazine and newspaper clippings arranged attractively on several walls to draw attention to her career in international haute couture, which includes Christmas promotions of her Tehima label by Saks, Garfinkels, and Woodies.
H.E. General Joseph Henry Smith, Ambassador of Ghana, Priscilla Panichai Mutembwa, spouse of Zimbabwe Ambassador, Hostess Tehmina Khan, H.E. Ammon Mutembwa, Ambassador of Zimbabwe and Douha Yehia Smith, spouse of Ambassador of Ghana
During her many years in the area, Tehmina has established a name for herself in public and private circles; for among other things, her one-of-a-kind, eclectic collection of furniture and accessories. This includes the well-publicized Tehmina Sofa, which was named after her by Harden and Henredon. Hillary Rodham Clinton in a private letter to Tehmina praised her collection by quoting Shakespeare – her furniture is “truly the stuff of which dreams are made.”
Amina Khan, daughter of Tehmina Khan and her husband, Firas Alhindi, Vice President, DISYS (IT Company in Tysons Corner) surrounded by elegant furnishings at McLean Furniture Gallery
Deejah
Throughout the show room, in almost every nook and cranny, are remarkable examples of this quote. What makes each piece stand out, even in the full setting of her showroom, is its avant-garde touch to its ageless form.
“I have purposefully sought such an eclectic collection of furniture and accessories,” Tehmina said proudly in a voice almost too soft to be heard, while languidly extending her arm toward her collection, “because I want to offer something unique for everyone.”
Mrs. Al Edmonds (Jackie) joined her husband, General Al Edmonds (USAF)
In a special tribute to her skills, H.E. the former Ambassador of the Libya, Ambassador Ali Aujali told guests what he believes makes Tehmina special. “She took my historic and official Ambassador residence, which had been vacant for 35 years and in need of complete renovation, and turned it into a showplace within a matter of months. I was so happy with her taste and skill that I had her use her magical touch on several of my other properties in New York.”
Madame Douha Yehia Smith of Ghana, President, African Ambassador Spouses Association and Sheila Switzer, Program Chair, Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide and Foreign Born Spouse State Liaison
Born in Srinagar, India, Tehmina has lived in a world of her own. At the age of 7 she made her social debut, when she presented a bouquet of flowers to Queen Elizabeth during her official visits to Lahore, Pakistan. Since that time, she has followed the family tradition and has remained in the center of world politics and international society.
An elegantly bejeweled and modest woman with a suitable style to match, she spins a feminine web of interest when she talks about herself. Delicious little stories flow from her lips with intimate references to the rich and famous whom she has known, from the charming and lighthearted eccentricities of celebrities like Brigitte Bardot and Joan Collins to the spectacular entertainment style of First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Her Royal Clients included the wife of the ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Zayed and Her Highness Sheikha Fatimah; and Her Highness Princess Salimah, Aga Khan spouse of His Highness Prince Amine Aga Khan.
H.E. General Joseph Henry Smith, Amb. of Ghana, Jan Du Plain, Du Plain Global Enterprises, Inc., H.E. Ammon Mutembwa, Amb.of Zimbabwe and Madame Douha Yehia Smith
Among the many Ambassadors, their wives and diplomats present representing African Nations included: H.E. The Ambassador of Ghana, Ambassador Joseph Henry Smith and Madame Douha Yehia Smith; H.E. The Ambassador of Zimbabwe, Ambassador Ammon Mutembwa and Madame Priscilla Panichai Mutembwa; H.E. Soorooj Phokeer, Bar-at-Law, The Ambassador of the Republic of Mauritius; Deputy Chief of Mission, Julius K. Bargorett, representing the Ambassador of the Embassy of Kenya; Caroline Andjaba, the wife of the Namibian Ambassador and the daughter of the former President of Namibia; and H.E. the former Ambassador of Libya, Ambassador Ali Aujali to name a few.
Felicitations came from H.E. Koffi Yao, the US Ambassador to the Ivory Coast and Madame Nana Yao, and superlatives from Executive Director Roy Michael of the Malaysian US Chamber of Commerce who presented Tehmina Khan with a recognition award to honor her for her three decades of service to the ASEAN Group of Nations.
