Sexy, erotic, corporate—three words not usually associated with each other, but they were precisely the first three adjectives used by General Manager Rich Boykin to describe the newly revamped Josephine Nightclub and Lounge, and for good reason. The posh nightclub, best known for its swanky interior and gorgeous boxum beauties serving cocktails to D.C.'s business elite, has gone through a variety of nips-and-tucks during its two-month construction hiatus that will leave quite an impression with District nightlife enthusiasts.
First things first: for the beautiful servers the change has meant adding a touch of class—a form fitting women’s tuxedo to go along with a bustier that would make Josephine, Napoleon’s wife and the club’s namesake, blush. As for the venue itself, it's little touches to an already-stunning décor that will make club goers go gaga.
As you enter the club, the first noticeable change is the newly installed LED-lights inserted into diamond shaped mirrors in the venue’s columns that could be programmed to any setting a client chooses. For the opening week's Belvedere RED party, the room had a lovely crimson glow, and during club nights the lighting could match the cadence of a DJ’s music, or fit the mood and theme of special events.
In addition to a new side bar added to the main floor, you'll find mini fireplaces placed behind each bar and micro HD projectors inserted in the bathrooms that can show images or video in the sink. (Photos of Belvedere spokesman John Legend were on display during the RED party.)
CO2 compressors now adorn the ceiling of the dance floor, which can add a cooling blast of air to what will literally be a hot crowd. This is perfect for special events such as those thrown by Panorama Productions, who will bring their famed GLOW house, trance, progressive and electro dance parties to Josephine on Friday nights.
But the biggest upgrade of all is definitely the almost unrecognizable Gold Room. The once-tiny and restrictive space has doubled in size thanks to Josephine moving their staff offices upstairs. Inside guests will find plush leather couches, golden light illuminating from every corner, and a massive bar that stretches from one end of the room to the other.
Overall, the club now boasts over 1,000 square feet and its redux by Miami-based designer Mark Lehmkukl is a sight to behold.
“We’re doing a fresh take on sexy,” said Josephine manager Boykin. “We’ve kept our Victorian style intact, but we’ve added a new spin to it. We know our clientele is gonna love this.”
Josephine's new digs are now open to the public. Among the upcoming GLOW DJ performances on Fridays this month are Green Velvet (the guy who made ‘Perculator’), Cedric Gervais, who has opened for Tiësto and has collaborated with D.C.-native and Grammy-winning singer Mýa; and Sharam, formerly of Deep Dish.
