Gabby goes to the Delaware Art Museum’s 100th Anniversary Gala in Wilmington

A Happy Hundredth

Click to see photos here.

Seriously. Just what are they teaching vice presidents at finishing school these days, anyway? Clearly not how to properly fill out a RSVP card. A certain Vice President of the Free World caused a ruckus on the eve of Nov. 12 at the Delaware Art Museum’s 100th Anniversary Gala, when he decided somewhat last-minute to make an appearance at the fête with wife Jill Biden—resplendent in a full-skirted, hand-painted peacock blue dress, sigh—and a cavalcade of men in black. Our dear VP spent the hour he was there being Joe: sharing earnest handshakes and hearty laughs with all. Talk about your power couples: Biden plus Tatiana and Gerret Copeland—gala hosts, of course.

The 100th birthday of the museum brought out many well-wishers, including U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, as well as Congressman John Carney Jr., Gov. Jack and Mrs. Carla Markell and Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. Whew! Who’s minding the store, gents? Museum executive director Danielle Rice looked on at the well-heeled, energetic crowd with wide eyes. She told me the party was at capacity, as the museum had been all weekend for the three-day event honoring the work of Howard Pyle.

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So at-capacity was the venue that Joan Bernard—owner of Barbizon Modeling and Acting Centers in Wilmington and Ardmore, Pa., aglitter in emeralds and black velour—almost got trampled. “Don’t you think Betsey Johnson deserves a little bit more respect than that?” Bernard said, laughing behind her wine glass and pointing at her colorful, flirty heels. Also in this edition of Said Behind a Wine Glass, I overheard the adorable, always well-coiffed Gov. Markell ask wife Carla, a hopeful look in his eyes, if the concert listed on the evening’s program was indeed “a short one.” And who can blame him? This was a Copeland party after all. Anyone with a sense of smell was eager to get to the sumptuous dinner.

I must give a shout out to DuPont CEO Ellen Kullman, who was working a fabulousa royal blue wrap dress. The cowled neck, the understated jewelry and hair: Talk about a work of art. Last, an open letter to the Delaware Art Museum: Please don’t wait another 100 years to have a party this smashing. 


 

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