The opening gala for was every bit as grand as the world-exclusive exhibition itself.
Champagne, caviar and cream puffs frosted with chocolate and a sprinkle of edible gold were served.
A small army of handsome young men, wearing red uniforms with rows of brass buttons and caps with the Cartier logo, lined the red-carpet entry to the Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Building, where some 250 pieces created by Cartier between 1900 and 1975 will be on view through March 15. They were also stationed along the stairway leading to the second floor and beside the entry to the Anschutz, Martin and McCormick galleries, where such treasures as Grace Kelly’s engagement ring and a ruby and diamond necklace created for Elizabeth Taylor are displayed.
Stunning red rose topiaries, crafted according to Cartier’s exacting standards by members of the Denver Art Museum’s Flower Council, were placed throughout the party area, their beauty eliciting oohs and aahs from the 800-plus guests.
Most everyone dressed to the nines, accessorizing ball gowns and tuxedos with elaborate jewels both real and faux; some — such as Edie Taylor and Sheryl Kinney — donned tiaras.
The exhibition is presented by the Bank of Colorado, and , and his wife, Joy, were among those joining DAM director Christoph Heinrich and “Brilliant” curator Margaret Young-Sanchez in welcoming two distinguished visitors: Mercedes Abramo, the president and chief executive officer of Cartier North America, and Pascale Lepeu, curator of the Cartier Collection.
“This is my first time in Denver,” Lepeu said, “and it is an interesting place. I have received such a warm welcome; well, except for the weather.”
“There has never been a show like this in Denver,” marveled Judy Robins, an interior designer and one of “Brilliant’s” Gold Sponsors. “Some people love clothes and some people love jewelry. For them, this is such a treat.”
Highest-level Platinum Sponsors at the opening included Lisa and Robert Kessler; Estelle Wolf; Merle Chambers and Hugh Grant; Lorraine Higbie; Tim Gill and Scott Miller; and Sharon and Lanny Martin.
Others enjoying a first look at the jewels, timepieces and accessories were Alessandra and Ben Schulein; Douglas Kerbs; Arlene and Barry Hirschfeld; Tinka and Jim Kurtz; Marcy and Bruce Benson with his daughter, Ann Reidy; Barbara Knight and daughter Heather; Cindy and George Straughan; Heather and Damon Barry; Toni Cohig; KKand Floyd Ciruli and Jeffrey Richards, Colorado’s honorary consul for France, with his wife, Carolyn.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314, jdavidson@ denverpost.com or twitter.com/joannedavidson
Online: More pictures from this event denverpost.com/seengallery
