New College Foundation’s Pique Nique Sur la Baie 2014 Luncheon and Fashion Show, Proceeds to Benefit the Jane Bancroft Cook Library

April 2, 2014

By: Sherry Janes

Under a cloudless sky as blue as the bay,  women (and a few brave men) arrived, adorned by their most fashionable hats, for the 31st Pique Nique Sur la Baie 2014.  After walking the “red carpet” to have their photo taken with their colorful chapeaus, it was off for champagne.  Then strolling the gorgeous bay front grounds to view the enticing displays of silent auction items and searching for friends.

As an observer, I looked back from the bay front at a sea of approximately 500 hats in every size, shape, color and style; some very elegant, while others quite unique and somewhat edgy.  The wearing of hats is obviously one of the highlights for the ladies attending this iconic event, which is defined by fantastic fashion and friendship.

This spectacular event benefits the state of Florida’s honors college and the Jane Bancroft Cook Library.  New College is ranked in the top five public liberal arts colleges in the United States.  Having a college of this caliber adds yet another dynamic dimension to this community which offers the most amazing cultural and intellectual opportunities.

Tents by the bay sheltered tables decorated most appropriately by hatboxes filled with fresh garden flowers.  A delicious luncheon of Coquilles St. Jacques and Strawberry Crepes added French flair to the PIQUE NIQUE Sur La Baie.  Gift bags filled with elegant French toilet articles, provided yet another elegant touch.

Decadent offerings such as a “Sunset Cruise on 62′ Yacht for 18 People” and “Fashion Week in the Big Apple” were snapped up through a live auction.  Meanwhile, countless fabulous items were awarded to the highest bidders through a silent auction.

An avant garde fashion show, the finale of our Pique Nique Sur La Baie, was presented by The Met.  Gorgeous models strutted down the long runway in the latest high fashion ensembles.  Top designers were featured through collections of “Paris Days,” “Fiesta Fatale,” Safari Sexy,” and “Nuit.”

Many of the ladies I had opportunity to meet shared that this was an absolute “must attend” at the top of their agenda every year.  They will now be keeping an eye out in their travels in search of the most unique and eye-catching hat for Pique Nique Sur La Baie 2015.