Helen Marden, the formidable wife of New York abstract artist Brice Marden, lunged at former Vogue writer and socialite Helen Lee Schifter in a packed restaurant in a fury over married Schifter’s “artist and muse” friendship with her husband of 32 years. Platinum blonde Marden, also an artist, flew into a rage when she spotted petite beauty Schifter, who is married to LeSportsac CEO Tim Schifter, at Bar Pitti last Wednesday. One witness told us, “She approached [Schifter’s] table, shouting. Then the whole restaurant burst into applause.” Another source familiar with the incident said: “Helen Marden lurched at Helen Schifter and said, ‘You need to go to another restaurant!’ She lurched at her but she didn’t actually slap her.” The source denied other wit nesses’ claims that Marden used a vulgar expression. The source continued, “Helen Schifter is a muse for Brice’s artwork, nothing more. She is happily married.” The source added, “Brice has since apologized for his wife’s behavior.” The Mardens didn’t respond to calls and e-mails. Helen Schifter told us, “It’s platonic,” adding she had no further comment.