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The experiment began one Sunday morning in Mayfair. A canceled brunch provided the time before a flight to walk and happen upon a gallery of antiquities. Aphrodite Kallipygos, a classical pose in carrera marble, of neoclassical Vatican provenance, would become a starting point of real world creative inspiration. Aphrodite would eventually lead to LA, New York City, and Aspen Colorado, though indirectly, and only in spirit. 

Barcelona’s MOCA is a hidden gem, along with the fantastic architecture of Antoni Gaudi. Centrally located upon entering is David LaChappelle’s “Jesus is My Homeboy; Last Supper”. The captivating imagery of divine love and understanding resonates universally. The quest of Art is to illustrate and illuminate the human condition and elevate our collective understanding and emotional character. It reflects the time in which it was created and serves as a historical record, at the pinnacle of human achievement. It’s a compelling proposition to participate in the process of artistic creation.  The experiment would be to engage David LaChapelle in a fine art commission to create imagery of idealized classical beauty - in a “fallen world” of accelerating animosity and social chaos. Sadly it is the state of the State today. 

On an auspicious LA day in early October 2023, LaChapelle’s stage was set for the “Three Graces” photoshoot, a modern interpretation of Boticelli’s Renaissance masterpiece. Ultimately the three large “Graces” prints will occupy an art gallery townhouse in the Upper East Side of New York City, however as a consequence of this experiment, further inspiration was derived, possibly divinely as it were. Having daughters with middle names Hope, Faith & Grace, a charitable intention was serendipitously revealed and acted upon with haste. 

On the evening of Friday December 15th 2023, the inaugural Hope, Faith & Grace Gala was held in Aspen Colorado, in cooperation with Flaunt Magazine, to honor David LaChapelle’s artistic contributions and the history and spirit behind the “Three Graces” commission. The beneficial charity that was selected was Operation Underground Railroad, an organization which rescues abducted children from trafficking and slavery. The event showcased Julliard trained classical music duo Arkai, a silent art auction, and was hosted by comedian Nick Guerra. 

The outcome of the experiment is simple yet elegant in design - inspiration put into creative action is empowering. It validates that life is best when it is lived as Art - with humility, altruism, and artistry. Supporting the Arts for the benefit of our children’s sake is not just a sound investing idea. It’s an authentic Classic. 

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Director: David La Chapelle
Executive Producer: Bryn Owen
Co-Producers: Ron Rock and Jesse Murphy
Studio Producer: Ghretta Hynd
Production Manager: Ethan Haug
Stills: John Schoenfeld
Stills Assist: David Winthrop Hanson and Dante Guerra
Retoucher: Glen Vergara
Set Decorator: Justin Powell
Scenic Painter: Thomas Hall
Greens: Andrew Russell
Greens Assist: Juan Morales
Costume Designer: Colleen Atwood
Assist Costume Designer: Bryan Kopp
Tailor: Christine Vlasak
Stylist for Male Graces: Luca Falcioni at Opus Beauty
Assist Stylist: Vance Medeiros
Assist Stylist for Male Graces: Frankie Benkovic
Key Hair Stylist for Wind, Nymph, and Background: Larry McDaniel
Assist Hair Stylist (Wind, Nymph, Background): Bonnie Subnick and Brent Raisor
Hair Stylist for Male Graces: Elsa Canedo at Opus Beauty
Makeup for Male Graces: David Hernandez
Makeup Assist: Sharon Gault, Leah Carmichael, and Karsen Rich
Key Makeup for Nymph: Anthony Nguyen at The Wall Group
Special FX Makeup for Wind and Background: Tyson Fountaine
Spray Tan: Jimmy Coco
Nails: Tracey Sutter
PA: Joel Trevino and Diana Diaz
Flower Designer: Oscar de La Cruz
Models: Zaye Wiggins at DT Models, Gabriel Jayne and Carolina Marie at Wilhelmina Models, Bear and Polo Chevalier at Storm Models, Adelaide Gault, Cole Benedetti at Lemon Lime Models, Yura Puscasu and Noah Syrigos at Pretty Model Mgmt, Axel Jared at Envy Model Mgmt, Annika Dalland, Ava Pearlman at Supreme Management, Kevin Buschan at Professionally Pretty, and Joseph Hogan