Tickets to Operanation 8: A Muse Ball, with featured performer Rufus Wainwright, went on sale this morning! The party's theme (based in part on the opera The Tales of Hoffmann, which features an artist and the women who inspire him) is the muse, and we needed a poster that would evoke high fashion and artistic inspiration.

The poster, featuring an updated twist on the three graces who appear in Botticelli's iconic painting Primavera, was photographed last month by photographer Mario Miotti, and I'm delighted to be able to give you a behind-the-scenes peek at the fashion shoot.  

First, model Robyn MacNicol had her hair and makeup done by stylist Mila from Plutino Group.

 

Potential jewelry, clothing, and shoe options were on hand, all sourced from Holt Renfrew.

 

 

 

 

The finalized ensemble featured earrings from Dent de la Mer, a pair of black pumps by Christian Louboutin, a necklace and belt by Lanvin, and a wide-legged, high-waisted black suit from Theyskens' Theory (here's an in-depth New York Times profile on Olivier Theyskens). The total effect was both masculine and feminine, combining the precise tailoring of the pantsuit with a very soft blouse and necklace and sky-high heels.

 

 

Robyn MacNicol needed to be photographed for all three of the "three graces" poses in succession in front of a green screen, with the separate shots to be combined later and placed in front of the lush forest background. The shape you see in the middle of the green screen is extra lighting to give Robyn an angelic back-lit look.

 

To help with getting the right pose, an aide subbed in for one of the absent graces. In the photo below, photographer Mario Miotti gives them some notes.

 

The photos could be quickly evaluated on screen:

 

The finished product, shown here, is absolutely beautiful.