By Sofia Juarez

July 13 marked the opening of David LaChapelle’s Solo Exhibition, American Jesus, at the Paul Kasmin Gallery in Manhattan. LaChapelle specializes in fine art photography, film and fashion; ideas which are all implemented in his work. His paintings live and breathe art historical references, current events and popular culture, which make each piece distinctive in significance and narrative content. 
One of the more compelling works of the exhibition was of Michael Jackson as a modern day martyr, which stood out to Rory Tahari, and model Hana Soukupova, whom were seen posing next to the photograph. These works demonstrate LaChappelle's interest in implementing different mediums into his artwork, including watercolors, collages and mixed media sketches. Guests included Sonja LaChapelle, Lenny Kravitz, Amanda Lepore, Beth Ann Hardison, Rory Tahari, model Hana Soukupova, Karim Rashid, Ivana Rashid and Rick Rose.

The event then continued on with a VIP dinner at the Highline Room at The Standard Hotel and then guests went upstairs for the closing of the Boom Boom Room. The Boom Boom Room’s opened during Fashion Week and is THE place to be seen in Manhattan due to its location, interior design and exclusive door policy, among many other things. This modern-retro setting has attracted A-list actors, models and society types from day one, and has now made the decision to close until fall. We assure you, it wasn’t for lack of popularity. Additional dinner guests included Cynthia Rowley, Fred Torres, Peter Stern, Sara Rotman, Franco Rivera and Patrick McMullan. Guests at the dinner mingled with LaChapelle and at the after/closing down party, well, it basically just got out of hand. Oh, and Jesus was there.