Theresa Grill Helps Moncler Show Art for Love

Theresa Grill has worldwide acclaim as a producer and creative strategist for one reason, she is extremely talented at her job. Whether she is working in her homeland of Austria, in London, New York, Hollywood, or any number of other global locations, she’s found planning and running the most prestigious events in the world with some of the biggest names. Vanity Fair’s Oscar Party in Hollywood, the Cannes Film Festival, The Breakthrough Awards held annually at NASA Headquarters; her abilities and expertise are applicable to almost any type of setting and clientele. The legend of her proactive approach and pitch of article topics to Graydon Carter (then editor in chief of Conde Nast) was so insightful and intelligent that she was hired on the spot (aboard an airplane no less). What was apparent that day is still Grill’s motto, fearlessness fueled by talent, preparation, and self-belief. While she is constantly among the most acclaimed leaders of varying industries, the ability to apply her skills to socially minded productions is just as valuable and important to Theresa, as exhibited in her work with the highly successful "Moncler Art For Love" Exhibition and Public Auction at the Public Library in New York City.

The event consisted of an exhibition and silent auction which benefited AMFAR and raised awareness at the same time. Grill was brought aboard to strategize and oversee the project, beginning with identifying and securing thirty of the world’s most legendary photographers to photograph Moncler's iconic Maya duvet jacket for the event. She procured such famed photographers as Annie Leibovitz, Bruce Weber, Terry Richardson, David Bailey, Patrick Demarchelier, Arthur Elgort, Inez and Vinoodh, Brigitte Lacombe, Peter Lindbergh, Steven Meisel, Paolo Roversi, David Sims, and others. The goal was to bring the perspective of these artists to the jacket’s aesthetic; the raw edginess of Steven Meisel, the subtle and soft feminine lines of Annie Leibovitz, the feminine drama and classic beauty of Peter Lindbergh. Viewers at the exhibition were witness to how an artist’s vision can shape the story and emotion of any subject, including the Moncler jacket.

French art director Fabien Baron of NYC creative agency Baron & Baron allegedly approached Theresa due to her reputation with Vanity Fair. While held during fashion week, the decision to hold this event at the NY Public Library was chosen to communicate an intellectual approach rather than the standard runway presentation. New York City traffic in front of the public library is more than a bit challenging but the evening saw more than six hundred attendees including numerous A-listers of different mediums. In the end, the “Moncler Art For Love” Exhibition raised more than two-million dollars for AMFAR. The intent and emotional poignancy of the message permeated all in attendance, including Grill. She relates, “I really think working for something that can help other people affects me deeply. This was a such a great cause. To help AMFAR and raise funds to fight AIDS was really something that I felt so strongly about. I have friends that have been affected by this awful disease. We decided this was this amazing opportunity to give back.”

Written by Kelly King