Abstract: A system and method are presented that store graph data in a database as nodes, edges that link nodes, and detached profiles that contain properties that provide additional context for the nodes and edges. Computerized methods are described that provide for the dynamic creation of graph data based on the properties stored on the profiles related to each node, including the ability to predetermine which properties are used within a CSS-like language. Detached profiles allow a single profile, comprising a set of attribute-value pairs, to be associated with multiple database objects, or to survive the deletion of associated objects.