Black Label [EN]: Chapter 105

Black Label 104

105. That Position Is Mine

In a rather solemn atmosphere, explanations regarding the F.I.T competition began one after another.

“For reference, preparations for the competition will start this ‘summer vacation.’ The documentary filming will be the same.”

Soon, Jaesung muttered in a low voice, “Oh, man…” It seemed he had to put his decision to visit Korea this summer on hold for the time being.

“From then on, a 6mm camera will follow you 24 hours a day. Therefore, all activities related to this competition, including schematic drawings, designs, and sewing, must be conducted within Parsons.”

Having a camera follow him all day would be nerve-wracking, but it didn’t seem like a particularly difficult task.

Parsons, which belongs to ‘The New School,’ owns dozens of buildings in the Manhattan area.

In addition to buildings used for classrooms or dormitories, there are galleries and exhibition spaces where students can freely exhibit their work, as well as workshops called ‘Making Centers.’

All Parsons students can use these open spaces freely and free of charge.

Of course, the facilities are well-equipped without any shortages.

Jaesung, who was listening to Professor Edin Thomas’s explanation with a nod, raised his hand slightly and asked.

“Professor, when will we receive ‘feedback’ from active designers?”

Professor Edin Thomas wiped his glasses with a lens cloth, said, “That’s a good question,” and continued.

“As you all know, the competition proceeds in a ‘solo exhibition’ format.”

On the day of the competition, voting will take place on-site, and rankings will be determined based on the voting results.

Naturally, the participant with the most votes will be ranked first, and which school the first-place participant belongs to will determine the victory or defeat of the competition.

“Each of you will be assigned an active designer. From product concepts, fabric and texture selection, sample fitting and sewing, to show display plans… all processes will be conducted in collaboration with the active designer.”

Looking around at the reactions of the other students, they all seemed unable to contain their joy.

Well, they would be happy. It’s an opportunity to pursue collaborative work with those they admire.

It’s a golden opportunity to build a career that will be of great help in getting a job and launching a brand.

On the other hand, unlike the students who were simply happy, Jaesung seemed more worried.

‘Which active designer you team up with could also be a pretty important factor, right?’

Of course, everyone’s time is precious, but active designers’ time is like genuine ‘pure gold.’

That they would decide to lend their strength to this competition, squeezing and squeezing their already limited time?

As this competition transformed into a battle for the ‘history’ of the two schools, it became clear that the alumni would also take an active attitude.

What if he were to team up with an opinionated active designer?

Every time a minor difference of opinion arose, it would surely lead to ‘conflict.’

Just as Jaesung was lost in thought, Professor Edin Thomas glanced at his wristwatch and continued.

“First of all, I will notify you again about the schedule for this competition before the summer vacation. Now, everyone can go back for today.”

Soon, the students who participated in this competition exchanged greetings and began to leave the conference room.

Just as Jaesung was about to pick up the textbook he had placed on the table.

“You, sit down for a moment.”

“Yes, Professor.”

Professor Edin Thomas spoke again after all the students except Jaesung had left the conference room.

“I’m hearing good news from everywhere. How does it feel to have your value skyrocket in just a few months?”

“Well? I don’t think I really feel it.”

From time to time, the headquarters of Brand Alexander King reports on the amount of royalties he will receive soon.

The accumulated royalties alone were enough to open several offline stores in Korea simultaneously without attracting external funds.

“Anyway, it was a really fun show. Especially the ‘Alexander Street’ performance in the second half of the show was really impressive. When your show ended, all the faculty members who attended the show were convinced that Parsons would win this competition.”

“You flatter me.”

“Haha, flatter? No. It was a great show with nothing to criticize. The products were perfect, and so were the show’s display and performance. The proof is that even the discerning critics are praising your show to the skies, isn’t it?”

As Jaesung scratched the back of his head awkwardly, Professor Edin Thomas continued.

“Okay, let’s just leave the story about this show here. Even praise can get boring if you hear it too much. By the way, you said earlier that you wanted to work at ‘Christian Diom,’ right?”

“Ah, yes. I did.”

“I asked you to stay for a moment because I wanted to hear the reason. I’m curious why you chose Christian Diom out of so many premium brands.”

Jaesung nodded once and carefully continued.

“There are several reasons. Even though decades have passed since the founder Diom passed away, I find it amazing that his will is being carried on.”

“Yes, that’s really romantic.”

Even now, Diom’s employees greet the air with “Monsieur Diom, I’m going home for today” before leaving work every day.

This is because all the employees believe that the deceased Monsieur Diom is watching over them as a ‘ghost’ wandering around the headquarters building.

Also, most of the employees call themselves ‘Diom’s Child.’

This is because Diom’s atelier [workshop or studio] was their first job. They grew up working at Diom, and they started families while working at Diom.

They also made a living with the money they earned at Diom, and they earned the title of ‘master’ thanks to the time they spent at Diom.

They are all proud to be affiliated with Diom, and they regard the Diom brand as part of their lives.

Christian Diom.

As he was a figure who lived half a century ago, all the materials related to him are recorded in black and white.

However, his name still makes Jaesung’s heart flutter.

“To be honest, the real reason is that Christian Diom is my ‘role model.'”

“Reason?”

“Because he is the only designer who is successfully leading his brand even after his death.”

After speaking, Jaesung added, “In fact, I also have a strong desire to try a new genre called ‘Haute Couture.'”

Professor Edin Thomas, who nodded several times in a row, smiled and replied.

“Well, I’m really curious what your haute couture will be like.”

A silence flows for a moment.

“Your trip to Diom is no longer a distant dream.”

“Yes…?”

“You know who the current creative director of Diom is, right?”

“Yes, I know him personally.”

Jaesung certainly knew not only his name but even his ‘personal contact information.’

‘Jone Galiado.’

Before entering Parsons, he went to France to participate in the Paris Vogue event.

His relationship with Ashlyn, as well as his relationship with Alexander, started there.

Back then, when he was staying in France, he had a drink all night with ‘John Galiado,’ the creative director of Diom.

“Really? This is the first time I’ve heard of this.”

“When I was in France, I was able to meet him through Alexander’s introduction.”

“Hmm, I see.”

In fact, it wasn’t a relationship formed through a simple introduction.

At Alexander’s request, he made imitation products of Christian Diom, and John Galiado, who saw his imitation products, asked to meet him first.

Of course, he couldn’t list all the details, so he just shortened it.

“Anyway, it’s a real shame. John Galiado recently got into trouble for making racist remarks.”

“Then, could it be…?”

“Yes. Eventually, Diom’s board of directors decided to dismiss him. It’s not an officially known fact yet, but it’s a secret that’s spreading in some parts of the industry.”

“Oh…?”

“That means the position of creative director of Christian Diom is currently vacant, right? Anyway, the rumors are rampant. There are rumors that Diom’s board of directors is currently bloodshot in finding the ‘next creative director.'”

Such Diom’s brand board of directors has expressed its intention to attend this F.I.T competition?

This competition also seemed to have been selected as one of the many places they would look around to discover the next creative.

If he presents clothes that meet their emotions and values, he may be selected as Diom’s next director.

“Thank you for letting me know.”

Jaesung, who replied politely, was lost in thought for a moment. It’s a place he’s been aiming for since his past life.

And a subtle opportunity to head there has come.

He has to calculate meticulously. He has to build the foundation as smartly as possible. Simply making good clothes and winning first place will not get the desired results.

He thought he should think about how to capture the heart of the ‘Diom’ brand.

* * *

After finishing the interview with Professor Edin Thomas, he treated ‘Alex’ to a meal as promised.

The dining place Alex chose was none other than the dormitory cafeteria located in the Parsons Design School dormitory building.

Originally, it was rumored to have excellent food, so students who did not live in the dormitory often used it, but….

It was unexpected that Alex, who lives in the dormitory and eats all three meals here, chose the dormitory cafeteria. He must have been considerate of him.

It had only been half a day since they started talking, but had they become quite close now? The two naturally exchanged conversations throughout the meal.

Soon.

“Alex, I really enjoyed it thanks to you. I think I should go now.”

At Jaesung’s quiet words, Alex wiped his mouth with a napkin and replied.

“I really enjoyed it too. Um, but it’s better to refrain from coming to the dormitory cafeteria with Lee….”

After speaking, Alex looked around once and added in a quiet voice.

“I’m not used to these hot eyes [intense stares].”

As soon as the two set foot in the dormitory cafeteria, the eyes of all the students in the hall poured out.

Some of them were even wearing Alexander King’s new season clothing designed by Jaesung.

When Jaesung said, “I’m sorry,” Alex waved his hand vigorously and replied.

“No, it’s not your fault, Lee. Well, when else will I be able to have this experience if not now? Anyway, I really enjoyed the meal thanks to you.”

“Okay, Alex. Then see you again tomorrow.”

With those words, Jaesung immediately left the dormitory building. Even while hurrying, he did not forget to send the photo he took with Alex to Director Song.

[ Director, I have a lot of friends. ]

First of all, he was going to head to his personal studio in Manhattan.

Most of the participating students who listened to the explanation together in the conference room today must have already started preparing.

Although documentary filming and full-scale preparation will begin in the summer, none of the participants will be foolish enough to start preparing in the summer.

“Hoo-.”

Jaesung took a long breath and began to walk towards the subway station.

First of all, he can never lose the championship.

No matter how excellent the students of Parsons and F.I.T are, isn’t he an active member of the New York fashion world?

His pride does not allow him to achieve a score below the championship.

Also, he must obtain the ‘Creative Director’ qualification of Diom this time.

He wants to experience the legacy of Monsieur Diom and get a feel for the brand’s atmosphere.

To do so, he must challenge ‘Haute Couture (*high-end custom-fitted fashion design and clothing*),’ which is Diom’s main field.

Unlike other clothing products such as bags, he has to step into an unknown area that he has never even copied.

The word ‘first’ is usually like that.

It is accompanied by slight fear, subtle anticipation, and subtle trembling.

However, it was truly a strange thing. It seemed that haute couture designs came to mind every time he took a step.

He is sure.

This competition is a good opportunity and will be a great stage.

A great stage to clearly show everyone what ‘Lee’s’ haute couture is.

The position of Diom’s creative director is mine.

Absolutely.