Black Label [EN]: Chapter 106

Black Label – Episode 105

106. First Meeting

“What? Haute Couture…?”

In response to Alexander’s question over the phone, Jaeseung replied curtly, “Yes.”

Just from his tone, Jaeseung could sense that he would disapprove.

“I know Lee’s skills very well, but still? Isn’t haute couture too bold a choice…?”

“No, no. Alexander, my opinion won’t change. I’ve already decided.”

“Hey, Lee. Aren’t you giving yourself too harsh a handicap?”

Alexander asked quietly, then chuckled.

Jaeseung thought the term ‘handicap’ he used was quite fitting.

Among the active designers from Parsons who were assigned to assist the students chosen for this competition, not a single one was well-versed in haute couture.

No matter which active designer was assigned as a partner, it was clear that he wouldn’t receive much help.

That’s because Parsons Design School is widely known for teaching commercial sense above all else.

To put it nicely, it’s a place that teaches the methods of realistic success, and to put it a bit extremely, it’s a place that erases inherent artistry.

The faculty at Parsons focuses solely on teaching how to decipher the money codes that exist in the fashion world and how to make so-called ‘clothes that sell well.’

From the start, those who aimed to enter the artistic field of haute couture would have gone to other prestigious design schools, not Parsons.

That was the reason why there were no active designers from Parsons who were well-versed in haute couture.

“Well, it doesn’t seem like I can persuade you anyway, so I have no choice but to cheer you on.”

When Jaeseung replied with a smile, “I think so too,” Alexander immediately asked.

“So, how is it going? Is everything going well without any problems?”

“For now, I’m focusing on reading related books.”

“What? Still…?”

“Yes. There’s more to study than I thought.”

It had already been a month since the members who would participate in this F.I.T competition were decided.

After deciding to challenge the new field of haute couture, Jaeseung’s time inevitably became busy again.

“Lee, I’m sorry for only saying negative things…”

Alexander hesitated for a moment before continuing in a calm tone.

“The other participants who were chosen as members for the competition have already almost finished the schematic drawings of the products they will submit for this competition. Aren’t you being too relaxed?”

Good medicine is always bitter. It was a rather sharp question that couldn’t have been asked unless it was a ‘friend’ who genuinely cared for him like Alexander.

“I know.”

Jaeseung himself knew it well. He knew that fifteen days was by no means a short time, and that the other participants had already made a lot of preparations.

Jaeseung replied briefly, then turned his head to look at the related books piled high like a tower on his studio table.

[The History and Evolution of Haute Couture]

[On Haute Couture, Its Sublimity]

[Since 1856, The Realm of True Art]

[Modern Haute Couture Brands]

The books, so thick that they were intimidating, were neatly stacked. All of them were books related to ‘haute couture.’

Over the past month, Jaeseung had devoured well over thirty related books.

Of course, this was not an easy task either. All of them were original texts written in English, and he couldn’t just read books for the entire fifteen days.

Soon, Jaeseung placed his hand on the book on the very top and continued.

“Alexander knows very well that haute couture is not a field that can be approached with just curiosity and passion, right?”

“But…”

“I can do it. I hope you’ll watch over me with faith.”

Knowing that his competitors were ahead, how could Jaeseung not feel impatient?

But, wasn’t his goal to steal the hearts of the ‘Diom’ board of directors from the start?

To steal their hearts, he had to showcase proper haute couture.

He couldn’t afford to be swayed by petty impatience and showcase superficial haute couture.

“Haa, okay. I understand for now. Anyway, the reason I called today wasn’t to nag, but all the partners have been decided. So, which active designer will be assigned as a partner to which student.”

“Yes? Already?”

“Hey, Lee. It’s definitely not ‘already.’ There are only fifteen days left until the full-scale preparation period.”

Fifteen days.

In exactly fifteen days, summer vacation would begin. As soon as summer vacation started, the documentary filming that would be released through ‘CNN STYLE’ would begin, and the students selected as participants would have to start preparing for the full-scale competition.

“‘Mark Jacob’ has been decided as Lee’s partner. Among the designers who are collaborating in this competition, who wouldn’t be great, but he’s a really great designer. After graduating from Parsons, I also went through an internship period under him.”

After finishing speaking, Alexander added, “He’s the real deal.”

Although Alexander on the other end of the phone wouldn’t be able to see it, Jaeseung nodded diligently as if he agreed.

Mark Jacob.

He was an amazing designer who was even named one of Time Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People of the Year’ in 2010.

He was praised as a ‘genius who never loses his innocence’ and achieved both commercial success and originality.

Jaeseung had also been deeply impressed by his interviews.

Perhaps it was because he was from Parsons, which teaches commerciality above all else?

He would reveal his own distinct values in every interview, saying, “Clothes are not noble works of art, but products that must be sold,” and “Also, I am not a pure artist, but just a fashion designer.”

“At first, I thought it was really fortunate that Lee was teaming up with a talented designer like Mark, but now that I think about it, I’m worried. Mark Jacob is one of the designers who doesn’t fit the word ‘haute couture’ at all….”

‘Haute Couture’.

After the Industrial Revolution, as sewing technology developed, ‘*ready-made clothes* (clothes that are mass-produced and sold according to certain sizes)’ began to pour out.

At the same time, the upper class, including the aristocracy, began to want more differentiated clothes.

Clothes that were more beautiful, more delicate, more luxurious, and contained artistry.

That’s how the field of haute couture was born.

Originally, it meant high-end sewing, especially a term that meant ‘high-end women’s clothing production.’

Since there is no need to mass-produce like ready-made clothes, ‘artistry’ is more important in production.

Certainly, it can be said to be a field of clothing that feels quite distant from Mark Jacob.

“Anyway, to give you some advice, it’s best not to provoke Mark. He has a terribly fiery personality. He also swears a lot. When I had an internship at his brand, I was scolded dozens, hundreds of times.”

“Okay, Alexander. Thank you for everything.”

“No thanks. If you’re really thankful, please come back to our Alexander King’s creative director position whenever you want. Everyone is waiting for Lee to come back, with their necks stretched out.”

After such conversations, he ended the call with Alexander. The studio around midnight was just quiet.

When he opened the window, the cool breeze of late spring began to wrap around his body.

Jaeseung sipped the coffee he had taken out from Max’s cafe and began to focus on reading related books again.

The reason he was only focusing on mastering related books?

Unlike other designers who take a long time to draw schematics, Jaeseung has a tool called the ‘Wallflower Pencil.’

It was clear that drawing schematics wouldn’t take that long.

Sewing is the same. Thanks to his experience in his past life, he can sew several times faster than others.

So, he was confident that it wouldn’t be too late to prepare after building up solid background knowledge.

Jaeseung thought that creating works of art was similar to ‘starting a fire.’

To start a fire that burns brightly, you have to pile up a lot of useful firewood.

Right now, gathering firewood comes first.

Rustle-.

Jaeseung, who was engrossed in reading the book with eyes full of extraordinary color, turned the page again.

* * *

As time passed, the temperature of the wind changed.

The wind, carrying humid heat, was often resolved without cooling the sweat, and the scorching sun made mirage flowers bloom on the asphalt.

The clothes of pedestrians walking on the street became thinner and shorter, and only the occasional cool showers suppressed the heat of summer.

Fifteen more days had passed. Now, Jaeseung was walking through downtown Manhattan.

With a sturdy white reporter carrying a broadcasting 6mm camera with the ‘CNN STYLE’ logo attached.

“Lee, nice to meet you. I’m Tommy, who will be in charge of your coverage.”

“It’s an honor to meet you.”

As soon as summer vacation started, documentary filming began immediately.

Soon, the reporter who introduced himself as ‘Tommy’ smiled and continued.

“First of all, there are a few things I need to tell you. Every moment recorded on my camera has the potential to be included in a documentary that will soon be broadcast throughout the United States.”

“That’s a great precaution.”

When Jaeseung replied in an indifferent tone, reporter Tommy added, “This moment is the same.”

Originally, ‘CNN STYLE’s documentaries are famous for valuing reality the most.

He decided that he would have to pay more attention to his words and actions as much as the days he would be with Tommy in the future.

“Then, let’s start with a brief self-introduction.”

Soon, Jaeseung, who had cleared his throat, began to continue the words he had practiced several times.

“Hello, viewers of CNN STYLE. By the time my greetings reach you, the competition will already be over. First of all, my name is Lee Jaeseung. Most people call me ‘Lee.’ I’m a student at Parsons Design School, and I run a street brand called Wallflower in Korea.”

Jaeseung, who finished his introduction, rubbed the bridge of his nose as if he was embarrassed, and added.

“I’m also a strong candidate to win this competition.”

“That was a great introduction.”

Soon, reporter Tommy moved busily and asked Jaeseung again, holding the camera lens to him.

“Lee is currently heading to the ‘Making Center’ at Parsons Design School. He’s about to have his first meeting with the partner designer who will be preparing for this competition together.”

Reporter Tommy, who fluently explained, held the camera lens to Jaeseung again and asked.

“How are you feeling right now?”

“Um, I’m nervous.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

Jaeseung, who replied briefly, exclaimed, “Ah!” and added.

“I think I left it out during my self-introduction earlier. For reference, my favorite brand is ‘Chrischan Diom’ [Likely a play on ‘Christian Dior’]. I definitely want to work at Diom someday.”

“So suddenly?”

Throughout the walk through downtown Manhattan, they had various conversations related to this competition.

What kind of clothes they prepared, what kind of concept they were considering, etc….

Was it thanks to the logo attached to the camera?

Even though all they did was walk down the street and have a quiet conversation, it seemed that the attention of passersby was naturally focused on them.

Even a young white woman asked Jaeseung for an autograph.

“Wait, wait a minute. You’re ‘Lee,’ who was Alexander King’s creative director last season, right?”

Jaeseung, who replied, “Yes, that’s right,” looked at reporter Tommy and continued.

“I hope this scene is definitely included in the documentary. My parents will be proud.”

“Um, I can’t give you a definite answer, but I’ll pass on your opinion.”

As they walked, they were able to arrive at the Making Center, which was located a few blocks away.

Jaeseung immediately opened the door without any delay and stepped inside.

It was because he was confident that the tension and excitement would be created by the employees of ‘CNN STYLE,’ not himself.

At the moment when Jaeseung and the reporter stepped into the Making Center together.

A middle-aged man sitting on a wide table smiled brightly and said.

“I’m finally meeting the rookie of the New York fashion world.”

Jaeseung immediately approached him and shook his hand.

“Mark, nice to meet you.”

It was the active designer who would be preparing for this competition together, ‘Mark Jacob.’

Unlike Alexander’s prior explanation, he had a rather gentle impression.

While the CNN STYLE staff checked the equipment, Jaeseung and Mark Jacob sat facing each other with a table in between and began to chat.

“Lee, Alexander praised you so much that his mouth was dry. The same goes for critics, editors, and columnists.”

“Um, well? I wonder if it’s all just hype.”

“First of all, I’d like to hear about the concept of the product and show that will be presented on the day of the competition.”

Mark Jacob, who finished speaking, added, “If you have anything in mind.”

Soon, Jaeseung looked around at the staff who were busy checking the equipment and carefully continued.

“Yes, I do have something… but it seems like the staff isn’t quite ready yet, is it okay to start right away?”

“Lee, I’m sorry, but I’m taking time out of my busy schedule to be here for the victory of my ‘alma mater’ [school from which one has graduated]. I have no intention of looking out for the convenience of morons who haven’t even prepared a bit.”

Soon, Jaeseung swallowed without realizing it.

What should I say? It was as if he had caught a glimpse of the true colors hidden behind the gentle impression?

The other staff members were also busy watching Mark’s every move.

At that time, when the atmosphere was freezing cold, reporter ‘Tommy,’ who was watching the conversation between the two, pointed to the camera installed on one wall and said.

“You two can start talking right away. Fortunately, one is left.”

Mark Jacob, who said in a low voice, “I like that,” began to stare intently at Jaeseung. As if telling him to lay out what he had planned right away.

Soon, Jaeseung moistened his already dry lips and carefully continued.

“I’m going to showcase haute couture.”

“Wait, wait a minute. Did I hear wrong?”

“Probably not.”

After a moment of silence. Mark Jacob nodded repeatedly and muttered in a low voice, “Good, damn haute couture….”

And then.

“Let’s hear the reason at least.”

After a moment of silence descended again inside the Making Center.

Jaeseung swept his bangs back once.

From the beginning, he didn’t expect or want help.

Although it was an expected confrontation, a sense of despondency came first.

If Mark continues to maintain this high-handed attitude, he will only be an obstacle.

Even if Christian Diom came back to life instead of Mark Jacob, he had no intention of yielding.

“Mark, I’m saying this just in case, but this is my show, and you’re just in a role to assist me. And in the first place, it wasn’t me who asked you for help, but the ‘school.'”

“What, what did you say…?”

“No matter what you say, I’m going to showcase haute couture in this competition no matter what. Your authority is only up to ‘advice’ on the results. You can’t interfere with the direction.”

Jaeseung added a word after speaking.

“Absolutely.”

Jaeseung and Mark Jacob’s gazes met in the air.

The staff could only watch the two of them, holding their breath.

Everyone knew.

That the current silence is only the silence just before the typhoon hits.