Black Label [EN]: Chapter 151

151. The Time When Prejudice Breaks (2)

As soon as Jaeseung stepped down from the podium, the show began without a moment’s delay.

All the lights except for the long, pin-spot highlights were dimmed, naturally focusing the audience’s attention on the red carpet laid out along the runway.

How long had it been? A soft melody with a distinct oriental feel began to flow from the speakers.

Just as the unfamiliar yet clear and beautiful melody resonated in the venue.

“Heh…”

The first model appeared on the runway, and some people in the front row involuntarily exclaimed.

The first model wore a tight-fitting ‘mini-skirt’ that completely shed the exaggerated and baggy feel of a traditional Hanbok [Korean traditional dress] skirt.

Her smooth legs were fully exposed from the knees down, and the tight-fitting jeogori [the upper garment of a Hanbok] only accentuated her slender waist and bust.

“Beautiful.”

It was the pot-bellied editor who had been spouting criticisms before the show started.

He was displeased, but the beauty was undeniable.

He snorted, then leaned back comfortably in his chair.

The colors were surprisingly harmonious, and the silhouette of the haute couture design was endlessly modern.

Most surprising was the ‘material’.

“What a mysterious fabric. It’s a rough fabric that doesn’t look expensive, and it’s crumpled haphazardly, yet it looks so beautiful…”

Geraldine Saglio nodded slightly, agreeing with the middle-aged editor’s low voice, and replied.

“It’s made of hemp. As you can see, it has a rough texture. It’s breathable and absorbent. When blended with cotton, it becomes linen.”

“It seems like an unfamiliar material…”

“That’s right. It hasn’t been used much as a clothing material because of its rough texture.”

Geraldine Saglio smiled and added, “In the West, that is.”

“In the West, it was mainly used for packaging or making sails for ships because of its durability. Eighty percent of cloths used to wrap mummies in Egypt were also made of hemp. It prevents the growth of microorganisms and fungi.”

The middle-aged editor was surprised by her explanation and exclaimed, “Oh…”

Geraldine shrugged and added.

“But in the East, or rather, in Lee’s mother country, Korea, it was used differently. It has been a main material for Hanboks, especially high-end summer Hanboks, since ancient times.”

While they talked, the first model reached the end of the runway.

The model glanced at the audience with a seductive look, smiled naturally, and walked back towards backstage.

At the same time, the second model appeared, and the venue became even more solemn.

But, what should I say?

The basic framework of the second design seemed similar.

It had a similar silhouette to the first design, and the colors weren’t much different.

Of course, this was just a simple ‘disappointment’.

From the groundbreaking selection of materials to the silhouette that maximized the model’s beauty…

Everything else was perfect, hence the disappointment.

If this part had been perfect, Di.Ohm would have been unconditionally praised as the best haute couture of the year.

The middle-aged editor clicked his tongue and glanced at his fingers.

‘…Damn it.’

It was exactly what Lee had said before the show.

He resented his frivolous fingers.

Joy and sorrow intermingled throughout the venue.

Those secretly cheering for Jaeseung enjoyed the unexpected result, while those who had written columns denigrating Jaeseung had gloomy faces.

* * *

“Lee, please prepare. After the finale, buyers wanting to distribute the designs will flock to you,” Albert, Di.Ohm’s CEO, who seemed to have paid more attention to his attire than usual, said politely.

Jaeseung nodded, looked at his fluorescent enamel shoes, and opened his mouth.

“Albert, what do you think?”

“Pardon?”

“I’m talking about the reaction to this collection.”

Albert smiled and replied.

“The number of empty seats is increasing. Most were allocated to buyers. I’m sure they’re reporting that they’ll buy the distribution rights.”

The buyers who had given up watching and were making calls knew that ‘if you are late for the feast, you can only see the bones left behind’.

If they moved slowly after the show, they would miss the opportunity.

Meanwhile, perhaps because of the potential profit?

Albert, usually calm, was very excited today.

“Top actors will wear Di.Ohm’s haute couture dresses at awards ceremonies this year. After the collection, Di.Ohm’s reputation and sales will increase. Lee will be mentioned whenever Di.Ohm’s history is discussed.”

Jaeseung playfully retorted.

“Well, isn’t it too early to be sure of success? The empty seats could be from those who left because the show was terrible, right?”

“Indeed, God is fair. Fortunately, your talent doesn’t extend to ‘jokes’. Anyway, you’ll be busy this evening. Many people want to meet with Lee.”

“Wait, Albert. I wish I could be free until this evening.”

“Pardon…?”

“I’d like you to postpone all schedules until tomorrow.”

Albert frowned, as if he couldn’t understand, and tentatively asked, “Pardon? Do you have other important schedules…?”

The highlight of the collection is the meetings that follow the show—from buyers and investors to famous designers.

It was clear that countless people would approach Lee with huge deals.

No matter how important a schedule was, he thought it couldn’t take precedence over a new meeting accompanied by a ‘Big Deal’.

Albert licked his lower lip, waiting for Jaeseung’s answer.

“Today, I will enjoy dinner with the members of Di.Ohm House. It will celebrate the collection’s success and commend the hard work. We will also hold a farewell party for Meister Chloe, who will be leaving the atelier after this haute couture.”

When Albert replied hurriedly, “Lee, but…!”, Jaeseung quickly shook his head and replied firmly.

“No, nothing is more important than sharing glory with colleagues. I’m asking you a favor.”

A cold current flowed between them.

Albert, who had been staring at Jaeseung silently, shook his head as if he couldn’t win and smiled bitterly.

“I understand. I’ll proceed according to the headquarters’ plan.”

“Thank you.”

After Albert left the waiting room, Lee Kangjun, who had been standing silently beside him, carefully opened his mouth.

“President, it seems like it’s about to start.”

Jaeseung nodded and looked out the window that Lee Kangjun was looking at.

The blue sea water was gradually turning red as the sun set.

Jaeseung, who had been looking at the rippling sea, smiled and replied.

“Yes, it’s time for the ‘real show’ to begin.”

* * *

Meanwhile, now that the show was in the middle and late stages, Geraldine Saglio felt a deep sense of disappointment.

Perhaps because the preparation was so eventful and there were so many things to pay attention to?

The designs were perfect, but what should I say? Compared to Lee’s previous shows, this one seemed to have some shortcomings.

‘The performance is lacking, and the designs feel homogenized…’

The reason critics and editors love Lee’s shows is because of the performances that contain clear ‘*Metaphors*’.

This show, without any performance, couldn’t hide its blandness.

Since the outdoor stage was chosen, it was thought that a performance would be difficult because lighting couldn’t be used freely.

In addition, the haute couture designs were similar.

After grabbing a great silhouette, most designs were given minor modifications.

To use a restaurant analogy, it’s like cooking all the dishes from appetizer to dessert with one great ingredient?

The shock and innovation I felt at the start gradually turned into boredom.

Unlike other critics and editors who were surprised, perhaps because their expectations were so high, Geraldine couldn’t help but feel bored.

While watching the runway with an indifferent expression, with one hand on her chin.

“Huh…?”

A black female model appeared, and there was a commotion.

The black female model wore a ‘see-through’ jeogori, and since she wasn’t wearing underwear, her slender waist and full breasts were visible.

However, none of the audience felt lust.

They were just holding their breath and silently looking at the primal beauty that had appeared on the runway, wanting to enjoy it more deeply.

At this moment, the most unconventional design appeared since the show began.

Short and long sighs began to leak out from various places.

“Ah…”

However, it was from then on that a truly amazing sight began to unfold.

As the setting sun touched the horizon, the garden was instantly dyed red.

The sunset replaced the lighting and created a new feeling.

At the same time, the models began to appear haphazardly, two or three at a time, ignoring formality.

Instead of Hanbok haute couture made using clean primary colors, they wore pastel-toned dresses made using *Gradation* techniques.

“As expected, Lee’s show can’t be without performance…”

At that moment, Geraldine Saglio muttered, the last model appeared.

Jaeseung’s lover and a model close to Geraldine Saglio, ‘Ashlynn’, appeared on the runway.

She wore a tight-fitting white jeogori and a light pink skirt colored with a gradation technique.

The sunset shone on her like a halo, and the reddish horizon felt like a background.

She walked across the runway with an elegant gait.

Soon, some critics, unable to bear the surging excitement, forgot formality and began to converse in excited tones.

“Damn it, I’ve been completely played…!”

A critic’s cry pierced Geraldine’s ears.

It was a word I could only sympathize with. Everyone was completely played by Di.Ohm and Lee.

Contrary to everyone’s expectations, the show was too perfect.