Black Label [EN]: Chapter 167

Black Label 166

167. Innovator

[Brand Wallflower Confirms Launch of ‘Premium Label’ Products with Differentiated Materials and Pricing from Existing Products]

Brand Wallflower has officially announced its launch of premium label products, distinguished from their existing line by superior materials and higher prices.

According to a Wallflower strategy and planning team member, the premium label products are expected to be priced approximately four to five times higher than the natural label products, which constitute their general product line.

The official added, “Currently, the Wallflower design team is most concerned about the potential for the premium label products to be undervalued. We are meticulously coordinating and refining every detail before the launch to ensure they are perceived as truly premium.”

With online reactions sharply divided, what do industry experts think of Brand Wallflower’s new premium label product line?

Some critics actively support Wallflower’s decision, praising it as “a bold move that strategically considers the brand’s future,” while others express concern, calling it “a rushed decision driven by excessive ambition….”

Click-

“Hmm….”

Director Song, after a brief groan, began to scroll down the page with his mouse.

Was it the weight of the Lee name [likely referring to Jaesung’s influence]? Or did the Wallflower brand simply possess enough inherent potential to capture public attention?

Every piece of information released about this season becomes a trending topic.

This indicated the high level of interest surrounding Wallflower’s current season.
The domestic reaction was understandable. Regardless of design preferences, Wallflower was the first domestic brand to achieve such significant success and recognition.

Comparing Jaesung to domestic sports icons like Kim Yuna or Park Ji-sung provides a sense of the public’s perception.

But what about overseas?

Surprisingly, the response from international audiences was even more enthusiastic.

On beauty channel talk shows like ‘CNN STYLE,’ invited critics passionately discussed Wallflower’s future and direction.

They even engaged in heated debates, arguing for and against the brand’s strategies.

Director Song, who had been studying the monitor with his chin resting on his hand, suddenly shook his head and closed all the internet windows.

He knew that this type of online browsing was ultimately unproductive.

“What are you doing?”

Director Song jumped at Jaesung’s sudden voice from behind.

“Hey, give me some warning! You scared me half to death….”

“It seems your head is firmly attached anyway, doesn’t it?”

“I was just browsing the internet.”

“Well, the reactions must be quite interesting these days.”

“Do you check them out from time to time?”

“Of course. It’s a great way to kill time, isn’t it?”

Director Song chuckled and muttered, “Well…,” then continued.

“You’re leaving tomorrow, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I’ll take you to the airport.”

“No, a taxi is more convenient.”

After a pause, Jaesung added, “And… it looks like I’ll be traveling by private jet.”

“Private jet? Is the LVMH Group supporting you again this time?”

“No, the Janel Group is.”

Reflecting on his accumulating airline mileage, Jaesung realized how much had changed since his past life, where he had never even boarded an international flight.

But as time went on, he had less time to dwell on such thoughts.

Now, he was being flown around in private jets by fashion tycoons. This was proof that the stakes involved in his career had become significantly higher.

* * *

Is inspiration elusive, or is it everywhere?

That question seemed to perfectly encapsulate the time spent on the Janel Group’s private jet en route to France.

He gazed at the vast sky through the window, sipping the finest cognac from a crystal glass.

Slightly tipsy, he watched various videos prepared in the cabin.

From classic movies to sitcoms, talk shows, and concert videos of world-class stars….

The most thrilling moment came while watching a concert DVD capturing Michael Jackson’s first-ever public performance of the ‘Moonwalk’.

1983.

A video taken a full 30 years prior.

Yet, Jaesung felt his heart pounding as he watched the scene.

He understood why it was considered one of the Top 5 most historic moments since the invention of television.

Wasn’t Michael Jackson the quintessential example of an artist who remained relevant and celebrated even after death?

So much so that after his death, the joke that “God couldn’t resist wanting to see his live performance and took him away” was even reported on the news?

Thanks to the slightly blurry video, Jaesung couldn’t help but fall into deep thought thousands of meters above the ground.

If artists like Michael Jackson were so highly praised, surely there were similar figures in the fashion world?

Christian Dior, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, and others….

Lagerfeld, nearing retirement, would undoubtedly be repeatedly mentioned whenever the history of fashion was discussed.

Jaesung’s feelings were complex and subtle. He experienced a rare moment of envy and jealousy.

A desire to etch the now-familiar name ‘Lee’ into that historical narrative swirled within him.

Jaesung, lost in these thoughts, suddenly chuckled.

He found it absurd that he was already worrying about his legacy after death.

* * *

The antique interior, reminiscent of medieval France, and the soft classical music created a vibrant atmosphere at the Janel House.

“I’ve been hearing a lot of interesting things about you,” Karl Lagerfeld said without a greeting.

Jaesung nodded and replied nonchalantly.

“There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you, Karl, if I ever had the chance.”

As Karl Lagerfeld gestured for him to continue, Jaesung shrugged and said, “I feel like everything I do becomes a major issue. Is being famous always this exhausting?”

“Yes, it is. It’s a lovely and beautiful kind of exhaustion that makes you want to cry.”

Karl Lagerfeld was wearing a luxurious cashmere coat.

The expensive coat was eye-catching, but even more striking was the Wallflower logo T-shirt he wore underneath.

It seemed he had made a special effort to welcome Jaesung.

As Jaesung walked behind Karl Lagerfeld with a pleased smile, Karl stopped in front of a door marked ‘Chief Director’s Office’ and said quietly,

“It would be best to postpone greetings with the Janel House staff until tomorrow. We have a lot to discuss, just the two of us.”

Jaesung nodded in agreement, and Karl opened the door to his office.

The office was simpler than expected, lacking fancy decorations or expensive artwork.

It contained only an iMac PC, a tablet, and various documents necessary for work.

“It’s much neater than I expected. There don’t seem to be any cumbersome or unnecessary items at all.”

“I cleaned it up in advance. I’ll have to empty the room as soon as this season is over.”

Karl Lagerfeld, answering playfully, sat down on a sofa and immediately began to speak.

“I watched the last Time interview carefully. What was the headline? I think it was ‘Lee’s Faust is not yet complete’….”

As Jaesung confirmed, “Yes, that’s right,” Karl Lagerfeld continued.

“Well, yes. Anyway, as you said in the interview, Goethe completed Faust at the age of ninety. I’m incredibly envious of your youth.”

“When you say that, it sounds like you never enjoyed your youth?”

“I did enjoy my youth. It was as splendid and brilliant as yours. I tasted greater glory with each passing year, so much so that I was under the illusion that the world revolved around me.”

“What’s the point you’re making?”

Karl Lagerfeld paused, then said in a serious voice, “To be honest, since we’re in the same boat… I’m actually afraid. Can this season truly be the Faust of Karl Lagerfeld? I’ve always been afraid of failure, but this season in particular….”

Karl Lagerfeld trailed off, clutching his abundant white hair with both hands.

Jaesung unconsciously took a deep breath.

Karl Lagerfeld was a hero to aspiring fashion designers worldwide, including Jaesung.

He was honestly expressing his fear of failure.

It was like glimpsing the inner self of a hero who was constantly saving the world and fighting villains.

It was definitely not a pleasant feeling.

“Everyone feels that way. Even if I knew this season would be my last….”

Jaesung, offering comfort nonchalantly, stopped and shook his head.

“Actually, I’m not good at offering trivial comfort.”

“It’s okay.”

“I’ll do my best to help. It will be much easier if we overcome it together.”

Karl Lagerfeld forced a smile and asked, “Maybe you’re more anxious. My retirement hasn’t been announced yet, but there’s a lot of talk about Wallflower….”

“I’m trying to take it in stride. I get shaken by opposing opinions, but it also means I’ve gained some recognition as a designer.”

“The more I look at you, the less you seem like a rookie designer. You’re too rational.”

“I’m feeling emotionally insecure, but that’s all. I’ll show everyone with results.”

Karl Lagerfeld nodded and said calmly, “For your information, I strongly support the premium label product line. I would have made the same decision in your position.”

“Is that lip service to a friend, or sincere advice for a junior designer?”

“I don’t have friends, though I don’t know if that answers your question. I have no talent for the ‘lip service’ you mentioned.”

Karl Lagerfeld added, “Maybe it’s because of other flaws,” and chuckled.

Jaesung smiled faintly and asked, “Why do you think you would have made the same decision?”

“Wallflower has also become a member of Paris Fashion Week this year, right?”

“Could you elaborate?”

Karl Lagerfeld smiled slyly, shrugged, and continued, “You’ve probably heard that designs exhibited at the four major fashion weeks are copied in China within 20 minutes of being revealed.”

“Yes, I’ve heard something like that, but is it true? I thought it was an exaggeration….”

“It’s a clear fact. It’s not just imitation. Fast fashion and street brands also adjust their product direction for the year after seeing Paris Fashion Week. The four major fashion weeks are sacred events where fashion pioneers present the trends of fashion around the world.”

Karl Lagerfeld smiled slyly and answered, “Let me put it simply. There’s a saying called ‘iii’ [Innovator, Imitator, Idiot]. There’s the ‘Innovator’ who creates trends, the ‘Imitator’ who follows them, and the ‘Idiot’ who follows late and misses the opportunity. Look at your position. Entering Paris Fashion Week means you’re a recognized designer who determines global trends. Whether you sell it for a hundred or a thousand bucks, no one can say anything. Pricing is up to the pioneer who defines the world’s trends and individuality.”

Karl Lagerfeld took a breath and added, “So, take pride. And I guarantee the premium label will sell like hotcakes. It’s an interesting dilemma: if it’s cheap, it’s graffiti; if it’s expensive, it’s art.”

With that, the conversation shifted to Janel’s current season.

But for some reason, Jaesung couldn’t fully concentrate. His heart was pounding as if it would burst.