Black Label [EN]: Chapter 254

Black Label Episode 5

The next day, 10 AM.

“Everyone’s here, I see.”

All the employees from the design and marketing departments were gathered in the brand house conference room.

Jaeseung naturally took the head seat at the table and casually continued.

“Let’s start with coffee.”

A new employee distributed coffee and sandwiches along with the meeting materials.

*Wasak-.*

Jaeseung took a bite of his sandwich, glanced over the meeting materials, and began to speak.

“Then, as planned, let’s start with a brief review of the products released last year.”

Some employees breathed a sigh of relief at Jaeseung’s attitude.

He didn’t seem rigid at all, exuding a very free-spirited vibe.

“These are the sales figures from last season.”

One of the employees began the presentation in a composed manner….

Thus, the review of the previous season began, based on sales figures.

Products that received good responses and those that didn’t were divided.

Popular materials and those that were ignored were perfectly categorized.

“Next….”

At that moment, an employee from the marketing department carefully spoke up.

“The marketing department has prepared a forecast for the next season’s trends. We were wondering if you could review it now….”

Jaeseung briefly replied, “Of course,” and immediately scanned the documents he received.

“Interesting analysis.”

The marketing team leader’s face brightened at Jaeseung’s praise, and he added an explanation.

“Clothing that incorporates glam look elements using feathers and fringes instead of fur is expected to be the main trend. If we had to define it, it might be the fringe look that gains popularity….”

As Jaeseung turned the page, the team leader continued with a new explanation.

“Also, rather than formal-looking clothing, we anticipate the era of one-mile wear [comfortable, stylish clothing suitable for short trips from home], which focuses on comfort, will begin….”

*Rustle, rustle.*

“In the shoe category, ‘go-go boots,’ which were released around the 1960s and gained popularity, are expected to become fashionable again.”

Jaeseung nodded and turned the page again.

“The trending color is expected to be dynamic red. Exaggerated and bold patterns and line products reminiscent of the power blazers of the 80s may also become popular again….”

After reviewing all the ‘Trend Forecast Data,’ Jaeseung muttered in a low voice.

“It’s pretty close.”

The marketing team leader looked bewildered and asked, “Excuse me?” for a moment.

*Click.*

Jaeseung picked up the remote control and gently pressed the button, and several diagrams that Jaeseung had drawn the night before were projected onto the conference room wall.

“These are ten diagrams I’ve drawn in my spare time over the past two days.”

The senior designers belonging to the design team all looked shocked.

“Spare time….”

He’s saying he drew as many as ten diagrams in his spare time?

It would take several days even if they were working on it all day long.

The reason they were shocked was not only because the amount of work was ten pieces.

“We can release it as it is?”

“We can place a sample order right away….”

“It’s a very trendy diagram….”

The quality also supported it.

*Tap, tap.*

Jaeseung tapped the table lightly with his fingers and offered his opinion.

“I drew it as my hand went, but fortunately, it doesn’t seem to deviate significantly from the contents of the trend forecast data you analyzed.”

Then, he looked around at all the employees and asked.

“What do you all think?”

The marketing team leader replied.

“Rather than saying it doesn’t deviate from the trend data….”

Wasn’t the data created by a dozen employees who could be said to be the best talents in their respective fields?

The diagrams that Jaeseung drew….

Not only did it perfectly align with the trends of this season presented in the data, but it also had differentiating factors.

“What should I say.”

A feeling that it doesn’t feel out of place even though there are differences from the trend.

That difference would become the identity of Wallflower this season.

No.

It seemed like it would be a trend that would greatly penetrate the fashion industry’s trends this year.

It just felt like making a new suggestion.

“It certainly coincides with the trend, but there are also differences, and that point will be Wallflower’s identity this season and a new trend in the entire industry.”

Jaeseung quietly looked around at the other employees and asked again.

“What about the others?”

At that, the other employees also added their opinions.

“It certainly seems like a trendy diagram.”

“Fabric texture will be important.”

“It’s a diagram that penetrates the money code [appeals to what consumers are willing to spend on]?”

“If we order various samples….”

Everyone showed a positive response.

“I’m so glad. Then, it seems like we can proceed with placing a sample order for the products we showed you….”

Then, he looked at the calendar.

“Design team.”

Soon, a loud “Yes!” came from everywhere….

“We will only accept ‘design entries’ that will be included in this season’s lineup until this week.”

It was a very tight deadline to come up with a proper product and even draw a diagram.

“The deadline is….”

On the other hand, Jaeseung was firm.

“The overall deadline itself is short, so it can’t be helped.”

“Still, a week feels too short….”

It was a deadline that was physically impossible.

However.

It was inevitable to proceed as planned.

‘If the designs of the affiliated designers are insufficient, I can just create more to match the number of species [number of designs needed].’

In fact, didn’t he design all the products himself before his temporary retirement?

‘Yes, I’ll just have to work a little harder.’

Due to the special nature of his debut stage after a long hiatus, he planned to create most of the product lineup to be presented this time.

‘Still….’

It would be much easier if the design team produced about 20% of this season’s lineup.

Jaeseung had to handle various other tasks besides simple product design.

Including the conception and preparation related to this fashion week stage, as well as work instructions, production, distribution, and delivery-related tasks.

‘Yes, the design team needs to solve at least 20-30% of the situation.’

Jaeseung suddenly opened his mouth.

“Royalty.”

Everyone looked at Jaeseung at that word.

“If the products directly designed by the affiliated designers are selected for this season’s line and normal release and sales are carried out.”

“…….”

“We will pay 5% of the net profit, excluding cost, distribution costs, and taxes, generated by the product.”

Jaeseung knew a ‘clear method’ to maximize their work efficiency.

It’s money.

I can’t just ask them to be crazy about ‘work’ without providing reasonable compensation.

“How is it?”

This would be the best condition in the industry.

“Wow, 5%….”

As expected, due to the shocking conditions, there were loud and low murmurs everywhere in the room.

There would be no company that provides such a high percentage of royalties to affiliated designers.

I wonder if they have any inspiration now?

Jaeseung smiled once and neatly organized the meeting materials and asked casually.

“Can we wrap up today’s meeting here?”

Thus, the first meeting to prepare for the 2021 F/W [Fall/Winter] season came to a successful end.

* * *

Work, work, work, work….

It felt like he had stumbled and been caught in a fierce whirlpool.

The top priority was design.

He repeated drawing all day long to reinforce this season’s product lineup….

Just when he thought he should put down his pen and take a break, a new task came up.

“Lee, please review the sample work order.”

“Please review the fabrics that have been narrowed down as instructed.”

“Can I get your seal on the fashion week participation application?”

“It’s time for a meeting regarding the scheduler.”

It was as if someone was grabbing his hair and dragging him around.

The only time he had a chance to catch his breath was after midnight.

He leaned back in his chair and was about to close his eyes for a moment when someone knocked on the president’s office door.

*Knock knock-.*

Jaeseung said in a low voice.

“Yes, come in.”

The unexpected guest was none other than President Song.

“Is it going well?”

He had a martini bottle in one hand and two straight glasses in the other.

“Are you going to have a drink?”

“Let’s just have one drink each.”

“I’ll take a drink.”

Wasn’t he just about to close his eyes for a moment?

He was going to use the power of strong alcohol to get a good night’s sleep.

“Here.”

President Song filled the straight glass with martini….

“Ugh….”

He enjoyed the feeling of his esophagus burning for a moment.

“I booked a ticket to Korea.”

“Are you going back?”

“I’ve been away for too long.”

“When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow evening flight.”

“I’ll take you.”

“Then I won’t refuse.”

After finishing speaking, he added.

“I want to be by your side like before, but the situation is not favorable.”

“That’s too bad.”

“It will take several days to stay up all night to process all the pending work?”

President Song glanced at the mountain of documents piled on Jaeseung’s desk and chuckled, muttering in a low voice.

“I was showing off in front of a hard worker.”

Jaeseung chuckled at that, and President Song finally brought up the main point.

“By the way, have you checked the media?”

“No?”

“It’s a mess because of your comeback?”

He continued to speak.

“There’s a debate going on about whether our CEO can overcome the five-year hiatus.”

“Really?”

“Famous columnists have already joined in droves and are busy churning out articles full of delusions.”

In fact, he had no time to look at public opinion because he was busy with work.

He also took the position that there was nothing to be gained by checking it.

However, he was somewhat interested in the attention of public opinion.

It was because he guessed that he could use it as a favorable card.

“I think it would be good to do another magazine interview during the week.”

“Would that be possible?”

“First, I’ll try to squeeze in the time, and if it doesn’t work, I’ll have to make time.”

Jaeseung considered this an ‘opportunity.’

“It’s a great opportunity to advertise this season without spending a penny?”

“Huh?”

“I think it would be good to step out and do some trash talk for once.”

President Song asked back in a worried voice.

“Wouldn’t it be better to think carefully?”

“Yes?”

“There’s no way that would happen, but just in case….”

President Song blurred the end of his words and carefully added.

“What if the response to this season is lukewarm if that happens?”

“That’s terrible.”

“Everyone will definitely jump on it and cling to it at this time, right?”

On the other hand, Jaeseung seemed to have already made a decision.

“High risk, high return.”

“Huh?”

“If you want to win big, you have to bet big.”

President Song shook his head and asked again.

“Do you have anything in mind?”

Jaeseung replied.

“Just, roughly….”

Silence flowed for a moment.

“How dare you judge me?”

Jaeseung, who spoke in a cold, subdued voice, paused for a moment, smiled, and asked casually.

“Wouldn’t that be provocative enough?”

President Song was stunned for a moment.

“Uh….”

He belatedly regained his mind and replied.

“It’s not just adding firewood to the already burning heat, it’s like pouring gasoline on it.”

Then he asked back.

“But, were you serious just now?”

“Yes?”

“The words you just said.”

That was why he was momentarily intimidated.

What should I say.

I felt a sincere anger?

“Yes.”

Jaeseung, who answered without hesitation, leaned back in his chair and added in a soft tone.

“It’s presumptuous.”

Then he closed his eyes and continued as if whispering.

“After the fashion week, they’ll be busy churning out columns full of praise, but the way they chase issues to make money is….”

President Song smiled.

“It looks like this season will be a success no matter what.”

“Suddenly?”

“Our CEO is determined, so how can it fail?”

After finishing speaking, he added again.

“Shall I get you an interview?”

“Yes.”

“What is the period or the media you want?”

Jaeseung answered, “The sooner the date, the better….”, and immediately continued with the words he had been holding back.

“I think a TV show would be good as a medium.”

“TV show?”

“The bigger the scale, the better, right?”

President Song nodded.

“I’ll start contacting broadcasting stations that have French TV show programs with steady ratings from tomorrow.”

“Thank you.”

“If the CEO only expresses his intention to appear, there will be more than one or two broadcasting stations that will postpone the scheduled schedule and let you appear.”

He blurred the end of his words and laughed slyly, “Hehehe.”

“By the way, I’m looking forward to it.”

As expected, as soon as the news of Jaeseung’s comeback was announced, the related stocks fluctuated wildly as if they were jumping.

Wasn’t the work paralyzed by interview requests from various magazines and broadcasting stations?

In the midst of this, if Jaeseung appears on a TV show and even delivers provocative trash talking….

“How far will this heat intensify?”

I wondered how much more intense the overheated public opinion would be, to the point where the word mass hysteria came to mind.

Anyway….

The F/W season was proceeding smoothly.