Black Label [EN]: Chapter 296

Black Label Episode 47

The second model was a woman in her early to mid-twenties.

A voluminous, wavy bob, a tightly fitted wool jacket….

Topped with a large brimmed hat adorned with a ribbon and a figure-hugging skirt.

“Janelle….”

The second model, though not from a brand directly under the group, was clad in clothing that strongly evoked the essence of Janelle, a brand in which Lee held the largest stake.

Toc, toc.

The sound of high, sharp heels echoed with each step the model took.

“To evoke nostalgia for an era one hasn’t even experienced….”

Géraldine Saglio shuddered, a sudden chill running down her spine as she continued softly.

“It’s an homage to the wool suit for women that Janelle released in 1955.”

Janelle, having already firmly established its position in the fashion world, could be said to have completed its legacy with that product.

When Lee’s homage to the wool suit was released, she earned the title of , the most influential designer of the past 50 years.

Coco Janelle, the founder of Janelle, passed away in 1971 while staying at a hotel, preparing for the following year’s collection….

Yet, the mark she left on the world remained intact, constantly evolving and progressing through the hands of many.

“It feels like an expression of reverence for a designer who dominated a century.”

Géraldine nodded immediately at the new employee’s words.

“Yes, I completely agree….”

The famous quotes left by Coco Janelle at the time were still frequently recalled.

– Fashion changes, but style remains eternal.

– To bring ultimate beauty to every woman.

The classic wool suit model of Janelle, presented by Lee, naturally brought to mind the many words she left behind.

If she hadn’t existed, there would often be debates about what form modern women’s clothing would have taken.

Indeed, if it hadn’t been for her question, ‘Why must women adhere to impractical and useless attire?’

If she hadn’t applied various materials used in making men’s suits to ‘women’s clothing,’ transforming it to be sportier and simpler.

Perhaps.

Women might still be wearing clothes focused solely on ‘decoration’ over uncomfortable underwear even in modern times.

The attire made a significant contribution to modern women’s clothing itself, expressing reverence for her who presented innovative and new answers.

“If she were to see this clothing, she would be truly moved….”

Admiration filled with respect from a distant junior who is dominating the next century.

Moreover….

The clothing presented by Lee had surpassed the form of a simple homage.

“Editor-in-chief, the finishing lines and points give off a ‘Louis Vitons’ feel, don’t they?”

Géraldine immediately responded to the new employee’s words.

“Yes, definitely….”

This model’s attire, too, didn’t just stop at paying homage to classic models that contained the history of a specific brand….

It seemed as though it had perfectly succeeded in appropriately fusing the unique identities of various brands.

The completely new women’s clothing that Coco Janelle presented had been completed through countless refinements over decades.

The alternative to the innovative alternative she presented, and then the alternative to the newly presented alternative, were repeatedly revealed to the world.

The wool suit that Janelle released in 1955, presented by Lee, even contained the changes that had been achieved over time.

“It contains efforts to reflect various techniques that are mainly showcased in Louis Vitons’ women’s clothing line….”

Certain parts were finished with high-quality leather, one of the company’s greatest strengths, maximizing aesthetic appeal….

“Yes, just looking at the ‘buttons’ or ‘cuffs,’ you can definitely feel Louis Vitons’ unique touch….”

The expression that came to mind was that it appropriately blended reverence, respect, and admiration for the history that had passed with modern sensibilities.

Thus.

The second model also crossed the interior of the cabin, passed through the aisle between cabins, and disappeared into the next compartment.

“Next….”

Everyone seated turned their heads as if by agreement and looked back at the beginning of the runway….

Thud, thud.

A model dressed in clothing that exuded a classic and antique feel entered the cabin again.

A flat cap, a crisp white shirt, *suspenders* [straps worn over the shoulders to hold up trousers], well-fitted suit pants, and dress shoes….

Thud, thud.

Even with the suit coat draped over one shoulder, he simply wandered around, looking around as if actually searching for his seat.

Starting with him….

As if to signal the start of a full-fledged runway show, the tempo suddenly quickened, and models began to enter in droves.

“Wow….”

The outfits that ‘Lee’ is currently showcasing weren’t just about flaunting the strengths of mixing the identities of various brands.

The present and the past.

Somewhat outdated fashion that may have been innovative at the time but now appears somewhat crude and unrefined, and….

It was a succession of clothing that had perfectly succeeded in bridging the gap between modern fashion, which had undergone countless developments over time.

“Ah….”

The majority of the VIPs were simply watching the show, repeatedly expressing pure admiration….

“How trite.”

However, some critics and columnists were consistent in their negative attitudes, focusing solely on finding the shortcomings of this show.

“I don’t intend to disparage the clothing, but considering the marketing so far, it feels trite.”

“We could easily name clothing that mixes past and present trends well….”

“Isn’t it just slightly modifying clothing with the title ‘classic’ and then showcasing it?”

“I guess I had high expectations for the launch of a brand that carries the risk of leading to a decline in LVMH’s sales….”

At that moment, all the models walking inside the cabin, which was the runway, exited into the next compartment….

“Huh?”

At the same time, the video being broadcast on the window changed.

Relatively recent.

A video containing scenery reminiscent of the late 1900s was being broadcast.

“Could it be….”

Soon, Géraldine Saglio swallowed hard without realizing it and began to bite her lip.

“That was Part 1….”

Come to think of it, the Cardo project, a large-scale undertaking, was said to focus on the harmony and fusion of brands belonging to the group, wasn’t it?

Although the products that combined classic clothing with modern clothing felt flawless without fault….

It couldn’t help but feel somewhat distant from the main purpose of the Cardo brand that Lee had announced through various media outlets.

“Then, could it be….”

That she wasn’t simply trying to showcase clothing made by mixing products from brands under her management….

“If the show was trying to capture the flow of fashion trends that have gradually changed over time as the show progresses….”

As soon as the thought reached that point, goosebumps suddenly rose on her spine.

She had never doubted the capabilities of the designer ‘Lee’….

“Really….”

As creators often do, she simply thought that even the most amazing person would fall into mannerism at some point.

No matter how much of a genius someone is, how can they always present only new and innovative works?

However, Lee clearly seemed to be a person who far surpassed the scope of this common sense.

“A limitless artist….”

She felt like the person least suited to the word ‘limit.’

Like someone who should be classified into a completely different category….

“A historic moment.”

At Géraldine Saglio’s words, filled with conviction, the new employee tilted her head and asked.

“Yes? What do you mean….”

Soon, she continued.

“As is often the case with works called masterpieces, won’t Cardo’s show, which will be showcased today, be talked about for a long time to come?”

“Probably….”

“Many people may not yet realize the symbolism of this show, but it will surely be highly praised as time goes by.”

No, it was going to be a little different from the word ‘high praise.’

“No, as time goes by, it will be able to receive the evaluation it should have received a little late….”

What is art, really?

Once….

It was a concern she was absorbed in.

Art.

A truly profound word.

She….

Defined this word as follows.

– The more time you can steal from others, the better the art.

Approaching it with this perspective, everything she loved was art.

However, there must be a clear advantage.

What is the decisive difference between good art and art that is comparatively lagging behind?

Time.

She defined it as the key is how much more time you can take away from the consumer.

Good music is consumed even after hundreds of years, and good writing is read even after the author’s death.

The majority of great art is consumed, analyzed, and recorded in this way, transcending time.

Now.

The Cardo show she is watching just feels like that context.

If.

What Lee wants to say through this show, as she guessed, is not just simple fusion?

If it’s not just a presentation of opinions on the fusion between various brands, but also captures the gap of time?

‘This project is….’

It was definitely a great step that would be talked about for centuries.

It was a historical event that could only have happened because Lee existed in the world, which no one but Lee could have done.

“For all the people in the world to know about the value of this Cardo show.”

Géraldine added in a low voice.

“It will take hundreds of years.”

Silence flowed at those words….

Screech-!

A tremendous noise that would be heard when a train stops at a station rang out.

– This station is Millennium Station, the ‘Golden Age of Fashion.’

From the 1980s to the 2000s.

Just before the turn of the century.

The period when the framework of modern fashion was established.

With this.

‘Part 2’ of the show began.