Black Label [EN]: Chapter 297

Black Label Extra Story 48

Millennium.

Most premium brands of this era had to undergo significant changes.

Some brands were forced to change due to the passing of their founders….

Others faced financial difficulties and were restructured or sold off.

Some referred to those who made their names widely known in this generation as the second generation.

Immediately after World War II.

Several young people, blessed with inspiration and talent, unveiled innovative brands to the world and received acclaim….

Just as all living things inevitably head towards death, these founders eventually passed away.

This left a void, and new leaders took command of these premium brands.

For example, Karl Lagerfeld, Lee’s mentor, or Marc Jacobs, Parsons’ senior….

This era saw countless individuals step up to protect the honor of brands that had lost their original creators.

It’s often said that modern fashion was virtually established during this period.

– We would like to inform all honored guests.

– The train will be departing soon, so please take your assigned seats….

– We would like to make another announcement.

– The train will be departing soon, so please take your assigned seats….

The train started moving forward again.

No….

To be precise, the background was moving backward, creating the illusion of forward motion.

Clunk, clunk!

Towards the future.

Clunk! Clunk!

Towards the era when designers who had dominated the ‘previous era’ were considered young and up-and-coming.

Clunk, clunk!

Soon, everyone fell silent and looked towards the aisle between the train cars, which served as the entrance to the runway.

Anticipation.

It seemed that most people had now realized Lee’s intentions.

History.

This was such a significant event that it was destined to be recorded in history and discussed for generations to come.

I was convinced that it would be a meaningful and significant moment, potentially becoming a ‘legendary case’ in fashion history.

The venue was silent.

Even without background music, which is a staple of every brand’s show, the silence created an unparalleled sense of immersion.

Sound effects.

No music was used at all, only various sound effects to give the illusion that the train was moving.

Of course….

No one consciously noticed the absence of music.

It was like being so engrossed in an activity while listening to music that you no longer register the sound.

The extremely immersed audience did not notice the missing music.

Step, step-.

Step, step-.

Step, step-.

Several models dressed in the fashion that was popular in the so-called ‘Millennium era’ walked out through the aisle between the train cars, which served as the runway.

A time when minimalism was accelerating.

An era when makeup was minimal, and long, loose blonde hair was in fashion.

A time when simple or basic clothes were more popular than fancy, elaborate designs.

The models, dressed in clothes that fully captured that era, passed through the train cars one after another.

Shirts that embodied femininity, beauty, warmth, softness, and naturalness.

Products that were released around the transition period of several premium brands and played a significant role in reviving them.

This was ‘nostalgia’ in its purest form.

Most of those in attendance had just entered the industry with the title of ‘rookie’ back then.

“Ah….”

They accurately remembered the trends of the time.

Brands that have declined now but still have stores all over the world….

Or celebrities who showed off their excellent fashion sense at the time.

Step, step-.

Step, step-.

Step, step-.

The second part of the show was showcasing the history of the LVMH Group and also glancing over the history of the fashion world.

Soon.

The video being broadcast on the window changed again.

21st century.

Passing through the ‘dawn’ of fashion, the millennium, which was a transitional period….

“Present….”

Finally, they arrived at the present.

Squeak-.

A loud noise that sounded like the train was about to stop again rang out….

The third part, which would decorate the finale of the show, began immediately.

Step, step-.

Countless models walked out wearing clothes that appropriately combined the identities of several premium brands.

The essence.

Models dressed in highly aesthetic clothes that had been refined over decades, or even more than a hundred years.

“Ah….”

Each brand’s strengths were mixed to make them look even more beautiful.

“Really….”

Those who were watching the show were overwhelmed with emotions that were difficult to define.

Géraldine felt the same.

She recalled the moment when she first encountered the ‘Nike of Samothrace’ [a famous Greek statue] exhibited inside the Louvre Museum.

A great work of art.

The sunlight pouring down on it created a strange harmony, plunging the young her into a state of ecstasy.

It’s the same now.

Géraldine quietly watched Cardo’s show and relished the immense trembling she had felt at the time.

“Ah….”

In the vast universe, the Earth is just an infinitely small sphere.

If you look at it from a very far distance, wouldn’t it look like a speck of dust?

That small sphere contains countless histories.

Someone is born or dies today, and they live their own lives.

Great leaders, revolutionaries, artists, and even heinous criminals….

Good works of art sometimes made me look back at myself living in such a sphere.

It’s nothing.

Because I’m just a person living with the goal of crying less and laughing as much as possible….

What is art?

Ultimately, art is a creation that makes as many people as possible contemplate and reflect, even if it seems like a ‘waste’ of their time.

“It’s a really artistic show….”

In that respect, the Cardo show prepared by Lee was clearly a great work of art.

Because not only she, but everyone who visited to watch Cardo’s show was overwhelmed.

“Givenchy’s originality dress.”

Givenchy’s iconic dress that Audrey Hepburn wore to the Sabrina party and became a hot topic.

The Louis Vuitton’s monogram pattern was applied to it, naturally injecting its unique DNA.

“Collaboration with Louis Vuitton….”

The next models also walked out wearing products that clearly had the strengths of the LVMH Group’s brands.

“As expected….”

Now that the show is heading towards the end very quickly.

The critics and columnists in the venue were firmly convinced.

“It’s Lee….”

In the end, Lee successfully completed the Cardo project while taking enormous risks.

Because I was sure that no one would dare to criticize or critique this show….

Once again, despite everyone’s opposition, he did something that would remain in the ‘history of fashion.’

And then.

The third part models finished walking, wearing clothes that appropriately mixed only the strengths of LVMH’s brands….

Step, step-.

Lee started walking out.

As all shows usually do.

It was the designer’s greeting time.

Bow-.

Lee walked along the aisle between the train cars, repeatedly bowing to those who were in the venue.

“Lee….”

A designer who was once called a rookie now stood tall in the center of the mainstream market….

He presented a show filled with ‘respect’ for everyone recorded in the history of fashion.

Also, this show, which was successfully completed despite the numerous risks that followed….

“Pioneer….”

It would be established as an example of Lee, the designer, becoming the ‘sole pioneer’ leading the entire industry.

That’s how the Cardo show ended.

The first show of a great brand that may not be shown again.

* * *

Several days passed quickly since then….

– Reviewing the 『Cardo』 show, a monster-like brand completed by mixing all the brand DNA of LVMH, and the collaboration of new designers.

– The harmony of excellent ideas and technology to support them, a memoir of the 『Cardo』 show that will never be forgotten….

– The brand 『Cardo』, which was presented amidst everyone’s concerns, recorded the highest sales among group brands in just one day after the release of new season products….

Jaeseung sat at his office desk in the brand house, reading articles and columns related to Cardo that were still pouring out.

Click, click-.

The show, which was forced through amidst everyone’s concerns, was successfully completed.

Thanks to that, it also succeeded in renewing the group’s highest quarterly sales….

It was making astronomical sales every day.

The documentary 「Great Fusion」, which was broadcast later, was also successful.

– Recorded the highest viewership rating in documentary history.

– Power Film says, “Distribution contracts completed in 22 countries around the world.”

– Public’s personal worship phenomenon for the designer Lee….

Soon, Jaeseung’s personal secretary carefully opened the office door and entered….

“Lee.”

Only then did Jaeseung shift his gaze, which had been fixed on the monitor, and look at her.

“Yes.”

Since work had been pouring in like a tsunami since the end of the Cardo show, he could tell what she was about to say without even listening.

“Schedule?”

“That’s right.”

There were dozens of interview schedules promised with various mass media, including TV.

Even….

Thanks to the fact that all of them demanded high fees but were accepted, they could not be canceled recklessly.

“It’s amazing.”

Jaeseung shook his head from side to side as he looked at his schedule, which was tightly packed.

“It’s the price of success.”

She continued.

“Still, thanks to Cardo’s success, it will be much easier to deal with executives within the group.”

“How are they reacting?”

“First of all, Cardo’s success is a positive situation for them, so they seem to be happy….”

She spoke again.

“They seemed to be quite worried about the future?”

Since Jaeseung had proven it through results, it was clear that he would not be able to easily go against his will regarding management in the future.

They probably knew that fact as well, so it was obvious that they couldn’t just be happy.

“Good for them.”

Jaeseung added after speaking.

“Anyway, this schedule is difficult.”

“Yes?”

“I have things to sort out.”

It’s true that you have to row when water comes in….

Sometimes there are rapids that allow you to move forward even if you don’t row.

The success of Cardo was probably an example of such a rapid current.

“Things will work out on their own….”

Jaeseung got up from his seat.

“I’m going to look back on my life.”

“Yes?”

“I’m saying I’m going to take a few days off.”

At those words, the secretary asked in embarrassment.

“How many days?”

Soon, Jaeseung pondered and answered.

“I’ll take about 7 days off.”

“M, my goodness….”

“Could you postpone everything?”

“Yes, for now….”

Jaeseung, who had forcibly created a week-long vacation, left his office….

He stopped by a toy store in downtown Paris and bought a few Barbie dolls that Yuli would like.

Then, he stopped by a flower shop that was preparing to close and bought a bouquet of roses….

“She’ll be happy for once….”

Just as he was repeatedly moving his steps with a thrilled heart at the thought of spending time with his loved ones for the time being.

– If the designer ‘Lee’ had not appeared, the development of the fashion mainstream market would have been much slower.

– Some say that all the success he has achieved would have been achieved by anyone, even if it wasn’t him….

– In fact, the industry’s prestigious people commonly believe that there is no designer with the qualities to replace the success he has achieved….

– Therefore, we must be grateful for his existence and send sincere applause to his endless spirit of challenge.

– I contributed to this column thinking that this is the only way for the public to repay him….

A famous columnist and host appearing on the news were talking about him.

Is that so?

Has he really succeeded in being recorded as a great figure who has developed this industry?

“Yes….”

It was something no one could deny.

Even….

Even Jaeseung himself could not deny it.

Step, step-.

Jaeseung shifted his gaze from the electronic display and looked forward again.

Goes on.

Like the endlessly flowing time, he too was going to move forward.

First of all.

I’ll take a break for a while.