Black Label [EN]: Chapter 58

Black Label 57

The venue chosen for this show was a four-story commercial building nestled between Madu Station and Baekseok Station in Ilsan.

The developers touted it as a ‘Power Center’ rather than just a ‘commercial building,’ emphasizing its comprehensive offerings.

With a total floor area of a staggering 7,500 pyeong [approximately 270,000 square feet, a Korean unit of area], the Power Center designation seemed justified.

How they managed to lease such a vast space for a price comparable to a gallery remained a mystery.

“…It feels deserted,” Nam Gwangmin observed, his brows slightly furrowed. His assessment was spot on.

Jaeseung chuckled. “It does, doesn’t it?”

Unlike the bustling first and second floors, which housed a variety of shops, the atmosphere from the third floor upwards was eerily quiet.

To put it bluntly, it was a ‘dead commercial zone.’

Despite the sky-high sale prices and exorbitant rents, the foot traffic was minimal.

Consequently, not a single store was open on the third floor or above.

“Boss, which part of this space are we able to use?”

“The entire third floor, the entire fourth floor, and the rooftop.”

The leased area for this show encompassed the 3rd and 4th floors of the commercial building, as well as the rooftop.

In essence, they had free rein over all spaces except for the ‘basement floor,’ which served as the parking lot, and the ‘1st and 2nd floors.’

“It depends on how we handle the showroom *DP (Display Presentation)… but it looks like we’ll have plenty of space,” Nam Gwangmin muttered to himself, before resuming his inspection of the 3rd floor.

Jaeseung followed suit, leisurely exploring the area.

Thud-. Thud-.

An operational escalator stood in the center of the floor, surrounded by vacant storefronts.

Above the closed shutters of each store, an A4 sheet of paper displayed the words ‘Inquiries for Lease.’

The sight was somewhat disheartening.

This expansive space resembled a ‘blank canvas.’

Depending on the decoration, it could be transformed into a vibrant and captivating environment.

However, the challenge lay in figuring out how to decorate it. It felt like staring at a blank canvas devoid of even a ‘small dot’ to inspire.

Just then.

“Boss, what’s the budget you have in mind?”

“Budget?”

“Yes. Knowing the DP budget will help me develop a more concrete plan.”

Jaeseung frowned slightly. “Well…,” he began, then added, “If there’s a compelling idea, I’m willing to spend as much as necessary. Do you have any ideas?”

“Um, nothing specific….”

Nam Gwangmin hesitated for a moment, then stopped walking and began to share his thoughts.

“First, how about raising all the store shutters and using the interior spaces as ‘Showrooms’?”

“As showrooms?”

“Yes. We could install clothing racks and mannequins showcasing the F/W [Fall/Winter] collection. I need to explore further, but I believe we can arrange it quite comfortably.”

In short, the idea was to convert all the vacant stores on the 3rd and 4th floors into showroom spaces.

It was a unique and promising concept, but one concern lingered.

“Gwangmin, where would we set up the ‘runway stage’?”

If the 3rd and 4th floors were entirely dedicated to showrooms, the only remaining option for the model runway was the ‘rooftop.’

Holding a model walk outdoors.

While it might possess a certain charm, it wasn’t an ideal solution.

Mid-July, when the show was scheduled, typically fell within the ‘monsoon season’ [the rainy season in East Asia].

What if a sudden downpour forced the cancellation of the ‘model walk,’ the highlight of the show?

Perhaps it was an overblown worry.

But he didn’t want to introduce unnecessary risks.

It’s not for nothing that there’s a saying that it rains on the day of the Korea Meteorological Administration’s sports day.

Nam Gwangmin shook his head and continued.

“No. On second thought, I don’t think we need a runway stage.”

“Really? We don’t need one…?”

“What if we use the ‘escalator’ instead of the runway stage?”

Jaeseung exclaimed, “Ah!” It was a groundbreaking suggestion, a departure from conventional thinking.

Why did I assume that ‘model walking’ had to be confined to a traditional runway stage?

As Jaeseung’s lips curled into a smile, intrigued by the idea, Nam Gwangmin elaborated.

“Even if we utilize all the vacant stores on the 3rd and 4th floors as showrooms, there will be ample space near the escalator.”

“Yes. There’s plenty of space left.”

“If we place ‘seats’ near the escalator, I think it would serve as a suitable show venue.”

Jaeseung began to visualize it.

The latest collection neatly displayed in the well-appointed empty stores.

The models showcasing the season’s attire as they descended the escalator, and the VIP guests seated nearby, captivated by the presentation.

“I can’t say for sure until I see it, but it sounds like it would create a great ‘view’.”

“I’m so glad you think so. I was worried these ideas were too far-fetched….”

Jaeseung, his expression calm, turned to Nam Gwangmin, who was still elaborating.

Today’s conversation had solidified one thing.

Nam Gwangmin’s talent leaned more towards ‘VMD’ [Visual Merchandising] than ‘designer.’

It was Nam Gwangmin who initially suggested hosting the show in an ‘abandoned commercial district’ instead of a gallery.

He cautiously proposed that the show’s unique character would be amplified, and that, unlike galleries, they would have greater creative freedom.

He had also offered some inspired suggestions.

From decorating the showroom like a lavish ‘flower garden’ to accentuate the minimalist clothing, to incorporating beam projectors and LED lighting for a visually stunning presentation….

However, the proposals he presented after visiting the site today were even more innovative. Even if it didn’t usher in a new paradigm, the attempt alone would generate buzz.

Jaeseung, lost in thought, finally spoke. “Gwangmin.” Nam Gwangmin, still talking, immediately responded.

“Yes?”

“I was wondering if you’d be willing to take charge of the DP for this show.”

“Me, me…?”

“Yes. While major decisions will be collaborative, I’m considering giving you primary responsibility. What do you think?”

While Nam Gwangmin’s talent seemed more suited to ‘VMD’ than design, his own desire was paramount.

I can’t force someone to change their career path based solely on my subjective opinion, can I?

Well, maybe persuasion is okay.

“It’s not that I don’t want to….”

“Gwangmin, I’ll be frank with you.”

“Yes.”

“It’s just my opinion, but your talent as a VMD seems more evident than as a designer.”

Jaeseung smiled. “I’ll trust you and leave it to you. Give it a shot.”

It would be a burden, a significant responsibility that could determine the show’s success or failure.

However, no success is achieved without embracing burdens, risks, and challenges. At least, that’s been my experience.

Jaeseung continued. “If I’m satisfied with the outcome of this show, we’ll renew your contract as a ‘VMD’ with commensurate compensation.”

“Ah….”

“You can try it, right? It’s a challenge with nothing to lose. Isn’t that right?”

Nam Gwangmin hesitated, a look of concern on his face.

I sensed ‘responsibility’ in his expression.

Although I tried to reassure him, it was a significant decision.

Jaeseung added casually, “If I didn’t see your potential as a VMD, I wouldn’t have brought it up.”

It was genuine sincerity.

While I maintain a friendly demeanor towards those around me, I have no intention of becoming a ‘philanthropist.’

Moreover, there was no reason to entrust the decoration of this important first show to someone based on ‘affection’ or ‘favor.’

While his design skills hadn’t yet reached the required level, his DP suggestions had already exceeded expectations.

His ideas were unconventional.

Perhaps his lack of formal training allowed him to think outside the box?

Soon.

“Boss.”

“Yes.”

“Can I do it?”

Silence hung in the air.

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve never learned properly….”

“Gwangmin.”

“Yes?”

Jaeseung said softly, “It’s not a compulsion. But if you take on this challenge and the result isn’t good…”

A moment of silence.

Soon.

“I’ll take full responsibility.”

No one bets on a losing game. I’m willing to bet because it looks like it will work.

Even if the result is a mess, the word ‘first’ will excuse our failure.

Even if it’s not, it’s the same. I was confident enough to endure it.

Overcoming failure is difficult, but also familiar.

Nam Gwangmin bowed his head and said in a slightly trembling voice, “Thank you so much.”

It was a brief response, but I understood it as acceptance.

“It’ll be alright.”

“I’ll do my best and work really hard.”

Just as Jaeseung was about to offer more encouragement, Nam Gwangmin added with enthusiasm, “No, I’ll do really well.”

A warm smile spread across Jaeseung’s face.

When I first returned, I was afraid of the fact that my decisions and words could completely change the lives of others.

But not anymore.

I realized that the ability to influence others with a few words was present in my previous life as well.

And that this applies to everyone, not just me.

A casual piece of advice or suggestion can have a profound impact on someone’s life.

It can hinder dreams, alter fate, and shape a different future.

However, most people are unaware of this.

And it’s something that can’t be avoided, no matter how careful you are.

If you live your life and interact with others, it’s inevitable.

What to do.

There’s only one thing you can do.

Pray that the changes brought about by your words and actions will be positive ones.

I hoped that the wind of change created by my decisions and recommendations would be a tailwind in Nam Gwangmin’s life.