Black Label [EN]: Chapter 77

77. Feeling the Change

Having finished preparing, Jae-seung left his room and headed to the meeting place, ‘Restaurant Polidor.’

It wasn’t far from the hotel, so he arrived without any trouble.

Restaurant Polidor was much smaller than he had expected.

“Oh, the antique interior is really nice, isn’t it?” Jae-seung said as he stepped inside the restaurant, and Ashley nodded in agreement beside him.

“This is the first time I’ve gotten in without waiting.”

As she said, there were many people lined up at the entrance of the restaurant.

Jae-seung asked, puzzled.

“Well, the atmosphere is really great. How should I put it? It feels like something out of a movie. By the way, is this restaurant always this popular with such a long wait?”

Ashley’s eyes widened at Jae-seung’s casual question, and she asked back in surprise.

“Oh my gosh, Jae-seung. Haven’t you seen the movie ‘Midnight in Paris’?”

“I think I’ve heard the name a few times…”

“Jae-seung, this isn’t just a place that looks like it’s from a movie, it’s actually been in one. Tourists visit here far more than locals.”

Ashley smiled and added, “I came here as soon as I arrived in France. I waited a long time. I think Alexander chose this place for you.”

As Jae-seung nodded,

“Lee, over here!”

Alexander King, who was sitting at a table, waved and greeted him happily.

Then, his companion sitting directly across from Alexander King slowly began to rise from their seat.

Soon, he revealed his face.

“Jae-seung, did you know?”

“No, if I did, I would have told you…”

“Oh my gosh.”

Both Jae-seung and Ashley stood frozen in place, as if they had made a promise.

To think that the designer friend he wanted to introduce was none other than John Galliano.

Currently the head designer of the premium brand Christian Dior, he is an alumnus of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design [a prestigious art and design college in London].

From the head designer of the premium brand Givenchy to the head designer of Christian Dior, which belongs to the same group.

The achievements he has built up so far can be said to be truly brilliant.

He has even set a new record by winning the British Designer of the Year award, the highest honor for British designers, three times.

‘Wow, I can’t believe I’m actually seeing John Galliano in person….’

Jae-seung, unable to hide his surprise, stood blankly. John Galliano, who had come right up to him, smiled and said,

“Oh, so you’re the ‘Mysterious Meister’ [master craftsman]. I received the gift well. It was really seamless.”

“Yes? Ah….”

He seemed to be talking about the bag he had made.

Should he say thank you? Or should he apologize for copying his product without permission?

As Jae-seung hesitated, unsure of what to say, he continued.

“Anyway, it’s a great honor to meet you. I’m John Galliano.”

“Ah! The honor is all mine. I’m Lee Jae-seung.”

Jae-seung replied in an excited tone, then looked at Ashley and added,

“And this is my girlfriend, Ashley. She’s also a model with Victoria’s Secret.”

John Galliano shook hands with Ashley and then pointed to the table, saying in a gentle tone,

“Why don’t we sit down first? If we’re going to have all the conversations we want with Lee, we’ll need a lot of time.”

* * *

The meal proceeded in a much lighter atmosphere than expected.

This was thanks to John Galliano’s sociability.

He naturally brought up new topics of conversation to keep the conversation flowing.

Starting with compliments about the restaurant’s atmosphere, he also told various behind-the-scenes stories from the fashion world, and often spoke to Ashley as well.

It may be a somewhat presumptuous statement, but his ‘appearance’ was as charming as his personality.

He was already in his early 40s. It felt like the sophistication that came with age was well-blended with the unique characteristics of a ‘Spanish’ man.

From his deep, dark eyes and eyebrows to his attractively tanned skin.

In any case, among the topics that came up, the hottest topic was, of course, ‘Jae-seung’s sewing skills.’

After praising Jae-seung’s sewing skills for a long time, John Galliano wiped his mouth with a napkin and said again.

“Anyway, I can say for sure: Lee’s sewing skills are a ‘free pass.'”

“A free pass?”

Jae-seung asked, puzzled. Galliano nodded and added an explanation.

“It’s simple. If ‘Lee’ ever wants to switch to tailoring, he can enter the atelier [a workshop or studio, especially one used by an artist or designer] of any premium brand he wants.”

“You flatter me.”

“Flatter? Look, Lee. I’m sorry, but too much humility is also rude. Considering Lee’s experience and age, it’s a talent that’s beyond valuation.”

Jae-seung blushed at the excessive praise and replied, “Thank you.”

Then he shrugged and added with ulterior motives.

“For the record, the doors of Christian Dior’s atelier are also wide open, so I hope you’ll keep that in mind.”

“I see. I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Even if my business with Dior ends someday in the distant future, it’s the same. I can guarantee Lee’s future.”

After saying that, he added, “I mean it,” and Alexander King frowned slightly and spoke in a somewhat scolding tone.

“Galliano, it’s not too late to make such an offer later, is it? I think it’s the right thing to do to wish Lee’s brand, ‘Wall Flower,’ success first.”

Considering the age difference between Alexander and Galliano, which was nearly twenty years, it was a rather strange sight.

In the Korean fashion world, relationships are built under a strict hierarchical order, even with a difference of only one or two years.

“Well, well. I was just kidding. Right, Lee?”

Jae-seung, startled by the sudden return of the arrow to himself, was about to answer, but Alexander King shook his head firmly and replied.

“Not at all. You seemed very serious.”

Alexander King shook his head and then looked at Jae-seung and spoke again.

“Anyway, Lee. I have some good news.”

“Good news?”

“Actually, I was a little worried about Lee’s schedule after enrollment.”

“Ah, yes.”

As an alumnus of ‘Parsons School of Design’ [a prestigious art and design college in New York City], where Jae-seung would soon be enrolled, he knew quite a bit about the students’ daily routines.

He had been constantly worried about whether Jae-seung could smoothly balance his school life while working as Alexander King’s creative director.

“After inquiring with Parsons, they said that they can recognize absences that occur during the period when ‘Lee’ is working as Alexander King’s creative director as attendance.”

“Yes…?”

“As is often the case with brands founded by Parsons alumni, we, Alexander King, also signed an industry-academia cooperation agreement with Parsons the year before last.”

After saying that, Alexander Wang added, “Of course, it was the first time that a student had been selected as a creative director, so I was hesitant.”

Then Jae-seung smiled brightly and replied.

“I was really worried about that issue, but thanks to you, it’s been resolved.”

After saying that, Jae-seung added, “Thank you,” and Alexander King waved his hand and continued.

“Anyway, both I and the management team have high expectations for ‘Lee.'”

“I’ll do my best.”

“I’m not trying to put pressure on you. But a lot will change depending on the success or failure of this season.”

Alexander King said briefly, then added with a faint smile.

“Starting with the relationship between Lee and me, the relationship between the brand Wall Flower and the brand Alexander King, ‘Lee’s position as a designer—and everything else will change completely.”

This time, John Galliano interjected with a very sarcastic tone.

“Alexander, I don’t know… In my opinion, you seem eager to put pressure on him! If I had been selected as the creative director of Alexander King, I would have been too scared to give up. Really.”

Alexander King shouted, “Galliano!” and John Galliano shrugged and replied, “I’m just saying….”

Then Jae-seung, who was watching the scene, smiled deeply.

Had he ever imagined that he and these people would be sitting together at a meal?

Probably not. It was a scene he couldn’t even dare to imagine. Come to think of it, he seemed to be spending truly unreal days.

It was to the point where he felt like he was walking on clouds every day.

Then Jae-seung suddenly asked, puzzled.

“Alexander. So, does Parsons also know that I’ve been selected as Alexander King’s creative director?”

“No, I just asked what would happen if that were the case. But they were very curious about who the mysterious new student was.”

It seemed that he wouldn’t have to receive embarrassing attention for the time being after entering the school.

As Jae-seung nodded, relieved, Alexander King continued in a bright tone.

“Anyway, Lee. Going to Parsons is a really excellent choice. It’s a place that always demands 120% of the students’ skills. You’ll always be overworked while you’re in school, but you’ll be able to feel the change after you graduate.”

Then John Galliano shook his head and said sarcastically, “You’re really an incurable Parsons addict.”

He seemed to be feeling a sense of alienation that he was the only one among the designers here who was from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.

After a brief conversation about Parsons School of Design, Alexander King asked again.

“By the way, what are your plans for the future? I mean, what are your plans before you complete the enrollment process and come to the Alexander King design team.”

“I’m planning to stay in France for about two more weeks and then return to Korea. I’ll have to move back to the United States soon after, though.”

“Isn’t there still time left until the spring semester starts?”

“Yes. That’s true, but there are some things I need to take care of before enrollment.”

“Hmm? What kind of things?”

“I need to rent an apartment to live in in the United States, and I need to find a personal studio. I also need to look into the work equipment to put in the studio. And I need to prepare an international license and a car in advance.”

As he listed them one by one, he felt like his eyes were darkening because he thought, ‘There’s more to do than I thought.’

Alexander King, who had been listening to Jae-seung’s explanation, snapped his fingers and said.

“Well, Lee. I think I can help you with those problems.”

“Yes? Alexander?”

“Well, no. To be exact, it would be the employees of our ‘Finance and Technology Development’ department, right? If I pass it on to the board of directors today, I’ll get a confirmation by tomorrow morning.”

After saying that, Alexander King even told him that all expenses incurred during his time as creative director.

For example, he would be able to receive support for ‘monthly rent’ and other expenses.

Then Jae-seung waved his hands and began to speak in a very urgent tone.

“Thank you, but I think it’s okay to look into it for me. I can do the research myself….”

At that time. Alexander King frowned slightly and said in a rather solemn tone.

“Lee. I think you need to get a little more used to being treated well.”

“Yes…?”

“This is a natural treatment. And most designers want even more than this.”

This time, John Galliano chimed in and added strength to his opinion.

“Although I don’t agree that Parsons is the best design school, I certainly agree with this part. I think unnecessary humility is a foolish act that lowers one’s own value.”

Get more used to being treated well? He suddenly felt more amazed than ever at the changes that had come into his life.

That meant that the treatment he would receive in the future would be even greater, wouldn’t it?

Well, anyway….

If that’s the case, then by all means.

“Thank you. Then I’ll ask you to do it.”

Thanks to today’s dinner, he was able to solve all sorts of troublesome problems, starting with the schedule after enrollment.

He also got to know John Galliano, one of the top designers.

It was like adding one more ‘VIP’ who could be formally invited when he held his next show.

As he changed, the shape of his life began to change.

Many things have changed, but in the future, even more things will face even bigger changes.

Anyway, now there’s only one thing left to do.

It seemed that all he had to do was enjoy France as much as possible during the remaining travel period and return to Korea.

As Jae-seung was lost in thought,

“Why don’t we have a toast for our Wall Flower?”

It was John Galliano who suddenly brought it up. Then Alexander King said, “Good idea,” and immediately raised his glass.

Ashley and Jae-seung as well.

Then Ashley tilted her head, puzzled, and asked back.

“Shall we do it the French way?”

“Let’s do it.”

Soon.

“Pour le Wall Flower et, À votre santé-!” [For Wall Flower, and to your health!]

Starting with John Galliano’s lead, the toast echoed again.

“Pour le Wall Flower et, À votre santé-!”

For Wall Flower, and for our health.

It was the ultimate blessing.

Not only in the meaning of the words, but also considering the people who gave the blessing.

Another day was coming to an end.