Black Label [EN]: Chapter 96

Black Label 95

96. March. 15th. 2012

“What do you think?”

The question came from the VMD (Visual Merchandiser) in charge of this season’s show display.

Jaeseung nodded once and replied in a low voice.

“Excellent.”

The venue Jaeseung was looking at was an abandoned church located near Pound Ridge in Westchester County.

The abandoned church, which had been a derelict building until a few months ago, had been remodeled and completely transformed into a show venue.

‘It’s really amazing….’

He had seen pictures of this abandoned church before the construction.

Until then, it was nothing more than ‘a ruin that looked like it had been abandoned for decades.’

That place had been reborn as a show venue through construction involving a considerable amount of capital and detailed processes such as remodeling.

“This place where we are standing was originally used as a chapel. After removing all the internal facilities, we installed a runway stage and rearranged the seating.”

Jaeseung tilted his head slightly, as if in doubt, and asked back.

“I see. Could you tell me how the remodeling of the second-floor hallway is progressing?”

“Ah, yes. The construction is proceeding as Ree requested. It looks like it will be finished in two days at the latest.”

As Jaeseung nodded a few times with satisfaction, the VMD shrugged and continued.

“It’s a bit presumptuous, but… I’ve been in charge of fashion show displays dozens of times. Of course, I’ve collaborated with ‘Alexander King’ several times as well. But this is the first time I’ve met a designer who orders the details of the show’s DP [Display Presentation] one by one.”

“Is that so? I’m sorry.”

“No, no. There’s absolutely no need to apologize. Actively reflecting the client’s opinion is a perfectly natural course of action. I just meant that I had a good experience thanks to you.”

According to the VMD in charge, usually, the DP is carried out based on the concept requested by the designer, and the process only involves several confirmations. This was the first time he had received such detailed instructions on how to utilize a space.

The VMD, who had been explaining in detail for a long time, began to speak in a serious tone.

“First of all, to put it simply, it’s a really extremely sensual DP. I’m looking forward to the show day. It’s by far the most satisfying result among the show venues that have passed through my hands.”

“You flatter me.”

“Actually, I have a question. If all the orders were Ree’s sole opinion, Ree could switch to VMD right now and be successful.”

Jaeseung smiled faintly. It couldn’t be helped.

None of the orders related to this show’s DP came from his head.

“None of my opinions were included in the things I ordered.”

“Yes? Then…?”

The VMD, who asked back in a low voice, began to stare intently as if he was anxious.

It seemed he was very curious about who was behind it.

After pausing for a moment, deliberately.

“There is an employee named ‘Nam Gwangmin’ who is in charge of VMD for my brand, Wall Flower.”

“And?”

“It would have been better if I had shown him the site in person, but since he is busy with domestic work… I regretfully explained the concept of this season and the photos of the abandoned church and asked for his advice.”

“Yes? Then….”

The VMD, who had trailed off, asked again in an infinitely serious tone.

“That employee, just by looking at a few photos of the abandoned church, conceived and planned a DP of this level?”

“Yes. He’s a sensual friend.”

“Oh my god. That can’t be….”

The VMD, who trailed off as if he couldn’t believe it, fell into thought for a moment.

There were a lot of detailed requests that could never be ordered just by looking at a few photos.

In particular, the plan to utilize the ‘second-floor hallway,’ which he couldn’t figure out how to use, was so creepy that it was no exaggeration to say it gave him goosebumps.

The VMD took out a business card and handed it to Jaeseung, saying in a slightly trembling voice.

“If I have the opportunity, I would definitely like to meet that VMD. It will definitely be a great help to each other.”

“Yes, I understand. After this show is over, I will arrange a meeting somehow.”

‘VMD’ is also a type of sales job.

If you build a relationship with a VMD who is so firmly established in the industry that he is in charge of shows for famous premium brands? It would definitely be a great help to Nam Gwangmin as well.

Jaeseung put the business card he received carefully into his wallet and continued in a gentle tone.

“Um, I’d like to look around the venue a little more before going back. Is that okay?”

“Of course, of course. Shall we take a look together and explain it in detail?”

“No. It’s okay. I’ll look around alone and go back.”

“Ah, yes. I understand.”

After the VMD left, Jaeseung looked around the venue in detail for a long time.

As he explored the venue, he felt that the show was just around the corner.

‘The preparation is all done.’

The season preparation for Alexander King, which at first seemed like it would never end, was all over.

Products, venues, everything was prepared so hard that there would be no regrets later.

Now, there are only two things left.

Waiting.

And….

Being evaluated.

Step-. Step-.

Jaeseung, who was walking towards the exit of the venue, stopped in his tracks and looked around the inside again.

This is the place.

This is where Alexander King’s 2012 F/W [Fall/Winter] show, which he led, will be held.

It is also the place where he will officially enter the New York fashion scene and raise his ‘declaration of intent’. In just two weeks, the big names in the New York fashion scene will gather here.

Those who he had only seen through the mass media in his previous life will sit with their arms crossed and legs crossed, and evaluate his past with just a few numbers and a few words.

Their evaluation will change his destiny.

“…It’ll be okay.”

Jaeseung muttered in a voice so small that only he could hear, and immediately left the venue.

* * *

– So, Alexander King’s exclusive VMD showed interest in Gwangmin, right? Is that right?

“Yes. He said he definitely wants to meet him. He said he’ll arrange a meeting after the show is over.”

Soon, Song Director’s hearty laughter was heard over the receiver.

– Okay. I’ll tell Gwangmin. By the way, have you looked at this season’s detailed plan?

“Yes. I’ve checked it. I think you can proceed as is.”

– Good, I’ll let you know again if there are any changes.

The preparation for Wall Flower’s new season was also complete. Production was already complete, and even inventory was secured in abundance.

Nevertheless, there is only one reason why the product launch and even the lookbook release are being delayed.

It was to take full advantage of Alexander King’s fame by timing it as best as possible.

The lookbook containing the new products was scheduled to be released online on March 15th at midnight, when the premium brand Alexander King’s 2012 F/W season show will be held.

In other words, the full-scale sale of Alexander King’s new season products will begin at that time.

Within a few hours of the sale, related reports were sure to follow in Korea.

His name, as well as the brand name Wall Flower, would inevitably be mentioned in many places.

Even if he becomes bald, free stuff is always right. He decided to postpone the launch of Wall Flower’s new products in order to properly enjoy the free advertising effect of domestic media, including terrestrial news [national broadcast news].

In other words, Alexander King’s new products would be sold from midnight on March 15th, and Wall Flower’s new products would be sold from midnight on March 16th, one day later.

Soon, Song Director’s voice was heard again over the receiver.

– Ah, and about the celebrity marketing. As you instructed before, I sent one of this season’s products to a total of 6 people, including ‘Ryu Seung-ho’. There are also several affiliates that have won sponsorship offers.

“Oh, that’s great. And?”

– It’s nothing special, but in the celebrity list that Jaeseung-ssi wrote himself, who is this Jescus? Since he’s on the list, I sent him all the products. I was curious, so I searched for him separately, but no information came up.

After finishing speaking, Song Director asked again, “Is he a promising trainee or something?”

JESY. KUS

It was none other than Jaeseung’s close friend. It was the British rap name. In other words, it was a ‘stage name’.

Since he hadn’t even started his activities yet, it was natural that he couldn’t get any information no matter how much he searched.

Since there was no need to explain in detail, he answered by vaguely glossing over it.

“Um… well, it’s kind of like that.”

– Is that so? Ah, and by the way….

Additional conversations took place.

According to Song Director, there was really no need to worry about marketing-related issues this season.

Even before Song Director went out of his way, quite a few companies contacted him first.

– The position is becoming more and more solid. Thanks to that columnist this time, it was no joke here either.

“Eddie Dana?”

– Yes. That woman. Thanks to her, we did noise marketing [controversial marketing] properly. It’s been a while since we released new products, so sales are declining… but as you know, this is just a facade. In my opinion, this season will definitely be the best ever in sales.

“It has to be.”

– You know you have to row when the water comes in, right? Work harder. If the owner designer’s position changes, the brand value will also skyrocket. How many people are depending on Jaeseung-ssi now, right?

About a dozen employees were hired additionally.

Among them were a large number of talented experienced employees. As Song Director said, the number of people who make a living from the sales generated by the brand ‘Wall Flower’ has increased quite a bit.

– You have to think that every step Jaeseung-ssi takes and every word he says contains money, and you have to act confidently wherever you are. You know?

“Yes. Of course. Just trust me.”

– Sigh, I’ve been nagging too much. I’ll call you with reports from time to time, so let’s hang up for today.

“Yes. Let’s talk again.”

Just as he was about to press the end call button, a short “Ah!” was heard over the receiver.

– And by the way….

“Please tell me.”

– Sorry I couldn’t go.

“It’s okay, I know you’re busy.”

– Thank you for understanding.

After a few more words, the call ended. First, he picked up the calendar and checked his future schedule and to-do list again.

Two magazine interviews and one webzine interview are scheduled for tomorrow.

Similarly, a total of three schedules were scheduled for the day after tomorrow.

Since it was only a week before the show, there were quite a few interview schedules like this.

‘Let’s see….’

First of all, the plane tickets and invitations for his father, mother, and younger sister Seunghee had already been sent. They must have arrived in Korea by now.

He hadn’t been able to contact them due to his schedule, but he also sent invitations to model Ashlyn, who he is currently in a potential romantic relationship with, editor ‘Geraldine Saglio’ of Paris Vogue, who had been a great help so far, and finally to some of the faculty at Parsons Design School.

‘Good.’

Before turning off the lights and going to bed, the cell phone he had placed on the bedside table vibrated.

Jaeseung immediately reached out and checked the text message that had arrived on his cell phone. It was a message from England.

– Jaeseung, I received the clothes you sent me. I’ll wear them well. You’re releasing new products on the 16th, right? I decided to release a mixtape song at midnight on that day as well. It’s not a song that will be included in the regular album, and it’s being uploaded to our MGM crew site for free, so it’ll be difficult to register the sound source. To be honest, I’m still lacking a lot, but I’m going to try it once with the significance of challenging on the same day as you. Thank you so much, and I hope everything goes well this time too.

Jaeseung smiled contentedly and immediately sent a reply.

– Okay, I’ll be the first to listen to the song as soon as it’s released. I’ll cheer you on too. Cheer up, England. Let’s both do well.

On the day he officially challenged the New York fashion scene, England also took his first steps as a musician by releasing his official work far away in Korea.

* * *

Schedule, schedule, and more schedules. He had to go around busily.

Even in the midst of that, time continued to flow, and the days passed by Jaeseung like an arrow.

And so, finally….

The morning of March 15th, the day of the premium brand Alexander King’s 2012 F/W show, which would be Jaeseung’s official ‘debut stage,’ dawned.