Chloe by Design: Balancing Act

by Margaret Gurevich

  “I’m glad to help,” I tell her.

  Laura and I study the mess on her desk. She doesn’t seem to know where to start, and I wouldn’t want to throw out something she might need.

  “Do you have any baskets or bins?” I finally ask. “I could sort things for you. Maybe receipts in one basket, fabric in another, designs in another, and so on. Then I could label each basket with tape and a Sharpie. Would that work?”

  Laura’s face brightens, and she opens her desk drawers. She digs for a moment, finally emerging with rolls of tape, several baskets, and a black Sharpie. “That would be a lifesaver,” she says gratefully.

  “Consider it handled,” I say confidently.

  Laura heads to a nearby conference room to continue working on her designs, and I start organizing. She’s right about the task not exactly being fun, but oh, well. Laura has been so supportive of me; I want to do something nice for her too.

  Besides, I think, the more organized her desk is, the easier it will be for her to find designs. That’s a win-win for everyone at Stefan Meyers.

  By the time I’m finished, it’s almost lunchtime. Laura’s mouth drops open when she walks in. The multi-colored baskets look great beside her desk, and the labels make everything easy to find.

  Laura walks by each of the baskets and runs a hand over her empty desk. “I was beginning to forget what this thing looked like. Thank you!” she gushes.

  “You’re welcome!” I reply.

  “I’m tempted to give you the rest of the day off,” says Laura.

  “No!” I exclaim. “Don’t do that. I can do more.” Madison’s words are still stuck in the back of my mind, and I want to prove myself. I need to show Laura that I deserve to be here.

  Laura laughs. “I’m glad to hear that, because I have a big job for you. There’s a lot to do in preparation for Wednesday’s big meeting with Stefan.”

  I can’t believe the meeting crept up so quickly. It feels like I just started here.

  Laura scans the baskets and pulls out a sheet of paper from the one labeled LISTS. “These are some things I need picked up — fabrics, findings, all kinds of things. I certainly don’t expect it all done today, so don’t kill yourself.”

  I take the list from Laura and look it over. I can find a lot of these things at Mood, and I have a pretty good idea which stores in the Garment District will have the rest. Shopping will be great.

  Maybe I’ll even find some stuff for my own designs, I think hopefully. Working here has been inspiring, but other than that first day at Starbucks, I’ve hardly had any time to sketch my own stuff.

  “I’ll do as much as I can,” I tell Laura, but I plan to finish the list.

  For lunch, I grab falafel and a coffee from a street cart and blend in with the rest of the intern crowd. By now I’ve been in New York long enough that I can tell who the other interns are by the way they’re running around, eyes on lists, garment bags in their hands.

  Like planned, I hit Mood first. A good portion of the list is findings — clasps, hoops, and fasteners. It makes me wonder what kinds of designs Laura has in mind. She didn’t mention anything specific, so it’s a bit of a mystery.

  When I’m done gathering these, I track down a sales associate and ask her for swatches of fabric. We walk from one aisle to another, getting a mix of colors and textures.My favorites are the bold, beautiful blues and bright, cheerful yellows. I try to envision what Laura might have planned for the different fabrics.

  An abstract ikat print in gold and white catches my eye, and I immediately envision it as the basis for a cool, modern ball gown. I’m picturing something floor-length with a full skirt and a strapless bodice. A cinched waist would help provide definition and tone down the volume of the skirt. And beaded floral appliques could add visual interest across the top of the bodice. I make a mental note to work on sketching some ideas when I get back to my dorm room.

  “What are you working on?” the saleswoman asks, interrupting my design daydream. She grabs another basket to hold more fabric.

  “Um, I’m actually not entirely sure,” I admit. “I’m an intern. I’m just picking up stuff for my boss.”

  “Oh, who are you interning for?” she asks.

  “Stefan Meyers,” I reply. “I’m with Laura Carmichael now.”

  The woman’s eyes immediately light up. “Laura’s a doll! Wait here.”

  Before I can say anything, the sales associate disappears into the storage room. I rest the baskets on the floor and skim the list again, checking off all the things I’ve managed to collect so far.

  I notice that some of the items on Laura’s list have little stars and the word Fabriqué beside them. Laura didn’t say anything, but I’m guessing that means she wants me to shop there. I’ve never been to that store, but I’ve heard enough about it from my suitemates to know it’s supposed to be the go-to place for metallic fabrics and out-of-the-box designs.

  Looking at the list, I sigh. I’ve been at Mood for two hours, and I’m only a quarter of the way through the list. My shoulders slump. I should have realized such a long list would take time.

  The sales associate finally makes her way back, and my eyes bug out when I see her. She’s carrying an enormous pile of material, findings, and embellishments. “I know what Laura likes, and I’ve been putting stuff away for her,” she explains. “Tell her Bree says hi.”

  “Sure,” I say cheerfully. But privately I’m wondering how the heck I’m going to lug all this stuff back.

  A few minutes later, I swing the bag Bree gave me over my shoulder. Not only does she have an eye for fabric, she’s also an expert packer, consolidating everything in a way that doesn’t kill my back.

  Fabriqué is next, and as soon as I walk in, I’m greeted by a guy with blue hair. “Enter our mystical world,” he says.

  The way he says it, I almost expect to see crystal balls and a fog machine, but neither appear. The store does have a disco ball, though, which casts funky lights and shadows on the walls. There are no pure cottons here — the rows are filled with metallics, velvets, and spandex, with silks and satins thrown in. Even their findings and embellishments are unique.

  I pick up a crystal chain that would make a pretty border. It’s not on Laura’s list, but I think she’ll like it, so I decide to hold onto it. Then I scan the racks and shelves for the fluorescent, gold, and silver fabrics she listed. She didn’t write what each piece was for, but I envision them adorning a zipper or accenting a dark color. Or maybe Stefan is thinking of shaking up the spring line with metallic clothing.

  “Finding everything you need?” the blue-haired boy asks.

  “Yep, but I wouldn’t mind coming back here.” This store is my new favorite.

  I check the list again as I head outside. I’m more than halfway done now, and it’s almost five o’clock. Finishing will probably take me another two or three hours, but that was my plan.

  I text Laura an update and keep going.

  ***

  It’s eight o’clock when I finally show up in Laura’s office. My legs ache from all the walking, and I’m grateful I wore flats today.

  “How did it go?” Laura asks.

  “I finished the whole list,” I say proudly, setting the pile of bags on the floor.

  Laura’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “No way. Let me see.” She goes through all my bags, placing checks beside mine on the list. When she gets to Bree’s package, her face lights up. “She’s too good to me!”

  “She seemed to really like you,” I say.

  “What’s not to like?” says Laura, laughing. “Just kidding. But in this business you need to treat everyone with respect. Some designers don’t. They act like everyone has to drop what they’re doing and help them immediately. Same goes for interns. If they weren’t treated well, they’ll do the same to others, like payback. It’s a c
utthroat business, but there are people who will support you. I’ve worked with a lot of difficult people, but I choose to play nice.”

  I think of Madison and frown.

  “What is it?” asks Laura, taking note of my facial expression.

  I don’t want to seem like a tattletale, but I have to get it off my chest. Taking a deep breath, I tell her what Madison said.

  Laura shakes her head. “I’m not surprised. Like I said, there are all kinds of people. I’ve noticed that Madison doesn’t always seem to have the best attitude, so I wouldn’t take it personally.”

  That makes me feel a little better, but I’m still wondering if Madison was telling the truth. “Do people really feel like she does?” I ask quietly. “Like I shouldn’t be here?”

  Laura sighs. “I’m sure some people do, but so what? There hasn’t been one second when I’ve felt you don’t belong.” She pauses and looks at all the packages on the floor. “Wait,” she says. “That’s why you ran yourself ragged today? To prove something to me?”

  I nod, feeling a little silly.

  “You don’t have to do that, Chloe,” Laura says. “I see how hard you’ve been working. I’ve even told Stefan. Pace yourself, hon. You have plenty of time to be noticed, plenty of time to shine. You’re just starting out in this business.”

  Until Laura says that, it doesn’t hit me that finishing the list was about more than proving myself to the Madisons of the world. A part of me wanted to be a star too. The same part of me that was bummed out when no one introduced me to Stefan at the meeting.

  I know Laura’s right, I think, but is it so bad to want to shine now too? Just a little?

  The next day, I meet up with Liesel and Jake for lunch. They both give me big hugs as soon as they see me.

  “How’s the big project with Taylor going?” I ask Liesel.

  Her eyes light up. “That project was years in the making. I love collaborating with other designers, but not everyone is open to sharing the spotlight. Taylor is very no-nonsense, and I’m more whimsical. But we’re a good balance. She has terrific ideas. I can’t wait until the pieces make their debut during Fashion Week.”

  I think about how long Liesel has been in the business. She said “years in the making.” That seems ages away. “It would be great if a sample I worked on got the go-ahead,” I say. “Especially with Stefan coming tomorrow.”

  Liesel smiles and shakes her head. “You’re just like this one,” she says, pointing at Jake. “You two need to remember that it takes time. Designers wait years to be noticed. It’s wonderful that you’re ambitious and a hard worker. But be patient. When you work with other departments, pay attention to what they do.”

  I remember Bailey mentioning that Stefan moves interns around. Why hasn’t Laura said anything about it? Maybe that means I’ll get to stay where I am, I think hopefully.

  “Your work ethic will get you really far,” Liesel continues. “I have no doubt you’ll have your own line eventually.”

  I blush. “Thanks.”

  “I’m not just saying that to make you feel good,” Liesel tells me. “I mean it. But, Chloe, you have to have patience, put in your time.”

  I frown. That’s pretty much what Laura said. It makes total sense, but who doesn’t want to get noticed sooner rather than later?

  “Come on,” Jake says to his mom, “what’s wrong with going all out? Why shouldn’t Chloe be in the spotlight if she has the chance?”

  Liesel pats Jake on the shoulder. “Because she doesn’t need to be making enemies. She also has lots to learn about the business.” She takes a sip of her coffee. “As do you.”

  Jake rolls his eyes, and I think about what they said. It’s funny that Jake and I think alike and Laura and Liesel are on the same page. Who’s right?

  ***

  Wednesday morning, I’m tacking prototypes onto the bulletin board when Laura runs from her office. “Stefan is coming early!” she says breathlessly. “Help me gather our pockets for the meeting.”

  Laura and I work quickly, cross-referencing our designs with her notes. Then we pack everything up, including the bulletin board, and lug it to a large conference room. We set up our board and designs beside the others.

  Today’s meeting is with all the departments, and the room looks like it’s been wallpapered with designs. I check out the dress samples and wonder if any of them are part of the line Taylor and Liesel have been working on. Another board has drawings of pantsuits, but they’re completely different from Laura’s vision, full of pastels. Either Stefan isn’t sure what he wants, or the designer didn’t ask.

  I see Madison sitting beside the other interns. She looks at me, cups her hand over her mouth, and whispers something to the girl beside her. They both laugh, and I turn away.

  Stefan walks in, and just like at the first meeting, everyone immediately goes silent. He talks enthusiastically about what’s ahead and what he envisions for the new elements of the spring line.

  “I see it as splashes of color,” he says. Everyone nods like they get it, but I wonder if they really do. “Many designers will be doing pastels. That’s what everyone thinks of when they hear spring, right? But not us.”

  Someone groans, and I wonder if it’s the designer with the pastel bulletin board.

  “I’m not going to redesign the wheel,” Stefan continues. “We will throw in some pastels, but there will be something edgy about them. We will continue expanding the denim line, and I have a vision that will include departments working together. Let’s begin.”

  Stefan goes item by item, pointing out what he likes and doesn’t. He doesn’t cut anyone down and gives pointers when he can. His critiques remind me of Liesel’s. We’re there for three hours, and I take notes on all his comments.

  Finally Stefan gets to our board and Laura’s designs. “This is exactly what I had in mind,” he says, smiling wide as he studies Laura’s dress. “The scalloped neckline and black trim are a great touch. This will fit perfectly in the spring line. Well done!”

  “Thank you, but the idea came from Chloe,” says Laura.

  With that one comment, I feel every set of eyes in the room focus on me.

  “Oh?” says Stefan. “Chloe?”

  My face reddens. He doesn’t have a clue who I am.

  “My intern,” says Laura. “The Teen Design Diva winner?”

  Stefan’s eyes find my face, and they light up in recognition. “Tell me more,” he says.

  “Chloe designed the pocket prototypes,” Laura explains. “Her adorable black pocket with the lavender border gave me the idea for this dress.”

  Laura winks at me, and I’m stunned. I can tell by others’ faces that they are too. How many of them would be willing to share their glory like Laura just did?

  “Chloe,” says Stefan. “You made all these pockets?” He looks at the bulletin board.

  “Yes,” I say quietly.

  “Impressive,” he says. “I have to say my two favorites are the one Laura mentioned and the one with the pearl detail. I can definitely work with these for Fashion Week.”

  “Thank you,” I say. I feel like I should say more, but the compliments are more than I could have imagined.

  “Pizza?” Bailey asks in the dorms that night.

  I drop a few dollars in the pile on the floor and take a slice. “Thanks!”

  “I heard you guys had a looong meeting today,” says Avery.

  I glance at Madison, but she keeps her eyes on the pizza. “More than three hours!” I say. “Is that normal?”

  Bailey laughs. “Girl, I’ve been to five-hour meetings! But I’ll take that over a half-hour meeting that leaves you scratching your head about what to do next.”

  Avery nods. “Agreed. I had an internship last semester where the meetings were so fast — just in and out. At first I was stoked. But most of
the designers needed more direction, so we’d end up doing designs we thought the guy wanted and then having to scrap everything when it didn’t work. It was a nightmare!”

  I think about Stefan’s approach. There are designs that get chucked, but if you take the time to listen, you at least have a clear direction. “Stefan’s not like that,” I say. “He’s really detailed in the meetings and so supportive.”

  “I haven’t interned there yet,” says Avery. “Maybe next summer.”

  Madison frowns. “Not everyone’s time is so wonderful.”

  Bailey pats her shoulder. “You won’t be with Taylor forever. Remember, they switch your department every two weeks.”

  “Does that always happen?” I say, my stomach turning. I make a mental note to ask Laura tomorrow.

  “Don’t worry,” Madison mumbles, pushing the pizza around on her plate. “I’m sure whoever you’re with next will find your designs … how did Stefan put it? Oh yeah, ‘impressive.’”

  Bailey and Avery look from me to Madison. “What’s she talking about?” asks Bailey.

  I’m not surprised Madison hasn’t mentioned Stefan liking my designs. “I had to make pockets for the bulletin board. Stefan liked two.”

  Avery’s mouth drops open. “He knew they were yours?”

  I nod. “Yeah, Laura told him.”

  “Wow,” Avery says, raising her eyebrows. “You’re really lucky. Most designers wouldn’t have given you credit.”

  “And the fact that Stefan made a point to talk about them at the meeting shows he really liked them,” Bailey adds. “He doesn’t say things just to be nice.”

  I blush. “Well, I made loads of pockets. He only said he liked two.” It’s clearly a big deal that he liked any, but if I’m being honest, it did bother me a little that he didn’t say much about the others.

  Bailey laughs. “We always want more, don’t we? Trust us. It’s a huge deal. Head designers are thrilled when a design gets added to a line.”

  I perk up. “He did say something about being able to work with them for his Fashion Week designs.”