Chloe by Design: Balancing Act

by Margaret Gurevich

  “Sorry,” Taylor says, still sounding a bit irritated. “Sometimes people don’t leave things where they’re supposed to. Oh, and I forgot to mention, but we had a lot of fabric scraps lying around, so for these prototypes you’ll get to work with the real thing. Enjoy.”

  Nice! I glance at the cart to make sure it has everything I need. “Thanks,” I say, but Taylor has already disappeared into her office and closed the door.

  With Taylor and her attitude gone, I dive into the sketches and photos. It takes more than an hour to sort through everything, but I take my time and make notes. Then, I search through the bins and drawers on the cart, pulling out beads, bits of fabric, a needle, and thread.

  I’ve sewn my own clothes for years using a machine, and thanks to Teen Design Diva, where we often had to hand sew, I’ve become even more of an expert at putting things together. At least for prototypes, the stitching doesn’t have to be elegant or precise. It’s more important to see how the fabric and designs go together. By looking at the prototypes, designers can get a feel for what the garment is supposed to look like. Sometimes, colors or fabrics seem like they’ll be a good fit, but it’s not until you see them actually sewn together that you get a real understanding of how the design will look.

  I take out a silk charmeuse fabric in beige and cut a square neckline, then stitch something resembling cap sleeves. For the final touch, I decide to give Taylor options. I sort the beads in front of me. In one prototype, I sew beading to cover the bust area. In another, I make the entire gown fully beaded.

  The next sketch is of a gown in silver chiffon. I pull the fabric from a drawer and lay it on my desk. I rub the soft cloth between my fingers. Wearing this fabric is practically guaranteed to make anyone feel beautiful. I check the sketch and pin back pieces to create a plunging neckline with thin shoulder straps and an open back. Then I outline the fabric for the bias cut and empire waist. The crystal embroidery, perfect for an art deco garment, makes the material shimmer and pulls the design together. I touch the delicate beading and imagine the dress on the runway. If only I could model it.

  I work on more pieces as time passes and am grateful Taylor hasn’t checked in. Being left alone with the fabric is peaceful. It’s fascinating to me that one motif, art deco, can spawn so many different visions.

  I flip through more pages and stop at a bright pink flapper-style dress in silk. The shift style hangs simply to mid-thigh, but the delicate design is accented with skinny spaghetti straps, while a feathered skirt adds femininity. I’m not normally a fan of feathers, but this dress looks adorable.

  My stomach grumbles, and I check the wall clock. Almost one o’clock! Somehow it doesn’t surprise me that it’s past lunch and Taylor has yet to make an appearance. I think of sneaking away for a bagel or something, but I just know that’s the moment Taylor will decide to show herself.

  Note to self, I think, bring snacks to work. I bargain with myself. One more prototype, then knock on Taylor’s door.

  I scope out some additional designs and get another brainstorm. Taylor didn’t ask me to do accessories, but one of the dresses gives me the best idea for an art deco-inspired evening bag. If I get that done and a dress, that should definitely ease her grumpiness.

  First things first: stay on task. I work on a sketch of a body-hugging top and free-flowing skirt. The bodice is strapless with shimmering geometric lines and metallic threading, while the white silk skirt is long and loose, flowing down past the ankles. The look is complete with a sheer headscarf, embroidered with pearls.

  I pin the minidress to the mood board and stretch my shoulders. Still no sign of Taylor. That gives me time to design the bag. I draw the silver chain first, taking care with each tiny oval. Then I sketch the clam-shaped bag. I envision the bag covered in white tile beads that shimmer under the light.

  When I’m finished sketching, I get out of my chair and step back to admire my work. It’s been a long morning, but I’m really pleased with the designs and the progress I made. My head is starting to hurt, though, so I knock on Taylor’s door.

  Taylor opens it, looking frazzled. “What’s up?”

  “I’ve done a lot of prototypes and wanted you to take a look,” I reply.

  Taylor blinks. “You’ve been working this whole time? But it’s past two o’clock! You have to make sure you take lunch breaks. Especially since you’re a minor.” She looks worried.

  I stare at her. Didn’t she say she was going to check on me? Was I allowed to take a break?

  Taylor moves past me and looks at my work. “These look exquisite,” she says after a few minutes. “I can only imagine how stunning the finished products will be.” She picks up my drawing of the evening bag. “You did this too?”

  I nod.

  “Very nice, Chloe. I’ll send it over to handbags. I think they can do a lot with this design.”

  “Thank you so much,” I say. I try to smile, despite my pounding headache.

  “I’m sorry I forgot to touch base,” Taylor says. “Take a long lunch. I don’t need to be showcased on one of those blogs about horrible bosses.”

  I laugh. “Your rep is safe with me.”

  Taylor smiles. “Thanks for all your hard work, Chloe. I mean it. It’s been such a pleasure working with you. I don’t ever get sentimental about interns, but I’m actually sad you’ll be leaving when the summer is over.”

  “Thank you for letting me be so involved in the process,” I say. “So, what’s next for the line?”

  “Tomorrow will be similar to today, so don’t forget to stock up on bagels and snacks in case you have to take a late lunch,” Taylor advises. “Then we’ll be working with Liesel McKay to finish the new additions. Oh, but I guess you won’t be here then. That’s next week, so you’ll be on to your next rotation.”

  I’m curious which department I’ll be in next week, but I’m disappointed I won’t get to collaborate with Liesel. “Bummer. I was hoping to work with Liesel.”

  Taylor winks. “Just one perk of being a head designer,” she says. Then she glances at the clock. “You really need to eat. Seriously.” She goes back to her office but stops at the door. “The next two days are probably going to be crazy busy. So if I don’t get to give you a proper goodbye, I’m saying it now.”

  “Thanks,” I say, smiling. I might be starving, but I’m feeling so happy about Taylor’s words of encouragement that it helps quiet my stomach’s protests. Pleasing her seemed like no easy feat, and yet I managed to do just that!

  Taylor wasn’t kidding about the next few days being crazy busy. I usually make it to lunch by one o’clock, but I remember to keep bagels and snacks at the ready in case I get hungry earlier.

  I’m hoping for a bit of a reprieve when I arrive at Laura’s office Thursday morning, but as soon as I see her, I can tell it will be another busy day.

  “No time for hellos,” Laura says as soon as she sees me. “Lots to do today.” She rushes into her office, motioning for me to follow. I trail after her and notice all the new samples of collars she’s created on top of her desk.

  “I’ve been adding designs all week,” Laura continues, “and I think we’re good to go. Today we’re working on knit skirts and dresses. Also part of Stefan’s new art deco addition to Fashion Week.”

  “Sounds good,” I say as Laura rummages through her desk. All the while, she’s muttering about not having enough time to do anything.

  Stress fills the room, and I have a sudden urge to swat at the air around me so her anxiety doesn’t latch onto me. I don’t need more. Since my internship started, I’ve felt like Laura on many days, but I’d never voice it. How can I be anything but one hundred percent excited and grateful about this opportunity? I mean, what high school student gets to intern in New York City — and for a famous designer at that?

  I feel so lucky, but I’m also starting to miss home. I miss hear
ing about my best friend Alex’s life and gossip. I miss kicking back and scarfing down junk food while watching bad television. I miss my parents. I miss —

  “Chloe!” Laura’s exasperated voice brings me back.

  “Sorry,” I say.

  She waves her hand dismissively. “No time for that, either. Just focus, please.” She pauses. “I’m sorry. It’s easy to forget how young you are. I bet all this can be a lot sometimes.”

  I’m so grateful she gets it, but I don’t want to admit there’s something I can’t handle. Still, I trust Laura. “Sometimes,” I admit quietly. “Not that I don’t love it here,” I quickly add.

  Laura smiles. “It can be a lot for me too, and I’ve been doing this for years! Plus, I’m getting paid. Don’t worry. You’re doing great.”

  I feel a little better — definitely more relieved. It’s hard walking around feeling guilty because you don’t love every second of your dream job. It’s a little scary too.

  “Sooo … knits,” says Laura. “The art deco movement is open to interpretation, but it relies heavily on bold geometric shapes, converging lines, and block patterns. Gold or silver threading throughout is common too. Some designers do bold colors, but Stefan prefers to keep them softer. He’d love to see green and rose in some of the designs.”

  Laura shows me some pictures of floor-length dresses with metallic threading. Another photo is of a skirt with a large diamond pattern. “These are some designs Stefan sent over,” she explains. “I’m working on a few of my own designs as well. But what would be really helpful is if we could brainstorm and come up with some together. Listening to others always sparks my creativity. How does that sound?”

  I love collaborating with Laura. “Perfect!”

  ***

  Beside me, Laura sketches a design that reminds me of the black wool minidress from my trip to the Met. But rather than moons, Laura’s dress has overlapping oval and leaf designs, along with a cowl neck.

  “That’s really pretty,” I say. “It reminds me of Rudi Gernreich’s designs.”

  Laura beams. “He’s a real inspiration.”

  I study the sketch, which is primarily black, white, and gray, but notice that Laura has woven in shades of green as an accent. When she said to include rose and green, I’d imagined them as the primary colors. But I like her version better.

  Laura continues perfecting her design, and I get a brainstorm. I draw designs similar to Laura’s but with different collars. Instead of the green, I play with other colors like red, blue, and turquoise.

  Beside me, I notice that Laura has stopped sketching and is watching what I’m doing. “I love those,” she says. “Especially how the turquoise makes the dress pop.”

  “Thanks,” I reply. “Your accents with the green gave me the idea.”

  The white pages of my sketchbook beckon for more designs, and I rub my temples, hoping to bring something to the forefront. I start making random lines and circles and envision them coming together to form … something.

  I move the paper away from me to view the sketch in a new light. Then it hits me. With each pencil movement, the shape begins to form something cohesive. Soon, I’m looking at a tank dress with a scalloped bottom hem.

  Laura glances at my design. “I like that a lot, but it needs something,” she says. “Try adding metallic threading throughout.”

  “That’s it!” I say. That’s what was missing.

  Laura taps her pencil on her chin and frowns at her sketchpad. She’s drawn a fitted, knee-length dress with a wide boat neck and an empire waist. It’s a beautiful, if simple, sketch.

  “What else does it need?” Laura asks.

  “Something to add some drama,” I suggest. “What about making it floor length instead of knee length? You could add a pleated drop-waist skirt.”

  Laura lightly sketches the skirt I suggested and brightens. “Perfect!” She then uses colored pencils to add color to the dress, making a note to use silk charmeuse fabric.

  “This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time,” I say.

  Laura grins at me. “I’m so glad,” she says. Just then, her phone buzzes. She checks the text and sighs. “Stefan’s on his way.”

  “Was he supposed to come today?” I ask. I hate being in the dark.

  Laura shrugs. “It was possible, but I wasn’t sure. I didn’t want to stress you out.”

  She’s right. I totally would have been stressed out.

  “It will be good, don’t worry,” says Laura. “We can show him the sketches and get feedback immediately.”

  My interactions with Stefan have been positive, and he even called my pocket designs “impressive” at my first all-department meeting with him. Still, I get anxious wondering if he’ll like the new designs. Laura was right to not tell me about the meeting ahead of time.

  “Immediate feedback,” I say. “Terrific.”

  Laura claps her hands, either not getting or ignoring my sarcasm. “Wonderful! And while he’s here, this will be a great time to talk about the next phase of the internship.”

  I nod but don’t say anything. The past two weeks have been so busy that I don’t know if I can handle adding another department to the mix. But I seriously doubt Stefan will want to hear that.

  Laura flips through our designs while we wait for Stefan. “I like these,” she finally says, “but Stefan’s opinion is what matters.”

  “Sure,” I say, as if her words don’t make me nervous at all.

  “I really do think he’ll like them,” says Laura.

  “What will I like?” Stefan asks, poking his head in the doorway.

  Laura jumps up from her chair, banging her knee in the process. “Good to see you,” she says. “Chloe and I worked on some sketches today, and I was just telling her I think they’re right up your alley.”

  Stefan steps closer. “Well, let’s take a peek,” he says. He hums as he looks through our sketches but doesn’t say anything.

  I try to catch Laura’s eye, but she’s too busy watching Stefan. He looks at each design three times and makes notes on the white space next to each drawing.

  “I’m impressed, Laura,” Stefan finally says. “I like the green accents here and the metallic touches. And the turquoise is lovely.”

  Laura smiles at me. “That one is Chloe’s.”

  Stefan raises his eyebrows. “Good work, Chloe. I’ll be honest, when we agreed to do Design Diva, I didn’t know who we’d be getting. But you’ve really surprised me — in a good way.”

  “Thank you,” I say gratefully. “It’s been such a pleasure working here.”

  Stefan chuckles. “Well, don’t say that just yet. There’s more in store for you.”

  I try to laugh too, but my throat is dry.

  “Let’s discuss some of these designs,” Stefan says. “I like that you understand the concept of art deco. And I know what you’ve been working on with Taylor, so it’s great to see the range.”

  I’m floating on air, but I don’t want to get my hopes up. I can sense a “but” coming.

  “However,” he continues, “Laura will work with you to refine your drawings. I definitely see where you’re going with these, though, and I like the direction. Laura’s leaf design is a favorite, and I’d like to see prototypes in turquoise and pale rose. Also, I’d like to see it as a shift. Make sense?”

  “I think so,” I say, glancing over at Laura. She nods.

  “Good. I want to see prototypes of the other designs too,” Stefan says. “Play with the sleeves — sleeveless, thin straps, cap sleeves. Give me options. I think they will fit in nicely with my vision for the knits I want to showcase.”

  “Wow, thanks so much, Mr. Meyers,” I gush. I hold out my hand to shake his, feeling a little silly, but I’m not sure what else to do. Stefan Meyers himself just told me he likes my designs! Sure, he wa
nted changes and told me I can refine my work, but for once I’m not focusing on the negative.

  Stefan rubs his chin. “You’re doing so well here, it’s a shame to move you.”

  “So don’t,” Laura chimes in quickly. “Seriously, I need her.”

  “Well …” Stefan says slowly. “The majority of Taylor’s designs are set, and she’ll be spending the next two weeks working with Liesel McKay. And I can see that the knits need more attention, and Laura can benefit from your assistance.” He clasps his hands together. “Here’s what we’ll do. We’ll keep you with Laura on the same days, Thursday and Friday. And you’ll be with Michael in PR on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I think that’s fair.”

  I relax. I’ll be learning something completely new, but at least I’m only shuffling between two departments, not three.

  “Perfect,” Laura says with a smile. It’s hard to tell what she’s thinking, and I wonder whether or not she really believes that. “Good by you, Chloe?”

  It’s nice that she’s asking, but we all know it has to be good by me. “Definitely, but, um, I’m not quite sure what PR does.”

  “You’ll learn,” Stefan says. “All the interns love it. It’s glam with a capital G. PR is the brains behind making the Stefan Meyers label look good. You’ll work with media contacts to get the word out about our spring line and what’s ahead. You’ll meet with reporters, you’ll learn how to write pitches. Do some treks to Vogue. You may even chat up a few celebs. It will be unlike anything you’ve ever done!”

  Stefan sounds so enthusiastic, I can’t help but get excited too. Celebs? Alex would die! Media? Talking to the press? And Vogue? The thought of walking those floors is indescribable. “That sounds amazing,” I say.

  “It will be,” Stefan agrees, “but it’s going to be a lot of hard work too. I’m smart to only talk up the glam.” He laughs.