Chloe by Design: Balancing Act

by Margaret Gurevich

  I check the notes on my laptop about the w’s and something clicks. “Does that mean the specifics of the fashion show? Explaining the looks and theme?”

  Michael nods. “You got it.”

  I’m feeling more relaxed than when we started. Having this broken down with Michael makes it seem way less daunting.

  “So what we have here is a great start, but it’s just the bare bones,” he says. “For the release, all these things have to be expanded. I’ve heard from Laura, Taylor, and Stefan that you have a great eye for fashion and really understand the new art deco line.”

  I blush. “Thanks.”

  “I want you to use that knowledge to expand on the what. Describe the fabric and cut of the pieces. Elaborate on the design. If you were trying to sell Taylor’s dresses to someone, what would you focus on?”

  This is more my speed. I take out my sketchpad and flip through the designs I did for Laura and Taylor.

  “I’ll let you get started on this on your own and come check up on you in an hour. Deal?” says Michael, handing me the notes he wrote. Now I can reference his and mine.

  “Deal,” I agree, eager to get into my design comfort zone.

  Michael heads out, and I flip through my sketches, looking at my fabric descriptions. Taylor’s dresses are silk and satin and feature unique details like hand-sewn beading. I also know the jewelry is handmade. I close my eyes, remembering the gold jewelry I saw in Taylor’s office yesterday. It reminded me of cascading water. I scribble that in my notes and think about how to add attention-grabbing details.

  When Michael stops by an hour later, I have a few solid paragraphs I’m proud of.

  “Let’s take a look,” he says, pulling his chair closer. He reads my descriptions and smiles. “I like what you’ve done here. You really help the reader visualize the garments. It’s clear you get Stefan’s designs.” He scrolls down. “Nice touch describing the jewelry piece as ‘avant-garde.’ And I like that you compared it to a waterfall. That’s a nice image. I’ll think about how to fine-tune this part where you describe the art deco style ranging from ‘black-tie glamorous to daily chic,’ but I like where you’re going with it. Excellent for a first attempt.”

  “Thank you,” I say. But there are still four more w’s and an h to tackle. “I didn’t really know what to do with the heading and stuff.”

  “You have the hard part down,” Michael says. “You know the designs and fabrics. The rest is easy.” He goes into his office and returns with a binder. “I’m going to go over these old press releases with you, but I’ll also let you take the binder home. I’ve also catalogued some of my favorite headlines from magazines and the industry. You can always learn from others. I’d like you to come up with at least three headline options for the press release. We’ll use the same ones in the e-mail blasts, so we have to make sure they’re eye-catching and sharp.”

  I flip through the binder. “I like this one about a basketball player’s new shoe line,” I say. “‘Damian’s Heart and Sole Endeavor.’”

  “It’s silly,” says Michael. “But it gets your attention.”

  I look through more examples and stop at a reality celeb’s clothing venture. “‘Reassessing Frumpy Chic’?”

  Michael laughs. “That design tanked, but the headline got a lot of people talking. Frumpy and chic don’t go together at all, and people were dying to see the connection.”

  I think I’m starting to get the idea. The headlines can be funny or shocking or sophisticated, as long as they leave the reader wanting more. “This is a good one too,” I say, “‘Designers Revive Polka-Dot Sophistication.’ I’ve never thought polka dots needed a revival or that they were sophisticated!”

  “That’s what I liked about it too,” Michael agrees. “It was unexpected. Keep that in mind while you brainstorm. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.”

  Wednesday morning, I have six headlines ready to go. I know, I know — overachiever much? But I want Michael to know I took this seriously. After all, writing isn’t exactly my strong suit. I even took a stab at expanding the who portion of the release based on the information about Stefan in the binder.

  Unfortunately, when I get to work, Michael seems too busy to be impressed. He breezes past me, sending papers flying off my desk. “It’s going to be a crazy day,” he says. Just then he notices the envelope I’m holding labeled PRESS RELEASE. “Oh, good, you finished! I can’t wait to see it.”

  Michael takes the envelope and motions for me to follow him to his office. “You expanded the bio information!” he says, reading it over. “That’s fabulous. And it looks like you managed to work in all the main points from the binder, including Stefan’s award-winning fall line and his charity involvement. There are a few new updates to Stefan’s career I didn’t have in the binder, but I’ll add them myself. Well done.”

  “Thanks,” I reply, blushing a little.

  Michael moves on to my headlines. The first one, “Stefan Unveils Art Deco Magic” was one of my first tries.

  “It’s good you mention the art deco upfront,” Michael says, “but it doesn’t say much. What does ‘magic’ mean, you know?”

  I nod. That wasn’t my favorite either, but I was hoping Michael would disagree. I guess they can’t all be winners, though.

  Michael keeps going down the list. “This is better,” he says. “‘Stefan Meyers Brings Back Roaring Twenties.’ But I’m interested in what he’s doing to bring that back. That’s my hook.”

  That headline was one of my favorites, and I’m a little disappointed Michael isn’t totally wowed by it.

  “This one,” says Michael, pointing to my last headline, “focuses on what Stefan wants to get out about his line. ‘Stefan Meyers — Regal, Elegant, Art Deco Line.’ It hints at what Stefan’s line will be about without hitting readers over the head.”

  Michael rubs his chin. “Let’s combine my two favorites. How about ‘Stefan Meyers Brings Back Roaring Twenties with Elegant Art Deco Line.’”

  “I love that!” I say, impressed at how quickly he was able to pull out the best parts of both headlines and turn them into something great.

  “I’m going to finish fine-tuning the release,” Michael tells me. “You, however, were promised glam. Today, you’ll get to work on a project that should meet those expectations.” He wheels a cart full of fashion and tabloid magazines over to me. “Are you familiar with these?”

  Familiar? Alex and I have spent entire weekends flipping through magazines like these and dissecting each page. “I live for them!” I reply.

  Michael laughs. “Breathe in as many as you can. That’s today’s task.”

  I stare at him, feeling confused. “You want me to read fashion mags all day?” I ask. That sounds too good to be true.

  “Not just read,” Michael explains. “I need you to scrutinize. I want you to peruse the pages and make notes of which celebs are wearing Stefan Meyers. Then, you’ll scour celebrity Instagram accounts for the same thing. When you’re done, we’ll compile a list and use the information for publicity material. We’ll know which celebrities to approach in the future about wearing our designs. Any questions?”

  “Nope,” I say quickly. Best. Assignment. Ever.

  ***

  I spend the rest of the day taking notes, even eating lunch at my desk, but it’s totally worth it. I make sure my information includes the celeb’s name, the links or pages to the designs, and a description of the outfit worn.

  I spot an image of Lola Corrigan, my favorite actress, in a tan suede jacket and black skirt and remember dragging Alex to the television so we could get a closer look when they dissected it on Fashion Police.

  I find a shot of Hunter Bancroft, one of the Design Diva judges, wearing a pair of Stefan Meyers corduroy slacks. Each leg panel is done in a different color. It’s just the type of out-of-the-box style Hun
ter enjoys, and he pulls it off.

  I send a photo to Jake, knowing he’d never wear the design. His style is much simpler and more masculine. His mom might be a famous designer, but Jake is a jeans-and-T-shirt guy all the way.

  “Your new pants?” I type.

  I get a response right away. “If Hunter can wear them, so can I! :-)” Jake writes back.

  “Hope to see that soon!” I reply. I really miss Jake. I thought I’d see him way more once I was in New York, but I’ve hardly seen him at all. I’ve just been so busy with my internship. And with Fashion Week fast approaching, I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

  “Me too! Miss you!” Jake texts.

  I smile. It’s good to know he feels the same way.

  I flip through more accounts and stumble upon Cassie McRay, Alex’s favorite basketball player, wearing a Stefan Meyers tankini. I had no idea Stefan had a bathing suit line! I love the bright colors on the suit and send a link to Alex.

  I go through dozens of accounts and more than fifty magazines. When it’s time to go home, I’m exhausted, but I’m also inspired. I think about what I would do if I had my own line. Would I focus on everyday and eveningwear or be more versatile, like Stefan? I guess only time will tell.

  On Thursday, my first day back with Laura, I’m up bright and early. Sitting up in bed, I stick in my headphones, pick up my pencils and sketchpad, and start drawing.

  I sketch wrap dresses with curved and plunging necklines in multiple colors. I add details to sleeves, hems, and collars like I’ve seen on some of Stefan’s pieces. During Design Diva, I saw how tiny additions could really set a piece apart, and now, in the midst of the fashion industry, I’m noticing that even more.

  Using a tan pencil, I color a pair of silky geometric-patterned shorts. I think about Stefan’s art deco motif and shade in the shapes with a salmon pencil, then pair them with a solid-color blouse. A salmon-colored handbag with gold clasps completes the look.

  Suddenly someone taps my shoulder, and I’m so startled I almost fall off the bed. I pull out my headphones and turn to see Avery standing there.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” she says. “Your door was open.”

  “That’s okay.” I look at the clock. “I should get going soon anyway. I don’t want to be late.”

  “Where are you today?” Avery asks.

  “With Laura,” I reply. “I think she’s finishing stuff for Fashion Week. I was in PR Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. How about you?”

  “I’m in marketing and advertising now,” Avery replies. “I really like it so far. I was watching you sketch, and you had this calm, happy look on your face. I’m not like that when I’m trying to design. It’s so stressful! But with advertising, we have to do ad campaigns and think of slogans, and I love it. It just comes to me.” She smiles.

  “That’s great,” I say.

  Avery looks relieved. “I know. I thought I messed up by choosing fashion as my major. It’s a relief to see that there are other ways to work in this field. So much depends on how you present a piece to the world. I’m working on a campaign for ‘chic sneaks’ right now, and the goal is to show that the sneaker can be a workout shoe in one light, but dressy in another. We’ve gone through a few drafts of ad campaigns trying to make that balance obvious.”

  “My friend, Jake McKay, the one who came by the room before, is a marketing major too. Until he explained what he does, I never realized how important a campaign was, either! You really have to find the right buyer, huh?” I ask.

  “Exactly,” says Avery. “It’s just such a relief to find my place!” She looks at her watch. “I’d better go, but thanks for chatting.”

  “See you soon!” I say, glad I could help. Avery is already in college and must have been scared when she didn’t love every moment of her internship. We all have doubts, I realize.

  I think again about how lucky I am to have this opportunity while I’m still in high school. I realize something else too. Not every part of an internship is a dream, but that’s what makes it real.

  ***

  “How’s PR going?” Laura asks when I arrive at the office an hour later.

  “It’s cool!” I reply. “I love learning about the different departments. Yesterday, I got to look at magazines all day.”

  Laura’s smile looks forced. Does she think I like working with Michael more than with her?

  “Designing is still my passion,” I reassure her. “I don’t think all the glitz in the world will change that.”

  “Well, what I’ve seen so far has really impressed me. Let’s put all that talent to good use.” Laura winks at me and gets busy laying out prototypes.

  There’s a black blouse with white triangles. Another shirt is cotton with an art deco-inspired chevron pattern. Both items have smooth, mother-of-pearl buttons down the front.

  “These are additions to Stefan’s art deco line,” says Laura. “He wants to add some menswear-inspired pieces for versatility. Notice the geometric patterns, which are key elements. I want you to study these prototypes. Then go on Stefan’s website and take notes on his menswear as well. Pay special attention to the patterns, cuffs, and collars. Notice which he uses most frequently.”

  I nod. I can do that. I’m used to inspecting designs and taking note of common elements or what sets them apart.

  “Once you’ve done that, I’d like you to take a stab at your own menswear-inspired sketches,” says Laura.

  I bite my lip. In all my years of designing, I’ve never created men’s clothing. All my sketches were things I wanted to wear myself. “Um … I don’t normally design men’s stuff.”

  “That’s okay — this is just menswear-inspired. Think about some masculine elements and how you could make them more wearable for women. We’ll discuss them together when you’re finished,” says Laura. “You can do it.”

  Laura heads back to her office, and I pull up Stefan’s site, still feeling a bit uncertain. I plow through page after page of menswear, making note of the slim fit that seems to be a constant through formal, sports, and office wear. I notice Stefan’s signature buttoned barrel cuffs and variety of open collars.

  Laura mentioned that Stefan wants these pieces to be part of the art deco collection, so I search online for images of men in the 1920s and 1930s. There are photos of men in braces — suspenders with buttons — and with pocket squares. I also notice a lot of hats — Panama hats, bowlers, fedoras — and pinstripes. Now I just have to translate those styles into something a modern woman would wear. Easy, right? Not.

  My first few sketches, a mash-up of preppy and formal wear, find a home in the trash. In my head, the final product is stylish, but I can’t seem to get the same result in my sketchpad. The next few drawings resemble something a kid would wear playing dress-up.

  I try a different approach and sketch the items separately. Slim-fit shirts in a variety of patterns fill my pages. I add some wrap blouses to the mix for a more feminine silhouette, then add vintage-inspired and classic collars. Next, I play with the cuffs, making some barrel, others French. I add exaggerated cuffs to some of the wide-leg pants I’ve sketched as well.

  Once I’ve nailed the shape, I move on to patterns, adding pinstripes to a sleeveless blouse. Another, I detail with converging silver lines. I experiment with only adding art deco elements to the pocket squares and braces, leaving the shirts solid.

  Soon, my sketchpad is filled with a new section of menswear-inspired designs. I take them out to Laura’s desk to show her what I’ve done, but she shakes her head, and my heart drops. I really thought I had nailed this assignment.

  “Sorry,” I say quietly. “I guess I missed the mark.”

  Laura looks surprised. “Not at all! I just didn’t expect you to excel so quickly at this too.”

  What’s that supposed to mean? I think. Did she not want m
e to do well?

  The confusion must show on my face because Laura says, “That came out wrong. I can tell you’re very talented, but when Stefan suggested you work on this, I was worried. I know you don’t have much experience with men’s clothing, and I was afraid you’d get discouraged. You’re a hard worker, Chloe, but you take a lot to heart. I didn’t want you to get down on yourself.”

  I get what she means. My mom has had very similar advice for me in the past. “I know this internship is about learning, but I still want to be …” I search for the right word.

  “Perfect?” Laura says with a laugh. “Honey, who is? If you keep measuring yourself by such high standards, you’ll burn out before you’ve made a spark.”

  I sigh. “I know.”

  “But you did impress me,” she continues. “It’s clear you took your time with both the prototypes and the website. I like your variety of collars and patterns. And the silhouette of this wrap top is a great way to make menswear more accessible to women. The wrap really works well with the pinstripes — it helps soften the lines.”

  Laura flips through the sketches again. “I’d like to see these in more colors, and I want prototypes of the pinstripe blouse for the board. Nice work.”

  I head back to my desk, thinking about what Laura said about burning out. Striving for perfection is what got me here. How can wanting to succeed in everything be bad?

  I’m with Laura again on Friday, and the day goes smoothly. I’m starting to feel more comfortable with the menswear-inspired pieces. I especially like getting lost in the fine details of the cuffs and collars. I even find myself noticing the shirts men wear. From the sporty to the dressy, they all have a unique fit.

  As the day draws to a close, I think about Jake. We haven’t seen each other in two weeks, and texting just isn’t the same. Hopefully we’ll get to hang out this weekend.

  As if reading my mind, Laura says, “Michael would like you to see him. He has a weekend assignment for you.”