Chloe by Design: Making the Cut

by Margaret Gurevich

  “I hope those cupcakes gave you some ideas,” Hunter says. “Because time starts now.”

  I find a spot in the corner and whip out my sketchpad. I quickly draw the design for my bow, then run for the shelves. I’m almost there when someone elbows me in the ribs — hard. I double over and try to catch my breath. When I look up, a camera is zoomed in on me. “I’m fine,” I say to the camera, getting back up.

  “Accident! Sorry!” Nina calls as she rushes back to her station with her supplies in hand. Whatever. There’s no time to wonder about whether she’s telling the truth. I race to the shelves, and my eyes zero in on the shimmery green satin. I grab that, along with some lighter green fabric, a hat form, and a needle and thread..

  Since I know what my fabric looks like now, I add details to my sketch. I sit with the materials, trying to get a feel for the fabrics. My machine would have let me complete this task quicker, but this design is doable.

  I grab a glue gun and add glue dots to the satin before pressing the lighter material to it. Once I scrape away the extra glue residue, I fold the edges of the satin over and in, holding them in place with my finger.

  I roll my neck and squeeze my shoulder blades together. Sitting hunched up is killer. When I look up, camera lights blink at me from each corner of the ceiling. I know this will be televised, but seeing the reminder of that fact while I’m working makes me a little nervous.

  Ignore it, Chloe. Head in the game, I tell myself.

  Time to scrunch and sew. I squeeze the center of the fabric into an exaggerated bow shape. Now to stitch the middle together so it will stay in place until I make a loop. I pull the thread tight with each stitch so the middle is sewed firmly together.

  “Ninety minutes!” Hunter calls out.

  I can’t believe half the time is gone. The bulk of my headpiece is done, but I still need to add the finishing touches and attach it to the hat form. While the glue gun is reheating, I sneak a look at what everyone else is making. Last week’s top five designers are huddled in one area, sewing like crazy. Even with extra time, they don’t seem close to finishing.

  In another area, Nina looks like she’s making some kind of clip, but when she sees me looking, she covers her design. Like I would copy her. The judges made it clear that identical designs would result in elimination. Then there’s Luke, who looks like he’s doing more eating than designing. There’s a suspicious smear of frosting on his lip. I don’t know whether to feel bad for him or laugh. Maybe he’s just a fast worker and has extra time to eat.

  Getting back to work, I measure the width of the hat form I chose and pick a piece of green fabric to cover it, making sure it’s large enough to fully cover it. Then I wrap it around the form, attaching it to the underside with glue. Holding the ends firmly in place, I count to thirty in my head and then release my fingers. Once the fabric feels dry, I carefully attach the bow I created.

  I glance up at the clock. Done, with five minutes to spare.

  “Nice bow,” says Nina as we walk to the center of the room to display our designs.

  I can’t tell if she’s being serious or sarcastic. “Thanks,” I say, deciding to give her the benefit of the doubt. I look at her design, a pink barrette decorated with small, red stones. It’s simpler than my design. “You too.”

  Nina doesn’t say anything. Maybe she’s just too preoccupied with the judges, who are already fawning over Derek’s hat. His hat is an elegant replica of a cupcake done in black netting.

  “Derek,” Missy says, “I don’t know how you put this together in such a small time frame, but I am impressed. There’s minimal stitching. The rest is fabric spray? Glue gun?”

  “Both,” says Derek.

  “Can’t tell,” says Hunter. “Good job.”

  It is impressive. Now I’m really envious of the extra time the top five designers had. Luke is up next, and the contrast between the two designs is glaringly obvious.

  “What,” begins Jasmine, “is this?”

  “A headband,” says Luke. “It combines three different fabrics, which represent the different colored cupcakes, and can be worn inside out too.”

  Luke’s idea is definitely simple. I can think of several things he could have added to it — for example, he could have stitched more fabric to one of the sides to make them more distinct or embroidered a section. What he created probably took an hour max. Which would explain how he had time for his cupcake feast.

  The judges walk to the next competitors, and I look at Luke. He’s smiling. I guess he figures as long as he’s not eliminated, it’s all good. I think of my dad’s favorite expression: you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Luke sure proved him wrong.

  “That’s just not acceptable!” Jasmine is suddenly yelling.

  I crane my neck to see what she’s so mad about. My mouth drops open when I see Beth’s and Zoe’s “designs.” Both sewed a few pieces of fabric together and then smeared cupcakes all over it.

  “Explain,” Jasmine sputters. “Now.”

  Beth grins. “It’s an edible veil. In the art world, it’s called avant-garde.”

  Jasmine stares her down, but Beth doesn’t blink. “And what’s your story, Zoe?” Jasmine demands.

  Zoe giggles. “Edible hat.”

  “It’s like you two tried to outdo each other for worst creation,” Jasmine says through clenched teeth.

  When the girls say nothing, Jasmine looks to the double doors, like she’s ready to storm out. Instead, she stalks over to Sam and Shane, the twin brothers who were in the top five in the last task.

  “Can you tell us about your design?” Jasmine asks Sam.

  “I call it the anti-cupcake fascinator,” Sam explains. “I focused on using shades of orange and black to add mystery. Then I attached fabric to the back to create a retro tie-back visor.”

  The way he combined his colors still makes me think of cupcakes, like side-by-side Halloween ones. Yet, he took the design to another level. He didn’t see the pastel colors and think they were his limit. Maybe that’s what will set his design apart.

  “I really like that you didn’t just take the task at face value,” says Hunter.

  Turns out Shane, Rachel, and Jillian didn’t either. They did have more time than everyone else, but thinking beyond the task is what distinguishes their designs. Shane created a reversible knit hat and shaped the fabric to resemble a cupcake. Jillian constructed a headscarf with a 3-D cupcake design. It’s not something I would wear. But I can’t deny the high level of difficulty.

  “My headpiece,” Rachel says, “was inspired by the yellow-and-white cupcake. The colors reminded me of a daisy so I used the beading and fabric to create appliquéd daisies with pearl centers.”

  Missy inspects the hand-sewn flowers Rachel made and is clearly impressed. They’re so precise, I have no idea how she finished in the time limit. I am not looking forward to being judged after her. My design would have been more impressive after Beth and Zoe’s edible art.

  “Hi, Chloe,” says Hunter as he approaches. His blue eyes are mesmerizing under the bright lights of the camera crew. “Tell us about your design.”

  “It was inspired by the key lime cupcake,” I say. “The volume of the bow on the hat was inspired by the frosting on the cupcakes, and I used different textured fabrics to enhance its femininity.” Did I really just say all that? It sounded like a catalogue description.

  Hunter nods. “Good choices. I appreciate that you took inspiration from the cupcakes rather than just replicating them. Nicely done.”

  I let out a sigh of relief as the judges move on to Nina’s barrette, which Missy calls “unique” and then Tom’s heavily beaded hooded scarf, which Jasmine rules “overdone.” The last designer is Curt, who was in the bottom of the pack with Tom and Luke in the zoo task. He used wool to make a cap, which looks a little plain to me.

  When eve
ryone has presented their designs, the judges excuse themselves to go discuss. Tom, Luke, and Curt finish off the last of the cupcakes while the top-five group plays cards. Beth and Zoe hold up their edible creations and vamp for the cameras. I think about approaching Daphne, but she looks like she wants to be alone. Same goes for Nina, who’s busy studying her nail polish.

  Oh, well, I think. Waiting for judges makes me nervous, and I’d probably say something dumb. I count the ceiling tiles instead. Before I can get too far, the judges return.

  “Okay everyone, you know the drill from the last challenge,” Hunter says. “Let me start by saying we were very impressed with some of your pieces.”

  “And much less impressed with others,” Jasmine says, pointedly looking at Beth and Zoe.

  “Derek,” says Missy, “your design was amazing. Shane and Sam, we continue to be wowed by your creative flare. Rachel, the flowers on your design were detailed and precise. And, Jillian, while we differed on exactly where your design could be worn—”

  “And by whom,” Jasmine mumbles.

  “We were all in agreement on the level of skill,” Missy finishes. “You are the top five and safe for this round. Congratulations! For the next challenge, you will not only have additional work time, but you’ll also have the opportunity to choose a new challenge if you don’t like the one you’re assigned.”

  Sam and Shane fist bump again, but this time they bring Derek, Rachel, and Jillian into the fold.

  “Unfortunately, that brings us to the bottom five,” Missy says. “Two of you will have to leave us today. Daphne, while we adored your belt, the task was to make a headpiece. So, unfortunately, you are in the bottom five. And, Luke, we’re afraid the cupcakes served as inspiration for your stomach rather than your design. You’re also in the bottom five.”

  Luke smiles sheepishly and licks his lips.

  “Tom,” says Hunter, “we liked your idea of the hooded cloak, but the beading was way over the top.”

  “Which brings us to Beth and Zoe,” Jasmine says. “Ladies, I’m not sure what you were thinking, but it’s clear you did not take this challenge seriously. You are both in the bottom five for this task.”

  I let out a sigh of relief. I wish my design was top-five worthy, but at least I’m safe for another challenge.

  “I could stretch this out, but I don’t think it’s much of a mystery,” says Hunter, looking at the bottom five. “Smashing cupcakes on material is neither avant-garde nor abstract. It’s lazy. Beth, Zoe, you’re both dismissed.”

  The girls actually giggle, which annoys me. Why go through all the trouble of getting here if you don’t care about the competition? I wonder. Before they walk off, they blow kisses to the camera. I guess that explains it. They’re just there for the cameras.

  Everyone heads to the elevators, looking relieved to have survived the challenge. I spy Jasmine and Missy chatting with a couple of the top designers. I’m relieved too, but I’m also disappointed. Being a stuck in the middle isn’t good enough. I want to crack the top five.

  At the elevator, Hunter taps me on the shoulder. “Chloe?” he says.

  “Yes?” I say, surprised.

  “You’re almost there,” Hunter says. “Push a little harder and I think next time around a top-five spot will be yours.” Before I can reply, he’s gone, offering no more advice for what it is that will move me to the next level.

  The next morning, I beg my mom to let me explore the city on my own. After making me promise to text her every thirty minutes, she gives in. Thank goodness! I need to think, but I also have a mission — I want to find Liesel’s store. As a previous Design Diva winner, I have a feeling her store will be beyond impressive. I take out the business card Jake gave me and notice the necklace he gave me is also in my purse. I put it around my neck. Maybe that’s the problem — I was missing my good luck charm.

  It looks like the subway will be fastest, but it’s an unfamiliar maze, so I decide to walk the forty blocks to Liesel’s store. That’s a rookie mistake, because by the time I get there my legs are aching. After texting my mom to let her know I’m alive, I flip through the racks. There are handbags, scarves, and wraps, all adorned with Liesel’s signature jewelry pieces.

  If I had to choose a favorite Design Diva success, it would definitely be Liesel. Not only was she consistently in the top five during her season, but when the show ended, her designs became so popular that she was able to branch out and create a line of jewelry and accessories.

  I flip through the racks, passing over the same pieces again and again. Just then a voice says, “Find anything inspiring?” and I look up into Jake’s green eyes.

  “Just poking around,” I say, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. If I’m being honest, I was hoping I’d run into him here.

  Jake takes his backpack off his shoulder and sets it on the floor. “How’s the competition going?”

  “It’s going,” I say with a frown. We’re not allowed to reveal the outcomes of any of the challenges. All the contestants had to sign a confidentiality agreement as soon as we got to New York.

  “That great, huh?” Jake says.

  I shrug. I’m not even allowed to tell him if I’m still in the competition or not.

  “Oh, right, you probably can’t tell me anything, can you?” Jake says. “I remember that from when my mom was on the show.”

  “I’m sworn to secrecy,” I tell him. “Sorry, it’s a little frustrating. I can’t talk about anything.”

  Jake snaps his fingers. “You need a change of scenery, some inspiration. Want to go for a walk?”

  Suddenly my legs don’t ache as much as before. “Sounds good,” I say. “Let me just text my mom. It’s been a full eight minutes since I last checked in.” I roll my eyes.

  Jake laughs. “My mom was the exact same way when I first visited her in New York. It gets better.”

  “Visited?” I’m confused. “I thought you lived here.”

  “I do now,” Jake replies. “But when my parents first divorced, I stayed with my dad to finish school. My mom moved here.” He swings his backpack over his shoulder, and we walk in the direction of my hotel. “Now that I go to school here, it’s my mom’s turn to have me all to herself.”

  We walk quietly for a few minutes because I’m not sure how to segue from divorce to competition strategies. Finally, Jake breaks the silence. “Smile! You’re in New York! You should be excited!”

  I laugh. “I am excited. It’s just a little overwhelming at times.” I hesitate for a second. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Ask away,” Jake replies.

  “What was the hardest thing for your mom?” I ask. “During Design Diva, I mean.”

  Jake thinks for a minute. “Probably the challenges. Some of them were pretty out there.” He laughs. “For one, she had to make a collar inspired by deep-dish pizza.”

  “I remember that!” I say with a laugh. “Someone used real sauce.”

  “Yup. Jasmine was less than thrilled,” Jake says.

  “The problem with crazy challenges,” I begin, trying to be careful what I say, “is that it’s impossible to connect to them. Like how does pizza scream fashion?”

  “Well, assuming you’re still in the competition,” Jake says, raising an eyebrow, “think about the last round of auditions. The rodeo-inspired clothing. You had a lot of passion when you described those designs.”

  I throw my hands up. “Yes, because I cared about those things. How am I supposed to be passionate about peng—” I stop and clamp my hand over my mouth.

  Jake grins. “Whatever task they ask you to do, you have to find a way to be passionate about it. Think of something about yourself you can bring to the challenge.”

  “That’s easy for you to say,” I mutter.

  Jake looks surprised. “It sounds like you’re already giving up,” he
says.

  I stop walking. Jake’s right. I do sound like I’m giving up. But I’m not. I don’t think I am, anyway.

  “Look,” says Jake, “I’m not saying it’s not hard. My mom had a really tough time with the pizza task. She was in the bottom five. But the next challenge she came back stronger than ever. You have to make that connection.”

  “You’re right,” I say quietly. My phone buzzes, and I groan. Mom, of course. “I’d better get back. My mom is freaking out.” I text her that I’m on my way back to the hotel.

  When I look back up from my phone, Jake is holding two mustard-covered soft pretzels. He hands me one, and I take a big bite. Yum! “Thanks for listening,” I say.

  “Anytime,” Jake says. “You can do this — assuming you’re still in the competition, that is.”

  I smile. “And if not, then the next time around, right?”

  Jake suddenly pulls out his phone and snaps a quick picture of me. “What’s your cell?”

  I rattle off my number, and Jake sends me the photo. I laugh when I see the mustard on my lip. “Are you planning to sell this to the tabloids when I’m famous?” I ask.

  Jake pretends to look shocked. “How did you know?”

  My phone buzzes again. This time it’s Hunter, telling us to meet in front of the Toys “R” Us in Times Square in one hour for our next challenge.

  I sigh. Back to reality. “I have to go,” I say. “Tell your mom I said hi.”

  “Sure thing,” Jake says. “I’ll text you.”

  “Only words of wisdom, please,” I say.

  “Here are the first ones,” says Jake. He types something into his phone, and a moment later mine buzzes. I look down to read his text — “Make a connection.”

  Times Square is like its own little world. Crowds of people swarm the blue road, which is blocked off from traffic. I push my way through and head over to Toys “R” Us, where the judges, camera crews, and some of the other designers are already waiting.