Catwalk (78 page)

Forcing myself to focus, I stare straight ahead beyond the glare of the bright klieg lights onstage, but I’m distracted by Aphro, who is waving her arms wildly, trying to get my attention, forcing me to supress a tiny smile.

“Good afternoon, fashionistas. Thank you for joining us,” Ms. Lynx finally addresses us.

“Good afternoon!” we the fabbie five shout back in unison.

“I’m Fabianna Lynx, the Catwalk competition director. Joining us today is our panel of prestigious judges—jewelry designer Tarina Tarantino; posing instructor Benny Ninja; Vanna Snoot, president of Snooty Models Inc.; and Fred Sitomer, senior vice president of marketing for Federated Stores.”

The judges nod at us, and we beam back with sparkly smiles. Luckily, Shalimar Jackson, who is channeling a passenger-from-the-doomed-Titanic look—because what else could explain her wearing a slinky bronze metallic gown and long strands of pretentious
but real Mikimoto pearls—doesn’t embarrass us by also releasing one of her signature First Lady waves.

“Today we’re here to announce the winner of the Wild Card Challenge—as well as the winner of Fashion International High School’s thirty-fifth annual Catwalk competition,” Ms. Lynx says proudly, her strong vibrato generating fever-pitch excitement. “What’s at stake? The winning team for the Wild Card Challenge will receive a Go Wild gift card from Barnes and Noble with a buy-a-book-a-week value for up to one thousand dollars. This year’s winning house will receive an all-expenses-paid two-week fashion trip to Firenze—Florence, Italy—where they will open the spring Pitti Bimbo collections by staging their fashion show. The members of the winning house will also divide the one-hundred-thousand-dollar cash prize, three one-year twenty-five-thousand-dollar modeling contracts with Snooty Models, Inc., and three full scholarships to the Fashion Institute of Technology, and last but not least, a five-piece luggage set by Louis Vuitton to carry the winning collection overseas in luxurious style.”

The five judges clap, so we join in and the Teen Style Network cameras zoom in for close-ups.

“House leaders—for the Wild Card Challenge, you were asked to introduce an element of surprise into your fashion show that correlated with your show’s overall theme. I’m delighted to report that the judges were
incredibly impressed with the choices made by each of you. C. C. Samurai—the absence of footwear to underlie the warrior spirit of urban wear was a brave choice. We’ve never witnessed that before in any collection. However, we felt that message was too subtle—and was therefore lost on your audience,” Ms. Lynx explains gingerly.

“You didn’t mention this at all in your fashion show program—which means that in essence, you left your buyers barefoot and without direction,” adds Fred Sitomer.

“Moet Major, the introduction of bubbly beverages to accent your theme of Celebration was appreciated, but where was the celebration in the collection, whose overall focus was urban wear?” asks Ms. Lynx.

“Can I explain?” balks Moet Major without waiting for a response. “Urban wear, street gear, is what my generation wears to celebrate. We don’t have to dress up anymore if we don’t want to.” Moet Major shifts in her burgundy Adidas sneakers from her left to right foot, then folds her arms defensively across her chest.

Ms. Lynx nods in disagreement and keeps it moving. “Anna Rex—recyling fashion is an excellent platform, and you somehow found a way to interpret that in your Wild Card Challenge, but what you were really offering was a collection with pieces that served more than one purpose. A skirt that could be turned into a
head wrap: excellent idea. The top that doubles as a shoulder bag: I loved it, but it really did not reflect recycling even in the choice of fabrics, which were not recyclable.”

“I liked the offering of a prize to customers—that’s always a great merchandising strategy in retail,” adds Fred Sitomer. “But I agree with Fabianna—what you were really offering were double-duty pieces, not fashion that’s recycled.”

A flustered Anna Rex tries to explain, “That is the point—my idea of recycling is assigning more than one duty to an item in your wardrobe.”

The judges ponder Anna Rex’s response as if they’re weighing it into their decision. Meanwhile, I can feel the perspiration beads cluster in my armpits. I press my arms closer to my torso in protest.

“Shalimar Jackson—your execution of the Wild Card Challenge was closely correlated to the theme of your collection. Bravo. Very well done. And it was an unexpected surprise. Having a style guide—
The Seven Secrets of Style Success
—for a customer to follow, telling her exactly the trends she should incorporate into her wardrobe this season? I loved it.” Ms. Lynx beams.

“I loved the sixth secret—‘The Structured Handbag: Lock down your look with a style guarantee.’ That’s clear advice for any customer, telling her exactly what to buy—a polished handbag. And that not only will
this addition to her wardrobe complete her outfit, but it will benefit her career as well. Fabulous direction,” seconds Vanna Snoot.

Mr. Sitomer seems the most amped about Shalimar’s style mandates. “What is really genius about this concept is you could give buyers at your show a clear guideline every year—a mandate about their buying options for the season. Now, that’s a well-merchandised collection.”

“Like I said, choosing the winner for the Wild Card Challenge is very difficult,” Ms. Lynx quickly adds before turning her attention to me.

Taking a deep breath, she gazes at the index cards in her hand, then looks up at me. “Pashmina Purrstein, you took the element of surprise and gave us exactly that—a truly surprising element.”

“I’ve never been to a fashion show that had a display specifically designed for charity purposes—in this case, the Heels on Wheels cart. It was adorable,” coos Vanna Snooot.

“And it was successful—I couldn’t believe how many people actually donated shoes!” belts out Benny Ninja.

“Bravo—the color was awesome!” Tarina Tarantino says, clapping softly with a fuschia feather plume pen gripped in her left hand.

“While we adored the surprise, we weren’t completely convinced that it correlated directly with the theme of your collection.”

My face flushed with hot coals, I try to explain: “Our feline fatale theme is empowering ourselves and empowering others. The feline fatale customer is fun, flirty, and fashion-conscious, but he or she is also community-conscious.”

“Yes, we get that—it was fun, I liked it,” Benny Ninja says definitively.

“Thank you, house leaders. Please give us five minutes before we make a decision,” Ms. Lynx informs us.

While the judges whisper among themselves, Boom the cameraman breaks away from the Teen Style Network pack and steps up onto the stage, zooming in for close-ups of the five house leaders that are too close for Southern comfort, if you ask me. Alas, no one was asking. Suddenly, I feel the nerves in my jaw tensing up like I’ve eaten an overly tangy tart.

“Okay, we’re ready. We’ve made our decision,” announces Ms. Lynx.

We the fabbie five stand silent as church mice. Even our crew members in the back are collectively holding their breath.

“The winner of the Wild Card Challenge is … the House of Shalimar. Congratulations,” announces Ms. Lynx.

Shalimar shrieks, clutching her pearls like a beauty-pageant winner. “Thank you!” she gushes.

Like déjà vu, I feel my knees buckle like I’m about
to go under because I am a passenger on the ill-fated
Titanic
. I cringe inside.
I should never have made that snide comment to myself about Shalimar. I jinxed myself!

Fighting back the tears, I wait for Ms. Lynx to continue.

“Now, one of you will be the leader of the winning house in Fashion International High School’s thirty-fifth annual Catwalk competition. But please remember you are all winners—the fashion shows this year were exceptional in execution, design, and overall theme. Anna Rex—your silhouettes were classic and streamlined, and incorporating double-duty designs into your collection made it extremely utilitarian.”

“I could honestly see myself wearing the black mesh duster—throwing it over everything for work, and going out afterward,” adds Vanna Snoot.

“I thought the only element missing was the element of surprise in design,” says Tarina Tarantino.

“And color—even for the New York customer there was too much black, gray, and ivory—it made the collection too heavy,” claims Benny Ninja.

“Yes, color was definitely needed—the tube knit dress, for example, could have easily been offered in a teal or burgundy option,” suggests Mr. Sitomer. “Customers don’t crave that level of simplicity. Every silhouette was so simple it could easily be used as something else. While that type of utilitarian element is
commendable, it doesn’t appeal to the customer’s desire to own it—or to buy it right now.”

“And the average consumer already has a black dress, skirt, top, and leggings in her closet,” adds Vanna Snoot.

“Okay. Moet Major. Your theme was Celebration—the celebration of hip-hop style,” Ms. Lynx clarifies. “But it was obvious to us the only things you were celebrating were slouchy, unflattering silhouettes for a lazy customer.”

Benny Ninja interrupts, “Even the urban customer, the street kid, wants an option for that one night they’re gonna break out to the prom or a birthday party. It’s ridiculous to think they would actually show up to a special event dressed in a hoodie and baggy pants.”

“I found the overall collection to be a celebration of one look—and you didn’t bring any design elements to that look, either. Even urban gear has bouncy style elements—where were they?” says Mr. Sitomer.

Moet Major shifts back and forth on her Adidas again, holding her arms captive across her tiny chest.

“Pashmina Purrstein—you exhibited a lot of fun in your collection, and lots of color,” commends Ms. Lynx.

“I loved the color—I could have drunk the neon pink catsuit with a straw!” squeals Tarina Tarantino.

“Oh, we know you loved it,” jokes Benny Ninja. “What I loved were the design surprises—the faux-leather skirt with the tiered ruffles paired with a satin
bomber jacket. It was as cute as anything I’ve seen on the runway in Paris.”

“The flutter-pleated evening dresses nailed it—any woman, young or older, could wear that dress to a special occasion and feel, well, feminine—which is in keeping with your theme of feline fatale,” Vanna Snoot says with a nod.

“Shalimar Jackson—the collection, as we mentioned, was highly conceptualized with its themes—the military influences, chic outerwear to wrap up your career choices, capes, ponchos. Luxurious choices. A real career woman’s wardrobe. What we didn’t see was that surprise design element,” claims Ms. Lynx.

“It was all predictable—but very pretty,” agrees Tarina Tarantino. “I loved the elegant appeal, even though I wasn’t sure the clothes would be flattering on the average woman—only a specific body type, extremely slender. Same with Anna Rex’s collection.”

“C. C. Samurai, your collection was innovative. Kimono wraps over trousers is a fresh sporty option that I’ve never seen. But again, like Anna Rex, you shied away from color, providing customers with safe options,” explains Ms. Lynx.

“The dashiki tops were cute—I would wear one of those even for performing,” claims Benny Ninja, observing the house leader with fresh eyes.

“I loved the jumpsuit, but it needed more structuring—it was too baggy and unflattering for the average man,” observes Mr. Sitomer.

“I did not design that for the average man,” bellows C. C. Samurai.

“Contrary to popular belief, the average customer is extremely size-conscious—always looking for pieces that will flatter their fit,” reports Vanna Snoot, crossing her legs.

“Actually, only one house designed a collection that could be flattering to women of all sizes. Pashmina, the addition of a plus-size model who actually wore clothes that fit sublimely—the pink satin bustier and skirt that draped to a flattering length—was innovative. I could carry the collection with confidence that it would sell,” Mr. Sitomer weighs in.

“Contestants, give us a moment to confer,” announces Ms. Lynx. We nod like helpless lambs. I glance at Shalimar to convey my congrats. She smiles weakly.

A few minutes later, the judges gaze at us. “Okay, judges, have we made a decision?” Ms. Lynx queries, looking at each of her professional judges.

“Yes,” says Tarina Tarantino, smoothing the edges of her fuchsia wig with her long acrylic-tipped fuchsia nails accented by diamond-shaped rhinestones.

“The winner of Fashion International’s thirty-fifth
annual Catwalk competition is … the House of Pashmina,” announces Ms. Lynx.

“Omigod!” I shriek involuntarily. Much to my chagrin, I also grab my cheeks with my palms, resembling a preschooler trying on her first pair of ruby slippers.

Aphro lets out a banshee shriek in the background, despite the warning to be seen and not heard.

“Congratulations. Your collection was packed with personality—I loved it,” says Mr. Sitomer, beaming at me.

Standing up, Ms. Lynx instructs: “House leaders, I’m going to ask if you would please leave the stage now—except Pashmina.”

C. C. Samurai winks at me as he leaves. Shalimar Jackson looks like she’ll be spending the evening shooting off letters to everyone from her attorney to the style Supreme Court in a vigilant effort to get this decision overturned. After the four house leaders head to seats in the audience, Farfalla comes up the side steps to the stage with a bronze Big Willie trophy, artfully crafted like a dress form, in her hand. She hands me the trophy and hugs me.

I’m so tearful, I can’t hide it.

“Will the rest of the members of the House of Pashmina please come to the stage,” Ms. Lynx orders.

My crew heads down the side aisle and makes their way to the stage to stand with me. Farfalla is holding Lupo’s camera and shooting the photos for our Catwalk
competition scrapbook. The Teen Style Network continues rolling until we are all in place on the stage.

“Despite the turns and twists that were experienced this year, you really came through. Pashmina, Nole, Felinez, Diamond—the vision was exceptional in every way. And I want to commend the entire team for doing an exemplary job. You represent the essence of what William Dresser, our founding father, had in mind—continuing the outstanding legacy of the fashion industry.”