Chapter 70: Game On
“Welcome everyone to the most anticipated national fashion competition!” The host announced cheerfully, and the hall erupted in excited cheers.
The atmosphere in the grand auditorium charged up, buzzing with anticipation as fashion enthusiasts from all corners of the country and even outside the country gathered to witness the much-awaited national competitions between the top geniuses in the fashion industry of the country.
The stage was set with dazzling lights and an impressive runway that demanded attention. A panel of distinguished judges sat at the forefront, their keen eyes ready to scrutinise every detail of the upcoming showcases.
“As you all know, this competition is a celebration of the diverse talents that make our fashion industry so vibrant,” the charismatic host continued, his voice resonating through the large auditorium with nothing less than a thousand audience.
“Designers, models, and tailors from various backgrounds will showcase their unique creations and tell us a story through their craft.” The audience listens with bated breath as the host and hostess walk them through the introduction of the events.
“And as usual, there will always be a rule that governs this type of gathering and also a manual that needs to be followed to ensure smooth sailing on all sides. For the audience, the organisers wish you would enjoy watching the show, but you have to strictly adhere to the rules written in the pamphlet given to you.” The hostess announced.
“We need your help to make sure everything runs smoothly and that the participants are safe all through the competition. Which means no harmful objects are allowed in the auditorium and definitely not throwing of shoes but you can throw flowers” she joked as she continued.
“And now to the participants, each participant will present three original designs, with a focus on creativity, innovation, and sustainability. Your designs will be judged based on these three factors and some other small details,”
“Models will walk the runway, highlighting the features and inspiration behind each design as they bring the creations to life.”
“Designers and tailors will have the opportunity to discuss their work, explaining their choices in fabric, style, and construction. This is to get their customers familiar with their products and the story behind their making.”
“A panel of esteemed judges, consisting of industry experts and renowned fashion icons, has been set to evaluate each design based on originality, craftsmanship, and overall impact.”
They explained, whetting the appetite of the audience. “The audience, both the ones present and the ones in their homes, can vote for their favourite team or individual through the voting platform that has been set up; each person is only entitled to one vote, and when we find out that the votes have been rigid, the team will be disqualified,” the hostess continued, making sure everyone became familiar with the rules to avoid future problems.
“After tonight’s show, you all can go to the official page of this competition to get to know the contestants properly and listen to their reasons for participating in the show and also what they hope to achieve while being here! But before then, we will give you a brief introduction to each team member!” The host exclaimed excitedly, and the people cheered.
“Alright! First on our list tonight is the representative from Wilson Fashion School! And representing them are the two powerful duos, Shannon, the genius designer who had never lost a competition since she was twelve, and Xavier, her most trusted tailor!” The hostess announced.
A young man dresses in a black and gold tuxedo paired with expensive-looking black dress shoes. Beside him, a lady with a noble aura and a fairy appearance walks, dressed in a plain but elegant gold dress matching that of the young man.
As the two stepped on the stage, they bowed to the cheering audience and moved to the side so the host could introduce the other participants.
“Next on our list is the team from the esteemed Fairies Academy of Fashion and Design,” the host announced, his voice echoing through the auditorium as the audience eagerly awaited the arrival of the next duo.
“Please welcome Celeste, a talented designer known for her avant-garde creations, and her partner, Leo, an exceptional tailor with a flair for the dramatic.” The host announced.
The curtains parted once more, revealing Celeste and Leo as they made their entrance. Celeste was a vision of bold creativity, dressed in a vibrant red jumpsuit with asymmetrical lines and an exaggerated collar. Her jet-black hair was styled in a sleek, angular bob, and her lips bore a striking shade of crimson that perfectly complemented her outfit.
Leo, walking alongside her, gave off a refined charm in a white suit with contrasting red accents. His stylishly dishevelled blonde hair and mischievous smile added an air of playfulness to the duo’s overall appearance.
They stepped forward, bowed, and blew a kiss to the audience before joining the first two at the side.
“Next on our list is the representative from the Yellow Hills Fashion and Design Academy, Merissa Smith, hailed as the youngest budding designer in her academy, and Soren, a two-time award-winning tailor on the young adult list!”
A fresh-faced young woman with an innocent charm stepped forward, her hand lightly resting on the arm of her partner. Merissa’s honey-blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, contrasting beautifully with the soft green hues of her flowing chiffon dress. The ethereal design hinted at the natural beauty and purity that served as her inspiration.
Soren, her partner, exuded confidence and poise as he stood beside Merissa, his dark, wavy hair neatly styled.From NôvelDrama.Org.
His deep navy suit complemented her dress with subtle accents that echoed the tones of her design. The tailoring was impeccable, highlighting the craftsmanship that had earned him accolades at such a young age.
As the two stepped on stage, the cheers were not as loud as the ones given to the first two teams, and even some murmurs could be heard amongst the audience as they criticised Merissa and the academy she was representing.
“How can they possibly send someone as conniving as her to represent their school? Do they not have other talents that could take her place?”
“I’m so angry that Bitxh is paired with my idol! How can they pair Soren with her?!”
“I’m going to be forced to vote for her designs because of Soren! This is so bad!”
“In all honesty, it was already too late to change the representative; I’m sure their school didn’t mean to offend anyone.”
“Then they should have pulled out! It’s going to affect the other participants!”
The host cleared his throat, trying to get the attention of the now-distracted audience. Merissa, unfazed by the subtle hostility she was getting from the audience, smiled and joined the other group.
“I hope someone knows that underhanded methods don’t work in the nationals,” Celeste muttered mockingly while the other chuckled.
Hearing her words, Soren clenched his fist and took a deep breath. He had insisted on pulling out, not wanting to get pulled into the drama around Merissa, but it was too late to find a replacement for him, making him the scapegoat to suffer through the competition with her.
‘How I wish pulling out for tailors were as easy as it is for models,’ he thought to himself while maintaining a stoic expression.
The introduction continued for several minutes, and nineteen teams were introduced. “Finally, the last, but not the least, team on our list is the representative from Lily’s Fashion! Miss Lily, who wins the hearts of the audience and judges through her designs in the fashion show and her trusted partner, Phoenix!”
A poised and elegant young woman made her entrance, exuding nobility with every step. Lily’s lustrous brunette hair was gathered in a sophisticated chignon, accentuating her high cheekbones and refined features.
Her figure was draped in an exquisite emerald gown, a masterpiece of her design, symbolising the harmony and collaboration between her and Phoenix. Completing her enigmatic look, Lily donned a delicate, feather-adorned mask, adding an air of mystery and sophistication-a symbol of their unique brand.
Although she had gone on a show with her real face, she didn’t forget the promise she made to Alana about helping her keep her identity hidden through the competition, which was why she decided to add the mask to their outfit.
Alana walked onto the stage with an equally refined presence. Her raven-black hair was swept up in an intricate bun, revealing her slender neck and delicate features.
Her flowing sapphire dress billowed around her as she moved, its jewel-toned fabric mirroring the passion and creativity that drove their designs forward. A striking, sequin-embellished mask adorned her face, further emphasising their distinct brand identity.
The two walked forward, and like the rest of the teams, they bowed to the audience and stood to the side.
As Merissa’s shocked eyes met Lily’s cold ones, her body froze up and her hands began to sweat. ‘What the hell is she doing here?!’ she exclaimed in her mind while keeping an eye on Lily, who was now busy talking to Alana.
As if sensing an eye on her, Lily looked up to meet Merissa’s glaring eyes. She smirked and then winked before mouthing, “Game on,” to Merissa.