Suits, shirts, jerseys, shorts, T-shirts, jeans, jackets, trench coats, sweaters, cardigans, and so on—different styles, different combinations, different brands—everything you could possibly want.
Before his eyes, a dazzling array of choices spread out, as if all the colors of the world had been gathered here. From black and white to vibrant hues, it was an overwhelming sight.
Standing in the very center of a circular dome, he looked around. All kinds of clothing filled his view. Even though everything was neatly arranged by type and color—enough to make a perfectionist's heart sing with joy—there was still too much to take in.
Anson turned around and looked at Darren, "So it really is shopping?"
Darren burst out laughing, "Of course, what else did you think it was?"
Anson chuckled helplessly, "Just two weeks ago, we tested a series of looks for a role. I didn't expect to be doing this again today."
Darren waved his hand dismissively, "No, no, no. That was for the character, for work. Today, though it is still work, it's for you."
Pausing for a moment, Darren continued to explain.
"Whether it's Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt, they have become a brand, an image. It's the same principle as a commercial brand—they need to reinforce the impression they leave in the audience's minds over and over again until it becomes ingrained, making their charisma something people are willing to pay for."
"Of course, you're not at that level yet, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared. Since you're starting from scratch, you have to get the basics right."
"Monday is an opportunity."
"That will be your first official appearance in front of the media and the general public. Not on a TV screen as Paul, but as Anson Wood, making your first real-life impression, just like in the café earlier. That first impression will determine a lot."
"You need an image."
As a seasoned industry veteran and the producer who created "Sex and the City," Darren had a deep understanding of the rules of the game.
"Normally, this kind of work would be handled by your agent or PR team, but I've been too busy to find the right person. But don't worry, I'm on it, and I'll have news soon."
"So, do you see anything you like?"
Rambling on, Darren didn't continue with a long-winded lecture. He began browsing around himself, trying to come up with some ideas.
Anson was a bit surprised, but not unfamiliar with the concept. After a moment's thought, he understood and even took it a step further, building on Darren's perspective.
"If we're creating a brand, I thought that meant we needed a concept, like with Barbie dolls—choosing outfits based on a specific setting."
Or, to put it in simpler terms, it's about building a persona.
Darren chuckled softly, "Exactly, you're as sharp as ever."
"But now it's the 21st century, and 'authenticity' is the new trend. That means carefully crafting an image that people believe to be 100% real, even though it's meticulously designed and managed behind the scenes."
"Besides, I think your natural image is already pretty good. You just need some new clothes."
Anson raised his chin slightly to show he understood, but a subtle smile appeared in his eyes.
If you think about it, the year 2000 was a simpler time, still straightforward and genuine. Back then, about 85% to 90% of what was considered 'authentic' was indeed genuine, with only a bit of polishing. Twenty years later, however, the lines between what's real and fake have blurred so much that it's hard to tell the difference.
Take this moment, for example—
They weren't on the famous Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles but in a high-end boutique hidden within a private residence.
Ten or fifteen years later, the rise of smartphones made it possible to take photos anytime, anywhere, drastically increasing the exposure of celebrities' off-stage outfits. Then came the explosive growth of social media platforms, where sharing became a habit—so much so that even taking out the trash could be caught on camera.
This meant that celebrities' private lives were now on full display, 360 degrees, amplifying the importance of personal image beyond just their stage or screen personas. No one wanted their sloppy appearance to go viral online; just the thought of it could give you a headache.
And thus, a new profession was born:
The stylist.
These stylists were slightly different from traditional ones. They were responsible for conceptualizing a celebrity's personal style off the stage. Whether it was a trip to the corner store for chips or a night out partying with friends, all non-work-related outfits were curated by professionals.
Their job was not only to fill the wardrobe according to the seasons but also to complete the entire ensemble—matching tops with pants, shoes, and even accessories—everything was meticulously planned to ensure every detail was under expert control.
For top stars like Taylor Swift, it wasn't uncommon to refresh their wardrobe three to four times a season.
In other words, even what was considered a 'real' personal style in private life became a professional task, putting the definition of 'authenticity' into question.
But now, it was different.
Unless it was for a premiere, an awards ceremony, or a film festival—formal occasions—celebrities were responsible for their outfits.
In short, they could wear whatever they wanted and let themselves go.
So, if you flipped through the newspapers or magazines now and saw paparazzi photos, you'd often see some bizarre outfit combinations, absolute fashion disasters. Only a few celebrities with an inherent sense of style could escape unscathed, though even they occasionally had fashion mishaps—
After all, in the year 2000, no one dressed up just to take out the trash, and no one selected an outfit just to grab coffee.
At this moment, Darren brought Anson to the boutique to pick out clothes entirely on his own.
Rather than saying they were here to craft an image, it was more accurate to say they were here to shop.
Darren had been telling the truth.
Anson had his own understanding of fashion.
In his previous life, he had also been young, following trends, trying to stand out, and experimenting with fashion items. After countless fashion fails, he gradually developed his own style.
True fashion is about what suits you best. If you want to avoid the stark contrast between how something looks online versus in real life, don't blindly follow trends or chase the latest fads. Don't try too hard to stand out, but also don't let yourself go completely. Taking the time to understand and know yourself is key.
Anson thought he already had a concept in mind for his "debut" on Monday.
Nothing too formal or grand—he didn't want to look foolish.
But it shouldn't be too simple or casual either—he didn't want to appear cheap.
A touch of ease, a bit of confidence, and a hint of spontaneity.
"Ah, sorry."
Anson was selecting clothes when he looked up and noticed a figure quietly standing in the corner behind the clothing rack. Pale, thin, and somewhat shy, the man looked as if he could have stepped right out of a scene from "The Shining," quietly and mysteriously watching everything unfold.
Anson was startled.
The man, however, remained calm, looking at the jeans Anson had just picked out. "The cut of those jeans is a nice challenge."