Two weeks had passed since Isabel began working at A.R. Corporation. While it was her dream to be here, to represent Golden Couture which was later changed to The New Ancient, a nagging feeling of uncertainty still lies within her. As days passed by, her curiosity about who the President of A.R. Corporation rose within her. She had even indirectly asked some of her colleagues but they either brushed it aside or gave out what felt like a scripted response.
She could still remember when she asked Stacy, her lively workmate but Stacy had told her, "Isabel, I'd advise you to stop being inquisitive about the CEO. As long as you get paid when due, what again are you concerned about? Just forget it or do you have a motive?" Isabel had shook her head in negative. But, why was she even curious about him? She has never been curious about anything like the way she is about him. Even when she wants to forget the issue, she'd find herself being curious again.
Today, just like some other weekdays, she had arrived later than usual and she saw her colleagues gathered in front of a desk, talking in hushed tones. She went to her desk and settled in when Stacy rushed over.
"Isabel, have you heard?" Stacy asked in a gossipy tone.
Isabel shook her head negatively and watched Stacy sit down close to her, excitement written over her face.
"There's a design competition coming up for the position of Chief Designer of New Ancient," Stacy said with excitement.
Isabel sat up straighter, her heart started beating, "really?" she asked and Stacy nodded with excitement. Isabel was at a loss for a moment. After her uncle took over the Company, he laid off all the top designers and mismanaged the company; now that it had been bought off by A.R. Corporation, the company needed a Chief designer.
But, she had only just started and maybe the competition was open for the top and senior designers. She sighed, her eyes dropped but that didn't go unnoticed by Stacy.
"What? Why are you sad?" Stacy asked worriedly.
"It's open for top designers like you. I'm just starting and they might not…," Isabel said slowly, her fears evident.
"What are you saying? Come off that, it's open for everyone, including you. You can check the memo on the notice to see for yourself. You should join the competition. Your designs are awesome." Stacy said, cutting her off.
"But…"Isabel hesitated. Something was going on in her mind.
"But what?" Stacy said, "This is your chance. I've seen your works and they are beautiful. You're a born talented designer and this might be your opportunity."
"Listen, I'm even jealous of your works, you don't know. I'm not going to join anyway; I know my ability, hahaha," Stacy said and laughed awkwardly. "And there is also another prize for winning the competition," Stacy began, this time around, getting Isabel's full attention.
"What is that?" Isabel asked curiously, her brows arched.
"You will get to meet the CEO one on one. I mean CEO Alexander Ross, your curiosity will be satisfied, at least. So, this should be your motivation. Hmmm?" She said
"What's the theme of the competition?" Isabel asked cautiously.
"Uhmm, something like Fashion: Past, Present and Future. What's that even all about? Hehehehe, just check the group chat, you will see it all there." she said and stood up, tapping Isabel on the shoulder before walking out.
Isabel was still. Stacy's words of encouragement gave her some sort of confidence, but meeting the mysterious Alexander Ross was all she needed to get herself and her tools ready to win the competition. But the theme had her thinking for some while.
…
The weeks that followed were a blur of fabrics, sketches, and late nights in the office. Isabel poured her heart into her designs, determined to make each of them the best designs one could possibly see.
She faced different issues with some of her colleagues, most especially Sofia. Sofia was also a talented designer for A.R. Corporation. She had heard of Isabel's design from her 'followers' who had their ears everywhere.
Sofia had been parading herself as the best designer since Golden Couture was bought off, but now, with Isabel in the picture, she felt threatened but couldn't do much damage, or she would be disqualified or even sacked. Working for A.R. Corporation is already a milestone to be achieved.
Finally, the day of the competition arrived and Isabel was nervous but confident. She had worked tirelessly for this day, and the dark circles around her eyes were blurred with the light makeup that Ava had put on for her.
As the models prepared backstage, Isabel took a moment for herself, rehearsing her pitch for the judges in her head. She watched as the competitors and their models walked to and fro, her heart beating wildly.
Soon, it was her turn. She stepped out onto the runway and was greeted by the cheers of the crowd. Suddenly, she caught a glimpse of the familiar faces: her mom and Ava. Her heart swelled with emotion. It felt like that's all she needed at the moment – a support system.
With her head held high, the spotlight shines on her as she presents her "Fashion: Past, Present and Future" designs. She poured her heart into every word, speaking about it, her posture and words showed how much she believed in herself and her works.
"My designs," she began, her voice clear and steady, "speak to the power of history, present trends, and the potential of our future. They are not just garments, but a reflection of our collective journey."
She gestured to the first piece, a stunning gown that seemed to shimmer like a sunset.
She gestured to her designs, each one showcased on a model. "You'll see intricate lace, luxurious fabrics, and innovative textures. Each piece is a tribute to the fashion icons who paved the way, with a twist of my creativity."
The audience leaned in, their eyes scanning the designs with interest. She could feel their excitement building, and her confidence soared. This was her moment, and she was owning it.
"This gown," she gestured to another design, her voice full of conviction, "is not just a dress, but a symbol of the past, present, and future. The fabric, made from sustainable materials, is a nod to our responsibility to protect the environment.
"The color-changing threads, activated by light and sound, speak to the technological advances of our era. And the intricate beadwork, inspired by ancient civilizations, reminds us of our roots."
She paused, meeting the gaze of each judge in turn. "Fashion, like life, is a continuum.
"It evolves, but it also takes its cues from what came before." Isabel gestured to the other pieces in her collection—the jacket with its metamorphic patterns, the skirt suit with its embedded circuitry. "Each piece tells a story, not just about fashion, but about who we are as a people."
She stepped forward, the runway lights glinting off the sequins on her blouse. "I believe that true fashion isn't just about what we wear, but about who we are and who we can become."
As Isabel finished her presentation, a hush fell over the crowd. Even the most seasoned fashion critics were impressed by the depth and passion in her words.
Then, as if on cue, the applause broke out, filling the room with sound. The judges nodded their heads, their faces a mix of admiration and intrigue.
One judge, a renowned fashion blogger with millions of followers, spoke up. "Isabel, you've put a lot of thought into your designs. But fashion is also about the bottom line. How do you see your collection performing in the marketplace?"
Isabel smiled, ready for the challenge. "My collection isn't just about pushing boundaries in design. It's also about pushing boundaries in business. I see my pieces as part of a limited-edition line, appealing to high-end clients who are looking for not just fashion, but art."
She nodded toward the shimmering gown. "Each piece will be numbered, making it a collector's item. The technology will not only appeal to those interested in fashion but also to the tech-savvy consumer who appreciates forward-thinking innovation."
At the end of the fashion, the judges prepared themselves to announce the winner, and the room was filled with anticipation. Isabel, likewise other finalists, stood on the stage. The chief judge who had the name tag Betty, stood up. She surveyed the crowds with a slight smile on her lips.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," her clear voice came through, "the winner of this fashion show tagged "Fashion: Past, Present and Future" and the new chief designer of The New Ancient is Isabel Anderson."
"Yesss, that's my bestie," Ava's voice boomed as the crowd erupted in cheers. Congratulations flooded everywhere for Isabel. She could only mutter "thank you" as her voice shook with emotions.
Just as Isabel was about to leave the stage after her speech, Judge Betty's words came through the microphone, causing her joy to be short-lived and also about to satisfy her curiosity.