[Chapter 620: Happiness Comes Too Quickly]
Emily tapped her finger on Diane Kruger's measurements and remarked, "Did you forget? You specifically asked us to pay attention to their body types when selecting models."
Eric glanced at the A-cup note beside the measurements before he looked back at the slightly shy Diane Kruger in the center of the room. While he mostly remembered her facial features as somewhat sharp, that was mostly from images of her around thirty. At this moment, Diane had just turned eighteen. Despite her hair being styled into a bun to appear more mature, her petite, round face still exuded a youthful vibe. It was this very freshness that drew Eric in.
Edward Lazarek smoothly guided Diane through the interview process, then glanced at the two big bosses nearby who had been quietly discussing things. Since they were right beside him, he likely caught on to Eric's interest in one of the three models.
Noticing Edward's questioning gaze, Eric signaled to a stylist and whispered a few words. The stylist, with Diane looking excited yet a bit nervous under the envious gazes of the other two models, led her away to a temporary makeup room.
After the pair of models went for their auditions, the makeup artist returned with Diane, who appeared transformed. Her new look turned heads in the room. With her hair let down from the previous bun, her hair framed her small face, which seemed even more delicate. The bright red lip color had been completely replaced with a softer rosy tint, showcasing the full bloom of youthful vitality that an eighteen-year-old girl should possess.
Eric leaned toward an equally shocked Emily and said, "Look at this girl! She has a sweet, innocent charm that naturally invokes a protective instinct. This is the kind of image that will be highly sought after. I believe we could even develop her as one of Victoria's Secret's five spokesmodels."
Before anyone in the audition room could respond, Diane, who had been somewhat tense, excitedly covered her mouth.
...
At that time, the hottest topic in the fashion world was that Eric Williams would personally create an annual fashion show for the brand he held shares in, LTD. Some big names in the industry occasionally mocked him, questioning his fashion sense, but all the models and their agencies understood this represented a golden opportunity for fame. For modeling agencies, this was an ideal platform to elevate their models.
For the models themselves, this opportunity felt particularly precious. If they could join this show, their profiles would soar, leading to more gigs and endorsements. Some might even cross over into Hollywood, like Claudia Schiffer.
The five spokesmodel spots for Victoria's Secret had become the PR focus of several modeling agencies. Everyone knew those five would garner more resource allocation, and most assumed only top names like Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Naomi Campbell would receive these opportunities. Although Eric had specifically selected Diane, and she felt sure she could win a spot in the show, she had never dared to hope for an invitation to be a Victoria's Secret spokesmodel. Hearing Eric say that one sentence left her feeling overwhelmed by happiness.
Though Emily and Edward hadn't voiced their opinions yet, it was clear to everyone in the audition room that Eric's word on this mattered. The makeup artist who had just styled Diane noticed she seemed a bit unsteady and quickly came over to help her.
...
Eric had complete control over this matter. With Eric's judgment made clear, neither Emily nor Edward would oppose it.
After Diane calmed down a bit, Eric smiled and asked, "So, Miss Kruger, are you willing to accept the invitation to be a Victoria's Secret spokesmodel?"
Diane, flustered and a bit incoherent, nodded and replied, "Yes, Mr. Williams! Of course, I would be thrilled to!"
"Great! I hope you and your agent can wait for a bit. After the auditions, we can discuss the contract details."
Once Diane left the room, Emily shook her head and remarked, "Eric, that girl is indeed impressive. But don't you think her mental resilience could use some work?"
Eric knew Emily was referring to Diane's earlier nervous demeanor. He tapped on her profile and replied, "Emily, not everyone's life is as smooth as yours. This girl comes from a small town in Germany, without connections or background. Without a special opportunity, she could fade away in the fashion world in a few years, settling down and becoming a nobody. This chance could change her life forever. It's not an overreaction to be this excited. During the success of Home Alone, I sometimes felt like breaking down in tears from the emotion."
Emily waved her hand dismissively and said, "Alright, you've made your point. But you're comparing someone who at eighteen has achieved fame and wealth others may never get. What's there to cry about? If anything, it's others who should be upset compared to you, right?"
Eric chuckled slightly but didn't answer; instead, he invited the next group of models in.
Though it was just a formality, the audition didn't wrap up until well after six o'clock.
...
Eric reviewed Emily's initial list and adjusted it, tentatively selecting Diane Kruger and Tyra Banks as two of the new spokesmodels, aside from Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. Tyra's inclusion was based not just on her qualifications but also on a consideration for diversity; after all, if all five spokesmodels were white, it would surely stir controversy later on. The last spot was still undecided, and both Emily and Edward leaned towards Claudia, but Eric needed to confirm Claudia's availability.
By the time the interviews finished, it was late evening. Entrusting Emily and Edward with discussions about the endorsement with Diane, Eric changed into a different outfit in the temporary makeup room and quickly left the studio. That night was the celebration for True Lies. Despite the competition from Saving Private Ryan during the summer box office, True Lies had still proven to be a significant success, and a celebratory party was, of course, unavoidable.
*****
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