Arnold sat in the spacious conference room of his penthouse, his eyes fixed on the sprawling cityscape outside. Across the table, Luna Vale reviewed the detailed plans laid out before them. The table was strewn with sketches, mood boards, and strategy documents, each contributing to the birth of Arnold's vision: Lumé.
Arnold broke the silence. "Luna, this clothing brand will be different. It's not just about selling clothes—it's about telling stories. Stories of tradition, innovation, and excellence. I want Lumé to represent a fusion of cultures and styles, from luxury to streetwear, from modern to timeless."
Luna smiled slightly, her sharp eyes scanning the room. "An ambitious goal, Mr. Sinclair. But with the Sinclair resources, it's achievable. Do you have a name for the brand?"
Arnold leaned back, his tone confident. "Lumé. It symbolizes light, brilliance, and the spark of creativity."
Luna nodded approvingly. "It's perfect. Now, about the categories…"
Arnold gestured toward the sketches. "We'll cover everything: luxury for the elite, streetwear for the youth, athleisure for the active, and sustainable lines for the environmentally conscious. But there's more. I want Lumé to celebrate cultural heritage."
He continued, flipping through sketches of traditional garments. "We'll feature sarees, lehengas, and kurta pajamas from India; Flamenco dresses from Spain; kimonos and hakama pants from Japan; Renaissance and Baroque styles from France; and chitons from ancient Greece. Each collection will preserve the authenticity of these designs while incorporating modern elements."
Luna's expression turned thoughtful. "It's bold. Cultural lines are often underappreciated in global markets, but executed well, they could set Lumé apart."
"Exactly," Arnold said. "It's not just about selling clothes. It's about creating an identity—a brand people feel connected to. We'll also ensure every product meets the highest standards in quality and ethical production. I want Lumé to be synonymous with excellence."
Luna nodded. "We'll need top designers for the launch collection. I'll reach out to established names, but I assume you also want to use the talent pool from the competition at Ravenwood?"
"Precisely," Arnold replied. "The students have fresh ideas, and we can integrate their work into the main line. It will also strengthen our branding and credibility as a forward-thinking company."
Later that week, Arnold met with June in the student council office to finalize the details of the upcoming fashion competition.
June greeted him warmly, though there was a spark of curiosity in her eyes. "Mr. Sinclair, it's impressive that someone your age is starting such a brand. But I've noticed something… your surname is Sinclair. Is this project connected to Sinclair Enterprises?"
Arnold didn't flinch. "Yes, Lumé operates under Sinclair Enterprises. However, it's my project. I'm building this from the ground up."
June looked surprised, then smiled. "That explains a lot. The budget, the prizes, the scale of the competition—it all makes sense now."
They went through the event details meticulously. Arnold proposed a runway-style show for the final presentations, complete with professional lighting and a live broadcast.
"You've thought of everything," June said, impressed. "This will be the biggest event Ravenwood has ever hosted."
Arnold leaned back, satisfied. "Good. Let's make sure it's perfect. The competition isn't just about Lumé—it's about giving these students a platform they've never had before."
As the weeks passed, Lumé began to dominate headlines. The company's strategy of blending traditional and modern designs captured the imagination of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Stores launched teaser campaigns showcasing snippets of their collections:
A contemporary saree paired with a sleek jacket.A Flamenco dress with asymmetrical, modern twists.Athleisure made from recycled materials, designed for both function and flair.
Each teaser was met with intrigue, fueling speculation about the mysterious founder behind Lumé. News outlets debated endlessly.
"Is Lumé the brainchild of a retired fashion legend?"
"Could it be a wealthy businesswoman with a passion for design?"
Arnold ensured his involvement remained a closely guarded secret. Only a handful of people, including Luna and June, knew the truth. At Ravenwood, whispers about the upcoming competition added to the excitement.
"This contest could be our big break!"
"Did you see the prize money? And they're hiring designers straight from the competition!"
Arnold listened to these conversations with quiet satisfaction as he walked across campus. The buzz around Lumé was growing, and his vision was taking shape.
The university's auditorium was transformed into a glamorous venue. A runway stretched across the center, flanked by rows of seats. Spotlights illuminated the stage, and cameras were set up to broadcast the event online.
Arnold arrived early, dressed in a sharp black suit. He moved through the backstage area, exchanging words of encouragement with nervous participants.
"Show us what you're capable of," he said to one young designer. "This is your moment."
The judges arrived shortly after—renowned designers handpicked by Arnold. Though skeptical at first about judging a university competition, they were quickly won over by Arnold's vision for Lumé and the quality of the event.
As the show began, one design after another graced the runway. The participants had outdone themselves, presenting innovative blends of fabric, color, and style.
There were designs that fused ancient and modern themes, such as a Baroque-style gown with LED accents or a kimono-inspired jacket with streetwear elements. The judges exchanged impressed glances, their skepticism melting away.
After hours of breathtaking presentations, the winners were announced. The top three students were offered immediate positions as designers at Lumé.
The terms of employment included competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and opportunities to have their work featured in Lumé's global collections. The winners were ecstatic, and even those who didn't place were thrilled to have participated in such a prestigious event.
"I can't believe this is happening," one of the winners said, her voice trembling with excitement. "This is a dream come true."
Arnold watched from the sidelines, his expression calm but satisfied. He had achieved exactly what he wanted: to inspire and uplift talent while positioning Lumé as a brand that valued creativity and innovation.
Later that evening, Arnold returned to the Celestial Spire. The city's neon lights stretched endlessly across the horizon, a blanket of brilliance under the night sky.
Sitting in his penthouse, Arnold reviewed the footage from the competition. Each design, each detail was a testament to the talent and potential that had gone unnoticed for too long.
Luna entered the room, holding a glass of wine. "Congratulations, Mr. Sinclair. The event was a massive success. The judges were impressed, the students are inspired, and Lumé is trending globally."
Arnold accepted the glass, his gaze still on the screen. "This is just the beginning, Luna. Lumé will be more than a brand—it will be a revolution in fashion. A way to bridge tradition and innovation, and a platform for talent that deserves to be seen."
Luna raised her glass. "To Lumé, and to the man building it."
Arnold clinked his glass against hers, a determined glint in his eye. "To the future."