Chapter 117
After the announcement of the competition theme, the 100 participating designers were assigned to their respective workspaces. One hundred studios were available, allocated randomly by drawing lots. Cynthia was assigned studio nine, while Shirley received studio 38; their workspaces were far apart. Each designer had 48 hours to sketch their design and create a finished piece.
The competition organizers provided all necessary materials, regardless of rarity or cost. As long as the design was innovative, the expense was inconsequential. Each studio was equipped with an assistant—a university design student who could provide assistance but not contribute to the design itself. Before beginning, the designers met their models to ensure the final piece would perfectly fit the model's figure at the final showcase. More skilled designers considered the model's skin tone and physique.
Cynthia's model was a stunning, tanned woman over six feet tall with impeccable proportions. After taking measurements, Cynthia immersed herself in her design. Meanwhile, Shirley was thrilled by the competition theme—time—seeing it as a stroke of luck. The theme resonated with a design book she'd found tucked away in the Jones family's study, amidst dusty volumes.
The book contained exquisite, hand-drawn designs, each a burst of creativity revolving around a specific theme. However, the designs were too avant-garde and exaggerated for the mainstream market, though perfect for a competition. Shirley had previously modified several designs from this book, presenting them to Justin and Selena, who praised her talent. By adapting these designs, she'd secured her position in Velorix's design department. The competition theme eliminated the need for revisions; she distinctly remembered a design themed "Time."
It featured a dress representing the changing seasons through intricate embroidery of peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, crabapples, and winter plums, strategically placed and seamlessly embedded in the fabric. Overjoyed, she swiftly sketched the design. Even Shirley's assistant was stunned by her effortless work, genuinely praising her as a genius. Shirley reveled in the flattery, unafraid of plagiarism; she'd searched the internet and found no trace of the book's designs online. Designs of this caliber, if ever submitted to a competition, would have caused an uproar in the fashion world, yet none had surfaced over the years. Moreover, she had already adapted several designs from the book for Velorix, where they'd been produced and sold.
Although she made alterations, much of the inspiration stemmed from the book. If the original owner were alive, they would likely have complained. However, years of silence suggested otherwise—the owner was likely deceased. This suspicion wasn't unreasonable; the book felt distinctly vintage, possibly the work of an eccentric genius from decades past. Such bold designs might not have been accepted then, leaving it a hidden gem until it fell into Shirley's possession.
Feeling incredibly lucky, she believed this book ensured success in high-profile competitions, prompting her entry. Fate seemed to favor her; the competition theme matched the book's design. She hoped to win the Golden Pinnacle Award and defeat Cynthia.
The 48-hour countdown ended, and nearly all 100 designers finished their pieces. A draw determined the order of the models' showcases. Shirley drew number two, Cynthia number 22. Before the showcase, designers brought their work backstage, where their models waited. Upon seeing Shirley's work, a stir arose; its quality was immediately apparent. The newcomer had created something extraordinary, breathtaking, and awe-inspiring. Other designers gathered, showering her with praise.
Basking in the compliments, Shirley moved toward Cynthia, only to find a crowd gathered around her. Shirley was certain her design would be superior, but upon seeing Cynthia's creation, she was speechless. Cynthia had designed a long gown entirely covered in a fine layer of sand, embedded with countless tiny crystals, sparkling from every angle. The hourglass-shaped gown had a short front hem and a long train, reminiscent of cascading desert sands. The interplay of light and color was stunning.
Shirley couldn't comprehend how Cynthia had transformed sand into such a soul-stirring piece. Unease crept into her heart, but she masked her anxiety with disdain, muttering, "Just a flashy gimmick," before returning to her seat.
The showcase, a global live broadcast, was about to begin. Millions of viewers flooded the live room, with comments in various languages. The live audience included distinguished guests from luxury brands. Sitting in the front row was a handsome young man casually reviewing the designer list. When he saw Cynthia's name, he smiled.