Chloe by Design: Balancing Act

by Margaret Gurevich

  She pauses long enough to hug me back. “This is it, Chloe! Are you ready?” she asks.

  “Born ready,” I say, chuckling. “You remember Alex, right?”

  “Of course. Nice to see you again,” says Liesel. “Excited to be here?”

  “Totally! I can’t believe I get to do this!” says Alex.

  Liesel grins. “Me neither. It never gets old. We’ll catch up after the show, okay? Best of luck!”

  Liesel rushes toward Taylor and Stefan, who have just appeared backstage, and I help the first model into her outfit. It’s the purple cotton dress with black trim Laura designed, based on my pockets.

  “I love this one,” says Alex, helping a model with a crochet tank dress. I recognize the scalloped hem and metallic threading.

  “I helped Laura design that one,” I say.

  Alex whistles. “Mighty impressive, girl.”

  “Five minutes!” someone calls, and Alex and I stop chatting and focus on the task at hand.

  I feel my heart beating quickly as the first models line up. We add pieces of adhesive tape and pins for last-minute fixes, and then they’re ready. The music starts, and it’s go time. This is it. It’s happening.

  As the models hit the runway, Alex and I stay busy in the back, constantly checking Laura’s list and comparing it with who’s lined up to go. We have to make sure there isn’t any lag time between one model and the next. That could throw off the whole show.

  Even though I can’t see the models on the runway, there’s something amazing about seeing the designs on them backstage. The way fabric skims the hips or lays on the collarbone changes the garment, and I realize more than ever that there’s a level of precision to choosing the right model to perfectly showcase a design.

  It feels like we’ve been standing forever, and Alex and I make the mistake of sitting down just as the first models are strutting back in.

  “Ladies!” yells Taylor. “Look alive!”

  We jump up and rush to the models. The first fifteen looks were various knits and denims, and the last fifteen are all art deco themed. These are the pieces I’ve worked on with both Taylor and Laura.

  A model lines up in a flowing, pleated yellow skirt and strapless bodice with shimmering geometric lines and metallic threading. I remember this design from my time with Taylor. I notice she’s carrying a clam-shaped bag with white tile beads. That’s the design I drew for Taylor! I remember her saying she’d pass it on to Stefan. Looks like he liked it. This is unreal. It’s all I can do to focus and not scream with joy.

  We move quickly, readying one design after the next. I smooth a jacket with a notched collar and beading that I recognize from my time with Laura. It fits beautifully over a satin gown embroidered with an overlapping V pattern that I helped Taylor with.

  I scan the photos and list and see we’re nearing the end. The dresses Liesel and Taylor worked on together are next. I help a model into a silk bias-cut gown, and a stylist adds a long pearl tassel necklace. I see Liesel putting the finishing touches on another model and give her a quick thumbs-up.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see Alex zipping a model into a rose-colored floor-length gown. The model twirls in the delicate chiffon, and I notice the beading and sequin embellishments across the boat neckline. The dress is a lovely blend of vintage and glamour, and the embellishments perfectly capture the art deco vibe Stefan was going for with these pieces.

  The model struts onto the runway. As breathtaking as the dress looked seconds ago, it’s even better now. The chiffon flows behind the model, and the beading shimmers under the bright lights. The garment almost seems to come alive as the model floats down the catwalk.

  “What do you think the chances are of us getting free samples of some of this stuff?” Alex asks as we put the next outfit on the model.

  I laugh. “Doubtful — highly doubtful. It’s a nice dream, though. I’d especially love this one,” I say as I finish helping a model into a simple black satin dress with an art deco-inspired sash belt. I peer closer at the intricate pearl, crystal, and rhinestone detailing.

  “Liesel is so skilled,” says Alex. “No wonder she was a Design Diva winner! This will be you one day.” She pokes me in the side.

  “Here’s hoping,” I say, fastening the belt clasp.

  I look at my list. One design left, and it’s a total showstopper. I help the model into the silver beaded dress with a deep V-neck. The dress is held up by illusion-netting straps, giving it an ethereal look. The intricate beading design showcases Liesel’s attention to detail. Unlike some of the other looks, this model’s hair is pulled back in a bun, which adds to the style’s sophistication. She walks onto the runway, the slinky dress hugging her hips.

  Alex and I watch as the dress catches the light from the chandelier, eliciting gasps from the audience. I wipe a tear from my eye, and Alex pats my shoulder. “I feel like such an idiot for crying,” I say. “This has just been such an amazing experience, and I can’t believe it’s almost over.”

  “I know. Getting to do this with you today was amazing. It makes me want to learn more about fashion too. You can really feel the dedication of all the designers today,” says Alex. Her voice breaks, and she giggles. “Man, now you got me emotional. About clothes! Speak of this to no one.”

  I laugh. “Cross my heart.”

  The audience applauds for the final dress, and the model makes her return trip down the runway, heading toward the backstage area.

  Now it’s Stefan’s turn to hit the catwalk. He has so much to be proud of today, but he’s so humble as he walks out and waves to the audience, taking his time shaking their hands. He takes a final bow, and some of the audience members give him a standing ovation. As he makes his way off the stage, I see him wipe his eyes too.

  Still riding high after the end of the show, Alex and I leave the backstage area to see if help is needed out front. Some interns are picking up stray programs and gift bags, and we do the same. In the distance, I see Madison sitting by herself, head in her hands, shoulders shaking. She can’t be this emotional over the fashion show, can she?

  I poke Alex and nod in Madison’s direction. “Do you think something happened?”

  Alex shrugs and shakes her head. “Who knows? That girl is all drama.”

  I’m mentally debating whether or not I should check up on her when I hear a familiar voice yelling my name. I turn and see Jake hurrying toward me with a huge grin on his face.

  “Hi!” I say, giving him a hug. It’s been more than a week and a half since I last saw him, and I’ve missed him.

  “Those designs were incredible,” he says. “It must have been amazing seeing the final product after all the work you put in.”

  “It really was!” I say. “And the energy in the room was electrifying.”

  “I know!” Jake agrees. “My mom was able to get me a ticket, so I got to sit out front and watch the whole thing. I so lucked out.” He waves Liesel over and puts his arm around her.

  “I loved your designs,” I say to Liesel. “The last piece was phenomenal.”

  Liesel smiles modestly. “Thank you. It was my favorite as well. And I’m so grateful to you and Alex for your help backstage. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “Hey there,” Jake says as Alex walks over. “I thought you looked familiar. Chloe’s best friend from California, right? Good to see you again.”

  The three of them recap the show, and Alex gushes about the great time she had. I take it all in, trying not to think about how much I’ll miss both Jake and Liesel when I head back to California this weekend.

  Suddenly, I feel everyone staring at me. “Sorry, what? I zoned out.”

  Liesel smiles. “We were just saying how glad we were that we got to spend these months with you. We’ll miss you, kiddo.”

  “Me too,” I say, my eyes tearing u
p again.

  “Don’t worry,” says Alex, throwing her arm around me. “I’ll take care of her.”

  “And I’ll be in Santa Cruz next month visiting my dad,” says Jake. “I’ll give you a call, and we’ll hang out then, okay?”

  “You’d better,” I say. I hug him and Liesel one last time, then Alex and I finish cleaning up and head back to the dorms, leaving the glam of Fashion Week behind.

  ***

  As soon as Alex and I walk in the door, Bailey is on us. “How was the show? Amazing? I’ve been dying to hear how it went.”

  “The best!” I say. “It was so cool seeing all the designs, especially the ones I got to help out with.”

  “I’m so excited for Thomas Lord’s show tomorrow,” Avery adds from where she’s sitting. “But I’ll be honest, I’m getting kind of sad too. Our time here is almost over. At least there’s still the send-off.”

  I perk up. “Send-off?”

  “Oh, yeah,” says Bailey. “Most of the designers do a big breakfast on the last day for the interns. The lead designer comes and thanks everyone for all their hard work. Sometimes they even give you a gift.”

  “See?” says Alex. “I told you freebies were a possibility! And now that you have something to look forward to, you don’t have to be gloomy after I leave.” She winks at me.

  I give her a half-hearted smile. “Too bad you can’t be here for that,” I say. Her flight back to California leaves tomorrow, and my last day as an intern is Friday.

  Alex shrugs. “It’s fine. This has been really exciting, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I totally get why you love it here, but I’m really a Santa Cruz girl at heart. I don’t think I can do the hustle and bustle thing on a daily basis.”

  “I can sympathize with that,” says Bailey. “I miss my home in Florida too.”

  “Not me,” says Avery, grinning. “My home is right here.”

  Alex throws a pillow at her and laughs.

  “Hey,” I say, just realizing Madison is missing in action, “do you know where Madison is? I saw her crying at Fashion Week.”

  Avery and Bailey exchange glances. “She really wanted to get noticed,” Avery finally says with a shrug.

  “What does that mean?” I ask. “What happened?”

  “She tried to show Daphne Appell, that reality show host, some of her designs, and Daphne got annoyed. I guess her people complained to Stefan. It seems like it got blown out of proportion, at least according to Madison,” says Bailey, sounding like she feels bad for even relating the story. “She was here earlier and said Stefan told her she can come to the breakfast Friday, but she can’t intern for him again.”

  “Wow,” says Alex. “If I were her, I wouldn’t feel right going to the breakfast.”

  Avery shakes her head. “She won’t. She’s too embarrassed. She wants to change her ticket and leave Thursday.”

  Knowing Madison, she probably was a little pushy with Daphne, but I still feel bad. It stinks to go out on a sour note.

  Suddenly, the door bursts open, and we jump. It’s Madison, her face red and puffy. “Hi,” she says quietly.

  We look at her, unsure what to say.

  Madison sighs. “I’m sure you told Miss Diva everything?”

  “I’m really sorry,” I say.

  Madison snorts. “Yeah, well. Me too.”

  No one seems to know what to say, so Alex starts packing. The rest of us — except for Madison — try to help.

  Finally, I can’t take the awkwardness anymore. “You should stay until Friday,” I finally say, breaking the silence. “Come to the breakfast. It was just a mistake.”

  Madison whips her head around, and I brace myself for some of her usual bad attitude, but she deflates. “It was a big one. I just — I just wanted someone to see my designs.”

  I nod. We all understand wanting recognition.

  “Nothing I can do about it now,” Madison says, heading to her room. “I might as well go home. But I’ll say this, Diva Girl, one day you’ll see my name plastered everywhere.” She flashes a determined smile and disappears into her room.

  I hope I do, I think. I hope I see all our names plastered everywhere one day.

  With Alex and Madison gone, Bailey, Avery, and I spend Thursday night packing. That way we can enjoy our last day and not feel pressured to get everything done before we leave Saturday.

  And yet, when I wake up Friday morning, I find myself gloomy anyway. The day feels like a series of lasts. Last internship outfit, for example. Today, I’m wearing something I designed for my first Design Diva audition. It’s a white dress with a cinched waist, full skirt, and leather accents at the shoulders. Perfect for a goodbye breakfast.

  I head to the office for the last time and show Ken, the security guard, my badge.

  “Have a great day, Miss Montgomery. It’s been a pleasure,” says Ken.

  Sentimental girl that I am, my eyes start to water. I rush to the elevator, feeling silly, and take it up to the seventh floor — where it all began.

  I step off the elevator and look around, remembering when Laura first gave me a tour. I look at designers working on prototypes and samples and think about the pockets I made. Someone is pinning a dress to a mannequin, and I envision the dresses I made for Taylor. I close my eyes, holding all the moments in my mind. From organizing the closet, to lugging clothes to Vogue, to confirming interviews for Michael, to working with models — it’s all been a dream come true.

  The conference room is filled with interns, all eating and chatting, when I walk in. I see Laura, Stefan, and Taylor in a corner talking with a group of interns and head to the food table to grab something to eat. I pile a bagel, eggs, fruit, and bacon onto my plate and grab a juice with my other hand, carefully carrying the items to the conference table.

  “That takes some serious skill,” Laura says, sliding into the seat next to me. “I was just thinking about our first meeting and my coffee-stained skirt.”

  I laugh. “I forgot about that. Your skirt — not the meeting.”

  “It feels like it was yesterday,” Laura says. “I’m really going to miss having you here.”

  “Me too. You’ve taught me so much. Not only about fashion but also about how to act in this business. I’ll never forget your support.”

  Now Laura looks choked up. She gives me a hug. “Chloe, it’s been such a pleasure working with someone who’s not only talented but works so hard. I know you want to be noticed. When your time comes, I’ll be right there cheering you on.”

  “Talking to our Diva Girl?” says Stefan.

  I look up, surprised. When Madison called me that, it sounded like the world’s worst insult. When Stefan says it, it sounds like a compliment.

  “Yes, sir,” says Laura. “Just telling Chloe how much we’ll miss her.”

  “Laura’s right. You’ve shown a lot of promise,” says Stefan. “I’d love to have you back next summer.”

  “I’m here if you’ll have me!” I exclaim, almost knocking over my juice in excitement.

  “We’d better step back when we give her the gift,” Taylor says, coming up behind me. “She might jump out of her seat and spill her food on us.”

  I blush, but I know Taylor is just teasing. “I don’t need a gift,” I say. “My time here has been enough.”

  “Please,” says Laura, waving away my words. “Ah, there’s Michael. He has it.”

  I turn my head quickly. My time here has been the best gift ever, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued by Michael’s gift bag.

  “Here she is,” he says, handing me a black bag stuffed with silver paper. “Hope you like it.”

  I look around to see the other interns holding gift bags too and looking at the contents. I push the paper aside and see a Stefan Meyers gift card tucked inside.

  “Oh wow!” I
exclaim. “This is awesome!”

  “I like my interns showing off my looks. I need all the exposure I can get,” says Stefan, winking. “Buy yourself some chic back-to-school wear.”

  This takes back-to-school shopping to a whole new level! I picture myself in some of my favorite Stefan Meyers styles. A white sweater dress spruced up with bangle bracelets and layered with necklaces. Or maybe I’ll start the year in a black ruffled skirt, knit top, and printed scarf. For a cooler day, I might go for a gray knitted pendulum sweater with stylish black boots. This gift card opens up so many possibilities!

  “I think we’ve lost her,” says Laura.

  I blush. I got so caught up in my new-outfit fantasy, I forgot to say thank you. “Oh my gosh, thanks so much. This is way too generous.”

  “There’s more,” says Taylor.

  I look inside and gasp. It’s the frayed pair of jeans I saw my first day in the closet, but that’s not what makes me gasp — it’s the back pockets. They’re the pockets I helped design. And on the back of the pockets, where the Stefan Meyers logo normally is, someone stitched a circle with my initials intertwined — my very own CM logo.

  “Remember when I told you one day you’ll have your own intern and stores filled with the CM label?” asks Laura.

  I nod. That was way back at the end of my second week.

  “This is a start,” says Laura, grinning.

  “You guys, this is just amazing. I have no words,” I say.

  “We wanted to do something special for you,” Taylor says. “Your very first CM original.”

  I hug the jeans to me. This is better than my name in lights.

  ***

  When the breakfast is done, I finish saying my goodbyes and head back to my dorm room, walking slowly and taking in my last full day in the city.

  I think about how much has changed in the past three months. What was I looking for when I auditioned for Design Diva? I imagined fame. I hoped for my designs to become well known. Then I won the internship, and it was as if my dreams were coming true. But I realized it was about more than recognition.