Chapter 44-45

Chapter 44: New York Fashion Week

In fact, the biggest draw in New York right now isn't the upcoming Democratic presidential candidate Hillary but another globally anticipated event: New York Fashion Week.

As one of the top four fashion weeks globally, New York Fashion Week is held twice a year, each lasting about a week. The Fall/Winter collections are showcased in February, while the Spring/Summer collections take the stage in September.

Following closely are the fashion weeks of London, Milan, and Paris, continuing until the end of September, making the entire month a carnival for fashion enthusiasts worldwide and a focal point for global attention.

During this season, walking on the bustling streets of New York, one can spot tall and stunning men and women or fashionistas sporting avant-garde outfits. Similarly, fashion week is also when celebrities cluster, with fashion pioneers and stars from around the world gracing the shows of major brands.

However, an event like New York Fashion Week has just undergone a dramatic change. Since 1993, New York Fashion Week had been held in Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan, with runways set up inside giant white tents, accessible only to invited buyers, industry insiders, media, and celebrities.

But starting in 2011, New York Fashion Week began to wane. Despite the glittering stars, the exorbitant venue rental and show costs at Lincoln Center deterred up-and-coming designer brands, prompting them to seek alternative venues. Coupled with the impact of social media, fashion brands were pushed online by the tech tide, leading many in the fashion world to view hosting a big show as a pure waste. Many top brands, dissatisfied with the overly packed schedule of fashion week, pulled out.

Adding insult to injury, due to the setup of tents and equipment damaging the environment at Lincoln Center, in December 2014, fashion week was ousted from Lincoln Center by the New York Supreme Court, needing to find a new venue. The most severe blow was the withdrawal of several sponsors, including Mercedes-Benz and American Express, delivering a fatal blow to New York Fashion Week.

If these were internal troubles, external threats were equally serious. In New York, a more avant-garde fashion week, Made Fashion Week, was not as well-known as New York Fashion Week, but its influence was significant. Established in 2009, Made, hosting 32 shows and designer presentations each time, aimed to give emerging designers better showcasing opportunities.

Despite Made Fashion Week's founders believing their event was different in nature from New York Fashion Week, avoiding conflicts, the reality was that the two fashion weeks, held almost simultaneously, inevitably vied for designers and sponsors. For instance, several major sponsors that withdrew from New York Fashion Week also sponsored Made Fashion Week.

In such challenging circumstances, New York Fashion Week directly acquired Made Fashion Week, merging the two into one.

The reason for being so well-informed is that Solar Corona Company has officially become one of the new sponsors of New York Fashion Week,

Solar Corona's name and its intertwined suns logo will be visible in every corner of New York Fashion Week. This sponsorship, initiated by Bruce and facilitated by Isaiah, was a match made in heaven.

Solar Corona Company needed to gradually roll out its promotion, and the new New York Fashion Week urgently needed to regain its momentum. Naturally, the two parties hit it off and reached an agreement within a week, just in time for the opening of this fashion week.

Initially, Bruce's idea was to replace Mercedes-Benz as the title sponsor, but due to funding constraints, it hasn't been fully realized yet. It's expected that once the Citibank loan comes through, New York Fashion Week might very well be renamed Solar Corona Fashion Week.

At the moment, in Manhattan's West Side Skylight Studio, the venue is bustling and lively, one of the latest show locations for New York Fashion Week.

Escorted by two black Cadillac Escalades, Bruce's limousine slowly decelerated. The over 7-meter-long Cadillac One and the seven or eight bodyguards on high alert immediately caught the attention of the nearby crowd and media. So much so that when Bruce stepped out of the car, the blazing flashlights nearly blinded him.

Of course, Bruce himself wasn't bothered, but he still play-acted by squinting his eyes, pausing briefly before proceeding down the red carpet. Judging by the reaction of the surrounding media and onlookers, most people had already recognized his identity.

In fact, since first entering the mainstream media's radar, Bruce's attention across America had been steadily rising. As a young tech prodigy and overnight billionaire, Bruce was the epitome of the American Dream.

Certainly, his handsome looks and tall stature made him particularly eye-catching, and his series of actions had consistently captured the media's attention. From splurging billions on New York's most luxurious mansion to rumors with Gal Gadow and the recent global sale of Vilda triggering a same-sex love proposal event, his unintentional and intentional moves were dizzyingly exciting, making his popularity rival that of the hottest entertainment stars.

However, at the same time, to the general public, Bruce always seemed unconventional and mysterious. Despite his high-profile behavior, he never appeared in interview programs directly, leaving the media and the public always in a state of eager anticipation.

It was these factors that led to the media reporters' frenzied pursuit of him at the scene, while most onlooking fans didn't recognize him immediately.

Bruce's outfit for the day was also meticulously coordinated. He wore a custom-tailored OXXFORD black tuxedo with broad lapels, paired with a classic white shirt and black bow tie, and a pocket square. Though not overly ornate, the ensemble showcased his dashing and elegant demeanor.

The $30,000 suit was worth every penny. Every meticulously designed detail and over 3000 stitches of perfect tailoring accentuated Bruce's tall and robust figure, making him exceptionally charming under the spotlight.

In such a hormone-charged atmosphere, even though a considerable part of the crowd was still hesitating, the entire audience's frenzied screams and passionate pursuit were enough to prove his extraordinary charm at that moment. Perhaps those who didn't recognize him mistook Bruce for a supermodel or a star.

Chapter 45: The Sly Fox Taylor

Throughout the red carpet walk, Bruce maintained a simple smile and a wave as a greeting, never hesitating in his steady, confident stride, probably setting a record for the fastest red carpet walk.

He only stopped at the end of the red carpet, leaning casually against the huge backdrop, exuding an effortless, composed charm. The media, granted interview permission, swarmed towards him. Despite the presence of bodyguards like Gus and the show's security, they desperately stretched their microphones towards Bruce.

Typically, red carpet events aren't meant for bodyguards, given the presence of on-site security, but as a sponsor, Bruce obviously didn't need to worry about such protocols.

"Bruce, do you have any comments on the recent rumors about your coming out?" a pretty reporter Bruce had nodded to asked excitedly. The juicy news had been spreading far and wide, sparking a trend of more public declarations of love, and was undeniably the biggest point of interest. If she could get a confirmation from Bruce himself, it would be a scoop. As soon as she asked her question, everyone else fell silent, staring intently at Bruce's reaction.

"I've always supported and been tolerant of the LGBTQ+ community, but personally, I'm straight. I'd like to take this opportunity to clarify this to everyone and my supportive friends. This will be my final statement on the matter, and I hope people won't dwell on this issue anymore."

Bruce had anticipated facing such questions at this kind of event and answered almost instinctively, showing no signs of discomfort.

"But you've never directly addressed your relationship with Gal..." The reporter pressed on, unsatisfied with his answer.

"That's my private life, right?" Bruce dismissed her flirty glances, signaling the next reporter. "Please give other journalists a chance to ask their questions, thank you."

The other reporters, long displeased with her attempts to use her charm for an exclusive, immediately pushed her aside for a more tactful male journalist. "Bruce, are you here today at the invitation of Alexander to watch the show? What's your relationship with him?"

Bruce's presence was purely coincidental, not because of any acquaintance with Alexander. It just so happened that both Alexondra and Nasstya would be at his show today.

"No, I admire Alexander's designs, but as a sponsor of New York Fashion Week, I was invited by the organizers," Bruce pointed out, gesturing towards the massive backdrop behind him adorned with Solar Corona's name and the conspicuous symbol of intertwined suns. Following his gesture, all cameras instantly focused on the logo.

However, most reporters were unaware of Solar Corona Company, as none of their research progress had been disclosed. Only a bearded reporter hesitantly asked, "Is it that new biotech company you founded?"

"Correct, Solar Corona Company is a sponsor of this New York Fashion Week, and we plan to engage in more comprehensive collaborations with the organizers, Wme IMG Company, going forward."

Bruce nodded in satisfaction, his main purpose for attending fulfilled. Grateful for the reporter's cooperation, he granted him more interview time and seized the opportunity to promote Solar Corona Company. He teased the reporters about the main research project, skillfully piquing their curiosity.

Meanwhile, in a luxurious car not far from the entrance, a tall, blonde girl idly played with her phone, shaking her head in dissatisfaction, her lips pursed in a cute, charming pout. "Why do we have to wait? Alexander's arrangements don't seem very good."

Her assistant, Annette Livingstone, rolled her eyes in mild exasperation, explaining, "Patience, Taylor. The organizers just called to say an important sponsor is making an appearance first. Besides, our showtime hasn't been delayed; we're just early."

The girl, referred to as Taylor, wrinkled her pretty nose and made a face at Annette. "I bet it's some old fogey outside, smiling insincerely, looking dignified, but actually full of mischief."

"If the paparazzi catch you making that face, tomorrow's headlines will be quite entertaining," Annette gently fixed her hair while teasing.

"Just don't let them catch you, right? Besides, they hardly ever say anything nice about me, aside from 'pretty, long legs, blah blah blah,' as if I'm just a trophy." Taylor struck a disdainful pose, teasing her assistant before patting her shoulder affectionately. "Don't worry, dear Annette, I'm just joking. They'll only see Taylor Swifft's best side."

Indeed, this girl with piercing blue eyes, a love for bright red lips, and honey-gold straight hair was Taylor Swifft, the hottest country and pop music songwriter in America and a young superstar. Since her debut in 2006, her records and albums have broken sales records, making her arguably the highest-earning American singer, with countless awards to her name.

For stars of her caliber, every major show during Fashion Week vies for her attendance because they draw the attention of everyone, including the media. Although the red carpets at fashion shows aren't as formal as those at major award ceremonies, coordination between the organizers and guests is still crucial to maintain the audience and media's enthusiasm and ensure smooth transitions.

It's no exaggeration to say that not many can afford to keep a global superstar like Taylor Swifft waiting.

Taylor's cunning eyes twinkled as she put down her phone, pressed the electric button to crack open the car window, and peeked towards the red carpet. She caught sight of Bruce surrounded by the media and couldn't help but exclaim softly.

"I thought you said it was some old fogey. What's so interesting?" Annette was about to remind Taylor to close the window but became curious when she saw her reaction and leaned in for a peek.

"Who's that? He looks quite young," Taylor asked curiously, not recognizing Bruce.

"Wow, I didn't expect him to be a sponsor of New York Fashion Week," Annette, more informed, recognized Bruce at a glance.

"Who is he? He's quite tall," Taylor tilted her head, confirming she hadn't seen him before.

"Bruce Lee, the genius scientist," Annette hinted with pursed lips.

"Oh, that guy, the one rumored to be gay recently?" Taylor laughed heartily, her eyes squinting with joy, seemingly taking out her frustration with the waiting on Bruce.

"That was just a prank on a TV show! I bet he's actually with Gal Gadow," Annette argued, proving that gossip is a universal trait among women.

Taylor was about to say more when she saw Bruce escorted by bodyguards leaving the interview circle and heading inside the show venue. Annette quickly nudged her, tidying up while saying, "Get ready, it's your turn."

Taylor closed the car window, glancing at Bruce's departing figure, murmuring skeptically, "I don't believe it." She then gracefully adjusted her outfit and stepped out of the car with the help of a bodyguard. However, she didn't notice that Bruce had turned to glance in her direction from afar, and their supposed secret conversation had reached his ears.

With his exceptional hearing, Bruce could discern every sound within a hundred-meter radius when concentrating. The buzzing of a fly's wings, the click of a woman opening her purse, even the swish of a pen on paper...

Nothing escaped his ears.

Of course, most of the time, Bruce automatically filtered out these irrelevant sounds, as sorting through them would be too energy-consuming. But as long as it was within range and related to him, he would notice immediately. Thus, before Taylor Swifft and Annette Livingstone even realized it, he had already caught them discussing him and clearly seen Taylor's face.

However, he didn't show it, simply following protocol by answering the reporters' questions in the interview area, waving a greeting, and entering the show venue.