Chapter 46- 47

Chapter 46: Sovereignty

Despite the current Fashion Week being divided into three venues, offering more space for brands and designers to arrange their shows, the tight schedule remained unchanged. With nearly a hundred brands to showcase in just seven days, some days featured nearly twenty shows, not including over a hundred unofficial shows held at various locations around the city.

This led designers to go to great lengths to vie for media attention, venue slots, models, and audiences, making scheduling crucial.

Generally, lesser-known designers' shows were scheduled for the first few days, followed by major shows. Morning shows were mostly for business dealings, while evening shows were the "main events." International designers' shows were held over the weekend when European bigwigs would fly into New York. The final major show of the weekend needed to end promptly to allow these VIPs to catch red-eye flights back to Europe.

Alexander Wan's show was clearly a focal point, scheduled for the evening and featuring a superstar like Taylor Swifft. Stars of her caliber were often paid by designers to attend, but Taylor was there out of friendship with Alexander.

Bruce arrived early, with plenty of time before the show's start, so the venue felt somewhat empty, dominated more by the bustle of the staff. But upon his arrival, a warm middle-aged man approached him, "Good evening, Mr. Lee. On behalf of IMG, I welcome you."

This man was Luf Lionel, Director of Brand Strategy at IMG and the actual person in charge of New York Fashion Week.

Bruce's attendance at all New York Fashion Week events was organized through them, so it was no surprise he was well-informed about Bruce's movements. After losing Mercedes-Benz as their major title sponsor, IMG desperately needed a powerful new sponsor, making Bruce's expression of interest a significant reason for their warm attitude.

"Thank you for your warm arrangements, Mr. Lionel," Bruce greeted with a handshake and a smile.

"It's our honor, Mr. Lee," Luf Lionel walked alongside Bruce, briefing him on some basics of New York Fashion Week. "This year, there are 106 registered shows, including renowned brands like Coach and Chanel."

IMG had clearly learned from past lessons, putting effort into refining the list of participating brands to retain those with real influence and attract potential investors like Bruce.

"It's vibrant. This year's New York Fashion Week is quite impressive. However, I think the venues are too scattered, and how to strictly select brands with real influence without dampening the creativity of emerging designers is something you need to consider more. I'm looking forward to greater collaboration with IMG and New York Fashion Week," Bruce remarked, while subtly suggesting a willingness to collaborate.

This thrilled Luf Lionel, eager to finalize a naming rights partnership. He responded even more warmly, "Of course, of course. If Mr. Lee has any requests, please let me know."

"Actually, I do have a small favor to ask right now. I'd like to visit some friends backstage," Bruce said, not taking a seat but instead looking towards the backstage area.

"Friends? I assume Mr. Lee is friends with Alexander Wan," Luf naturally assumed it was the show's host Alexander Wan, a common misconception, but he was mistaken about the situation.

"Oh, not exactly. I admire Alexander's designs, but I'm here to see two other friends. They are models in the show. Is that a problem?" Bruce shook his head slightly, pausing to look at Luf Lionel.

"Of course not, I'll arrange it right away." Luf was momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered. Normally, one couldn't access the backstage of a show, but for Bruce, whom IMG highly valued, he readily agreed.

The backstage of a show nearing its start is a hive of activity, especially during New York Fashion Week's most concentrated showtimes, resembling a battlefield in its intensity and chaos. Not to mention other pre-show preparations, just the models participating in the show typically undergo multiple fittings days before the show.

On the show day, designers require models to arrive several hours early, but they often run late due to the previous show or traffic congestion.

Once models arrive backstage, they are seized by hairstylists, makeup artists, and more, wiping away any traces related to the previous show. They are then styled and made up according to the established concepts from hair and makeup trials. During this process, models are frequently called for rehearsals, where they are briefed on the show's stage style and overall structure.

To prevent their outfits from damage or wrinkling, models only change into their costumes a few minutes before the show begins, known as the "first set of outfits." Their hangers bear combination cards, listing names, photos, and essential personal data.

Wardrobe attendants assist them in changing into full attire, ensuring their appearance matches the reference photos on the dressing cards. Once dressed, the models are ready for photography. These photos will be kept in the show's style manual as a record.

During Fashion Week, popular models have incredibly hectic schedules. Alexondra and Nasstya are among them. Though not top-tier or lead models, the recognition from fashion editors is enough to highlight their importance.

Other than stylists, wardrobe staff, models, designers, and backstage photographers, generally, no one else would be backstage. So, when Bruce leisurely appeared with his bodyguards, most busy folks cast curious glances his way. However, their tight schedule and professionalism kept them from pausing their work. They merely took a quick look and then refocused, though the curiosity was inevitably there.

"Alexander, this is Mr. Bruce Lee," Luf Lionel introduced to a slim, long-haired Asian man.

This renowned young designer was obviously swamped but made time to mingle. Bruce's frequent media appearances and his presence at his show were excellent publicity. Bruce's status as a super-rich sponsor of Fashion Week was something Alexander couldn't afford to offend.

"Hello, I really like your design style. Sorry to interrupt your work, I just wanted to greet a friend and then I'll leave," Bruce said with a smile, shaking hands with Alexander Wan.

Alexander Wan smiled back, "Thank you for coming to the show, Mr. Lee. But please make it quick, as we're really pressed for time. The models are all very busy."

He was indeed very busy, exchanging pleasantries briefly before returning to his tasks. Bruce headed straight to where Alexondra and Nasstya were. The girls had already spotted him, but being in the midst of styling, they couldn't leave, not even able to turn their heads to gesture.

"Good evening, beautiful ladies. Let me see, quite a transformation," Bruce said in a teasing tone.

He turned to the busy stylist, "Hello, could we have a minute, please?"

The stylist, recognizing who he was, hesitated, wanting to say they were pressed for time. Yet, the intense gaze from the handsome man before her made her relent and step aside after a few attempts to speak.

"Hey, you! We've already delayed enough. I don't fancy facing the wrath of the designer and agents!" Alexondra expressed her discontent, apparently harboring some resentment towards Bruce.

"Since we've already delayed so much, a minute more won't hurt, right?" Bruce nonchalantly took a seat at the makeup table, leaning forward to face this fiery beauty. His somewhat brusque behavior wasn't off-putting but rather exuded a wild and irresistible charm.

Alexondra, choked by his rogue logic, rolled her eyes and pouted. Bruce waved to Gus and the bodyguards to bring over two large bouquets. The dark, nearly black specialty violets clustered around the vividly luscious red roses, creating a bewitchingly captivating sight that immediately drew the ladies' attention.

"Who needs your flowers, with such a weird combination," Alexondra grumbled, though secretly delighted.

"Thank you, we really need to get ready now," the somewhat introverted Nasstya, overwhelmed by the meaningful glances around, took the flowers and held them close, pleading in a mosquito-like voice.

"Alright, I'll be rooting for you upfront." Bruce's visit was a declaration of sovereignty, and having achieved his purpose, he stood up gracefully. Then, he leaned in close to Nasstya's ear, "I have a lot to talk to you about, Nassy. See you tonight."

Watching the blush deepen on the shy beauty's face, Bruce left with a smile and a wave. It's worth noting that extensive makeup often leaves many models looking pale. If one were to see these girls backstage without makeup, many fantasies might be shattered. Fortunately, Alexondra and Nasstya were young and beautiful enough to escape that fate—for now.

"Maybe I should develop some beauty products," Bruce thought. It seemed women had an endless capacity and urgent need for such products.

Chapter 47: The Fashion Queen

Fashion shows seldom start on time, and a delay of twenty to thirty minutes is hardly unusual. Despite the immense planning and preparation, not to mention the pressure of controlling various chaotic elements, most fashion shows last only 10 to 15 minutes, presenting 20 to 40 outfits.

Therefore, Bruce wasn't in a hurry. He strolled leisurely to his seat. It wasn't even the scheduled start time yet, and judging by the backstage bustle, it wouldn't commence for at least another half hour.

Seating arrangements at shows are meticulously planned, testing the organizers' showmanship and diplomacy. The presence of celebrities significantly boosts the designer's reputation and garners more media coverage for the fashion show. For true connoisseurs, only the first three rows of seats are worth noting.

The front row is reserved for VIPs—perhaps that's why designers favor U-shaped runways, which offer more front-row seats. Important guests should have equally prestigious neighbors, their status ever-increasing seat by seat. Thus, photographers often target the audience's front row, making it an integral part of the overall show.

VIPs are placed in the best seats in the front row, such as two-thirds of the way out from the end of a straight runway. This position is advantageous, offering ample time to clearly view the front and back of each outfit.

Less crucial members of the editor or buyer teams are seated in the second or third rows. Seats further back are as desolate as the Arctic tundra, intolerable for anyone to be placed there.

If you see someone at a fashion show dissatisfied with their assigned seat, demanding to be moved forward and storming off if not accommodated, don't be surprised. It's a common tale. Even some less important guests might sneak into vacant front-row seats before the show starts.

So, beneath the glamorous veneer of the fashion world, once the veil is lifted, it all seems common, even ugly. But people are still engrossed, eagerly pushing from the outer circle to the inner, and from the inner circle to the center. This is the undying allure of desire and vanity at play.

Naturally, the organizers had arranged the best seat for Bruce. Given his fame and status, he couldn't be overlooked. The seats at the venue were typically marked with just letters and numbers, making it hard to predict which prominent figures would appear in the front row, also avoiding the embarrassment of celebrity no-shows.

So, when Bruce took his seat, he was greeted with a face showing a mix of surprise and shock—perhaps guilt, possibly from speaking ill behind his back.

"Hello, Miss Swifft," Bruce greeted the world's best-selling young singer with a natural smile.

"Oh, hello, Mr. Lee," Taylor Swifft quickly adjusted her demeanor, flashing a sweet smile, though her eyes were still roving, pondering her next move.

Bruce didn't prolong the conversation and instead turned back, briefly surveying the nearly full venue. Besides Taylor, he recognized many familiar faces, including stars like Tom Cruis and Gwyneth Paltrow, and even some Chinese celebrities whose names he could or couldn't recall.

Not to mention the IT girls and fashion bloggers, social media sensations born from the rise of Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. At the start of each show, these influencers get busy, not just updating the runway models in real time but also posting live photos of celebrities and their outfits in the front row.

To Bruce's right sat a lady with golden bobbed hair, a face not quite familiar to the media but still recognizable to Bruce—Anna Wintou, Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, also a Dame, having been awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Dame Wintou," Bruce greeted her, joking modestly. "To be honest, I'm a bit nervous. I hope my attire isn't dreadful enough to make you leave."

Anna Wintou, an undoubted influencer, had designers delay shows for her late arrival, reflecting her esteemed status in the fashion world.

"Of course not, Bruce." Anna Wintou clearly recognized him. Although time had left its mark on her face, it couldn't conceal her captivating aura.

"With your appearance, anything you wear becomes fashionable." She smiled appreciatively, her eyes crinkling gently, far from the notorious ice queen image.

"Flattered to receive such high praise," Bruce responded, reciprocating the compliment.

"No, Bruce, I'm serious. How about a photo shoot for my magazine? I could reserve a cover issue just for you," Anna Wintou offered, her professional gaze scrutinizing Bruce, clearly more than just making polite conversation.

In her eyes, Bruce's handsome face and perfect physique were true gems, his deep gaze and extraordinary aura enough to support a high-quality fashion spread, even without his fame.

"If time permits, I'll seriously consider it," Bruce replied earnestly.

Vogue, established in 1892, is a revered fashion magazine globally, dubbed the "Fashion Bible" in the United States. Gracing its cover are only top models and major celebrities, not just any star, lest they face the wrath of Vogue's loyal fanbase. Receiving a personal invitation from Anna Wintou was indeed an honor.

"Great, Bruce, please make sure to contact me. I'll reserve the space for you," Anna Wintou said, genuinely delighted. True fashion enthusiasts like her, upon seeing Bruce, felt like they'd discovered exquisite uncut jade, ready to invest wholeheartedly in creating a perfect piece.

As the show was about to start, the venue buzzed with final preparations. Yet, Anna continued to engage Bruce in fashion talk. He listened patiently, never pretending or faking knowledge, and his occasional remarks or interjections shone brightly, making their conversation unexpectedly harmonious. Anna even exchanged contact details with him willingly.

Photographers had secured their spots, ready for action—not just the tabloid journalists but also the front-row personality photographers and fashion photographers.

And as the demand for live streaming and online video clips grew, so did the number of videographers at Fashion Week. They captured not just the runway scenes but also the atmosphere of the event, including celebrities like Bruce, who also meticulously dressed for the occasion, maintaining a poised demeanor at all times.

Some might find it tiresome, but for celebrities, this exposure is essential, and to some extent, they even enjoy the process.

New York Fashion Week is like a giant sphere of light, drawing in known and unknown figures from all directions. Whether chasing fashion or exposure, no one wants to miss this grand event. Beyond the designers' collections and runway shows, Fashion Week itself is a grand spectacle.