We Can Make A Dress So Pretty

[papillion_de_resistance]

Who: Gabriel and anyone, but especially those who'll be participating in his fashion show (Open with one closed prompt)
Where: The Auradon prep Home Ec room
When: A few days after the holiday party
What: Taking final measurements for those in the fashion show, general socializing with the awkward fashion nerd for others
Warnings: Shouldn't be any besides maybe some feels? Will add more if need be.

Final Measurement Appointments

Most of those in Auradon would know Gabriel as being a bit awkward, but those who visited the Home Ec room today would find him in his element. A tantalizing glimpse of a rack of partly finished dresses- and one child-sized suit- could be seen peeking through the gaps of a curtained off area, while finalized design sketches of the same outfits decorated the bulletin board. Meanwhile Gabriel stood ready with measuring tape and notebook as well as a sturdy step stool for those who were on the shorter side as he awaited his prospective models.

Any knocks on the door during the expected timeframe would be met with a warm smile. "Ah, welcome," he said. "Please, come in and we'll get started."

Wonder Twins?- Closed to Nagihiko

Gabriel smiled down at Nagihiko. "I'm glad you were willing to help out," he said. "I understand why the situation would feel a bit awkward to your sister, but thankfully at this age there shouldn't be too much difference between the two of you." That would all change once puberty happened of course, but for now, one twin's measurements should suffice for both. He may have to do a few quick stitches for Nadeshiko on the day, but that would be a simple matter. "If you could take off your hoodie and any other bulky clothing, we'll begin."

General Socializing

Measurements taken, Gabriel could be found hard at work, finishing up the outfits for his new line. Whether tightening up the waistline just so, adjusting the length of a hem, or letting out the sleeves just a bit, he'd do his best to make certain every detail was perfect. Agreste originals demanded nothing less. But that didn't mean he would be especially averse to visitors. And honestly it may be a good idea for someone to poke in on him from time to time, lest he miss a meal or two.

Comments

[papillion_de_resistance]

Gabriel smiled. "Please step over here," he said directing her where to stand. "And while I'm glad you're excited, you'll need to keep relatively still while I'm working so I can get accurate measurements." He couldn't exactly measure while she was bouncing like that after all.

[souls_of_roles]

"Right! Yes! Sorry! Stiff and still!" she put her arms stiffly to the sides and stood like a frozen statue.

[papillion_de_resistance]

He chuckled. "You don't have to be quite that still," he said. "I'm guessing you've never had measurements taken like this before?"

[souls_of_roles]

"I have," she said, still... well... still. "On the Dark Moon set we had some tailored outfits."

[papillion_de_resistance]

"Ah, you're an actress then?", he said. "In any case, there's no need to stand so stiffly; you're not being fitted for a military uniform, after all."

[souls_of_roles]

"I wouldn't be so shameless as to call myself an actress. I'm still just a talento who is just starting out..." she said, embarrassed.

[papillion_de_resistance]

"Every great artist was a beginner at one point," he said. "You shouldn't sell yourself short just because you lack experience. Though I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the term 'talento'; what does it mean exactly?"

[souls_of_roles]

"Talento... it's kind of..." how to explain it when she didn't really know the term herself until recently...? "We do whatever the agency needs. So it isn't always acting." the Love Me Section made extra sure of that. "So we were asked to do filler work one time." That landed her the gig as Bo, but no way she was admitting to that. "I've done domine work, and I could be put on a quiz show or a comedy show or asked to model. Not that someone as plain and ugly as me ever would be asked to model," she added bitterly as pain and rage and fury filled her; as if she could hear that stupid idiot whispering the words in her ear.

She lost control for a moment, almost seeing him on the ground before her, and started smashing her foot down, trying to squash him like the bug he was.

[papillion_de_resistance]

That was a bit... odd. And somewhat out of nowhere. He wondered who or what the girl was imagining herself stomping on that inspired such fury? Regardless, they needed to get back on track. He cleared his throat a bit to get her attention. "I'm asking you to model, in case you've forgotten," he said. "And I'd hardly call you ugly or plain. You're a perfectly charming young girl, and your red hair is actually the inspiration for the title of the piece you'll be modeling, Fire and Water."

[souls_of_roles]

She looked at him, shocked. Just deer in the headlights for a long moment. "But... that's because you have so few choices here..." she said, slowly. Though her emotions seemed to be completely shut off at the moment.

[papillion_de_resistance]

"While it's unlikely to be referred to me under normal circumstances- if only because we live in different parts of the world, not to mention different actual worlds-, you can rest assured I wouldn't have asked you to model for me if I didn't think you'd be a good fit." Abruptly, he realized just what he said and smiled a bit sheepishly. "Er, pun not intended."

"It's true that you currently lack experience, and equally true that there's no shortcut to changing that. But you shouldn't sell yourself short just because of that. Kindly don't spread this around, but my first professional commission was making a banana costume for a then largely unknown stand-up comedian, and now I'm a world-famous designer. It takes a great deal of work, and as with any artistic profession there are no guarantees. But you have far more going for you than you think."

"If you're still concerned though, I can give you a few pointers on modeling. Different designers and photographers look for different things, but there are some general rules that can be helpful."

[souls_of_roles]

"I did get one lesson... Well and a little at the acting school... But I'll happily learn more."

[papillion_de_resistance]

"Always good attitude to have," he said. "And speaking of attitude, that's the first rule; clothing and makeup are only part of an overall look, especially for a model. You have to think about what kind of attitude you're trying to project. On the runway, models usually try to project an air of aloof confidence, but I tend to prefer something a bit more natural, especially for someone your age."

"And of course when it comes to photoshoots, there are other factors to consider. The type of clothing being modeled informs what you might want to project, as well as the situation. A close-fitting evening gown would call for a much different attitude than a simple sundress, for example. And your attitude off-camera matters as well; you need to have the confidence to stand up for yourself when it's important. If a photographer is pushing you to do something potentially dangerous or that might put you in a compromising position, speak up. Go over their head if necessary. A photoshoot isn't worth risking your health or safety."

[souls_of_roles]

She nodded to the first half of that. "Mr. Tsuruga told me different kinds of models have to stand and move differently. I have been trained after someone Mr. Tsuruga really respects as a female model. I can show you, if you want. I used that for my Box R role. But isn't the photographer for a magazine model like the director for a TV show?"

[papillion_de_resistance]

"Perhaps after the fitting, since we do need to actually get that done," he said. "And regarding photographers, you're only somewhat correct. Their function on site is much the same as a film director's would be, but they have less overall authority. They're employed by the designer or brand, and decisions about the content of advertisements have to be approved by the designer or their representative. Some of this is done after the fact, but many brands, including mine, like to have a representative on site as well to make certain nothing is done that conflicts with the brand's image."

"Though the type of conflicts I was referring to before are of a more serious nature. For an example, a photographer asking you to do something that could potentially cause you physical harm, or to pose in ways that compromise your morals or make you feel unsafe. It's not good to be a diva, but there are people in this industry who will absolutely push you around or step on you if they think they can get away with it; you have to be willing to stand up for yourself when it's warranted."

[souls_of_roles]

"You have to do whatever it is for your job," she said firmly, sure this was a test. She refused to fail it. "I will do whatever I have to do to protect my role!" she assured him.

[papillion_de_resistance]

Gabriel frowned. "I don't know who it was who told you that, Kyoko, but it doesn't sound as though they had your best interests at heart," he said. "You're a human being before you're an actress or model and you deserve to have your safety and dignity respected."

[souls_of_roles]

She shook her head. "I would do anything to protect my role."

She already had. The memory chilled her, almost froze her in place.

[papillion_de_resistance]

"Kyoko," he said firmly, "it's not necessary to 'protect your role'. Not in the way you're implying. And it's certainly not necessary with me. Am I clear?"

[souls_of_roles]

She took a breath and gave a weak, wobbly smile as she rubbed the back of her head. "I'm... not actually sure how to build a role for modeling anyway...." she admitted. Then thought, a finger tapping her lips. That... could work. Maybe. But would she do it? It wouldn't be boring... so... maybe? Hmm....

[papillion_de_resistance]

He relaxed a bit as she did, gentle smile returning. "It takes some time to get a feel for it," he admitted. "Once I've finished your measurements, you can try on your dress. Even if it is a bit unfinished, perhaps it might give you a bit of inspiration."

[souls_of_roles]

She hesitated, then nodded. "Is... good posture going to be a problem?" she asked, wondering if she could pick one of her characters and channel them depending on the dress. But Mio had perfect posture, Natsu and Setsu had model posture - or at least what she learned from Mr. Tsuruga. No way she'd dip into Bo, of course. But Momiji had perfect posture... for a ninja. It was a very different way of moving and standing. Could she use the character work she already knew to make this work?

[papillion_de_resistance]

"So long as you don't try to move around too much while I'm taking my measurements, it shouldn't matter too much," he said. "Why do you ask?"

[souls_of_roles]

"I was wondering if maybe one of my characters would be better as a model than me. I know I'm..." self hatred, self disgust. "Plain and boring."

And then, of course, RAGE. Because of course she thought about stupid Shotaro! How dare he! She'd become the best ever and squash him under her boot!"

No powers were needed to follow the emotions. She might have forgotten the not moving part, given she was now squishing something that wasn't there under her heel.

[papillion_de_resistance]

There it was again, that rage and the... odd behavior that accompanied it. He merely cleared his throat to get her attention, however. "Let's start with you rather than a character," he said. "Frankly I think your genuine happiness will be a better fit for it than any acting, no matter how well done."