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

[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."

[souls_of_roles]

"But... I'm just... me..." she said, startled out of the Kyokoverse. "I'm not special like my characters..."

[papillion_de_resistance]

"It's not a costume for a character," he said. "It's a real dress, for a real young lady. One who's creative, energetic, and clearly determined to do her very best in whatever she sets her mind to. Namely you, Kyoko."

[souls_of_roles]

Creative and energetic and determined. But... not beautiful. Not attractive. And even the things he did give her credit for... were wrong. At least som of them. "I'm not creative, it's just scripts." And real young lady sounded too much like rich young lady... and she very much wasn't.

"Maybe you're thinking of someone else?"

[papillion_de_resistance]

Yeah, sorry Kyoko; no way was he calling someone young enough to be his daughter 'attractive' in this context. That was highly unprofessional and could easily come off as creepy, even with the best of intentions.

"Not creative?", he said, surprised. "When you can make such high quality and detailed dolls? And in general, when you put so much thought and care into everything you make? That takes quite a lot of creativity. And while most anyone can read a script, being able to act, to create a character and move people is something else entirely. My wife was an actress, so I ought to know."

"You are immensely creative young lady. And versatile as well, given the number of things you said you might be asked to do as a talento. Anyone who says otherwise clearly doesn't know what they're talking about."

[souls_of_roles]

"but the dolls are just... just curse dolls. And I copy what they're wearing from a magazine. I can't com up with anything like that myself." Well, there was Princess Rosa's cage, but that was due to the magic of Princess Rosa, she was sure.

"And I'm still just learning how to create a character. I still don't always do it right, and it takes me a while...."

She was flushing. And looking down at her feet.

[papillion_de_resistance]

"You talk as if being able to recreate an outfit in miniature from a single image in a magazine is easy," he said. "And regardless of their purpose, dollmaking itself takes a great deal of skill. Anyone can see how much work and care you put into what you make."

"As for creating a character, I have it on good authority that even seasoned professionals struggle with it sometimes. It's a skill that requires practice to develop it, like any other, but part of it also depends on the script and the particular part you're being asked to play. Some character's mindsets are likely going to be easier to settle into than others."

[souls_of_roles]

"But making the outfits isn't creative, it's copying. A fax machine can do that. As for acting... My sensei said that if I can only play roles I like, or that are easy... that I'll become a daikon that can't even be a daikon! I don't want to shrivel up just because I'm broken and empty!" she said, desperate; apparently expecting him to follow all of that.

[papillion_de_resistance]

Some of it he followed. The rest of it, however, left him puzzled. "...It may be just the translation at work, but I don't really understand the metaphor your sensei was going for," he said.

"Regardless, I would argue that being able to create whole garments, even- or perhaps especially miniature ones- from a single image in a magazine requires a great deal more creativity than most sewing projects. Usually, when someone is sewing a garment they're working from a pattern. Even professional designers; the only difference being that we often draw up the patterns ourselves rather than buying them. A pattern shows detailed instructions for how to cut each piece of fabric and often instructions for how to stitch together and assemble the finished piece. That's far more information than could be gotten from a single image in a magazine, which only shows the finished garment from one angle, and provides no instructions on how to cut, sew, or finish it. The fact that you can recreate a garment with the level of detail that you do with such minimal information shows that you're not only highly creative, but you have significant technical skill as well."

"In fact, if your career in show business doesn't pan out, I'd suggest looking into working in fashion. You'd still need some professional training of course, but an eye for detail and impeccable work ethic like yours would be an asset to any designer or brand."

[souls_of_roles]

"But that's not creative. Technical sure, but it is just math, isn't it? And... it has to be Show business. I have to have my revenge!" And besides... it is the only thing that has helped her fill the part of her that was missing...

[papillion_de_resistance]

He really wasn't getting through, was he? Perhaps a different approach. "If it was just math, my parents likely would have been much happier with me pursuing it," he said with a bit of a sigh. "But tell me, Kyoko, what would make a sewing project an expression of creativity rather than technical skill in your eyes?"

He's not touching the bit about showbusiness and revenge just then. There was clearly a story there, but he didn't want to get off track.

[souls_of_roles]

She was shaken out of her thoughts back to the conversation by his question. "Probably by coming up with something completely new..."