Chapter 25
The conclusion of Men’s Fashion Week marked the end of my temporary contract as Comms Assistant and working with August.
After finalising the completion reports and sending them off to the team, I officially went back to working in the Main Studio with Pollux and Estelle.
Thankfully, I was able to catch up as they both briefed me on everything I’ve missed and provided updates on upcoming collections.
For the next couple of weeks, encounters with August have been far and few between and I saw very little of him since I no longer worked under his supervision. His office being located on the fourth floor meant our paths rarely ever crossed either.
It’s amusingly contradictory now, how I found myself wanting to be more and more in his presence.
I’m in the middle of doing my usual morning tasks of reading up on news in the industry and responding to emails when Estelle walks into the studio, tablet in hand and a mug of coffee in the other.
“Holmes has been contacted by a high-profile client,” She says in greeting as she powers up the computer on her desk.
“Oh?”
I peer over to Estelle and rise from my swivel chair.
“They want us to design a line of suits tailored for special occasions and festive celebrations for a royal clientele,” She expands as I approach her desk. “Regalwear.”
“Regalwear?” I echo, the concept new to me.
“Haute couture for aristocracy, if you will.” Estelle nods. “Patent pending by Vante.”
I sift through my knowledge of anything regalwear.
I’ve known of royal attire of course. Clothes designed and custom-tailored to fit the unique style and preferences of the individual royal, with garments typically made of luxurious materials and also incorporated specific symbols or designs associated with monarchy.
“The clients wanting to work with us are the Royals of Toussaint. It’s a small country by the borders of Europe and the Mediterranean,” She explains. “Have you heard of them before?”
I tilt my head as I try to recall where I’ve encountered the name previously.
“Did MODUE include them in an article about the Royal Bachelors of Europe?” I ask.
Estelle nods in reply. “Yes, both Prince Elias and Prince Tobias were featured before Prince Elias’ engagement.”
Gigi’s mention of the article comes to the forefront of my mind and I vaguely recall the details of both heirs in line to the Toussaint crown.
“Vante usually takes on any projects requested by the Toussaint royals,” Estelle continues. “They’ve had a longstanding relationship that dates back to King Theron and Sir Leverett Vante.”
My eyes widen as I turn to Estelle.
“The Leverett Vante?” I gape. “As in the founder of Vante Atelier?”
“Cedric’s grandfather, yes.”
I sit in amazement.
That makes August his great-grandson.
The history of Vante Atelier is rich. A local tailoring business turned global fashion empire. Vante has a legacy of over 100 years, the fashion lineage extending as far as the late 1800s. One of the case studies at LIFT focused entirely on the empire created by a young Parisian tailor named Leverett Arsène Vante in 1881. Vante is essentially the founding father of fashion.
“Often it’s been under the radar,” Estelle continues. “Toussaint isn’t one to exclaim from the parapets, so to speak. But shifts are occurring in the way public affairs are being managed by the royal institution, hence why there’s been a consistent stream of news and engagements being done internationally.”
I contemplate Holmes’ struggle to hold its territory, how it’s barely out of the fashion trenches, and whether forming a coalition with the company is the best tactic for the other party involved.
“Cedric believes it would be advantageous for the brand to spearhead the project as an inauguration for clientele work since Vante’s acquisition,” Estelle says, as if reading my thoughts. “Holmes’ comeback collection during fashion week was successful. But we need a steady traction of good designs and good press.”
“So our design team would be taking on the project?”
“Half of us,” She replies.
I blink in surprise. “We’re hiring more people?”
“Not at the moment,” She shakes her head. “We need to make do with the team we have. Pollux and I have already discussed that our main focus would be prioritising the core collection. He’s very intent on seeing through and completing the work for next season since he’s been involved with it from the beginning. Less disruption with the workflow.”
I nod in understanding.
“Having said that we did consider you a more appropriate fit for what’s being requested by the Royals of Toussaint.”
My eyebrows knit together in confusion.
“Your Disney Princes collection that went viral last year,” Estelle mentions.
“My final major project at uni?” I blink.
Estelle hums, her attention back on the computer as she types away on the keyboard.
All things considered, it makes sense. The silhouettes of the collection are based on the traditional tailoring of men’s royal attire with pattern variations for contemporary blazers and trousers. However, the scale of my university project is minor in comparison to the quality of production that Holmes and Vante generate.
“Would you be able to bring your Disney Princes’ portfolio on Monday? I’d like to have a proper look and further discuss it with the staff at the Royals of Toussaint’s communication office.”
“Of course.” I nod.
“And if it all goes well, I’d like for you to be the supporting designer for the project.”
My mouth drops at the proposition.
“For the regalwear collection?” I ask skeptically.
“The Holmes collaboration with Toussaint, yes.” She nods. “Pollux and I are still available to assist in whatever capacity needed of us but dividing the work is our best course of action until we’ve recruited additional designers.”
Excitement surges in my chest, a warm buzz coursing throughout my entire body at the prospect of working on such a high-profile project.
“So, what are your thoughts?” Estelle turns her attention back to me.
“Yes,” I beam, trying to contain my enthusiasm. “That would be an amazing opportunity, I would love to.”
“Perfect.” Estelle smiles warmly at me, further elaborating, “You’ll be assisting the Lead Designer.”
The distant whirring of the printer in the corner of the room catches my attention and I watch as Estelle walks over to retrieve some documents. She hands me a sheet of paper with information about the client details and the project overview.
The Royals of Toussaint Regalwear Collection.In Collaboration with Holmes London.
I blink at the name under the title of Lead Designer.
Sebastian Holmes.