Dress Big | Claire Organa

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi Fortan had met [member="Claire Organa"] at the Bespin summit. It had turned out rather a success, and the attendant contracts, ground-breakings, and ribbon-cuttings had left her rather busy, so it was a few weeks before she had been in touch with Claire to arrange a consultation and fitting. Sioux Chambers had arranged it all rather efficiently, and just before the time Claire was to arrive, Sioux oversaw the laying of tea, tea sandwiches, and small cakes in the traditional Galidraani fashion. Sioux had also arranged for a range of seamstress' tools to be present, including a small platform and tri-fold mirror. Natasi had wanted to err on the side of over-preparing than having Claire come all this way and not have whatever she needed. She had sent a team of strapping young interns to carry whatever she had traveled with, and arranged a suite of rooms at the best hotel in the new capital city.

Natasi was determined not to miss any more work than was necessary, and so she was reviewing some official correspondence as she awaited her guest's arrival. Natasi had instructed that everything go perfectly well. She wanted Claire to be impressed, to open her up to the possibility of opening a satellite of Contessa in First Order Space, and so she would be given an aerial tour, on the way from the spaceport, of the most beautiful parts of the city before arriving at the capital building.

To tell the truth, Natasi was rather excited. She had never been good at buying off the rack, but she hadn't had a proper fitting since she began in the First Order. But a new wardrobe was in order. She felt that her current collection was a little... frumpy, perhaps. While her professional image was enjoying a resurgence of popularity like she had never known, her personal confidence had taken a beating recently -- almost to the point of dying altogether. She believed a little treat in the form of a new wardrobe might do something to lift her spirits and her confidence. So while she worked, she allowed her mind to wander to beautiful, well-made clothes and shoes and jewelry.

She let out a wistful sigh. It was almost like the old days.

 

[Claire Organa]

Claire was mesmerized looking out "this is amazing" she had not been able to see much before but this time she saw it all. She just didn't know what to think of it all. She had her portfolio laying next to her she had been thinking about [member="Natasi Fortan"] since their meeting. She understood that the Moff needed to present a very specific image, but at the same time Claire wanted her to have something that made her feel good.

Additionally with her work with phiridium, shimmersilk, and shell spider silk she could have something created that would give her some protection, not a lot vibro blades and blaster bolt at least it was something.

She was also working on the suits for her other client, he was a very interesting individual she had quite enjoyed their time together.

Anyhow Natasi needed a fresh look for her personal life, and perhaps her professional life.

Even though Claire still wasn't sure exactly what the First Order was all about, [member="Marzena Choi"] seemed quite certain of them. Claire suspected that they would ask her about setting up a store. And she might. Just might.

She would be arriving in just a few minutes, so she cleared her head and put on her business designer hat.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

When Sioux ushered Claire into Natasi's office, the Moff looked up from her work and smiled broadly at her visitor. "Ms. Organa, how delightful to see you again. Won't you come in?" Natasi took her glasses off and set them on her desk, then cleared her papers up, sticking them in a portfolio and depositing it in a desk drawer. She rounded her desk and extended a hand in greeting to the fashion executive. "Welcome to Dosuun. I hope you had a pleasant journey." She finished shaking Claire's hand and then invited her to come in and make herself comfortable.

"I've got tea ready to brew, if that's what you care for," Natasi said, gesturing to the sideboard. "But there's also coffee and water and if you care for something stronger, that can be arranged, too," she said confidentially. Natasi went over to the conversation area and spread her hands. "Have a seat if you like. Thank you so much for coming all this way. I'm afraid I couldn't justify taking the time off work for personal travel, what with everything that's going on, so your offer to come here was very much appreciated and convenient."

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Claire smiled, "OH this is perfect Moff Fortan I enjoyed the trip and to see something new is always an inspiration. Tea is fine keeps me from drawing zig zag lines." Claire made herself comfortable smoothing her clothing and making sure she presented herself professionally.

"thank you for allowing me to come and for allowing me to talk to you about what I can do for your wardrobe" She put her portfolio on the table next to her, "i've been adding some new materials to my line since we last talked, something that actually provides a little security to clothing. Have you heard of shell spider silk?"

She took the offered cup of tea sipping it carefully it was hot just how she liked and strong. She could feel the trip floating away and now she could be herself. She had some ideas for the Moff and wondered how she would receive them.

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi poured [member="Claire Organa"] a cup of tea and one for herself, then carried the tray over to where they would sit. "I'm glad to hear you say that," she said with a smirk. "I'm not sure how I'd look in zig-zag lines. I rather think ... probably not good," she finished, lifting Claire's teacup and saucer off the tray and handing it over to her. There was cream and sugar on the tray, as well as honey and lemon and small little cakes and sandwiches.

"I'm afraid I'm not familiar with shell spider silk," Natasi said, suppressing a shudder. She knew how silk was produced, but she had always managed to put it out of her mind when it came to donning a silk garment. "But I..." She fell silent and looked over the rim of her teacup at Claire, smiling shyly. She had put an alert out for Contessa, and had read about their newfangled armored weaves. "I hope you don't think I've been keeping tabs on you, but [member="Marzena Choi"] spoke so favorably of your creations, and you made such an impression on me at the Bespin summit that I wanted to know more. I've been following the creation of your armored weave with interest. It looks a little avant garde for my tastes, but -- it's certainly a revolutionary concept."

The Moff took a sip of her tea and set it down in the saucer. "How is it your consultations usually work?"

 

[Claire Organa]

"You haven't seen this though, the shell spider silk is able to be dyed, it flows and mixed with shimmer silk it sparkles, and has strength."

Claire smiled though "so your checking my pieces out coutour pieces for the fall show if anyone buys them I'll be surprised. But I can make you a sleeveless suit the is subdued gold or in black or blue or green and this silk can deflect a vibro blade and blaster bolt just don't get hit with a hammer or blown up it will not protect you."

"So tell me what you like. Colors. Styles. I will look through my book of styles, and have what you want tailored to you. It's all about the fit when it comes to women's clothes."

Claire sipped her drink, "we go completely original and design 5 outfits. Two for office, one for going out, one for casual, and one for the ball"

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi pressed her lips together thoughtfully. "How interesting. Well, if it can be made into clothing that wouldn't be very conspicuous, I suppose it is something worth exploring," she said after a moment, her dark eyes rolling to the side as she considered it. Indeed, it would be helpful, as Natasi seemed to get in trouble rather a lot these days. When it came time to discuss the colors and styles that she liked, Natasi stiffened a little bit. "I'm afraid I might not be that entertaining to design for," she confessed, lifting her tea to her lips to take a sip. "Not as entertaining as -- " Her voice dropped off; she had been about to indulge a spot of cattiness. " -- well, some others, anyway."

She set her teacup down and spread her hands. "I am an Equilibriate, and I was born and raised on Galidraan. As a result of this, I prefer my clothes in black, white, and grey, or dark jewel tones -- navy, or dark crimson, or dark emerald. Nothing bright or flash. I like conservative cuts that flatter my figure." She stood and looked down herself, frowning slightly. She was not was voluptuous as much as boyish, with only a slight swell at her breasts and hips, and long, tapering limb. "I will never be the type, I'm afraid, to prefer anything very low cut or skirts way above the knee. I am modest by nature -- that must sound odd coming from a woman who speaks to crowds for a living," she added with a chuckle.

There was an awkward silence for a long moment and Natasi studied her reflection in the mirror. She thought she looked all right, but apparently she hadn't. What was wrong with her, that she couldn't find a partner? Was it her figure? Was it her style? Was it the way she wore her hair, or the jewelry she wore, or the shoes? Or was it her personality that kept her apartment empty and her bed cold? She canted her head to the side and then looked at [member="Claire Organa"] in the reflection of the mirror. "I don't know, Ms. Organa," she finally confessed. "Am I just hideously boring? What do you think I should wear? Am I doing it all wrong?

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

Claire saw the frown, "don't frown if you don't like what you see we change it. You like jewel tones, when I think jewels I see reds, green, white, gold, sapphires but you also have a position that we need to dress you for. "

Claire laid down her data pad, and brought out her stylus, "Ok...lets play with a few things and see your reaction. You have a great figure we can do a lot with it." Claire was going to show her some things and watch her reactions, "now remember no one is here but you and I and we can do anything and no one needs to know."

Claire walked over to where the Moff stood and took out a scanner, sh would scan the Moff's body for her holo and then dress the holo, this way the Moff could see exactly what she looked like. Claire had some ideas to keep the cuts clean, but also to show her some outrageous stuff to just for fun. "Every play dress up growing up?" A lot of girls had.

Claire played with the scanner and the datapad, then interfaced them, sitting down. "Come sit with me it will be easier and you might feel more relaxed" And away from the mirror looking at the things that made her frown.

The first thing Claire did was bring up the Moff in a number that accentuated the body a lot, just to see what she thought, "Look at this" While she watched her face she also would ask her a few questions, "Do you mind if I ask some questions and get to know you?"

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi smiled faintly at her reflection as [member="Claire Organa"] asked about playing dress up. "Oh -- yes, of course, doesn't everyone?" she said, turning to look at Claire. "I remember -- we used to make Maman's ladies' maid, Cruikshank, very cross. We -- I mean, my cousin Imogen and I -- we would go through Maman's closet. She had the most beautiful things. Oh, the tea dresses and the evening gowns. We looked ridiclous -- at least until I was old enough to fit them properly. Maman was trim but not as tall as I, so it was a short window. But she was always relentlessly well-dressed. But she was always better-suited to bright colors than I." She sighed wistfully and closed her eyes.

"I can still see her jewelry case. Oh, we weren't allowed to go there, even Maman could not have stopped Cruikshank's wrath if we did. But sometimes on special occasions she would let me wear -- oh, a brooch here, a bracelet there. They were priceless family heirlooms. I'll inherit them." She hesitated, then sighed. "Or... probably not. They're part of my dowry, which I'll only inherit once I've been married." So -- never, she added to herself glumly.

She returned to her seat next to Claire and took the datapad, looking down onto the screen, then quickly handed it back. "Oh dear, I could never wear anything -- I mean, look how form-fitting those leggings are," she said, eyebrows shooting up. "And I'm afraid that... top? ...is a little busy for my tastes. I'm so sorry." Natasi felt rather embarrassed to be shooting down the first item to be displayed. "Of course -- on the assumption that we're entirely off the record and confidential, you can ask anything you'd like."

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

Claire did not take anything that the Moff said as personal or as outright refusal, for her this was the way to find out what really drove the woman's heart for what she wore, and how she projected. Even Claire had to admit this outfit was a bit more for playing than serious business, or casual for someone of the standings of the Moff.

"Anything I want, and yes we have confidentiality between us, nothing said here goes anywhere. You'd be surprised I've signed a few of those agreements because well with women some don't want anyone to know the size of their waist, other the decor of their office. So it's all good" She listened as she told the story about dressing up, "I remember always trying on my mother ear rings, she had this one pair that I loved...I loved it so much..well" She looked sheepishly at Moff Fortan, "I lost one" And that was a spanking she hadn't forgotten, they never did find the other.

Claire was working she had 6 designs specifically with Natasi in mind, "do you mind if I call you by your first name?" she smiled looking over at her as her fingers worked the program. This was fun and this she enjoyed.

She was playing with color on the next dress. She turned the holo slight and presented her next design, and waited to know it was ok to call the Moff by her first name.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Oh," Natasi said, slightly taken aback by Claire's request. It had been so long since anyone had, she almost forgot that she had a first name. I need to get out more. Or die. Both were equally appealing options to Natasi. "Ms. Organa -- " She smiled tightly. " -- where I come from, there is a special friendship between a woman and her dressmaker. It is almost sacred. The dressmaker knows things about a lady that her family doesn't. The dressmaker knows a lady's body better than her husband. The dressmaker must know what colors work, what cuts flatter -- those special things that transform a woman's figure in a nice outfit into a work of art." She paused and looked a little abashed. "This is all by way of saying, we should be on a first-name basis if I'm going to trust you to send me out into the world properly clothed."

Natasi took the datapad from [member="Claire Organa"] and examined it closely. Her eyebrows furrowed thoughtfully. "You know... I rather like the cut of this. It's... youthful," she decided, after a moment of groping for the right word. "I don't care for the color, and I find some of the detailing to be a little too... involved for my tastes. And I would prefer something more symmetrical," she said quietly, gesturing to the seemingly asymmetrical top. "And a simpler belt. I don't know, am I being awfully picky? I just feel that I would look -- and feel -- out of place in something like that."

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

"that's right I will know more about you than any man or woman." She grinned an attempt to tease her not put her on her guard. "I won't tell a soul, and as far as I know I don't talk in my sleep" Course she wasn't involved with anyone enough to..do that.so..well. yeah, anyhow.

Claire smiled, "no not picky at all it's your body, its what you project, what you want others to see or assume. I've adopted too much of Alderaan into my work, I've grown to love the flow and ease but I also have to consider the weaves, and fabrics we use when designing. While we can use many different things sometimes it will make the clothes look, harsh, unforgiving, and inflexible."

She listened more than anything the one skill that the galaxy seemed to be losing, actually listen to what was said, not assume, "Well then I'm Claire not Ms Organa, and you know you're not old even though you have a high level position. You can drive what others wear from your position, if Natasi Fortan can wear it so can I" Claire smiled as she took the datapad back,

"Let's keep this one though, we can alter the color, and it might be a fun piece" She smiled again, "asymetrical on top huh" It sounded like she didn't want to show shape, hmm, well female curves. hmmm. She wanted to see how she would react to another design.

"So, any plans to get married in the future? Wedding dresses are a big deal, or how about another conference?" Claire had seen something a few weeks back not her design by another, she could just find it the problem was the woman tended to stick to black all the time, and Claire didn't want to dress Natasi in just black. She wanted some of the woman's personality to come out, the child who played dress up.

She waited as she looked for just the right design.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi glanced down into her teacup when Claire asked her about her wedding plans. "I think every little girl plans to get married, someday," Natasi said, her voice suddenly husky. She set her teacup down with a very un-Natasi-like clatter and stood up, pacing to the window, facing away from Claire. She put a hand over her mouth as she felt her face crumple. This was not the time. She inhaled sharply to steady herself, and continued, her voice still gravelly. "But I think as one grows up one realizes that what one thought as a little girl often doesn't come to a pass. As it turns out, not everyone gets their prince charming. So -- the long story short is, I don't foresee an immediate need for a wedding gown." She stared out at Avalonia, stretching out as far as she could see, as far as the horizon and beyond, until it blurred into a jagged line.

Avalonia -- her child, her legacy, her gift to the world. And it was magnificent. She took comfort from it.

"I may need something... something special," she murmured, swallowing audibly afterwards as she waited to see if she indeed had herself under control. Finally, she turned back to [member="Claire Organa"]. "Perhaps a pair. In case I'm ever promoted. I'd like something that speaks to the power of the First Order, but nothing too flashy or self-aggrandizing. It has to be notable without making me look like some sort of power-hungry jezebel. This should be along the lines of a day dress or suit. And I will need an evening gown that makes the same sort of statement. Humble, but not too humble. Do you understand what I mean? It's difficult to explain in words." She smiled apologetically and walked back over to Claire.

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Natasi Fortan"]​

​

OH, Claire saw she was struggling, what to do???!!! Claire reached over and put an assuring hand on Natasi's arm. "Yeah there aren't many Prince Charmings out there. And usually the Princesses of the galaxy get them first." The men in her life just kept disappearing Trevor was gone again some retreat, and Viktor was gone, even Elijah who she tried to reach out for...yeah gone.

She took a deep breath, "So, a dress, how do you feel about pants suits?" There were fabrics and styles galore to choose from. Right now Claire needed to refocus on Natasi and what was needed by her to present this dazzling image that Claire wanted them to see.

And maybe get her to break out in one thing that she wouldn't normally wear, that little black dress maybe, with heels and color...maybe..

"MY Queen wants to set up a marriage of alliance for me. Think of that marry a stranger.." She smiled and thumbed through..

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"No," Natasi agreed. "There are no charming princes anymore. Just... men of varying degrees of charm and intelligence and... and loyalty." This last word was added through clenched teeth, almost under her breath. She turned back to [member="Claire Organa"], trying to put on a pleasant face. "But enough about that." She smiled broadly and returned to the sofa. Her fingers smoothed the fabric of her skirt anxiously as she watched Claire, trying to figure out what was going on in the designer's head.

"It depends on the pantsuit, I guess," Natasi murmured thoughtfully. "Nothing too masculine, or too feminine. It shouldn't be completely out of the aesthetic of the First Order uniform -- dark, structured, symmetrical, neat. I can provide samples if you like. As Moff I have some autonomy in that regard, but I don't want to rock the boat too much, you understand."

When she described marrying a stranger, Natasi nodded. "This is how it's done on Galidraan, in my class. Parents arrange matches for children, usually, unless the parent has died. Then whoever the ranking member of the family does it. It's not a hard and fast rule but it's rather customary." The Moff looked down into her hands and sighed. "Perhaps it's better that way. At least then there's no tease at happiness and love. You go into it knowing you're stuck with what you'll get."

 

[Claire Organa]

Oh she understood now someone had been disloyal to her, she frowned that had to be hard to handle. "I'm sorry Natasi, truly" she couldn't help but allow her nature to come out. She kept looking though.

"Natasi, you don't work all the time you have to have something that says, HI I'm Natasi " Claire had seen a lot of women go through this same trend they needed to look put together but they seem to never know when they weren't working.

"You know...dinner with the friends, folks who aren't working, and like you the way you are" Claire pulled up something we can change the color because you need something that doesn't make you look washed out, but this style feminine, fitted, not very revealing, its not boxy, your body is not a box Natasi." Claire adjusted the angle some.

She looked at the dress she had on the opposite screen, "This dress is also fitted to your body, I don't like the frufru on the belt. So. Either would be good for dinner out..or mingling at a fashion show. Course now... this one it is what you wear on a date with a disloyal man, shows him exactly what he is going to be missing." Claire smiled some of this was really to get Natasi's to laugh.

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi's eyebrows rose at the pantsuit. "I -- actually, I really like that," she said, pointing at the pantsuit. "Would it be possible to get that in black? Perhaps with a white belt? Or -- ooh, a silver belt? And the cape -- maybe black on the back and red on the inside. I think that would look rather commanding, don't you?" She admired the picture for a few more moments until Claire mentioned that her body was not a box. "No, I agree," she said. "It's just... well, you can see. Straight, almost. I can't seem to buy a set of hips, so I'm stuck with what I've got. Thank goodness I'm slim or I'd look like a holoball linebacker." She gave a self-deprecating laugh and shifted in her seat to watch Claire's actions.

"I like that," Natasi murmured about the gold dress. "I'm not wild about the jacket. Seems a little... boxy. Which we just said we'd like to avoid, right? As for this," she said, laughing at the revealing yellow and gold concoction that [member="Claire Organa"] showed her, "I'm not sure something like that should be legal. That is a traffic pile-up waiting to happen."

 

[Claire Organa]

"Oh Natasi that dress is meant to be illegal, it's meant to stop traffic. See this" Claire turned it slightly, it showed a bunch of leg, and the cowling which may have looked like a jacket just gave the dress layers so that the bust line didn't show but that the neckline would be bare to draw the eye.

"This is a revenge dress. The belted look at the waist gives you curves, the flow of the fabric makes you look soft inviting, and the exposure is just enough that it makes someone want to touch you in the most intimate of ways. And heels are just down right sexy they make your legs look long and work your gluteus maximus to perfection. We can use what was given to you to your advantage Natasi, there are ways"

She smiled, "and yes we can make that pant suit into whatever colors you want." So she assumed the colors of the First Order were black and red. "There's even room for something on the shoulder, some memento of appreciation for services rendered." She imagined Natasi had something that was a symbol of her office that could go there too.

"So one pant suit, one revenge dress on me, what else can I get for you?"

[member="Natasi Fortan"]