Haute Couture (Claire)

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena Choi delighted in going shopping for new clothes. Usually she just went home to Dargul and set about browsing her own Kingdom Mall, but today was a different story. Despite the fact that Kindgom had a great many high end luxury brands, they did not have venues that offered haute couture creations. This was the only reason that she would travel as far as Alderaan just for a dress. She had heard much buzz about Claire Organa and her brand Contessa lately, and thought that she would take this chance to meet the designer in person. A few days prior she had contacted Claire to set up an appointment, and she was due to arrive right on time... for a change.

Her career as an actress and singer required a very large and varied wardrobe. There were things in her closet for nearly every occasion, but today she shopped for a very special reason. However, if her meeting with Ms. Organa went well today, perhaps she would have a new contact for all of the special occasions that came up. After all, there were always premiers to attend and fancy galas, and she made it a point to always look high fashion.

Today Marzena was dressed ‘casually’, dark denim, darker boots with heels, a light blouse and a red trench coat. As always, she had done her makeup perfectly and completed the look with a clean sweep of eyeliner and a red lip. After her transport had set down, she made her way into the Contessa storefront.Once inside the store, her dark eyes scanned the store for a moment, taking in the fine array of fabrics and patterns on display. Even at first glance things were appearing favorable, and she could see that Claire certainly had an eye for design.

“Oh, hello?” Marzena called, spotting the figure of a woman among the dress forms. “You must be Claire. I’m Marzena Choi, I called a few days ago.” She said in a pleasant voice.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

The door chimes sounded and Claire immediately turned her appointment was right on schedule, wonderful. Putting on her best smile and extending her hand, "Yes Ms. Choi welcome to Contessa, I am Claire. I was reading your message again, so you're looking for something that is unique, for an upcoming event."

Victoria came around and offered Ms. Choi a seat, and to take her coat. Claire's sister was slowly coming around again, her grief at the loss of her parents was slowly peeling away and if anything the two young women were throwing themselves into work more often than staying home wallowing in their grief.

"Would you like a glass of wine, we have Alderaan honey wine chilled, as well as water, blue milk and something else that right now is slipping my mind" Claire was taking in the features of Ms. Choi the woman seemed to already have a sense about what worked for her and what did not, makeup was perfect, even what she wore was impeccable. The woman's tiny frame would make it easy to fit anything to her, the hang up was fabric, and color.

[member="Marzena Choi"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

“It’s lovely to finally meet you.” Marzena smiled. “I’ve heard so much about Contessa, I’m excited to see your work for myself.”

She removed her trench coat and nodded to the woman that had offered to hang it up. Long strides brought her to the chair that had been pulled out for her, and she perked her brows at Claire’s offer of beverages.

“Alderaan honey wine would be fabulous.” Marzena’s dark eyes were focused on Claire, silently sizing the woman up... She instantly noticed the other woman’s straight posture, and the makeup and hair style that seemed to say that she knew exactly what was en vogue. Marzena was of the mindset that every woman should be classy and well dressed, and she was very pleased that Claire seemed to fit that bill.

“Yes, you are correct.” She nodded. “I am looking for a couture gown, something that is breathtaking and one of a kind.”

Marzena had always been afraid of walking out onto the red carpet to find that she was in the same dress as another actress. It only fueled comparisons and those awful conversations of ‘who wore it better?’. She knew very well that couture gowns were time consuming and painstakingly difficult to create, but she was willing to pay whatever price was required.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

"Breathtaking and one of a kind" Claire repeated trying to think, "Ok" Claire smoothed her skirts and sat opposite of [member="Marzena Choi"] "I'm so glad you called and are considering Contessa"

Victoria had taken her coat and returned with the glass of wine and then disappeared until she would be needed again.

Claire smiled, "Is this your first trip to Alderaan?" Claire began making herself comfortable as she began to work in her mind the questions she needed to ask to get an idea of what would fit Ms. Choi's personality, and figure.

Claire had found that there were a great deal of visitors on Alderaan since the rebuilding took place.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena smiled at the young woman that set a pristine glass of wine down for her. "Thank you." She said with a nod, and watched as the woman disappeared around the corner. She raised the glass to her lips and took a small sip, as she listened to Claire's question. For a moment she had to stop and think, she traveled so much for her career that it was easy to lose track of where she had been.

"Yes, this is my first time here." She said with a nod. "I must say, it is quite lovely."

She let her dark eyes scan the store once more, and a pale dress caught her eye. The dress was crafted from a light fabric that looked like it would flow gracefully, and it draped in a very pleasing way. Marzena did like dresses that were definite showstoppers, but she also had a place for understated beauty. There were times when a seemingly simple dress would surely make sure that she was noticed. It was a bit of a risk to wear a gown that looked a bit bare, but it could be tastefully done, and the effect would be quite ethereal.

"I love that lavender dress." A slender finger pointed in the direction of the dress form. "I think something along those lines would be perfect."

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Claire looked at the lavender, "let's keep that one in mind, I want to also show you something other things how about some of these, do any of these appeal to you, I want you to get what you want but I also want you to make the impression that you want."

She smiled, "we can do almost anything your figure is perfect for almost any design, there are some I would avoid we don't want to hide you in layers of fabric we need to accentuate your natural curves and see if we can deceive the eye just a bit."

She waited now for Ms. Choi to look over these selections if nothing here appealed to her she would talk preparations, and then see if she wanted to walk the City or visit New Aldera. It had already been a day of adventures in the store, and Claire could use a few out of store time.

[member="Marzena Choi"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena glanced at the images provided by Claire, and paused thoughtfully upon each one. All of the dresses were beautiful, and there were many aspects of each that she liked, but there was one that stood out to her. A graceful finger came to point at one very light gown, and she looked to Claire with a smile.

"I especially like this one." She nodded and then took a sip of her wine. "Perhaps in a darker color, maybe even black."

She liked the idea of looking mysterious and sultry. During her career as a model she was used to carrying around her measurements, but as with most female models, her sizes were not true to form. It was almost customary to fudge the numbers here and there... but in this case, she wanted a dress that would fit well.

"I will provide you with my measurements, you shall find that they are... accurate" She smiled. "Unless you would prefer to take them yourself, I wouldn't mind."

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

"Oh isn't that one lovely the way the bodice the way it is designed, and the flair of the skirts, perhaps we should go with a few shades of turquoise" Claire brought out a simple color chart.

​

​

"If we use the three shades starting with the fourth one and moving to the sixth it will maintain the movement of water espiecally with how the skirts are designed, does that meet with your approval?" So far this had been easy, most of her clients were more demanding and knew less about what they wanted.

Ms. Choi knew her body, she just needed something different to adorn it with.

Could they actually go to the market square and shop? Oh that would be too lovely.

[member="Marzena Choi"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena glanced at the color chart provided by Claire, and nodded her approval. While it had been her instinct to go for black, she had to admit that she liked the idea of a dress that flowed like water. Perhaps that is why she was not a dress designer; those details were better left to the professionals.

“That sounds lovely. I will look forward to the first fitting.” She said with a nod and a smile.

She took a final sip of her wine and moved to stand, but hesitated for a moment. Now that their appointment seemed to be completed, she found herself feeling a bit hungry. Marzena had also wanted a chance to look around new Aldera before she made the trip back home.

“Are there any cafes nearby? Perhaps you can make some recommendations.” A friendly smile grew on her face as an idea struck her. “Or better yet, would you like to join me?”

With a bit of a respite from her busy schedule, it would be nice to have a chance to enjoy the company of a new friend. Especially since she knew that they shared a love of clothing, there were few that truly appreciated good design these days.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Marzena Choi"]​

​

Claire nodded, "There are several places actually do you want to eat here in Crevasse City, or do you prefer New Aldera City." Claire looked around for Victoria wanting to see if she wanted to go ever since their parents death Victoria just seemed more and more withdrawn.

"Why don't we make an appointment for one month from now, what is the date of the event?" Victoria came out Claire could see just from the look on her face she didn't want to go, "Ms. Choi and I will be going out for lunch, I don't have any other appointments can you handle the store?" Victoria nodded she could.

Claire was hesitant, "Ok..." she turned to Ms Choi, "and do you eat food, or just like...pick?"

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena’s shoulder’s lifted into a shrug, but her smile remained. “Crevasse City would be fine; I’d love to take a walk about.”

She stood up and retrieved her coat, sliding it onto her small form once again. Currently her HoloShow premier was set to happen in three months, and she hoped that would allow enough time for alterations. “We’re looking at three months from now; I hope I’ve left you enough time to work with.” She said, perking her brows hopefully. Marzena also made sure to pull her datapad out to set her appointment for one month out.

Marzena chuckled slightly at Claire’s question... she must work with a lot of models, she thought to herself. There were many times when the actress and singer would be a bit fussy about her food, hungry but not willing to eat more than a few bites. Such was the life of someone looking to keep a miniscule dress size. However, there were also times when she did let herself indulge in a fancy meal. It seemed that meals like that were few and far between, but they were often well worth the extra calories and carbs.

“Oh, today I think I could have a small meal.” She said with a nod. “Something healthy.”

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

"Excellent, let's walk then there's a place just one level up" Claire's store was on the third level and while many had vied for space on the first level she was quite content here. "It offers healthy and a few not so healthy"

"Victoria, I'll be back shortly"

Claire motioned for them to go, "There's so much to see on Alderaan you should come again, or convince a company to put on a show in New Aldera city, maybe an outside venue" Claire moved along a little slower wanting to give [member="Marzena Choi"] the chance to look at everything and see the layers there were being built here in the canyon.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena nodded at Claire’s suggestion to walk up to the next level, and she followed the designer back out of the shop. Her finely groomed brows rose slightly at Claire’s idea to bring a show to Alderaan. It wasn’t a bad idea. After all, the mountains and cliff-sides would make for a lovely backdrop.

“You know, that’s an excellent idea.” She smiled. “I will let my producer friends know.”

If a HoloDrama ever came to film in New Aldera, she would also be sure to suggest that Claire be hired on a costume designer, if she wanted the position. It would provide some extra exposure for her brand. Marzena continued on with Claire at a leisurely pace, enjoying the sights and the stunning views. The mountains in the distance were slightly silhouetted by the sun, it almost looked like a finely painted landscape.

“Have you always lived on Alderaan?” She asked, tilting her head curiously at the other woman as they neared the next level of the complex.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Claire enjoyed the walk she had chosen to put the store in New Crevasse for a few reasons, state of the art technology, a one of a kind location that drew attention just from existing, and just how beautiful it could all be in a single glance. It was one of the things about Alderaan she loved the attention to natural beauty.

She looked at [member="Marzena Choi"] just as she asked her about Alderaan, "No and for a while not many did, a few years back the Sith occupied Alderaan and vong formed it, my cousin [member="Alyesa Organa"] was able to pay someone to come in and pay to have it cleared, my other cousin [member="Arianna Organa"] said that the planet had begun to heal itself much like some of the hutt worlds either way what you see around you is new, and still changing. It's also why you see all this rebuilding."

Claire realized she had answered the question but not really, "I was on Balmorra civil unarrest in my father's generation drove him from Alderaan so I missed growing up here I think I'm making up for lost time now. Where were you born and raised?"

Claire knew her name from the holotabloids but she really didn't know anything about her as a person.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

“Ah, I see.” Marzena nodded as Claire began to provide her with more detail about Alderaan. Alyesa Organa... where had she heard that name before? She searched her memory for a moment, and then realized that Claire’s cousin was the current Crown Princess. Talk about having friends in high places... As she listened to the designer’s story, Marzena found it nice that Claire was able to return to the home world of her family. Unlike Claire, Marzena had spent the whole of her childhood living on a single world.

“I was born and raised on Dargul.” She said with a smile. “Large mansions, fancy restaurants and shopping, home to the rich.”

Despite the fact that Dargul was not part of the core worlds like Alderaan, it was a planet that many nobles, politicians and wealthy families called home. The people of Dargul were often thought of as spoiled, all of them delighting in luxurious lives... it was all very true. Marzena’s family was no different, but it was the type of life she was most accustomed to. The landscape was very different compared to the natural beauty of Alderaan, but the metropolis world was lovely nonetheless. And there was some nature there... in small stretches of estates, parks and parts of the planet that had yet to be developed.

“My family owns a large luxury mall there.” Marzena turned her gaze to Claire. “You should come visit, we may even have some space to lease, if you are interested.”

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Claire had run on a bit about not growing up on Alderaan not that it was a sore point, but she was disappointed. The world they left when her parents fled was one of privilege they went to Balmorra with nothing homeless until they got jobs and could afford a home the dark days.

But life did pick up, and life changed and now all she had were memories of that time. Her parents were both gone. "Dargul, it sounds like dream that all littles girls have, how very fortunate for you. Did your parents encourage you to go into entertainment?"

Space on Dargul, "Ohh I would love to come and take a look, I'm wanting to expand I just have to make sure the clientele are right and the budget is on course." If she could get Rhun and Dargul she would be a chain! She smiled big, "you're going to love this restaurant if you look down you can see they are already making other levels and they are expanding along the ridge. Half way down there's a tram that travels over to New Aldera City."

Claire looked around, "New Crevasse City is where a lot of the creative artists of Alderaan live"

She would give [member="Marzena Choi"] a chance to talk.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

“My parents always encouraged me to marry someone wealthy and powerful.” Marzena said with a slight laugh, but there was a hint of bitterness in her tone. “Beyond that, they let me do as I please.”

Marzena’s parents had always been the traditional sort, and felt that women should marry as soon as possible and men should become successful in business. It had been decided that Marzena’s brother would take over the family business, but things took a turn when their father passed suddenly about a year ago. As Sebastian was still studying at University, Marzena was named CEO of Kingdom Group until such a day came when he could take over.

“Now that I’m nearing my thirties, my mother is terribly worried that I will never marry. And that she will never be a grandmother.” Marzena rubbed her temples for a moment.

Her friendly smile returned when Claire mentioned that she would like to visit the mall on Dargul. “Excellent! Just let my assistant know when you would like to visit, and I will be there.”

Marzena continued along, enjoying Claire’s commentary about their surroundings. New Crevasse City was quite a lovely sight, perhaps she would take an extra day just to relax and explore. She noticed that they were now standing just outside of a restaurant, and figured that this must be the spot. There were a few tables outside, and as it was pleasantly warm, she figured that some fresh air would do her well.

“Should we enjoy our meal here outside?” She looked to Claire and smiled.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Marzena Choi"]

Oh they could share stories about families wanting their daughters to marry someone of position, how many times had Ari tried marrying her off lately. Seemed they may have more in common than fabric and hem lines.

"Yes let us sit outside, I'm inside far too much." Claire motioned to the hostess to seat them where they could still see the sky and the workings of the City. "Bottle of honey wine please" Claire slipped into a chair and looked out the air drained from her lungs as her shoulders dropped, "relaxing, I just love sitting here" She looked up, "The natural colors of the canyon the burnt orange, the deep reds, how they all mesh together I think I need to design a dress or two with those colors, maybe for the show on Spira"

The bottle arrived, "Do you go to Fashion Week on Spira? Or do you prefer one of the others across the galaxy?" Claire figured Marzena graced many a tent to find the latest look that suited her style.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena moved to the chair opposite Claire and gracefully lowered herself down, crossing her legs daintily. There was a very slight breeze that moved past; making a few strands of hair fall out of place, but it was very refreshing. At times it seemed that her life was so fast paced and ever moving that she barely took time to truly relax. Lunch with Claire would be a nice change.

“Yes, the colors are quite lovely.” She said, letting her eyes wander about the canyon.

Her brows rose slightly at the mention of Spira, she had almost forgotten that it was about that time of the year. With fashion week happening twice a year, she usually took the time to visit Spira, as it was one of the larger fashion capitals.

“I do attend on Spira.” She nodded. “It’s just a few weeks away now, isn’t it?” It was hard for her to keep track of all the dates and schedules... that’s what her assistant was for. “I am planning to go, and perhaps I will see you there.”

“I should really take some time to enjoy the beaches while I’m there, if I’m not too tired from all the parties... Do you take part in all of the nightlife while on Spira?”

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Claire nodded, "yes it is I'm exciting its the one showing I try never to miss there are some smaller ones but Spira attracts so many designers and buyers because of the clientele that visit. I just want to sell a few not everything." Claire had to stop to take a breath.

"Yes I love the night life there even if it isn't fashion week. What happens on Spira usually stays on Spira but to just hang out with others that know what you're talking about is a relief. My cousins aren't involved in the fashion world they tend to rely on me to keep them looking appropriate and still represent Alderaan so..I make sure we use a lot of local products where possible, and then buy everything else"

Claire was trying her best to keep the shop in accord with traditions sometimes it was really difficult.

"Are there any customs, or traditions you have to follow on Dargul?"

[member="Marzena Choi"]