“However it may have appeared, that’s what I was doing. I’ll be frank. I don’t need to worry about undermining you. I look forward to a fierce competition based on talent alone, not stupid mind games.”
I didn’t know if I should feel reassured or even more uncertain.
Sophie carried on. “As I said, you’re in a difficult place. But I am too.” Her eyes roved restlessly over my designs.
“What do you mean?” I turned back to the paper in front of me, feigning interest in it while waiting for her to respond.
But Sophie stayed silent.
“Sophie. What do you mean?” I repeated. It was awkward to ask the same question twice, but I persisted. Somehow, it seemed like Sophie knew more about my place at the Fashion House than I did.
Sophie sighed. She turned her head to the side, and her long black hair fell over her shoulder, blocking me from her vision. “Never mind,” she said.
I stood up, part of me tempted to walk over to her and touch her shoulder and make her answer me. The other part of me, though, didn’t know if that was too much, if it was better to just ignore her.
“Fine. I think I shall go to bed.” Abruptly, I pushed back my vanity stool and stood up. I was done with her and our conversation—if it could even be called a conversation.
“Have you seen this?” Her words were sudden but her tone was nonchalant, as though we’d been conversing about something frivolous the whole time. She held out a piece of paper.
I walked over to her, tripping slightly on my overly long hem, and took the crisp page from her hand, thinking for a moment it was one of her sketches.
Instead, it was a letter, etched in black ink on thick Fashion House stationery.
“What is it?”
“My welcome letter.”
A welcome letter? I glanced abruptly from the letter to Sophie and then back. Slowly, I sat back down on my vanity stool and read it.
Dear ladies:
Welcome.
As a Fashion House Interview contestant, you are in a position of esteem. As such, all behaviors must align with the dignity of the Fashion House and your benefactress, Madame Jolène.
RULES FOR THE FASHION HOUSE INTERVIEW:
Violations of these rules will result in immediate termination from the Fashion House Interview.
All designs must be conceived and created by the contestants without any references to pattern books.
Garments for the various challenges must be completed in the limited time frame set by Madame Jolène.
The Fashion House will provide each contestant with a sketchbook, pencils, a mannequin, fabric, supplies such as buttons, beads, etc., and a sewing kit. It is prohibited to use any other items during the challenges.
GENERAL:
Please be advised—contestants may be seen in public only if they are wearing House fashions. Contestants must present themselves to Monsieur Francesco for approval of all outfits prior to leaving for any engagements.
When working with Fashion House customers, contestants are strictly prohibited from sharing any private informationabout their customers to the press. Doing so shall result in immediate termination. Contestants are permitted to keep any tips, gifts, or benefits bestowed upon them by their customers, though all such items must be registered.
ADDENDUM:
This season, it is of particular importance that all interviews with the press be handled with discretion and delicacy. Interviews will be granted per Madame Jolène and only when necessary to advance the Fashion House’s visibility. Be aware that any unsanctioned comments may be grounds for dismissal. Additionally, please be wary of conversations conducted outside the Fashion House. Press members have become particularly aggressive and sometimes do not identify themselves when collecting information.
SCHEDULING:
The first challenge will be held on September 5. Report to the sewing room for instructions.
