#eleganc | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

look-at-the-soul · 2 years ago

Text

The runway- Part 2

Lenny Miller x reader (Cillian’s role in movie Anna)

Series Master list

Previous part

⭐️ Thank you so much for the amazing response to the previous part. I’m not going to lie, I went and read the comments/feedback once more, it’s such a beautiful thing for the soul 🤍

Lenny balanced the tray of coffees in his left hand to knock on the door, but there was no answer.

Fucking models and their queen’s treatment, he thought.

If there was something he valued, it was punctuality.

But his cursing internally was soon interrupted by the model greeting him with a wide smile, her hair up in a high ponytail, she was wearing a lilac sport outfit with tight leggings and just a sports bra. His breath was caught up in his throat.

“Come in, I hope I didn’t make you wait long.” She added opening the door.

“Don’t worry, I’ve just arrived.” Lenny offered her one of the cups of coffee he brought. “Your assistant told me how you like your coffee.”

Y/N shot him a surprised look.

“Black, with a shot of some weird milk.”

That surprised her even more, but soon a smile decorated her features.

“Sorry for the sweat, I needed to workout first thing in the morning or I won’t be able to do it later.” Taking a small remote, she pressed a button and the curtains started to open automatically, letting the sun sneak in the luxury apartment. “Please make yourself at home, I won’t take long.” And she disappeared giving Lenny time to look around.

The place exuded good taste and luxury, there was a huge sofa in the middle of the living room and a clear table in the middle with a few decorative books, candles and everything seemed to be in its place. A few photos decorated the bookshelf, but there was nothing pretentious in the photographs, they showed a Y/N that was a royal stranger to Lenny; she was hugging a woman that could easily be misplaced as her older sister, another one of her with a small boy.

Taking a sip of his coffee, he found himself moving towards the window nook, it had a gorgeous sight, at the bottom a huge fountain decorated the center of the exclusive building, it was surrounded by flowers and bushes and different plants.

“That’s my favorite spot.” Y/N admitted stepping into her living room.

Lenny turned to face her, but he wasn’t ready for her breathtaking natural beauty, unlike the previous day when he met her at the runway, Y/N’s face was free of make up, hair wet from the shower and he could smell a hint of peonies emanating from her. Her body wrapped in a simple blue dress, nothing too scandalous or eye catching. But she made it look as if it was worth a fortune.

“It’s a heavy reading.” He tried to distract himself, focusing on the book she had next to the window, making him read the title twice. “It’s a complex book.”

He held the Stephen Howking copy “The theory of everything”and looked back at her.

“It is, but I understand a word or two.” She joked turning to walk towards the kitchen where she had prepared a tray of fruits and granola. “I’m making bagels, hope that’s okay.”

Lenny stared at her from the doorframe, not fully believing she would eat something as a bagel.

“I know what you’re thinking… but these are my special bagels, I make them with almond flour and yogurt, and before you say anything it tastes good.”

Defeated, Lenny showed her the palm of his hands. “Wasn’t going to criticize your menu.”

“Good.” She turned around with a smile to make sure the bagels looked good in the oven.

“So what’s in the agenda for today?”

“I’ve rehearsal at eleven o’clock.”

Lenny raised his eyebrows in confusion, what did she had to rehearse?

“Carolina wants to make sure everything is perfect.”

With a frown, Lenny gave her a long and quiet look as she started to cut in half the bagels. “Carolina?” Was he supposed to know who Y/N was referring to?

“Herrera.” Y/N thought it was a bit strange he didn’t know who Carolina was, she was an icon in the industry, to be selected by her to hit her runway was a huge honor. “The epitome of elegance and class.”

“Right… I’m still getting familiar with your projects.”

“How long have you been in the agency? Never seen you before.”

Lenny pretended to be distracted with the bagel she prepared. “Over ten years, but I was part of another one.”

“So you knew Claudia and Iman?” Y/N looked at him with excitement.

“Of course.”

“And Gisele?” She had to be talking about the greatest models out there, and he didn’t lie about it, he knew about them… just not personally.

She hummed in a low tone and played with her watermelon.

As Y/N was about to ask Lenny something else, her front door opened with a loud bang, he was holding his gun out in mere seconds.

“Anna what the hell?!” Y/N stormed towards her sister. “I’ve been calling you since I woke up!”

“Shh don’t be so loud… ouh you got company little sis hehe. I’m not even here…”She brought a finger to her lips and started giggling.

Y/N looked embarrassed, she closed the door to her apartment and when she turned around, her sister was already flopping into one of her couches.

As Lenny moved in silence to hear their conversation, he learned Anna had been at one of the after parties that occurred commonly once the runway was done. But also that they were speaking in Russian. She actually exploded in anger when Y/N told her that Lenny was their new manager.

“Sorry about that.” Y/N apologized to him, he was so kind to even help her move Anna to her bedroom.

“Is this something common?” He asked in a low voice, a lot of questions on his mind.

Y/N sighed loudly and guided him out of her apartment, she needed to go to the rehearsal. “I’ve tried everything but she’s getting harder to handle. That’s why I started modeling.”

Lenny stared at her in total confusion. “I don’t understand.”

“When my sister started skipping her runways, Richardson forced me to take her place, when he saw I was good, he signed me in the agency.” Taking the lift, she continue. “We come from a difficult childhood in Russia, he offered us being France citizenship, a legal contract and a luxury lifestyle… but I’d trade all of this to be back home, Anna wouldn’t be an addict.”

Lenny couldn’t believe what she was saying. “Y/N has he ever threatened you?” They started their ride to the venue in silence, her facial expressions looked even more serious than when she was taking the runway.

“No directly… but Anna mentioned he somehow got some photos of her… compromising photos I mean.”

Lenny saved that information for later, for now Y/N was greeted by at least a dozen of people, she was rushed to a large installation of mirrors and lights.

“They want to change the hairstyle.” A petite guy with bleached hair announced, he looked in the bridge of a mental breakdown.

“I know you will make it look fabulous Jeremy.” Y/N winked through the mirror. “Jem this is Lenny, my new manager.”

Jeremy let out a loud squeal and looked between Y/N and Lenny. “He’s hot.” He said loud enough for Lenny to hear, he was right next to him after all.

“The filter doesn’t exist in Jem’s world.” Y/N chuckled.

“Don’t judge me with those eyes… I only say what I see.” He pointed at Lenny with the hairdryer.

Shaking his head, Lenny cleared his throat. “Not judging at all… I’m just learning.”

While they were talking about what look would fit better with the dress she’d be using later, Lenny got a phone call. It was someone trying to get his help to set up Y/N with a famous movie star, he needed some good press since he was starring a new movie and they wanted to get some candid pictures of Y/N with him. Lenny frowned disgusted as the other person at the end of the line requested to know Y/N’s tariff for the vanilla package of promotion and another one… more intimate.

Why would he offer her as a bail for the press?

Was this a common request in the media? Offer models as if they were fresh meat?

He rejected the proposal and as he started to walk again into backstage, he found Y/N rehearsing on the runway, following instructions and listening to someone who was counting her steps loudly marking each step with the snap of her fingers.

“This isn’t the famous lingerie show, I don’t want to see a single smile.” The woman said.

That seemed so strange to Lenny, what was the point of the long faces? All the models looked like they would rather be somewhere else.

“She’s exceptional, isn’t she?” A woman with blonde and short hair exuding elegance approached him, her chin up looking up and down at Y/N. “I’d love to have her back as the face of my new perfume campaign, I’m hoping to have a better relationship with you Mr. Miller than her previous manager.”

“I assume Mr. Richardson wasn’t your cup of tea.”

“That’s about right, I’m Carolina.” She introduced herself with a smile. “She’s the best of her era.”

Lenny folded his arms against his chest, his eyes fixed on your long but firm strides. “I’m sure she is.”

“Perhaps this isn’t the best moment to approach you with this, but I’d love to dress Y/N for The MET Gala, please contact my assistant tomorrow to make an appointment.”

Lenny hated not knowing what was going on, not controlling everything around him, and of course he didn’t have the slightest idea of what she was talking about. But he nodded anyways.

“I still remember the day she came into my office apologizing in the name of her sister for not showing up to the runway but offered me she could take her place instead.” Lenny looked at Carolina, her eyes were on Y/N. “She’s a natural, that’s why I accepted her to wear my designs… promise me you’ll take care of her.”

But she left before he could answer anything, she was gone, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

He knew he should be focusing on following the investigation, but he was starting to suspect he’d spending more time than he would like taking care of Y/N.

“Adam, I need to know everything about the MET Gala.”

“Are you attending boss?” He asked on the other side of the line.

“Comedy isn’t your best, get into it right now and email me the most important things about it.”

Adam was typing fast. “I’m making a presentation for you, the history of the Gala, the theme for this year, guest list…”

“About Y/N’s sister, try to find something about intimate photos with someone, Richardson threatened her about it, I’m thinking someone in the press got them.”

“Alright… there’s a long list of boyfriends and girlfriends as well, I’m checking messages. Hang on, there’s one phone number asking her for money about some photos, but the number is from a pay phone, I’m going to need some more time to get into it.”

“Do it, I’m taking a flight to Paris tomorrow, but this is a time bomb and we need results fast.”

“What kind of results?” Asked a sweet voice behind his back, turning around he found Y/N looking back at him waiting for an explanation.

“Oh shit, Y/N heard you.” Adam gasped and hang up.

“I got some routine check up, it seems like they mixed up the analysis or something.” He quickly replied and gave her a long convincing look.

“Are you sick?”

“Absolutely not, just routine.”

“I was wondering if you would like to have lunch? The girls are well… some of them don’t eat before the runway, but I’m hungry.” She laughed, it was almost a sin to say something like that.

Lenny sensed some kind of nervousness coming from her, so he decided to lighten the atmosphere. “Are you sure you’re a model? You ate a bagel this morning and now you’re hungry.”

Y/N blushed in a deep shade of pink.

“I’ve a good metabolism.” She assured guiding him to a room far away from the dressing rooms, God forbid them for getting the clothes smelling like food.

She asked for a salad, Y/N explained him that although she liked tomatoes, it made her bloated and broccoli made her stomach get swollen so she added extra olive oil as vinaigrette, strawberries and cucumber. Lenny asked for some salmon with sparragus.

It was a surprise to find out she didn’t feel nervous before the runway, she was sure the glam team would make a great job and the pieces of clothing she would wear later that day were a masterpiece, earlier Y/N explained she was really just the medium for people to look the designs coming to life.

He was shocked by how humble Y/N was, during their lunch, she calmed an assistant that was crying inconsolably because someone scolded her for a minor mistake, she greeted warmly the woman who was sewing a skirt and showed lots of interest in him, he had to get creative tho, sound convincing.

“Mrs. Herrera mentioned she wants to dress you for The MET.”

Her face was a total poem, she went from incredulity to extreme happiness in mere seconds.

“That’s a dream!”

“She seemed to be very fond of you.”

“I learned a lot from her when I started modeling, she gave me lessons not only on how to walk properly, but about life.” There was a hint of melancholy in her eyes, Lenny noticed. “I barely spoke English when I entered the industry, but every chance she got, she showed me something new, signed me up with an English teacher.”

Lenny had to fight the internal knot in his stomach as he saw her looking at her hands. Her expression changing.

“There was a time when my sister got high, she was really aggressive and kicked me out of her apartment, we used to live in the same building as Carolina, she was taking the elevator to her penthouse and believe it or not, she took me in, without knowing me back then, she allowed me to have a roof over my head that night. I’ll never forget that.”

He had judged her thinking her life was easy, but little by little he was learning nothing looks like it seems to be.

Lenny tried to change the subject but it only got worse.

“Are you friends with the other models in here?”

Y/N scoffed raising her eyebrows. “For some reason they’ve always rejected me, never made me part of the little private club.”

“But you’re the highest paid model at the moment.”

“And that’s supposed to earn me friends? This isn’t a golf club, Lenny, models compete for campaigns, for being a designer’s muse, they want to be in the cover of every magazine.”

“And you don’t?”

Y/N shook her head.

“That isn’t what I want.” She rolled her eyes. “They all think I got to the top by sleeping around with important executives like some of them have to do.”

Lenny rested his arms on the table. This new information could lead him somewhere.

“Are models being forced to fuck around to get contracts?”

“It’s not a secret some have done it to progress, to get magazine covers, to get photoshoots done, to hand over their portfolios.”

He needed names, proof of this black market, messages, meetings with the right people. But he needed to be subtle about his questions too, and right now it wasn’t the right time to ask more about what she knew.

“I can’t believe it.”

“This isn’t the dream job everybody thinks. This is prostitution disguised in luxury. I’ve been so close to quit, but Richardson wouldn’t let me.”

“You want to retire?” He asked in shock.

Y/N shuddered, leaning back. “This kind of job doesn’t last much, in a blink brands are choosing sixteens as the new faces, there’s always someone better looking or a heiress claiming to be a professional model… I better go and let the hairdresser and makeup artists do their magic, are you staying for the show?”

“Yes.” Lenny stared back at her as Y/N stood up elegantly and started to walk away, she moved as if a regular walk was made in the runway.

He had a lot of information to take in and investigate so he left to look for a private place to work from for a couple of hours before the runway.

“Adam, I need you find me where Anna was last night, she arrived at Y/N’s apartment this morning both drunk and high… I sent over a team to check over her but I’m thinking her dealer might be a good start, you know how it is, people do anything these days so it wouldn’t be a surprise the missing of those girls is linked to some cartel.”

“Alright boss, I’m working on it, she was in an exclusive club with some friends, drinking and kissing the DJ later. This is where it gets interesting they disappeared in a room upstairs but the tape of the club was deleted after that.”

“Do you see anyone we know there?”

“Yes, a famous boxer was there, some international influencers, a few managers… looks normal.”

“Someone is providing Anna with the drugs, that clue might lead us to something.”

“I’m hacking the DJ’s phone but he’s clean. He doesn’t do drugs, ou he got a wild night at the after-after party.”

“Adam, focus.” Lenny rubbed his jaw in frustration.

“Look, the DJ might fit the type, but he isn’t the bad boy here.”

“Keep looking.”

Realizing it was almost time, Lenny rushed past the models changing right there in front of everyone, but all of his attention was on Y/N; she looked like a total different person, but at the same time it was so like her, that blue dress was a total match to her persona, and she looked unbelievable well in it, she made it seem as if the dress was specially made for her.

He looked from afar as she took a deep breath right before disappearing before his eyes, only then, he turned his gaze up to the screen where he could see the camera offering a head to toe shot as she moved across the runway, hips swaying from one side to another, the fabric of the dress making it look as if Y/N was floating.

It wasn’t long enough and soon, she was rushing backstage, giving him a short smile to then start getting naked as if she was opening a bottle of water, Lenny dragged his eyes to the floor and took off his jacket suit to try to cover her naked form.

Once a breathtaking off the shoulders red dress hugged her slim figure, she was approached by the beauty team to retouch her make up and smooth the hair into a high bun, changing her features dramatically.

She went out once more to walk in the red dress and Lenny was torn between which one was his favorite.

Somehow she made it look as if time was slowing down with each stride.

Walking backstage again, she touched her heart and looked at the screen, cheering when every model started their walk.

“Thirty seconds to close the runway, Y/N.” Someone said loudly behind his back.

“Ready to do this my girl?” Carolina reached out her hand to Y/N while someone was fixing the end of the red dress. He now knew she closed the runway with the most important piece of the collection.

“Ready.” Lenny saw her squeeze Carolina’s hand and blew her a kiss.

“Closing the runway in three, two…” The organizer motioned them to go out and Lenny looked at the screen one more time, watching the designer and model walk with their hands linked to each other’s waists while the people stood up to clap.

After a kiss on the cheek and a warm hug, Y/N and the designer walked back with a pleased smile on their faces.

Not long after that, Lenny was walking next to Y/N to her apartment.

“So, see you tomorrow morning to take the flight to Paris.”

Lenny was about to ask her something about the unexpected trip for more fashion shows, but when Y/N opened the door, they were both taken aback to find Richardson sitting in her living room.

“Before you start with your life-lessons… as soon as this Fashion week season is over, you will no longer be my manager.” Anna announced with a serious expression.

An uncomfortable silence filled the atmosphere.

“Anna… why?”

“Don’t make a drama, Y/N we’re breaking parts finally! You’re the top model anyways.”

The sister’s ex-manager and Anna walked out from the apartment, leaving a shocked Y/N.

“I don’t understand why she’s doing this, he was always trying to confront us, supporting my contracts but turning my own sister against me…”

Lenny felt bad for Y/N, with all the money of the world, being the highest payed model of her generation, focusing only in doing her job right… and she was completely alone.

*******

Part 3

I don’t know how many parts this series will be, I guess I’ll just go with the inspiration ❣️ Dresses are from Carolina Herrera Collection from 2014 (Red ♥️) and 2017 👗 .

Tag list @lyarr24 @cillmequick @cloudofdisney @gretelshelby @lespendy @onlydeadcells @fastfan @stevie75 @prettylittlehoneyeyesxoxo @esposadomd @strayrockette @forbidden-forest-witch @ange-thoughts @elenavampire21 @forgottenpeakywriter @babaohhhriley @moral-terpitude @mrkdvidal1989 @shelbydelrey @shaddixlife @sloanexx @cilliansangel @sydneyyyya (can’t tag) @camilleholland89 @allie131313 @star017 @babayaga67 @imichelle-l-rigby @windguidesyou @lovemissyhoneybee @jyessaminereads @emmanuelle19 @cillixn @polishcrazyone @flippittygibbitts @tinyminxie (can’t tag) @shjjpm @viesanterieures @marissat1998 @creativepawsworld @heidimoreton @winchestergirl22 @l1-l4

#That’s what Cill said #Lenny Miller #Lenny Miller imagine #Lenny Miller x reader #Lenny Miller Anna movie #Cillian Murphy x Lenny Miller #Lenny Miller fanfic #Lenny Miller x you #Cillian Murphy x reader #cillian murphy x you

107 notes · View notes

gallerygiftsonline · 14 days ago

Text

https://www.gallerygiftsonline.co.uk/

https://www.gallerygiftsonline.co.uk/collections/lladro

Lladro, a Spanish porcelain brand, is renowned for its breathtaking figurines and home decor items, which capture moments of grace, beauty, and elegance. Founded in the mid-20th century, Lladro has brought Spanish artistry to the global stage through delicate, handcrafted pieces that combine classic and contemporary styles. In this exploration, we'll uncover the rich history of Lladro, the detailed craftsmanship that goes into each piece, the distinctive themes that set Lladro apart, and the unique role it plays in the world of art and luxury decor.

A Legacy of Spanish Craftsmanship

Lladro was established in 1953 by three brothers—Juan, José, and Vicente—in a small town near Valencia, Spain. The brothers initially produced vases, jugs, and ceramic plates but soon discovered a passion for creating figurines that could express emotions and stories through art. The success of their figurines in Spain led to the establishment of a giant factory in Tavernes Blanques, and soon, their brand gained international acclaim.

By the 1960s, Lladro's unique designs and quality craftsmanship captured the attention of collectors worldwide, allowing the company to expand its reach beyond Europe. The brand's commitment to limited editions and exclusive designs made Lladro's pieces known as decorative items and valuable collectables that could be appreciated over time. Today, Lladro is a symbol of luxury and elegance, with an international following that continues to grow.

The Art of Crafting Lladro: A Complex and Beautiful Process

Each Lladro piece results from a complex process combining traditional techniques with modern innovation. Unlike mass-produced decor items, Lladro figurines are meticulously crafted to capture fine details and convey lifelike qualities.

Concept and Design

Every Lladro piece begins with an idea. The design team, consisting of skilled artists and sculptors, conceptualises the piece's theme and composition. Artists create initial sketches and clay models as the basis for the figurine's final form. Creativity meets technical skill in this stage, as artists must carefully consider proportions, expressions, and details.

Modelling and Molding

Once the design is finalised, the clay model is transformed into a plaster mould. Each figurine may require multiple moulds, sometimes up to thirty for larger, more complex designs. This multi-part mould is essential for creating the intricate details Lladro is known for, as it allows artisans to add individual features, like hands, faces, and folds in clothing.

Assembling and Finishing

After each part is cast, skilled artisans assemble the figurine. This delicate stage involves carefully joining each piece to create a seamless whole. Any additional details, such as petals, lace, or hair, are applied by hand. This attention to detail gives Lladro pieces their lifelike appearance and unique elegance.

Firing and Glazing

The assembled figurine is fired at high temperatures to solidify the porcelain and bring out its delicate translucency. After firing, some pieces are glazed for a polished finish, while others remain unglazed to retain a matte texture. Lladro's soft pastel colours enhance the figurine's elegance, giving it a timeless appeal that blends with various decor styles.

Hand-painting and Final Touches

The final stage is hand-painting, where artists add colour to the figurine with incredible precision. This hand-painted detail brings the piece to life, with nuances in a colour that capture light and add depth. Each Lladro piece is unique, as the subtle differences in handcrafting and painting make every figurine a unique work of art.

The Themes That Define Lladro

Lladro's appeal lies not only in its craftsmanship but also in its choice of themes. The brand's figurines are designed to capture universal moments and emotions, making them relatable and cherished by collectors worldwide.

Elegance in Dance and Movement

Lladro's figurines often depict dancers and figures in motion, capturing the grace and fluidity of dance. The Ballerina Collection, for instance, is one of Lladro's most popular series. It celebrates the beauty of ballet with lifelike poses and flowing costumes. These pieces are admired for their artistry and emotional appeal, as they capture the fleeting moments of grace that define dance.

Love and Family

Love, family, and tenderness are recurring themes in Lladro's figurines. Pieces depicting parents and children, couples, and moments of affection are famous for their heartwarming portrayals of family life. These pieces often evoke a sense of nostalgia and are cherished as symbols of family bonds and togetherness.

Celebrating Nature and Wildlife

Lladro's collection of animals and nature-themed figurines showcases the brand's ability to capture the beauty of the natural world. From birds and horses to more exotic animals, these pieces reflect the elegance and dignity of wildlife. Crafted with painstaking detail, these figurines are ideal for nature lovers and those who appreciate the intricacies of animal behaviour.

Religious and Cultural Icons

Many Lladro figurines are inspired by religious and cultural symbols, from nativity scenes to traditional Spanish dress. These pieces celebrate spiritual and cultural heritage, making them popular for collectors who wish to incorporate a sense of tradition into their homes.

Fantasy and Mythology

Lladro occasionally delves into fantasy and mythology themes, creating pieces depicting fairies, angels, and mythical creatures. These figurines add an element of whimsy and imagination, appealing to those who appreciate storytelling and fantasy in art.

Why Collect Lladro?

Lladro figurines are more than decorative items; they are works of art with significant artistic and sentimental value. Many collectors are drawn to Lladro for its craftsmanship, timeless beauty, and investment potential.

An Investment in Art

Lladro figurines, especially limited edition and discontinued pieces, often increase in value over time. Collectors view these pieces as valuable investments, as their rarity and demand can make them sought-after items. For those interested in art investments, Lladro offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of artistic heritage that may be appreciated over time.

Personal and Emotional Connection

Each Lladro piece captures universal emotions and moments that resonate with people across cultures. Whether it's the love between a parent and child, the grace of a dancer, or the serenity of a religious figure, Lladro figurines evoke personal connections that transcend their material form.

Aesthetic Appeal

Lladro's soft colour palette and refined designs make it a versatile choice for home decor. These figurines are often displayed in prominent areas where their beauty and elegance can be appreciated daily. From classic to contemporary interiors, Lladro pieces add a touch of sophistication and artistry to any space.

Caring for Your Lladro Collection

To preserve the beauty and value of your Lladro figurines, proper care is essential:

Handle Carefully: Always handle figurines by the base and avoid touching delicate areas to prevent breakage.

Display Safely: Place figurines in stable, low-traffic areas, ideally behind glass to protect from dust and accidental knocks.

Clean Gently: Use a soft cloth or brush for dusting, and avoid water on unglazed pieces as it can damage the finish.

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight can fade colours over time, so display pieces in areas with indirect lighting.

Conclusion: Lladro's Timeless Appeal

Lladro is more than just a brand; it is a testament to Spanish artistry, elegance, and the beauty of human expression. Through its meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful themes, Lladro has created a world of porcelain art that resonates with collectors and art lovers worldwide. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to Lladro, each piece offers an opportunity to experience the elegance and sophistication that define this iconic brand. For those seeking art that embodies grace, beauty, and emotion, Lladro figurines are a timeless investment that brings artistic elegance into everyday life.

#gifts #giftshop #handmade gifts #personalised gifts #unique gifts

0 notes