#i got a few of these poses from a vogue magazine

[watchmewhirl]

So much fun

(have another)

[iboatedhere]

could I please get "heart shaped sunglasses" as a prompt? I love canon but if there's an AU that speaks to you I'd love that too

I went with a photographer/model AU.

—

Alex didn’t grow up thinking he wanted to be a photographer.

He cycled through dreams that almost every kid has—doctor, teacher, President of the United States, and astronaut. For a few weeks, when he was four, he thought seriously about becoming a T-rex.

When he was thirteen, he found an old camera in the attic that his father had left behind when he moved out.

He watched a half-dozen YouTube videos to figure out how to get it to work, then took a photography class in high school and got a position on the school paper, taking shots of football games and events around town.

He thought he looked cool, carrying around a vintage camera that used real film in the age of sleek digital devices and camera phones, and he was good at it. He received heaps of praise from his photography teacher, won awards in local contests, and even sold a few prints at farmer’s markets and craft fairs around Austin.

Alex majored in studio art in college, focusing on photography and media. He learned about color, composition, and lighting. He studied Ansel Adams, Dorthea Lange, Steve McCurry, and Robert Capa. He thought about becoming a war correspondent, embedding himself in the most volatile parts of the globe and reporting the truth through photographs—gritty, raw, and dangerous.

Where he ended up was someplace much softer.

–

Alex first saw Henry Fox on the glossy pages of one of June’s fashion magazines when he was twelve.

Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar. Maybe Cosmopolitan. He can’t remember. What he can remember is Henry Fox’s wide, blue eyes and golden hair. He remembers looking at the close-up photo of him for too long until June cleared her throat and met his startled gaze with raised brows.

He looked for Henry after that. Sneaking into June’s room or stealing the magazine straight from the mailbox when it was delivered. He’d bring it with him to the treehouse in the backyard and search.

Before Alex even had a word for it, most of the photos had felt exploitative. Henry, too young, around much older models. Odd poses and barely there clothing. Henry never looked happy. He never smiled. Alex would never photograph him like that. He never really thought about photographing him at all. Mostly, he just wanted to hang out with him. Maybe take him swimming at Barton Springs, to a baseball game in Round Rock, or ride their bikes together. He just wanted to make Henry smile.

Alex found out later that Henry’s father was a famous actor and his mother was a supermodel, making Henry one of the world’s biggest nepo-babies.

Maybe doors automatically opened for Henry. Maybe he has a trust fund or an inheritance and never has to work another day in his life. Alex is unsure of those things, but he is certain Henry is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen.

–

Alex lowers his camera as the art director flutters into the frame, tugging on the strap of Emily’s bikini top and sweeping Henry’s hair off his forehead.

“Perfect,” she says before waving in Alex’s direction. “Okay. Keep going.”

Alex rolls his eyes and lines up another shot.

He doesn't really know what the point of this shoot is. He guesses it’s supposed to be playful…a fun day by the pool where Henry has stolen her heart-shaped sunglasses and perched them on the top of his head while she’s taken his diamond-studded watch and is holding it against her throat like a necklace. But Emily’s bikini is practically see-through, Henry is wearing a pair of swim trunks that hide nothing, and Alex doesn’t understand what they’re trying to sell, aside from their bodies.

So goes the fashion industry.

“Did you get it?” Henry calls out to him without moving a muscle.

Alex blinks through the viewfinder. “What?”

“Did you get the shot?” He asks.

“Oh. Yeah. Probably.”

“Good,” Henry says, “my foot is beginning to cramp.”

He shifts, and Emily hops off his lap and into a robe a PA is holding while Henry stands up, stretches the arch of his foot, and accepts his own robe.

It’s all so fast and formal as if they didn’t just spend the last hour dry-humping each other by a pool at a mansion in Beverly Hills.

Alex isn’t sure if he could pull that off, being that close to either of them and acting like it’s no big deal. Things are easier behind the lens of a camera.

Alex busies himself by pulling the photos up on his laptop. He took nearly two hundred. At least one has to be good enough to go to print.

“May I see?”

Alex nods, and Henry steps into his space, pressing their shoulders together before Alex can make room.

“Christ,” Henry says as he peers at the screen. “Am I really that pale?”

“We can fix it in post?”

Henry hums. “Add it to the list,” he jokes, but it’s not funny at all.

Alex knows that no one is perfect, but he thinks the people he photographs—Henry especially—are about as close to the idea of it as possible. That won’t stop every photo he’s in from being scrutinized and edited to death. They’ll airbrush out the moles that dot across his ribs, the small half-moon scar by his left hip, and the line between his brows. Whatever they do to Henry, it’ll be ten times worse for Emily.

“You’re very good at this,” Henry tells him. It’s not the first time they’ve worked together, but it’s the first time Henry has complimented him.

“Thanks. You make it easy. I mean you guys—you two—you and Emily,” Alex flounders. “You look good.”

“Is it the sunglasses?” Henry asks as he reaches up and touches the thin, pink frames.

“Yes,” Alex answers. “They complete the look. Maybe they’ll let you keep them since they suit you so well.”

“I’ll be sure to ask,” Henry says, the barest hint of a smile on his face.

—

Unsurprisingly, it was June that helped him shape his view of fashion.

When he was younger, he’d point to the avant-garde looks in her magazines and genuinely ask who the hell would ever wear this?

“No one,” She’d tell him as she snatched the magazine away. “Sometimes clothes aren’t meant to be worn, they’re meant to be admired. It’s like how some people go to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa. Other people find their art in fashion magazines.”

He reminds himself of that each time he attends Fashion Week in London, Milan, or Paris. It’s an art exhibit; the models are living sculptures.

In the front row of the Dior show at Bryant Park, Alex thinks Henry makes a stunning canvas.

His hair is dyed dark brown, a near match to the cropped leather jacket he’s wearing, only half zipped, his chest bare. Alex watches his long legs in oversized wool shorts as they walk down the runway, where he stops at the end, poses, and then continues back. He looks down at Alex as he passes, tips his head up, and disappears backstage.

Only after he’s gone does Alex realize he didn’t get a single photo of him.

–

They let me keep the glasses, by the way.

Alex frowns down at his phone as he tries to parse out the Instagram DM that popped up on the screen.

He has two accounts—an official photography account and a smaller, more personal one, followed only by his family and friends. Alex knows he isn’t famous, not yet anyway, but he knows that people can get weirdly parasocial, and he’d rather not have to purge his main account a few years down the line.

This message, from a GEJames97, was sent to his personal account.

????? Alex sends back.

The ones from the shoot, the next message reads.

This is Henry.

Fox.

Alex’s frown deepens. Henry has an Instagram account. He has nearly four million followers and posts photos of his most recent campaigns at least twice a week. Not that Alex is keeping track.

Prove it, Alex says.

A few moments later, a photo of Henry Fox in the pink, heart-shaped glasses pops up.

Pez told me about this account. I hope that’s okay.

Pez…..???????

Percy Okonjo.

Percy Okonjo is an up-and-coming designer who is best friends with Henry. They have the entire fashion world buzzing with speculation that Henry will start working with Percy the second his contract with Dior ends.

Percy also was a guest editor for Vogue and had an undefined thing with June. Alex doesn’t know the details, and he’ll never ask for them, but it was enough that Percy followed Alex’s personal account.

How long are you in New York? Henry asks, and Alex feels his heart rate kick up.

Why do you think I’m still in New York?

Henry sends him a photo Alex posted earlier of a friendly Central Park squirrel eating a small piece of bagel out of his hand.

Until Sunday, Alex tells him. Why?

Doing anything tonight?

Alex blows out a breath.

Not yet.

Alex has only been at the bar for three minutes before Henry shows up. Alex appreciates the promptness, it gives him less time to be nervous.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” Henry says anyway, leaning in to press a kiss to Alex’s cheek that leaves Alex feeling untethered. “Traffic in Manhattan is insane.”

“It’s fine,” Alex says, “you’re good. You’re…” Alex trails off because Henry is beautiful in jeans, a t-shirt (that probably cost more than Alex’s hotel room bill), and a Yankees cap pulled low over his face.

“If you want to go someplace else–,” Alex starts.

“Why would I want to go someplace else?” Henry interrupts, raising his hand to wave down the bartender.

“I don’t know. I feel like this place isn’t your usual vibe.”

It’s not a dive by any means, but it’s certainly not the flashy restaurants and clubs Henry usually attends.

“A few months ago, Pez brought me to this place in Chinatown. We followed this woman down a narrow stairwell for what felt like forever, light flickering and water dripping from the ceiling. I would’ve phoned my sister to say goodbye, but I didn’t have cell service. If I can survive that, I can survive this.” He glances around the bar. “I don’t fear for my life at all here.”

“You’re in America,” Alex tells him. “You should kinda always be fearing for your life.”

Henry snorts. “I suppose that’s true, but I am enjoying myself.”

“You just got here.”

Henry shrugs. “Then maybe it’s the company.”

Alex ducks his head. “How long are you in the city for?”

“At least another two weeks,” Henry tells him. “I’ll have a good bit of downtime, but not enough to fly home between shoots. I’m trying to figure out ways to keep myself busy. Do you have any ideas?”

Alex has about a million. He’s been thinking about this since he was twelve years old.

“Have you ever actually been to a Yankees game?” Alex asks, and Henry shakes his head. “They’re in town if you wanna go.”

Henry smiles, big and bright, even in the murky lighting of the bar, and Alex feels like he’s suddenly accomplished everything he could ever want in life.

[panjakes]

i gotta request a jaehyun smut, when you come an visit him in korea after a few months of not seeing him 😩

Warnings: Sexual content, cursing, and unprotected sex.

Also this is my first time writing smut so if it’s bad I do apologize😭

Jaehyun looked at all the folded clothes on his bed counting them. Yuta walked into the room giving him a raised brow

“Since when do you ever fold your clothes?” He asks Jaehyun

“I’m getting away for the weekend. Going to Jeju” Jaehyun says putting the clothes into the bag

“Why?” He asks

“Yn’s coming to Korea. I want to be with my girlfriend” he says

“Ohhh, okay I see” Yuta says smirking

“When’s the last time you seen her?” Yuta ask flopping on the bed

“About three months ago, you know she’s busy posing for vogue and stuff” Jaehyun says throwing his deodorant and things into the bag

“Ah and you’ll be gone for a week?” Yuta ask

“A week? Where?” Johnny says peeking into the room

“Jeju, he’s going to be with Yn for the whole week” Yuta says smirking

“Ohhhh we know what’s going down in Jeju” Johnny says making him and Yuta laugh

Jaehyun chuckles shaking his head

“You guys are stupid” he says

“So when are you going to pick her up?” Johnny asks sitting next to Yuta on the bed

“Unfortunately, the driver is going to pick her up first and then me” he says making Johnny clap

“Ouu we finally get to see her?” He asks

“You’ve seen her before” Yuta says mugging the man

“Yeah like once, other than the magazines I don’t see her” Johnny says

“Great, don’t need you embarrassing me. She’s not even coming in I’m going straight to the car” Jaehyun says zipping up his bag

“Yes! Thank you so much! I appreciate it really” your voice calls out making Jaehyun pause. He looks up at Johnny and Yuta who were smirking

“Looks like the misses just arrived” Yuta says as he Johnny laughs

The door opens and there you stood with sunglasses on your face. You stood there looking at him with a smile

“Hi love miss me?” You say walking into the room. He smiles rushing over to you wrapping his arms around you waist squeezing your frame just a little

“Of course I haven’t seen you in four months, you look beautiful where’re you coming from?” He asks looking your outfit and hair over.

“Photoshoot in the next town over. Ready to go?” You ask

“Yeah of course” Jaehyun says grabbing his bag

“Great’ let me use the bathroom and we can leave” you say turning to walk out the room. Jaehyun looks behind him to see Johnny and Yuta making kissy faces and rubbing their arms

Jaehyun chuckled giving them the middle finger before walking out the room and out to the front

Upon arriving to Jeju you could keep your eyes on the scenery. You’ve been there but only on business. It was in and out so you never got the chance to sight see or even enjoy your time here

“Jaehyun! Look at the beach!” You say jumping and running out the car as Jaehyun collects your bags

“Babe slow down! You have heels on!” He says making you roll your eyes

“Boy please, I run the runway, I promise you I’ll be fine” you say smirking at him

“You are fine” he says winking at you making you giggle.

He catches up with you walking into the room. You stop at the door when you notice how dark it was.

“Why is it so dark?” You ask

“Keep walking” he says smirking placing your bags by the door. Your heels click as you walk further into the room.

You flick one of the light switches and the lights come on causing you to gasp. The bed and floor was covered in rose petals

“Jaehyun I know you ain’t trynna be romantic” you say giggling

Jaehyun chuckles wrapping his arm around your waist pulling you closer to his chest. He places a small kiss on your neck before grabbing your hand

“Of course I am. I haven’t seen you in three months” he says turning you around

“It has been a while hasn’t it” you ask smirking

“Yeah, it has and I want to show you how much I missed you” he says

“Well when are you going to show me?” You ask playfully

Jaehyun bends down picking you up by your thick thighs carrying you over to the bed. He lays you down on the bed before taking your foot in his hand to slip the heel off your foot

“Right now, if that’s okay with you?” He asks with a raised brow

“Mmm…I don’t know. You might have to work for this” you say with a smirk as he takes off your other heel.

He hums rubbing his hands up and down your soft brown thighs

“I willing to work for it” he says leaning down to place kisses on the inside of your thighs

“How hard are you going to work?” You ask bitting your lip

“Oh princess I’m going to work really hard” he says placing a kiss on your clothed clit making you whine

“You teasing isn’t working hard” you say making him nod

“Your right, my apologies” he says pushing your dress up and your underwear down. Once they reach your ankles he throws them somewhere behind him.

Grabbing both of your thighs, he throws them on her shoulders before diving in between your legs giving you soft kitten licks

You moan softly gripping the sheets next to you. Jaehyun looks up at you making eye contact with each other. He pulls away before sliding a finger it side of you making you gasp

“You know your so pretty when your like this” he says smirking

Your only response was a louder moan as he added another finger.

“I should record you so you can see how sexy you look right now” Jaehyun says bitting his lip before leaning down to suck on your clit

You moan out, running your hand through his hair giving it a light tug

“F-fuck Jae! I’m gonna cum” you mumble through your moans

He doesn’t say anything, he chuckles as he picks up the pace with his fingers causing your body to shake in pleasure.

“Jaaee” you moan out releasing your grin on his scalp.

He stands up from his knees smirking at you as you try to catch your breath

“Come here baby” he says looking down at you unbuttoning his shirt. You bite your lip going over to him. He grabs you by the back of your head pulling you into a deep nasty kiss.

He pulls away placing another kiss on your cheek

“I love you so much” he says

“I love you too” you say pulling him down onto the bed with you before locking your lips on his.

The kiss got hot and steamy as you to rushed to undress each other.

Jaehyun lays you down on your back placing both of your thighs on both sides of his hips.

With ease, he slowly slides into you gasping at how wet and tight you are.

“Fuck” You whimper out grabbing at his arm

He slowly snaps his hips into you, panting and rolling his eyes back at your feel

“Fuck baby I missed you so much” he says pinning your arms above your head before picking up his pace just a little bit

“I m-missed you too” you moan out

He place kisses on your neck that slowly went down your chest and then to your breast. He wraps his mouth around your hard Nipple, flicking his tongue around the hard bud.

“Aw shit J-jae” you say placing a hand on the back of his head

He sits his head up placing his lips on yours for another passionate nasty kiss.

Quickly picking up his pace, hitting your spot causing you to moan out louder

“Fuck princess, you like that?” He asks pulling out causing you to whine and grab at his arm

“Fuck don’t stop” you say as he pushes back in snapping his hips again and again and again.

Your eyes roll to the back of your head as he takes your calf into his hand placing a kiss on it as he pumps in and out of you

“Fuck your so beautiful” he says kissing your calf again

You feel your stomach knot up as your legs start to shake again.

“Ohh fuck!” You scream. Jaehyun smirks down at you

“You gonna cum baby?” He ask smirking down at you. So lost in pleasure and moans all you could do was nod your head

“Do it baby, your so pretty when you cum” he says as he leans down to kiss your lips

And just like that the knot unties as you cum on Jaehyun and the sheets under you. Jaehyun was far behind you as he pulls out and empty’s his load on the sheets.

You to lay on the bed trying to catch your breathe. Jaehyun turns to you with a smile

“Maybe we should miss each other more often” he says making you giggle

“Maybe we should” you say making him smirk

“I got something for you” he says reaching over to the mini fridge pulling out a cute small pink box

“What’s this?” You ask

“Open it and see” he says causing you to playfully glare

You open the top and gasp. It was a big chocolate chip cookie with white and pink icing that read “I love you”. On the side of it was a bunch of white chocolate dipped strawberries.

“Oh Jaehyun this is so cute” you say smiling at him

“Knew you’d love it, now open I want to feed them to you” he says picking one from the box

“What am I a child?” You ask making him smack his lips

“Girl let me feed you! It’s suppose to be sexy” he says making you laugh

“Sorry, go ahead feed me” you say before opening your mouth. He places the strawberry up to your lips as you take a bite and moan at the taste

“Mmm that’s good” you say

“I bet” he says leaning into to kiss your lips. He slowly pulls away bitting his lip

“Girl I love you” he says placing the box ontop of the fridge

“Mm I love you too” you say wrapping your arms around him

“I’ve showed you how much I missed you, can I show you how much I love you?” He asks smirking

“I think you should” you say returning the smirk

He chuckles before kissing you once more.

Boy did he miss you.

[averagewriter-inthedark]

Different Kind Of Runway ✨ | Reuben “Payback” Fitch Headcanon

Link to my TGM masterlist

Lt. Reuben “Payback” Fitch married to a supermodel would look like:

Believe it or not, Reuben is quite the fashion guy and how y’all met was cause he managed to go to New York Fashion Week due to his sister being a makeup artist. She had him as her plus one and they both got to attend one of the after parties. It was at the party you met Reuben and he of course knew your face—-you had captivated him on the runway that day when you walked for Tommy Hilfiger.

Spotting his sister, who had done your makeup for the show, you sped over to say hi which is where she introduced you to the man who would become your husband. When you saw him the first thing you thought was, “wow.” He was TALL and you are quite the tall girl yourself (which was how you got scouted at 17 standing at 5’11) but he was taller and the finest man you’d ever seen—and you’ve dated male models before.

“Y/n, I’d like you to meet my brother, Lt. Reuben Fitch. Rue this is Y/n L/n.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am. I’m Reuben.” Before you knew it you two had talked all night way past the party ending and had went to a bar to continue to the conversation. You found out he was a Naval aviator with a call sign called ��Payback,’ and stationed at NAS Oceana in Virginia.

“Payback? That’s kinda badass—how’d you get that name?” “Well in flight school I sorta..intentionally made someone buy a round for everyone in a bar but I felt bad and paid them back.” “And here I thought it was because you know how to get revenge if someone wrongs you.” “Well I can do that too.”

You both knew that night you’d want to continue getting to know one another, so you exchanged numbers and planned a date. Being based in New York meant you didn’t have to travel far to see him and vice versa. On weekends he’d come to New York or if you had a week off from shoots you’ll drive to Virginia. Your relationship was like that, and then when you got married you moved in with him but traveled whenever you booked a gig or show.

Reuben is that husband who if he comes with you to a shoot or show he’s taking pics and videos of you on his phone. Sometimes he’ll copy your poses to make you laugh, which the photographer loves when they want some candid shots. Expect to hear him go, “woooork. Yes ma’am, give me face. Show me your best Vogue.” Sometimes the photographer will ask him to join and Reuben will throw you over his shoulder and spin you around in a fit of giggles. Dip you before kissing you, hold you bridal style, and of course do some model poses with your help.

Whenever you are featured on the cover of a magazine like Vogue, Playboy, Sports Illustrated or Variety Payback collects them and will have at least one of them in his office. His coworkers are always like eye boggling it then they see the wedding photo next to it and are like “Holy shit….Payback got GAME.” But who could be surprised, mans is like sex on legs it’s no surprise he and his wife are the hottest couple on the planet.

Because of his job he can’t go to every show or fashion week, but he always tries to make time for NYFW since it’s sentimental to y’all. Paris, Milan, and London are rare but he has attended them once or twice, especially to see you walk Versace, Prada, & Fendi. He doesn’t embarrass you by cheering but he will pull out his phone to record you and just beam at you like a kid spotting the toy he wants for Christmas in the window of a store.

After about 5 years of marriage and 15 years of modeling you had finally achieved the status of Supermodel and had won the award of Model of the Year a couple times—becoming one of the highest paid in the industry with a staple walk that had designers booking you left and right. Unlike most models, you didn’t really attend award shows when you were invited, although you did go to the Met a few times and had Reuben as your plus one whenever you did. You were a very reserved and private person despite your public status & thankfully paparazzi who followed you were unable to get on base. This definitely came in handy when Payback was called back to Top Gun for a special mission.

When the team arrived on base for the first day of training—you had opted out of going to the bar the night before—all were confused as fuck by the crowd of cars and cameraman waiting at the visitors center. “Did the base commander die or is the president flying in?” Hangman chuckled as they took their seats. Fanboy smirked, patting Rueben’s chest, “nah it’s for his woman.”

You’d known Mickey since he and Reuben were assigned together at NAS Oceana. The two of you were as close as siblings with Mickey even coming out to support you at shows when Reuben asked him to tag along. He did fanboy like his call sign and was embarrassed to admit he did follow you on social media, which you found amusing and told him it was nothing to be embarrassed about.

The second the words left Mickey’s mouth everyone turned in their seats to look at Reuben. “Who’s your woman, Payback?” Coyote questioned, and before Reuben could answer he was cut off by Nat’s gasp, her phone in her hand as she pulled up his instagram. “You’re married to supermodel Y/n L/n!!”

You can imagine the questions your poor hubby was bombarded with. And then when he finally introduced you the day everyone went to the beach you knew they were all gonna be a part of your life forever. After the mission concluded you both kept in touch with the squad and would meet up throughout the year.

They like to joke how you are like them just you walk a different type of runway. “Hey, the jet basically struts down the runway like you when it takes off….only its pulling hundreds of miles per hour.”

Whenever y’all go out you get hit on, it’s a common occurrence and usually they back off when they see your ring or Reuben comes in sizing the dudes up. But the best is when you and Phoenix are getting borderline harassed when y’all are sitting down and you give Nat a look. She knows what’s about to happen and gets her phone ready to capture the reaction of the asshole when you stand up, in heels which make you over 6ft and look down on him. Then Reuben, Bob and Rooster come up behind you which has the dude scurry off. Nothing punches an insecure mans ego than when you size them up.

A favorite memory of yours was inviting all of them, including Mav, to the Calvin Klein show you were opening and having to get them all styled with your team. It was such beautiful chaos in the hotel suite with the guys and Phoenix having to get fitted before being hauled into hair and makeup. You had time before you were called to the venue for your own glam and dress, so for your entertainment you vlogged the whole scene. “Javy, could you please tell the people who and what you’re wearing for tonight’s show.” “Well we got the custom Calvin fit going on, curtesy of Mr. Calvin Klein himself. The suit is the finest material you’ll ever see, leather shoes and oh! —can’t forget the shades so the paps are unable to my eyes.”

“Phoenix, you look gorgeous—can you tell us a bit about your outfit?” “It’s a little chilly in New York so your team was kind to give me this beautiful Calvin Klein dress with some knee high boots and matching coat. I actually feel like a movie star—wow *laughs* is it always like this?” “Trust me when I say one can never really get used to it. If someone says so they are lying.”

Before every show Reuben gives you a kiss and tells you to keep your head high and work that runway like it’s your own personal stage. You are so grateful to have found a man who supports you and anytime you walk a show at NYFW you can’t help but wonder how lucky you are that your dream job brought you to your dream man. It’s funny how you both have a runway in your jobs that are an essential part, though it is a different type of runway 😉

……………..

Tag list: @avaleineandafryingpan , @caitsymichelle13 , @poppyalice2001 , @cutelittlepotatofry

[imnothinginparticular]

#finishedbooks Theaster Gates: Afro-Mingei by various. This is the delayed exhibition catalog from the exhibition that was at the Mori Art museum that I just had to get. I actually don't recall ever attending a museum show in Japan from a black artist. Straight titled "Afro-Mingei," it is viewed by the artist as a speculation and a proposal. What is key is the way in which Mingei honors makers native to a place, while resisting external impositions of cultural identity. He cites Mingei and the "Black Is Beautiful" movement to offer key understandings on celebrating subcultures as resistance to the hegemonic. Bit of contradiction with Mingei of which a lot of its Korean (and Taiwanese) items were acquired during Japanese colonialism, but guess like most things in regard to African American life...we just take it with a grain of salt. But with this cultural exchange of sorts that the exhibition represented, it randomly me recall sometime when I first got to Japan and unknowingly dated a girl who was involved with SGI (considered a cult like Buddhist sect with a political party) and was introduced at their HQ. I am open minded enough to go through things I would never believe more so to see what others can see in it. But I had an interesting question proposed to me by a member who spoke really good English since my Japanese was nonexistent in 2008. At that time I was really into Japanese culture from Ozu to Shiga Naoya, which in vogue to say you like now, was quite rare at the time. She put it to me that perhaps Japan in relation to African American culture posed such an extreme dichotomy where the former was the most insular culture never really been conquered till 1945 while African American of which has become among the most recognized yet stems entirely from oppression. It was something I hadn't really thought of but I appreciate this notion of limitation prevalent in both for what despite being at a cult's headquarters was an interesting conversation. With that perhaps my favorite part of the show aside from the Chicago church, community center elements which I had seen in Washington DC was the "Black Library & Black Space" where he literally he imported his entire book collection. My favorite thing to do at someone's house is to look through their book shelf and to see Theaster Gates' was special with a lot of similarities and a few surprises that I added to my wishlist. I will say though my grandma's Jet Magazine collection is just as a good haha.

[tinydeskwriter]

Cosmopolitan Couple’s Timeline

A/n: this is the Part II of Buzzfeed Article; It’s fluffy 💓, and more about their relationship. The photos used are only illustrative because after writing I got too lazy to search into pinterest. I hope you all like it as much as you liked Buzzfeed Article.

A Complete Timeline of Jack Harlow and Y/n L/n’s Relationship, Because You’re Nosy

There are celebrity couples who make sense and then there are celebrity couples who click together so seamlessly, their love is basically an aesthetic. Jack and Y/n are proud members of the second group. They are both infinitely photogenic and seem to float through life like it’s all one photo shoot that they were absolutely prepared for.

Quick question: Do you remember where you were when Y/n L/n and your boyfriend Jack Harlow went Instagram official? their *little* (read: earth-shattering) relationship caused women everywhere to weep real tears. Life’s a beach, ain’t it? Since then, these two have been sharing teensy looks here and there at their equal parts enviable and adorable relationship.

(Rude of him not to be dating me, but okay.)

That said, there is a LOT of ground to cover in Y/n and Jack’s yearlong relationship, including how Mr.Harlow went down to one knee, so let’s get down into the details of the Hollywood coupling almost too good to be true. Almost.

August 13, 2021

Newly single Y/n basically ✨manifested✨ her beau after posting this, on Twitter:

L/n had just got out of a long term relationship with Australian heartthrob Liam Hemsworth, the two had been going strong since October 2019 (visit their timeline here if your feeling nostalgic) with rumors of a engagement on the horizon, sources close to the former couple claim: “Liam was very much ready for the next step, and he wanted that with Y/n, they are very likeminded, but Y/n didn’t see herself as a wife and mother at this stage of her life. She is also very close to her family and the idea of living permanently in Australia wasn't very attractive to her, she'd lived there with him during the pandemic, and she was terribly homesick.”

September 13, 2021

They met on the red carpet, minutes before posing for pictures “Tommy Hilfiger set us up” the actress joked, recalling the moment, “The flowers on my dress and in my hair were made from scraps of fabric from Jack's suit”. “I was a little anxious, trying not to let it show, and this one turns to me, cute smile and all, and says, just pretend I'm the most perfect thing you've ever seen and the pictures will be perfect, and in my head I’am: I don't think I need to pretend.” Jack comments nearly a year later when the couple is interviewed by Vogue.

There you have girls, those looks of pure adoration were legit. A source tells Us Weekly, “They were all over each other. Super smitten and gazing into each other’s eyes as they danced together their whole night.” Jack and Y/n left the Gala together (she had his suit over her shoulders). 

They reappeared together in Virgil Abloh's After-Party—and again left together—. L/n described the moment to Net-a-Porter magazine: “On the way back to the hotel we stopped at this hole in the wall pizza place, I was starving, we ate in the van because they were already closing, we played a game of 'forty questions', and in the end I just wanted to run away as fast as possible, because I was like: oh shit I've known this guy for a few hours and I'm in serious danger to falling in love' surprisingly Jack felt the same, and didn't run away, he basically picked me up and threw me over his shoulder, caveman style, so, you know, we can say that we have been together from the day that we met! Two weeks later he accompanied me to Ireland for a month.”

October 2021

They had been seeing each other for two weeks when Y/n had to jet off to Ireland to re-shoot scenes for her new project. Very romantically for someone who claims to have never been in love—and shockingly—Jack accompanied his Lady Love. Perhaps even more shocking is the fact that the couple at that moment had not even exchanged their first kiss. Yeah, they were taking things *slow*. “I’ve been jumping from relationship to relationship since I was eighteen, I wanted to make sure it wasn't just infatuation,” the Golden Globe-winning actress told longtime friend Hailey Bieber on an episode of 'Who's in my Bathroom.' “He was super patient and by the end of the second week I was pretty sure he was going to be my last first kiss, we kissed on our first night in Ireland, we were coming back from dinner at the local pub, we took the scenic route by the sea, it was very romantic.” Our hearts.

October 28, 2021

Just a few short weeks after that initial Met Gala meet-cute, Jack and Y/n went Instagram official on *both* of their accounts. It came just days after Harlow went solo for Doja Cat's 26th birthday party at Delilah’s, at the time it was widely reported that the Atlanta-based rapper was staying at the actress' home in Chatsworth, no explanation was given for L/n's absence, leading some outlets to report that the romance had come to an end. Y/n posted a couples picture that oozed Gen Z Fifty Shades of Grey vibes (in a good way).

Jack shared two pics—one of Y/n solo in bed, city lights in the back, and, a very sweet kiss pic, captioned ‘The best view’:

October 31, 2021

Vas J Morgan and Michael Braun Halloween Bash. It was the place to be on Halloween, and it was the first appearance of the couple after making the relationship IG official. Everyone who follows Y/n knows that Halloween is the actress's favorite time of year, and she takes it seriously, Y/n is one of our favorite celebrities to watch this time of year because she always comes up with the best costumes. And she didn't disappoint. Jack and Y/n appeared in a couples costume, Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, and they looked sexy.

November 16, 2021

Weren’t expecting Jack to be so open about his relationship with Y/n? Same, TBH! In a new interview with Complex, Jack said that being open about his relationship with Y/n isn’t exactly his style, he usually prefers to keep things more private, but he decided to switch up his usual tactics because he’s sooooo smitten with her. “She’s game-changer.” “I’m a private guy and I want to protect that, but it just felt like trying to hide it only make things worse, makes curiosity around us grow, especially when your dating someone like Y/n, she has one of the most recognizable faces in the world, it’s insane, she got that level of fame,” he said. “I feel more comfortable about the public nature of the business that we’re in nowadays than I did a year ago. So for me, it was a moment to, I guess, take ownership of that and then get back to work.”

November 25, 2021

Thanksgiving was a good time for the couple. From Y/n’s Instagram photo and video dump celebrating the day, the couple spent the holiday together and with his family ~Yes, girls! He took her home to Louisville to introduce her to his mamma!~ from the looks of it, Y/n also met all of his childhood friends, and was given a tour of the city. Your! Faves! Could! Never!

December 5, 2021

It was Jack's turn to meet his girl’s family. They spent the beginning of December in Vermont enjoying snow sports. Apparently Jack immediately bonded with everyone because the universe had fated this romance, clearly. The Kentucky rapper along well with Y/n's older brothers, if you can’t tell from the countless photos the three men shared on IG. He took her younger siblings snowboarding~our hearts~, and played Tea Party with her adorable nieces. The young couple was photographed by fans having lunch in town with Y/n's parents, and according to the photo's author, "They seemed very comfortable together, and Jack and Y/n's father seemed very friendly to each other. ”

December 25, 2021

The couple spent their first Christmas apart, and Y/n shared a photo of the couple with the caption “miss u❤️”

December 29, 2021

She didn't miss him for long however. On December 29th the couple was spotted in Miami, where Jack was performing at NBC special Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party (Yep, Miley, her ex-ex), before jetting off to Hawaii where Y/n presented us with a certain enviable level of photo dump. To be her.

January 8, 2022

Ireland was also the place for several important milestones for the couple. Like Jack bringing up the subject of children. Yep. That happened.

About the episode, Jack commented during a radio interview in early January, “I knew from the first smile she gave me that I wanted her to be the mother of my kids, I was like, Damn, I want my kids to have that smile.” The rapper revealed. “Fast forward, we're in Ireland, and I had no idea Ireland could be so romantic, I went to visit her on set, totally unprepared, Y/n is there, fully dressed in her character's clothes, and she has a baby in her arms, that made me feel something,” the Kentucky native continued, “there were other kids, because they were still testing various ages, but none were older than, I don't know, six, and they were all relatively similar to her. It made me want things.” “Did you guys have that talk?” The radio host asked. “Oh, Yeah.” Jack replied with a self-satisfied smile. “It was how we ended up with a dog. If Jacques is alive and healthy in a year we will have this conversation again, she says.”

Their dog is adorable by the way. And huge. But his parents are 6ft3 and 5ft7, so 🤷🏻‍♀️.

January 9, 2022

Y/n was nominated for a Golden Globes, we were ✨finger cross✨ hoping to see Jack Harlow as her arm candy on the red carpet, but we were holding back on our expectations since Y/n famously doesn't walk red carpet with her boyfriends (we've had our hopes crushed when she was dating Harry Styles and then later with Liam Hemsworth, the actress' two longest relationships to date), we were already resigned that we would see the New England beauty walking accompanied by one of her yummy looking brothers when they arrived, AND! WE! GASPED! First, he opened the door himself and helped her out. 

Second, he straightened the train of her dress BEFORE he offered her his arm and they walked down the red carpet like a couple out of a Hollywood Golden Age dream (with a futuristic twist), they were wearing Dior, which the actress was recently announced as a Global Ambassador, and they looked to die for.

And the glances? It's like their eyes scream 'I love you'.

February 8, 2022

Jack celebrated his Oscar Nominee girlfriend with a post and a sweet caption: ‘Just found out I have a Academy Awards Nominee girlfriend. Congrats my heart, you deserve all the validation for the fantastic work you've been doing over the last decade.’

February 14, 2022

2021 crowned Michael B Jordan the ultimate King of Valentines Day surprise, we ~and the rest of the world~ thought it would be hard to beat closing an aquarium for a romantic dinner.

Boy, were we wrong.

'Cause Jack Harlow managed to close the Griffith Observatory for Y/N's Valentine's Day Surprise and we're dying… of envy. God does has favorites, and little Miss L/n just happens to be one of them. 

According to an anonymous source, 'Jack turned the place into a blooming garden, Soul Food, Y/n's favorite pastry from a Vermont bakery, he went all out for their first valentine's day. She was really touched, no one has ever done something like this for her before, she felt bad that she only bought him a watch.' 

Unfortunately, Jack and Y/n haven't shared their Valentine's Day photos with their followers.  But when asked about the gift he received for Valentine's Day Jack replied: 'Y/n gave me a Rolex, the same type and year of manufacture as the one Paul Newman got from his wife, on the back she had it engraved: Come home, we miss you. And before rumors get wild, the 'we' in question is her and Jacques, our dog' the rapper clarified, when asked what he got his girlfriend he said: 'I bought her a necklace, she hasn't stopped wearing it, so I think she liked it.'

February 18, 2022

The couple managed to steal the spotlight from another rapper-actress couple during the NBA All Star Games weekend. Not a feat for many women, but Y/n managed to overshadow Megan Fox.

For starters, she was dressed cute and to die for in a vintage Versace look wore in ‘95 by Kate Moss ~a bit reminiscent of a cheerleader/schoolgirl outfit~, white New Balance sneakers, her hair pulled back in a ponytail with a 'Harlow' silk ribbon, and Team Nique Varsity Jacket with number 80 on the back.

Second, she cheered her man for every point he made like he had just own a Grammy ~goals~. Last but not least, Jack dedicated his 4 pointer to his lady, which was sweet. Team Nique lost, but you wouldn’t say that by the kiss the couple exchanged courtside.

March 13, 2022

On Jack's 24th birthday, Y/n posted several pictures of her boyfriend and the couple on her IG, including some messages exchanged between them that give us a glimpse into their relationship. And it's gold. The actress captioned it: 'Happy your day, old man. As part of the old L/n tradition, I'll expose you. But I love you❤️.'

The post was later followed by another photo of the couple, captioned with a love declaration by the actress ‘My Handsome Jack, I knew I like you when you made me feel nervous, and my heart would beat faster than the wings of a hummingbird every-time you looked at me with your gorgeous ocean blue eyes. I knew I loved you when I felt calmer with you than without you, and just your presence there was able to calm my anxiety attack. You made love songs make sense to me. You made home a person instead of a building for me. I love you Cowboy, my barbarian, my angel. Thank you for holding my hand and never letting me run away.’ and Jack replied in the comments with 'I love you babygirl'

Let's not forget they were in Turks and Caicos with Drake at the time.

Oh, and the Valentine's Day necklace finally made a visible appearance in pictures, it’s a diamond ‘J’on a white gold chain, how very Taylor Swift’s Call it What You Want of them.

March 27, 2022

The 94th Oscar Ceremony. Where to start with this ceremony?

For starters Jack and Y/n again rocked the red carpet in Dior. As a nominee for one of the main categories, Y/n went all out in a gold gown and, yes, she wore a star-studded tiara in her hair ~but she is just that level of gorgeous~. A couple in their early twenties has no right to look as cute and put together as these two *they even look like they smell good, if that's possible*.

Will Smith vs. Chris Rock happened.

Will Smith won an Oscar and received a standing ovation ~although Y/n neither clapped nor stood up, and the camera focuses on the exact moment she shakes her head at her boyfriend~.  

Y/n L/n then won the Oscar for Best Actress, and delivered THAT viral speech, 'Over the years I've watched my idols at these big fancy events, over the internet, and on the streets protesting countless causes, it made me proud to see these people who inspired me on the front lines of such noble causes, made me want to do more. Over the years we protested for the BLM, Violence Against Women, the Me Too Movement, we protested against violence, period. And tonight something happened, which under all California laws is misdemeanor crime, by the way, perpetrated by one of ours against one of ours, and in an act of absolute hypocrisy, you, who march against acts of violence, who protest against acts of violence, gave a standing ovation to the aggressor, you normalized aggression against an act of comedy […]Toxic masculinity in 2022 is not an excuse[…]So tonight, I applaud you, the Hollywood Elite, for your hypocrisy.’ The actress, who did not accept the Oscar upon going on stage, was about to leave, to the silence of the audience, when she returned, accepting the award from Anthony Hopkins hands, who quickly congratulate her. 'I was going to leave this here in protest, but I deserved it, and it may be the only one in my career after today.' The actress was finally applauded by audience members ~mostly the younger generation~.

The actress' attitude was congratulated by many industry members, despite having received criticism online and from other actors.

April 2, 2022

Their GQ Couples Quiz. It’s the most viewed Couple Quiz in the channel and is #couplegoals. This couple is *obsessed* with each other, as we’re obsessed with them. In the nearly twenty minutes video we learned that they are living together full-time now—at Y/n LA house, that once belonged to Frank Sinatra—but Jack claims that none of them are LA people. Their song is Fire on Fire by Sam Smith, 'but there's a lot of Taylor Swift on our relationship playlist' the actress admitted while her boyfriend hid his face behind the questions cards. They're a compatible couple according to their zodiac sign—he's a Pisces and she's a Taurus— 'We were meant to be, Sunshine' Jack jokes. 

'What would make me the happiest man alive?' Jack asks with a smirk. 'This one is easy, are you ready?' Y/n asks looking at the production behind the camera with a mischievous smile. ‘Okay. Hands down. Eight mini-me.’ Minute of silence ‘She’s right.’ The rapper agreed with a lazy smile.

Our favorite moment must be the ‘Describe me in one word.’ to which Jack responded with a smirk ‘Mine’ and like Y/n we just melted.

(You can watch the full video here)

April 3, 2022

The Grammys! Jack was nominated for two awards, and would perform alongside Lil Nas X. The couple arrived in all-Black Givenchy, and Y/n absolutely slayed in sheer lace. 

The couple also accidentally starred the cutest moment on the red carpet, when without realizing they were separated during photos and interviews, Y/n turned her head looking over her shoulder in search of your beau ~a move worthy of Sharon Stone and Angelina Jolie~, the microphone of the E! Channel captured the moment when the actress asked her assistant 'where is Jack?', and almost instantly, in five strides, the rapper is reunited with his girlfriend, their hands intertwining almost unconsciously, and he just looks at her with a smile and 'Hey babygirl' as if they haven't seen each other in days. *Again, to be her*

About the couple, Little Nas X, who is a close friend to both, commented 'They're one of those weird couples that even breathe in sync.'

Jack didn't take the Grammy home, but the couple had fun, and Y/n was dancing and singing along during her boyfriend's performance.

May 2, 2022

Jack may not have followed the assignment, but Y/n rocked the theme for both of them *and even made us imagine her in a wedding dress*.

May 6, 2022

Not only was it the Kentucky Derby and the couple attended together, it was also the release day of Jack's new album, Come Home The Kids Miss You. Y/n was the star of the 'First Class' video, an obvious choice when your girlfriend is a world-famous movie star, she's also going to appear in the 'Churchill Downs' music video with Drake by the looks of it.

In interviews prior to the album's release, Harlow commented that he was moving back to Louisville, initially it was unclear how the move would affect the couple's relationship, however in an interview during the Derby the Louisville native confirmed that Y/n and him were making the move together.

May 13, 2022

Am I the only one who finds it absolutely adorable that this couple is exactly two months apart in age? The actress celebrated the date being pampered by her boyfriend, surrounded by family and friends at the couple's new home in Louisville, Drake was present at the party. 

Jack shared a birthday tribute to Y/n, which he captioned, “Happy birthday my dreamgirl, the love of my existence 🤍 you have the most beautiful heart and soul I’ve ever known.”

June 2022

You might have thought that at this point in Jack and Y/n’s Hollywood love story, they were out of IG milestones, but on June 13, Y/n took it to the “publicly calling each other soul mates” level calling her handsome beau “the other half of her soul”.

And not to be out-gushed, Jack called his “soulmate,” which is basically a synonym.

Due to professional commitments, the couple spent some time apart in June, which Y/n briefly commented on in the 73 Questions with Vogue video. Y/n posted on IG with the caption: I miss you, please, bring your ass back home.

July 2022

Were we ready? No! Did we know it was going to happen? Yes! On July 13th (always 13th because 13 is a lucky number for the couple, they were both born on the 13th, Y/n ✨manifested✨ Jack on the 13th, they met on the 13th…) Jack got down on one knee in the couple’s home in Louisville. The first floor was transformed into a sunflower garden, there were candles, and the couple's playlist playing in the background.

“Today I asked my soulmate to marry me and she said yes, babe we’re using the buddy system for the rest of our lives, ” he wrote. “I promise to be the best husband and the best father for our future eight daughters 🤍 I love you babygirl.”

September 13, 2022

Jack celebrated his and Y/n’s one-year anniversary with a thirst-inducing, sexy picture (is that now the new traditional first anniversary pic)?

“365 days by your side, My Heart” he wrote. “I’m the luckiest man in the world to be able to call you mine. I cannot wait to grow old with you and start our team of mini-us. love you so much sweet girl🤍”

September 19, 2022

Jack appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and shared some previously unknown details about his proposal to Y/n.

Jack went all out to maximize the romance at the proposal, which he said took place at  their home and involved a a entire floor filled with Y/n’s favorite flower (sunflower) as well as candles, her favorite champagne, and pizza (from the same place they eat that first Met Gala night). While this scenario might scream MARRIAGE PROPOSAL to most people, Jack and Y/n are so romantic in private and gush about their feels so regularly that she didn’t actually realize what was going on at first, “I don't think she ever imagined herself living in Louisville, Kentucky, and I don't believe anyone imagines a woman like Y/n living in Kentucky, she's the pinnacle of glamour, someone you imagine living in LA or NY, so when we broached the subject of living in Louisville, she touched me when she said that as long as we were together anywhere was home, I promised I wouldn't let her regret that decision, so grand romantic gestures are common at home.”

“Man, you're making some of us look bad.” Kimmel joked. “I just like to make her happy, it's not that hard.”The First Class rapper said with a shrug.

But that was not the initial plan, as bad cold postponed the proposal. “I had planned a trip just the two of us, our families were going to join us, but she didn't know that part, I planned to propose to her on June 13, under the light of Aurora Australis, there was a Symphony Orchestra hired for the occasion, and Maria Grazia from Dior—thank you Maria, you absolute angel— sent the dress she was supposed to wear, I already had her father and grandfather's permission, her overprotective older brothers too, her mom gave her blessing, but then on the 10th Y/n had the worst cold, and I ended up canceling the trip.”

During the interview with Kimmel we had another huge revelation:

“But it all worked out in the end, you two are happy…” Kimmel commented. “Yeah, yeah, my wife and I are really happy...” Jack said with a smirk. “Your wife…?” Kimmel asked with a double take. “Oops.” It was the only thing the rapper said, covering his mouth, making the audience cheer with the confession. “When did this happen? Congratulations!” “We are legally married, on the 14th we took a flight to Vegas just the two of us and our parents.” 

They are planning a ceremony for after Jack's tour ends. Our bets are that the ceremony will take place in Kentucky or Vermont. The bride will probably wear Dior and the groom Givenchy.

September 20, 2022

The day after Jack's interview on Jimmy Kimmel's show, Y/n posted a photo of the couple in Vegas with the caption, “Since the cat is out of the bag… our first photo as Mr and Mrs Harlow, I love you husband. ”

[b4nka1]

model!kakashi x photographer!reader

there was only one term to describe him. non human. but not in a negative way, he was so pretty, that he had almost every person around him swooning over him, and eventually he became a supermodel for givenchy, sponsoring the brand and all that.

a/n: this one's for @mochikage <3 thanks for giving me this idea that made me smile like a lovesick cat looking at her cat crush

were nervous. you were really nervous. you were assigned for the photography of the cover upcoming volume of the vogue magazine, and the model was none other than the givenchy supermodel hatake kakashi.

of course you had to be nervous. working with a celebrity who has over 50 million followers on instagram and more than a hundred million people swooning over him, you were terribly nervous.

you inhaled, taking in a deep breathe and let it out just when you heard the doors of the studio open, and he walked in. you swore you heard your ovaries explode. the beauty, the drip, the sexiness. it was your first time seeing him.

hatake kakashi stood at the door, black sweatpants hung around his waist, a red hoodie adorning his upper body, his black mask lowered to his chin as he took a sip of his coffee. he hood was pulled up, fluffy white hair peeking out from the edges.

and yes, you felt it for the second time, your ovaries exploding. your stomach churned, he looked around the room and smiled at everyone, giving them a small bow and muttering hellos to everyone, and you felt the time slow down as his beautiful heterochromatic eyes staring into your pretty brown orbs.

you bowed down to him, a shy smile plastered onto your face. luckily your mask concealed the blush creeping up your cheeks.

as the stylists began styling the model, you got your camera lenses ready, checking them to make sure everything is okay. the lenses seemed to be working perfectly, so you waited for kakashi to be done with styling.

when he was done, he came up to you and said, "my name is hatake kakashi, and i look forward to work with you today!" and he bowed, moving to his assigned position.

he was wearing a green pea coat, a purple turtleneck underneath and black slacks, a few chains adorning his neck. he looked absolutely pretty, and you couldn't help but blush when he caught you staring at him.

his white hair was styled messily, and the scar on his left eye was highlighted. he posed and you clicked his pictures, telling him to fix his posture every once or so. you had to take a shot where he had to get really close to the camera, his red eye staring directly into the lens.

you held the camera steady, taking the shots effortlessly, now that you were a pro in photography. the session was over in about 4 hours, he kept on changing his outfits multiple times. he posed with many random items you could find at a photography studio. you showed him the pics you took, your hands trembling because of how close he was standing next to you. his warm breathe was fanning your ear, and you were loving every microsecond of it.

once he was happy and satisfied, he ruffled your hair a little and went to the changing rooms.

you felt your heart stop, your knees almost giving in and your cheeks getting even hotter when he did that. you screamed internally, packing up your camera with a huge grin under your mask. you packed all the rest of your stuff and were about to leave, when you felt a piece of paper being thrust into your hands.

kakashi walked past, looking in your direction and gave you a wink. you shoved the paper i to your pocket and drove back home. once you entered in and gave your dog scratches behind his ears, you took the note out and read it, a contact number attached to it with a note that read

for when i need to have 'photoshoots' with you ;)

-h. kakashi

[spine-buster]

The President Wears Prada (William Nylander) | Epilogue 2: A Queen’s Crown

A/N: I know this one is a bit short.  One more epilogue to go, and if you missed my update, it will be posted THIS WEDNESDAY at 7:30pm.  We’re ending the disaster that was 2020 with Aberdeen and Willy!

January 2023

Aberdeen Bloom was freaking the fuck out.  

Anna Wintour just walked into the room.

“Miss Bloom!  Hello,” she greeted, her signature accent filling the room as her dress swayed back and forth.  Every stylish, her boots clacked against the floor as she approached the photographer and set where Aberdeen was about to pose on a beautifully crafted, eccentrically pink upholstered couch in front of styled bookcases holding hundred-year-old editions of books.  

“Hello Ms. Wintour,” Aberdeen said as confidently as she could, shaking Anna’s hand.  Her own dress – a black, high-neck midi-length dress with sheer long sleeves and hand applied golden crystals she was styled in that morning – sparkled in the light of the room.  “It’s an honour to meet you.  Thank you for the profile.”

“It’s not every day a woman sets a record in the writing world,” Anna said.  “I would be a fool not to profile the youngest person to ever receive a Booker Prize for fiction.”

Aberdeen smiled.  Every time she heard that – the youngest person to ever receive a Booker Prize for fiction – she had to pinch herself.  She truly believed her life wasn’t real over these past few years.  Most authors dreamt of being nominated for awards.  Her first book was longlisted for the two biggest literary awards in Canada.  Her second book, published by Coach House again but then picked up by Knopf and published internationally, had won the two biggest literary awards in Canada and had just won the Booker Prize for Fiction, the most prestigious literary award in the world.  She was living in a dream world.

“And you must be the new fiancé,” Anna said, motioning over to where William was standing just out of shot, watching the photoshoot about to begin.  “Pleasure to meet you.  You must be in town to face the Rangers.”

“You as well,” William approached her to shake her hand.  “You made my fiancée’s dream come true with this profile.”

“Well considering how fashionable she’d been on the book tour,” Anna shrugged her shoulders, as if to say it was so obvious to have her in the pages of Vogue.  “I know some of the editors here kept tabs on it.  Did you employ a stylist?”

“No ma’am,” Aberdeen giggled slightly.  If Anna Wintour was about to compliment her on her style, she was going to drop dead.

“Impressive,” Anna nodded.  “Now let’s see the ring.”

Aberdeen held out her left hand.  Anna inspected the ring like a gemologist.  When William proposed with it, Aberdeen was blown away.  He’d designed it himself.  A 4 carat round diamond in a twisted halo design and pavé band.  It quite literally looked like a flower in bloom.  And for Aberdeen’s eyes only, an inscription on the inside of the band in the most delicate handwriting.  “Stunning,” she said, turning to the photographer.  “Make sure you get it.”

“Of course, Ms. Wintour.”

Anna side-stepped to inspect the set.  She took one last look at Aberdeen in her dress and high heels and perfectly waved hair and perfectly applied makeup.  Anna gave her an up-down and suddenly Aberdeen became nervous.  Anna looked towards the stylist.  “We need a crown.  Crowns.”

“Crown?  Crowns?  Multiple?”

“Her novel is titled A Queen’s Crown.  She’s the youngest woman – person – to win the Booker Prize for fiction.  Surely she should wear a crown in her photoshoot.”

“I—I’ll go into the closet,” the stylist nodded, hurrying out of the room.

Anna turned once more to Aberdeen.  “Enjoy.”

***

March 2023

“I’m not about to be murdered by Orla Bloom for not having our wedding in a Catholic Church,” William said as he stuffed pasta into his mouth at the dinner table.  

“But you’re not Catholic,” Aberdeen tried to explain to him, again.  “You don’t understand what we’ll have to go through to get married in a Catholic Church.  There are classes – like legit marriage classes we have to take.  And we have to get, like, permission from the diocese to enter into the marriage and follow a Catholic wedding forma—”

“Listen to me,” William said, interrupting her.  He grabbed her hand from across the table to calm her down.  He knew how stressed she was getting about getting married, if only because there was Toronto and Sweden and Northern Ireland and Scotland to deal with.  That didn’t even factor in hockey, making them only really able to have the wedding within a twelve-week span of the year.  That also didn’t factor in her job, which, between book tours and interviews and appearances and writing her next, also created limited time and availability for their wedding date.  But when she felt his hand wrap around hers, he saw her visibly relax.  “I love you.  We could go down to the courthouse right now to get married.  But this means a lot to Orla.  And I know you won’t say it, but I know how much this means to you, to be married in the same church you went to as a kid in Etobicoke,” he said softly.  “So we’re doing it there.  No ifs, and, or buts.  I’ll take any class I have to in order to marry you.  I’ll donate.  Give my blood.  Whatever.  We’re getting married there.”

Aberdeen couldn’t take it.  She got up from her seat and moved to sit in William’s lap.  She didn’t care that they were at the dinner table, and she didn’t care that William had to push back his chair really quickly to accommodate her.  All she wanted to do was melt into him completely.  “Thank you so much,” she whispered against his lips as she kissed him.  “I love you.  You know that, right?”

William smiled.  “I do.  And I love you too.  That’s why I gave you that ring.”

***

TALK OF THE TOWN: Booker Prize-winning and Toronto-based author Aberdeen Bloom and William Nylander (you know, of the Toronto Maple Leafs) just bought “the last lot on the Kingsway” – an old 1970s style bungalow empty for some time now.  Sources say the couple plan to tear it down (of course) and build their dream home, a Scandinavian-inspired house where Bloom will no doubt produce her next great novels.  Bloom and Nylander will be two blocks away from her former and his current boss, Brendan Shanahan, President of the Toronto Maple Leafs.  Bloom has always said in interviews that she will never leave Toronto, so it’s fitting that the girl who was born and raised in Etobicoke would buy on one of the city’s most exclusive and coveted streets.

***

May 2023

“Vogue is coming to the wedding?  Vogue?!  Like…Vogue magazine?!” Aleida asked as she fed a now two-year-old Helena sitting in a high chair.  Aberdeen smiled wryly before nodding her head.  Aleida was still dumbfounded.  “Like…Anna Wintour Vogue magazine.  That Vogue magazine.”

“That Vogue magazine,” Aberdeen nodded.  “They’re profiling it for an issue, along with my dress fitting.  And then when the house is done, they’re going to do a feature on that too.”

Aleida looked towards Bee, who was just as shocked as Aleida was.  “We need to go shopping for new dresses.”

“We definitely need to go shopping for new dresses,” Bee agreed.  “I better let Aryne know too.”

“Guys, it’s still like, two years away.  We set the date for August 23rd, 2025,” Aberdeen smiled as she reminded them.  “You will have plenty of time.  Plenty.”

“I don’t know about that.  Weddings creep up on you quick,” Bee joked.  Aberdeen completely understood where she was coming from.  Bee and Morgan were getting married in July.  William and Aberdeen were invited, of course, and would be going.  Bee spoke a lot about the planning the past few months and always gave updates whenever the girls were all together.  “I mean, I thought a year would be plenty of time for the wedding.  And it is, don’t get me wrong…but it definitely came sooner than I thought!”

“You need to get the venue sorted now before anything else,” Aleida offered.  “You’re two years out so you should honestly have your choice in place.  But I don’t think there’s any venue in this city that would turn you down.”

“We’ve already booked,” Aberdeen smiled wryly.  She was just full of surprises for the girls today.  They looked at her, waiting for a response.  “The Aria ballroom at the Four Seasons,” she revealed.

“Ooooooooooh,” both women cooed simultaneously at the revelation.  Even Helena join in on the sound.  “That will look stunning,” Aleida commented.  “I can see it now – those floor-to-ceiling windows with flowers hanging and—”

“—don’t forget the drapery over the dancefloor—” Bee offered.

“—the drapery over the dancefloor—”

“—and the centrepieces…big, tall arrangements that stretch up—”

“Ladies, ladies, ladies,” Aberdeen held her hands up gently, causing Bee and Aleida to stop momentarily.  Aberdeen paused for dramatic effect.  “We’ve gotta write all this stuff down.”

The girls smiled and wiggled in their seats excitedly.  “I’m giving you Rachel’s number,” Bee said, immediately mentioning her florist.  “Your last name’s Bloom.  There’s gotta be a shit ton of flowers at this wedding.”

***

July 2023

Aberdeen had tears in her eyes as she watched Morgan and Bee say “I do”.  William had been holding her hand throughout the entire ceremony, rubbing the back of it gently with his own thumb.  When they finally had their first kiss, it was the only point he let go so he could whistle loudly and clap and cheer.  Bee looked extraordinary in her lace dress.  Aberdeen could only imagine what would be in store for her when she went wedding dress shopping.

When the reception began, Aberdeen couldn’t help but get even more emotional.  Knowing what Bee had gone through in her life, and seeing her dance with Morgan for their first dance made some tears fall down her cheeks.  William noticed almost immediately, even though he was behind her; he wrapped his arms around her waist tightly and nestled his head onto her shoulder.   “That’ll be us soon,” he whispered.

Aberdeen nodded her head.  “I know.  I’m so excited.”

“I love you so much.  I can’t wait for you to be my wife.”

“And I can’t wait for you to be my husband.”

“And baby daddy.  Don’t forget baby daddy,” he joked.

Aberdeen giggled.  She knew he said that to make her laugh, because even though these were tears of joy, he didn’t like to see her cry.  “Baby daddy too,” she nodded.  “I can’t wait to have a thousand more little Nylanders running around Etobicoke.”

“We’re going to take over the world.”

***

August 23rd, 2025

Aberdeen looked at her dad as he held his arm out for her to grab.  He looked so spiffy in his suit, and every time she saw him today, he had a giant smile on his face.  It hadn’t left since their early morning wake up call to get hair and makeup done.  He’d cried when he saw her in her dress for the first time.  Now, if it was even possible, his smile was even wider.  “Ready, sweetheart?” he asked.

Aberdeen nodded, linking her arm with her father’s.  “I love you so much, dad.”

“I love you too, Aberdeen.  Every day I thank my lucky stars for you and Siena and Camden.  You’ve brought so much light to my life.”

Aberdeen’s bridesmaids had already walked out – Jacquie, Stephanie, Daniella, Kasha, and Siena as her maid of honour.  She knew Alex would be standing beside William at the front of the aisle, with Camden (now a smart-as-a-whip-16 year old) and some of his cousins there too.  The music began playing.  She took a deep breath.  The doors opened.

As she walked down the aisle with her father, she saw a lot of familiar faces.  Morgan and Bee, of course, cradling a six-month-old Andy.  Fred and Aleida, with a four-year-old Helena in the cutest little tutu-style dress.  Auston, John and Aryne, Zach and Alannah, Joe with his wife and kids, Pierre, Rasmus, Mitch and Steph, Jake, Courtney, and Luna, Justin and Audrey – so many of the Leafs.  Beth Zadakis.  Her editor from Coach House Books.  Her editor from Knopf.  Jason, Jennifer, and their four girls.  Brendan and his wife.  Her grandparents, who came in all the way from Northern Ireland.  Michael and Camilla.  Her mom.

And of course, William.  William, who was wiping tears away from his eyes.  William, who looked so dapper in his tux.  William.  

Her William.

[papermoonloveslucy]

MODELING INTO THE MOVIES

August 8, 1936

By Jeannette Meehan, HOLLYWOOD 

From the women’s angle, there are simply too many gorgeous newcomers in Hollywood. That fact is plain. 

From the gentlemen’s angle, Hollywood is pleasantly crowded with the most alluring bits of femininity ever to delight the bald-headed row. This fact is even plainer. Oh, say it isn’t so, but there a new day dawning in the west for the Stage Door Johnnies. 

Whence comes this influx of Eves? Who are these girls of such attractive physical make-up? 

Well, sir, most of them are ex-models. 

The highway and by-ways to Moviedom are past counting. Those most traveled have been the extra route, the beauty contest route or the I-have-a-relative route. Yesterday our newcomers were night club crooners, radio personalities and million-dollar heiresses. Today the majority of candidates for stardom are no longer being recruited from these avenues. It now quite obvious that any girl who has been a model approaches the casting office with an asset that permits her to pass up the waiting list. 

Oh, phooey, what’s a model got that the others haven’t? 

Well, when Radio Picture wanted five beauties for the fashion show sequence in “Roberta” they tested 30 girls, and then sent out an S.O.S. to the ranks of professional models. That was a year ago. Those five models so delighted the camera that they’re still under contract. (1)

Just a few months ago, when M-G-M went scouting for 22 modern Venuses for “The Great Ziegfeld”, they discovered that the ex-models had a lot more poise and personality than the kids who were merely movie struck. Eighteen of those 22 “Ziegfeld Girls” were former models. Fourteen of the 18 were given contracts. You just can’t argue with “figures” like that, or should I say with “figures like theirs"? (2)

“Model your way to the movies” isn’t just a catchy phrase. Models come to Hollywood already equipped with the elementary essentials which studios spend a great deal of time and money trying to hammer into inexperienced youngsters. Models have already served their apprenticeship to the art of carriage, grace and charm. They’ve already passed a certain type of beauty contest. The girl whose picture helps to sell beauty preparations has to have a face that leads you to believe that the product is worth trying. A pair of silk stockings modeled on muscle-bound or "spindle” legs would scarcely lure you to the hosiery department. 

You never see a good model stumble over her train. She remains regal and sure-footed in the most confusing draperies. 

Figuratively speaking, these girls are above reproach. Most fashion houses require that their models be above medium height, broad through the shoulders, slim through the hips, and that their proportions be symmetrically arranged. Thus, they’ve long since graduated from the routine of diets, masseurs, and classes for corrective posture that faces tire average beginner. 

In other words, movie producers are finding out that modeling is a natural complement to screen work. Film executives are discovering that the girls who come to them from portrait and artists studios and from fashion salons are far ahead of those who approach Hollywood's pot of gold with no training. 

Not only that, but these ex-models seem to be well-mannered, well-educated girls whose off-screen poise and chic rivals that of their screen betters. 

Oh, dear are they gorgeous? They're enough to make us ordinary girls forget to look before we leap. Just for instance, take Pauline Craig [above] (3), an auburn-haired, statuesque beauty from Cleveland, O. She’s five feet six and one-half inches tall, weighs 118 pounds, and has a figure that only Jean Harlow (4) could be unconcerned about.  

Miss Craig was a “Ziegfeld” girl - now she’s under contract. She skipped the first grade in motion picture training, and I guess we all know why. She was a model. Her glorious smile has appeared in hundreds of advertisements. As a fashion model she worked for I. Magnins. (5)

Are you wondering if these girls observe any general rules for the maintenance of health and beauty? Miss Craig will tell you that most of them prefer fresh air to smoky drawing rooms, and that they substitute milk for alcoholic beverages.

Incidentally, her hobby is collecting pictures of the Dionne quintuplets. (6)

Another girl recruited from the model ranks for “The Great Ziegfeld" was Wanda Perry (7), a vivacious brunet from Brooklyn. She's five feet five and one-half inches tall, weighs 120 pounds, and has brown eyes. 

With her classic features and her superb figure, there was a great demand for her in New York’s portrait galleries and exclusive clothing establishments. She has posed and modeled for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, McFadden Publications and for tooth paste ads. 

With an already perfect camera presence, she is not to be enrolled in the studio's kindergarten for beginners. 

Over at Paramount there’s a queenly blond named Elizabeth Russell (8), probably the best known of former New York models. A favorite of such distinguished illustrators as Russell Patterson, James Montgomery Flagg, McClelland Barclay, Dean Cornwell, Paul Hesse, and Steichen, the photographer. Miss Russell is now in possession of a flattering long-term contract.

Artists agree that her features are photographically perfect. Artist or no artist, they’ll look perfect to you! She has modeled hose, nightgowns, and coiffures. Her blonde beauty has helped to sell cigarettes, jewels, soap, sheets, automobiles and first-aid kits. Very soon she'll be helping Paramount sell “Girl of the Ozarks,” her first picture (9). Miss Russell is five feet eight inches tall, weighs 118 pounds, has blue eyes and naturally blond hair. 

Another beautiful blonde who modeled her way to the movies is Louise Stuart (10), a former Chicago debutante. After graduating from Miss Mason's Castle (11) she went to New York to visit former school chums. It was during one of these visits that she was persuaded to pose for cigarette ads. One good look at her flawless countenance, and modeling jobs were her for the asking. With plenty of time on her hands, and nothing to do with it, she went to work. 

Miss Stuart attributes most of her success with the test director to her experience as a model. Posing for artists and photographers, she says, gave her a self-assurance which she has never lost. You'll see her first in “Lady Be Careful." (12)

A third Paramount prize is Veda Ann Borg (13), a stunning, red headed girl from New York. Before the studio signed her to a long-term contract, her divine proportions and sparkling personality had created a sensation in the modeling field. 

One of the most exquisite of Hollywood's newcomers is brunette Anita Colby (14) who stands five feet seven inches tall without her high-heeled shoes. Her face has smiled at you from magazine covers, commercial advertisements and from the pages of the nation's smartest fashion periodicals. Her beauty is attractively framed in poise, wit and charm. She is conversant with world affairs, music, art and literature. Pictorially speaking, she’s a model of perfection. Radio proudly points to her name on its contract list. 

Radio has two other "model" charmers in the persons of Maxine Jennings (five feet eight inches tall), and Lucille Ball (five feet six and one-half inches tall). Miss Jennings (15), a former model for the famous couturier, Jean Patou, is a stately redhead as handsome a creature as you ever laid your eyes on. You'll soon be seeing her in featured leads. 

Miss Ball (above), a blue-eyed blonde from Montana (16) and former model for Hattie Carnegie, is considered an important trump in the studio's hand. Her bosses have thus far cast her in wise-cracking roles, hoping to develop her into a counterpart of the late Lilyan Tashman (17) - but Lucille doesn't seem to need much help along those lines. Her poise, her suave delivery and her flair for clothes have already added to the gaiety of nations and have cannoned her well along the road to stardom. 

One of the most beautiful of the "model" brunettes is Hester Deane (18) who is doing much to enhance M-G-M productions. Her likeness on the backs of magazines has caused many a gentleman to change his brand of cigarettes, and she posed for automobile body advertisements long before the studio discovered that her presence on screen would “up” the grosses. 

She was born in Oklahoma City. Her education included art and music. Now, when she isn’t modeling or working in pictures, she designs clothes, takes piano lessons, and studies philosophy. 

A good look at Mary Jane Halsey (19) will have different reactions on you, depending on your sex. If you’re a woman, you’d just as soon she broke her neck.

Miss Halsey was born in Milwaukee. After her family moved to Los Angeles she became a model for a famous cosmetician. She is five feet six inches tall and weighs 120 pounds. She has blue eyes, and ‘shhhhhh’, she writes poetry. 

If these "model" newcomers get any taller, a few of our leading men will have to wear stilts. Extreme height, which has sounded the gong for many a beginners’ career, doesn't seem to be a handicap for the ex-models. When these lovely girls began to invade Hollywood, apparently the enthusiastic producers forgot all about the traditional physical specifications for screen heroines. There was a time when all actresses had to be extremely petite and slim, like Gloria Swanson and Colleen Moore, and, more recently, like Claudette Colbert and Margaret Sullavan (20). Unless you were a diminutive little trick about five feet two inches tall, and weighed less than 100 pounds, you might just as well have stayed on the farm. Greta Garbo and Kay Francis (21) were overlooked for a long time because of their height. 

But the restrictions seem to have been called off. It appears that models can grow as tall as they like without the danger of facing dismissal from the casting office. Margaret Lyman (22), one of the prettiest of the model group to win a picture contract, stands five feet nine inches in her stocking feet, and weighs 129 pounds. 

One of the most photographed models of the country, Miss Lyman has posed for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, The New Yorker and for cigarette and soft drink ads. She has brown hair and brown eyes. She wears a larger shoe than Garbo. 

And no less charming is pretty Jane Hamilton [below] (23), another popular girl who found her way into pictures through the route of her professional success as a model.

#   #   # FOOTNOTES FROM THE FUTURE

(1) “Roberta” was released by RKO on March 8, 1935. It was Lucille Ball’s 21st film.  Models were needed for the fashion sequences. The film also employed models Virginia Carroll, Diane Cook, Lynne Carver, Lorraine DeSart, Betty Dumbries, Myrna Low, Margaret McChrystal, Marie Osborne, Wanda Perry, Donna Mae Roberts, and Kay Sutton.  In addition to Lucille Ball, Wanda Perry, Maxine Jennings, and Jane Hamilton were in the film and profiled in this article.

(2) “The Great Ziegfeld” was MGM’s 1936 biopic of Florenz Ziegfeld, the showman who glorified female beauty on stage. Lucille Ball was not in this film, but was later part of the cast of “Ziegfeld Follies” (1951). This film employed dozens of showgirls and models to play the Ziegfeld Girls. Those profiled in this article include Pauline Craig, Wanda Perry, Hester Dean, Mary Halsey, and Margaret Lyman. 

(3) Pauline Craig (1914-97) made her screen debut in “The Great Ziegfeld” but only did five more films, leaving the business in 1939. 

(4) Jean Harlow (1911-37) likely did not know or care about Pauline Craig, even if Craig’s figure did give Harlow a run for her money. She was known as the original platinum blonde sex symbol. She died at age 26, at the peak of her popularity. MGM closed for her funeral. 

(5) I. Magnin & Company was a San Francisco, California-based high fashion and specialty goods luxury department store. It expanded across the West into Southern California and the adjoining states of Arizona, Oregon, and later to Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, DC, metropolitan areas. Mary Ann Magnin founded the company in 1876 and named the chain after her husband, Isaac. The chain was bought out by Macy’s in 1994. 

(6) The Dionne quintuplets (born May 28, 1934) are the first quintuplets known to have survived their infancy. The identical girls were born just in Ontario. All five survived to adulthood. The Dionne girls were born two months premature. The Ontario government and those around them began to profit by making them a significant tourist attraction. As of this writing, two of the girls are still living. 

(7) Wanda Perry was born Helen Beuscher in Brooklyn, New York, on July 24, 1917. When she was sixteen, she was named Miss New York City, and was offered a movie contract by Earl Carroll. Helen moved to Hollywood and took her mother's maiden name, Wanda Perry, appearing in films as a showgirl, an Earl Carroll Girl, a Goldwyn Girl, a dancer in "George White's 1935 Scandals," a fashion model, an extra, a bit player and a stand-in for Lucille Ball! Her final film was as an extra in Lucy’s Mame (1974). 

(8) Elizabeth Russell (1916-2002) was the sister-in-law of Rosalind Russell. She started doing films in 1936 and finished her career in 1960. (9) “Girl of the Ozarks” (1936) was a Paramount film also starring Virginia Weidler, Henrietta Crossman, and Leif Erickson. 

(10) Louise Stuart did two pictures for Paramount back-to-back in 1936. That was the extent of her film career.

(11) Miss Mason’s Castle is a reference to Miss C.E. Mason’s Suburban School for Girls in Tarrytown-on-Hudson, New York. It was open from the late 1880s to 1934. The castle was razed in 1944. 

(12) “Lady Be Careful” (1936) did not feature Louise Stuart as is said here, although records could be incorrect. The film did feature Elizabeth Russell, however. 

(13) Veda Ann Borg (1915-73) did her first film for Paramount in 1936, and was continually employed in Hollywood until 1963. She was the first actress cast as Honeybee Gillis in “The Life of Riley” TV series, replaced a short time later by Marie Brown, then Gloria Blondell. 

(14) Anita Colby (1914-92) was born Anita Counihan. Early in her career, at $50 an hour, she was the highest paid model at the time. She was nicknamed "The Face" and appeared on numerous billboards and ads, many of them for cigarette advertisers. She did three films in 1936 alone, the same year she appeared on 15 magazine covers in a single month. In subsequent years she only acted in three more films, returning to modeling. 

(15) Maxine Jennings (1909-91) did 10 films with Lucille Ball between 1935 and 1937.  After 1938, her film appearances were sporadic.  She made her final screen appearance on a 1968 episode of “Hawaii 5-O”. 

(16) Lucille Ball (1911-89) is stated as being a blonde from Montana. She was actually a brunette from Upstate New York.  

(17) Lucille is once again compared with Lilyan Tashman (1896-1934) a stage and screen actress known for her skill at verbal wit as well as her throaty delivery. She died at age 37, just one year after Lucille Ball arrived in Hollywood. 

(18) Hester Dean became known as 'The Girl with the Fisher Body' after modeling for the Fisher Automobile Company. Her only film was “The Great Ziegfeld” (1936). 

(19) Mary Jane Halsey (1913-89) was also in “The Great Ziegfeld” (1936) but by that time had done nearly a dozen films. She continued to act on screen until 1945. 

(20) Gloria Swanson was 4′11″, Colleen Moore was 5′3″, Claudette Colbert was 5′5″, and Margaret Sullavan was 5′3″. 

(21) Greta Garbo was 5′7″ (same as Lucille Ball), and Kay Francis was 5′9″. 

(22) Margaret Lyman (1915-2002) was one of the models hired for “The Great Ziegfeld” in 1936. She did two more pictures before leaving screen acting behind. 

(23) Jane Hamilton (1915-2004) was a Goldwyn Girl in “Roman Scandals” (1933) just like Lucille Ball. Hamilton, however, had done one previous film as a Goldwyn Girl, “Gold Diggers of 1933″.  She did seven other films with Lucille Ball. Her final screen role was in 1949. 

[caswellprmanager]

the caswell wears prada

read it on ao3!

Summary: EJ's style is simple and functional but Ricky discovers he's capable of more than just letterman jackets and white sneakers. (Part 4 of my trans!ej and genderqueer!ricky AU.)

Author's Notes: I have this little headcanon that EJ used to model baby clothes when he was a baby. Then only went back to modelling once he transitioned to the point he was comfortable enough. Also not me giving Ashlyn's parents a purpose except for just leaving the house empty enough for Ashlyn to throw parties. Hope you guys enjoy!

Warning: Implied Sexual Content at the very end but since it's not explicit, I'll just let y'all use your imaginations.

Ricky has almost exclusively seen EJ in basic white boy clothes. It's usually just a nice fitting t-shirt, some branded jacket, jeans, and branded sneakers. It's not exactly avant-garde but Ricky can appreciate the fact that EJ has found a distinct style that's both understated yet elevates his already good looks.

But from what Ricky has learned in the few months that they've been dating EJ is that just because he dresses like that, it doesn't mean EJ does not have an eye for fashion.

Ricky learned this one day when the two of them were hanging out with Gina and Ashlyn at Ashlyn's house.

Ashlyn's mom was the Editor-In-Chief of an editorial fashion magazine that focuses on highlighting brands that promote sustainable fashion. She also runs a design company herself. Every other minute, she'd be going in and out of her design studio with a phone against her ear and a different meter of fabric in her hands. Her job is also the reason why Ashlyn's parents aren't usually home. Ashlyn's mom would be invited to different fashion events or she'd meet with a client about a new start-up. Ashlyn's dad accompanies her so that she wouldn't overwork herself.

None of that is new to Ricky. What is new, however, is EJ's involvement in her work.

"Ashlyn!" Mrs. Caswell rushes in, a hundred different scarves wrapped around her neck. Ricky wonders if she can breathe beneath all that cashmere and silk. "Darling, I need your help."

"What is it, mom?" Ashlyn asks, pausing the movie the four of them were watching.

Instead of responding, Mrs. Caswell just runs back to her home studio with a hurried click of her heels. Ashlyn looks at the rest of the group with a shrug, moving to stand up until her mom comes rushing back in – this time with a little purple hat perched on her strawberry blond locks.

"EJ, sweetheart! You come too. I need your opinion on a few things." Before any of them could say anything, she's disappeared back into her studio in a flurry of scarves and sequins.

EJ doesn't even bat an eye and moves to follow his cousin out of the living room. Ricky grabs his hand before he could leave, asking him what Ashlyn's mom wants his opinion on. EJ isn't exactly Paris Fashion Week, if Ricky was gonna be honest.

EJ just smiles, placing a chaste kiss on Ricky's lips before saying, "I'll tell you when we get back."

With that statement, Ricky and Gina are left alone, both feeling more confused than before.

"Does that happen often?" Ricky asks Gina, who is picking through the popcorn bowl.

"Ashlyn's mom being weird?" Gina tosses a popcorn kernel up into the air before catching it into her mouth flawlessly. "I've seen Ashlyn help her a few times. But I haven't seen her call EJ into that room before."

"Yeah..." Ricky picks at a loose thread on their jeans. "Didn't really peg EJ as the fashionable type."

Gina pauses in her pursuit of the perfect popcorn kernel and raises a questioning eyebrow towards Ricky. "Hold up... EJ never told you?"

"Told me... what?" Ricky started to panic a little bit. They never liked hearing ominous phrases like that from other people. It fuels their already present anxiety about dating someone who is way out of their league like EJ – someone who could leave Ricky at any time if they realize that Ricky will never be good enough for them.

Gina seems to realize this quickly enough and she tries to diffuse the situation before it gets worse. "Oh! No no no, Ricky, it isn't bad!"

"Then what is it?" Instead of answering, Gina just looks over shoulder at the direction of where the Caswell Cousins went to. After a few seconds of making sure the coast is clear, she tilts her head and motions for Ricky to follow her.

Gina leads Ricky to the spare guest room that EJ occupies sometimes when he doesn't want to sleep at home. In fact, sometimes this room is literally just called EJ's extra room because he's here so frequently. Ricky's napped here a couple of times so it isn't a new place. But he's usually too tired to explore it due to some recent emotional problem or another.

By the far wall is a dresser that Ricky hasn't ever thought to look through. Gina beckons him to come closer as she opens the bottom drawer.

"Ashlyn showed me this when I first moved in. We had to call EJ immediately after because I just had... so many questions." After a few seconds of rummaging, Gina brings out a small stack of magazines triumphantly.

Ricky recognizes the magazines immediately as the same ones Ashlyn's mom is the Editor-In-Chief for.

"Are those...?" Ricky asks and Gina nods excitedly, motioning for him to sit down next to her. The two of them peer through the old issues together, pointing at things they think would look nice on them.

Before they turn to the middle spread, Gina turns to them with a serious look in her eye. "Ricky, I need you to brace yourself."

Ricky tilts their head in confusion. "For what?"

"Just," And Gina can't even hide her giddy little smile. "Get ready."

Ricky can't even bring themself to respond before Gina is showing them the middle spread of the magazine. Their mind skids to a halt when they see a younger EJ staring back at them from the glossy pages, dressed head to toe in the finest three-piece dress suit Ricky's ever seen.

And it isn't just that, EJ's all over the spread – dressed in all kinds of outfits. From gorgeously crafted lace button downs to tastefully styled overcoats – EJ models the shit out of them. Ricky scans the pages in awe because they've never seen EJ wear stuff like this. Sure, they've seen EJ in a suit during homecoming but not one with embroidered roses across the vest or paired with diamond encrusted gold jewelry.

Gina turns the page and Ricky lets out a small gasp.

It's a two page Ashlyn and EJ spread – the cousins looking absolutely ethereal dressed in the most delicate fabric embroidered with flowers along the seams. Their skin is glowing beneath the sunset, the light catching at the highlights on their cheekbones. But what really got to Ricky is one very small but powerful detail:

The flowers along EJ's shirt and the makeup he's wearing are in the trans flag colors.

"Ricky, look." Gina points at the small interview portion at the corner of the page, smiling when Ricky reads it and realizes that it's about EJ.

E.J. Caswell – Teen Transgender Model

"I've been avoiding modeling since I started transitioning and coming back to it was really scary." Says teen model E.J. Caswell. "But when my aunt gave me the opportunity to finally speak my truth through fashion, I knew that I wouldn't regret this decision in the long run."

"There are still so many moments where I hate my body. It's gonna take a while until that goes away. And maybe it won't. Ever." E.J. tells us with a sad smile. "But this is a start – and I get to style some really cool clothes while I'm at it!"

When Ashlyn Caswell was asked about the significance of this project to her cousin and to future transgender models, she smiled softly, making it abundantly clear how much she adores her older cousin. "E.J. is one of the bravest people I know. He's always been an inspiration to me and I'm so proud of him for doing this on his own terms. Plus, I'm really happy he asked me to be a part of it with him. But don't tell him I said that! I'll never hear the end of it."

"She said that?" E.J. said with barely concealed glee. "Aww, Ashlyn!"

Ricky and Gina giggle at the mental image of EJ probably giving an exasperated Ashlyn a big bear hug after his interview. Ricky can't help but stare at the spread again, lightly trailing his finger over EJ's face with a soft smile. He really is so beautiful. Ricky sometimes can't believe that someone as gorgeous as EJ is real.

"Looks like Gina beat me to it."

The sound of EJ's voice by the doorway makes the two of them freeze and turn to see both Caswell cousins looking at them with knowing smiles. But Ashlyn and EJ weren't wearing what they were wearing before Ashlyn's mom called them for help.

Instead, Ashlyn was wearing a floor length pink chiffon dress with embroidered roses scattered along its sleeves and body. EJ was wearing a dress shirt of similar color and material, pairing it with white dress pants and a ruby encrusted rose broach.

"Well look at you two supermodels!" Gina squealed in glee, bounding over to gush over Ashlyn's outfit. Ricky stays rooted in their spot on the floor, their eyes never leaving EJ's. EJ approaches them slowly and takes a seat on the bed next to Ricky. He moves into an effortless pose, making Ricky blush more than necessary.

EJ smiles at them, eyes sparkling mischievously. "Hi."

"H-Hi." Ricky says, moving to face EJ with shaky legs. "You look nice."

"Just nice?" EJ leans down with a smirk, a lock of hair falling to his forehead like some goddamn romance movie. Ricky didn't even notice that even his hair was styled differently. Was EJ growing his hair out? Why didn't he warn me?

"I'd say something dirtier but I don't wanna traumatize the girls." EJ laughs at that and Ricky could only stare at the way EJ throws his head back with the most beautiful smile they've ever seen.

This isn't fair. EJ is sitting here looking like he was plucked straight out of a Vogue magazine while Ricky's sorry ass is on the floor in pajama pants and an old hoodie. Fuck. They should have texted Kourtney for help with their outfit today.

"You're so cute," EJ leans forward even closer, so close that EJ's able to lightly graze their noses together. "Maybe I should dress like this more often to make you blush like that."

Ricky contemplates on the statement for a bit, imagining what it would be like if EJ were to wear more designer clothes to school everyday. EJ right now certainly looks confident and cool. Plus, he gets the added bonus of Ricky looking extra flustered around him.

But at the end of the day, it's EJ's body and EJ gets to choose whatever makes him feel good.

Besides, Ricky fell for EJ without all the bells and whistles.

"You don't have to wear fancy clothes to make me think you're gorgeous." Ricky says before they can stop themself from saying it. But it's out now and there's no turning back. EJ's eyes widen but they eventually soften after processing what Ricky said.

"It doesn't matter what I think, though." Ricky says, reaching for EJ's hand. "What matters is that you're happy. Whether you're wearing a potato sack or Versace. As long as you feel comfortable and you're seeing your favorite self in the mirror, I'll tell you that you're the most handsome boy in the world."

Ricky scoots closer to place a soft kiss on EJ's nose before pressing their foreheads together. Ricky can't really tell who's smiling wider from this angle but they didn't care.

"My handsome boy." Ricky whispers, lightly tracing EJ's bottom lip with their thumb. EJ smiles even wider at the sound of that and it never fails to make Ricky happy seeing EJ so happy.

They're about to move in for another kiss when they hear Ashlyn cough from the doorway.

The two of them separate abruptly, both blushing profusely as the girls giggle behind their hands.

"We'll leave you two alone," Ashlyn says, grabbing Gina's hand to pull her back to the living room. "I'll tell mom you'll be late for dinner."

As soon as the door closes behind the girls, Ricky turns back to a still blushing EJ, a small but urgent thought manifesting to the front of their mind.

"I should take this off-" EJ doesn't even get the chance to finish his sentence before Ricky is pushing him down on the bed and straddling his hips. "R-Ricky?"

Ricky smirks, placing a single finger on EJ's lips as they lean forward to whisper in his ear,

"I'll help you take it off." EJ lets out the smallest whimper at that but Ricky shushes him, blowing against his earlobe. "But you have to be quiet, handsome."

As soon as EJ shakily nods his head yes, Ricky gets to work.

Unfortunately, they're more than a little late for dinner.

---

A/N: I've added some reference pics below if y'all want a better image of what EJ and Ashlyn were wearing hehe :>

[chemiste]

Logan and The Diamonds

a/n: aaaaaah to be a rockstar and have harry styles fall in love with you

mah masterlist bitches

The crowed roared. 

The stage shook with excitement. 

You and your girls rose up about of the floor, posed and ready for battle. Standing in the center, you raised your arm up to the sky and yelled into the microphone, “I give you, Logan and the Diamonds!”

The beat dropped and you started the song.

Your band consisted of 5 girls, Bonni, Effy, Pearl, and Tonya, then yourself. Your band had been on the cover of the Rolling Stones, TIME magazine, Vogue, and many others. Logan was your stage name, you were the head of the band, lead singer and a cut-throat song-writer. 

Roughy a year ago you would have been sitting in your cramp dorm room apartment, pouring out lyrics onto any spare piece of paper you had, now here you were, absolutely smashing it on your world tour with your Diamonds.

Bonni and Effy danced together down the middle aisle of the stage, Effy grabbed a flower crown thrown to the stage and slapped it onto her curly head of purple hair. Bonni laughed and started her verse of the song, throwing an arm around her bandmate and swayed. 

Pearl and Tonya were on the right side of the main stage, grinding together. You stood on the left, running a hand through the crowd that was desperate for a simple taste of you and your girls.

Your band was unique in a way not seen for a while. You never wore the same outfit, only coordinating colors, each time different for each performance. 

Tonight was sliver, Bonni had on sliver high-waisted pants and a matching crop top. Effy wore a mini romper, sliver sequins shaking with her every move. Pearl had on sliver eyeshadow and Tonya wore a sliver skirt. You went with a biker jacket, sliver studs engulfed your shoulders and back. Your black jeans were tight against your legs and honestly, you looked fucking hot. You felt it too. 

You and your girls were on fire.

Harry thought so too.

He’d heard of your band a few months ago when he heard Mitch and Sarah jamming out to your song, Devil in the Daylight, during a break at rehearsal. 

After that, his curiosity kept him circling back to your band’s Instagram, keeping up with any news that popped up. Finally, after a few months, he snatched some pit tickets for one of your band’s shows. Sarah and Mitch attended with him as well, and were now laughing and singing to their hearts content, crammed up to the front of the stage.

The song ended and applause followed, the girls moved to different spots on the long runway, waving to screaming fans.

Effy spoke up, “Alight right everyone, you know the drill! Every show we do a surprise cover of a song, I wanna see how fast you can figure this one out.”

 Bonni walked along the left side of the runway, flipping a long dark braid over her shoulder. “This song is from one of the 2015s most iconic bands,” she said.

 Tonya continued, “If most of you are over 15 and haven’t been living under a rock, you deficiently know the band—“ “Maybe even have a favorite,” Pearl added on.

“We all do,” you said, smirking out to the crowd as the yelled answers.

Sarah and Mitch went through bands with each other as Harry watched you and your bandmates scan the crowd. Harry liked your look, it reminded him of a metal head and the aura you gave off was just a confidence that made him want to be with you or even just be you. 

H looked around and took a moment to realize he wasn’t the only one.

People yelled out random bands.

“Mumford and Sons!”

“Fallout Boy!”

“Fifth Harmony!”

“Maroon 5!”

Harry chuckled before throwing all caution to the wind and yelled, “One Direction!”

You head snapped to the area he was in, trying to see who’d said the name.

 “Well, my diamonds, looks like we have a winner! 3, 2, 1 lets go!”

The girls lined up in specific poses as the music started, the crowd roared with excitement finally knowing the song.

You started,

I've got fire for a heart

I'm not scared of the dark

You've never seen it look so easy

I got a river for a soul

And baby, you're a boat

Baby, you're my only reason

Harry’s jaw dropped, as Pearl sang Louis’ part, his eyes stayed trained on you. Your body moved with the song, throwing your head back and swaying to the beat.

All my life

You stood by me

When no one else was ever behind me

All these lights

They can't blind me

With your love, nobody can drag me down

You danced to your girl’s singing, happy to be on stage doing the thing you loved most.

All my life

You stood by me

When no one else was ever behind me

All these lights

They can't blind me

With your love, nobody can drag me down

Harry watched, absolutely amazed by how you just dominated the song, no hesitation. You smirked as you ran a hand through the screaming crowd. Glancing over, you watched as Effy pretended to twerk on Tonya who was laughing hysterically.

I got a fire for a heart

I'm not scared of the dark

You've never seen it look so easy

I got a river for a soul

And baby, you're a boat

Baby, you're my only reason

Bonni sang Niall’s part, walking over to where you stood with a bit of swagger, possibly imitated the man she was singing for. 

You flipped your hair dramatically and leaned an arm on her shoulder while sticking out her tongue. Harry’s eyes stayed trained on your body as you waltzed down the stage, singing into your microphone.

If I didn't have you there would be nothing left (nothing left)

The shell of a man who could never be his best (be his best)

If I didn't have you, I'd never see the sun (see the sun)

You taught me how to be someone

Yeah

The rest of the girls joined you at the edge of the tongue of the stage, basically within feet of Harry and co. Sarah was freaking out, shaking Mitch’s arm with an enthusiasm H hadn’t seen since tour.

All my life

You stood by me

When no one else was ever behind me

All these lights

They can't blind me

With your love nobody can drag me down

Nobody, nobody

Nobody can drag me down

Nobody, nobody

Nobody can drag me

All my life

You stood by me

When no one else was ever behind me

All these lights

They can't blind me

With your love nobody can drag me down

The Diamonds had now each taken a spot along the aisle, Bonni closest to the main stage, then Effy, Pearl, Bonni, and right at the front, you. The former band boy’s breath caught in his throat as he realized what was about to happen.

Nobody, nobody

Nobody can drag me down (down)

Nobody, nobody

Nobody can drag me (down)

Mitch turned to Harry, “Is she about to—“ He nodded, not able to use words.

Nobody, nobody

Here comes the moment of truth.

“Nobody can drag me dooooooowwwnnnn!”

Holy shit.

She was nailing it.

Nobody, nobody

Like a true lead singer, you took few steps forward and slid on your knees to the edge before signing your part again.

“Nobody can drag me dooooooowwwnnnn!”

Nobody, nobody

Slowly, you lifted your head looking up to the nosebleeds. Harry swore a halo from the stage lights lit up atop your head.

“Nobody can drag me down.”

The crowd was silent for a moment before erupting with applause in excitement and energy. The Diamonds and you rounded together for a big hug, relieved your surprise song did well.

Bonni waved to the crowd signaling them to die down, “I’m glad y’all liked it. Actually we all were really pumped for this song cause we all have a favorite in the band!” 

Fans screamed, overjoyed from the news. Effy laughed, “Ya, we all got to sing as our favorites, can you believe that?!”

Oh.

Oh.

I’m her favorite?

You cackled, picking up a lollipop that had been thrown to the stage and pulled the wrapper off, popping it into your mouth.

Harry’s pants got a little bit tighter at the sight.

“Yeah, you guys should’ve seen Logan in the recording studio, I think she about cried when we decided to this song.” Peal said.

Tonya was soon to jump in, “Exactly, this girl fought hard, no one was going to have Harry’s part except her.” H watched as you brought a hand up to cover your face.

“Oh come on guys, stop it…” You whined into the mic while hiding under your hand. Mitch bumped Harry’s shoulder, “Dude, I can’t believe Logan has the hots for you!”

Right as Mitch said that, Harry knew it was too late. 

A few girls beside them looked over to the commotion that a drunken Mitch was making, and promptly freaked at the sight of Harry Styles. Harry groaned slightly as the two girls whispered about the rockstar next to them.

What he wasn’t excepting was what happened next.

“HEY LOGAN, HARRY’S OVER HERE!”

Harry’s jaw dropped open while Sarah bursted out in laughter, fans started talking, loudly, about the man in the crowd.

“Logan! Over here!”

“Harry Styles is at your show!”

“I think he liked your performance!”

“Logan! Logan!”

You were enjoying the lollipop, finishing it and putting the wrapper around the sticky part of the stick when you heard some commotion from the left side of the pit. 

As the girls chatted to fans and each other, you walked closer to the bubbly whispers of the crowd calling your name. 

Harry watched in partial horror as you crouched down on the stage, roughy 5 feet from where he was standing. He watched your face scrunch in confusion, listening to the conglomerated voices trying to tell you something.

You spoke softly into the mic as to not disturb your fellow bandmates from their conversion with the rest of the crowd. 

“What’s wrong guys?” 

A few hyper voices spoke up and Harry saw it on your face the moment you knew. You eyebrows rose ever so slightly and you followed the trail of pointing fingers to him.

When your eyes locked, you knew you were done for.

Fucking— oh my, Harry Styles just watched me basically sell my soul to his song.

And he knows about my crush, damn.

You face flushed with warmth as did Harry’s, a pink tint lighting his cheeks. Taking a deep breath, you raised the mic to your lips.

“Hi Harry.”

<3

should i do a part 2?

masterlist

[hwangzi]

Photoshoot (Natural)

[suggestive just felix teasing the hell out of u]

I / II / III

.

"You don't have to be so nervous, babe."

"I'm not."

"Y/n. You're literally biting your nails right now."

Startled, you looked down at your hands, not having registered what you were doing. You felt a reassuring squeeze to your shoulders as you kept staring at the ongoing photoshoot in front of you.

Some renowned magazine had this brilliant idea for Stray Kids to model a new denim line -

With their significant other.

You couldn't help but stare at Bangchan and his girlfriend, who were currently on set.

They looked great together - She was naturally charming and confident, a stunning woman for a stunning man like the leader himself. You observed them with awe, trying to figure out how on earth they managed to goof around like that and at the same time striking Vogue-level poses as if it was their day job.

“Just a casual shoot. Some Valentine’s Day Special,” you recalled Felix telling you a few months ago,

“No pressure."

Yeah. Right.

A couple of meters away from the scene, you were tugging on the slightly revealing neckline of your denim jacket, having second-thoughts about agreeing to this impending fiasco.

Your body wasn’t the source of your uneasiness, but rather that you've never found yourself in a similar situation before and the thought of having a camera and multiple pairs of eyes on you wasn’t exactly the most pleasing scenario. Especially next to your top-model-like boyfriend.

You looked up at said person, currently wrapping his arms around you from the back. Felix was dressed in a light-washed denim button-up and skinny jeans, his hair perfectly tousled with a couple of loose strands hanging into his beautiful face - a breathtaking sight, as always.

His eyes met yours and as if he could read your thoughts, his lips turned into a knowing smile.

"I know you can do this, baby. Just go with the flow." He said, pressing a sweet kiss to your cheek.

You shrugged, leaning back into his embrace when you heard the director call out your names - Chan and his girlfriend left the set, the staff scurried in to prep everything for Felix and your’s shoot.

The couple high-fived when they reached you two and Chan immediately reassured that you’ll be great, his girlfriend nodding with an encouraging thumbs up. You thanked them shyly before Felix grabbed your hand and lead you to the set.

The only prop available was a black leather couch, on which the photographer instructed Felix to take a seat while you'd hug him from behind.

Your boyfriend switched to professional mode immediately. Changing up his poses and making great facial expressions along with it, his usual routine - whereas you felt like an awkward mess.

After ten minutes, lots of sweating and completely running out of ideas, you sighed in relief when the cameraman asked for a change of positions.

"I have no clue what I'm doing-" You were sitting next to each other now, a tone of despair evident when you whispered to Felix while awkwardly trying to put your head on his shoulder.

"You're doing fine, babe. Just relax," Felix responded calmly and put his arm around you, matching your gestures.

You make it seem so easy, you huffed to yourself.

It wasn't the first time you'd seen Felix at work, regardless, you could never get tired of this sight. Taking the opportunity to appreciate his handsome features, your eyes travelled down his face - from his mesmerising brown orbs over his smooth, radiant skin to his wonderfully curved lips.

He looked regal, like a prince straight out of a fairytale, reminding you of how blessed you were to be with him. In your eyes, he was a prince indeed - inside and out.

But something was different.

His gaze seemed more ambiguous, his eyes never left yours. You instantly identified what he was silently conveying, sensing a sudden, but familiar shift in the atmosphere. Heat began to creep into your cheeks and you averted your gaze before it got any worse - Felix, however, had other plans and turned your head back with his long fingers under your chin.

"YES! That's it- hold that," the photographer cried out in glee and Felix shot you a vicious grin, causing your cheeks to redden even more.

To your further embarrassment, your boyfriend started decreasing the space in between your bodies until you felt his warm breath fan over your skin, his lips only a couple inches away from yours. The camera flashed furiously and you had to hold your breath in attempt to hold out your current position.

Felix noted with great amusement the strong effect he had on you, suppressing a light chuckle. He deliberately let his lips brush yours ever so slightly when he spoke,

"You’re too cute, y/n... Fuck, if these people weren't here, I'd just-"

"Okay great! Now y/n, would you please lay down right there," The photographer cut him off and you nervously checked your surroundings to ensure no one had caught any of the words that just came out of this boy’s mouth, which luckily didn't seem to be the case.

Next, you found yourself underneath him, his dangerously dark eyes making your heart race and tongue darting out to wet his soft lips while he lowered himself onto you.

"Not here, Lix-," you muttered under your breath, placing your hand on his bicep in order to push him back while he, on the other hand, stubbornly resisted.

This man was going to be the death of you and this was not the right moment to put it on display.

"Don’t know what you’re talking about," he teased, fingertips skimming over the fabric of your jacket, making you gulp in nervousness. You were just about to retort something when the director called Felix out.

And to your dismay, instructed him to unbutton his shirt.

"Help me?"

Your wide eyes and pink cheeks forced a chuckle out of him. Despite you quickly dismissing his request, his fingers made quick work opening his shirt, letting it slide over his shoulders, exposing his toned upper body.

You couldn't deny it, seeing his gloriously naked torso did things to you that were rather inappropriate for this occasion. Worst of all, the owner of that gorgeous body was perfectly aware of it.

“Like what you see?” he chuckled, one hand next to your head to support himself and the other in your hair, gingerly taking one of your locks to play with. You could feel the weight of his lower abdomen on your thighs.

“M-maybe...” you avoided his eyes, tempted by your desires but at the same time painfully aware of your current surroundings.

"Aww, look at you... all flustered and turned on for me.” He snickered, taking advantage of your growing weakness.

"Shut up, Felix-"

"Can't wait until we get out of here so I can put these fingers into good use, hmm?" He utilised his typical deep, sexy voice, a devilish smirk tugging on the corner of his lips as he traced yours with his thumb in agonising slowness.

You sent an internal command to your hand as not to slap his mouth shut in order to stop those filthy words from tumbling out of it.

Grabbing one of your hands and placing it on his torso, Felix left you no choice but to surrender, allowing him to come closer. Neither one broke the intense eye contact and you slowly became unaware of the continuous flashing and clicking sounds in the background.

“That’s what you’re thinking right now, isn’t it?” he murmured, delighted by the way you pressed your thighs together in response. His body was now basically pressed to yours, making you wonder if he was able to hear the loud thumping of your heart, too.

“Bet you’re all wet already...” he mouthed into your ear and you gasped, goosebumps spreading all over your body. Without warning, Felix flipped you around so that you were straddling him in between your legs.

Making no signs to stop his provocations, he lazily caressed the side of your body with the back of his hand, staring at you through lust-filled, half-lidded eyes.

“Tell me... What would you like me to do to you, princess?”

Your eyes flickered down to his mouth, the way he tugged his lip in between his teeth. A discreet but effective move.

“Everything is fine if it’s with you..” You confessed, voice barely audible.

Felix’ eyes widened in surprise but he quickly regained his composure, his expression becoming even darker and more sinful.

“Hmm...I like hearing that.” With a mixture of cockiness and arousal, he scanned you from head to toe, shamelessly eye-fucking you, making you curious as to where his fantasies have taken him.

"Lix, please..."

"You’re adorable when you beg, my love,” he purred, putting a strand of your hair behind your ear before chuckling,

“Look at you, so nervous before but looking so damn needy and hot right now. And you don’t even care that you’re being watched."

A soft whimper left your mouth, embarrassed but turned on at the same time, almost to the point of being unbearable.

You realised that it was you who wanted nothing more than to grab him and rip his clothes off here and now...

"Please, Felix, I can’t-"

"AAAAAND - CUT! Thanks guys, that was amazing!”

You snapped out if it, the director’s voice effectively popping the bubble you two had just created. It was even more puzzling to find that Felix had already sat back up, his expression calm and collected as if nothing's happened.

The director approached you, giving the young man a pat on the back.

“Great job distracting y/n there, she improved so much towards the end, the team was shocked,” he gave you a broad smile. You blushed at the compliment, praying that he wouldn’t comment on your currently sweaty and flustered complexion.

Fortunately, the director turned and waved at the next couple, Jisung and his girl, that were currently on stand-by and receiving makeup retouches by the staff.

Feeling partially humiliated, partially thankful for not getting busted and utterly sexually frustrated, you blinked confusedly when the blonde stood up and strode away unbothered, making you question whether your previous conversation was anything more than a wet daydream.

You trailed behind him like a sulky puppy as he thanked the staff and greeted Jisung and his girlfriend before finally turning his attention towards you. Bowing down so his face was close to yours, Felix made sure his next words were meant for only you to hear.

"Don’t worry, baby... I’ll save your reward for later." he then proceeded to walk past you and get changed, leaving you dumbfounded and heated with irritation.

You were just about to raise your voice at him when he beat you to it.

"Oh, and y/n-” He stopped in his tracks and turned around one last time. You glared back at him. This is your last chance for some sort of a rectification, you little shit.

“Who would’ve guessed you were a natural and all you needed was a little provoking?" With the last word suspended in the air between you, Felix disappeared into the dressing room.

You scoffed, shaking your head in disbelief. Suddenly, an idea popped up in your mind and your previous frown morphed into a mischievous smirk.

Two can play this game, you chuckled, making your way to your own changing room.

Lee Felix just got himself into trouble.

Continue

[justkarliekloss]

Joshlie timeline

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 |

I’m using this article by Jewish website Hey Alma as the base, and I’ve added details they’ve missed or didn’t add.

2018

-> January

They start the New Year in Perú with their friends (x) (x)

-> February

Josh posts this story with Karlie and a dog, and also a throwback photo from their trip to London in December (x)

They are seen out in NY (x) and attend the NBA All-Star together (x) (x)

Josh posts a photo of Karlie at Eames House (LA) and attend David Geffen’s birthday party (x)

-> March

They are seen out and about in NY (x) and attend the March for Our Lives (x) (x)

-> April

They are spotted in NY (x) (x)

Trip to Isreal and Jordan with some friends (x) Josh posts a photo of Karlie, and Karlie of both of them together. During their visit to Isreal they are spotted in Jerusalem (x), and even though the comment was deleted, a wedding dresses shop comments on one of Karlie’s photos thanking her for her visit.

Back from their trip, they are spotted again in NY (x)

*According to Kusher.Inc, Karlie and Josh had temporarily split during March/April, but they were seen put and about, and spent time together.

-> May

They attend the Met Gala together (x) (x)

They are seen leaving the city and arriving at The Hamptons (x), and the both post from the same place. Josh a video of Karlie (x) and Karlie a photo of herself (x)

-> June

According to People magazine (this is the article that will be published next month when they announce it), they got engaged after Karlie finished her conversion to Judaism and Josh proposed to her at their place Upstate:

“He proposed a few weeks ago during a romantic weekend together in upstate New York. They’re both overjoyed and happily celebrating. Their hearts are full and they’re excited to build their future together.”

They are spotted in NY (x) and Karlie posts for Josh’s birthday, confirming that they were together for the August eclipse in 2017 (x)

Trip to Japan for Josh’s birthday (x) (x) (x) (x)

-> July

For the 4th of July, Josh posts a photo of Karlie (x), and a few days later another photo (x)

Trip to Capri with some friends (x) They are photographed there (x) (x)

They announce their engagement (x) (x)

-> August

Karlie posts a photo of her and Josh kissing (x), and two more on Weibo to celebrate the Chinese Valentine’s Day (x) (x)

-> September

They are seeing together attending the US Open (x)

On an interview with Vogue, Karlie talks a bit more about the proposal:

The proposal was romantic and sweet. We spent the weekend in upstate New York, just the two of us.”

Josh posts a story facetiming Karlie (x)

-> October

They are seen out and about in NY (x)

Karlie posts a story of the J ❤️ KK they wrote at one point on a street (x) She had shared it before, but I haven’t been able to find it.

They have dinner with Josh’s parents (x) (x)

They got married! (x)

A few days later, they are spotted in NY (x) (x)

-> November

Josh posts a photo of Karlie Upstate (x) and another one of Karlie getting ready (x).

Karlie posts a photo with Josh at a dinner event (x)

They spend Thanksgiving in St. Louis with Karlie’s family (x) (x) (x)

We also see them at an art exhibition where. They post photos ot each other (x) (x) and together (x)

At the end of the month Karlie posts a story visiting another museum (x) (x)

-> December

Page Six reports: “Karlie Kloss spent Shabbat with husband Josh Kushner at an event for Britain’s former chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Kloss, who converted to Judaism, was reading in Hebrew and “clearly knows her stuff,” according to onlookers.” (x)

Josh posts a photo of Karlie at his office (x) and a story of them together at the tube (x)

They spent their honeymoon in South Africa (x) (x) and the New Year with some friends, maybe in the Sheychelles (on her 2019 recap video she mentiones they also went there for their honeymoon) (x) 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2019

-> January

At the begining of the month they travel again to St. Louis, where they visit the same museum as in November, but this time they are joined by Karlie’s sisters (x) (x) As she mentiones on her 2019 recap video, they were celebrating with her family.

Josh posts a photo on a plane with Karlie (x), and they attend a basketball game (x)

-> February

Karlie posts a story Upsate with Josh (x) and a photo for Valentine’s Day (x)

They again attend the NBA All-Star game (x) (x)

Karlie posts some stories of Josh in LA (x) (x) (x) and another one of them together also in LA (x)

Josh posts a story of Karlie at their place (x), and Karlie shares another photo of the J ❤️ KK (x)

-> March

Josh joins Karlie and her team at Project Runway’s premiere viewing party (x) and posts a photo of Karlie wearing a dinosaur jumper, Josh’s nickname (x)

This month they also make a trip with Mikey and Misha (x) (x) (x), and at the end of it they are Upstate with some friends (x)

-> May

Karlie posts a photo kissing Josh (x)

For they first time, they pose together at the Met Gala red carpet (x) Karlie posts a photo getting ready with Josh (x) and a story kissing “burguer Josh” (x)

Josh posts a photo of Karlie (x) and she shares a story congratulating him and his team for their new Oscar office (x)

They travel to Fogo Island to attend their friends’ wedding, though we wouldn’t find out until August when Vogue posts photos from the wedding (x) (x) (x)

Karlie posts a photo with Josh (x)

-> June

Karlie posts for Josh’s birthday (x)

They celebrate their second wedding in Wyoming (x) (x) (x) (x)

-> July

Josh posts a couple of stories with Karlie. One of them at was loos like their place rooftop (x) and another one kissing (x) He also posts another photo from Fogo Island (x)

Karlie posts a story with Josh at Moulin Rouge musical in Broadway (x)

-> August

They go on holidays with some friends (x) (x) (x)

And at the end of the month spend some time at Bir Sur (x) (x) (x) (x)

-> September

They attend Ellie Goulding’s wedding in England (x) (x) and Misha and Mickey’s in Italy (x) (x) (x)

Josh posts a photo of him and Karlie at Karlie’s old place (x), and Karlie posts another one from Shangai where we can see Josh (x)

Josh also shows up at the end of this Klossy video, min 4:15

-> October

Josh posts a photo of Karlie in Paris (x)

They are spotted out and about in NY (x) (x)

-> November

They attend together the WSJ Innovator Awards (x) (x), and Karlie posts a photo with Josh before leaving for that event (x)

They are spotted out and about in NY (x) and attend a basketball game with Penni (x)

Josh posts a photo of Karlie (x)

This year the also spend Thanksgiving with Karlie’s family (x) (x)

-> December

Karlie posts a photo with Josh (x) and we see him among the people who attend Klossy’s Holiday party (x)

They are spotted leaving their place in NY (x) and in St. Barts (x) (x)

They spend the New Year in New Zealand (x) (x) (x)

[sassyduckqueen]

Can’t Help Falling In Love- Lukanette

This is based on the song 'Can't help falling in love with you' and a myth I read about the sun and the moon. In the story, the sun and the moon are a couple and the moon inspires the sun to make plants but she gets no thanks and the more the sun is thanked, the bright it gets but the brighter it gets, the harder it is to see the moon. She's hurt by this as she feels lonely and ignored. One day, she stays out on earth and the sun goes home. There she meets the darkness, falls instantly in love with her and wants to make her happy. He suggests humans should exist and on the first night of their existence, he scares them. The second night, he invites her to join him and the humans praise the moon for her light. She feels like she's just as important as the sun and realizes she's in love with the darkness. She breaks up with the sun and marries the darkness as he was the one willing to sacrifice himself so she could feel important.

So in this, Adrien is the sun and the plants are his fans, Marinette is the moon, the genius behind the sun but ignored and Luka is the darkness, who allows her to take his limelight so she can feel important and loved.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Look it's Adrien Agreste!" A few girls screamed as Adrien walked by them and waved. Holding onto his arm was his girlfriend, Marinette. As smart as she was beautiful, she was the genius behind his current look. She had designed his outfits and put all of her time and effort she could into them. She painstakingly hand-sown on the details of the little cat and pieced together the beads around his neck. He smiled as he waved as his fans screamed and cried before they walked over to the interviewer.

 "Wow, Adrien. I love the new outfit," Alec Cataldi stated as he held the microphone to Adrien. "Is it one of your father's pieces?"

 "My father and I are branching out and trying out next outfits by new designers," He stated.

 "Awesome and who is this lovely young lady on your arm tonight?" He asked and Marinette was sure he meant nothing by it but it bothered her that he said tonight. Adrien, however, laughed and flipped his hair.

 "Oh, this is just Marinette," He stated in a matter of a fact way. "She's a great friend and inspiration to me,"

 The words stung like someone had poured acid in a wound but she kept a brave face and walked with him as he waved to his fans, blowing them kisses. She frowned to herself. While everyone saw him, no one truly saw her but she said nothing for she knew that he had always been destined to shine. As the night went on, the party grew tiresome and the two of them leave. Adrien had his driver drop her off home and promised to be around tomorrow. She nodded to herself and made her way into her apartment above the Bakery. She put her coat down and stroked the ears of her cat, Tikki before freeing herself from her dress and changing into something more comfortable before she took out her moment recent project and began to sew to herself as she hummed softly. The feeling of the needle going through the material relaxed her but this time, she didn't feel her worries melt away. She loved Adrien. She loved him with all her being. She didn't doubt that. She had done since she'd first met him and even though it took him years to notice her, she remained loyal to him, never looking at another boy. He had finally asked her out a few months ago and she instantly said yes. And what bliss had it been. They were the talk of the town. The model and the designer. Their work together was killer and she was proud to call herself his girlfriend but recently, it had been going down hill. The more he wore her designs, the more he shined but the more he shined, the more she became invisible. She didn't mind that he wore her outfits but he never directly said they were hers and every time, she was with him, the same words came out of his mouth. 'This is just Marinette. She's a great friend'. There was never 'this is my girlfriend. She designs these clothes I'm wearing' or 'This beautiful lady is my queen'. Not that she expected something like that. She just wanted him to appreciate her. She sighed to herself and put her project away before going to bed.

 ~A Few Days Later~

 "Hey, Marinette. Can you get me a skinny latte pronto?" Adrien asked as he read the latest issue of Vogue Paris, which he had a photoshoot with a day ago. Marinette looked up from the dress she was scoring with an annoyed look. He was sat the dress with his feet up. "Anytime soon would be good,"

 "Get it yourself," She stated, a little snapper then she meant. He lowered the magazine and looked at her with surprise. "What?"

 "Why you been all bitchy? I just asked you to get me a latte," He gasped, frowning. She straightened up and gave him a look.

 "And all I said was get it yourself. You have two legs that work perfectly fine, don't you?" She replied, making him frown.

 "I'm busy," He stated, causing her to roll her eyes.

 "I'm also busy or have your eyes stopped working?" She asked, folding her arms. "Miss Bourgeois wants her dress finished tonight so I have to get it done, meaning I don't have time to go on an errant for you and I'm also not your PA so either get it yourself or get someone else to get it,"

 "Geez, I get it. No need to bite my head off," He rolled his eyes as he got up and headed out of the room. Marinette sighed and went back to pinning the dress. Hopefully, he'll be in a better mood when he comes back but he wasn't. He slammed down his coffee and consciously made passive aggressive remarks. She finally slams down her kit and face him. "What?"

 "What the hell is your problem?!" She asks, making him frown.

 "Nothing!" He gasped. 

 "Really? Cause you're acting like you have a problem!"

 "The only problem I have is that you're acting like a spoil brat!" He gasped, making her frown. "It's like since I got more famous and known, you've gotten more jealous,"

 "I'm not jealous!" She screamed. "I'm hurt that you act like I don't exist because since you've got famous, it's like I don't exist!"

 "That's what you're upset about?!" He gasped like she had said something trivial, making her frown. "I thought you were more mature then that, Marinette,"

 "Get out!" She screamed as tears filled her eyes. He grabbed his jacket and coffee then left the room, rolling her eyes. She finally let her tears fall as she fell to the floor. Her shoulders shook as she sobbed. It's like he didn't see her anymore and that she was completely invisible to him but not just him. Her friends are always paying him attention, her family are always singing his graces and the other designers ignore that the clothes he wears are hers. To her, it felt like the more people gave him attention, the less and less she saw. She felt lonely and useless but more then anything, she wondered if he loved her anymore. More tears fell as she wasn't sure what the answer was.

 (***)

 "Yes! I love it!" The photographer called out as Adrien posed and smiled. His fans screamed and cheered as they watched as he threw a charming grin at the camera, completely ignoring Marinette as usual. He smiled brightly and Marinette felt sorrow. The more his fans screamed, the more lonely she felt. She didn't understand how she could feel so lonely, given how many people were around but she felt close to been nothing and Adrien was completely ignoring it. He acted like their disagreement hadn't happened and when she bring it up, he made her feel like it was her fault. "Aah no! We're losing the sun!"

 "That's ok. We got some excellent photos today," Adrien replied as he looked at them on the photographer's computer. The photographer and his team packed up as Adrien turned to Marinette. "Time to go. I'll have you dropped off at home,"

 "No," She stated, not looking up from her notepad. He frowned deeply.

"What?"

 "I said no," She stated, finally looking up at him.

 "What do you mean no? How are you gonna get home?"

 "I'll do what I did before I met you and get the subway," She replied, going back to her drawing. He frowned deeply. 

 "Fine!" He growled a little before turning on his heel and leaving. Marinette let out a sigh of relief and continued to draw the street lights came on and the sun set. She hummed softly to herself as she drew, losing herself in the zone. When she next looked up, she realized the night had settled in completely now and that she should probably go home. She packed up her things and began to make her way to the subway but the sound of music caught her attention. She looked to her side and saw a man not much older then her stood in the street, playing a guitar and singing softly as a few people stood around, listening to his music. She slowly wondered over as he finished playing his song. The small crowd clapped as he grabbed his water and took a drink. Marinette couldn't really see him as he knelt down and changed the settings on his amp. A few people stepped away as he straightened up and started to play his guitar, re-tuning it. Marinette found herself intrigued by the mysterious guitarist. His hair was short and black with teal blue highlights. His hoodie matched and his black jeans were ripped. He finished tuning his guitar and looked up. Instantly, his eyes met hers. A soft but seductive smile came across his lips and a mysterious twinkle danced in his teal blue eyes. Marinette felt her cheeks burn a little as he looked at her before he started to play his guitar. The song sounded familiar but it wasn't until he started to sing that she recognized it. He stepped close to the microphone as he looked at her before his voice came through.

 "Wise men say only fools rush in," His voice sounded like it was from the heavens above. It was soft and gentle yet full of the mysteries of the night. It brought a shiver to Marinette's spine but one of pleasure and joy. "But I can't help falling in love with you,"

 He looked directly at her as he sung.

 "Shall I stay? Would it be a sin if I can't help falling in love with you?" A few more people joined them as he sang softly, playing his guitar skillfully. She honestly felt like she was the most important thing in the world right now. She didn't know how he did it but it felt like she was the only thing he could see. He paid no attention to the other people who were watching as he sang softly. "Like a river flows surely to the sea, Darling so it goes some things are meant to be,"

 He stopped singing as he played a bit of a solo, looking down at his guitar so he could focus on his music. Marinette closed her eyes as she listened to the notes.

"Take my hand, take my whole life too," The sound of his voice made her open her eyes again. Once again, those teal eyes connected with hers and she honestly felt like it was just him and her. Like there was no one else around. She felt all of her sorrow and pain wash away in a sea of music as he continued his song. "For I can't help falling in love with you,"

 He stopped playing his guitar before holding the mic as he leaned closer to it. 

 "Like a river flows surely to the sea," He sang without the music. "Darling so it goes some things are meant to be,"

 A few girls swooned as he sang softly before he started to play again. Marinette listened intensely.

 "Take my hand, take my whole life too for I can't help falling in love with you," He sang, moving his eyes across back to her. "For I can't help falling in love with you,"

 The song came to an end and everyone around clapped, bringing Marinette into reality. He smiled and thanked people as they put change and notes into his guitar case. Marinette took out a couple of spare coins and walked over. He nodded to a gentleman, who had given him €20. He looked up as she put the change into his guitar case and smiled softly at her before his eyes landed on her sketch pad.

 "Are you an artist?" He asked, nodding to it. Her face blushed as she realized what he meant.

 "Oh, not really," She mumbled, looking away shyly as she pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. He frowned softly to himself as he looked at her. "Um,"

 "You look really familiar to me," He mumbled, grinning before clicking his fingers. "Aren't you the sweetheart of that model Adrien Agreste?"

 Instantly, her face dropped as he said that, making him frown before holding up his hands.

 "Sorry. I didn't meant any offence by that," He mumbled, rubbing the back of his head. "I'm not very good with words,"

 "T-that's ok," She mumbled. "But yes, I am the girlfriend of Adrien Agreste,"

 She held out her hand to him.

 "My name is Marinette Dupain-Cheng," 

 "Luka Couffaine," He smiled, shaking it before pulling away as he began to clearing up his stuff as people walked by. "Did you like the song by the way?"

 "I did. It was by Elvis originally," She mumbled, making him smile. 

 "Didn't peg you for an Elvis girl," 

 "Who doesn't like Elvis? He's the king," She scoffed as he took the money out of his guitar case and put it into bags. "Do you want a hand?"

 "No, I'm good thank you," He smiled before placing the bags into his rucksack before packing away his microphone into a case. He placed his guitar in it's case and put the rucksack on. "I have to get going but if you're interested, I play this spot every night,"

 "Is that an invitation, Mr Couffaine?" She asked but he didn't answer. He just smiled in a mischievous way that made her heart skip a beat before he disappeared into the night. Marinette let out a soft sigh before she headed to the subway.

 (***)

 Marinette found herself coming back to that spot where Luka played under the night sky every night and his music relieved her off her sorrow but every time she left, her loneliness came back. After a particular bad argument with Adrien, Marinette came to Luka's spot a little bit late. He was just packing up and looked a little sad but as soon as he saw her, a smile came across his face and his eyes lit up but it didn't last long. He dropped his rucksack and rushed over to her when he saw the tears rolling down her face. 

 "Marinette, what's wrong?" He gasped but she didn't answer. Her lip trembled and more tears fell down her face. He brought her into his arms and rubbed her back. "It's ok,"

 She sniffed and wiped her eyes before looking up at him.

 "I'm s-sorry," She mumbled, looking down.

 "Don't be," He replied, looking at her with a soft look. Marinette felt a blush come over her face as she looked away shyly. "Look, I have to drop these back at home-"

 He nodded to his equipment.

 "But if you'd like to join me, we could go grab a coffee at mine and talk about whatever you want. Sound good?"

 "T-That sounds g-great," She sniffed, smiling a little. She went to grab one of his cases but he smiled, picking them up. She walked with him as he began to walk towards the Seine. 

 "I should warn you. I live on a boat," He states, looking at her seriously.

 "That doesn't surprise me if I'm honest," She smiled as he turned onto the boat. She looked and smiled at the name. "The Liberty huh?"

 "Ah, I didn't name her," He smiled, offering her his hand. She took it and he helped her onto the deck before they headed downstairs. Marinette looked around as Luka put his musical gear away. She smiled softly to herself as she looked around. It was a cosy place with a simple but homely feel. An brown sofa that had seen better day was opposite a TV and the kitchenette was small and yet it felt more alive then she had seen in a long time. It was the complete opposite of Adrien's apartment. Adrien's place was perfect. Not a single thing was out of place and it was in a minimalist design. It was black and white in it's color scheme and Adrien's OCD helped keep it tidy. Luka's boat on the other hand was what one might call a little messy. Music scores were scattered around, along with several musical instruments and a few drawings were pinned to the walls, along with a couple of photos. There was a couple of mugs on the coffee table. Marinette smiled a little before walking over to the photos. She recognized Luka instantly but the two women next to him didn't seem familiar. "That's my mum and sister,"

 She jumped at little as he came over. 

 "Juleka is currently in America with her fiance, Rose," He stated. "And Mum is on tour,"

 "Your mum's a musician too?"

 "Kind of. She has her own unique shows. She mixed music with comedy," He smiled. "The Liberty use to belong to her. She gave it to me when I turned 18 and she moved in with her husband,"

 "That must of been quite the scene changer. From a boat to a house," Marinette mumbled but he laughed softly. "What?"

 "I never said she moved into a house," He replied, taking out his phone and showing her a picture of a huge tour bus. "That's the Liberty mark 2,"

 Marinette stared in shock before looking at him.

 "She moved into a tour bus?"

 "Yep," He grin, looking fondly at the pictures. He pointed to a picture of him, his sister and two others. "That was my first band. I was the guitarist, Jules was the bassist, Rose was the leader singer... that's her... and that big guy was our drummer, Ivan,"

 "What were you called?"

 "Kitty Section," He smiled. "We use to sing songs about Unicorns and fluffy bunnies,"

 "Seriously?" She asked, looking at him.

 "Yeah," He grinned. "Rose was also the song writer and as you can tell, she loved the color pink,"

 Marinette couldn't help but laugh a little as Luka smiled down at her. Marinette moved around and noticed a cloth over a cuboid object. She looked over at him and raise an eyebrow.

 "That is Sass' tank," He replied.

 "Who or what is Sass?"

 "My snake," He smiled, lifting the cover off, revealing the beautiful snake. "I put them on while I go out so he doesn't realize I'm out. I worry that he'll get lonely if he realizes,"

 "That is adorable," She smiled. "Can I meet him?"

 "Hmm, once I've fed him," He replied, walking over to the kitchenette. He picked up the kettle and filled it up with water before putting it on to boil before going into his freezer and taking out a small sealed box. He walked over to the tank and took out a frozen mouse before opening it and put it into the cage. Marinette watched with fascination as the snake devours the dead mouse. Luka put the mice back and looked over at her. "You know most girls would be freaked out by that,"

 "I'm not like most girls," She smiled softly, looking over at him. 

 "I'll say," He replied. "So coffee, tea or hot chocolate?"

 "Hot chocolate please," 

 "One Luka Couffaine hot coco special coming up," He grinned, grabbing two mugs and making them one each. A few minutes later, he came over and placed one of the mugs in front of her. Cream covered the top and it had sprinkles onto top of it. He placed his down next to hers and sat down so he was facing her. "So what do you want to talk about?"

 "How you learnt to make an amazing looking hot chocolate?" She smiled, picking hers up and taking a sip. "Wow,"

 "I work part time as a barista during the day," He explained. "So I know how to make a mean latte and hot chocolate,"

 "This is really good," She mumbled, sipping it again. He picked up his and took a sip. "So how long you been playing guitar?"

 "Since I was a little kid," He replied, putting his cup down. "Look, can I ask you something?"

 "Well, you just did," She smiled cheekily, making him playfully roll his eyes. "But you can ask something else?"

 "Why were you crying?" He asked but instantly regretted as her eyes filled with sorrow. "Never mind. I shouldn't have asked,"

 "I feel invisible," She mumbled, making him frown as he looked over.

 "What do you mean?"

 "I probably sound jealous and petty but since Adrien has gotten more popular, it's like he's forgotten who I am," She mumbled, looking down. "He doesn't treat me like his girlfriend anymore. When we first got together, he was constantly acting like I was a queen. He was kind and sweet and he made me feel wanted and loved. We shared an common interest as we both loved fashion and we thought it would be amazing for me to design some clothes for him and for him to wear them to red carpet events but he stopped telling people they were made by me, he started to flirt with his fans and was more bothered about the media coverage then me. At the red carpet events, when the press asked who I was, he would say stuff like 'oh, that's just Marinette. She's a great friend'... it's like he's ashamed to be seen with me and he acts like such a child when he doesn't get his way. We had an argument a few days before I met you. I was busy making a new outfit and he demanded that I go get him a latte. His literal words were 'hey, get me a skinny latte pronto'. Honestly, I don't care that he wanted a latte. What hurt was that he talked to me like I was nothing and expected me to drop everything when he was sat there with his feet up, doing nothing while I was trying to make a dress for my client. He had a go at me for telling him to get it himself,"

 "He doesn't deserve you," Luka mumbled, making her look at him. He blushed and looked away. "I um... just ignore me,"

 "Luka, are you blushing?" She asked with a slight tease in her voice. He cleared his throat and sipped his drink. "Can I ask you something?"

 "Sure,"

 "Why did you play Elvis the night I met you?" She asked, causing him to blush again. 

 "Um... I p-play wh-what I feel," He mumbled, shyly. 

 "It was 'Can't help falling in Love'," She stated before looking forward. "I like spending time with you,"

 "You do?"

 "Yeah... maybe it's selfish but I don't feel invisible when I'm around you," She mumbles. "I feel important,"

 "You are important," He smiled. Marinette felt her heart skip a heart beat as he looked at her with a look that she could only describe as pure love. He looked away and finished his drink. "Do you want to hold Sass?"

 "Sure,"

 (***)

 Luka pushed open the door of the night club. He looked around and instantly spotted Marinette, who was dressed in a short black dress and leaning against the bar. A girl with red hair was with her. He walked over and Marinette instantly jumped up, grinning as she saw him. Her friend stood up as he walked closer.

 "Lu-Luka!" She slurred, stumbling forward. He caught her and helped her stand straight.

 "Wow, Marinette. You're wasted," He mumbled, worry covering his face. She giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck.

 "Hmm, you sme-smell really nice," She grinned. "You know I really like you, Luka! Like super like you,"

 "That's nice but you're really drunk," He frowned as she leaned to kiss him. He gently pushed her away enough to stop her from kissing him. He really liked her and he had been thinking about kissing her since he met her but not like this. He would never take advantage of her or anyone. She frowned a little before he turned to her friend. "Thanks for calling me,"

 "I figured you were the safe choice," She stated. "Giving that Adrien is the reason why she's pissed out of her skull,"

 He frowned softly as she giggled.

 "I'll get her home," He replied, gently putting his arm around her waist. "Come on, Marinette,"

 "Lukaaaa. Can you sing me a song?" She huffed as he led her out of the night club and hailed a cab. "I think your voice is really sexy,"

 "And I think you're very drunk and don't mean that," He states, getting her in. "What's your address, melody?"

 "The Tom and Sabina bakery!" She called to the taxi driver before giggling to Luka. "I secretly live in a bakery. Don't tell anyone,"

 "I won't," He smiled softly as she curled up to him as the taxi drove to the bakery. 

 "H-hey, why didn't you kiss me back?" She asked, looking up at him.

 "Because you're drunk and I'm not that kind of guy," He states, looking at her.

 "Awww! You're always so nice, Luka!" She grinned. "Such a gentleman!"

 "I do try," He smiled as she started to hum. His eyes went wide as she hummed Can't Help Falling In Love. Slowly, it came to a stop and he looked down, only to see her eyes closed and her breathing slow and soft. He ran his fingers through her hair as the taxi went through traffic. It pulled up outside the bakery and Luka paid him before gently waking up Marinette. "We're here,"

 "M'kay," She mumbled, sleepily. He helped her out of the car and the taxi drove off. She wondered to the side door and tried to find her keys in her back. Luka gently took it off and found them instantly before he unlocked the door. She grinned sleepily and went to head up the stairs but almost tripped. He caught her and closed the door behind them before helping her up the stairs.

 "Which one is your room?"

 "That one," She grinned. "You wanna join me?"

 "Not tonight," He replied, opening the door. He helped her onto the bed and took off her shoes before taking off her necklace.

 "But where are you gonna sleep?"

 "I'll just head back to the Liberty," He smiled but she grabbed his hand and sorrow filled her eyes.

 "Please stand," She mumbled, tears in her eyes. "I don't want to be alone,"

 "Alright but I'm gonna sleep on the sofa," He stated, gently getting her into bed. He moved the cover over her and gently kissed her hair. She pretty much felt asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. He smiled softly and leave the room before settling on the sofa. 

 (***)

 Marinette woke up with a hang over from hell. She was tired, achy and she knew she had been really drunk last night. She got up and noticed she was still in her party dress so she headed into the bathroom and took a shower before getting dressed. She wondered into the living room and saw Luka asleep on her sofa. Memories of last night flashed back into her mind and she felt her face heat up at how she had tried to kiss him yet he had pushed her away and taken her home. She owed him thanks and an explanation. Looking over at him as he slept, her heart sang a beautiful song she hadn't heard in a long time and like that, her feelings for Adrien and her feelings for Luka had became quite clear to her. She was no longer in love with Adrien Agreste and had fallen in love with Luka Couffaine. She jumped a little as he stirred. Those beautiful teal eyes stared up at her and she was pretty sure she had died and gone to heaven.

 "Hey, you're up," He smiled softly, sitting up. She walked over and sat next to him.

 "I'm sorry about last night,"

 "That's ok but why were you so drunk?"

 "I found out Adrien had cheated on me," She replied, calmly. Luka frowned. "I got drunk because I thought it would hurt to face it. I should be hurt and angry but really.... I don't feel anything,"

 "Maybe you're just blocking it out?"

 "No. I think the reason why I don't feel is because I know the truth," She mumbled. "Me and Adrien stopped loving each other a long time ago. Our love is dead but I don't know if I can end it. I don't know who I am without him. All these years, I have loved him so much and now that love-"

 "Marinette," He stated, pressing his fingers to her lips. "Come to the Grand Paris Hotel tomorrow at 6pm ok?"

 "O-ok,"

 (***)

 Marinette walked around nervously as she looked for Luka. She spotted him talk to someone. He looked really nice, dressed in a suit. He looked over and waved. She walked over and smiled at him as a few people came over.

 "Luka, who is this charming young lady?" Marinette recognized the man as a famous musician. She half expected him to do exactly what Adrien did and introduce as 'just Marinette'.

 "This beautiful melody is my muse," He smiled softly at her. She blushed a little at his introduction.  "Without her, I would be lost in a world of darkness,"

 Another blush lit across her face as Luka gently kissed her hand.

 "In fact, I believe you're familiar with her clothing label, Miraculous," And like that, she was the center of attention. People were asking her where she got her wild ideas from and she felt important. She looked over and saw Luka, smiling softly at her like she was the most beautiful creature in the room and she realized to him, she was. A blush came across her features as he looked at her with pure admiration and love.

 "Marinette?" The familiar voice of Adrien knocked her out of her thoughts. She frowned softly. "I'm surprised to see you here. I thought you'd be slaving away on another dress,"

 "Well, I'm not," She frowned, looking at the young woman on Adrien's arm. She was younger, prettier and more refined then Marinette. "Replacing me already?"

 "Well, since you didn't answer your phone, I had to improvise," He rolled his eyes but Marinette sighed.

 "Adrien, I didn't answer my phone because I'm done," She states. "I'm done with your drama, with your father, with your expectations but mostly, I'm done with you. It's over, Adrien Agreste. Goodbye,"

 With that, she turned on her heel and walked over to Luka. Adrien frowned but made no attempt to win her back, confirming her theory but Luka had done something for her that Adrien never did. He let her be herself. 

 "You let me take the limelight..." She mumbled. "Why?"

 "You deserve to shine,"

 "Can I ask you something?"

 "Anything you want,"

 "How long have you been in love with me?"

 "Since the moment I saw you in the crowd," He replied, honestly before taking her hand in his. "I can't help falling in love with you,"

[kauaiphotographers82]

How to Choose Your Perfect Wedding Photographer

Your EXCITED, ENGAGED and ON A MISSION to find that special wedding photographer that is going to help you and your spouse remember and relive the day you said, "I do.". If this sounds a little like a match making idea then you're right. Of all the vendors that you will choose to help you make your wedding day fantastic, your photographer will spend the entire day with you. Think about it, your baker will bring the cake and leave, your florist will hand everything over and leave, your wedding planner will check up on you from time-to-time while there but your photographer will always be there recording every moment. Once you realize this and search for "wedding photography" or "wedding photographer" in Google and you'll find yourself staring at a list between 2 - 12 million results. You don't have the time or the desire to even begin to click and search through all of them so here are ten questions to help you find your perfect wedding photographer.

1. You can't know what you want until you know what you want.

Because there is uniqueness in your love and passion with each other your wedding portraits should reflect that uniqueness. As a result, you need to understand and be able to articulate the style of photography that will best fit for you. To do so you need to ask yourself two questions:

a. What types of movies do you and your fiancée like to watch and what types movies can you see yourself in? The movie(s) you choose will give you an idea as to the over all feeling of the photographs you most likely want to have. If you like family based movies then you are going to most likely want photographs that have an emphasis on friends and family. On the other hand, if you enjoy romantic, action or high drama movies, then you might be more interested in photographers who are able to produce dramatic photos that focus on you.

b. What magazines would you like to see yourself in? Every magazine has a customer base demographic. And this is not by accident. Do you like the photographs from Vogue, GQ, Modern Bride, or W? Look through magazines and find photographs that you would like to see yourself in and cut out those photographs for future reference.

2. Searching for photographer on the web

Because there are so many websites just using the best keywords to find what you are looking for can be a daunting task so here are some ideas to make it a little easier. Use words that are specific to you concerning the type of wedding photography that you are looking for. In addition you will want to search under the words of where you are getting married and/or where you would like to find your photographer. Here are some ideas:

These sites will give you more than enough results to look through. Once you see a list, start to visit as many sites as you can but ONLY LOOK AT THE PHOTOS. Your goal is to find a photographer with photos that you can see yourself in and that you would be proud and excited to show your friends and family.

3. The Photographers' Website

The website is the wedding photographers personal gallery of their best work. The purpose of visiting the website is to not only assess if you like the photographer's style but also to get more aquatinted with the photographer too. Once you click on the website then take some time to visit the "about us" or "bio" section of the website. Get to know the photographer a little bit. Once you do this ask yourself if this were someone you would befriend. You may want to make a list of photographers to compare them. However, no matter how good or bad the photos are, if you do not think that you would befriend the photographer then that photographer should most likely not be considered. While perusing the galleries begin to write down some notes about what you like about the photos, if you can see yourself in those photos, and if you would refer others to the photographer. Don't be shy about your comments; be honest as if you were looking at your own photos. If you are not impressed with the photos then quickly move on t o the next site. Never stay on a website any longer than you need to. **Remember to resist any temptation to look at prices or any unrelated categories like children portraiture and/or high school senior portraits while on the website. You are on a mission so always remind yourself to stay on task. Once you determined that you like the photos on the website then bookmark that website and move on to the next one. You, Your Best Friend, and Your Nemesis Should I really trust my "gut feeling" on such an important decision? I can only answer a resounding "YES." Our "gut feeling" is typically comprised of knowledge, past experiences, and perception of future events based on your learned knowledge. Making a great decision is going to be a matter of research and personal experience. So take your time and learn and see as much as you can so that when the time comes to make this important decision you will be excited and extremely confident that you made this decision.

4 - LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Believe it or not, not every photographer can produce artistic portraits in any given venue. As a Bride, you need to be honest with yourself and with your photographer about your photographic expectations for that day. You must always remember that you are hiring a photographer for a specific reason, to capture individual moments from that day so that those memories will never be forgotten. A big component of your day will be the location and venue you choose for your celebration. You need to know the venue's photographic expectations and restrictions. Here are some questions to ask your venue:

1) Does the venue allow flash photography?

2) Are there any insurance requirements?

2) Are there any time limits in any venue that the photographer should know? (You can ask the vendor this question and let the photographer know about this.)

3) Are there any places at the venue that cannot be photographed? You need to know your venue's policies on photographs and where they can and cannot be taken.

4) Ask the venue if there is anything that the photographer needs to know that you haven't asked. (phrase this as a question as you did with the others.)

5) What was the worst infringement of the venue's photographic policies? (This will give you an idea of how serious they are about their policies and what is important to them.) Be sure to bring up these answers with the photographer during your meeting. Know more here Kauai photographers

HOW DO YOU GET THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOU AND YOUR LOCATION?

Ask your vendor for personal recommendations and view the photographer's website. Put those sites that are most in line with your style in the list of your other potential photographers.

When viewing websites ask yourself: -

Does this photographer have that ability to adapt to his surroundings? (Are there a variety of photographs from a variety of locations?) Is the photographer creative enough to be able to take high quality portraits anywhere? (Is the photographer creative in posing?) Is the overall personality of the website something that you like? (Would you be confident to recommend a friend to the same website to get their advice and their recommendations on photographers) Quality professional wedding photographers know how to use their surroundings as a backdrop for your romantic portraits. If you are going to have a candle light wedding then the photographer is going to have the equipment to correctly expose for that extremely low light setting. If you are getting married on the beach then your photographer will need the equipment and knowledge to ensure that the sun does not over power your beautiful dress and smile.

5 - Book Early, BOOK ASAP!!!!!

The key here is to make sure that you are happy and comfortable with your photographer. You never want to choose and settle on a photographer because of time or pressure from the photographer, friends, or family. Give yourself some time and space. This is really up to you. You need to feel comfortable and secure with your decision. Once you are comfortable and sure about the decision then sign the contract and be happy that that decision is out of the way.

6 - Calling or contacting your perspective Professional Photographer

Once you have a list of photographers then start calling! When you speak with your perspective photographer for the first time there are a few things you may want to keep in mind. Let the photographer know that you have seen their website and are impressed with what you have seen and you would like to ask a few questions that were not covered on the website. When you speak to a photographer you need to approach it as an interview. Remember, you are hiring a professional to do a job that cannot be repeated. There are no "do-overs" with wedding photos so try to get to know the photographer as well as possible.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

THE INTERVIEW:

You should approach this call as an interview. It is really to find out what this photographer is about and decide if you would like to meet the photographer in person.

When the photographer answers the phone how does he sound? Happy? Sad? Annoyed? Or glad to speak with you? Remember, you are calling the photographer's business phone number. The photographer knows that you are calling for a business reason. [ There is no excuse for the photographer to answer any other than happy and glad to speak with you.] Ask open-ended questions such as: what do you like about weddings, How long have you photographed weddings, what got you started in photographing weddings. Ask any questions that you can think of about their personality and wedding photography career. Ask about date availability and the location of the wedding and reception. How long has the photographer been in business? What does the photographer like best about photographing weddings? Are you a full-time or part-time photographer? (The purpose of this question is still just to see who this person is.) THINGS TO CONSIDER: When you make the appointment let the photographer know where you live and times you are able to meet. Also find out what location where the photographer is coming from then ask the photographer where would be a good place to meet in between. You want to listen to see if the photographer is flexible enough to go out of his/her way for you. If the photographer is not able to meet with you on the dates that you have given then the photographer should offer some suggestions that would help the both of you After the interview, if you are happy and your intuition says yes, then set up an appointment.

WORD OF CAUTION: Professional Photographers make their living on providing photographic services and not talking over the phone. The photographer may have a "strong urge" to have you meet them in person. This is not bad! What is bad is how they urge you to make an appointment. The photographer should converse with you and help you make the best photographic decision possible. Beware if the photographer is refusing (tone or verbal) to answer questions and wants to quickly set up an appointment. However, if the photographer is open with you and offers you advice and questions about what you want then the photographer has already decided that you are a good match for them and will want to set up an appointment with you. As always, if you feel comfortable then set up an appointment. Since there are more photographers than you could possibly meet in a year it is important to only set up appointments with 3-4 photographers. You may want to allocate four hours of time for each meeting. This takes into account travel there and back and speaking with the photographer. You can see then that if you are not careful you could end up making searching for a photographer your new full-time job.

7 - PACKAGES, COLLECTIONS, INVESTMENTS

So far we have spoken about the process of getting the best photographer for your wedding but have not even touched the topic of what you are going to actually get at the end of the day. Some photographers call the contents of what you get packages, collections, an investment, or a commission to supply you with your wedding day photographs. Surprisingly most photographers offer the same contents as other photographs. What is important is getting what you would like to have for the future and not what you think you need now. You want an album because of the story that you want to show to your relatives and your future grandchildren. Slide shows are nice because you can have music set to photos that will be heirlooms. Digital Negatives and Reprints: Some photographers will sell reprints directly to you. This means that you will only get prints of your wedding day (this is separate from your album) when you pay the photographer for them. These prices will vary depending on the size of the prints and how many you request. Other photographers will create a combination package in which you receive a CD/DVD composed of an unlimited or limited number of photos. You may be able to reprint these photos on your own or you may be only able to view them on a computer and email them with no option to make your own reprints. Albums: Albums, Albums, and more Albums! As the wedding industry grows, more and more companies are offering albums so it is important to see a model of the album you are choosing. It is important to see the album model because two photographers may use similar names for albums that in the end are not so similar.

Questions about the album you should ask:

1 - How many pages are in the album?

2 - What choices do I have about the album?

3 - On average how many photos will fit in the album? Some photographers will offer other products but the main thing that you want to consider is what you are looking for. Are you looking forward to having a plenty of prints to give away and a large album to show your friends and family or are you looking for something small like a day album? These are questions that you are going to have to consider thoughtfully. Whatever your choice is, make sure that there is clear communication between you and your photographer.

8 - CONTRACTS: Who needs them?!

A friend told me once that, " contracts keeps friends friends and enemies from killing each other." Because of the nature of the service you are requesting from the photographer it is incredibly important that you get everything that you agreed to in writing. Be sure that the type of album, numbers of pages, and the amount of time that you are requiring from you photographer is in writing. The reason that this is important is because if something were to go wrong then it can be held up in court. Contracts keep people a little more honest than if you didn't have one. Personally, I go over everything in the contract before the contract is signed. This way, everyone understands what is going on and communication of what is expected is clear.

9 - PHOTOGRAPHER THE INTERVIEWER

The photographer should interview you just as much as you should be interviewing the photographer. As stated before, "not everyone is for everyone" applies here as well. The photographer should ask questions that identify your personality and the personality of your relationship with your fiancé. I always ask questions such as:

1 -- When did the two of you meet?

2 - How long did you date before you were engaged?

3 - What is the most important detail in your wedding that you are most excited about?

4 - Is the venue you have chosen really important to you?

The photographer needs to ask questions that are going to tell a little bit about the couple and what's important to them. If the photographer doesn't know what is important to you then the photographer most likely will not photograph what is important to you. This most likely will result in you not being completely happy with your final product. In short, the photographer should have a good idea as to who the couple is and what is important to them.

10 - THE LAST QUESTION YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF.

What's your gut feeling? Remember decisions that you make cannot be based on what you thought was true or what you hoped will be true. The best answer you can make about the decision is based on the information that you have now. In short, consider your gut feeling, remember what you want out of the photographer and the style that the photographer produces, and have a great time choosing the photographer that will best photograph you.

[amphtaminedreams]

Paris Haute Couture Week S/S 2020 Plus a Little Jacquemus: Okay, Dior DID Suck (Part 2/2)

Hi to anyone reading,

First of all, thank you! I have never had a post do as well as the part 1 of my haute couture week review did and I am so overwhelmed with the positive feedback. This is probably funny to read for those of you getting thousands of reblogs on your posts, me acting like I won an academy award because I got a couple of hundred, but honestly I don’t expect any traction when I write on here (it’s basically just me word vomiting everything I’m thinking as if people want to hear it aka. mouthing off into what I thought was the void) so if you did read it, thank you! I do spend a long-ass time on these so it means a lot:-)

I’ll leave the self-indulgent ramble there though as it’s probably not what you came for and jump straight into part 2 of my thoughts, starting with Jacquemus. Yeah, I knew what I was doing when I tagged that in my last post. Simon Porte Jacquemus is the man of the *fashion* people right now; I’ve even found myself coming round to the Le Chiquito bag despite my original thought being “well, that’s fucking useless”. I know, I know, technically it’s not haute couture; it was part of Men’s Fashion Week, but it happened around the same time and everyone was talking about it on Twitter, so I feel like I have to include it.

In a way, it kind of reminds me of Bottega Veneta’s last RTW show, in that, especially with the women’s outfits, we seem to be sticking with simple, fitted garments and chunky, more statement jewellery. I’ve got to say I like the styling here a lot more though, and in general I’m a fan of this collection. The collared tops with cut outs underneath blazers are cool and I can’t wait until it gets warm enough for me to not feel dumb wearing my headscarfs like this; there’s a LOT of summer outfit inspiration. It’s not a mind-blowing collection or anything but it is effortlessly sexy and that’s something I wish I could say about myself. Most of us can only hope to look half as good as these models do whilst making the effort but at least Jacquemus is aspirational, lol. 

I also fucking adore this colour palette. I’m sick of neutrals literally just meaning brown and white; the navy, sand and muted khaki is a fresh edition to what is usually interpreted as the colours you’d seen worn by Disney’s Riverboat Cruise staff and only Disney’s Riverboat Cruise staff. And I mean, come on-what is more neutral than typical English school carpet blue.

Next for the whole reason I had to make this haute couture week review 2 separate posts: Jean Paul Gaultier’s final show.

In the best way possible, it’s a lot. I don’t even really know where to start, except to say that I guess this is a fitting last show; a celebration of everything campy, messy, weird, performative, and punk is the perfect send off for a brand whose best known perfume of the last few years is called Scandal. More than anything, the final show represented the range of characters and cultures that have influenced JPG throughout his half-a-decade-long career, the lines that supposedly separate what is “masculine” and “feminine”, “old” and “young” and ultimately art and fashion blurred in the most exaggerated way possible. Sure, there are some looks which are individually a bit messy here but the way they were grouped into almost chapter-like segments meant that when you see them all together, they work. Nods to the patterns and structures that recurred from season to season were sprinkled throughout, from sailor stripes to corsets to the expected whirlwinds of colour. I’ll even allow the wellies in that one outfit; if I can get over bucket hats in Peter fucking Pilotto’s last RTW show, I can get over some questionable shoes here. Middle aged fishermen and boys who liked to pose with monster carp in their Tinder pictures as some weird display of masculinity everywhere rejoice.

Now onto a show that I personally found slightly disappointing: Margiela.

I think this one is a bit TOO weird for me. Like if you’re gonna go avant-garde, go all out. Chiffon gimp masks (I don’t know if that’s the intention here but that’s what I’m getting, sorry Maison) are something I’m not particularly fond of and I’ve never been a fan of the Tabi boots in the first place, let alone when they’ve seemingly been blown up to Michelin man style proportions. I didn’t find the show to be a total lost cause-I enjoyed the colour palette and I’ve always liked that contrast stitching detail, plus the bowler hats are interesting-but on the whole considering how much I liked the last RTW show, this is a bit of a let down. 

The looks I included are salvageable but (I feel mean saying this) there were genuinely a lot of pieces that did just resemble bits of fabric draped over each over with no discernible rhyme or reason, so much so that they reminded me of some of the monstrosities I saw at a Drag Race pub quiz this one time where we had 5 mins to make some garms out of loo roll and then have a team member model them for points down a makeshift runway. 

Ralph and Russo was alright. There were a few pieces that I really liked but again, I can’t help but compare this collection to the last, where it felt like the fussy details of bows and sequins and feathers and the Barbie Dreamhouse palette were utilised with a direction in mind. Here, I don’t get that. As ever, the gowns are gorgeous and I’d pay good money just to try one on for five minutes but as an overall collection I’d say there was a lack of higher vision, which is probably the snobbiest sentence I’ve ever written so forgive me.

As for Ronald Van Der Kemp, I could’ve done without including it to be honest, if it weren’t for the few pieces I’m in love with: the velvet cape, fur trimmed jacket and blue satin dress are probably my favourite pieces here.

So onto a collection I liked a lot more: Schiaparelli. 

The influence of nature from flowers in bloom to insects to the organic structure of the human skeleton is as present as ever, though this collection includes a lot more delicate symbolism than usual. Honestly, the details make it for me; the brooches, earrings and facial jewellery are other-worldly touches to outfits that could otherwise be simple fashion magazine editor on-the-go. That’s not in itself a bad thing! The suits are gorgeous. I mean, I’m talking fashion editor in New York in a power suit yelling orders down the phone while she rushes along with a coffee. A Miranda Priestley in the making type woman. THAT’S a modern take on the divine feminine that Maria Grazia should’ve been going for; our goddesses aren’t women who sit around looking pretty (though that helps too) and place curses on mere mortals anymore, they’re women who get shit done. 

With regards to Valentino, which was also a delight, let me start by saying this colour palette is EVERYTHING. It’s ugly sisters in Cinderella fantastic, and we know those 2 were the real fashion icons really. Other than that, I adore the Old Hollywood silhouettes from the gloves to the Liz Taylor-in-Cleopatra-level-dramatic earrings. Everything is opulent and expensive-looking and pretty much what we’ve all come to expect from Valentino. A strong 8/10.

For me personally, Viktor and Rolf was a standout and one of my favourite collections of haute couture week. It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea and I know it’s at the complete opposite end of the spectrum to what was probably my other favourite collection, Elie Saab, but this is just my style down to a T, the perfect balance of grungy and cutesy that I want to achieve. 

There’s probably going to be a lot of objections to the temporary face tattoos and I get that, but I think they’re fucking sick. I obviously wouldn’t get a permanent one lest my mother murder me in cold blood however if I did, you bet I would be pairing them with frilly-ass babydoll dresses that you could pick up in Camden Market like this. 

And last but not least (that would be Dior), there’s Zuhair Murad.

Sigh.

IDK, man. Seeing Zuhair Murad dresses on Tumblr and WeHeartIt (remember that site? It still exists!) as a 14 year old was one of the things that got me into fashion, so it sucks that almost every time a new collection comes around, I feel underwhelmed. Disappointingly, the brand hasn’t really progressed all that much since 2013. It goes without saying that the stoning and the embroidery and sequins are stunning and would make anyone feel like a princess but from a critical point of view, I’m just not seeing anything new here. Whereas I feel like Elie Saab, for example, reflected the growing fascination with East Asian fashion and recognition of the supremacy of the region’s street style in his haute couture last collection, Zuhair Murad seems to be stuck designing the same dresses he was 6 years ago. 

To pick one example, the rounded stoned necklines are so outdated that they’ve been making their way onto department store prom dresses for years. I get that it’s supposed to be a reference to Ancient Egyptian style and I respect that, I was one of those 8 year old that was obsessed with mummies and the “Curse of Tutankhamun”, but couldn’t it be done in a more interesting way? It’s Maria Grazia’s spin on Ancient Greece all over again. Now I get how how the I imagine very niche subsection of people who are into fashion and Julius Caesar (okay, so I don’t even know if they still believed in mythology and all that malarky at that point in history but just roll with my comparison here) might’ve felt going through Vogue Runway. Anyway, I hate to end on a critical note and so be clear, these are still absolutely magnificent dresses. If we ignore those ugly round necklines, that is.

So that’s it for this post! If you read part 1 and 2, I hope you enjoyed it! As always, let me know your opinions and feel free to disagree. I’m literally just about to start trawling through all the A/W 2020 RTW collections though I imagine that’s gonna take me way longer to do than this, so I wouldn’t expect that for a month or two. In the meantime, I’m trying to fit shooting a Euphoria-inspired lookbook into my days off work which is looking atm like it’s going to be the end of March, so look out for that, and also a review of the red carpet fashion from this season’s award shows. 

As ever, thank you so much for reading and again, thank you for the reception on part 1 if you were one of the people that read it. It makes staying up til 3am with the jitters seem worthwhile, lol! 

Lauren x