Jiang Wu, an enchantress from the Joyful Union Sect, failed her tribulation and transmigrated to a seaside island in the 1970s. She became the notoriously "fussy" military wife, disliked by...
Chapter 119 Free Advertising! This is how it should be done!
In the following days, the atmosphere at the "Wu Se" studio became unusually strange.
The studio doors were tightly closed, with a sign that read "Undergoing renovations, temporarily closed." All customers who came to order clothes were politely turned away by Zhou Nianci.
Outside, rumors about "Wu Se" have spread like wildfire.
"Have you heard? That 'Charming Color' studio was forced to close down because of the new styles from Dongfeng Garment Factory!"
"That's right! When a large state-owned factory makes a move, how can its small workshop compete!"
"I knew it! What 'personal customization'? It's just a gimmick. The designs are just like mass-produced items, but the prices are sky-high!"
"It's closed now, I guess the owner ran off with the money, right?"
All sorts of unpleasant words were heard incessantly.
Those who once praised "Wu Se" to the skies are now more hesitant and skeptical.
Meanwhile, Dongfeng Garment Factory, which was responsible for all of this, was basking in its enormous success.
The plagiarized "Island Romance" (the name they gave the dress) dress, with its novel design and low price, became the hottest item this summer, bringing unprecedented profits and reputation to the garment factory.
As a result, the purchasing agent named Liu Ping was promoted to deputy head of the design department and enjoyed great prestige.
In a newspaper interview, she even brazenly claimed that the inspiration for the design came from her profound understanding of the independent and confident spirit of women in the new era.
Jiang Wu and her team ignored all of this.
Inside the studio, everyone was in a near-frenzied work mode.
Jiang Wu locked herself in the design studio, revising and perfecting the design of the "treasure of the store" over and over again, scrutinizing every detail to the extreme.
Meanwhile, Master Li and Master Wang, along with their apprentices, disassembled all of Jiang Wu's previous sample garments and upgraded and modified them in terms of craftsmanship.
They used more complex sewing techniques, more delicate piping, and more concealed stitching.
Although Zhou Nianci was extremely anxious, she still cooperated fully out of trust in Jiang Wu.
While reassuring the old customers who called to inquire, she went to the printing factory to print a batch of brand-new promotional brochures as instructed by Jiang Wu.
The cover of the manual was made of a special textured paper, with only two large gold-stamped characters printed on it: "Charming Color".
Turning the page, the first page contained a sentence that sent a jolt through Zhou Nianci's heart.
"Trends belong to the masses; but style belongs only to the unique you."
A whole week.
The "Wu Se" studio quietly accumulates its strength in this secluded atmosphere.
Finally, on that weekend morning.
The studio has reopened.
This time, it was even more low-key than the first opening.
No guests were invited; instead, a small wooden sign was hung at the entrance that read: "New Product Showcase, Welcome to Sample and Comment."
However, the well-informed ladies arrived immediately upon hearing the news.
Most of them came out of curiosity and a touch of sympathy, wanting to see how this once-glorious studio had fallen into such a state of disrepair.
But as soon as they stepped through the door, everyone was stunned.
The studio has undergone a complete transformation.
The reception area, which originally had sofas, has been cleared out.
Instead, there were several well-arranged booths.
On the left-hand display stand, there were several crudely made counterfeit dresses produced by Dongfeng Garment Factory.
On the right-hand display stand, several genuine products from "Wu Se" with upgraded craftsmanship are on display.
The visual impact of placing the two side by side is devastating.
Counterfeits are like dusty glass beads sold on a street stall.
The genuine product, on the other hand, is like a sparkling diamond in a velvet box.
No words are needed; the difference in quality is immediately apparent.
"My God... the contrast is too stark..." a lady couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice.
"I thought the fake was alright before, but now that it's compared to the real thing, it's just not good!"
"The fabric, the workmanship, the cut... they're not even in the same league!"
The ladies gathered around the booth, discussing animatedly, their faces showing expressions of sudden realization.
At this moment, Zhou Nianci walked up to the crowd with a stack of newly printed promotional brochures.
"Ladies, welcome back to 'Wu Se'."
A calm and confident smile graced her face.
"As you can see, some clothing designs that imitate ours have recently appeared on the market."
"We are not angry about this; on the contrary, we are happy."
"This proves that the 'Charming Color' design has been recognized by the market."
She paused for a moment, then handed out the brochures to each of the ladies.
"However, we also want to clarify a concept for everyone here."
"The value of a piece of clothing lies in far more than just its style."
"It lies not only in its unique design concept, but also in its impeccable fabrics and craftsmanship, and in whether it can perfectly resonate with your soul."
"The products manufactured by Dongfeng Garment Factory are 'goods' produced on the assembly line."
“What we at ‘Wu Se’ offer to everyone are ‘works’ that are infused with heart and soul.”
Her words were resounding and powerful.
The ladies opened the brochures in their hands and were immediately drawn to their contents.
"Personalized service: one-on-one image consultation, tailor-made service, lifetime free alterations..."
"Fabric Library: Providing hundreds of rare fabric samples from across the country and even the world..."
"The spirit of craftsmanship: 30 years of experience master craftsmen hand-sewing every stitch, each thread a testament to tradition..."
These brand-new, high-class-sounding terms were a revelation to these well-informed ladies.
It turns out there are so many intricacies involved in making a garment!
Just as everyone was drawn to the promotional brochure, the innermost door of the studio slowly opened.
Jiang Wu pushed out a mannequin dressed as the "store's prized possession."
When that "work of art," which had consumed countless efforts from everyone, was fully presented to the public.
The entire studio fell into a deathly silence.
Everyone held their breath.
It was a magnificent dress that defies description.
The deep purple velvet shimmered with a mysterious luster under the light.
The skirt is based on the cheongsam, but at the hem, it unfolds with layers of Western-style skirt like lotus flowers.
From the shoulders to the waist, there is a large area of phoenix totem hand-embroidered with gold and silver threads. The phoenix's tail feathers extend all the way to the hem of the skirt, lifelike, as if it is about to spread its wings and fly away at any moment.
What's most amazing is its structure.
It breaks everyone's traditional understanding of clothing, using an almost supernatural three-dimensional tailoring to create a flowing yet powerful aesthetic.
All the women present were completely captivated by this dress.
The same flame burned in their eyes.
That is—desire!
"This...this dress..."
The wife of a general, who was usually the most aloof and picky, spoke in a trembling voice.
"For sale?"
Jiang Wu smiled slightly.
"I'm sorry, madam. This 'Phoenix Returns to Its Nest' piece is not for sale."
"However, we can tailor-make a unique piece just for you, a piece that belongs only to you."
She had barely finished speaking.
I want one! No matter the price!
"I want one too! Xiaowu, design one for me first!"
"Don't fight! I got here first!"
The situation at the scene was completely out of control.
The ladies' enthusiasm was ten times greater than on the opening day.
They waved their checkbooks as if they were snapping up some priceless treasure.
The plagiarism scandal did not defeat "Wu Se".
On the contrary, thanks to Jiang Wu's meticulous planning, it became a highly successful brand upgrade launch event.
It propelled the brand image of "Wu Se" from "a tailor shop that makes good clothes" to the altar of "top-notch, unique art creators".
Looking at the crazy scene before her, and then at the calm and composed Jiang Wu beside her, Zhou Nianci finally understood the meaning of her words.
This is hardly free advertising.
This is simply using Dongfeng Garment Factory as a stepping stone on the road to becoming a legend for "Wu Se"!
This Xiao Wu, her thoughts are so deep, so terrifying!
Just when the studio was in complete chaos.
An unexpected guest appeared at the door.
That was Lu Yao's father, Deputy Commander Lu.
He stood there in a crisp military uniform, exuding an air of authority without being angry.
His gaze swept past the frenzied crowd and landed coldly on Jiang Wu.
The air seemed to freeze in that instant.