Chapter 66 Fontainebleau International Fashion Week (Part Two)...
On the island at dawn, a thin mist hangs in the air, yet the pier is already bustling with people. Today is the day Jiang Suining departs for the "Fontainebleau International Fashion Week".
Jiang Suining stood by the gangway, taking one last look at her luggage. Her assistant Wu Yue and tailor Wang Hai carried the luggage onto the ship.
"I've checked everything. The paperwork, documents, foreign currency, and emergency contact's phone number are all in a hidden compartment in your backpack." Lu Ye's voice was deep, and his tightly pursed lips and unfathomable gaze when he looked at Jiang Suining betrayed the turmoil in his heart. "Be cautious in everything you do in a foreign land."
Jiang Suining gazed into her husband's deep eyes, a thousand words stuck in her throat.
With tears in her eyes, Jiang's mother stepped forward and placed a talisman in her hand: "This is what I prayed for at the temple, to keep you safe." The tailor, Zhong, solemnly handed her a notebook: "These are the notes I've compiled for each garment, in case of any unexpected situation."
Jiang Suining carefully put away the notebook and amulet, and comforted her mother, "Mom, it's alright. I'm just going on a trip and will be back soon. I'll bring you gifts when I return."
Liu Hong's voice choked with emotion: "Sui Sui, leave the company and Mom to me, don't worry. You must show foreigners how beautiful Chinese clothes are!"
“Sui Sui, safety comes first when you’re out on your own. Don’t worry about home, your sister-in-law and I will take good care of Mom and Uncle Zhong.” Jiang Fengnian’s eyes also reddened.
The long whistle of the ship urged them to depart.
Jiang Suining said goodbye to everyone, and finally, she walked up to Lu Ye.
The sea breeze tousled her hair. Lu Ye reached out and carefully tucked it behind her ear, his fingertips lingering on her earlobe for a moment, warm yet rough: "Don't panic when things happen. Think about how you handled the cold storage and how you secured the order. You are more powerful than you think."
Jiang Suining nodded heavily, her nose tingling with tears, but she forced a bright smile: "I know, I'm leaving the family to you."
She turned around and resolutely stepped onto the boarding stairs, without looking back. She was afraid that if she turned around and saw Jiang's mother's tearful eyes and Lu Ye's deep gaze, the courage she had finally mustered would collapse.
The ship cut through the azure sea and headed towards Linzhou Port.
Nan'ao Island gradually shrank in view, eventually turning into a blurry blue streak on the horizon.
...
Upon disembarking at Linzhou Port, Jiang Suining was stunned by the scene before her: huge cranes roared on the dock, cargo ships were everywhere, and pedestrians hurried along the streets, a stark contrast to the tranquil island.
She dared not delay and followed the route Lu Ye had instructed her to take to the train station and board the train to the capital, Jinghua City. The next three days would be a bumpy and arduous journey.
Jiang Suining knew that pickpockets and thieves were rampant on trains in this era, so even though she had bought a sleeper berth, she didn't dare to bring it. The three of them tightly guarded the suitcase containing the sample clothes, taking turns to rest, for fear of any accident.
We arrived in Jinghua City at dusk.
Wu Yue and Wang Hai were visiting the capital for the first time and were immediately struck by the grandeur of this northern metropolis. The bicycles flowing like water on the wide Chang'an Avenue, the majestic red city walls gilded by the setting sun, and the solemn atmosphere, so different from that of the islands and Linzhou Port, were all imbued with a profound historical heritage.
Following the address on the letter of introduction, the three of them took a car to the Foreign Affairs Reception Office under the Ministry of Light Industry. She was greeted by a section chief surnamed Zhang, who was polite but had a somewhat formal and serious demeanor.
“Comrade Jiang Suining, we have reviewed your materials. The ministry leaders attach great importance to this opportunity for a private enterprise to step onto the international stage.” Director Zhang pushed up his glasses. “However, once you are abroad, you will represent more than just yourself and your company. You must be careful with your words and actions, strictly abide by foreign affairs discipline, and contact our embassy in the Republic of Franz Josep Borough immediately in case of any emergency.”
"Please rest assured, leader, I guarantee that I will never bring shame to our motherland." Jiang Suining solemnly promised and wrote down the contact information of the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Franz.
The final step of the complicated procedures for going abroad was completed here. The Haifeng sample garment was carefully checked and sealed again, and then returned to her along with her passport and the precious invitation letter with the words "Fontainebleau International Fashion Week" printed on it.
Holding the dark brown passport, Jiang Suining truly felt that she was about to step out of the country.
The Capital Airport in the early 1980s was far from the bustling city it is today, but it possessed a dignified and breathtakingly international feel.
As the massive, silver-white Boeing passenger plane belonging to Francesti Airlines roared into the sky, Jiang Suining looked through the porthole at the familiar land beneath her feet gradually transforming into crisscrossing geometric patterns, eventually being replaced by a vast sea of clouds. An indescribable mix of excitement and melancholy welled up in her heart.
The flight, lasting more than ten hours, was both long and novel.
The blonde, blue-eyed flight attendant, the newspaper with unfamiliar writing in her hand, and the mingled scents of coffee and perfume filling the cabin all reminded her that she was heading to a completely new world.
Wu Yue and Wang Hai, on the other hand, were very excited as it was their first time on an airplane. They looked around and chatted in hushed tones.
As the plane began its descent, and the captain announced over the loudspeaker that they were about to arrive in Fontainebleau in both English and French, Jiang Suining's heart suddenly raced.
Through the porthole, the view below was no longer just pastoral scenery, but gradually revealed a dense cluster of buildings in different styles.
The winding Seine River flows through the city like a silver ribbon, and the towering ancient buildings with spires or domes shimmer with a honey-like luster in the sunlight, intertwining with some modern glass curtain wall buildings in the distance to create a wonderful sense of contrast between time and space.
As the plane landed smoothly and I stepped out of the cabin, a cool and crisp breeze, so different from the humid air of the island and the dry air of Beijing, rushed into my lungs.
The airport terminal was bustling with people of all languages and skin colors passing by, while huge billboards displayed bizarre and fashionable images.
The unfamiliar environment, the language barrier, and the strangers of different skin colors filled Wu Yue and Wang Hai with fear. The excitement they had on the plane vanished, and they stayed close to Jiang Suining, afraid of getting separated if they weren't careful.
Jiang Suining took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, and together with Wu Yue and Wang Hai, pushed the mountain of luggage and followed the flow of people toward the arrival gate.
As soon as she came out, she saw a sign with her name written in pinyin. The person holding the sign was a well-dressed, smiling young Chinese man. Standing next to him was a tall, middle-aged foreign man wearing gold-rimmed glasses, who was none other than Jean Renoir.
“Ms. Jiang! Welcome to Fontainebleau!” Mr. Renoir greeted her warmly with a standard cheek kiss, his eyes filled with genuine joy. “Was your journey pleasant?”
“It went very smoothly, Mr. Renoir. Thank you for picking me up.” Jiang Suining responded in fluent English, trying her best to appear composed. “This is my assistant, Wu Yue, and this is Wang Hai, who was in charge of cutting and making the sample garments for this exhibition.”
Renoir wanted to give a cheek kiss, but Wu Yue was so scared that she hid behind Jiang Suining. Although she had received some basic etiquette training before coming, Wu Yue was still an unmarried young woman, so it was normal for her to be uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry, I startled her.” Renoir was somewhat annoyed.
“It’s nothing,” Jiang Suining winked at Wang Hai.
Wang Hai immediately understood, stepped forward, and extended his right hand. Renoir was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and shook hands with Wang Hai before introducing the young man beside him to Jiang Suining: "This is my assistant, Li Ming. He will be responsible for your translation and some of your itinerary coordination during your stay in Fontainebleau."
"Hello." Jiang Suining shook hands with Li Ming.
"The car is already waiting outside. We'll take you to your hotel to settle in first." Renoir stepped aside to let Jiang Suining go first.
Settling into Mr. Renoir's spacious car, Jiang Suining's gaze greedily drifted out the window. The ancient cobblestone streets, the crowds leisurely sipping drinks under parasols outside roadside cafes, the exquisite yet pricey goods displayed in shop windows, and the occasional street performer... all of this was like a flowing, exotic painting, making her feel a slight dizziness and excitement.
The hotel Mr. Renoir arranged for her was located in a relatively quiet neighborhood in the center of Fontainebleau. Although not the most luxurious, it was filled with a classical elegance. There were heavy, carved wooden doors, gleaming marble floors, Impressionist reproductions hanging on the walls, and a faint fragrance in the air.
The room wasn't large, but it was clean and comfortable. Opening the window, you could see the exquisite wrought iron balconies and ivy climbing all over the walls of the building across the street.
Jiang Suining carefully placed the most important sample garment box in the wardrobe before finally breathing a sigh of relief.
After a short rest, Mr. Renoir invited her and her entourage to dinner. At a charming little restaurant near the hotel, he briefed her on the arrangements for the next few days.
Mr. Renoir spoke earnestly, “Time is extremely tight, and the competition is far fiercer than you imagine. This is a gathering place for the world's top designers, buyers, and media; everyone's eyes are like searchlights. Are you ready?”
Jiang Suining cut the steak on her plate, her hands steady without the slightest tremor. She raised her head, her gaze clear and firm: "Mr. Renoir, my team and I have been preparing for this for months. We are ready."
Beneath the enormous glass dome, a bustling crowd mingled, a vibrant atmosphere of elegant attire and clinking glasses. Tall, strikingly beautiful models in the latest fashions hurried by; reporters, cameras in hand, chased after celebrities; designers and fashionistas, dressed in outlandish and avant-garde attire, engaged in lively discussions; while buyers from around the world, with cool expressions and sharp eyes, scrutinized everything. The air was thick with the mingled scents of perfume, caffeine, and a restless atmosphere fueled by the allure of fame and fortune.
A flood of languages poured in, and the giant electronic screens scrolled through information about the upcoming fashion show. This was the epicenter of global fashion trends, a place where dreams could come true or be shattered.
Mr. Renoir quietly introduced her to some of the well-known figures and brand representatives they encountered, which Jiang Suining silently memorized. She saw some legendary supermodels she only saw in magazines, and also the young and sharp faces of designers who would later be hailed as masters. Pressure, as if tangible, pressed in from all directions.
But she did not back down. She straightened her back and looked at the faces that were arrogant, curious, or indifferent. Her indomitable spirit was completely ignited.
She wants to be here so that the world can see the charm of Chinese clothing and experience the allure of Chinese culture.
Over the next two days, Jiang Suining spun rapidly like a loaded bullet.
In the temporary studio provided by the organizing committee, she faced dozens of models from different countries with different temperaments and conducted rigorous fittings. She had to select the models who could best understand and interpret "the breath of the sea". This was not just about looking at their figure and face, but also about their eyes, temperament, and whether they could resonate with the clothing after wearing it.
“No, the shoulder needs to be more relaxed, imagine the morning mist on the sea.” She personally stepped forward and adjusted the posture of a model wearing the “Morning Mist” dress in English.
“Walk with power, but inside, like the deep current.” She instructed the model wearing the “Wu Lan” pantsuit.
Language communication was not without its challenges, and cultural differences were also evident. Sometimes she had to use gestures, and other times she needed Li Ming's assistant to translate precisely. Her attention to detail was almost obsessive; she would repeatedly adjust the angle of a fold, the way a belt was tied, and even the direction of the model's gaze as she walked the runway.
Mr. Renoir would occasionally come over to check on things, and he would see Jiang Suining managing everything backstage with a composure and focus beyond her years, and his admiration would grow stronger.
The night before the show, Jiang Suining barely slept. She checked all twenty-odd outfits one last time, making sure that every embroidery, every button, and every stitch was flawless.
She hung up the clothes one by one, arranging them neatly according to their order of appearance. In the quiet hotel room, these magnificent garments, imbued with the spirit of her hometown island and the wisdom of the East, shone with a warm and mysterious luster under the lamplight, like a group of warriors about to go into battle, silent yet containing the power of thunder.
She stroked the magnificent cloud and water embroidery on the "Twilight Waves" dress, recalling Grandma Su's focused figure as she sewed under the lamp; she arranged the hidden plum blossoms inside the "Tide Whisper" robe, remembering Tailor Zhong's honest yet determined smile; she caressed the sharp pleats on the "Midday Waves" trousers, recalling the team's repeated failed attempts and the ecstatic joy of their final success...
All the longing, all the effort, and all the expectations are condensed here.
She walked to the window, gazing at the dazzling, star-studded night sky of Fontainebleau, took a deep breath, and said softly but firmly towards the east:
"We are ready."
On the afternoon of the third day, a long queue had already formed outside a show venue at the Palace of Fontainebleau, which could accommodate hundreds of people. Media, buyers, fashion critics, and celebrities from all walks of life entered with tickets, and the air was filled with anticipation and scrutiny.
Jiang Suining stood at the entrance, taking a deep breath and trying to calm her pounding heart. Mr. Renoir stood beside her, giving her an encouraging look.
The lights dimmed, and the runway lit up.
Ethereal and slightly mysterious electronic music begins, like a call from the deep sea.
The first model walked out slowly to the rhythm of the music.
The pale glaze dress from the "Morning Ripple" series that she wore instantly caught everyone's attention.
The soft, flowing "sea-light silk" swayed gently with the model's steps, and the meticulously embroidered seed stitch on the shoulders, resembling broken dewdrops, reflected a delicate, shimmering light under the spotlight.
The hazy colors, the ethereal folds, and the feeling of water droplets about to fall perfectly recreate the gentleness and hope of the sea at dawn.
A suppressed murmur and whispers rose from the audience, and the sound of camera shutters began to accelerate.
Following that, other styles from the "Morning Ripple" series were unveiled, some flowing and others graceful, each carrying an oriental poetic charm imbued with the misty vapor of the East, creating a striking contrast with the sharp silhouettes commonly seen in the West and bringing a refreshing breeze.
When the model, dressed in a jacquard fabric blended with metallic threads, strode out with powerful strides, the audience's gaze shifted from admiration to astonishment.
The deep, almost inky blue, the leaping light spots, especially the sharp, sun-sculpted pleats on the trousers, and the subtle, barely visible gold embroidery details, all exude a restrained yet powerful sense of strength.
This is a style they've never seen before, perfectly blending the sophistication of Eastern elements with the architectural feel of modern fashion.
“Interesting… The mix of texture and that subtle metallic detail…” a commentator whispered to his companion.
The climax was ignited with the arrival of the "Twilight Waves" series.
When the last model walked onto the runway in a floor-length gown symbolizing a sunset over the sea, the entire show fell silent for a moment, followed by an overwhelming wave of gasps of amazement!
The dazzling gradient colors, transitioning from gold and red to deep blue, are visually striking in themselves, but what is most breathtaking is the surging and roaring cloud and water embroidery on the dress!
Grandma Su's embroidery, with its extraordinary skill, is full of burning passion and dynamic beauty. Under the light, it presents an incomparably gorgeous three-dimensional effect. The gold, red and purple threads intertwine and collide, as if draping the most magnificent sunset skyline over her body.
The skirt is adorned with thousands of handmade sequins, which shimmer and sparkle with every step the model takes, like the last rays of the setting sun dancing and shattering on the surface of the deep sea.
This is no longer just a garment; it is a moving, epic painting! A hymn to light, and an elegy to the sea!
The applause, which started sporadically, quickly grew into a thunderous storm! Many audience members in the front rows stood up involuntarily, wanting to see more clearly.
Finally, the "Xi Yu" series, like a final movement, slowly begins to play.
A moon-white "sea-light silk" robe moved slowly, carrying a tranquil poetic air.
As the model walked to the front of the runway, she turned around unintentionally, and a gentle breeze stirred her dress, revealing the exquisitely embroidered plum blossoms with their sparse shadows. The subtle and elegant beauty of "fragrance drifting in the twilight" once again struck the hearts of many well-informed audience members with a completely different kind of Eastern aesthetic.
This is a kind of luxury that needs to be savored and is hidden in the details; it is a beauty that requires introspection and exploration.
When all the models from each collection took their final bow, the applause and cheers in the entire show reached their peak.
The lights were focused on the back entrance.
Mr. Renoir gently nudged Jiang Suining.
She took a deep breath, straightened her own simple, modified stand-up collar shirt, and walked with somewhat stiff but composed steps onto the dazzling runway, standing among her elaborate gowns that embodied countless hours of hard work.
The spotlight shone on her, somewhat blindingly. Looking at the excited, admiring, and inquisitive faces below the stage, watching the flashing lights, and listening to the thunderous applause around her, her eyes instantly welled up with tears.
She succeeded.
She bowed slightly, and when she looked up again, she had a confident and calm smile on her face.
She said in clear Chinese, "Thank you! Thank you everyone!" Then, she repeated in English, "Thank you! From the bottom of my heart!"
At this moment, she was not just a designer, but a cultural ambassador. She allowed the breath from the Chinese sea to truly and powerfully blow over this world fashion capital, leaving an indelible oriental imprint.
The backstage area after the show was instantly flooded with people. Buyers eagerly inquired about placing orders; reporters vied to hand her microphones, asking questions in various languages; many unfamiliar designers and fashion figures also came forward to shake her hand, expressing their congratulations and amazement…
With the help of Li Ming's assistant, Jiang Suining tried her best to cope. Although she was exhausted, she was in a state of extreme excitement. She saw Mr. Renoir standing not far away, talking with several people who were obviously important. His face was full of pride and satisfaction, and he gave her a thumbs up.
She knew this was just the beginning, but she had already taken the most difficult step. The world had opened a wide crack for her, and for the Eastern aesthetics she represented.
And the light was surging in.
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