Page 11 of Bad Influence
‘Amber,’ she said, then swallowed, snapping me back into the room. ‘We’re onto outfit three.’ She fixed me with a stare. I wondered whether she and Jose had pre-planned the scenarios or if she was making them up on the spot. ‘Let’s say I’m doing some editorial for a luxury fashion magazine, and they want to shoot me on Necker. How would you style me for the front cover?’
I paused.Necker.She didn’t mean the sugary fluid inside a flower, it had to be Necker Island – the idyllic private paradise owned by Sir Richard Branson. I’d read about it before.
‘Presumably we’re talking resort wear, if you mean Necker Island?’ I asked to double check.
For a moment she looked indifferent. ‘You tell me, you’re the stylist.’
‘Resort wear it is,’ I muttered and walked back into the closet. I felt so much more comfortable surrounded by clothes than people.
‘Two minutes. Go!’ Jose called after me.
I paused.
‘Would you mind if we stop the timing element, please?’ I asked. ‘It’s just that I’m feeling quite flustered by the added pressure.’
I stopped.Has that really just come out of my mouth?They both looked stunned.What would Vicky do now?I took a deep breath and continued, ‘I mean, I know that none of us have all day to be doing this, it’s just that, in the real world, I’d always ensure we aren’t scrambling for an outfit in a short space of time. I need to give the clothes, and the wearer, an opportunity to speak to me.’
‘Clothesspeakto you?’ Jimi asked, the corners of his mouth turning up.
‘It’s just a turn of phrase,’ I replied, determined not to let my nerves show. ‘I believe the best styling is a marriage of personality as much as picking out a nice-looking outfit. I want to give Mandy the best choice, based on her needs for the event in question, and I do this most effectively when I don’t feel flustered.’ I smiled at the end, an attempt to lighten the mood.
‘You feel flustered?’ Jimi folded his arms across his chest.
‘She just told you she did,’ Mandy responded, whacking his knee.
She then turned and gave me an encouraging wink, saying without words that not many people had the courage to stand up to Jose like I just had. To be fair, I was on the seventh day of my menstrual cycle, which helped. I got the impression she was warming to me.
‘Fair enough, Amber Green. Forget the timer, let’s seewhat the clothes have to say. Take your time,’ Jose said. He glanced at Mandy, who was looking at the side of his face.
Jimi couldn’t resist another wry smile, but it was clear I was now in the driving seat.
‘You’re welcome, and thank you,’ I replied.
My mother had installed a politeness in me that kicked in when it needed to.
Once more my fingers began running over the garments on view.
It was much easier to let my actions take the lead, as I sifted through a symphony of kaftans, my fingers moving like a conductor artfully guiding an orchestra of fabrics. I held up a few bikini top and bottom combinations, before settling instinctively on a Missoni swimsuit, the distinctive multicoloured zig-zag design and deep, plunging neckline making it an iconic, timeless piece. This style had a stark black trim, giving it a modern edge that would add some drama to a tropical backdrop.
‘This will create an enviable silhouette for a magazine cover,’ I said, holding it up for Mandy’s approval. ‘How do you feel about this one?’
‘It’s brand new,’ Mandy replied. ‘I saw it on Mytheresa yesterday and had it shipped. I love it.’
‘You have an excellent eye.’ I smiled. ‘I’d team it with the matching maxi dress, they do one that you can have buttoned or open, to show off your curves. I could call it in from their press office for the shoot. I know the girls there. Your hair would look great pulled back into a slick bun for this, add some gold hoops, a glossy lip, kick back in a hammock andyou’ll rock the front cover. Bare-foot fashion at its best. Or killer heels on a jetty – the outfit would work either way.’
‘Sold!’ Mandy shrieked. ‘I love the sound of this! In fact, I wonder if they have the maxi in stock now – we’re off to the Maldives tomorrow to film some content.’
I took this as my cue to go one step beyond.
‘Let me see if the PR team will arrange a loan for you. I’m sure I can make it happen.’ I had no idea in that moment if Icouldactually make it happen, but I was sure as hell going to try if it might get me this job, whatever this job, actually was.
I fumbled to find my phone in my bag on the floor. A missed call from Rob, which would have to wait. I noticed it was already gone eleven, the last hour had flown past.
Trying to look as cool and calm as possible I began scrolling through the contacts on my phone – I knew I still had many of my styling contacts in there and believe me, when I was working for Mona, I neededeveryoneon speed dial.
Missoni.
Missoni.
