Wednesday morning, I have six headlines ready to go. I know, I know — overachiever much? But I want Michael to know I took this seriously. After all, writing isn’t exactly my strong suit. I even took a stab at expanding the who portion of the release based on the information about Stefan in the binder.
Unfortunately, when I get to work, Michael seems too busy to be impressed. He breezes past me, sending papers flying off my desk. “It’s going to be a crazy day,” he says. Just then he notices the envelope I’m holding labeled PRESS RELEASE. “Oh, good, you finished! I can’t wait to see it.”
Michael takes the envelope and motions for me to follow him to his office. “You expanded the bio information!” he says, reading it over. “That’s fabulous. And it looks like you managed to work in all the main points from the binder, including Stefan’s award-winning fall line and his charity involvement. There are a few new updates to Stefan’s career I didn’t have in the binder, but I’ll add them myself. Well done.”
“Thanks,” I reply, blushing a little.
Michael moves on to my headlines. The first one, “Stefan Unveils Art Deco Magic” was one of my first tries.
“It’s good you mention the art deco upfront,” Michael says, “but it doesn’t say much. What does ‘magic’ mean, you know?”
I nod. That wasn’t my favorite either, but I was hoping Michael would disagree. I guess they can’t all be winners, though.
Michael keeps going down the list. “This is better,” he says. “‘Stefan Meyers Brings Back Roaring Twenties.’ But I’m interested in what he’s doing to bring that back. That’s my hook.”
That headline was one of my favorites, and I’m a little disappointed Michael isn’t totally wowed by it.
“This one,” says Michael, pointing to my last headline, “focuses on what Stefan wants to get out about his line. ‘Stefan Meyers — Regal, Elegant, Art Deco Line.’ It hints at what Stefan’s line will be about without hitting readers over the head.”
Michael rubs his chin. “Let’s combine my two favorites. How about ‘Stefan Meyers Brings Back Roaring Twenties with Elegant Art Deco Line.’”
“I love that!” I say, impressed at how quickly he was able to pull out the best parts of both headlines and turn them into something great.
“I’m going to finish fine-tuning the release,” Michael tells me. “You, however, were promised glam. Today, you’ll get to work on a project that should meet those expectations.” He wheels a cart full of fashion and tabloid magazines over to me. “Are you familiar with these?”
Familiar? Alex and I have spent entire weekends flipping through magazines like these and dissecting each page. “I live for them!” I reply.
Michael laughs. “Breathe in as many as you can. That’s today’s task.”
I stare at him, feeling confused. “You want me to read fashion mags all day?” I ask. That sounds too good to be true.
“Not just read,” Michael explains. “I need you to scrutinize. I want you to peruse the pages and make notes of which celebs are wearing Stefan Meyers. Then, you’ll scour celebrity Instagram accounts for the same thing. When you’re done, we’ll compile a list and use the information for publicity material. We’ll know which celebrities to approach in the future about wearing our designs. Any questions?”
“Nope,” I say quickly. Best. Assignment. Ever.
* * *
I spend the rest of the day taking notes, even eating lunch at my desk, but it’s totally worth it. I make sure my information includes the celeb’s name, the links or pages to the designs, and a description of the outfit worn.
I spot an image of Lola Corrigan, my favorite actress, in a tan suede jacket and black skirt and remember dragging Alex to the television so we could get a closer look when they dissected it on Fashion Police.
I find a shot of Hunter Bancroft, one of the Design Diva judges, wearing a pair of Stefan Meyers corduroy slacks. Each leg panel is done in a different color. It’s just the type of out-of-the-box style Hunter enjoys, and he pulls it off.
I send a photo to Jake, knowing he’d never wear the design. His style is much simpler and more masculine. His mom might be a famous designer, but Jake is a jeans-and-T-shirt guy all the way.
“Your new pants?” I type.
I get a response right away. “If Hunter can wear them, so can I! :-)” Jake writes back.
“Hope to see that soon!” I reply. I really miss Jake. I thought I’d see him way more once I was in New York, but I’ve hardly seen him at all. I’ve just been so busy with my internship. And with Fashion Week fast approaching, I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
“Me too! Miss you!” Jake texts.
I smile. It’s good to know he feels the same way.
I flip through more accounts and stumble upon Cassie McRay, Alex’s favorite basketball player, wearing a Stefan Meyers tankini. I had no idea Stefan had a bathing suit line! I love the bright colors on the suit and send a link to Alex.
I go through dozens of accounts and more than fifty magazines. When it’s time to go home, I’m exhausted, but I’m also inspired. I think about what I would do if I had my own line. Would I focus on everyday and eveningwear or be more versatile, like Stefan? I guess only time will tell.
