"...I can't do it."
A simple sentence, yet it reveals Eddie's pride and dignity.
This talented designer, who is usually proud and arrogant, has quietly hidden his sharp edges. He appears gentle and introverted, but in reality, he is strong and resilient.
Anson...sighs softly.
For a moment, Anson truly believed he could persuade Eddie, but he didn't expect that after going around in circles, he still failed in the end.
"Eddie, I'm disappointed." Anson looks at Eddie with a sad face.
Eddie coughs awkwardly, his head lowered, stiffly avoiding Anson's gaze. "Anson, we have a conflict of interest. You always represent yourself, and I have to protect Dior's interests. If we cooperate..."
It's not fair to Anson, and it's not fair to Dior either.
But Anson doesn't let Eddie continue, raising his hand to stop his friend. "I know, from the beginning, this was asking too much."
"So, am I on Dior's blacklist now?"
A playful tone naturally flows out, even without any gestures.
Eddie's smile becomes more apparent. "Although I can't take this job, I can introduce you to someone who is more suitable than me."
Not saying it doesn't mean not knowing.
Anson, "No problem."
However, Anson doesn't.
After a slight pause, Eddie sees the mischievous smile on the corner of Anson's mouth and realizes what's going on. He looks at Anson with a helpless expression, but in the end, he can't help but smile.
So straightforward and decisive, Eddie is taken aback. He thought Anson would joke or even decline.
After all, Anson is currently very popular, not just because of "Spider-Man," but also a beloved figure in the fashion world. Once it's known that Anson and Dior haven't renewed their contract, other brands will surely swarm in like wolves and tigers, hoping to become Anson's stylist for the year-end awards ceremonies.
Eddie immediately catches the humor in Anson's words and chuckles. "It's okay, I'll make the introduction, but you don't necessarily have to hire him. Or you can give him a trial period, and if you're not satisfied, you can fire him anytime, don't worry about me."
Eddie is stunned, showing a bit of worry and panic. "Anson, things aren't..."
Both exposure and discussion are guaranteed.
Anson shrugs lightly. "Sorry, I couldn't renew the contract with you."
Anson sighs softly. "Eddie, you really, really, really don't want to take this job, huh?"
Anson raises his eyebrows slightly. "You should know I'm very picky and strict, right?"
Eddie can't help but look up at Anson, a hint of helplessness in his eyes, but the corners of his mouth lift slightly. "How could I not? If I pass on the news of your intention to terminate the contract, the marketing department might panic and fly from Paris to Los Angeles overnight to talk to you in person."
Anson exhales dramatically.
"Honestly, for the Golden Globes and the Oscars, can you wear Dior?"
And if Anson is willing, he could totally use this as leverage to maximize his own benefits.
Judging from the details in their conversation, Dior probably wants to renew the contract with Anson, and Eddie is here to persuade him. But now, the cooperation hasn't succeeded, and Eddie also knows Anson's follow-up plan, which means Dior will be back to competing with other brands.
One can imagine the pressure Eddie will face.
At least Anson can extend an olive branch, sending a signal to slightly ease the situation for Eddie and Dior, repaying Dior for the miracle they created for Anson.
Eddie is somewhat touched.
But Anson changes the subject. "It just so happens that I also need to maintain my relationship with Dior. After all, I'm still looking forward to Dior sponsoring me in the future."
A little joke, half-true, half-false, lightens the mood again.
...
Melvin Bailey takes a deep breath, pressing his racing heart, using all his strength to control the urge to turn and leave. The chaotic thoughts in his mind keep screaming, unable to quiet down. Until the last moment, he is still unsure -
Unsure if this is the right decision.
Melvin, a fashion buyer, works for fourteen high-end fashion boutiques in London, Paris, and New York. His task is to constantly travel to major fashion weeks, connect with designers and brands, keep an eye on fashion trends, and purchase various designs to stock the shelves of these boutiques.
In simple terms, he uses his fashion taste to shape the image of these stores.
It's a demanding job, constantly traveling around the world. On the surface, it looks glamorous and fashionable, and outsiders express their envy. But just like Hollywood's fame and fortune, the glamour people see exists, but it's only the tip of the iceberg. Beneath it are countless ants struggling to climb the ladder. Their lives are no different from ordinary people's, and might even be more chaotic, uglier, and worse than a 9-to-5 life.
Under the glamorous robe crawl countless fleas.
In fact, Melvin's dream is to be a designer and have his own product line, even a fashion brand.
But it's not easy.
More accurately, it's very, very difficult.
A week ago, Eddie Slimane, a friend Melvin has known for over a decade, introduced him to an opportunity - to be Anson's personal stylist.
Melvin's first reaction was to refuse.
From a fashion buyer to a personal stylist, no matter how you look at it, it seems like a step backward. Moreover, it completely cuts off his path to becoming a designer, as fashion buyers can still interact with various brands, designers, and boutiques, while personal stylists can't.
Melvin spent ten years finally establishing connections and reputation in the fashion buyer field, and his clientele finally reached double digits. Now he's asked to give up his job and become a personal stylist. No matter how you hear it, it sounds like a foolish, money-losing deal.
Besides, what kind of job is a personal stylist? Why does it sound like an assistant, with no rights, no personal time, no autonomy? So far, there's no such professional job in the fashion industry. It sounds like an experimental position for newbies to become guinea pigs.
So, is he really ready to give up his ten years of hard work and switch to a completely new and unknown field?
However, Eddie has a different perspective.
"Treat Anson as your own creation, build a brand based on your own ideas and creativity. Although it's not clothing, not real design, it's a concept, a philosophy, showcasing your understanding of fashion, like a true work of art."
"Such an opportunity is once in a lifetime."
"Moreover, the subject is Anson. You should know Anson's influence, the spotlight on him is unimaginable."
"What's more, I'm only responsible for the introduction. Whether you can get this job depends on you. Anson is not someone who can be easily manipulated."
"You may look down on this job, but in my opinion, this could be the most important opportunity in your career."
Melvin is unsure.
After struggling and hesitating, Melvin finally shows up to apply for the job.
However, standing at the door, Melvin is still conflicted, his mind in turmoil.
Stopping his steps, with a turn, Melvin still wants to leave.