London calling
The next day I was up with the dawn and went out to try a traditional English breakfast since it would be a long and busy day, with a short lunch break requiring travel. Besides, I wanted to photograph a couple of places on my way to class to submit with my revised analysis for set ideas, maybe get some photographs of a variety of British fashion for the characters. Vibrantly colored hair like mine wasn't as common here as it was back home, so that would be incorporated into my ideas as well, for the male character who was grasping at a wasted youth. I was feeling pretty good as I went to class, creative and feeling good about the work. The lecture was informative and I scuttled off, grabbing a fast food salad on the way to fashion photography. I got there early and had time to read the comments on my scenic analysis--it was a good start for what would be, necessarily, an incomplete plan. There were a few questions of things to think about for tonight's amendments, most of which I'd already thought about. I patted myself on the back.
In fashion photography, we went over how to set up for shoots; obviously, the candid-style shoot we were doing after class required less preparation than something in a studio, but there were considerations for different locations and purposes, and we reviewed them before going on to talk about understanding what everybody's job on a larger shoot would be, how responsibility for styling could shake out, as well as how to build good working relationships, since styling and cooperation from the model obviously makes a big difference in the quality of the images. We also discussed the use of programs like the venerable old PhotoShop, how to avoid making weird mistakes, and the reminder that retouching should only be done to correct minor problems; the public liked seeing models who looked human instead of perfect. But not too imperfect; smoothing out a pimple or bruise was perfectly acceptable, but fluffing out somebody's boobs or adjusting the size of a guy's package was normally not. Models were representative of the prettiest, handsomest, or most interesting looking people, not androids. Finally we were turned loose, and I sped over to a place on the Thames that John had recommended, pretty with trees, the river, old stonework and cobblestones, restored little shops.
He was leaning on the stone embankment, face tilted to the sun. I snapped a shot straight off, then went up for a hug and to examine the area more closely. He kept his arm around me as I marked a few places to shoot, checked the light and pedestrian traffic, and finally my model. He was in jeans and a plain white t-shirt, black boots and motorcycle jacket. A classic, bad-boy-ish look. His long thick hair was neatly combed, so I tousled it a bit to increase his appeal before directing him to the first of the locations I'd chosen. He was a ham and got into it immediately, making me grin. I burst into laughter when he took a brief break, charging into a chemist's and emerging with a water sprayer, which he immediately filled with water, set the spray to mist, and dampened his t-shirt just enough to cling slightly, and his hair, to make it curl. A couple of girls passing by giggled and he smiled at them. I shot some more, extending the shoot slightly when the sun turned syrupy and golden, seeming to gild his skin. Then, to thank him for being such a good sport, I took him to dinner and let him scroll through the images.
"Wow," he said, preening. "My outside matches my brain. Finally, somebody noticed." I grinned at him and once I showed him how, he sent himself a number of his favorite images. We ate dinner then went back to the residence hall chatting on the way; we both had homework, picking up some cookies on the way back. Alan's were better, but hey, cookies. We took a table in the lounge and spread out; most people were apparently working in their rooms. It took longer than I'd expected to finish my scenic analysis, but I wanted it to be really good. I was interested in theater lighting but didn't know enough, so I focused on costuming instead since I did know something about sewing. I culled my photos down to the best images and sent them to my professor, then did the assigned reading and went to bed around midnight. John was writing madly on the topic of abstract art and grunted when I yawned and said goodnight.
Wednesday, I had great comments on my scenic analysis and learned how to work a lighting board, operate a variety of saws and planers and learn the basics of constructing backgrounds, and talked to costumers about the demands of the theater on wardrobe. They seemed glad to talk with someone who knew about fabrics and sewing, and explained how wardrobes could be rented from costume houses, bought in stores for modern apparel, or constructed, when the right piece couldn't be located or for period clothing. Costumers also had to keep things mended, replace things that wore out or tore, like stockings, and I was warned never to neglect the costs of cleaning everything at the end of the production, as this had to come out of the costuming budget. I was sorry that this class had to end, it was so interesting. Then I hustled to fashion photography, the last day I'd have to race for it. I could saunter on Thursday, and show up any time during the morning.
In class, my five photographs of John were the first example the professor showed and discussed and I was invited to talk about my experience on the shoot. The professor nodded after I'd explained briefly that the model was a friend who'd suggested the general location, and pointed out that I'd chosen backgrounds that were interesting and created a rich visual imagery with my model, and that this was a prime example of the benefits of building good relationships with talent. Other photographs were shown and discussed, then we got to the meat of the material for the day, the importance of building relationships and reputation in the community. I met up with John at the residence hall later, and told him about the reception of our photographs. He smiled and said he'd had fun. Then more homework; since I was done with set design, I did some reading for fashion photography that was on the optional list. Included in this was information about shooting a collection, and I made notes to talk to Uncle Steve about.
I slept in a bit, then explored the area around the college hosting my photography class. It was interesting, lots of shops and places to eat, so I had an early lunch and explored a fabric store nearby. It was kind of worn and tired as a facility--work was much spiffier--but had a great range of fabrics, leaning heavily to less expensive fabrics for the students who patronized the place. They had a particularly good selection of Irish linen, less expensive than at home because they didn't have to pay much to import it and I bought some yardage that I could sew up at home. I was surprised to get the student discount because I was only a temporary student, but I had the ID, that was what mattered.
The lecture on branding and the business of photography was more interesting than I thought it would be, and I went back to the residence hall, happy that there would be no homework that evening. I had dinner with John, then abandoned him to his final homework and went out with a couple of people from my photography class, ending up dancing at a club and returning just before curfew.
When I got up the next morning, there was some bad news waiting for me: the patternmaking class had been canceled due to a death in the professor's family. However, I could check in and see if I could find another class I'd like to take. So I popped down to the university offices and was able to register for a makeup workshop instead. It sounded really interesting, especially given the fashion photography class. It would cover skincare, selection and use of makeup brushes, foundation selection and application, brow grooming, natural day makeup, evening/special occasion makeup, including enhancements to eyelashes, and how to do editorial and fashion makeup, including basic body painting, changing and correcting facial features, and working with designers to a brief. Feeling cheerful, I went to the photography shoot and arrived in time to help set up the lighting. And as a result, I was able to get a prime spot at the end of the runway. I ended up shooting the work of five designers, photographing their card before their designs so that I would be sure to send the photographs to the right people and crediting them appropriately.
Some of the work I just didn't get; one designer's work was all baggy and looked unfinished, while another's was skin-tight, revealing every contour of the models' bodies, and barely allowed them to walk. The man in particular looked very uncomfortable. The third one had clothes like I'd actually seen on the street; not remarkable but very saleable, and the fourth was amazing. Avant garde but not freakish, cutting edge and fresh. The final designer was much like the third but had the unfortunate distinction that one of the models tripped and fell off the runway. The show had to be stopped while medics were called. I felt that I had had enough and ran through my photographs with my professor, who was very pleased. I left, surrendering my spot to one of my classmates, and had a late lunch where I forwarded the photos to the appropriate designers.
I did a little sightseeing, then met John after class and we went to dinner, talking about what we'd learned from our classes. They might have been condensed courses, but it didn't mean that they were easy, and we'd worked hard. I recounted the fashion shoot, and he shook his head at the images. "If this is fashion, I'm going to stick to the basics," he said, handing my camera back. "That one guy, though." I smiled. I'd managed to catch a moment when the skin-tight outfit apparently wasn't crushing anything important.
"I don't understand it either, but some of them had some nice pieces," I said.
"For girls," he said. "I'm not secure enough in my masculinity to wear a camoflage pleather microkilt." One of the male models had worn just that with a ripped tank top.
"Don't have the legs for it?" I teased, and he laughed. We talked about the classes I was going to take the next week and he frowned.
"I'll be finishing up the half at Eton." He huffed a breath.
"I thought you wanted to go to boarding school," I said. "And it sounds like your education is first-rate."
"I had in mind something less... steeped in tradition," he said after a moment of consideration. "There are boys there whose male parents have attended for centuries. I know that Dad was thrilled I got in on my own merits and I want to do him proud, but... some of the other boys aren't happy that the son of a butler is studying with them, they say that the education is wasted on me."
"That's bullshit. Knowledge is never wasted."
"I think they might have a point, though," he said unexpectedly. "I"m going to be a butler, not a mover and shaker. Another boy who wants to contribute in a larger sense to society might have gotten more out of it."
"I can see where you're coming from," I said. "But I think you're underselling yourself and your future profession. Your dad is a great example of how work behind the scenes is critical. Without Alfred, Grandpa Bruce... well, your dad had a huge role in shaping his character and he did a fine job, considering how single focus Bruce is. And Grandma Alex and Grandpa Damien rely on him absolutely. Without Delara, Valkyrie wouldn't run so smoothly. She's had an important role in the success of the company. And Alan is hugely important in my family."
"I heard that you don't really need a butler," he jabbed playfully. "Learning how to do your laundry, cleaning and maintaining your own suite and possessions."
I snorted. "Like one suite is helping Alan out so much. He's still got the whole rest of the mansion to run. And he cleaned for me when my ankle was in the cast. I'd have been wallowing in filth if he hadn't." John rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, you're such a dirty little thing," hes said, then sighed. "I know it's an honor and the education I'm receiving is world class. It's just that there are so many rules and regulations and attitudes. Your high school sounds like a lot more fun. Plus there are girls. That can't be overstated." I smiled.
"Well, isn't the Prime Minister here an Old Etonian? And his office is embroiled in so many scandals I don't know why it hasn't fallen. It looks like those personal development tutorials you were telling me about didn't quite take."
"He's clinging to power precisely because he is an Old Etonian, working that connection for all he's worth. I share my tutor with his son. He's an ass too."
"You might work for somebody who could use your understanding of that whole power structure thing," I said. "And besides, it's just two more years."
"You don't sound that excited either."
"Two years to figure out a course of action for college. Like I said, I'm a puddle. Deri's the one with the drive. She'll run the company, probably she'll get the mansion. It's traditional that the head of Wayne gets the mansion, for entertaining purposes. And whatnot." John and his siblings all knew about the family secret, they'd all helped Alfred down there before going off to boarding school. He grinned at the reminder, then sobered.
"So what are you going to do if you don't live in the house?"
"Get an apartment somewhere, maybe I can get Dad to let me build a small house away from the main house. I do like being able to see the stars and have the quiet of the estate, but on the other hand, it's quite a distance from the city. Ah, who knows. A lot depends on what I end up doing. I may not live in New York at all."
"It's weird to think that there'll be a day when you're not there," he said. "Aside from holidays and all." I shrugged and played with my glass of cider.
"In the few generations where there were multiple kids, one occupied the house as their primary residence, but the other kid always had the right to live there if they chose. It's not like there isn't room for somebody's family plus a sibling. The family typically has very low birthrates. And I don't know if I even want to get married or have kids, so Deri can do it, be the upstanding Wayne scion. Aren't we just a gloomy pair," I said. A grin stole across his lips, and we went out and did a night tour of monuments on a tour bus. We sat in the back and he entertained me and those around us by muttering commentary that provided a colorful stream of trivia and less shining insights into the character of famous Britons that the tour guide was talking about. After that, we poked around and just generally had fun, beating the weekend 1 am curfew by just a couple of minutes.
The next day we had breakfast and I went down with him as he was going back to school. "Go do some fun stuff this summer, broaden your horizons, have fun, Lys. You spend too much time thinking about other people and worrying about upholding your family legacy. I can't see you go full-on black sheep, but just remember that gray is a charming color too."
"Sure thing," I said, gently tugging his tie. "And you go learn how to be a stiff upper lipped pillar of society." He swatted my hand away and tossed his valise into the pod. I waved, grinning at the face he made, and went back inside the residence hall. Some of the students who were staying through to next week's classes were going out sightseeing, and I joined them with my camera. I wanted a few souvenirs from my first solo trip abroad, including pictures of my fellow students, and I had family and friends to shop for too. I definitely wanted to get something good for Mom.
On Monday, I went to my interior design class, where we focused on the architecture of a room; how to create scale 1:50 planning and sections, how to create a concept board, and how to address staircases. The makeup course was nearby, so I didn't have to rush, getting a good lunch in between. We got instruction on how to select and use brushes and tools like blenders, how to colormatch foundations and apply the different types, how to select blusher, eyeshadows, eyeliner, mascara, lip liner, lipstick, powder, bronzer, and highlighters. I learned immediately that I'd made some less than optimal choices for myself and was grateful for the 35% discount card we got for a nearby beauty supply store for certain major brands. There was a brief discussion of brands, which were generally good, which should be avoided, and top picks from several lines. Although the coupon was good for the whole week, I joined a few of my classmates in picking out new choices after class. I also upgraded my brushes, the instructor being quite insistent that we needed high quality ones for the best results. And high quality didn't mean the most expensive
There was the pizza night at the residence hall where I met new people, then measured my room for our assignment in interior design, which was to do scale drawings of a small room and create a concept board for a redesign. By the end of the week, we'd have worked through the steps of creating an entire concept. Makeup was easy; I did reading on color theory, the role of the professional makeup artist, how to prepare a model's face, and how to choose the best base product for the desired finish. I got a text from John saying that he was back in the grind but that it was boring after the week he'd just spent. I texted back that pizza night had not been as entertaining but that I was having fun learning new things.
The next day we learned the difference between soft and hard furnishings, the importance of adequate lighting in a space and how to layer different fixtures to achieve an optimal design and basics of sketch modeling. Our homework would be to create the lighting design for our room and decide what hard and soft furnishings to use. Hard furnishings are all about the function beyond the comfort of the human body, and soft furnishings connote wealth and comfort. I thought about when I did my room and it was true that the fabrics I'd used had been most of my budget, but I could have made different choices to control costs. In makeup, we learned how to do a natural-looking day makeup, more dramatic evening makeup, the difference between beauty makeup and looks for the catwalk, editorial, and advertising, and how to work to a brief. Our homework was to practice the different types of makeup and come to class with our best natural makeup. None of the homework was difficult, just time-consuming.
I was getting good feedback on my room design and had actually submitted two designs, remembering Iris's complaint that she couldn't really do much with her dorm room. I had one design for a hypothetical dorm where you could paint and one where other techniques had to be used. Wednesday, we focused on color, how to select fabric, and how to choose furniture styles and pieces. Our final makeup class focused on current trends and how to spot upcoming ones, how to deal with piercings and tattoos when they weren't part of the look, and how use bodypaint. My natural makeup got good reviews but the instructor told me not to be afraid of a little more liner and mascara, and she was right, a very small amount went a long way and made a big difference.
When I got back to the residence hall that night, I had time to sit in the lounge with the others and chat. One guy who was taking a two-week fashion course was in a panic because two of his models had flaked out, and asked a couple of us if we would model his work on Friday. He could arrange it so that his showing was in the afternoon, so I agreed. It would be interesting to see what walking the runway was like from the other side of the lens. We arranged for my fitting on Thursday after my interior design class was over, and it took me all of an hour to find appropriate furnishings, selected for durability, price, and slightly more stylish than standard dorm furnishings so as to appeal to a broad cross-section of students, with neutral and durable fabrics.
We hit budgeting skills, presentation skills, information on how to work with clients and ways to get them to tell you what they really wanted, sample boards, and shopping techniques and information how to source unusual pieces. Our last homework was to make our ideas either high end, for those of us who had taken a practical route, or budget friendly for those who had not planned their rooms on a budget; we had to submit a budget with approximate costs as well. The fitting turned out to be cursory; the designers didn't have a lot of time to learn the classroom materials and put them into practice, so alterations were made with pins where necessary, a stapler, tape, or a few really big stitches where they wouldn't show much when all else failed. Uncle Steve would probably pass out if he saw it. I was given a white fur micromini, gladiator sandals, and a wine satin shirt with the collar ripped off, deep lace cuffs, that fastened at the waist. No buttons. I was a little taken aback when he asked if I'd go braless, but it's not like I had to worry about popping out, and he gave me a necklace that ended over the sternum. He wanted my hair drawn back in a bun so it wouldn't detract from the clothes and I volunteered to do my own makeup. He looked happy when I reminded him I'd taken the makeup course and asked for a totally retro 1980's Robert Palmer video look crossed with a post-apocalyptic sensibility. I had no idea what that meant, but I got a couple of outlandish eyeshadow shades afterward, just in case.
I went to a coffeehouse with a bunch of other students involved in their own homework and created a dorm room that Iris might have liked if she'd have had free rein. It almost quadrupled the budget but looked really good. I spent a little time thinking about how to mix glamour with post-apocalyptic ... whatever and decided to do a smoky eye with a wine dark shade extended past the orbital bones, big lashes, pale matte skin, and exceedingly dark red, glossy lips. A little highlighting across the cheekbones.
In our final class, we spoke about challenges designing bathrooms and kitchens and commercial versus residential as well as where to find designer only outlets for goods and what we would probably need in order to shop there. I went to the site of the fashion shoot feeling pretty good about my time in London; we'd just skimmed the surface of the information in all the classes, but I had a lot of material to study to increase my knowledge of the subjects as well as recommendations for other classes and books. And here I was, going off to do something entirely different.