Fashioned For Sin

Chapter 1

Blair Scarlett Ames.

Monday. Hate Mondays, going back to work, I'm just stressed and anxious knowing that if I don't win, I'll lose my studio.

The clutter of my small Brooklyn studio felt more oppressive than usual as I navigated through dress forms and piles of fabric swatches. This space was my sanctuary, a chaotic haven of colour and creativity where my ideas came to life. But today, a tension gnawed at me, a mix of excitement and dread.

I sat at my drafting table, surrounded by sketches for my upcoming collection. The invitation to the prestigious Rhodes Fashion Gala had arrived a week ago, a literal save for my struggling career. Winning this competition could help my brand.

My fingers traced the elegant script on the invitation, my mind racing. The venue, Spring Studios , which had been recently restored by Leonardo Julian Rhodes. Just thinking about him filled me with a strange blend of awe and irritation.

Leonardo Rhodes. He was everything I wasn't: very fucking wealthy, influential, and infuriatingly aloof. His name was synonymous with success and luxury. I'd read about him in countless business magazines. His reputation for being like a serious and heartless personality clashed violently with my passionate, free-spirited soul.
What he definitely was is fine as hell, but that's the least of my worries.

I sighed, pushing a loose strand of my soft, dark, coloured hair behind my ear. The stakes had never been higher. I needed this win, not just for the financial stability it promised but to prove to myself and the fashion world that I belonged. The thought of Leonardo's cold, critical gaze evaluating my work filled me with dread, but there was no turning back now.

"Blair, you've got this," I muttered to myself, standing up and stretching. I walked over to the window, gazing out at the bustling streets below, lighting a cigarette. The energy of the city usually invigorated me, but today, it only added to my restlessness.

As I turned back to my work after my cigarette, my phone buzzed with a notification. It was a reminder about the upcoming pre-gala meeting at the Spring Studios scheduled for the next day.

My stomach twisted with a mix of anticipation and nerves. I'd heard that Leonardo would be personally overseeing the final preparations-a rare occurrence, given his usual delegation of such tasks.

Determined to make the most of the opportunity, I spent the rest of the day finalizing my designs and preparing my pitch. My collection, a bold blend of vintage elegance and modern edge, needed to make a powerful impression. I meticulously packed my portfolio, ensuring that every sketch and fabric sample was perfect.

I drove home after finishing my to-do list.

I spent the rest of the night with my best friend talking about all the shit she does at NYU, people she's hooked up with, typical Karissa.
"You're going to nail it Bee, fuck Leonardo, don't overthink this, you have so much potential Blair, don't let a rich man ruin your ego." Karissa says, enlightening my mood and sort of making me feel less stressed.

"I love you, don't know what I'd do without you." I admit. Smiling, she's the best. "I have an idea. Maybe you seduce this Leonardo man, tell him if he doesn't score you the highest, you won't give him pussy anymore. I'm the smartest." She says, laughing her ass off.

"You're fucking crazy Kari" I say laughing along with her.

She drove home after we ate dinner, I took a warm bath and tried my best to fall asleep. I tossed and turn and closed my eyes for a few hours before hearing my alarm waking me up, I reach over to turn it off. "Ugh," I sigh. Knowing what day it is.

I do my morning routine since the meeting is at 12 pm. Right now, it's 7:00 am. I have plenty of time to do everything, I drink a coffee, and smoke a while to get off my thoughts.

'Positive thinking Blair.'

I take a cold shower to wake me up a bit. Today is an important day, I have to make a good first impression to Leonardo.

If I win this competition and keep myself in his good graces, I could possibly succeed even more in my fashion career, I could do collaborations with him on projects and such.

I dress myself with a high-waisted skirt. It has a small slit so it makes it look elegant. A simple navy blue top, which kind of accentuated my boobs but I didn't mind, and finishing it off with Givenchy leather boots, which I got from my aunt as a birthday present.

My phone rings. 'Unknown Number'.
"Yes?" I answer, "Hello. Is this Blair Scarlett Ames?" A high woman voice replies."This is she."
"I am Ms. White, Mr. Rhodes's assistant, there has been a brief change in the meeting, it will be at 9:30, same location. See you then, goodbye." And the phone hangs up.

What the hell?!. I check the time. 9am.
I'll probably have a panic attack and faint on sight, or like right now. Why do these people schedule meetings so early?

If I am going to be late, I'm sure as fuck going to piss his rich ass off.
He's probably gonna say. "I'm a busy man, don't have time to play around" like typical show off rich men.

I take my keys and everything else I need and hop in my car. If I don't drive fast I'm gonna fuck my chances of being in his good graces.

~~
Spring Studios loomed ahead as I stepped out of the cab, the sleek glass and steel structure a stark contrast to the cozy chaos of my Brooklyn studio.
Rhodes's assistant greets me inside, along with all of my other stuff that are being carried in their own areas.

My eyes quickly adjusted to the bright, open layout. The high ceilings and expansive rooms were impressive, but I could already see how my original vision would need to adapt.

"Ms. Ames, welcome," an assistant greeted me. "Mr. Rhodes will join you shortly for a walkthrough."I nodded, trying to mask my nerves.

I wandered through the main hall, my mind racing with ideas on how to transform this modern canvas into a stage for my designs. Just as I was starting to get a feel for the space, I heard a voice behind me.

"Ms. Ames, I presume?"I turned to see Leonardo Julian Rhodes, his piercing blue eyes assessing me.

He was even more imposing in person, exuding a quiet confidence that made it clear he was in control. I squared my shoulders, refusing to be intimidated.

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