The Rosé Family (Pt 1)

The Start of a New Legacy

As the calendar rolled into 1933, Kingston found his fledgling business venture truly taking flight. His unwavering determination and entrepreneurial spirit were paying dividends, each passing day bringing a fresh sense of accomplishment. But it was the powerful alliances he'd forged that gave him the solid foundation to build an empire upon.

First came the renowned Mambosa family, revered throughout the fashion world for their impeccable sewing skills and exquisite design aesthetics. Matriarch Olivia Mambosa saw in Kingston a kindred visionary spirit, immediately recognizing his potential to elevate their intricate creations to new heights of artistry. She agreed to an exclusive partnership, one that would meld the Mambosas' unparalleled craftsmanship with Kingston's bold, avant-garde designs.

Word of their collaboration soon reached the prestigious Cartier clan, long heralded as the crown jewel of fine jewelry and headpiece makers. The Cartier's prided themselves on flawless taste and uncompromising standards - and they found the perfect canvas for their dazzling wares in Kingston's couture garments. Patriarch Nathaniel Cartier himself sought out the young designer, his keen eyes alight with the possibilities of adorning such exquisite pieces with their family's signature gemstone embellishments.

But Kingston's ambition demanded he go even further. Enter the Helmer dynasty and their global makeup empire. Founder Margaret Helmer's discerning eye for beauty quickly recognized Kingston's gift for bringing out the innate radiance in every woman he dressed. When she proposed a joint cosmetics venture, he leapt at the opportunity to pair his designs with cosmetics meticulously formulated to complement and enhance them.

As he reflected upon these new alliances over a celebratory dinner in his opulent manor, Kingston felt a profound sense of gratitude and satisfaction wash over him. Each of these families brought an extraordinary talent to the table - the Mambosas with their artisan stitchwork, the Cartiers with their breathtaking jewelry, the Helmers with their transformative cosmetic products. United, they would form an unstoppable creative force.

"I cannot begin to express my gratitude at having such esteemed Houses as yours standing beside me," Kingston addressed his guests, his voice ringing with sincerity. "The Mambosas, the Cartiers, the Helmers...each of you has brought immeasurable talent and passion into my world. Together, we will redefine fashion and beauty, leaving an indelible mark upon this industry."

Olivia Mambosa, Nathaniel Cartier, and Margaret Helmer all exchanged proud smiles, their eyes alight with shared ambition. "We believe wholeheartedly in your vision, Kingston," Olivia spoke for them all. "With our combined creativity and expertise, the world won't know what's hit it. This is merely the first step on a remarkable journey, my friend."

As the night stretched on, their dreams and aspirations soared to new heights. But it was the profound bond forged between these newly-minted allies that filled Kingston with an unshakable confidence. The future was brimming with possibilities...and he intended to seize every last one of them.

It was a sweltering summer afternoon in 1934 when fate, it seemed, had other plans for Kingston. He had been strolling the bustling streets of downtown, his heart laden with the echoes of his devastating split from Tobias. Try as he might, he couldn't quite shake the lingering ache of that betrayal - the love he thought would last forever, snuffed out in one fell swoop.