September 24, 2023
Sforzesco Castle, Milan
He took a deep breath and allowed it to sink in.
In. Out. In. Out.
Outside, night had arrived as DJ and Adam took their seats. Deep shadows lay like blankets on the towering castle as everyone was seated around the water fountain out front. The aura they gave off was infectious: fashion critics, actors, musicians and a myriad of other celebrities. It was an air of opulence, confidence, that DJ knew that he always could have, but he seemed just shy from grasping it. He had come a long way from Peckham, that was for certain. The journey couldn't end now. Not yet.
"Adam, can you be honest with me?" DJ said.
"Sure, what's up?"
"You think my pitch was good?"
Adam looked at the glowing water fountain, thinking about what answer would be best for his friend.
"Honestly, I think the idea for your pitch was cool. I mean I could never think of something like that. So for that alone, I think they should give you a chance."
DJ looked him dead in the eye.
"That's not good enough bruv."
"What?"
"They should give me a chance?" DJ repeated. "There's too much uncertainty in that. I can't go back to my life before. I'm nobody back in london. I'm just another washed up football star - Another victim to add to the fucking tally. But out here-" -DJ looked around- "I actually mean something. Someone actually thinks I'm talented enough to sit here amongst these famous people. And you're with me too! Don't you want this to be your life? Can't you see why this has to work?"
Adam...Was left speechless.
"...Look, I understand what you're saying bro but the way you're thinking...It's too close minded -" he said.
"Close minded?"
"Yeah. No matter how this trip turns out, we'll still leave this place as different people. We'll have a bunch of good memories - You'll be a better filmmaker and I'll have more life experience. That's good! And if you went back to London early, then your life would still change because of the experience you had here! You get what I'm saying?"
Fuck no!
DJ slowly shook his head.
"None of those good memories will mean anything if I don't get this job. It will all be a complete waste of time...I can't waste any more time than I have already."
There was silence from the boys whilst the venue resonated with chatter. From one of the entrances, elvish-looking women in blue dresses made their way to the fountain, sitting inside it. The show was about to start, DJ thought to himself. He whipped out his camera -a Panasonic Lumix S511- and started filming, not knowing if his idea had the green light.
⬗ ⬗ ⬗
Clack, clack, clack.
When the dress shoes struck the floor, applause bubbled across the venue in unison. The model walked up to the water fountain - with elves dancing around gracefully. They tried to lure the man in, yet, he didn't pay attention to them - Or the crowd. Instead he walked round the fountain in his suitcase inspired outfit. Covering his torso was a leather bomber jacket, handles on the sleeves. Trousers were straight cut; baby blue in colour and crafted from quilted fabric. Lastly his shoes were white, contrasting the black vest underneath his jacket. It was an outfit that seemed familiar to the audience, yet so alien at the same time.
YOU ARE READING
Fame, Film & Fashion
Mystery / Thriller"He thought that this world was harmless, fanciful, but in reality it was just as sick and twisted as the environment he grew up in. Maybe even worse. At least where he grew up, the bad things didn't try and hide from you. But here, he had realised...
