Whisper Destiny

Chapter 75

~ Catherine ~

"This leather skirt completes the entire look. And to give it that extra wow factor, we made a few tweaks," Natalie, one of the protege that we recently hired says, her voice brimming with confidence as she wraps up her pitch. "Instead of a traditional straight cut, we crossed the panels, creating a subtle, edgy slit effect—but without an actual slit." A proud smile lingers on her face as she looks around, clearly pleased with her work.

The team is divided into two groups—one led by Tommy, the other by Isadora. Natalie had been chosen by Isadora to join her team, while Chase was naturally picked by Tommy. From their first presentation, I could already see this coming. There's a certain synergy between Natalie and Isadora, just as there is between Chase and Tommy; their fashion sensibilities align in unique, complementary ways.

However, this is their third pitch after the first two fell short of what I envisioned.

"Wow, this is impressive. Cate, what do you think?" Louisa's voice cuts through my thoughts, her tone warm and approving.

I take a slow look around the atelier, letting the familiar space ground me. This place has witnessed the birth of some of our most iconic designs, and I often lose myself here for hours, sketching, reimagining, and perfecting. Now, as I look at the team, I notice the glints of anticipation in their eyes—hopeful, waiting for my approval.

"What do you think, Cate?" Isadora's voice pulls me back, gentle but insistent. I realize I've kept them waiting in silence.

I rise and step closer to the stage where the designs are displayed. I study each concept, shifting my gaze from Tommy's team to Isadora's. Standing in the middle, I glance around at everyone in the room, feeling their collective excitement almost like a hum in the air.

"I like the ideas," I begin, pausing as a wave of cheers fills the room. I allow them a moment to bask in the praise, but when the energy calms, I continue, "However... I still feel that something is missing."

A quiet settles over the atelier, a shared concentration as they absorb my words.

"I'm trying to pinpoint what that missing piece is, but it's elusive. I can't denied the design is impressive, all of it. But it's not..." I pause, trying to find the right word,

"Timeless... beyond generations,"

All eyes are on me, their focus unbroken as they wait for more.

"You all know why I brought in Natalie and Chase into the team, right?" I say, pacing slowly from one design to the next, hands in motion as I speak. "I wanted fresh ideas infused into the team without losing Ortiz's signature look. I love these ideas, I really do..." I say, my gaze shifting between Tommy's pieces and Isadora's.

"But something still feels incomplete," I say, gesturing thoughtfully at the displays. "I can see improvised design, with Tommy's influence here and Isadora's distinct touch there. Don't take it in a wrong way, it's a good sign—you both already have a sense of your own style, almost a brand of your own." I pause, letting my words settle over them. "But it still doesn't meet the vision I have in mind for this coming collection."

I take another long look at the designs, letting my gaze trace the lines and textures, seeking the missing spark. Suddenly, a rush of inspiration hits me—a flash of clarity—but I want to test my idea before fully committing to it. Stepping down from the stage, I turn back to the team. "Could you bring all the sketchboards over here?" I request, unbuttoning my jacket and slipping it off. Somewhere behind me, someone clears their throat, but I'm too focused on the ideas flooding my mind to care or notice who it was.

Within seconds, the team has lined up the boards on the long table in front of me. I sense everyone shifting closer around the table, possibly curious with my next action.