Chapter 135
Chapter 135
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 135
Chapter Title: Preemptively Sharing Designs
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At my bombshell declaration, the staff seemed to have their thoughts completely tangled, unable to continue speaking for a while.
“W-why is everyone like this…?”
“Th-that’s… well…”
Of course, there were still innocent people like Walter and Elin, who didn’t properly understand the meaning, but those who did all stared at me with serious expressions, holding their foreheads.
The silence that lasted for nearly ten minutes was finally broken by Elizabeth, who had been quietly listening.
“William.”
“Yeah?”
“Why did you come to that conclusion?”
Elizabeth seemed to roughly guess why I made this decision and didn’t look particularly curious, but for the sake of the staff, she stepped forward and asked what they would be wondering about.
“Hmm… should I first talk a bit about the ecosystem of the clothing design field?”
“Ecosystem?”
“Generally, this industry is one where copying is extremely common. They don’t copy trademarks or uniquely distinctive patterns, but anything that can be copied, they copy as much as possible.”
“Ah… I see. Dresses that became trends among young ladies would be worn by everyone within a year or two.”
“Exactly.”
“But… how is that related to your choice, Young Lord Howard…?”
“It’s because this industry makes it very difficult to prove plagiarism.”
“Difficult…?”
Young Lord Herbert and Lady Fanny frowned and tilted their heads in opposite directions.
“It’s because clothing has been an essential part of human life since ancient times.”
“Ah…!”
Since clothes have existed alongside human society since ancient times, there are already too many things that existed long before for someone to claim something as entirely original.
Because of that, if you argue plagiarism just because the form of clothing is similar, even the creator themselves risks being accused of plagiarism.
Even the things I’ve made—many of them would be hard to call truly original designs even in this world.
The girdle I made together with Herbert and Fanny?
Only the material is unique—the silhouette and design itself are derived from the corset.
As for panties, it’s ridiculous to insist that a triangular piece of cloth is some unique design.
Babydolls are just thin and loose negligees or chemises.
At best, the brassiere could be called somewhat distinctive, but even that could still be nitpicked if someone tried.
In other words, even if someone blatantly copies a clothing design, it’s difficult to raise objections.
That’s the nature of this industry.
That’s why many designers and ateliers try to secure originality by engraving their own unique design patterns or trademarks onto their clothes.
While similar silhouettes can’t be helped, identical embroidery, added fabric shapes, trademarks, or sewing line patterns can raise reasonable suspicion.
Our atelier also embroiders its name and a deformed cute fairy girl in places that aren’t easily visible to certify authenticity.
However, regardless of such efforts, aside from those authentication marks, our atelier’s designs are destined to be copied by others eventually.
And with just slight modifications, we wouldn’t even be able to protest.
That’s simply how this industry works.
So, we change our perspective.
“Since it’s only a matter of time before our designs get copied, instead of letting others secretly copy them, we release them first and let people copy them freely.”
We boldly distribute them first and build an image of generosity.
If they’re going to be copied anyway, we might as well gain a good image out of it.
“Even so… there’s no need for us to step forward and spoon-feed them, is there?”
“That’s right. Copying may be unavoidable, but there’s no reason we have to be the ones to enable it…”
“It sounds crazy, but it’s actually beneficial for us.”
“Beneficial?”
Lady Fanny and Young Lord Herbert’s expressions twisted sharply.
“First, instead of monopolizing the market, we become the ones who lead and shape its trends. Others will have no choice but to ride the flow we create.”
Except for a very small number of top-tier ateliers, most people actually prefer such pioneers.
Because they are the grateful vanguard that shows them what to follow.
“Second, minor customers will have other options, so they won’t necessarily need to come to our atelier.”
“Isn’t that a loss rather than a benefit?”
“At first glance, yes. Poorer nobles like barons and viscounts will leave.”
Barons and viscounts may seem extremely noble at a glance, but in reality, they’re like department managers in large corporations.
They are high and relatively wealthy overall, but far from being able to associate with the truly rich.
They might occasionally buy luxury goods, but they can’t compare to those who buy them monthly like daily necessities.
There are many of them, but they’re not particularly profitable in reality.
That’s because nobles with smaller households like barons and viscounts only need to roughly follow trends, so they don’t have many demands and just want something adequate.
Unless it’s for major events like weddings, they prefer ateliers that produce clothes cheaply with moderate quality.
“But as those barons and viscounts leave, we can take on commissions from higher-ranking, wealthier clients.”
The characteristics of high-ranking nobles are that they have many demands, use expensive materials freely, and spend money generously.
They’re the kind of people who can genuinely say things like:
‘This is an excellent result. Why don’t the staff enjoy a small meal together?’ (while handing over 1,000,000 won).
Such behavior is expected etiquette and dignity for dukes, marquesses, and counts.
“Then even if the workload decreases, profits will actually increase…”
“Exactly. And we can also use our working time more efficiently.”
Additionally, making one piece carefully rather than rushing through multiple pieces reduces fatigue, even if the working time is the same, in sewing and tailoring.
“And the third reason—this is something only we can do.”
“What is it?”
“If others make our clothes, our atelier can make money while doing nothing.”
“…What?”
It might sound like nonsense, but—
We use a lot of different materials in our clothes.
To perfectly replicate our designs, those materials are unavoidable, and to produce them, they must obtain them from Young Lord Hans’ textile mill, Miss Isabella’s refinery, or Miss Heini Bailey for machines or materials.
“The hooks and wires used in brassieres, the fabric and hooks of girdles—those are all patented under my name and the names of those who helped create them.”
“Huh…”
Since I provided the ideas for those items, I receive a modest but steady amount of royalties.
Roughly speaking, if someone else makes three sets of clothes, we earn about as much profit as making one ourselves.
In other words, we can take on large, expensive clients while also having passive income.
“So to summarize, releasing our designs for free allows us to lead trends, gain the image of generous pioneers, reduce workload, spread our designs widely, and still make money.”
“Hmm…”
“Ugh…”
After hearing the three reasons, the staff’s expressions turned complicated and subtle.
They understood, but still seemed uneasy, as if thinking, ‘Will it really go that smoothly?’
“I think it’s not a bad plan. As long as I’m here, showing composure and acting generously will benefit our reputation.”
While the staff exchanged uncertain looks, trying to organize their thoughts, Elizabeth gave a gentle smile and supported my opinion.
“That’s right. Exactly.”
In a way, Elizabeth’s presence was the biggest reason we could carry out something that might otherwise seem bold or even arrogant.
As long as we have the imperial certification mark, our atelier won’t fall out of public attention unless we make a major mistake.
People will always watch our actions and be interested in what we—and Elizabeth—wear.
In that case, rather than acting petty, it’s better to show the composure of the strong and clearly demonstrate confidence and superiority.
“Um… Young Lord Howard, I have a few questions.”
Since I wanted to hear more opinions after Elizabeth spoke, I waited quietly, and Lady Fanny cautiously raised her hand.
Her stiff expression showed she had many thoughts.
“Yeah, go ahead.”
“First, will future designs we create also be included in what we release?”
“In principle, yes. But we still need our own weapons, so I’m willing to delay release timing or keep some designs private.”
“If this works well, will hiring new people be canceled?”
“No. Even if we do this, I won’t cancel expanding the team. If we have more people, not just me but also Fanny and Herbert will have more time for personal design. And with more tailors and cutters, we can take on more complex designs.”
“I see…”
At my answer, Lady Fanny’s previously stiff expression softened slightly.
After briefly pouting and thinking, she widened her eyes, met mine with determination, nodded, and spoke.
“Then I’m in favor. I thought this might have been a rash decision made out of frustration from too much work, but it seems to have reasonable grounds. It wouldn’t be bad to release some designs and observe the impact.”
“I… still don’t fully understand. But like Lady Fanny said, I think we should try it and see the results.”
“What about the others?”
“I’m in favor.”
“We don’t know much about design, so we’ll follow the cutters’ opinions.”
“M-me too…”
Five abstentions, two in favor, one other.
The uncertain atmosphere remained, but thanks to Fanny and Elizabeth, I gained the opportunity to prove my words.
“Then let’s start by releasing just a few designs as a test. As for which ones… think about it individually, and we’ll discuss it again in two days and decide then.”
“Understood.”
“Alright, take about ten minutes to clear your heads, then let’s get back to work.”
“Yes.”