Chapter 154
Chapter 154
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 154
Chapter Title: Surprise at the Design Presentation
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Daeun headed into the studio that David had prepared for her, driven by her one burning determination to touch that beard.
Following her inside, Daeun spoke up.
"Daddy, Daeun do alone."
"Yeah, you'll do it alone."
"Yeah! Daeun draw picture alone! Then definitely touch beard!"
I had no idea what she was so determined about.
Still, having a goal was always something to welcome.
"If you need anything, just call for Daddy."
"Yeah! Got it!"
Scribble scribble!
With that, Daeun sat down in the chair and began drawing vigorously.
I watched her for a moment, chuckling proudly to myself, then quietly stepped out.
Outside, Representative Yoon, who had been waiting, asked me.
"Can Daeun really do it by herself?"
"Oh, yes. She insisted on trying alone and told me to leave."
"I see."
Perhaps surprised by Daeun's behavior, Representative Yoon nodded and said.
"I feel it every now and then, but Daeun seems a bit more mature than kids her age."
I had thought the same occasionally.
Maybe because she remembered everything, she naturally became more cautious in her actions.
Humans are creatures of experience, after all.
Even if unintentional, she seemed to act that way without realizing it.
Since Representative Yoon didn't know that.
"She could act a bit more like a kid."
That comment made unnecessary thoughts swirl in my mind.
Realizing the sudden topic had soured the mood, Representative Yoon quickly changed the subject.
"Then, while Daeun finishes her drawing, would you like to tour the company with me, Painter?"
"Oh, I was going to ask about that anyway. This is a pretty famous brand even in Korea, so I've been curious."
"Perfect. Follow me, then. I'll show you around inside."
Nod.
And so, I began touring the interior with Representative Yoon.
'So that's how they design things.'
People sat at computers, each working on their assigned products.
Someone designing bags.
Someone designing clothes, and so on.
Most were busy with their tasks, and as we passed by, I saw tables covered with all sorts of fabrics being compared.
Watching the workers, I muttered to myself.
"It's amazing."
"Isn't it? I felt the same when I first came here. It's fascinating and full of passion."
Representative Yoon then grabbed an orange juice from a shelf stacked with drinks and took a sip as she spoke.
"That's why I invested here."
Of course, this was the woman who bought a multi-billion-won apartment just because it offered a view of New York's vibrant streets.
Her investment decisions probably factored in how lively and dynamic a company was.
Just then, David approached us.
"Oh, sorry. Something urgent came up."
"No problem. Did you finish your work?"
"No, I have to go back, but I couldn't keep our guests waiting."
"Oh, if it's because of us, don't worry. Go handle your work."
"No, it's design presentation time anyway, so it doesn't matter if I'm not there. But I wanted to check with you."
Check what?
"What?"
"Would you like to join the design presentation?"
David's words made my eyes widen.
'Design... presentation?'
While Daeun was working, it might be fine for a bit.
That's how Representative Yoon and I ended up attending the design presentation with David.
The presentation was held in an open conference space with glass walls on all sides, where a few people sat around a table preparing.
Then, one woman stepped forward and said.
"Let's start with Catherine."
I'd heard most American companies didn't have rigid hierarchies.
It was to eliminate top-down culture and foster a free atmosphere.
And it really felt that free.
"Sure, I'll go first."
At the woman's words, Catherine stepped up, projected her design file on the TV.
Flash!
'Hmm, this week's theme is one-piece dresses?'
Hand-drawn sketches alongside computer-rendered versions.
She even went further with 3D models that rotated 360 degrees.
"For starters, my one-piece uses this year's color, Viva Magenta, with the chest accent as the standout feature. Also, at the hem of the dress skirt..."
Nod.
'Oh ho.'
It definitely felt different.
Using the color of the year as a highlight elevated what I'd thought was a common dress shape to something luxurious.
The pop of this year's color at the hem was especially alluring.
"Plus, the waistband makes it more comfortable to wear."
The sophisticated, attractive design made me think without realizing it.
'It'll sell well.'
My major was fine arts, distinctly different from design.
What they aimed to show was different.
I infused emotions into paintings to move viewers.
Designers seemed to satisfy the desire for beauty through their work.
Catherine's dress design was more than sufficient for that.
"Good job. Next, Megan."
"Yes."
Next was a woman called Megan.
Like Catherine, she presented her dress design.
After all three presentations ended, voting began.
"Vote for the one-piece from the three designs you liked best. Let's start voting."
David, who was with us, smiled and said.
"Representative Yoon and Painter Lee Kanghyeok, join in too."
"Is it okay for us to participate?"
"Yes, of course. A consumer perspective might even be more helpful."
Diverse viewpoints.
That made sense when put that way.
"Just let us know when you've decided."
Representative Yoon looked at me and asked.
"Painter Lee, which dress do you like best?"
She was asking my opinion.
"Hmm, honestly, all three one-pieces look good to me."
If I were a woman, maybe it'd be easier to choose.
As a man ignorant of fashion, opining on designs felt like overstepping.
"What about you, Representative Yoon? Which one do you prefer?"
At my question, she gazed at the three designs on display and said.
"Hmm, all three are excellent, so it's hard to decide, but we have to pick one..."
Releasing too many designs as new items could dilute the brand's identity.
Choosing one was the smarter move.
Glance.
Seeing the three presenters awaiting the decision reminded me of the past.
I'd waited like that too.
Such selections could be harsh, but looking back, waiting for them drove growth—and led to who I am now.
As I thought that, Representative Yoon made her choice.
"I've decided."
She took a ballot from the table and wrote a number without anyone seeing.
"Painter Lee Kanghyeok, write yours once you've decided."
"Oh, sure."
Now it was really time to choose.
'Hmm, which one-piece is best?'
As I pondered.
Glance.
The woman leading the presentation looked at me and asked.
"Have you decided, Painter?"
"Not yet. I'm choosing now."
She smiled brightly and asked.
"If it's not too much trouble, could I ask one favor while everyone decides?"
"A favor?"
What kind of favor?
She proposed something.
Something a bit—no, quite burdensome.
"We designers always talk about the difference between artists and designers."
"Yes?"
"If it's okay, could you design a one-piece for us?"
The situation took an unexpected turn.
Me, do a design?
It was just a suggestion.
She said I didn't have to if I didn't want to, but their expressions made it impossible to refuse.
Everyone looked at me with eager anticipation.
"D-design? I don't even know how to use the program."
She laughed and replied.
"We used to draw by hand back in the day."
"By hand?"
"Yes, just draw directly on the tablet. Here."
She handed me the tablet pen and gestured for me to come forward.
Glancing around at the stares, I slowly stepped up.
Naturally, Representative Yoon followed to interpret.
Glance.
"No need to feel burdened. We all looked up your work when we heard you were coming, and we became fans."
"Fans?"
"Yes, your paintings are so great that people are curious about your designs too."
Grateful as I was for the praise, it also added pressure.
In front of luxury brand designers, no less.
Glance.
Standing before them, Representative Yoon said.
"Everyone wants to see your painting."
"I see."
"Yes, so just relax and do whatever you want."
Her words eased my mind a little.
Glance.
'Alright, just draw casually.'
My design wouldn't be sold anyway.
Looking around, I said.
"Okay, I'll give it a try with my lacking skills."
With that, I began drawing on the tablet.
Unfamiliar since I always used canvas, but my experience helped me adapt quickly.
'Hmm, a one-piece.'
The basic shape was easy, thanks to the examples.
The key was the design.
As I pondered, an image popped into my head.
One that would suit Daeun best if she wore it.
One-pieces to me meant Daeun's dresses anyway.
'This is fun.'
Thinking that way made it easier. Just something fitting for Daeun.
I drew freely with that in mind.
Drip.
'Huh?'
I belatedly sensed the atmosphere shift.
Looking up curiously, people stared at me in shock.
Their reactions made my eyes go wide.
...Why?