lecouturier: (Sharp Dressed Man)
Alex(ander) Needleworthy (OC) ([personal profile] lecouturier) wrote in [community profile] nexus_crossings2019-03-20 08:58 am

Time to spruce up the Nexus - with Fashion!

It feels as if a bazaar is going up in the Plaza today, what with the way a sharply dressed man is toting about tables, bins, and bags stuffed with fabrics, trims, buttons, and other necessities for his trade. It's a one-man-bazaar, but the man doesn't seem at all concerned with what any passersby think of him. There's too many fabrics to put on display and barely enough time to think of the trims!

He 'hmm's and 'no no no's often as he arranges all of his things across the tables he's brought, his head tilting to and fro as he debates the best way to show off his supplies. Once he's satisfied with the table situation, he pulls out a few dress forms from a bin and sets them up with a few examples of his work. These properly arranged and his vanity appeased by the general feel of the entire display, Alex smiles proudly at the setup before turning around and gesturing to the Plaza with arms held high and wide.

"Nexus visitors and residents! Winter's been a dreary time for all of us. Too much gray, cold, and hardship. What do you say to a little something to brighten your outlook? Spring is a time of colors and casting out the old for the new." His smile melts seamlessly into a bright, giddy grin. "How about a new look to ease the transition? I promise my best work to help you along."

The Tailor, dear Nexus, is ready and waiting for your patronage.
fiveofnone: (sorry I was too busy not caring)

[personal profile] fiveofnone 2019-03-20 09:14 pm (UTC)(link)
is it Caspar's suit that draws Alex to that conclusion? Or is it the appraising look that he gives everything while he sips his coffee? Either way, he sticks around.

"I try to avoid off-the-rack if I can help it," he replies with a light smirk. Although he gives the suit one last look. He doesn't know what St. Patrick's Day is, but he likes the bright green. He always errs on the side of color if he has a choice.

He's all business as he lists out his requirements: "Something light for late spring weather, color with some sheen would be nice, but nothing too outrageous." His lips curve into something softer and more genuine than a smirk. "I'm getting married, and I don't want to overshadow the bride."
Edited (html woes) 2019-03-20 21:14 (UTC)
fiveofnone: made by rogueinladysclothing on DW (wait what?)

[personal profile] fiveofnone 2019-03-21 11:08 am (UTC)(link)
This man is speaking his language. Caspar has found some off-the-rack fashion in the Nexus, but it inevitably requires a little tweaking to fit properly. You wouldn't expect a knight to wear battle armor that didn't fit quite right, so why should he?

"Thanks." He lets that tender feeling sit with him a moment or so longer before getting back to the task at hand. Although Alex's question keeps him quiet, a mildly bemused expression on his face. "No," he says finally. "She hasn't said much about what kind of dress she wants. She's more fixated on the flowers than anything -- orange tulips."

Caspar knows what kind of dress he'd put her in. Something elegant and ethereal to show her off as the angel he always sees when he looks at her. He also knows that she'd rather wear a paper bag over her head than draw that much attention to herself.

"Hold on," he says, pulling out his PINpoint. "I'll send her a text."
Edited 2019-03-21 11:09 (UTC)
fiveofnone: made by rogueinladysclothing on DW (you have my attention)

[personal profile] fiveofnone 2019-03-23 01:43 am (UTC)(link)
Blue is a personal favorite of Caspar's, but he perks up at the mention of burgundy. "Yeah... yeah, that would work," he agrees thoughtfully. "Something that brings out the blush of the tulips." And the bride, perhaps?

"She's not keeping it a secret," he says distractedly as he types out a message. The truth is, she likely is procrastinating over it, or planning to wear any old thing in her closet. He's hoping his own foray into selecting a suit will motivate her to pick something special for her wedding. She deserves it.

It takes some coaxing and a promise of hot chocolate later, but Adia agrees to show up. She teleports via PINpoint to Caspar's side, and it's obvious that she had been gardening. Her hands are clean, but there are smudges of soil here and there on her shapeless clothes and worn boots. The only thing remotely dolled-up about her is the crown braid in her hair.

"Hey, sweetie." She shares a quick kiss with Caspar before looking wide-eyed at the Alex's display. She hadn't been expecting so much fabric and color! She smiles shyly at the tailor, already hiding a little bit behind her fiancé. "Hi... I'm Adia... Caspar said you had a few questions for me so you could plan a suit for him?"

The poor dear has no clue what's in store.
fiveofnone: (that's my girl)

[personal profile] fiveofnone 2019-03-24 01:43 am (UTC)(link)
"Let's go with burgundy, then." It doesn't take much to sell Caspar on the color. The rest of the details can be worked out over time. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't enjoying all this positive attention. Multiple fittings may very well become a thing if he can get away with it.

Adia's smile turns flustered, even as she returns the handshake. "O-oh, I wouldn't say I'm in charge of anything, Caspar can wear whatever he likes." Why is she here again? So that they don't clash, or something like that? But those thoughts are set aside once Alex starts gushing over her engagement ring. "Thank you," she says warmly, unconsciously glowing from the praise and what that ring represents to her. "Caspar designed it, with a friend's help."

She looks up at Caspar, who is pleased as punch that his ring choice is so well-received. "Damn straight," he says. "Nothing but the best for my girl."

And there's that blush, as soft as the inner hue of a tulip in bloom. "So, um. I guess he mentioned the orange tulips?" she asks Alex. "That's the only thing we've decided so far..."
Edited 2019-03-24 11:43 (UTC)
fiveofnone: (sorry I was too busy not caring)

[personal profile] fiveofnone 2019-03-26 12:24 am (UTC)(link)
She seems surprised by this, but maybe Alex has a point. Flowers are not usually the first decision made for a wedding, and tulips are often passed over for more traditional flowers like roses. But orange tulips have such significant meaning to her -- and by extension, to Caspar -- that it was easy to decide.

"Um..." That would be a no. She looks up at Caspar again, a softly pleading expression on her face. "I don't really need to decide anything now, right? And there's always the green dress if --"

"Adia. Honey." Caspar lovingly tucks a loose wisp of hair back into her braid. "Trust me. This man is a professional. He can help you with whatever you decide, but you should decide something. It's your wedding, you deserve it."

Adia bites her lip and glances at Alex nervously. Fashion is obviously not something she is comfortable with. She has spent too many years trying to blend in, not trusting her own judgement on what looks good. But if Caspar likes him, then maybe she can put her wedding dress ideas into his capable hands.

"W-well... I think burgundy is a very nice shade on Caspar, so I'm happy with whatever goes with that. I, um... I like flow-y fabrics. Nothing too ornate. It doesn't have to be all white, that's not really a thing where we're from."
fiveofnone: made by rogueinladysclothing on DW (wait what?)

[personal profile] fiveofnone 2019-03-27 09:12 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh..." Her gaze drops as if chastised. No green, then. Got it. Even if she's very fond of that green dress her mother picked out for her, she has to admit to herself that it's not appropriate for all occasions. Her brows furrow a little and she looks up at Caspar questioningly.

"Green clashes with orange," he explains to her patiently. "But if you want, we can take a little of the lining and sew it into the inside of your wedding dress." He knows why that green dress is so important to her. Maybe it will make her feel more comfortable.

She smiles a little and takes his hand, linking her fingers with his. He understands, and that's all he needs to say about it. She returns her attention to Alex, less nervous. It's not like the tailor is throwing out any sort of outrageous ideas. Chiffon and satin are pretty standard, and she naturally favors a high waistline when it comes to dresses.

Then there's the question of beading. "Flair? Oh, um... sure. Some beading would be nice." Wouldn't it? What does she know? "Can, um... can it have pockets, too?"

Caspar looks at her in surprise. She shrugs and says, "If it's going to be tailored, then I'd like pockets. Not enough dresses have pockets."
fiveofnone: (that's my girl)

[personal profile] fiveofnone 2019-04-03 02:33 pm (UTC)(link)
Considering how soon the wedding will be, she at least doesn't have to worry about needing the dress altered multiple times. "I can bring you the lining right away," she replies. She holds her finger and thumb a half-inch apart. "Just a little bit of lining. I don't want to ruin my green dress." Really, out of the two, which one will she wear more, when all is said and done?

Her expression brightens when Alex okays the pockets. Not that she has any idea what she'll put in them, but it's important for a woman to have some options. She nods to the suggestion of color at the hem. Sure, why not? So long as the dress fits her and isn't awkward to move around in, she'll be fine. Maybe a bit of color along the hem will help keep her from tripping on it, like the way the edge of subway platforms are colored to caution riders to mind the gap.

(Yes, practicality beats fashion for her, even when she has to twist her reasoning a little to get there.)

When asked about a tulip outline, Caspar smiles at Adia and places a hand over the breast pocket of his blazer. "I'd be honored," he says, and she reacts with a soft blush and a look so loving that a blind man would be able to see it. Yes, orange tulips are clearly meaningful to both of them.

It takes Adia a moment longer to respond. "Hmm? Oh... yes, that'd be wonderful." Then, more hesitantly, she asks, "Do you think, instead of an outline of one tulip, you could do the outline of two tulips with their stems crossed? Like this?"

She tugs with a finger on the gold chain around her neck, revealing at the end a tulip charm. She holds it out a little so Alex can look it over.
fiveofnone: (Default)

[personal profile] fiveofnone 2019-04-10 09:39 pm (UTC)(link)
That's genuine relief on her face when her idea of entwined tulips is not only accepted, but warmly encouraged. Now that she's warmed up to the idea of her dress being tailored, she wants it to be personalized in a way that means the most to her. Not simply the symbol of one tulip, but a pair, stems crossed. It represents their relationship, which is why Caspar chose the charm.

When Alex informs them that they'll be looking at their sketches separately, Caspar balks a little, unused to this tradition of sequestering wedding outfits until the big day. It's Adia who smiles easily and pats the Cylon's arm reassuringly before approaching Alex solo.

She peers at the sketch of her dress, and for a moment is speechless. This is for her? It's like something out of a story. Can she really get away with wearing something so delicate and beautiful?

Alex seems to think so. The way he's hovering around her reminds him of her mom a little, when she bought Adia the green dress that she treasures so much. Her mother was right about that dress, and the parties she'd wear it to, and even that someday she'd meet someone who would see her beauty, both inside and out...

"I love it," she says finally. She smiles at Alex, making a silent promise to work up the courage to wear his creation and do him and her mother proud. "It's perfect for me."

The entire time, Caspar keeps a sharp gaze on her, also trying to gauge her opinion of the dress. Now it's his turn to look relieved. He wants her to be happy, above all else. He only wishes he could sneak a peek and not have to wait until the wedding.
Edited 2019-04-10 21:41 (UTC)
fiveofnone: made by rogueinladysclothing on DW (you have my attention)

[personal profile] fiveofnone 2019-04-15 01:33 am (UTC)(link)
Even if she had hated the design, she would have found a way to let Alex down easily. But, no, it's obvious that she adores it. She smiles shyly at the 'speechless with awe' comment. That's not really her thing, but... well, if she has to be the center of attention, it will be nice to be wearing such a beautiful dress.

"It isn't too much?" she asks cautiously. "Not for me to wear, I mean, but as work for you? We need to be married by mid-May at the latest, that's when tulip season ends."

She steps out of the way so that Caspar can look at the sketchbook unimpeded. For once, he lets himself be expressive, frowning thoughtfully over the design initially, then nodding over what he sees, his eyes lighting up in approval. "I like it. It's a nice cut, nothing unnecessary." A beat, and then he adds, "But let's lose the tie."

Adia stares at Caspar as if he suggested that he lose the pants. "What, really?"

"Yeah, really." He grins at her and waves a hand. "It's an outdoor wedding. No tie."
Edited 2019-04-15 01:33 (UTC)
fiveofnone: (sorry I was too busy not caring)

[personal profile] fiveofnone 2019-04-17 12:40 pm (UTC)(link)
His confidence is reassuring, and even without knowing that he has magic on hand to complete his work, she feels better about the deadline. It's true, there's a lot she and Caspar need to do to prepare for the wedding, as low-key as it is. At least now their outfits are accounted for.

"This time of day usually works for us," Caspar replies, looking to his fiancée for confirmation. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, of course. You never know what bullshit the Nexus will throw at you. But Alex seems like he knows his way around the neighborhood, so to speak, so it doesn't concern him as much as it could.

As for measurements, he offers himself up first, shrugging out of his blazer. This is his least favorite part of the process. Fives just knew how their clothes were supposed to fit, that was the benefit of having hundreds of clones. But this is what needs to be done to get the perfect wedding suit, and he trusts that Alex will be a professional about it.
fiveofnone: (Default)

[personal profile] fiveofnone 2019-04-28 01:47 am (UTC)(link)
Caspar makes a little bit of a face at the arrangements, but whatever. If Alex wants to be a stickler for the "rules", he can put up with them in return for his quality work. He puts up with all the measurements, too, although he appreciates how quick and efficient this man is. It makes the process bearable, although he's quick to slide his blazer back on once it's all over.

Adia, meanwhile, has never had anyone take her measurements before aside from her own mother, and one very old lady who needed to check her bra size. The thought of going through that with Alex, despite how nice and considerate he seems, has her a little nervous.

"No, um. It's fine." She holds out her arms, stiff as a scarecrow, waiting for his next order. It helps that Caspar is watching her with mild amusement as opposed to a jealous frown. He likes to think that he is good about hiding those emotions, but she can see it on his face plain as day anytime. The fact that he's accepting these measurements as normal helps her relax. A little. Alex may need to tell her to lower her arms.
fiveofnone: (sorry I was too busy not caring)

[personal profile] fiveofnone 2019-05-04 03:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Rules are great if they make sense or provide some sort of order to the universe. He supposes he can sort of grudgingly accept the "wow" factor, or the fact that Alex takes such pride in his work that he wants it to have the greatest impact possible, but it's still a human rule, which makes it automatically less reasonable.

But, anyway. He appreciates how patient the tailor is, as does Adia, although she's happiest when the process is over. It's not the physical aspect of it so much as having someone fuss over her, but she reminds herself that this is all for her wedding dress. She smiles softly to herself, returning to Caspar's side and looping her arm through his. She's looking forward to it, no doubt.

Well, this man obviously loves his craft. It draws a genuine grin out of Caspar. "Smart move setting up a display here. See you then, Alex." It's rare, but there are times that Caspar is wholly pleased with a visit to the Nexus, and this is one of them.