Alex(ander) Needleworthy (OC) (
lecouturier) wrote in
nexus_crossings2019-03-20 08:58 am
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
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.
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.
no subject
"I'm afraid that one won't fit you," Alex jokes with a light laugh. He takes a few steps closer to Caspar, still grinning. "The color and the lovely silk blend it's made of, however, would be good for you." He pauses for a half second and holds up a finger. "Correction: A slightly more muted tone of that color would look fantastic on you. Something this loud might have people asking if you've missed Saint Patrick's Day if you wore it any other day of the year."
No self-respecting tailor would ever do that to a client they liked. It's so tacky and easily avoided.
But no time to think on that when a man has shown interest in getting some work done! "What's the occasion for this suit? Any particular colors or fabrics you have in mind? I've plenty to choose from, as you can see." He leans in and whispers conspiratorially, "And these aren't even my really nice fabrics. I left those back at the shop."
no subject
"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."
no subject
Alex nods along with all of the requirements Caspar lists out. They're reasonable asks and things he can easily work within the bounds of, especially when he hears why a new suit is in the works.
"Congratulations! That's wonderful news, and the best reason for a new suit!" The tailor is positively beaming as he grabs rummages for a sketchbook from a nearby table and flips it open to the page he left his pencil in. "Has your bride given you any hints as to the color of her dress? Or a particular style? Got to make sure you two compliment each other without completely matching."
no subject
"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."
no subject
He perks up noticeably when Caspar pulls out his PINpoint. It takes everything he's got to keep from bouncing excitedly. Even then he still can't stand completely still as he practically vibrates with excitement. "Really? Can you bring her here? I'd love to meet her and get more details directly from her if I can. I trust your secondhand information, but there's only so much she can tell you if she wants details about her dress to be a secret."
no subject
"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.
no subject
It's an easy, comfortable wait for the tailor as Caspar texts with Adia. He takes the time to sketch out a few basic designs, looking up often at the man to check various ratios of his body and get a general feel for his proportions. Caspar's height takes a few options out (cuffs and pleats are not happening, thank you very much), but that makes things easier for Alex. With fewer details to possibly incorporate, he's welcome to add in small embellishments that give the whole look a very personal touch, though he can only guess on how well some of them will work without first talking to the bride.
And what an absolute vision of loveliness she is! She's wearing something hopefully meant for manual labor - the dirt suggests as much, thankfully - but that's easy enough to hop past when there's more exciting matters to discuss. Alex sets aside his sketchbook as the couple share a kiss and then steps forward to shake Adia's hand.
"It's absolutely wonderful to meet you, Adia. I'm Alex Needleworthy, and Caspar here tells me you're in charge of some very important details for your upcoming big day." HE grins excitedly as he withdraws, though he pauses to take Adia's left hand in both of his to look over her engagement ring with a loud gasp. "Oh my gods, this is beautiful." After briefly grinning at Adia, he looks over at Caspar. "I see why orange is an important color for the two of you. This is an exquisite choice."
no subject
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..."
no subject
"Have you picked a dress yet? I want to make sure the style of Caspar's suit will match with your gown and that burgundy will still be a good complimentary color." True, it goes with most things, but details are important when it comes to weddings! Especially wedding clothes! Gods forbid Alex tries to accent Caspar's suit with a small, special touch only for it to be completely out of sync with Adia's dress.
no subject
"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."
no subject
...let's be real, Alex is already in planning mode the second Adia starts describing some details she'd like included in her dress.
"Yes, a nice chiffon over satin would be lovely on you. Off-white to compliment Caspar's suit, though what variety of off-white depends on the fabric we pick out." The wheels, they are a-turnin'! Alex grins to himself as he touches his chin thoughtfully with a finger while looking Adia over. "A higher waistline would suit you very nice nicely as well. And maybe a touch of color..."
And there he goes picking up his sketchbook, turning to the next blank page, and already starting a sketch of the ideas he's describing. Let it never be said that Alex doesn't go all-in once he gets going on an idea!
"I like your idea of keeping the dress simple, but I'd like to add a little flair to it. Something that makes it you as much as the both of you." He looks up from his sketch to grin at the couple. "How do you feel about beading around the waistline?"
Oh dear, sweet children, you have no idea what kind of excitement you've unleashed.
no subject
"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."
no subject
Ah, but Adia seems to be a more pragmatic bride than many! The tailor's grin returns and he nods eagerly. "A little beading at the waistline in something that matches Caspar's suit but isn't too gaudy and several pockets. And... maybe just a touch of color along the bottom hem? Nothing too much, I swear, but enough to bring out all the other touches in your dress." Yes. Yes this is going to be amazing! "Then the lining from your other dress for your something old, if you follow that tradition, and maybe a hint of tulips somewhere on you, since you're so fond of them?"
Huh. That's a good thought. Alex looks up from his sketchbook with quizzical look on his face.
"Caspar, how do you feel about the outline of an orange tulip on your breast pocket? And Adia, I could stitch one into the top layer of fabric of your gown on the back, on top of the color along the hem? It would take a little extra time to embroider it, but it's certainly well within my abilities." It'll take more effort, too, but what's effort and time for something this important anyway?
no subject
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.
no subject
Alex is happily in the middle of taking down a note on the page where he's sketching out Caspar's suit when Adia brings up the specific tulip outline she'd like. The tailor looks up and smiles brightly, nodding as he adds a sketch to the page he's working on of the charm. "Yes. Yes of course I can include this outline." It's wonderful. Perfect, really, if he's being honest. He never would've thought of it himself, so to have it brought to his attention makes Alex all the more excited about it. Clients asking for additions they feel strongly about make every outfit he creates unique and personal in a way that he loves to make come true.
He takes another few minutes to sketch and take notes about each of the outfits for the couple, then looks up at them with a very serious look on his face. "Before I show either of you the initial sketches for your outfits, I'll need to separate the two of you. There will be no peeking in either direction." Because that's tradition and it's more fun on the wedding day. Once they both agree, he beckons Adia to him first.
The design he has for her is much like he described it: The gown has an empire waistline with a note about a beaded belt to separate the bodice from the rest of the gown. From there, the dress has an a-line skirt with a flowing layer of fabric over it. The neckline is a modest scoop and the sleeves are flowing caps, noted to be of the same fabric as the top layer of the skirt. The length isn't specified, but a note along the bottom hem suggests it could be any length the bride chooses.
The tailor allows Aida to look over the design in silence for a few minutes, though it's obvious he's struggling to hold back from asking her thoughts from his excited wiggles and occasional happy sounds. But eventually he gets too excited and has to ask, "What do you think?"
no subject
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.
no subject
There's also a sigh of relief from the tailor when Adia agrees with his design choice. Thank all the gods in the multiverse she didn't find so much fault in it that her answer was a straight 'no'! He grins and nods his agreement with her sentiment. "That's exactly what I was going for. Something that says you while leaving everyone around you speechless with awe." That's what every bride wants on her big day, right? At least, that's what he's heard from everyone involved in weddings up until this point.
Closing his sketchbook, he nods to Adia then beckons Caspar over. "Now it's your turn, sir. I swear, you'll be equally as magnificent as your bride on your big day, but there will be far less sparkle to you than I have planned for her."
It's for the best, really. Seeing how Caspar's looking at Adia now, Alex can tell that the Cylon isn't looking to outshine his fair lady.
The suit the tailor has to show off is one that's very similar to the style Caspar is wearing even now. Perfectly fitted, single-breasted, no cuffs to be seen, and no pleats anywhere. There's only one button at the hem on the sleeves and the pockets are a bit smaller, but Alex has notes included for extra pockets on the inside of the jacket. There's also a note about the possibility of a vest if Caspar would like one, but it's obviously not necessary to complete the look. The tie and pocket square are noted to compliment the orange they choose for the tulips, but there's another note here that those can be changed out based on the couple's preferences.
He gives Caspar a few moments to check out the design in full, grinning as he waits for the Cylon's opinions. "Did I do as well for you as I did for the bride?" he asks eagerly.
no subject
"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."
no subject
He's sure he could do it in much less time if he stayed up all night the way he's often compelled to when he starts a new project, but there seems little need if the couple isn't getting married for an extra few weeks. Besides, it sounds like they have plenty of other things to decide on and coordinate before the big day. They hardly need him calling every few days to have Adia come in and try on the latest completed part of her dress.
The frown isn't exactly what the tailor is expecting to see at first, but the second it melts away he claps his hands together excitedly. Both bride and groom through the design stage in only one go. Perfect.
"Tie or no, it's completely up to you." He chuckles and crosses out the references to the tie in his sketchbook, just to keep himself clear and on the same page with the couple. "But all I need from the two of you now is some measurements and a good time to have each of you in - individually, of course - during the next few days so I can have a mock up ready. Any preferences? My schedule is quite open."
no subject
"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.
no subject
The tailor is efficient in his work of taking all of Caspar's measurements, despite the large number of them required. The whole process takes only a couple of minutes, at which point Alex shifts gears and offers a warm smile to Adia.
"I promise I'll keep my hands to myself as much as I can. I'll go slower too, if that will make you more comfortable with the process." He holds out his measuring tape and then gestures for Adia steps closer. "Arms out, if you please. I promise this will only take a few minutes and then you can be off to the races."
no subject
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.
no subject
Alex is quite patient with Adia as they work through all of the measurements. Someone's first (or nearly first) time can be awkward for the client, so he's very understanding about it. For all of his repeat customers, the tailor has far more one-offs. That's just part of the excitement about living in the Nexus, though!
Once the last of the measurements is done, Alex offers a bright smile to Adia and motions over to Caspar. "There you are, all done for now. This is by far the hardest part for you. All you'll have to do from here on out is to tell me if something's uncomfortable when you try on the mock up and then the final gown. I'll do all the heavy lifting besides that."
Standing back from the couple, he closes his sketchbook and clutches it to his chest with a happy sigh. "Thank you both for letting me do this. I promise, you'll love the outfits even more than you expect." Maybe even as much as he'll enjoy making them! "Now, move along for the day, and I'll see you both within the next week for your fittings!"
no subject
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.