Time to spruce up the Nexus - with Fashion!

[lecouturier]

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.

Comments

[fiveofnone]

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.

[lecouturier]

"I'll find a way to incorporate it," he promises. Somewhere in the bodice, he thinks. Near her heart. If the dress she's taking this from is that important to her, Alex wants to make sure she knows exactly where it is when she wears her wedding dress.

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?"

[fiveofnone]

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.

[lecouturier]

Now, now Caspar, no need to worry. Alex would never dress your lovely bride in anything less than his absolute best. Weddings require a very keen touch and the tailor isn't about to give anything less than his all.

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.

[fiveofnone]

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."

[lecouturier]

"Middle of May?" Alex waves a hand dismissively with a grin. "I can have Caspar's suit done within a few days, fitting and all. And as for you, my lovely bride, I can have you ready to go by the middle of April so you can have plenty of time to decide on any necessary additions or removals from the finished gown."

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."

[fiveofnone]

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.

[lecouturier]

It's so good to see someone used to this kind of process! Alex grins as he takes down scheduling notes for himself. "Good. Then I'll see you in two days with your mock up, Caspar, and I'll be able to tell you how long I'll need to complete the final suit after we do a proper fitting. Adia I'll see on the day after your suit is finished, to prevent any crossover." Yes, he's going to stick to his guns on this one!

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."

[fiveofnone]

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.

[lecouturier]

Rules are there for a reason! Which is to say they're there for Alex to enforce whenever he feels like it. Shielding the groom from seeing his bride's gown? Necessary. He wants Caspar to be wowed the day of the wedding!

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!"

[fiveofnone]

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.