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

[outpostcook]

"Reynard and the Fallen gave us a hard time of it, that's for sure, and not everyone made it. I did, but it was a close call."

A lanky man comes in with a vest and sunglasses. It's Kinner - but he looks very different now that he's taken off his polar clothing with the spring. He doesn't want to boil alive, after all, now that the weather's actually tolerable for him. He lifts his glasses. A newcomer, huh?

"New business, huh?" He smirks, but in a friendly way. "My name's Joseph Kinner. I was a polar explorer, so most of my clothes aren't appropriate for the weather. I was lookin' for something a little more, uh, appropriate for spring." He thinks, rubbing his chin with a finger. "Something colorful."

[fiveofnone]

Caspar is back in the Nexus, despite his misgivings. The access to a decent cup of coffee is too strong of a lure. He approaches Alex's display while he sips from his to-go cup, eying the fabrics with mild skepticism. Maybe those around him need a new look, but he's fine with his current collection of clothing.

At least, until he spots that green jacket and checkered shirt combo. Damn, that's nice.

"I am in the market for a new suit," he says, half to himself, while he examines it further.

[to_the_wolves]

Three months. It's too long of an amount of time to have been kept out of the Nexus, so seeing any sort of life flourishing here is wonderful is exciting once more to Marie. Even if her own troubles emerged right from the get-go: having to do damage control on her Nexus business and home to handling unfortunate losses during the winter lockdown. Really, she's doing her best to hide any sort of stress or sadness...

But then her eyes drift to Alex's bazaar and her face instantly lights up, seeing the assortment of colorful fabrics reminds her the life does continue on in the Nexus. She shouldn't get distracted, there's so much work to be done at her business, but stopping for a few minutes won't hurt. In fact, it might be refreshing to take in some new and unique sights before diving back into talks with insurance companies.

"A new look?" She can't help but glance at her outfit of the day, pondering the thought of change. New clothes, especially pertaining to business, is always worth investing money into. "I wouldn't know where to begin, so if you have suggestions, I'd like to hear them."

[lecouturier]

Oh no. This poor fellow looks like he fell out of some grunge photo shoot that some hapless apprentice thought was artistic. Alex tuts softly and shakes his head the tiniest bit before offering his hand to Kinner for a polite shake.

"Alex Needleworthy, at your service." And by the gods what a service it needs to be. That vest is a crime with how poorly it fits the other man and the color is all wrong for his skin tone. He takes a step back to take a full, hard look at Kinner, cupping his chin with one hand and that elbow with the other. Lanky, but otherwise well-proportioned. Strong facial structure and sturdy frame. There's definitely plenty here to work with.

"Where is it you live most of the time, Joseph?" Alex asks, not taking his eyes off of the other man as he circles around behind him. Yes, yes, he can work with this frame very nicely. "And what is it you do now? I want to make sure I make you something that works for your every day responsibilities."

[lecouturier]

Now this is a man who appreciates the fine things in life. They haven't even been introduced and already Alex likes him.

"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."

[lecouturier]

Alex has to do a double take after tracking his eyes over to Marie. No, this is definitely not the rogue he's used to seeing. The hair's not the right color, the face is a little older, and there's not a single stitch on her that he made. Oh boy does he have ideas for her when she asks for them, though.

"I've so many ideas you'd hardly believe it. Several sketchbooks full, at least." He laughs at his inside joke and then offers a hand to Marie with as toned down a grin as he can manage. It's hard not to be excited with this kind of opportunity in front of him, though. "Alex Needleworthy, tailor and fashion designer at large. And for you, dear lady, I have more fabrics and ideas than I've ever had the chance to put together, thanks to a woman I know who looks almost exactly like you."

He may have been upset every time Amelia turned him down when it came to new looks, but it seems Marie is here to save him from the humdrum of creating the same thing over and over in various colors for the rogue. This woman is going to be so well dressed she'll be the envy of everyone in the multiverse before he's even close to satisfied.

[sweetcandygirl]

The weather has turned warmer, which means Harley has returned to her normal outfit. A torn T-shirt. A large leather coat. Suspenders. Glittery red shorts. Fishnet stockings. Heeled white boots.

Her pink winter coat was practically destroyed during the many Winter expeditions that she had taken. So it hangs in her closet.

The one thing missing is her typical blue and red hair extensions, since she sacrificed those. So her pale white hair is just up in two ponytails.

She watches him arrange some of the supplies. And then with purpose, starts picking up random items to study them -- and sets them down in a totally different position where she had found them.

"Ya'think I need to brighten my outlook?" She grins at him, with ruby red lips.

[lovesuwithknives]

What rough beast, its hour come round at last, slouches toward Bethlehem the Nexus to be... erm... not so much born as fed? Hospital food can only sustain a person for so long. So, thoroughly AMA, Azwel drags himself to the Plaza in search of real food, because it simply did not occur to him to ask someone else to do it.

Besides, he needs some fresh air. And company.

He's wrapped up in several layers of robes despite the warm air and has only made a desultory effort to neaten his hair and beard. He's on a mission, you see, and for once said mission doesn't involve procuring more hair oil. It involves food and ah, god, this burger is heavenly. When's the last time he had anything even resembling meat?

It's when he's heading out of the Plaza that he spots Alex's setup and stops, his curiosity piqued. He blinks slowly at the wares on display, licking sauce from his fingers. Hm. Come to think of it, he could probably use a little more variety in his wardrobe.

He hasn't said anything yet, but he drifts closer, peering at the fabrics.

[circadiandrumsolo]

With his PINpoint finally working again, Alex Mason steps into the Nexus, finding it at once fundamentally changed and entirely the same. He vaguely senses some huge magic has blown over the place like a terrible storm, but he's not sure what it was.

Still, he's here, and he might as well look about. And that's when he spots the tailor.

Or, more likely, the tailor spots him, as his look could be best described as what happens when you cram 'deep geek' and 'professorial' into a Brundle machine. You get a tweed jacket, a plaid shirt, a t-shirt under that that reads 'STOP READING MY SHIRT,' khakis, Converses, and a satchel filled to the brim with... things. Not Things, mind you, just things. Alex Mason, himself, is of medium height and a bit scrawny in the manner of people recovering from University everywhere.

[octopuslips]

This loud, happy exhortation nearly startles the small woman walking by. Or, at least, she certainly resembles a woman, but is apparently comprised entirely of metal. And appears to actually not be wearing anything other than a longcoat over a featureless body, feminine in silhouette only.

She's clearly human, though, as she stops and blinks, then steps forward to regard him thoughtfully. She's seen so many people like him, but his cheer lacks the desperation of the Scrapyard or the falseness of Tiphares.

So she gets to the point. "What're you asking for it?"

[outpostcook]

The vest isn't the greatest, and it is old, but Kinner didn't really worry about it in the winter. It was buried under his polar coat then, but now he figures he ought to replace it with something more appropriate for the season.

"I came from Antarctica," Kinner explains, "though I live in Missouri. Well, I did. I was a member of a scientific expedition - I wasn't a scientist, just the team cook. Most of that stuff went over my head. I live here in the Nexus now, since our expedition didn't end well. I, uh...didn't make it." That's one way to talk about it, but Kinner doesn't go too into detail. He doesn't want to spook Alex with the Thing.

"These days, I run a fish shop in the Plaza. Kinner's Kippers - yeah, yeah, easy name to make fun of. I noticed your business and figured I'd get to know my newest colleague. You're a tailor - well, I figured you'd have to be with a name like that. Needleworthy, huh?"

[readvondaniken]

Palmer comes in with a bit of a swagger, wearing his usual blue denim vest and green shirt with torn sleeves. A tailor, huh? H's kind of curious about what this newcomer would make of him.

"Hello, there." He rummages in his vet, making sure that he as the money he needs. "My name's James Palmer. I was wonderin' if you had any ideas for new styles I might try. I figure this might give you some idea of my style. I'm a little rough around the edges." He's told a few people about his old gang affiliation, but it was a long time ago and he's mostly reformed since then. Mostly.

Palmer smiles. He can always add a personal touch to what he buys later. "I guess I'm looking for something a little more, uh, respectable."

[fiveofnone]

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."

[lecouturier]

Someone as bright and vibrant, in both clothing and personality, as Harley is impossible for anyone to miss. Alex watches with a curious eye as the woman picks up, looks over, and completely rearranges most of the things he has out on his tables. It's a little unnerving - or would be, if he was paying any real attention to that. Instead the tailor focuses on the woman herself, curious as to why she's here touching all of his things and what she might be looking for. Luckily for him, Harley answers the question in due time.

"I think everyone around you could use an outlook more like yours. You've more color than most I've seen wandering around the Nexus today" His grin widens as he meets her gaze and makes his way over to her. "But if you're looking to update or add some new colors to your wardrobe, I'm sure I have something that'll work. If not here then certainly back at my shop."

Stepping to the side, Alex gestures to a pile of fabrics in hues of bright pink and purple. Some are more traditional silks or linens, but there's a few tucked between the others with some glitter or embroidery on them. "Something like this tickle your fancy? I've got every color in the multiverse somewhere in my things if none of these are to your liking."

[sweetcandygirl]

Alex. Sweetheart. She was touching all your things to rearrange them. But there were some sparkly items that keep her gaze.

"I ain't afraid of color." She grins, with her broken Bronx accent.

"I am an aerial dancer. So most of the time, I need new outfits to dance with. Something that attracts the audience, but doesn't get in the way of my movements. It is very important I have mobility."

She arches her eyebrow at the glittery pinks and purples. "You picked the right feather to tickle me with, honey."

"What about colors that have not been imagined yet?"

[lecouturier]

"Rough beast" feels like the correct way to describe poor Azwel right now. Alex will be kind enough to not say it as the man peers at his fabrics, though he's going to be a little more anxious as he watches Azwel's fingers. Yes, he saw that finger licking and no, he doesn't want anyone touching his things after a move like that. A line has to be drawn somewhere in the sand, and this would be the tailor's.

After a few minutes of letting the robed man peruse his wares, Alex makes his way over to check in. It's not unusual to see someone fully covered even as the weather turns warm - Some people simply prefer it, others need it to survive; Who is he to judge the reason, especially when he doesn't know it? - but the robes themselves are extremely interesting. Their make isn't anything quite like what he's made himself before or even seen here in the Nexus. It doesn't do well to stare without at least introducing one's self, though, so the tailor pulls himself together to do just that.

"Hello there! My name's Alex Needleworthy. Welcome to my popup stall!" He smiles brightly and then gestures to some of his more breathable cotton blend fabrics. "See anything you like? If you've a mind for anything in particular, I'll probably be able to help you find it so we can get you into something new."

[lecouturier]

No. No, no, absolutely no. This well featured man looking in his direction needs his help and Alex is determined to do it the second their eyes meet. The tailor raises a hand and takes a few steps away from his tables to wave the ...gods, he's not even going to try to describe that outfit.

"Come on now, don't be shy. I've plenty of fabrics for everyone and all day to help you find something perfect for you." He waves again, a little more emphatically this time. "You look like you could use an update and I'm just the tailor for the job."

[lecouturier]

Oops. Alex clearly didn't mean to startle anyone with his theatrics, but he's a very excitable person, especially when it comes to his work. He smiles apologetically at the small... woman? Hmm. He's not sure what exactly Alita is, but everything about her screams feminine to him without being definitive. Assuming things about people loses him business, so he instead focuses on her question.

"Depends on what we're doing for you," he answers with a more demure smile. "And what kind of currency you're bringing to the Nexus. I know money doesn't translate one-to-one across the multiverse and I'm much more interested in making you feel good in what you're wearing than I am about making a large profit." It helps that clothing people in something proper for who and what they are makes him giddy and incredibly satisfied.

He offers a hand to the woman for a shake. "My name's Alex Needleworthy. If you have any questions or are looking for something specific, let me know. I'm sure I can pull something together quickly enough once I know what you want."

[lovesuwithknives]

At least he doesn't touch anything. He almost doesn't looks as though he has the energy to do so. This man likely has a very interesting story, as he appears robust of build, wide-shouldered and narrow-waisted, but clearly something exhausting has happened to him. His sharp-featured face looks weary.

The robes, many layers of raw silk and leather, appear bespoke, as though he'd had them made to create a specific appearance. Under them he appears to wear some kind of ribbed bodysuit, thin stripes of red down one side and blue down the other, which happen to match the odd, faintly glowing lines in his hands.

The man startles when Alex speaks, but gives a friendly-enough half-smile.

"Hullo," he answers, pulling a kerchief out of a pocket, rubbing his hands with them. He tilts his head. "I'm not entirely sure what I have in mind, yet. What would you suggest?"

[lecouturier]

Fashion is a thing Alex worries about constantly, no matter the weather. No one is immune from his distaste regarding their choices in even the most awful circumstances.

"Ah, yes! I've seen your shop, but not stopped in yet. Mine's in the heart of Downtown and has a tiny sign, so it's easily missed unless you're looking for it." Note that Alex doesn't seem to mind that at all. In fact, he seems downright cheery about that fact. Having steady business and a good word-of-mouth network helps. "Thought I'd get out and show the Nexus what they really need to shake off the winter cold was some new clothes by bringing out some of my things. Figured a little advertising after hiding in the corners of the Nexus would be a good idea after a few years."

Also, he's been terribly bored most of the winter. One can only make so many outfits for themselves before it's boring, and when you make clothes for a living? That's a travesty that must be avoided at all costs.

He chuckles at the comment about his name. "I picked it myself, actually. A man in my profession should have something catchy and memorable. Naturally that means I needed something better than my given name. It's also much more fun."

All of this talk of business gives Alex a few ideas to propose, but he gives Kinner one more good pass with his eyes before he says anything. "You're on your feet most of the day at work, yes? How's the temperature in your shop? Ever notice that you're always too hot or too cold?" A few more details are essential before the tailor goes all in!

[lecouturier]

All these poor souls in their ragged clothes. If Alex weren't so distracted by thoughts of how wrong all of this is, he might actually weep for them. (Un?)Fortunately, Palmer's clothes are far more distracting than many of the other messes he's seen so far today.

"Oh you poor thing." Probably not the best thing to start off with, but Palmer did say he wanted something more respectable! Alex shakes his head extends his hand. "Alex Needleworthy. I've got plenty of ideas already that will help with respectability, starting with some different fabrics and proper sleeves."

Once the tailor has his hand back, he gestures up and down Palmer's body as he gives him a once over. Not a bad frame, though the hair could use some work. There's a lot of good things to work with underneath everything covering it up, really, it's just... hard to see when Alex is so distracted by that... vest. Ugh. Denim should never be worn like that.

"Are you looking for something to wear every day? For work or more casual things? Knowing that much will help me weed out some ideas."

[iwillcatchup]

There is a breeze of air, with some of Alex's fabrics moving gently in response. And in a blink of eye, there is a young man standing in front of the booth. Peter is quite excited to have access to the Nexus again.

Another breeze of air... and huh... was he holding that slurpee before?

Peter's style is best described as stuck in the 80s (for reasons). He is even wearing a walkman on his hip. And is that an 80s icon on his shirt?

One more breeze of air... and now Peter has a bag of chips too.

"A new look, huh? I'm tired of people thinking I am younger than I am..."

[lady_sif]

Garments aren't what Sif is in the Market for; she's heard that a weapons vendor in the plaza has some fresh stock, and that's something that is never not of interest. She could fit another knife or two into her boots, she thinks.

Yet, passing by the fabric, she pauses to look. She only has the one outfit, and it isn't even the kind of thing that would be worn on Asgard, so there's no way of knowing where she acquired the garments or if they're 'seasonally appropriate'.

Reaching out, she slides an iridescent piece of silk shantung between her fingers. She wonders if she ever wore anything like this in the unremembered past.

[to_the_wolves]

It's hard for Marie to not notice Alex giving her a second glance and instinctively she reaches for the tie on her neck, feeling the fabric to ensure it's tied correctly and straight. Next is a quick glance at her clothes for any noticeable wrinkles, but she finally manages to stop worrying when he talks eagerly about having many ideas. Great. He seems like the creative type and...

Did he just say that he knows someone who looks like her? Okay, that's definitely a first and Marie does her best to hide the shock. It's replaced by a smile and an extension of her hand for a proper greeting. "Marie Aldaine." A pause, pondering if she should add her own job and title into the mix. "I'm a business owner here in the Nexus. It's a pleasure to meet you."

At least Alex seems much nicer that the peacock fashionista her employee put her in touch with once. She can easily accept his ideas and propositions based on demeanor alone. "Have you been creating clothing for a while, Mr. Needleworthy? The work you have displayed is well-refined and cleanly of high quality."

[attackpatternbattista]

With the weather becoming more delightful and much less frightful, Delia, for the longest time in about three months, is much more comfortably dressed in the Nexus than she's been recently. Instead of heavy winter clothing, now?

Now it's loose clothing, meant to flow with her movement. Low slung, loose pants, a light blouse, and a long sleeved shirt with a number of pockets, worn unbuttoned and open. She also wears sandals, with a low, thick heel.

As a tailor, Alex probably notices Delia's clothing is well made. Flattering. There's also filigree style designs embroidered in the edges of her clothing. Her sleeves, the bottom of the blouse and shirt, her pant legs. All light yellow colored to offset the white of the clothing, and deep jade green of her skin.

Of course, she has her bag with her, which is in complete contrary to the almost bohemian style the Orion presents: Heavy, leather, black, with the Klingon Empire symbol embossed in the heavy leather. She's got it slung over one shoulder.

"Mm, always on the lookout for something new, dear," says the Orion with an amused look in her visible, good eye, "Especially now that I can wear more than heavy boots and coats."