Page 55 of Cinderella-ish
Chapter 24
Daniella
Ever since I was young,I killed time by sketching designs in sketchbooks that I would buy using money I earned from doing chores, sweeping hair up at the local hair salon, babysitting, or by helping the older lady across the street carry groceriesin.
I had sketchbooks galore, with designs categorized by my creatively namedcollections.
I dreamed of being a fashion designer with top models fighting to pose in my clothes, featured in top fashion magazines likeMarie Claire,Harpers Bazaar,InStyle,Cosmopolitan, andVogue.
And then, when I was seventeen, I discovered a reality show—Project Runway—in which fashion contestants compete to design a collection for New York FashionWeek.
I was inspired by the rush they seemed to have, involved in all that encompassed Fashion Week. I was lucky enough to get a taste of this during my design schooldays.
But nothing of thismagnitude.
It’s been a crazy stack of days since Antonio and I returned to Milan. We both have busied ourselves deep in the throes of making sure we have everything perfectly laid out for the show—including the song set for therunway.
1. Donna Summer—She Works Hard For TheMoney
2. Cyndi Lauper—Girls Just Wanna HaveFun
3. Eurythmics—SweetDreams
4. Janet Jackson—Control
5. Pat Benetar—Love is aBattlefield
6. Vanity 6—NastyGirl
7. Salt-N-Pepa—PushIt
8. Sheila E—GlamorousLife
9. Gloria Estefan—Conga
10. Madonna—ExpressYourself
Each song represents the theme and I’ve been working hard, sketching what I believe will best accompany each lingerie piece inspired by thesong.
Purses. Shoes. Hairstyles. Hats. Jewelry. Layers of Clothing—the tedious behind-the-scenes stuff that drives designersmad.
Antonio approved of the song choices, and he was highly impressed by the sketches, believing all will beautify each scene wepresent.
Now, I’ve gotta go hunt for many of these items, which should be a snap since I’m surrounded by every fashionable boutique I could dreamof.
Only one problem. Antonio won’t allow me to venture out on my own—a battle we’ve beendiscussingnow, for over anhour.
“I don’t get why you don’t approve of me going on my own. You’re busy with business stuff, so I should take this time to purchase all of the items on my list.” I slouch down onto the sofa in the fashion expo office, arms and legs crossed inprotest.
“And I don’t get why you don’t understand that I don’t want you out on the streets of Milan on yourown.”
“Antonio. It’sMilan. During Fashion Week. What could gowrong?”
He scoffs from behind the desk he’s sitting at, while working on business spreadsheets. “It’s not quite Fashion Week yet. And the fact that there are so many people out there right now—drawn here specifically for the event—just aboutanythingcould gowrong.”
I roll my eyes and throw my arms in theair.
“Look, Liza and Jonah will be here Friday. I’ll feel better if you go with one, or even both of them, okay?” He smiles and that, on its own, settles mygrievance.
