Who: Vala and Portia What: Meeting to discuss planning her runway show Where: A shop which stocks some of Portia's designs When: Beginning of August Rating/warning;: G / None Status: Complete
Vala shifted her handbag in the crook of her arm as she approached the shop she had been directed to. Glinda had said this was where she was to meet one of the main designers for the show, so Vala had put this visit on the top of her list. Checking herself briefly in the window's reflection, she then headed into the store.
Portia was chatting to the shop owner when Vala entered the shop. It had been unusual to be asked to meet someone where her clothes were sold but she guessed it helped the other woman see them in a shop environment maybe. Something like that anyway.
She smiled as she turned, “Vala?” she guessed, “I’m Portia”
“Hi Portia,” Vala held out her hand to shake the other woman’s. “How are you?”
She shook the other woman’s hand, “I’m good thanks. You?”
"I'm great," Vala grinned. "So Glinda arranged this because I asked if I could see some of your work, now I know its not necessarily what is going to be in the show, but it'll give me an idea," she explained.
“Right” Portia nodded, “I did wonder, since a lot of this stuff is a couple of months old” she smiled before leading Vala over to the rack with her designs on, “These are mine”
"Oh wow," Vala reached out to take hold of one of the brighter garments. "This is stunning," she took it off the rail and held it up, imagining it with a pair of skinny jeans and open toed heels.
“Thank you” Portia smiled happily, “I’m glad you like it. It’s a good sign I think” she added.
"I'll say!" Vala looked to her confidently. Sensing something was off, she put the top back on the rail. "Are you sure you're ok?"
Portia frowned slightly, “Umm yes, I’m fine. Why?” she asked, “Do I look not-okay?”
"Oh no, nothing like that, I just..." Vala shrugged and smiled at her. "I guess Glinda was so exuberant and bubbly about everything I got a bit swept away with it all," she joked. "So what's your newer work like?"
“I’m not sure many people could claim to be as bouncy as Glinda” Portia replied, “I apologise if I don’t seem excited I honestly am. I just also have a lot of work to do” she smiled. “It’s fairly similar, more everyday dresses and tops I suppose”
“It’s fine and you’re right,” Vala nodded. “There are very few people who can match Glinda’s...enthusiasm,” she winked at Portia. “Right, so, I’ll try not to keep you any longer than I have to,” she smiled. “What is it that you want for your show? Colours, themes, music etc? What sort of feeling do you want the audience to leave with?”
“Oh you’re fine, I’m a typical creative, always rushing around with a million and one things to do” Portia grinned, “Most of the colors I’ve used are fall colors. Oranges, browns, pale yellows. And I haven’t done many going out ‘fancy’ clothes so maybe a more relaxed feeling to the whole thing” she suggested, hesitantly.
“Ok, ok,” Vala nodded, casting her eyes off into the distance as she thought. “So a more casual kind of set-up, like...a slowing down of the year maybe? Do you like the idea of leaves? Or is that too cliché?”
“That could work, I like the slowing down idea” she nodded, “Leaves are okay as long as they aren’t overdone. I do have a couple of night sky inspired pieces too so maybe something combining the two. Fall Nights or something like that”
“I like it! I like it!” Vala nodded. “Ok, well, I can draw up some sketches and send my ideas over to you. What about music, do you have any favourite artists you would like me to use? Or just something...Fall-y,” she smiled.
Portia grinned, glad her idea hadn't sounded silly. "That sounds great" she said nodding, "Just something appropriate I guess. Piano music is always lovely, guitar, the softer instruments maybe"
“Ok,” Vala nodded, pulling out her tablet and recording down what their ideas were. “I’m sure we can find some music to accompany it, I’ll have a look through my database and send it over to you with the other info,” she tapped away at her tablet. “Is there anything else you would like for your show?”
“Excellent” Portia nodded, “Ummm I guess some form of catering and bar service?” she replied, “Do you sort that out as well?” she’d never really used an event organiser before.
“Yep, I’ve got someone in mind who can handle practically anything I throw at her,” Vala smiled, knowing Faye would be up to the challenge. “I think that’s all I need, have you got any questions for me?” she looked up at Portia with a smile.
“I can’t think of any but if I do I’ll be sure to let you know” Portia smiled, “Thank you so much Vala, it’s been lovely to meet you and I look forward to seeing your ideas”
“Definitely,” Vala tucked her tablet away in her bag and fished out a business card to hand over to Portia. “Here’s all my contact details if you need me,” she smiled.
“Thank you” Portia said taking the card and digging out one of her own, “I’m sure Glinda and Elphaba gave you all my details but just in case this is easier”
“Yeah, they did, but I always like to have my own copies from the people I work with,” Vala winked. “I feel more of a connection to the projects and the people that way,” she smiled.
"Its not as flashy as Glinda's but I think its pretty" Portia said with a grin as she handed her own card over.
"Each to their own," Vala grinned. "And Glinda is very much her own," she winked. "Right, I'm sure you're busy, so I'll let you get on, it's been lovely meeting you," she shook Portia's hand.
"Now that is true" she nodded grinning, "You too. Thank you for your time and your assistance" she replied shaking Vala's hand.
“No worries, this is going to be a great show, I can tell,” Vala told her happily, heading out of the shop and sliding her glasses on.