As the stage was prepared and the lights dimmed, host Celia Mitchell entered the limelight on the popular "Daily Talks" show, hushed the audience in anticipation. Today's guest was a mysterious masked designer whose true identity remains unknown today.
As the iconic opening music of the show faded away, Celia turned to the audience with a radiant smile.
"Good morning, Sunshine Viewers! Welcome to another fab day, a new edition of our sunny guest segment!"
Celia clapped her hands and continued reading the words displayed on the teleprompter.
"Today, we are having a special guest whom our team has worked hard to book for an exclusive interview. Someone who has been going viral with his stunning creations in the world of fashion these past few months but for five years, nobody knows who's behind the iconic mask. Please welcome, The masked fashion designer and the CEO at LUC AT ME fashion Line, LUC!"
Their applause went louder as Luc walked in like an elegant picture in a fitted suit of liquid silver with embroidery of the stars. Midnight blue chiffon shone under crystal sleeves as whispers of sophistication clothed Luc. Geometric-patterned trousers tapered towards bespoke oxfords: one rhythm dance with each step as accessories.
The avant-garde accessory was supported by an iconic vanta black colombina mask. A hairstyle was tousled, carefully, to complete his fashion mastery persona.
A moving canvas, he walked on stage, turning heads, invading personal space, and digging deeply into that which could not be seen. There was an air tinged with intrigue as the masked designer took his seat across from Celia
"Thank you for coming, Luc. The first questions haunting everyone...why the mask?"
He spoke with calm excitement, "The mask represents the universality of creativity. It lets my work do the talking instead of my having to go beyond personal details, letting it connect with audiences at a deeper, more intellectual level."
Celia looked confused, but shook her head, gave a smile and asked again:
"Is it true that behind that mask, nobody knows your real identity?"
"Yes, it's true, neither my assistant nor my driver, not my colleagues, my shop workers and most certainly not even my family know who I am. I kept to myself as Luc from my family and acted like their normal son on the dinner table with not one of them figuring out that I, in fact, am the Famous Masked Designer. I have my reasons. And that's also a secret."
Celia and the crowd had to admit that they were amazed, eyes wide in disbelief. That told the question: "how?"
As the interview developed, Luc gave forth some insights to his philosophy on creativity under the words that he maintained were as wonderfully woven as their designs.
What challenges did he face? Where was the joy of learning to work with others? What can art do to change society?
Aside, there was a mini fashion show prepared in the set with all of his latest creations for the forthcoming fashion season.
Lights dimmed again, confetti fluttered down from the heavens above, the spotlights beamed across the stage making their reappearance when models walked one by one.
Of the twelve gowns that would come forth, one kind bloomed-the gowns were floral inspired: deep reds of a rose, serene whites of a lily, tender layers of lotus petals, and more, each dress a tribute to nature's elegance.
But when the twelfth and final gown came out, the audience dropped their jaws and silence filled the hall as the model slowly walked on the stage wearing the last gown of the collection.
It was dreamy, almost ethereal-the gown.
As the model posed and walked the stage, he grabbed a mic, faced the audience, and proudly said.
"Sprinkled with thousands of forget-me-not flowers made from organza and silk, handmade and hand-sewn, one by one on the gown. The off-the-shoulder bodice dips into a deep, elegant neckline, while the full skirt flows out in soft, sweeping layers. Each tiny flower shimmers in shades of pale blue, icy blue, and soft pearl, catching the light with every move. Every woman wearing this gown, I guarantee that you will feel delicate, romantic, and almost magical, like stepping out of a fairytale garden at twilight."
All twelve dresses and gowns walked the stage one last time and stayed on the stage as final questions are asked by the host of the show.
"Wow, what a show! And people were . lucky enough to catch it on their couches at home. Your work is genuinely beautiful. Other than this collection, can you offer us a piece that holds a special place in your heart?"
Anguished memories rushed in, filling Luc's mind in that brief moment before the storm of emotions burst forth as anger, disgust, and hatred flickered on his face. But he took a deep breath, glanced at his assistant, who had his hands up in a thumbs-up gesture, and then answered. "There's a piece called 'Ephemeral Harmony.' It's a representation of fleeting moments in life, the beauty in impermanence. It's a reminder to cherish the present. I'm just not done with it yet since I'm still looking for that one final detail that I need."
Luc rose and stepped closer to the camera. With a smirk on his face, he said the unexpected.
"And I dedicate this piece to Madam Faith Vergara of Rue de Rêve Fashion. Cherish your present, because soon you would become a relic for your time would pass, and I, will take your place in this fashion world. Mark my words! "
The interview ended, and in Luc's mind, he was cursing the woman he had spoken about, determined to destroy everything she had built. In spite of his fury, he knew the bitter truth that Faith Vergara was his own mother.