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[Prof. Caleb Rothwell]

[Bridgette Grindelwald]

[WINTER 2022 INTERNSHIP – Aina Keller + Maxine Isabelle Ryuu]

 

Fashion shows were like a work-of-art come alive—and nowadays, you see them getting held in creative and unorthodox places. This particular show that she was attending today, with a pair of students in tow, was no different. It was a fall-winter showcase of an up-and-coming brand that she had been supporting lately—which is probably why she received a special request to watch the show. There was a flying car arranged to pick them up which dropped them right outside the Tinworth Arts Centre Gallery. "Here we are—ready or not, ladies," she announced before she took the outstretched hand of the security personnel who guided her off the car. Bridge plastered a sunny and bright smile on her face and waved flirtatiously at the crowd that's waiting. "Come along this way," she told both girls, waving them over as they were flanked by security while they made their way through the area that was specifically barricade for members of the press and the media. "So, welcome to your first fashion show, girls! The setup is not always this way, of course, but the primary elements are here, which are fans and the press, and the mission is simple—take photos and greet people."

 

The sky was a bit dim outside and it looks as though it were going to rain; luckily the show was in the gallery. They were nearing the photo op spot. "Kayso, see those people over there?" Bridge pointed towards a few with earpieces directing some foot traffic near rows of photographers and press. "They'll guide you where to step and when to move on or who to approach. Just pose as well as you can, answer questions as politely as possible. Don't worry about making any mistakes, go with the flow and be yourself. Once we get through that, we're going for a tour of backstage, alright?" With a nod, she waited her own turn and then was promptly directed toward the storm of photographers, following a line and posing every few paces while alternately speaking with journalists who were present. Every now and then she glanced toward her young apprentices to check on them and see how well they are doing.

[Aina Keller]

[1]

 

Aina can’t believe what’s happening, one moment, she’s trying lotsa clothes, together with Izzy and Miss Bridgette and next moment, they were being ushered outside a flying car and to the fashion show event. It had been a whirlwind of several things happening all at once that she’s overwhelmed for a minute there as the security smiled at her and assisted her when it was her turn to get out of the car. She would expect only the supermodel will be given special treatment but it looks like it’s a standard protocol for the staff to be nice and accommodating to everyone, even the guests. It al led to this day, a fashion show. It was dizzying. How will she ever be ready for this?! Is what she wanted to tell Miss Bridgette when she said ready or not, here they are. Sure, runway is her favorite part of a model’s life and she hadn’t missed a show, be it in magazines, social media, TV news and shows. And now that she’s in one, she didn’t know how to react or act! Come on, this isn’t time to freeze! Not from cold at least, but from anticipation. A little nervous yes because who wouldn’t?! You’re suddenly shoved to the limelight, with reporters and cameras around you. Granted they weren’t here for her, but still, according to Miss Bridgette, they all would have to go through this photo op. All she could do was listen to the supermodel and nodded once in a while as she explained the procedure to them. She’s already familiar with this, you pose, you smile, you engage the audience, let them feast on the view, which is them, and then answer a few questions for the heck of it, for good publicity so they say. They were pointed to the group of people and the place they would need to pose. They navigated through what seemed like a maze of people. She nodded once again, half listening and half distracted from the press.

 

This is it! She turned to Izzy and smiled at her, offering support as well the best way she can. Miss Bridgette went in first and at that moment, she’s really nervous. She kept on chanting, you can do this, repeatedly. Taking a very deep breath, Aina then slowly released them, making sure her heart wasn't beating so loud inside her chest. The moment some camera turned in their direction, she was ready with a bright smile of her own. If she’s still nervous, she made sure it’s at least not obvious with the way she moves there. She followed what the staff asked her to do, which place to pose, gave her smile to the press, some even asked for her name which she politely replied. Some asked her whom she’s with and pointed at Miss Bridgett and why. Too many questions that she was thankful when the staff told her to move on to the next. Gladly. She murmured. But of course, she left the other press people with another beaming smile, becoming more and more comfortable there. She was just acting on instinct here, reminding herself that this is her dream, she’s lucky she’s getting a taste of it. Catching Miss Bridgette’s look, Aina smiled at her.

[Bridgette Grindelwald]

In hindsight, Bridge realised that she could have prepared them much better at handling all this, really; but she also staunchly believed in the educating properties of experience and that while there was plenty she can tell them, nothing can truly prepare them enough for everything the real deal had to show. Besides, she also thought that their genuine excitement over the experience is going to shine through; that'll translate quite beautifully with the press, so yeah. They might be a little starry-eyed in their photos but both girls looked amazing so she thought they'd be alright. Moreover, she didn't foresee any mishaps, so that was good. Bridge wanted to give them some room to see what they would do and how precisely would they deal with the press and the cameras. "Remember, girls—grace under pressure!" Those were her parting words before she left them and did her own line of photo-ops and press stuff. Every now and then, she would let her eyes wander and look over at the girls. Bridge thought they were holding up well but time alone would tell. I mean, who knows? – maybe they're actually crashing and burning within? Which is fine really, as long as they don't have a public meltdown as that would be a bit hard to manage.

 

She quickly and expertly got through her own press responsibilities, flirting up a storm with everyone as she usually did on these sorts of events. The Grindelwald charm was a magical thing, really—a blessing and a curse but one that she's learned to adequately dole out. Reaching the end, Bridge spared a moment to speak with an event manager about the backstage passes she requested. Then, right as they were nearing the end, she waved them over. "Come on, girls! – one more photo of us three," she called toward them, already posing as a photographer directed his camera her way. "How was it, by the way?" she whispered though her smile remains in place and bright as ever. "It's a bit of a doozy, right?"

[Aina Keller]

[2]

 

Click! Click! Click! Someone said turn on her left, then shift her head a little to the side. Someone shouted Perfect! Her smile remained on her lips as she heard different instructions and reactions from the press people. This was overwhelming for a first timer like her, even though she watched a lot of shows, seen videos on Youtube, it’s different when you’re there in person, posing and smiling to hundreds of people there. The camera flash is hurting her eyes, making her a little teary eyed but Aina held herself and continued moving from one place to another, giving in to their requests and answering questions as politely as possible. First impressions last so she’s doing her best to make a mark even how simple it’s going to be. Who knows her and Izzy’s faces will be in tomorrow's newspaper and some company or modeling agency will have an interest and offer them a project. It’s a very ambitious wish, but you’ll never know. She’s only realizing now that the photo op itself is already a challenge, you have to please these people, you’re not even inside the event, yet her face is already tired from constant smiling. Wow, so this is how it’s going to be like? She likes it in a way, it’ll take some getting used to though. What she’s looking forward to is seeing the model walk the runway. That’s her favorite part.

 

Aina hadn’t even noticed she’s almost at the end of the red carpet. Miss Bridgette is already waving them over for a final shot of the three of them. she gladly joined the supermodel, posing beside her and gave her most excited smile yet. While their photos were being taken, Miss Bridgette asked them how their experience was. “Overwhelming but exciting.” She said, amid the noise and the haste. “Thank you for this opportunity.” She added as an afterthought, her smile plastered on her face since the cameras kept on clicking in front of them.

[Bridgette Grindelwald]

Bridge was excited to see what the girls thought of being out here and working the press. It was a whirlwind of fun sometimes but it can also be a highly stressful place to be at. Aina said it was overwhelming but exciting and her smile grew at that. "It is, yeah—and you're welcome," she said. "I'm not sure you felt it but did you realise that you've got to have the right energy when it comes to all these events? I hope you girls picked up on that. That even though you're having a bad day or not in the mood, you can't let that show. You need to pick yourself up and give them a smile or they will come at you like a pack of wolves," she said, her smile dimming a bit. The media and the press, muggle or wizarding, can be rather polarizing and her personal relationship with them was not always smooth given how some of them simply loved bringing up her dead father in conversation. But anyway, Bridge quickly finished up a few remaining shots with the girls and then she ushered them in the gallery. "Phew—we survived! Congratulations, girls!" she sighed in relief, smiling at the pair. "These press duties can be very taxing sometimes, especially when you're a brand ambassador… you really have to work it. But when you are walking the show, the real deal for you comes after the show, actually; and the after-party. The models who are working the show have an earlier call time and they are usually in a rush so there's no time with the press," she explained as a woman came up, giving her some backstage passes which she handed over to the girls. "Come on, put this on and let's go backstage!"

 

While they walked, she began explaining the process. "So, ahead of shows, you do a fitting—pretty much like we did earlier except they do it days ahead because stylists have to figure out your whole look, and sometimes you have more than one. But nothing's set in stone and more often than not, you don't know what you are wearing until the day of the show—and even then, it can change even when you're already dressed. So you can expect backstage to be completely nuts." Within a minute or so, they made it backstage and it was complete and utter mayhem—as she said. There was one model walking and a hairstylist braiding her auburn hair right behind; there's another running around in her underwear. Then a stylist with shears and needles and threads in hand with one more right behind that had a sparkling gown in his arms. Bridge couldn't help giggling, her expression turning a little nostalgic. "It's really this chaotic all the time, with any show. Especially when you've got two or three outfits? You're ushered to change as soon as you get back then you usually have around five-ish minutes to make sure you're properly clothed before you need to get back out there." She paused for a breath. "By the way, you can't be shy here alright? Walking around in your underwear is normal. Moreover, you don't have much of a choice and sometimes you're going to need help changing your clothes. It's a hell of an ice breaker for models but the people here are professionals so don't worry about it too much."

 

Sticking near the sides, she guided the girls through while attempting to stay out of the way. "So, most are doing hair and makeup right now. In a few minutes they should be getting dressed—look over there," she pointed towards a wall. "During shows there's a master list of sorts of who's wearing what. These are likely what we're going to see on the show." Bridge directed them over to a snack table with harmless finger foods. "So, what do you think?"

[Aina Keller]

[3]

 

Miss Bridgette pointed about the proper attitude while attending events like this. Aina can understand why she brought it up to them. While she’s busy posing there, smiling to the press and their cameras, answering their never-ending questions, all she’s telling herself was be nice, show them how disciplined you are, smile! smile! smile! She couldn’t show them she’s uncomfortable with the personal questions thrown her way, or how tiring it was to smile continuously like that, or how to maintain your good look since you know your face will be shown in a fashion magazine the next day. They have no choice but to smile, smile, smile, like what Miss Bridge told them just now. Aina nodded, “I think I know what you mean, I felt it there. Attitude is everything here, isn’t it?” She silently asked the supermodel. The way the model moves and looks would impact them directly or indirectly if not done right. She believed, one of the most powerful tools in photos are the eyes of the models too. You first catch a glimpse in order to remember them, commit their face to your memory. “How do you manage the press all the time? Is it always like this? Have you encountered worse?” She wouldn’t be surprised if the supermodel did at some point in her life. Not only is she gorgeous and famous, her surname is also very known. Receiving the backstage passes, she put it on and followed her while also listening.

 

Completely nuts is understatement as they arrived backstage. Everything and everyone is a blur for her. There’s very limited space backstage. There are some photographers there snapping photos of the models right up to the last second, while some dressers are dressing the models. Someone was also shouting to get out, like literally screams. Another one was running in her underwear, Aina covered her mouth as a giggle threatened to bubble up her throat. Oh gosh. It’s stressful seeing everything there, it’s a high-pressured environment. Everyone is doing something, no time for chit-chat. She nodded at being told being shy isn’t needed by her. If you need to walk around in your underwear, then so be it. She hasn’t done that yet even in her dorm. Like what the supermodel said, if it’s part of the job, then get used to it. After All these are all professionals. “Look at her, several hairdressers working on her hair alone. That’s insane.” She can’t help reacting to one model with people operating on her hair.

 

They were ushered on the side, near the food table while Miss Bridge was discussing the dresses the models are supposed to wear later. She shared her opinion openly, “It’s organized chaos.” Giggling now as she regarded the supermodel, “There are a lot of players involved with names you don’t even remember at all, shuffling back and forth but the end product will always turn out all right so long they follow their assigned task. Even how chaotic it is here, out there…” she motioned toward the stage, “it’s always amazing.”

[Zoey McLaggen]

1 Tag: Nadia Dimitrov

 

​Zoey was responsible for the piece on the gallery opening, but Zoey trusted Nadia enough to prepare a first draft of the story that was supposed to be in tomorrow's paper. Sure, Zoey would review and edit the piece, but with proper guidance, Nadia's name would be in the paper, alongside her own. Told to dress appropriately, Zoey waited for Nadia to arrive in Tinworth, where the two would attend the opening, see the work and at the end of the night, have the opportunity to interview the artist. 

[Nadia Dimitrov]

[1]

 

There was a gallery opening that she was to attend with Zoey on which she would later write an article. It would be the first time when she'd be not only writing an article but also interviewing the artist with the woman. Nadia made sure she wore proper attire that looked good for the event and was also formal. Instead of traveling to the Daily Prophet, she arrived at the Tinworth Arts Center, made her way through the crowd, and finally found her supervisor who was standing by the sculptors. "Hii, I am here." She informed her, one hand holding placed on her handbag that hung from her shoulders... it contained a quill and notebook for the interview. "I have the questions ready. Do you want to go through them?" Nadia had a few questions jotted down that she could ask the artist.

[Zoey McLaggen]

2

 

Zoey smiled when Nadia showed up at the art gallery. "Shall we take a look around the gallery first?" Zoey suggested. ​"Perhaps we see something that you might want to know more about." Zoey was quite methodical with the way she approached things, but she wasn't going to be some kind of lecturer. If she wanted to do so, she would've been working at Hogwarts, and that was probably the last place you'd find her right now. "Tell me, what do you know about the gallery?" Zoey asked as she started walking and picked up two glasses of champagne that the waiters were offering to the visiting crowd and handing one glass to Nadia. 

[Nadia Dimitrov]

[2]

 

Nadia nodded eagerly at the suggestion and walked with Zoey, looking around at the various art pieces. It was her first time visiting the art gallery, or art center to be specific. Living in Sweden gave her less time to explore the country her school was located in but maybe after she graduates she could have a look around when she starts working here. Will Nadia move to Sweden permanently? She doubts. She loved Sweden way too much to consider that but she would have more liberty and an apparition license hopefully to do that. "Yea, maybe a little about the gallery and the kind of exhibitions they host." She responded thoughtfully, accepting the glass from Zoey. Nadi was a little surprised because though she was an adult, no one treated her like one so far so this made her feel nice.... adult. "I did some background research earlier this week.. it's recently opened a couple of years back and works as a one-stop shop for all the magical world artists. Like our own dedicated art sanctuary. Do you visit here often?" She asked the woman curiously. Nadia wasn't much of an art person but if they had one in Sweden, she was sure she'd visit it for the pretty aesthetics.

[Zoey McLaggen]

3

Zoey nodded when Nadia agreed to first take a quick lap around the exhibition with her. “Exactly, but mostly the pieces we see here.” Zoey said. “Any form of art is intended to make the audience feel some kind of way. In a play, or a song, it usually it quite obvious what the artist is trying to say, but for a sculptor this is a lot harder.” Zoey continued before stopping at a specific piece. “What do you think the artist is trying to communicate with this piece? Do you see any theme throughout what we’ve seen so far?”

[Nadia Dimitrov]

[3]

 

Nadia wasn't thinking of the exhibition from a journalist's point of view so far. She was looking at it just as a visitor but Zoey quickly helped turn the direction of her thoughts with her word. She had heard that art was always connected to some personal emotion but there was more to it. The artist also tried to convey his emotions to the audience and those with an eye for detail were able to pick it up. With the help of Zoey's words, she looked around at the various pieces and at the one they stopped at, replaying what she was told. A theme? A message that the sculptor was trying to convey? Nadia looked around her again, this time with a different eye. One sculpture was depicting a delicate butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, its wings spreading wide, probably symbolizing the courage to embrace vulnerability and the beauty that emerged from within. The one a couple of spaces away was a seedling breaking through the ground, reaching toward the sunlight. Nadia guessed it represented some kind of strength, new beginnings and that's when the theme clicked in her mind. "I think the theme is based around metamorphosis... transformation? There are many pieces on the entrance as well that show evolution in some way through various angles and objects so it's either telling us to embrace the changes or showing how change occurs in every part of our life." It could be both too.