The Rebirth Of A Fashion Mogul

The street that Song Xia arrived to was a bit old and deserted considering it was a Friday. The window of the shop clearly read ' Buttons '.This place was close to the restaurant that Shen Xue had choose about a ten minutes brisk walk so Song Xia had decided to check it out.

Ding-Dong

Song Xia entered the shop and looked around. It was at most a medium shop but there were only old ladies around.

On the walls were racks upon racks fabrics of every colour and texture. The fabrics were surprisingly of good quality. Cotton,Wool,silk,linen , velvet and chiffon. It was every designers dream. Whether colour , quality or material it was available. Unfortunately the quantity was limited.

" Hello , Little Girl, I'm Grandma Chi, how can I help you today."

Grandma Chi was what one might call the sweet grandmother type but had a sense of elegance that radiated from her bones. The hair pulled up in a bun with small gold earrings exposed. She also wore a simple white jade pendant on a gold chain.Her grey shawl embroidered with elegant white cranes carrying a single red flower.

When Chi Shuang saw the tall, graceful young girl her old heart was inspired. Such a lovely girl. Bright, intelligent eyes and a confident aura. She would make an excellent model for her creations!

"Hello , Grandma Chi .My name is Song Xia . I was just looking around. My friend recommended this store for me since I want to be a designer. Your materials are so beautiful!"

" Really!" Grandma Chi 's eyes sparkled." Song Xia, how about this if you model for me occasionally ?Grandma will give you a discount on all the materials you choose."

" Is Grandma Chi a designer as well?" Song Xia inquired politely. The shawl's embroidery was exquisite.

Grandma Chi looked at bit startled then a flash of sadness was revealed in her expression. Giving Song Xia a melancholy smile she simply stated,

" A long time ago, my child."

" Nonsense!" Scolded an elderly man with ironed black pants and a dress shirt embroidered with bamboo leaves giving him a slight scholarly air . He appeared from the back of the store and walked up to Grandma Chi staring her down.There seemed to be a harsh and displined aura to him that was inquired to military soldiers that his clothing couldn't cover up.

He seemed to be speaking harshly and but the gaze in his eyes were gentle.

" My Si Guying's wife is a Master Designer!Little girl why don't you look at the Wedding robes and the white dress my wife made from scratch. You will not find anyone more skilled than Grandma Chi!"

Song Xia was startled for a moment before inwardly giggling. Mr. Si pretended to be so domineering as if he was going to scold people before blinding them with affection. It looks that even after so many years together this old couple were still very much in love.She took a look at the robes that were praised.

The traditional Wedding robes in gold and red where handing on the side rack close to the wall however these were special. On the women's robe was an embroidered stunning phoenix in gold. So life like and enchanting. On the male's wedding robe a completely magnificent dragon.

Song Xia had to admit the embroidery was absolutely mind blowing. No designer or machine was capable of the same feat.

" Grandma Chi , you are very talented!! Song Xia sincerely complimented Grandma Chi which left the old lady blushing and Grandpa Si with a proud grin.

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In the end , Song Xia readily agreed to be a model for Grandma Chi but her good fortune continued. In addition to getting discounted materials, Song Xia became Grandma Chi's apprentice!

When Song Xia has finished chatting with Grandma Chi and Grandpa Si she roamed around the store . Eventually she settled on a cream cotton gabardine fabric .

Song Xia was currently looking through her sketch book . It there was a design of a long-sleeve,double pressed trench coat. It had a double ŀȧpel collar,storm flaps in the front and back as well as welt pockets. There was belt loops and a violet leather belt around the waist. The buŧŧons were also violet at the shoulders and cuffs.

The design had always felt incomplete but Song Xia finally knew what was missing. On the back of the trench coat she began to sketch some purple bell flowers.

" My, what a lovely design Song Xia! You are gifted! Do you plan to embroider the back of this coat?"Song Xia has noticed that Grandma Chi had silently walked behind here but she was engrossed in her work so she ignored it.

" Thank you , Grandma Chi. In fact you were the one who inspired me. I had felt for a while like this coat was incomplete."Song Cia smiled at Grandma Chi who felt it was a pity that such a good girl wasn't her granddaughter.

" Awwh, you sweet speaking child! May Grandma Chi look at your work?" Asked with some hesitation

Song Xia didn't hesitate and handed Grandma Chi her sketchbook. This increased Chi Shuang 's good opinion of her. She too was a designer so she understood how protective they can be of their work. In her opinion Song Xia ' work lacked some experience and still needed to mȧturė but there was plenty of talent. Song Xia had a good sense of design, colour and form. The clothes in the sketch book but there were some traditional Huxian wear. She especially liked that Song Xia tried to integrate some modern concepts into the Huxian wear allowing the youth to be appreciative of traditional wear.

Song Xia needed to be nurtured and if done so correctly she could become a star designer in the future.