Scarlet Strings.

Professional Lines

Scarlet continued to another desk, where a woman named Mira was working on a structured pantsuit. Mira's design featured sharp, geometric lines and a unique use of asymmetry.

"This is intriguing," Scarlet said, studying the sketch closely. "The asymmetry is daring, but be cautious about balance. Too much weight on one side can throw off the overall look. Perhaps consider softening the shoulders or tapering the pants to even it out."

Mira made notes, her brow furrowed in concentration. Scarlet moved on, offering precise feedback to each student. Just as she was about to continue, there was a knock at the door. Scarlet glanced up to see Christine, her efficient assistant, standing there. Christine opened the door slightly and stepped inside, a professional yet slightly hesitant look on her face.

"Ma'am," Christine said softly, "just a reminder, you have a meeting with Mr. Cambridge today."

Scarlet nodded, maintaining her composure. "Noted. What time?"

Christine hesitated briefly. "It's a dinner meeting, ma'am. You'll need to leave around dinner time."

Scarlet's gaze flicked to the students, who were all now watching the exchange with curious eyes. She gave Christine a slight nod. "Understood. I'll be ready. Thank you."

Taking the cue, Christine quickly exited the room, closing the door behind her. Scarlet turned back to her class, her expression calm and professional. "Apologies for the interruption. Let's get back to it."

Next, Scarlet led the class through a draping exercise. She demonstrated how to pin and shape fabric directly onto a mannequin, turning it into a three-dimensional form. Her hands moved with practiced ease, transforming a simple piece of silk into an elegant mock-up of a dress.

"Draping allows you to experiment with shapes and proportions in a way flat sketches can't," she explained. "It's a dialogue between you and the fabric."

The students followed her lead, working on their own mannequins. Scarlet moved through the room, offering guidance. She showed one student how to create pleats without bulk and helped another refine a neckline.

"Don't fight the fabric," she advised. "Work with its natural properties. If it resists, it's telling you something."

She walked over to a table at the center of the room, where a collection of fabrics, sketches, and tools had been laid out. "Now, I want each of you to pick one material from this table and design something functional yet aesthetically striking. You have ten minutes to sketch your ideas. After that, we'll discuss them."

The students immediately got to work, their pencils moving rapidly across the pages of their sketchbooks. Scarlet moved around the room, observing their progress, occasionally offering quiet feedback. "Good use of layering here," she said to one student. "But think about the weight, will it be practical for the wearer?"

To another, she remarked, "Your silhouette is interesting, but it feels a bit static. How could you add more dynamism?"

As the ten minutes elapsed, Scarlet clapped her hands lightly. "Time's up. Let's see what you've come up with."

One by one, the students presented their sketches, pinning them to a board at the front of the room. Each design was unique, showcasing the individuality and creativity of the students. Elise had sketched a structured jacket made of recycled denim.

With hidden compartments for carrying small items, a perfect blend of sustainability and practicality. Marco had designed a dress with detachable panels that could transform it from formal to casual in seconds.

Scarlet nodded approvingly at each presentation, occasionally challenging the students with questions. "Why did you choose this fabric? How does it enhance the functionality of the design? What compromises did you make, and were they worth it?"