Confidence is the Most Important Accessory
Date: Wednesday, October 1st, 2025. Free time in between end of classes and dinner.
@Livia Machavariani
It had been a month since the start of school and Harvey had finally built up the courage to ask Livia to look over his portfolio. Well, courage was perhaps the wrong word to use. The boy was confident in his skills even if they were still very much amateur. He knew his sketches weren't the best and he barely had any technical expertise to actually make what he drew. However, Harvey's creativity had really begun to flourish and ever since this awakening during summer camp the ideas had been flowing out of him like lava from a volcano. It seemed that everywhere he looked there was inspirations to be had. The boy next to him in potions class had melted his cauldron the other day. Sucks to be that guy, but the vibrant yellow color it had flashed before it liquefied into a horrible brown pool would be an excellent choice for the ball gown he had in mind. Then just yesterday the various shades of green from the Slytherin common room had him sketching away until way past his bedtime. No, it was not courage he needed to show Livia, it was just time to collect all of the thoughts and ideas that threatened to overload his mind. Now, with a thought out and concise collection, he was ready for her to view it.
Harvey had sent a message requesting her presence in the Library. Somehow this seemed like the best place for them to review his work and to quietly discuss without fear of loud interruption. Hogwarts could be so damned busy sometime it seemed impossible to get a moment to focus. Livia had struck a cord with him over the summer and he was both nervous and excited for her opinions. Hopefully what he had brought today would impress her, but he was also open to hearing her critique. There was something about her mind that Harvey felt he could depend on to improve his work. Unlike most of the other students he encountered, Livia had an air of sophistication that he felt lacking amongst most of his peers. The girl simply dripped with style and elegance and if he was lucky enough he would get to see her in one of his dresses by the end of this semester. With a deep breath he cleared away any nerves and awaited her arrival.
Second Generation Character of Howard White
Confidence is the Most Important Accessory
date: 1 october 2025
time: afternoon/early evening
location: hogwarts library
Having properly settled into her daily routine, Livia had become more than accustomed to devoting an elephantine proportion of her schedule to time spent at the library. Most often, this was due to a wish to amass a great well of knowledge. For quite a few weeks, her observance of @Stella Bianchi had added time to her bookish endeavours. Although she much enjoyed the escapades of the library, she had never been so excited to visit the room as she was today. Harvey had reached out to her, requesting her presence in the library. Any excuse to meet with her friends made a day better, but among the students Livia felt she could reasonably call 'friends', she had found a certain kinship with Harvey Barrows, whose elegance, politesse and rigorous adherence to proper rules (and, perhaps, their shared view of those who did not have those qualities) made him a very rare type of individual: the sort Livia could relate to.
She refrained from joyously bounding down the stairs from Charms, instead taking slow, methodical steps even as she fought to keep her fingers from tapping against her wand in excitement. Over the summer, she and Harvey had gotten to discuss fashion and had found it was a shared interest, although Livia greatly opined that Harvey's adroitness regarding the topic was certainly stronger than her own. When he had mentioned his designs – which just so had happened to include his derby ensemble – she had been in awe of how easily he spoke of fashion. Since then, they had partaken in some more amicable opportunities; the first that came to Livia's mind was a rather sour event that had occurred in this very library. Fashion was a much lighter topic than bludgerous destruction, although she understood they might discuss the Headliner or high society gossip.
She hadn't had time to head back to the dormitory to change, so she entered the library still in her school robes with her bag clutched tightly, but her eyes shone brightly even if she didn't quite smile. A quick glance of the tables yield a small upward tug of the corners of her lips; it remained controlled, but present as Livia approached her friend.
A hint of hesitation marked her arrival. She would meet Harvey's gaze, would smile, would let her fingertips brush against the surface of the table, and then she would pause – should she sit? should she stand? – with thoughts and possible interactions running through her head. She ultimately folded her hands in front of her, but not before lifting her fingers in a small, polite wave. 'Harvey! How do you do? I was ecstatic when you requested to meet here.'
Only after a pause, which would allow him to respond as he pleased, she would add, 'I take it you wouldn't mind if I were to sit?'
time: afternoon/early evening
location: hogwarts library
roleplaying as livia machavariani
sta: 2 | eva: 10 | str: 0 | wis: 7 | arc: 8 | acc: 8
terrible presence
sta: 2 | eva: 10 | str: 0 | wis: 7 | arc: 8 | acc: 8
terrible presence
Having properly settled into her daily routine, Livia had become more than accustomed to devoting an elephantine proportion of her schedule to time spent at the library. Most often, this was due to a wish to amass a great well of knowledge. For quite a few weeks, her observance of @Stella Bianchi had added time to her bookish endeavours. Although she much enjoyed the escapades of the library, she had never been so excited to visit the room as she was today. Harvey had reached out to her, requesting her presence in the library. Any excuse to meet with her friends made a day better, but among the students Livia felt she could reasonably call 'friends', she had found a certain kinship with Harvey Barrows, whose elegance, politesse and rigorous adherence to proper rules (and, perhaps, their shared view of those who did not have those qualities) made him a very rare type of individual: the sort Livia could relate to.
She refrained from joyously bounding down the stairs from Charms, instead taking slow, methodical steps even as she fought to keep her fingers from tapping against her wand in excitement. Over the summer, she and Harvey had gotten to discuss fashion and had found it was a shared interest, although Livia greatly opined that Harvey's adroitness regarding the topic was certainly stronger than her own. When he had mentioned his designs – which just so had happened to include his derby ensemble – she had been in awe of how easily he spoke of fashion. Since then, they had partaken in some more amicable opportunities; the first that came to Livia's mind was a rather sour event that had occurred in this very library. Fashion was a much lighter topic than bludgerous destruction, although she understood they might discuss the Headliner or high society gossip.
She hadn't had time to head back to the dormitory to change, so she entered the library still in her school robes with her bag clutched tightly, but her eyes shone brightly even if she didn't quite smile. A quick glance of the tables yield a small upward tug of the corners of her lips; it remained controlled, but present as Livia approached her friend.
A hint of hesitation marked her arrival. She would meet Harvey's gaze, would smile, would let her fingertips brush against the surface of the table, and then she would pause – should she sit? should she stand? – with thoughts and possible interactions running through her head. She ultimately folded her hands in front of her, but not before lifting her fingers in a small, polite wave. 'Harvey! How do you do? I was ecstatic when you requested to meet here.'
Only after a pause, which would allow him to respond as he pleased, she would add, 'I take it you wouldn't mind if I were to sit?'
@harvey barrows
| [staff] jessamine lancaster even you cannot conquer the sun. | marina alacrán [inpc] her hair is kinda wild and free. |
Confidence is the Most Important Accessory
@Livia Machavariani
Harvey's gaze would find Livia's as she approached the table. He was not one to let his emotions or excitement dictate his behavior. There would be no enthusiastic waving or whoop of joy as she walked his way, but that did not mean that he wasn't happy to see her. In fact, out of all of the people he had met at Hogwarts she perhaps was the one that stood the best chance at remaining good friends. Harvey had pals, people he enjoyed speaking to or studying with, though they came and went. He even had his first crush, but that relationship was hot one minute and ice cold the next. Livia was the first that he felt a strong and stable connection to. Someone that not only understood him, but someone that very similar to him as well. Harvey was not the easiest person to relate to and finding a kindred spirit was very refreshing.
The boy was off his seat and standing the moment Livia drew near. Not that there was much difference in height between the two positions, but he was taught proper manners and you stood when a lady entered. Burok would have had his ears if he didn't. "Livia, I am well, thank you and I hope you are too." Harvey offered a charming smile and a slight bow of his head. "I am so pleased that you agreed to come. Of course, please sit. Here, allow me." The boy would shift around and pull the seat out for her unless she refused the offer. With her safely tucked into the seat he would take his own and gestured to the leather bound sketchbook that waited her on the table.
Now that the pleasantries were exchanged they could dive into the reason he had requested her here today. Fashion! Livia may think that Harvey had a one up on her in the art form and while the boy showed an innate talent for the craft, it was her eye that he admired most. The girl may be an amateur tailor, but the alterations she had made to her existing garment over the summer had shown something that could not be taught...taste! Harvey's mind swam with creative ideas and while they mostly landed he was in desperate need of someone like Livia to help him edit and fine tune all the details that threatened to run away from him sometimes.
"Alright, I have a few sketches that I would like you opinion on. Now, please do not hold back. I need your full and honest opinion no matter how harsh the critique." Harvey's abnormally long fingers would open the sketchbook and reveal the first two designs of his collection.
Reducio
Images are AI generated
"I had you in mind while sketching these." He not only desired her thoughts on the matter, but she kept popping into his head when he thought of his dresses. There was a sophisticated beauty to her that he felt would complement his somewhat conservative designs. The two dresses down on the paper played with hard lines and high collars, but with hopefully enough femininity to still attract a woman's eye. "I think you would look fantastic in either one." Harvey awaited her opinion with bated breath.
Second Generation Character of Howard White
Confidence is the Most Important Accessory
date: 1 october 2025
time: afternoon/early evening
location: hogwarts library
Harvey's ever-present decorum caused an affable – although still close-lipped – smile to settle on Livia's face, one that was surely more genuine than the cautious one she'd worn as she first entered the Library. She observed, chuffed, as the well-mannered boy relocated the chair; a small gesture, certainly, but nonetheless one that assisted in putting Livia at ease. She sat primly, ensuring her spine was straight and her feet were placed pristinely next to each other on the floor. Then, her gaze travelled like twin pinpoints to the book on the table. Had she not known of his artistic endeavours, she would have assumed the book to be an encyclopaedia of observations; however, she folded her fingers together, intrigued, given her awareness that it was likely his portfolio.
Although she did not lean closer for a a superior sight of the tome, her eyes did narrow to provide her with greater focus. The veracity of it was that, if the miraculous outfit Harvey had caparisoned at the derby was anything she could reference, the boy's skill for design and eye for style was unmatched – except, perhaps, by his creativity. Amazement was an attribute which Livia often lacked; however, it had lingered when she had gazed at his vestments, and now, she stared at the presumed portfolio with anticipation.
That Harvey requested honesty, however brutal, pleased her. She could often attribute such great difficulty to palliative speech. Even though she doubted she would have any 'harsh' critique for Harvey, she nodded, primed to bestow upon him whatever intelligent appraisal she could muster. As he opened the book, she momentarily noticed the length of his fingers, and the urge came upon her to inquire whether or not he had ever played piano, as he certainly possessed a unique build that would be well-suited for such an undertaking. However, such thoughts dissipated as she was graced by the black-and-white sketches upon the parchment.
The first design piqued her interest, first and foremost, due to its singularity. She had never quite seen something like it. 'The collar here is certainly interesting,' she mused, her voice low. 'I quite like it, in fact. I would imagine the jacket might be worn in the rain... and the sharp silhouette from the top contrasts with the tighter fit of the trousers.' Livia lifted her gaze to meet Harvey's. 'I suppose I would call it a bit avant-garde, but I do think it would work with the correct styling. I might recommend just a smidge of something more. Perhaps just something small on the sleeves to draw the viewer's attention.'
Her attention shifted to the second drawing, which she had to admit she was rather enamoured with. 'Well, I suppose I rather like the collar here, too.' The high collars on both pieces had done a wonderful job of drawing her in, but the buckles, the puff of the sleeves and the flare of the coat on the latter had her already thinking of how it would be such a lovely garment to wear towards the end of winter. 'Really, both are lovely – there's just something about your use of sharpness; I doubt many would lean into the uncommon like that. It works here. I must admit, I'm a bit partial to the contrast of the second – how you've got the sharpness of the coat, but then the flow of the pleats. It's really very elegant – they both are.'
As much as she really did want to meet Harvey's gaze and talk about all sorts of things, the drawings had captured her focus as if she were a hare caught in a trap. With a slitted, steely gaze, she scoured the sheets, already wondering about specific colour schemes, hairstyles and shoe pairings. So engrossed was she that Harvey's other words nearly floated over her head; she took quite a few seconds to register that he had spoken, and even longer to process the words. Her heart almost seemed to expand like a hot air balloon within the cage of her ribs, and, slowly, she lifted her chin once again to meet Harvey's expectant gaze. She pressed her lips together, uncertain of the best thing to say. Words did not exist to give the proper weight to any description of emotion. She swallowed and tilted her head, still pondering, before adjusting her still-folded fingers. 'I'm honoured. Thank you.' It was not enough. Still, nothing else was ready for articulation.
Her voice was quieter when she added, 'Well, in that case... what are your thoughts on colours and materials? I think a monochromatic scheme would be lovely for the first, and perhaps a variation of purple and either blue or red for the second, unless you had something specific in mind.'
time: afternoon/early evening
location: hogwarts library
roleplaying as livia machavariani
sta: 2 | eva: 10 | str: 0 | wis: 7 | arc: 8 | acc: 8
terrible presence
sta: 2 | eva: 10 | str: 0 | wis: 7 | arc: 8 | acc: 8
terrible presence
Harvey's ever-present decorum caused an affable – although still close-lipped – smile to settle on Livia's face, one that was surely more genuine than the cautious one she'd worn as she first entered the Library. She observed, chuffed, as the well-mannered boy relocated the chair; a small gesture, certainly, but nonetheless one that assisted in putting Livia at ease. She sat primly, ensuring her spine was straight and her feet were placed pristinely next to each other on the floor. Then, her gaze travelled like twin pinpoints to the book on the table. Had she not known of his artistic endeavours, she would have assumed the book to be an encyclopaedia of observations; however, she folded her fingers together, intrigued, given her awareness that it was likely his portfolio.
Although she did not lean closer for a a superior sight of the tome, her eyes did narrow to provide her with greater focus. The veracity of it was that, if the miraculous outfit Harvey had caparisoned at the derby was anything she could reference, the boy's skill for design and eye for style was unmatched – except, perhaps, by his creativity. Amazement was an attribute which Livia often lacked; however, it had lingered when she had gazed at his vestments, and now, she stared at the presumed portfolio with anticipation.
That Harvey requested honesty, however brutal, pleased her. She could often attribute such great difficulty to palliative speech. Even though she doubted she would have any 'harsh' critique for Harvey, she nodded, primed to bestow upon him whatever intelligent appraisal she could muster. As he opened the book, she momentarily noticed the length of his fingers, and the urge came upon her to inquire whether or not he had ever played piano, as he certainly possessed a unique build that would be well-suited for such an undertaking. However, such thoughts dissipated as she was graced by the black-and-white sketches upon the parchment.
The first design piqued her interest, first and foremost, due to its singularity. She had never quite seen something like it. 'The collar here is certainly interesting,' she mused, her voice low. 'I quite like it, in fact. I would imagine the jacket might be worn in the rain... and the sharp silhouette from the top contrasts with the tighter fit of the trousers.' Livia lifted her gaze to meet Harvey's. 'I suppose I would call it a bit avant-garde, but I do think it would work with the correct styling. I might recommend just a smidge of something more. Perhaps just something small on the sleeves to draw the viewer's attention.'
Her attention shifted to the second drawing, which she had to admit she was rather enamoured with. 'Well, I suppose I rather like the collar here, too.' The high collars on both pieces had done a wonderful job of drawing her in, but the buckles, the puff of the sleeves and the flare of the coat on the latter had her already thinking of how it would be such a lovely garment to wear towards the end of winter. 'Really, both are lovely – there's just something about your use of sharpness; I doubt many would lean into the uncommon like that. It works here. I must admit, I'm a bit partial to the contrast of the second – how you've got the sharpness of the coat, but then the flow of the pleats. It's really very elegant – they both are.'
As much as she really did want to meet Harvey's gaze and talk about all sorts of things, the drawings had captured her focus as if she were a hare caught in a trap. With a slitted, steely gaze, she scoured the sheets, already wondering about specific colour schemes, hairstyles and shoe pairings. So engrossed was she that Harvey's other words nearly floated over her head; she took quite a few seconds to register that he had spoken, and even longer to process the words. Her heart almost seemed to expand like a hot air balloon within the cage of her ribs, and, slowly, she lifted her chin once again to meet Harvey's expectant gaze. She pressed her lips together, uncertain of the best thing to say. Words did not exist to give the proper weight to any description of emotion. She swallowed and tilted her head, still pondering, before adjusting her still-folded fingers. 'I'm honoured. Thank you.' It was not enough. Still, nothing else was ready for articulation.
Her voice was quieter when she added, 'Well, in that case... what are your thoughts on colours and materials? I think a monochromatic scheme would be lovely for the first, and perhaps a variation of purple and either blue or red for the second, unless you had something specific in mind.'
@harvey barrows
| [staff] jessamine lancaster even you cannot conquer the sun. | marina alacrán [inpc] her hair is kinda wild and free. |
Confidence is the Most Important Accessory
@Livia Machavariani
Harvey would sport a smile of his own to match Livia's. There was just something about her appreciation for manners and traditions that pleased him so. It was surely due to their similar upbringing in which these social niceties were expected on a daily basis, but perhaps they were simply just a pair of old souls. There was something about the past generations that had always spoken to Harvey. He enjoyed the old tunes and his attire was often called old fashioned. The boy wanted to sip fine brandy and puff expensive tobacco in a lounge full of other fancy people. Well, when he was old enough of course, but it was mostly the aesthetic of that fantasy that called to him. Today's world was simply just a step too fast for the lad, but it was refreshing to know that he might not be alone in that feeling.
It would be a lie if Harvey said he wasn't nervous for her critique, but he could at least trust that her opinion would be honest. Pull the band-aid off, remove the kiddy gloves. If it was awful, tell him straight up so that he could head right back to the drawing board. However, as his long fingers opened the book he was sure he saw a flicker of delight cross her well trained gaze. His quill would scratch away furiously in a separate notebook. "Attention to styling, small detail to the sleeve." He repeated was he took note. The mention of avant-garde had him cock an eyebrow for a moment as that was not something he would have thought of his work. "I hadn't thought about the contrast between the top and the trouser, but I can see what you mean by that now. I was hoping the woman would feel feminine enough with the fitted pant, but still making a confident statement with the shape and sharpness of the top. I'm happy you see something in it too."
Their gaze would shift to the second sketch and Harvey was absolutely in love with this idea as well. The night he drew it had nearly slipped away as he became absorbed in the process. Elegant was the word Livia chose for them and Harvey couldn't have been happier with the description. In the age of fast fashion he felt that quality was now missing. You could still find something nice at Madam Malkins or one of the other fine tailors, but most of it was rubbish these days. "That is quite the compliment, thank you. I'm still trying to refine my style, but I'm pleased with these, especially the second one."
Harvey thought he had said something wrong for a moment when Livia did not answer right away. Had he offended her somehow by designing these pieces with her in mind? Maybe it was too forward? Was he being too pushy? Truth be told he couldn't imagine another model for these designs and once Harvey got an idea stuck in his head the boy had a hard time letting it go. Yet when she claimed to be honored he could have floated away on a cloud of happiness. "You honored? Any designer would be lucky to have a muse such as yourself. Beauty, brains and taste?" The slightest red hue would kiss his cheeks when he realized what he had said. "I mean that respectfully of course. Apologies if that was too forward." Harvey could hardly help himself though. Anyone could find a beautiful woman to showcase their clothes, but to pair that with a sharp mind? He really could see them as design partners. Barrows and Machavariani. They'd kill for a tag embossed with the B&M logo.
Livia's comments about color and material would snap him out of that brief daydream to refocus on the task at hand. "Yes, agreed. I was actually thinking lilac for the first. Maybe simple cotton for the capri and something with more body for the top. Taffeta perhaps? But would that look too heavy I wonder? Too contrasting? What do you think of navy with pops of yellow for the second piece? Though a red accent could be quite nice too. Wool for the jacket, Livia?"
Second Generation Character of Howard White
Confidence is the Most Important Accessory
date: 1 october 2025
time: afternoon/early evening
location: hogwarts library
Although she would not necessarily beam, Livia would continue to gaze on in awe as Harvey explained his vision with the pieces. 'Of course – I do think it's one of those pieces that would inspire just a tad more confidence in the wearer. I would certainly feel quite powerful if I could pull it off.' Livia's voice held a light note of warmth towards the end, hinting at a playful wisecrack. Truly, she felt lighter than she had in weeks just being around someone she could trade humorous statements with. She folded her hands in front of her and watched, content, as Harvey's quill moved to the tune of note-taking in a notebook. Although she would not attempt to read whatever he had written, she could only assume it had to do with what she had mentioned – his dedication to his craft and accepting critique pleased her. Few were willing to continue to push themselves in pursuit of perfection. Kindred spirits they were, verily.
Livia lacked the finesse to school her blush into submission; her cheeks became tinged with hints of pink when Harvey complimented her further. As a young lady, she had, of course, been taught to take a compliment gracefully, but these sentiments most often came from older pure-bloods with whom she was not well-acquainted. Hearing the kind words from someone whose opinion she properly valued resulted in her features softening, her eyebrows furrowing and lifting upwards as she gazed at Harvey's face. He, too, had blushed. That she was not alone in this outward presentation of bashfulness placated her otherwise awakened nerves.
Her soft, well-mannered, kindly-intentioned smile had not left her lips throughout the entire interaction. 'Not at all,' she susurrated, glancing upwards to meet his eyes. 'It was very sweet, in fact. I might opine that it, being from a friend, was one of the nicest compliments I've ever received.' Livia went mum again, this time observing Harvey, although the manner in which she did so was not subject to the clinically-detached affectation she often presented. She watched him with proper intrigue, but also with the subtle compassionate affection of a bosom companion. The corners of her lips drifted even further upwards, and she made no effort to halt the movement. 'Owing to your veracity, I would love to assist you with showcasing your pieces. But, yes, it truly is an honour to have that privilege, to model something from someone both creative and intelligent.' With any luck on her end, the statement would be received as it was intended – as an honest, heartfelt statement and not insincere, sugary flattery.
Then, Harvey spoke of colours, and Livia could have sworn she felt her synapses fire. Hurriedly-restrained passion for the visual arts underlay her next utterance. 'Oh, yes. I must admit, my first thought had entailed something a bit darker, but for the trousers, lilac is simply perfect. I could imagine the top having a composition of leather, perhaps, or even jacquard.' Now that she had spoken the word, jacquard stuck with her. The luxurious feel of the fabric would certainly only emphasise the fine design. 'But taffeta, that would work, too. I think the heavier, the better, in this instance. It's meant to be eye-catching, after all.'
She had to return her focus to the designs when accosted with the question of navy and yellow. Her eyebrows drew together, and she hummed thoughtfully, steepling her fingers. 'Navy with hints of butter yellow, perhaps, would complement the design well. Perhaps the yellow could pop in some of the hems, some of the borders. If you were looking to include red, it could be finely employed in some of the clasps. My thought is a jewel tone – ruby, perhaps?' Livia then paused, reviewing the jacket, and nodded. 'Yes, wool would work well for that. I might suggest either muslin or charmeuse for the dress. Something a bit lighter and flowing.'
Returning her gaze to Harvey's, Livia lifted her eyebrows. 'Have you any thought for accessories? Jewellery, footwear? Although such a thing is often left up to the wearer, I think knowing what the designer intended can help the wearer wear the piece to the fullest.'
time: afternoon/early evening
location: hogwarts library
roleplaying as livia machavariani
sta: 2 | eva: 10 | str: 0 | wis: 7 | arc: 8 | acc: 8
terrible presence
sta: 2 | eva: 10 | str: 0 | wis: 7 | arc: 8 | acc: 8
terrible presence
Although she would not necessarily beam, Livia would continue to gaze on in awe as Harvey explained his vision with the pieces. 'Of course – I do think it's one of those pieces that would inspire just a tad more confidence in the wearer. I would certainly feel quite powerful if I could pull it off.' Livia's voice held a light note of warmth towards the end, hinting at a playful wisecrack. Truly, she felt lighter than she had in weeks just being around someone she could trade humorous statements with. She folded her hands in front of her and watched, content, as Harvey's quill moved to the tune of note-taking in a notebook. Although she would not attempt to read whatever he had written, she could only assume it had to do with what she had mentioned – his dedication to his craft and accepting critique pleased her. Few were willing to continue to push themselves in pursuit of perfection. Kindred spirits they were, verily.
Livia lacked the finesse to school her blush into submission; her cheeks became tinged with hints of pink when Harvey complimented her further. As a young lady, she had, of course, been taught to take a compliment gracefully, but these sentiments most often came from older pure-bloods with whom she was not well-acquainted. Hearing the kind words from someone whose opinion she properly valued resulted in her features softening, her eyebrows furrowing and lifting upwards as she gazed at Harvey's face. He, too, had blushed. That she was not alone in this outward presentation of bashfulness placated her otherwise awakened nerves.
Her soft, well-mannered, kindly-intentioned smile had not left her lips throughout the entire interaction. 'Not at all,' she susurrated, glancing upwards to meet his eyes. 'It was very sweet, in fact. I might opine that it, being from a friend, was one of the nicest compliments I've ever received.' Livia went mum again, this time observing Harvey, although the manner in which she did so was not subject to the clinically-detached affectation she often presented. She watched him with proper intrigue, but also with the subtle compassionate affection of a bosom companion. The corners of her lips drifted even further upwards, and she made no effort to halt the movement. 'Owing to your veracity, I would love to assist you with showcasing your pieces. But, yes, it truly is an honour to have that privilege, to model something from someone both creative and intelligent.' With any luck on her end, the statement would be received as it was intended – as an honest, heartfelt statement and not insincere, sugary flattery.
Then, Harvey spoke of colours, and Livia could have sworn she felt her synapses fire. Hurriedly-restrained passion for the visual arts underlay her next utterance. 'Oh, yes. I must admit, my first thought had entailed something a bit darker, but for the trousers, lilac is simply perfect. I could imagine the top having a composition of leather, perhaps, or even jacquard.' Now that she had spoken the word, jacquard stuck with her. The luxurious feel of the fabric would certainly only emphasise the fine design. 'But taffeta, that would work, too. I think the heavier, the better, in this instance. It's meant to be eye-catching, after all.'
She had to return her focus to the designs when accosted with the question of navy and yellow. Her eyebrows drew together, and she hummed thoughtfully, steepling her fingers. 'Navy with hints of butter yellow, perhaps, would complement the design well. Perhaps the yellow could pop in some of the hems, some of the borders. If you were looking to include red, it could be finely employed in some of the clasps. My thought is a jewel tone – ruby, perhaps?' Livia then paused, reviewing the jacket, and nodded. 'Yes, wool would work well for that. I might suggest either muslin or charmeuse for the dress. Something a bit lighter and flowing.'
Returning her gaze to Harvey's, Livia lifted her eyebrows. 'Have you any thought for accessories? Jewellery, footwear? Although such a thing is often left up to the wearer, I think knowing what the designer intended can help the wearer wear the piece to the fullest.'
@harvey barrows
| [staff] jessamine lancaster even you cannot conquer the sun. | marina alacrán [inpc] her hair is kinda wild and free. |
Confidence is the Most Important Accessory
@Livia Machavariani
Harvey was pleased to hear that his garment had the potential to inspire confidence on the wearer. The boy may or may not be considered a feminist, but he did want to make clothing specifically for women. His goal was not just for them to look beautiful. He wanted his pieces to inspire them, to make them feel strong, to outwardly represent the power that was within. If indeed one say people were to wear clothing of his design, Harvey wanted people to be able to recognize his work from down the street! This dream would not be actualized alone though, that much he knew, so he took Livia's critique and from it he would learn and progress.
As serious as this all was, the light tone in his new friend's voice was very welcome. Harvey had a tendency to always be serious and he often forgot to have a little fun along the way. With Livia he found just the right mix. Many of his peers liked to rough-house, make crude jokes or cause a ruckus. It was all just too...loud for the boy. Livia had just the right amount of sophistication to her playful tones and witty remarks. Perhaps that fateful day at the London Quidditch Stadium had finally landed Harvey his very first good friend? Time would tell, but he had a good feeling about this one.
The pair would somewhat awkwardly stumble their way through some compliments. While Harvey had been well trained to offer them when social situations dictated them necessary, these words were spoken from a place of genuine meaning. Livia was a friend, maybe a muse, but definitely someone that mirrored his own nature and values. That was something entirely new and it was inspiring praise that he so rarely gave in a meaningful way. The fact that it was so well received left the boy feeling a warmth in the pit of his stomach. "Oh, that's delightful, Livia." She had agreed to model for him and her words rang with an honesty that could not be denied. No song and dance, no honey laced words. "Thank you for accepting and thank you for your kind words. I...don't receive them often." Harvey waved it away, not wanting to elaborate on it further, but the appreciation was there.
Then came time for the real work to begin as colors and fabric choices had to be made. Their minds seemed to be as one when lilac was mentioned. Both feeling the palpable energy emitting from them both. However, Harvey's brows would raise when the idea of jacquard was offered. The boy was still a new student of design, but this fabric he knew and had somehow not thought of. "Livia!" Harvey almost gasped her name. "That was be simply stunning! The piece has to catch the eye, yes. I want them to know right away that the piece is meant to make a statement." Harvey crossed out taffeta and scribbled down the new choice.
He shot a worried look in Livia's direction when he suggested navy and yellow for the second piece. The colors could be clashing, but with the right shades? Maybe it could work? She must be able to read his mind as Livia suggested a butter yellow. "Yes! My thoughts exactly. Something a bit muted, something creamy like that. Not too much though. Hints of it here and there." They were really starting to vibe on this design project. Again his quill would flick and scratch as Harvey wrote down the color choices. "Agreed. The dress should flow in contrast to the structure of the jacket."
Accessories?! Harvey turned through his notes in search for anything written down, but it dawned on him that he had not even considered it. "Oh, Livia. You must help me with that. I would of course leave it up to you to decide how to accessorize. I do trust that you understand my design. Strong, but beautiful all the same. Will you bring something along to the first fitting?" Things were really starting to shape up. "I think I have everything I need here to finalize the design and ship them off to the dressmakers. I'll keep you updated on when the progress, yes? If you don't mind excusing me I am going to finish this up in my room. Thank you again, Livia. You're a godsend!"
Second Generation Character of Howard White