From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Suits, shirts, jerseys, shorts, T-shirts, jeans, jackets, windbreakers, sweaters, cardigans, and so on, and so forth—different styles, different combinations, different brands, everything you could want.

Before his eyes was a dazzling array, as if all the colors of the world had been gathered here, from black and white to a riot of hues, almost overwhelming.

Standing in the very center of a circular dome, looking around, all kinds of clothing filled his vision. Although all the clothes were neatly arranged according to type and color, enough to bring joy to every cell in a perfectionist's body, it was still too much to take in at once.

Anson turned to Darren. "So, it really is shopping?"

Darren laughed. "Of course. What did you think it was?"

Anson smiled wryly. "I just had a series of fittings for a role two weeks ago. I didn't expect to be doing it again so soon."

Darren waved his hand dismissively. "No, no, no. That was for a role, for work. Today, while it is also work, it's for you."

After a pause, Darren continued to explain.

"Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt—they've all become a brand, an image, just like a commercial brand. They need to deepen their impression in the audience's minds over and over again, eventually becoming an indelible mark, something people will pay for out of admiration."

"Of course, you're not at that level yet, but you still need to prepare. Since we're starting from scratch, we have to seize the basics."

"Monday is an opportunity."

"It will be your first official appearance in front of the news media and the general public, not as Paul on the television screen, but as Anson Wood in real life. Just like in the coffee shop, first impressions determine a lot."

"You need an image."

As a seasoned industry professional, and the producer of 'Sex and the City' no less, Darren had a deep understanding of the rules of the industry.

"This kind of work should be handled by your agent or publicist, but I've been too busy lately to find the right person. But don't worry, I'm looking, and I'll have news soon."

"So, do you see anything you like?"

After rambling on and talking to himself for a while, Darren stopped lecturing and began browsing himself, trying to come up with some ideas.

Anson was a little surprised, but not unfamiliar with the concept. After thinking for a moment, he understood and even took it a step further, expanding on Darren's point.

"If we're building a brand, I thought that meant we needed a persona, like a Barbie doll, choosing outfits based on the setting."

Or, to put it more simply, a character design.

Darren chuckled. "Not bad, you're smart after all."

"But this is the 21st century. 'Authenticity' is the new trend—that is, cleverly crafting an image that people believe is 100% real, but is actually carefully designed and manipulated behind the scenes."

"And I think your natural image is already good. You just need some new clothes."

Anson raised his chin slightly to show he understood, but a hint of a smile flickered in his eyes.

Thinking about it, the year 2000 was pretty good. It was still simple and unadorned. At least authenticity was purer at this time, 85% to 90% of it was genuine, with only a little processing. Twenty years later, the line between so-called authenticity and falsehood would be completely blurred and difficult to distinguish.

What was happening now was an example—

This wasn't Rodeo Drive, the famous shopping mecca of Los Angeles, but a high-end boutique hidden inside a private residence.

Ten or fifteen years later, first, the advent of smartphones would lead to the ability to take pictures anytime, anywhere, and the exposure rate of celebrities' private attire would rise sharply. Then, the full rise of social networking platforms would make casual sharing a habit, and even taking out the trash could be photographed.

This would mean that celebrities' private lives would be fully open in 360 degrees. In addition to their stage image and screen image, the importance of their personal image would also be magnified. No one would want their casual and sloppy image to spread wildly on the Internet. Just imagining it would be a headache.

Thus, a new profession was born:

Stylist.

These stylists were slightly different from traditional professions. They were responsible for conceiving the personal style of artists in private, whether it was going to the corner store to buy potato chips or enjoying a party night with friends, all clothing styles for non-working occasions were handled and fully responsible by professionals.

Their job not only required filling the entire wardrobe according to the season, but also completing all the matching, what top to match with what pants to match with what shoes, and even what decorative accessories, etc., all clearly listed to ensure that every link was under the control of professionals.

Top superstars like Taylor Swift would often update their wardrobe three to four times a season.

In other words, the so-called personal and authentic attire in private life had also become a professional job, and the definition of "authenticity" needed to be questioned again.

But now, it was different.

Unless it was for formal occasions such as premieres, awards ceremonies, or film festivals, artists were responsible for their own clothing styles in private.

After all, in 2000, no one would dress up to take out the trash, and no one would choose an outfit specifically to buy coffee.

At this time, Darren brought Anson to the boutique, and Anson was completely responsible for choosing.

Rather than saying they were here to create an image, it was more like they were here to shop.

Darren was telling the truth.

Anson had his own understanding of fashion.

In his previous life, he had also been young, what with following trends, being maverick, fashion items, and so on. After countless missteps, he slowly formed his own style.

The most important thing about fashion is that it suits you. If you don't want to see a clear contrast between a 'seller's show' and a 'buyer's show,' don't blindly follow trends, don't cling to trends, don't be maverick, and don't let yourself go. The key is to truly calm down and understand yourself.

Anson thought he had a concept for Monday's "appearance."

It shouldn't be too formal or grand, lest it look foolish.

Nor should it be too simple or casual, to avoid looking cheap.

A little composure, a little confidence, and a little bit of casualness.

"Ah, sorry."

Anson was picking out clothes when he looked up and saw a figure standing quietly in the corner behind the clothing rack, pale and thin, slightly shy, as if he might appear in some corner of the hotel in 'The Shining,' quietly, mysteriously, watching everything that was happening in front of him.

Anson was startled.

The man seemed very calm, looking at the jeans Anson had just picked out. "The cut of these pants is a good challenge."