Vantas Company Fashion Show

Devali

This article is focused on Devali, the solarpunk planet recovering from civil war.

The Vantas Company Fashion Show was a love letter between a man and his wife that changed the landscape of Abraian high fashion. The show shattered expectations and created something truly unique, until its showrunner died in the name of her art. The show continues as a lingering memory of what it once was, but it's less clear how long that will continue.

A Star is Born

A chance encounter took Idorea Nassus from a stall in the Abraia Central market to her name in lights. Vantas Company had little to do with fashion until CEO Vantas Vohn met Idorea. He was so taken with her, her art, and her aspirations, he offered to create and sponsor a full show of her work. The inaugural Vantas Company Fashion Show took place in 3198, and soon changed the fashion landscape of Abraia.

The VCFS is known for weaving performance art into fabric art. Some of the most notable shows include:

• Including stage magicians to aid in quick change routines to change fashions in the blink of an eye.
• Turning clothes into optical illusions, showing different styles or patterns based on the viewer's perspective.
• Using hidden bells, castanets, and other instruments for models to music with certain movements.
• Sharing hidden messages through the Language of Flowers based on ones made by or stitched into fabric.
• Showcasing solar-reactive garments that bloomed into flowers under the light of the sun.

Over the years, the VCFS became as much performance art as fashion exhibit, including music, poetry, dancing, and more. They drew larger crowds and higher ticket prices each time she had something new. The fashion industry as a whole changed in response, with increased demand for diverse models, increased respect for the body, and greater focus on performances and gimmicks.

Nature of the Beast

Idorea's goal was to promote the natural beauty of her home. To that end, she sourced all materials locally and, rather controversially, only hired Abraian natives. She sought models of all shapes and sizes, and forbade garments that changed the shape of their bodies, such as corsets and padding.
She had a particular fascination with Abraian plant life. If her designs didn't include flowers, her models wore them.

The body is already a perfect canvas. Any who insist on forcing it into a different form simply don't understand art.

— Idorea Nassus

Behind the scenes wasn't always as beautiful, however. Idorea's perfectionism became infamous. She'd lose her temper during rehearsal or fall into a depression after "flawed" performances. Show times were irregular, following her whims and moods rather than aligning with the calendar. No matter the accolades put upon the show, she was never satisfied, and her demands grew more esoteric each passing year.

The Show Must Go On

In 3208, Vantas Company secured rights to produce and sell products using chemical compounds believed to be why Devali's natural soil caused plants to grow so quickly. The base product became known as Mirasoil. Idorea used these products in her fabric craft, creating pockets of Mirasoil from which live plants would grow and entwine with the clothes and person wearing them.
However, frequent direct contact with Devali's soil also causes a severe neurodegenerative disease. Safety professionals ensured the models' attire took all the necessary precautions, but Idorea refused to be so restricted. To push the bounds of fashion, she grew flowers directly out of her skin. Not even Vantas, now her husband, could convince her to stop. The effect was dramatic in a way nothing else could compare to, but her belief that the risks were exaggerated proved fatally wrong.

Uncertain Futures

My wife's influence is clear in the shows they put on, but eventually, no one who knew Idorea will be involved. What then? Do I end the show, with it having lived out its purpose? Or do I let it find a new purpose? Ah, perhaps I instead retire and let someone else decide.

— Vantas Vohn

Following her death in 3215, the VCFS was cancelled indefinitely. Those who'd worked with Idorea petitioned Vantas Vohn, and the show was reinstated in 3221 in Idorea's honor. It featured a holographic montage of her as the focal point, the ghost of the woman who changed Abraian high fashion.
For now, the shows continue as a fundraiser for a charity to aid those affected by the disease that took her life. Yet all involved know that just like a human life, one day the curtains will fall for the last time.

Timeline

3198

First show

3208

The start of using Mirasoil

3214

Idorea's final show

3221

Show resumes with new leads

Information

Primary Related Location

Abraia Central

Related Organizations

• Vantas Company

Did you know?

The figure in the VCFS sign is based on a photo of Idorea wearing one of her own designs. Vantas refuses any suggestion of changing it.

Author Commentary

Familiar Faces

The Night Knights attended the first show using Mirasoil in 3208.

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Entry for Tillerz's Fashion MAYhem 2024

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