CHAPTER SEVENTY NINE – THE FASHION CRITIC IS IMPRESSED

A ripple of murmurs and excited whispers coursed through the gathered crowd at the mention of the man's name. Jasmine, too, felt a jolt of recognition – Pierre DuBois was renowned in the fashion world for his daring, envelope-pushing designs and his unabashed flair for the theatrical. Righting himself, Pierre fixed the stern woman with an inscrutable look. "This young visionary has done more to celebrate the true spirit of fashion in one evening than you could hope to achieve in a lifetime, Madame..." He trailed off, arching an expectant eyebrow. The woman drew herself up to her full height, her posture radiating affronted dignity. "Gretchen Van Haussen. I am the chairwoman of the Metropolitan Fashion Council." Pierre tsked dismissively. "Of course, how pedestrian. Well, Madame Van Haussen, I suggest you take a step back and appreciate the raw artistry on display here this evening." With a sudden, fluid motion, he swept over to Jasmine, circling her with an appraising eye. "The b