Fashion Affairs - [Modern | Drama| Delicious Plots | LGBTQA+] [See last post]

[Nico]

Important Disclaimer & what we are all about

First things first:

Since there has been one or the other misinterpretion in the past:
No, this is not a group about models. Yes, they certainly are a part of the business like many other professions, but not the main focus. That would be a bit one-sided and quite restrictive.

Also - knowledge of the fashion business is not a requirement to join us. By all means, nobody of us is an expert. Improvisation is half the fun, sometimes.


Essentially, the group is about people in the Fashion Industry. Their lives, struggles, affairs and their work. That's all, you say? You would be surprised what all can happen. This industry is a playground for jealousy and resentments, everyone wants to be the number one, everyone wants to be better than everyone else. When people from all over the world get together, things can get heated up in the blink of an eye. Blame that on different outlooks, philosophies, ethnic backgrounds, the desire to be better than everyone else. You name it.

It is very difficult to pin it all down, though. There are so many different stories and plots going on by now. Characters spin their own tales, make friends and enemies alike, always fighting for a spot in the spotlight - while trying to keep their personal affairs away from the all too prying, merciless eyes and everpresent camera lenses of the gossip magazines and blogs.

It certainly can be a shark pond, this business. Only the strong survive!

The question is -  Will you dare to step into a world where beauty, vanity, glamour, fame and money meets vicious attitudes, hectic, stress, jetlag and the constant, merciless pressure and high demand?

After one year of awesome, fashionable craziness it is about time for a new, updated thread!

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." ― Coco Chanel

-click here for all the important information [Group Rules, Beginners Guide, etc.] -

Or maybe a peek at the gallery?

.. and here are some quick and dirty basics

GMs:

MaverickKane (with limited internet access and a crazy busy RL until further notice),  Nicholas & CShades
- though, our writers really are their own GMs, in the end. We really expect our writers to come up with their own ideas. We just make sure things run smoothly and we are here, if there is a problem or someone has new suggestions and/or ideas. Those are always welcome!

Is there an overarching plot?

Yes. There will always be one thing everyone can participate in. Aside from that - the sky (and common sense) is the limit! Our writers are more than willing and welcome to create their own little storylines and side-plots! This is exactly what makes a world alive and vivid!

Possible locations:

New York City - Paris - Rome - Berlin - London - Milan - St. Tropez  - Barcelona

Each location is possible. The fashion industry is a global business, after all and we wouldn't want to nail it down to just one city.

Right now - everything happens in Paris!

Setting:

Freeform/Sandbox. Modern contemporary (no magic, monsters, superpowers, aliens, etc.). Common sense is all it takes.

Current date:

January 2015

Is there a posting requirement?

Yes and no. See, we want to keep things moving and interesting and this requires participation and active writers. We do not demand a post per day, mind you. We just want to keep things flowing for everyone. Real Life always comes first, no matter what!

Characters:

Humans only, please. Characters must at least be 18 years of age. All genders/sexuality's/gender identities/ethnicity's are welcome.

Multiple characters (and/or NPCs) are allowed and encouraged (as long as you can keep up with them, of course.) You can create as many characters and/or NPCs as you need/want.

Why the NC Board?

Because it leaves a lot of wiggle room for a lot of directions without restraining our writers. Nothing is a must, of course. We encourage story, not porn. No NC action will be taken without writer consent, of course.

"You can never be overdressed or overeducated." ― Oscar Wilde

• Over one year of drama-free, friendly and engaging environment.
• A very fluid, open setting which allows for new characters to join at all times.
• Good communication between our writers
• IC Drama, intrigue, a multitude of relationships among the characters.
• Awesome stories and plots, a ton of fun and laughter.
• A diverse and well balanced cast of characters.
• The possibility to create your very own storylines and plots within an established setting.

• We are generally looking for levelheaded, grounded and mature writers. Out-of-character drama is a no-go in our group. We do not want it, we do not need it. There is a strict separation between In-character and Out-of-character and this will not change. During the past year, we maintained a comfortable, friendly and open atmosphere without any drama.
• A decent grasp of capitalization, punctuation and grammar. There is a spell checker for a reason. We do not expect perfection, but we expect proper effort.
• Writers that enjoy character development, good plots and stories over smut-oriented themes. Fashion Affairs is not a group orgy and not a 'dating game'. Notwithstanding, humans have needs/desires/passions/etc. but this shouldn't be an excuse for writing nothing but smut. It tends to get boring and pretty shallow if everything centers around the sexual aspect. There are so many other adult themes to explore.
• Beautiful and creative minds.
• Writers that are capable of writing posts with substance. One-liners are a no-go.
• We welcome writers of all genders/identities/preferences [Lords, Ladies and Lieges]. Cross-gender writing is quite common within the group. If this is something you do not like, please do not join us.
• You have to be capable of communicating your ideas. Sitting around and relying on others isn't going to work. Proper communication goes a long way, and it is a key factor of why our group works as well as it does.

• Plots that center around smut. We do not want to write a porn script here. Instead, we want to write compelling, interesting stories, watch the characters grow, develop relationships, make enemies and friends, etc. This worked exceptionally well thus far, because there is so much more to explore than 'just' the sexual aspect of a character. That alone would be a bit shallow. We will not write one sex scene after the other. There is a point where it turns into nothing but porn and very repetitive. If anything, erotica should happen in the natural flow of a story and not because it was plotted that way.
• Passive writing partners. Collaborative storytelling requires plotting and solid communication.
• We try to avoid preformed romantic relationships, creating a character for someone elses character for romantic/smutty purposes or those 'love interest' things. Of course, in that line of work it is more than a little likely that people often know one another - but we really try to avoid this 'romance coupling up' before writing. It's quite restrictive and it leaves little room for development and storytelling. Characters can be related in many different ways, it doesn't narrow down to romance. Writing someones enemy can be as rewarding, if not moreso.
• Each character getting along with everyone else. That's unrealistic and not very interesting to begin with. Conflict is the salt in the soup! Rivalry, loathing, jealousy and resentments are such great plot tools! How does the saying go? 'Familiarity breeds contempt.'
• We only can repeat it - There is no place for OOC drama, immature and confrontational attitudes, arguments or ego trips in our group. We want to have a good time writing, that's that. We will not hesitate to remove someone who tries to stir up drama or brings turmoil to the group. We're not some highschool clique or a popularity contest. Please be mature and considerate towards your fellow writers and you will be rewarded with a comfortable environment. What goes around, comes around.
• Rapid post pace. We all have a RL to maintain, families, partners, jobs, etc. We believe that writing should be a hobby and something pleasant and not a chore. If you expect ten posts per day, we're probably not for you. Good things come to those who wait.

"Fashions fade. Style is eternal."  ― Yves Saint Laurent

Everything that fits into the general theme of the group is possible. The Fashion Industry is such a wide field and there are a multitude of professions/concepts to work from. Not to mention - people often come from all over the world, with different backgrounds and stories.

The gender/sex/orientation of a character is not half as important as that they fit in.

Right now, we only do not accept new model characters & designers because there are enough already. We aim for a diverse crowd and too many characters of the same kind tend to make things just a little bit stale and one-dimensional. Everything else is up for grabs. May it be a Fashion House Representative, a Journalist for one or the other Fashion Magazine, a Paparazzo or maybe a Stylist or a Blogger? Personal assistants is another option.  It's entirely up to you to create a compelling character that's fun to write! We have but a few character creation rules (see here) and they are, basically, all about common sense.

We would suggest you read through our Lineup Thread [aka. Character Sheets] to get a feel for what is already there and maybe it will help you finding an own concept. Having connections is a marvellous thing and it opens the door for jumping in right away! We try to integrate each new character and thus far it has worked splendidly. It is a quite fluid and dynamic setting, people come and go, from all over the globe. Thus, having new characters show up is easy as can be!

A little hint: Try to avoid 'making' a character for someone else. Be inventive, unique and individual. Things will all fall into place eventually. It's the way there that's often most intriguing.

Suggestions for character concepts

Mind you, this list is far from complete. Just a handful of suggestions!

• Fashion House Representatives
• Stylists - Clothes/hair/Makeup
• Model managers/agents
• Journalists, Bloggers
• Fashion Merchandiser
• Set Designer
• Personal Assistants

Because it suits us so well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pco91kroVgQ

You have questions or ideas you would like to discuss? Awesome! Just post them in this thread!

[SmuttyReader]

I didn't read anything yet, because I just wanted to tell you how long I had my eyes on the roleplay (I even have the other thread on bookmark, patiently waiting until you accepted new characters). I am so excited will have a character sheet up, soon.

[Nico]

I didn't read anything yet, because I just wanted to tell you how long I had my eyes on the roleplay (I even have the other thread on bookmark, patiently waiting until you accepted new characters). I am so excited will have a character sheet up, soon.

Hello!

Yes, the old thread was getting a bit outdated. Take your time and read over all the things. Yes, it is a lot of information but it is worth it! If there's questions, by all means, let us know!

[Beguile's Mistress]

I'd really like to give this a try again if you would let me.

I have an idea for a character, a young woman who is a very talented make up artist and hair stylist.  She's had dreams of being a model since she was a little girl and got to meet some fashion models who visited her grandmother's salon.  But she's a nerdy girl who doesn't see a model when she looks in the mirror.  She's realistic and sadly knows modeling isn't meant for her.  Her profession lets her be a part of the modeling and fashion scene and she's been working her way up to becoming better known in the industry.

Should someone think this character could be part of their scenes or be someone they could work with I'd be happy to hear from them.  Then I can work up a character sheet. 

I don't want to waste anyone's time if she isn't workable for you.

[Bloodied Porcelain]

*ponders* 

[Nico]

I'd really like to give this a try again if you would let me.

I have an idea for a character, a young woman who is a very talented make up artist and hair stylist.  She's had dreams of being a model since she was a little girl and got to meet some fashion models who visited her grandmother's salon.  But she's a nerdy girl who doesn't see a model when she looks in the mirror.  She's realistic and sadly knows modeling isn't meant for her.  Her profession lets her be a part of the modeling and fashion scene and she's been working her way up to becoming better known in the industry.

Should someone think this character could be part of their scenes or be someone they could work with I'd be happy to hear from them.  Then I can work up a character sheet. 

I don't want to waste anyone's time if she isn't workable for you.

Why hello! You know what I told you that you always could come back if your time allows and you can keep up without getting stressed. ~hugs~

We have a hair stylist but I see no issue with another. My suggestion? Go look at the sheet in the Lineup (writer is Kendra) and maybe get in touch with her for some plot ideas? I think that it would make sense. Maybe they even know one another? Up to you! <3

[SmuttyReader]

Okay, I think I read everything that I needed to read and I got an idea of making a girl that is fresh out of highschool/ maybe a year or two out (This part is negotiable). Her parents are fashion icons in their own way (will think something up) and they don't want their daughter (my character) to use their name as means to get ahead in the fashion industry. Since she has no idea what she wants to do with her life, they set her up with a friend (Cesare De Laurentis), to get some learning experience and help her get into the fashion world on her own. That is how her journey begin.

Thoughts?

Is this a realistic character and will you go for it since Cesare is one of your characters (Nicholas)? If not I will go back to the drawing board.

[Nico]

Okay, I think I read everything that I needed to read and I got an idea of making a girl that is fresh out of highschool/ maybe a year or two out (This part is negotiable). Her parents are fashion icons in their own way (will think something up) and they don't want their daughter (my character) to use their name as means to get ahead in the fashion industry. Since she has no idea what she wants to do with her life, they set her up with a friend (Cesare De Laurentis), to get some learning experience and help her get into the fashion world on her own. That is how her journey begin.

Thoughts?

Is this a realistic character and will you go for it since Cesare is one of your characters (Nicholas)? If not I will go back to the drawing board.

Oh yes, I see no problem with that. Cesare knows a lot of people in the industry since he basically grew up in there, so it is likely that he would know her parents, one way or the other. It also would give her a connection to his intern, Zoi de Luna. ~nodnod~ and maybe even to Cesares wife, Bianca.  And yes, a year or two out of school would be perfect because that wouldn't make her too young.

As an idea - her parents maybe know Cesare's fathers since they are both high rollers themselves. Dinner parties are a thing!

[Beguile's Mistress]

Why hello! You know what I told you that you always could come back if your time allows and you can keep up without getting stressed. ~hugs~

We have a hair stylist but I see no issue with another. My suggestion? Go look at the sheet in the Lineup (writer is Kendra) and maybe get in touch with her for some plot ideas? I think that it would make sense. Maybe they even know one another? Up to you! <3

Thanks, Nic.  I'll give that a shot.

[Adufiniel]

Dropping in to encourage all you with curiosity to do it! Fashion Affairs is SO fun. And all I knew about fashion before I popped in was that there's a time of year called 'Fashion Week.' That's it. subject knowledge isn't needed, just enthusiasm and awesomeness.

[Nico]

As of now - female characters are on stop. Balance is an awesome thing!

Male or Trans-characters are still available.

[CShades]

BeMi!

We can always think of something for a makeup artist to do. Colette has this new shadow who clearly doesn't know how to put her face on yet. >.>

Alejandro could use someone to dab some powder on that sweaty forehead of his. *ducks*

And there's backstage. And, you know, funsies that have little to do with work and more with getting where one wants to be. There's this shoot somewhere in the works that is going to require /planning/ too.

~late to the thread, but bouncing anyway.

[Bloodied Porcelain]

I'm hoping that tomorrow I can get at least one of the sheets I have in my head done. Which person it will be, I'm not sure. Won't happen tonight though... I've been up since 2 am (it's almost 8 pm here now) so I'll be going  to bed in an hour or two, and hopefully this time I'll sleep through the night.

For those who might be curious, these are my ideas (bounced them off Nic, and while they're not officially approved, the basic ideas seem acceptable):

Male director - basically, the creative genius behind the lights, the sets, etc. He runs the show, and honestly treats it more like a theatrical performance than a fashion show. That's probably why he's so good (and more than a a little weird)

Female Choreographer -The above Sir's darling sister (they may be twins... not sure yet, they haven't told me). She's a currently out of commission dancer, her brother brought her in as a choreographer for his shows, and is threatening to not let her go back to dancing even if she gets cleared to do so. 

Spunky female reporter working for one of the big name papers (not sure which yet). She's pretty fresh out of college, and wants to cover REAL news, but her editor thinks she can't hack it/isn't experienced enough, so he's given her a bit of a "fluff job". She's more than a little resentful of being banished to the "girl's section" and thinks the whole fashion thing is stupid. She's also got some pretty firm feminist ideals, at least where things like fashion and socity are concerned. >.>

[CShades]

They sound like they would mesh really well with the rest and would find easy ways to both join and create RP. Looking forward to those sheets! <3

[Nico]

No rush, BP. That's kinda the FA-Mantra. <3

Told you in Skype already that I like all ideas.

I still don't get the "The Devil Wears Prada"-idea out of my head when I look at the journalist. ~dies~ I blame it all on you.

[The Dark Raven]

I'm hoping that tomorrow I can get at least one of the sheets I have in my head done. Which person it will be, I'm not sure. Won't happen tonight though... I've been up since 2 am (it's almost 8 pm here now) so I'll be going  to bed in an hour or two, and hopefully this time I'll sleep through the night.

For those who might be curious, these are my ideas (bounced them off Nic, and while they're not officially approved, the basic ideas seem acceptable):

Male director - basically, the creative genius behind the lights, the sets, etc. He runs the show, and honestly treats it more like a theatrical performance than a fashion show. That's probably why he's so good (and more than a a little weird)

Female Choreographer -The above Sir's darling sister (they may be twins... not sure yet, they haven't told me). She's a currently out of commission dancer, her brother brought her in as a choreographer for his shows, and is threatening to not let her go back to dancing even if she gets cleared to do so. 

Spunky female reporter working for one of the big name papers (not sure which yet). She's pretty fresh out of college, and wants to cover REAL news, but her editor thinks she can't hack it/isn't experienced enough, so he's given her a bit of a "fluff job". She's more than a little resentful of being banished to the "girl's section" and thinks the whole fashion thing is stupid. She's also got some pretty firm feminist ideals, at least where things like fashion and socity are concerned. >.>

Holy shit, Cillian Murphy...

[Nico]

Because I am scatterbrained and don't want it to be swallowed:

We are accepting two more characters, tops.

Everything but female characters, please. We're full on females as of now (doesn't count for BP and everyone else having presented an idea already!)

[Bloodied Porcelain]

They sound like they would mesh really well with the rest and would find easy ways to both join and create RP. Looking forward to those sheets! <3

I'm quite excited! Started working on them as soon as I sat down today.

No rush, BP. That's kinda the FA-Mantra. <3

Told you in Skype already that I like all ideas.

I still don't get the "The Devil Wears Prada"-idea out of my head when I look at the journalist. ~dies~ I blame it all on you.

You heart me.

[Beguile's Mistress]

BeMi!

We can always think of something for a makeup artist to do. Colette has this new shadow who clearly doesn't know how to put her face on yet. >.>

Alejandro could use someone to dab some powder on that sweaty forehead of his. *ducks*

And there's backstage. And, you know, funsies that have little to do with work and more with getting where one wants to be. There's this shoot somewhere in the works that is going to require /planning/ too.

~late to the thread, but bouncing anyway.

Wow!  That sounds great!  I'm putting together a character sheet with an image I found.  She can free lance or be part of a setup that allows her to moonlight.  She'd be up for anything work related and want to do some exploring on the personal side.

[Nico]

Wow!  That sounds great!  I'm putting together a character sheet with an image I found.  She can free lance or be part of a setup that allows her to moonlight.  She'd be up for anything work related and want to do some exploring on the personal side.

Yay! So glad to have you back! <3

[Devilyn Sydhe]

Hello, I just wanted to say you all have created a very impressive game that I have been guilty of occasionally stalking.

I had a vague idea about a slightly sleazy American magazine publisher likely hated by most for eagerly exploiting the deepest and darkest secrets of the fashion famous.  I'm thinking possibly a National Enquirer type where enemies could anonymously air each other's dirty laundry.  I don't know if such a character would fit in or if I can get things all put together, but I wish nothing but the best for everyone involved.

[Beguile's Mistress]

Yay! So glad to have you back! <3

You make me feel so good, love.

[Nico]

Hello, I just wanted to say you all have created a very impressive game that I have been guilty of occasionally stalking.

I had a vague idea about a slightly sleazy American magazine publisher likely hated by most for eagerly exploiting the deepest and darkest secrets of the fashion famous.  I'm thinking possibly a National Enquirer type where enemies could anonymously air each other's dirty laundry.  I don't know if such a character would fit in or if I can get things all put together, but I wish nothing but the best for everyone involved.

Thank you! It is so awesome because of the people having made it all come to life!

That's a character that can work, certainly. I have a character (Dominic Harris) who is a paparazzo, just as eager to exploit all the dirty little secrets of the rich and famous. So that might work, indeed!

[CShades]

Wow!  That sounds great!  I'm putting together a character sheet with an image I found.  She can free lance or be part of a setup that allows her to moonlight.  She'd be up for anything work related and want to do some exploring on the personal side.

Sounds good! Or maybe consider making her part of Zita's team (the player was looking for more before RL hit, and we can always write around her for scenage. Busy woman and all ) That way she'd already have a shoe-in the door without having to work on making the first contacts - unless you are into that!

I'm quite excited! Started working on them as soon as I sat down today.

You heart me.

So #FAbulous!  I agree, too. Never a rush, we all have ups and downs.

Hello, I just wanted to say you all have created a very impressive game that I have been guilty of occasionally stalking.

I had a vague idea about a slightly sleazy American magazine publisher likely hated by most for eagerly exploiting the deepest and darkest secrets of the fashion famous.  I'm thinking possibly a National Enquirer type where enemies could anonymously air each other's dirty laundry.  I don't know if such a character would fit in or if I can get things all put together, but I wish nothing but the best for everyone involved.

Hi, you! I am happy to hear you've been looking in. It is fun in there It is a valid idea; we have a freelance journalist that does that sort of thing, so they could work together - and on the other hand, he could always be a client (or try to, if he can get anyone to make him anything that he hasn't offended to death) See, possibilities


ETA: Freelance journalist, paparazzo, yeah, Dominic

[Nico]

ETA: Freelance journalist, paparazzo, yeah, Dominic

Damn right! ~laughs~

No, seriously, he would prefer the Freelance Journalist, anyways!