The Fashion Princess Read Free Page A

mini-dress with footless tights and loads of funky jewellery, plus a cute red clutch bag. And Bryony’s outfit was pure haute couture!
    â€œCome on, you lot,” she called. “The taxi’s waiting.”

Chapter Four
    WHEN THEY ARRIVED at Bryant Park on 42nd and 6th, Poppy was amazed at the size of the Fashion Week event. There were several huge air-conditioned tents set up in a large park. All around, there were glamorous people wearing huge sunglasses and amazing hats and outfits, mainly in black, white or grey. The models were all taller and thinner than Poppy expected.
    Berry seemed to know the wholescene inside out. She nudged Poppy. “Wow, look – there’s Tallulah Melage,” she whispered, pointing to one of the models close by.
    â€œThis is so cool!” Poppy whispered in reply. “Don’t you think she’s the most beautiful girl in the whole world?”
    â€œDefinitely,” agreed Berry, mesmerized by the model.
    Tallulah must have heard their whispered comments because she turned to the girls and smiled broadly.

    â€œI’m not pretty first thing in the morning, I promise you, girls. It’s all tricks of the trade,” she said sweetly, before floating off in a black chiffon mini-dress.
    â€œWow, she’s a really nice person too,” said Berry.
    â€œI know,” agreed Poppy. “I just can’t believe she spoke to us.”
    â€œMost models are really rude and unfriendly,” said Berry, sounding very knowledgeable. “But I reckon it’s just ’cos they’re hungry.”
    â€œYeah, probably,” agreed Poppy; she wasn’t really sure why the models would be hungry, though she did know that she got quite grumpy when she hadn’t eaten properly.
    Saffron and Bryony came back after registering at Reception and were quite miffed when they found out that they had missed out on a personal chat withTallulah Melage. Bryony was secretly hoping that Tallulah would be there when she interviewed Ned Carew later that morning. She was desperate to meet her.
    Bryony handed out everyone’s official
Buttons
and
Bows
name badges, which allowed them access to all the VIP rooms and the shows. The girls were absolutely thrilled with theirs and pinned them on right away. Orlando was rather less enamoured with his, and shoved it into his famous bag!

    â€œWe have to wear our badges if we want to wander around the tents and runways and get into the smart cafés and everything,” explained Berry, taking Poppy under her wing.
    â€œUm, OK, but what are runways?” asked Poppy curiously.
    â€œJust the catwalks where the models sashay up and down in their incredible outfits,” explained Berry.
    â€œI wish we could go and stare at airport runways instead of this old garbage,” moaned Orlando. “Clothes were invented to keep us dry and warm, or cool and comfortable. Everything else is just rubbish. That’s what my dad says.”
    â€œIf you don’t like it here, you should have stayed behind at the hotel, moron!” said Berry.
    â€œEnough bickering, you two,” said Bryony firmly. “Let me explain what the plan is. First of all, Saffron and I have a couple of ‘press only’ shows to go to, so you guys can go exploring. Then I’ve got an interview with Ned Carew. But you can go to any of the other shows so long as you wear your badges, OK?”
    Berry and Poppy nodded, whileOrlando swatted a wasp.
    â€œYou can roam around freely but you mustn’t leave the park, and don’t take unofficial routes between the tents – always use the walkways, otherwise you’ll get in the way. And if you get lost, go to Reception and we will find you there. Let’s meet for lunch over in the VIP restaurant at about one o’clock. Here’s a map. Have fun, and remember:
behave
– especially you, Orlando. You’re wearing
Buttons
and
Bows
badges so you’re