Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

'Why does Violeta get to wear haute couture?'

When Carmen heard the news, she was also stunned.

Although Violeta had made significant strides in her career, she was nowhere near the level where she could choose haute couture at will.

Haute couture wasn't something you could just pick and wear.

Globally, among all the entertainment circles, aside from the local entertainment industry in Auratia, which country could boast such a number of female celebrities wearing haute couture?

In comparison, the Korena entertainment industry, with its smaller market, wasn't even on the radar for brands when it came to red-carpet appearances. Their idols were often left with ready-to-wear lines or haute couture pieces that had been worn countless times over the years.

Only Orion, Poresaint, and the local entertainment industry could genuinely talk about a "global first wear".

The prestige of this term was immense, signifying haute couture's unrivalled status among all formal gowns.

Frankly, given Violeta's current standing, she wasn't cut out for haute couture. Wearing it without the appropriate status could lead to serious consequences. What's going on here?

'Hattie, Violeta has made a huge blunder this time! Can you believe it? The haute couture she's wearing is self-bought. Once the Clio Charity Night event is over, she can kiss her future fashion resources goodbye!'

Carmen immediately decided to investigate, and the findings were shocking.

Hattie's eyes widened as she hurriedly replied, 'What? She bought that dress herself? Gosh! Is Violeta out of her mind?'

This was an amateurish mistake for Violeta to make.

But wait, where did Violeta get the money for this?

Buying haute couture, those extravagant, impractical dresses that cost millions, was like throwing money away. It had no cost-effectiveness whatsoever.

Hehe, she probably thought she could take a risky move. Maybe she believed that with one successful drama, the fashion world would notice her. So, she bought the haute couture to attract the brands' attention. This is ridiculous! Does Eugene know about this? Letting Violeta do something like this, isn't she afraid of being blacklisted by the fashion industry?'

Another message from Carmen popped up.

On the trending list, the headlines blared:

'SEVITL Mermaid: Global First Wear - Violeta Shines'

'Little Black Dress: Lydia Stuns'

'Clio Charity Night: Star-Studded Lineup Explodes'

'The Moon Belongs to You: Sweet Couple.'

Upon hearing that Violeta had bought the dress herself, Hattie's jealousy evaporated. Instead, she felt a twinge of pity for Violeta.

Oh, Violeta, who would've thought you'd make such a rookie mistake so soon after entering the industry?

Sure, your drama is a hit, but at what cost?

Now, you're practically barred from the fashion world. A small gain for a big loss.

Without a luxury brand

endorsement Violeta would remain stuck below. the top tier, forever hovering at second-tier status at best. With limited commercial value, she wouldn't catch the eye of major directors or break into international fame.

The more Hattie pondered, the clearer it became: Violeta's future was already bleak.

Of course, the news Carmen could uncover, Lydia's assistant could too.

Lydia, the dress Violeta is wearing was probably bought by herself. Initially, SEVITL had intended to send that gown to us for selection, but it was sold instead. Violeta must have purchased the gown as she wore it on the red carpet.'

Top-tier haute couture wasn't targeted at celebrities.

The real buyers were powerful businesswomen and the mistresses of corporate moguls.

Luxury brands hire influential celebrities as endorsers to attract these true high-spenders.

So, it was not unusual for haute couture to be sold.

How could this happen?'

Lydia was more clever than Hattie.

She didn't automatically doubt Violeta but rather wondered what gave Violeta the audacity to wear such clothing.

In this industry, those who rise to the top all possess a shrewd, calculating mind.

Violeta might have a hit drama, but she still had a long way to go before she could wear haute couture.

There had to be someone powerful backing her.

Someone formidable enough.

Otherwise, even if Violeta dared to wear it, Eugene would stop her.

'Lydia, seriously, I didn't make any mistake in my investigation. That gown had obviously sold.'