Prologue
International Fashion Council Memorandum
Extract from the minutes of the monthly board meeting
Point 35-c: Cover for Annual Report
The Executive Director motioned to discuss the cover for the
association's annual report. The ensuing discussion resulted in
general agreement that the theme should focus on the IFC's new
initiative to promote leather apparel to a worldwide audience.
The Secretary opened the floor to suggestions for an umbrella slogan
to encompass the myriad qualities of leather as a suitable material
for haute couture designs. Additional discussion centered on
leather's benefits, with a general consensus that the proposed
wording would have to accurately deliver the desired value messages
in a simple headline that would also lend itself to graphic
interpretation.
Several themes were proposed and subsequently rejected. Finally,
the Chairman put forward "The Economy of Movement" as a suitable
slogan that subtly reinforced the association's ongoing efforts to
reduce its operating costs in light of the growing number of
complaints regarding excessive expenses incurred by the executive
committee.
After a brief brainstorm session, the board agreed to move forward
with the Chairman's recommendation, as well as his strong preference
to assign the project to the creative design firm of Geoffrey
Sorenson Ltd. Given the critical importance of the leather
initiative for the association, the Chairman urged the board to
provide Mr. Sorenson with absolute freedom in regard to the
composition of the cover and the interior pages of the annual report.
The Board selected Executive Director-elect Sabrina Taylor to travel
to Sorenson's studios to supervise the photography sessions for the
cover. It was also suggested that Taylor should serve as the model
for the project, as it would be a unique opportunity to introduce her
to those members who have not yet made her acquaintance. After a
brief debate, it was decided that Taylor would research and contact
other professional models for consideration.
A detailed proposal for the project will be drafted by the board for
immediate review and approval.
The board of directors voted unanimously in favor of the
recommendation, with Taylor abstaining.
***
From the desk of Geoffrey Sorenson
May 25
On behalf of Geoffrey Sorenson Ltd., we happily accept the
International Fashion Council's proposal regarding principal
photography for the association's annual report, and look forward to
making the acquaintance of Ms. Taylor in the near future.
Sincerely yours,
Geoffrey Sorenson
President and Chief Creative Officer
Geoffrey Sorenson Ltd.
***
27 May
Dearest Geoffrey,
Forgive my use of an ancient typewriter, but I don't trust the
phones, and I can't get away to meet with you in person.
I am very pleased you have accepted the assignment to design and
photograph the association's annual report. However, I'm afraid
there's more to this project than a few pretty pictures.
Specifically, the board of directors finds itself in rather urgent
need of your expertise in the field of, shall we say, international
export of perishable goods.
As you know, one of our senior staff members, Sabrina Taylor, has
been assigned to supervise the project on-site at your studios. When
she returns, Ms. Taylor is scheduled to take over as Executive
Director of the International Fashion Council in accordance with her
surprise victory in last month's election. While the board did its
best to maintain the status quo, her platform of complete disclosure
struck a resonant chord with the membership, and the votes in her
favor were substantially higher than those cast for the incumbent.
This unexpected turn of events is most unfortunate. While the board
is legally required to promote Ms. Taylor, suffice it to say we do
not share her enthusiasm for a complete audit of the association's
records, specifically in regard to some expense vouchers which will
be difficult to justify to outside professionals. In fact, we are
quite certain the investigation will quickly escalate into more
troublesome encounters with law enforcement representatives, not to
mention tax-compliance officers.
Therefore, we find ourselves in a bit of a tight spot, and feel
compelled to take drastic measures that will ensure Ms. Taylor's
proposed financial review does not occur. I trust you to make the
necessary arrangements in your usual thorough manner.
I am confident that your efforts will be more than amply rewarded by
the final purchase price negotiated with your friends in Hong Kong.
However, if you need any additional funds, please don't hesitate to
give me a shout.
Thanks again for helping out an old friend. I presume you will know
what to do with this letter, but just in case, I have taken the
liberty of enclosing a book of matches.
Best regards,
A
***
From the desk of Geoffrey Sorenson
May 29
A,
Got your note, and thanks for sending along the photographs of Ms.
Taylor, too. Based on her considerable "qualifications," I am quite
confident that a mutually-satisfactory transaction can be arranged.
Give my best to the board, and please assure them that your "problem"
is as good as solved.
GS
***
International Fashion Council Memorandum
Date: June 1
To: Geoffrey Sorenson
From: Sabrina Taylor
Subject: Annual Report Project
Thank you for your recent telephone call; it was a pleasure to
finally make your acquaintance.
While I continue to have strong reservations about the Chairman's
proposed theme, I have come to agree that "The Economy of Movement"
will magnify the qualities of leather as a chic, yet cost-effective
alternative to other materials for today's fashions.
At the request of the board, I have enclosed a detailed list of my
body measurements. Since I do not share the board's enthusiasm for
posing for the annual report myself, I have also forwarded resumes
and portfolio samples from several fashion models whom I think will
better capture the approach we discussed. I will leave it to you to
choose the most suitable one(s) and arrange for her/their
participation in the project as required.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any additional
questions. Otherwise, I look forward to meeting you and your team in
person.
ST
***
VIA WESTERN UNION
JUNE 6
TO: DAV IWATA/HONG KONG
NEW PRODUCT AVAILABLE STOP PHOTO SENT STOP DETERMINE INTEREST STOP
GS
***
VIA WESTERN UNION
JUNE 7
REPLY TO: GEOFFREY SORENSON
GOOD NEWS STOP SCHEDULING 2 WEEK AUCTION STOP PREFERENCE PONY STOP
HAVE FUN STOP
DI
***
VIA WESTERN UNION
JUNE 8
REPLY TO: DAV IWATA
TIMING OK STOP CLEANING BARN STOP
GS
***
