Winter Swan

To Silje's surprise, Christian caressed her hair gently.

"You are like a warrior, Silje. I can feel your strength and determination. I think a short hair style would suit you better. Your white neck and delicate face will benefit from it."

"Pardon?"

Silje flinched in surprise but Christian seemed oblivious. He started to walk away as he added, "There are too many models with long hair, don't you think so? Silje, your current look overlaps with Liu Wen's."

He meant that she didn't stand out.

Liu Wen.

One of the top Asian models from China.

Christian was encouraging her to improve herself.

To differentiate herself from the rest of them.

As the elevator door closed, Silje watched Christian walk away.

It wasn't that she wanted to cut her hair.

But she did, and the main reason was because of a piece of advice from the famous photographer Joel Hurst.

He was a middle-aged man who was very quiet and meticulous. He had a determined face and was very controlled. His works were often seen as art rather than fashion photos.

The first time she visited his studio in Chelsea, Silje was very impressed. It was huge and crowded with equipment, outfits, and countless people.

Models, hair and makeup artists, and assistants.

This was how famous photographers worked. Even the stylist on site was a renowned fashion figure. This was very different than her previous photoshoots where Silje was called in as a substitute.

The walls were covered with stacks of magazines. When Joel worked with Silje, he asked mundane questions and made her feel comfortable.

Silje was later told that Joel really liked her face and ended up using two entire films on her.

"Silje, I think you are still better at runways than photoshoots."

Joel looked distinguished as a few white hairs started to show up on his head. In between the shots, Joel gave her helpful advice, which was very rare for him.

"Right now, your pose was excellent. I think you were nervous at the beginning, so you looked stiff, but look at the later photos. Just by twisting your body slightly, you can see the difference, right? A subtle change like this can determine whether you become a commercial model or a high fashion one."

Joel continued to take photos as he gave her more advice.

"Silje, you are very smart, and you have a sensitive feel about you. Look at this photo. You had your arms stretched, then you crouched. Do you see how it makes you look fragile and sad? You are leaning against the wall under the studio light, and in this photo, you look like the priestess from Ingmar Bergman's 'The Seventh Seal'. Yes, you created a dark and heavy atmosphere here. I like your facial expression too. You are doing very well."

He was a professional, and he was incredible at capturing the best moments. He wasn't a fast worker; instead, he liked to put the models at ease, so the photos looked more natural and honest.

Silje felt comfortable to pose as she wished. She used her long arms, and she moved like a ghost. She posed with every flash of the camera and she was magnificent.

Her sensitive soul shined through and she was able to communicate with the camera.

Silje was very satisfied with today's photoshoot. She showed many different sides of herself, and she felt like she had created art with Joel.

Afterward, they had a short conversation.

"New York fashion week is coming up soon. Which fashion shows are you going to participate in?"

"I haven't gone to any auditions yet, but I'm already booked with Alexander Wang, Thakoon, and Michael Kors. Oh, and I will be going to Donna Karan's audition."

"Impressive. When I first saw you, you still looked so new, but now you are working for the biggest names in the world."

Joel smiled kindly and continued, "You have improved so much, Silje. Are you going to be working for Sherian collection too?"

"I haven't gone to the Sherian audition yet."

"Did I ever tell you that Chris is my friend? He is a workaholic, just like me. He loves his job, and that is why his collections are so perfect. I am looking forward to his work this season. He has never disappointed me so far."

Silje didn't know Christian and Joel were friends. She remembered that Niels also knew Christian very well. Christian Lozetti seemed very quiet, but apparently he had many friends.

Silje replied, "I am looking forward to Sherian collection too. Even if I wasn't a model, I would've still fallen in love with Christian Lozetti's work. His designs are so beautiful."

At her genuine compliment, Joel laughed.

"You have such strong opinions and I like it. Well, I guess if you were just a quiet little mouse, no one would hire you in New York."

Joel winked and continued, "If Chris hears that you like his work so much, he would be thrilled."

Joel developed his films and studied the photos sharply. He went over them with Silje and gave her some pointers on how to improve herself.

With a frown, he said to her, "This photo… With this light and in this angle, you look like Liu Wen."

This was the second time someone mentioned Liu Wen. Silje slowly turned around as Joel added, "It's a great photo."

He complimented her, but to hear that she resembled another model was not a positive thing. The photo was of her wearing hot pants with a black stitch belt and leather boots. It was such a strong look, so to have a professional photographer tell her she looked like someone else was a big problem.

This was why Silje decided to cut her hair. It was a good time to make some changes. She always had long hair and she thought it would be a good idea to change her hairstyle.

When she made her decision, Silje didn't hesitate. She went straight to a hair salon.

She visited the one on Fifth Avenue where all the high-end brands were located.

Channel, Prada, and Hermes… The beautiful luxurious stores made the street look seductive.

Thankfully, the place was not busy.

"Welcome."

Silje opened the elegant gothic-styled door and walked in. Everyone working was wearing black uniforms and Silje was ushered in immediately.

"I want to get a haircut."

The hairdresser brought several fashion magazines so they could discuss the style. After a long debate, they decided on one.

The hairdresser carefully started to get her scissors ready and Silje closed her eyes quietly.

'It has already been over five years since I came to New York. Let's say goodbye to my old self and start fresh.'

She felt calm, and she felt good.

"I am now going to cut. Are you ready?"

Snip, snip.

While chunks of her hair fell down to the floor, Silje looked at the mirror calmly. When she was done, the hairdresser asked, "Ma'am, do you like it?"

Silje stared at herself and an unfamiliar woman looked back at her in the mirror. It felt strange, but this was now the new her.

'Hello!'

She greeted herself in the mirror.