One Winter Weekend

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

H ow did Patrick know just where to take her to make her smile?

The Palais Galleria, the museum of fashion, was every woman’s dream. Filled with temporary collections showcasing well-known, slightly known and forgotten designers from around the world.

The exterior was inspired by Palladian architecture but known for its Beaux-Arts style. It reminded Emily of something you’d expect to find in Italy, perhaps in Rome, the preserved remnant of some ancient colonnade.

Here you could see designs that were hand-drawn by some of the most distinct and memorable designers, see their clothing draped elegantly on mannequins, or photographed in timeless memorial to the stars who’d made or worn some of the best clothing the world had ever seen.

It was a stark contrast to the Arc de Triomphe, which had left Emily a bit melancholy. Now she felt invigorated.

“Did I choose right?” Patrick asked from behind her. He was standing by a far wall watching her with some amusement.

“You absolutely did,” she replied in delight, turning back to the display of Mariano Fortuny’s famous Delphos gown, which was designed in 1909.

The designer was considered a liberator of the female form, and the dress before Emily was the epitome of it. Made of plain silk, and so finely pleated that it didn’t even wrinkle after being rolled in a ball, it was spectacular. Emily could only imagine herself in a dress like it. She’d feel like an heiress in it.

“That would look great on you,” Patrick commented, his arms folded casually over his chest.

“I’d have to win the lottery first,” Emily joked.

“You always liked fashion didn't you? Even when you couldn’t afford it,” he commented, running his finger under the collar of her cashmere coat. “But I can see that has changed.”

“I have a few nice pieces,” she replied. It was true; she adored fashion; it didn’t matter what, clothes, shoes or bags. She may not have had much of a social life, but she certainly dressed like someone who did.

“Let’s go someplace you enjoy now,” she said to Patrick, taking him by the hand and pulling him towards the exit.

“We better get a taxi if we’re going where I’d like to go,” he joked. “It’s not exactly walking distance.”

“I’m intrigued. Where to?”

“You’ll see,” he smiled, as they walked out to find a taxi.