Free Diamonds Are Forever by India Lee

headpiece commissioned by a nameless buyer at an address she didn’t recognize.  The request was just for, Something creative to go with a white satin gown being worn to the Gotham Ball.   For this particular client, she had opted to make something similar to the feather and pearl Balenciaga dress that she had worn as Queen Bee, years ago.  She made a circular satin cap with a short mesh veil meant to hang over one eye.  Small white pearls studded the veil and a spray of white feathers fanned out from where it attached to the cap.  Atop the base of the feathers was an intricate, antique pewter broach that she had found at the Brooklyn Flea.
    “It doesn’t even match the dress I made you,” Gemma replied.  “And it’s being sent out tonight to its rightful owner.”
    “Who’s the lucky girl?”
    “I don’t know,” Gemma shrugged.  “I actually got a lot of accessories orders from people I didn’t know, which is really exciting.”
    “Seriously, you’re on your way,” Zoe said.  “Fuck the haters.”
    “I wasn’t even thinking about them until you brought it up.”
    “Oh,” Zoe winced.  “Sorry.”
    “It’s fine,” Gemma laughed.  “Now let’s get you fitted for your gown.”  She pulled the cover she had thrown over it in order to debut it with fanfare.  Gemma delighted in the gleeful gasp that escaped Zoe’s throat as she jumped up and down.  She had designed the gown to reflect Zoe’s personality – fun and vibrant, but with a dark, sensual twist.  It was a floor length gown, a form-fitting jersey material of a rich, dark blue that was almost black.  The neckline was a braided halter strap that wrapped around the neck and twisted underneath the bust and ended in a knot that hung low on the back.  It was a hand-woven collection of many luxurious fabrics, the bright, multi-colored silks popping against the base.  Below the knot, Gemma let the twisted fabrics of the braid unravel and dance down the back of the dress, creating a prismatic train of wispy silk.
    Zoe had already torn her clothes off and was standing excitedly in her underwear.  Gemma smiled, happy to have met her friend’s expectations but even happier to know that she had exceeded them.  She helped Zoe step into the dress, pulling up the hidden zipper at her hip.
    “You fucking genius,” Zoe laughed, truly impressed as she twirled in front of the mirror.  She sighed happily, admiring the colorful silks that wrapped around her body as she did so.
    “Thank you,” Gemma said, feeling giddy.  “You don’t know how relieved I am that you like it.”
    “How could I not?” Zoe asked.  “How could anyone not like this?”
    “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.  We should wait until the day after the ball and make sure I didn’t land you on any worst-dressed lists.”
    “Oh please, who the hell cares what anyone else thinks? This is perfect.”  Zoe turned to Gemma, her eyes glinting with what she could now see were tears.  She rushed to Gemma, grabbing her face and planting a big kiss on her cheek.  “I’m so proud of you, you fucking genius.”  Gemma reached forward to hug Zoe, knowing she could trust her to be the one person who would truly be honest about her designs.  She knew that her social circle was being particularly sensitive towards her about her new venture, even if she had technically switched industries for three years now.  Even with the media attention being slower than what it had used to be, Gemma still found what presence they had to be an incredible nuisance in her life.
    “I’m really happy you like it,” Gemma said.  “And I hope all my other clients react the same way.”
    “And what are you wearing?” Zoe asked.  “Please tell me you finally got around to your own gown, because you only have three days to get it together.”
    “I haven’t,” Gemma said unapologetically.  “This all took a lot more work than I expected and I’m still borrowing Armand’s team to