Free Fashion Academy by Sheryl Berk

“Next!”
    South was especially proud of her design—she’d airbrushed graffiti words on a white denim jacket. They read “Artistic. Bold. Cool.”
    â€œYou’re quite a graffiti artist,” Mr. Kaye remarked. She beamed. “But I’m not quite sure you’re a designer just yet.”
    When he came to Mickey’s design, he circled around it once, then twice, then a third time. She’d accessorized the bird print jumpsuit with a white feathered boa.
    â€œIt’s striking,” he commented after she explained each of the birds’ names and how she silkscreened each one onto the fabric in delicate detail. “And the line of the pants is perfection. Palazzo pants can be very tricky, but yours are just the right balance of sleek and billowy.”
    Mickey smiled. So far, so good. “My only critique is the boa. A bit much, don’t you think? I get the feather reference, but it overpowers your jumpsuit. A good designer knows when less is more.”
    Mickey winced. There went her four plus. But everyone’s design had some flaws as well. She hoped she’d scored high enough to make the final cut.
    â€œWe will be announcing the top three students for Runway Showdown at two o’clock over the loudspeaker,” he told the class when he was finished inspecting their work. “If your name is called, please report to my office for instructions. If it isn’t, back to the drawing board and better luck next semester.”
    â€¢ • •
    As she sat in math class, Mickey stared at the clock on the wall waiting for it to reach two p.m. She knew there was a ton of competition in each of the three grades. JC told her that Mr. Kaye oohed and aahed over Jade’s design: a pink cropped angora sweater with a Battenberg lace collar and a white chiffon floor-length skirt.
    â€œIt was luxe to the max,” he said. “I could totally see it on the runway.”
    At two sharp, a voice boomed over the loudspeaker. “Ladies and gentleman, may I have your attention,” Mr. Kaye said. “I have the names of the three finalists who will be competing in the FAB Runway Showdown this semester.”
    Mickey held her breath. “In eighth grade, Charlie Hirsch; in seventh grade, Jade Lee; and in sixth grade, Kenzie Wills!”
    â€œGood for you, Kenzie!” her algebra teacher Ms. Rothstein cheered.
    Mickey raced to Mr. Kaye’s office, where Jade and Charlie were already waiting. Jade gave Mickey a dirty look as she took a seat beside her.
    â€œCongratulations on coming this far,” Mr. Kaye said. “Now the real work is ahead of you.”
    Mickey gulped. What had she gotten herself into?
    â€œYou will create a capsule collection consisting of four distinct looks,” he continued. “The collection should be a reflection of who you are as a designer—the real you. That said, it must be cohesive, and it must be wearable.”
    Mickey’s mind was racing! An entire collection? Where would she get the money to buy that many materials? She doubted Aunt Olive had another pair of old curtains she’d let her cut up!
    Mr. Kaye seemed to read her mind: “The school will provide you with a fabric budget of two hundred and fifty dollars at ’TUDE Fabric. Be smart with how you spend it and feel free to recycle any scraps or materials you already have. Are there any questions?”
    â€œIt sounds like a lot for one person,” Mickey said softly.
    â€œIt is way too much for one person,” her teacher agreed with her. “Which is why we are allowing each of you to choose one fellow FAB student to assist you.”
    â€œI choose my brother Jake,” Jade said.
    â€œI want Dylan Ruff,” Charlie said.
    â€œOf course you do,” Jade protested. “He won Showdown last spring.”
    â€œThat leaves you, Kenzie,” Mr. Kaye said. “Who do you choose?” Mickey didn’t even have to