The Bespoke Dress

One of Ballini's long-time dancer friends and she had gotten into a discussion about fashion and somehow they got to the topic of an upcoming ball that they had been invited to. The theme was couture and that was absolutely NOT Ballini's territory. She does not do over the top shit like that. Hence she had requested help from her friend to find a designer. Her friend had given her quite the sly smile
"I know just the designer but you absolutely have to be nice to them because they are absolutely shy" Ballini had scowled but had reluctantly agreed. "Fine"

That was absolutely how Ballini had ended up going to Peter to ask for directions and he had been kind enough to accompany her to see the designer that Ballini had gotten referred to. It had taken them a while of travel to get to the place of residence and Peter had been kind as to knock on the door to announce their presence. Hurrying footsteps could be heard. Then. Abrupt stop. Ballini scowled slightly as Peter chuckled. She sighed, cleared throat and put on neutral face as the door slowly cracked open and a prideful doll with dual gray tone hair meekly peeked out from behind the door

"O-oh Peter....And who is this?"
"This is Ballini. A mutual friend referred her to you for a couture dress design. Are you up for the task?" Peter smiled reassuringly as Ballini eyed them
"I hear you're the best" They slowly nodded and opened the door wider for the pair to enter. Ballini eyed them up before entering with Peter behind her.

"Uh...What is the dress for?" They inquired
"The upcoming Blizzard Gala" Ballini answered and the prideful doll nodded
"I have designs. By the way my name is Olivier. You must be Ballini" she nodded in confirmation.
"Come to my studio please" their soft voice requested as Olivier led both Peter and Ballini to their studio full of fabric, accessories and such. They sat around a small desk where Olivier pulled out a sketch book to hand over for Ballini to browse for something she desired to own.

There were designs of elegant flowers inspired gowns, inspired by foods, gemstones, holidays, and even by imps. However Ballini had taken notice that Olivier had been doing research into feathers and birds because there were countless pages based on those. She recognized one as being based on Avia and another on Cygnette. That one kept catching her eye and it was obvious to the other two.

"That one would be best choice" Peter pointed out and Olivier nodded. Ballini glanced up to the prideful doll
"Some adjustments may be necessary but I would like this one if you do not mind" Olivier nodded as they moved over to sit by Ballini to sketch up a dress similar to the current design but with adjustments that Ballini had requested then the pair went to browse the fabric selection with Peter trailing behind. From time to time, the owner of Cottontail Couture would pitch in his thoughts.

It wasn't long before Ballini was having her measurements taken and she and Peter were sent away so Olivier could focus on their task without distractions.

Three days later, Limon showed up with her hand gently wrapped around Olivier's arm as they made their grand entrance into the hall where Blizzard Gala was being hosted. Olivier had sewn themselves an outfit that complimented Ballini beautifully.

Ballini's ears were down, however they were held back with beautiful sheer frilly band. Her hair had been loosely gathered into a updo secured with faux white feathers sewn onto chiffon ruffled band.
Her dress complimented her delicate features perfectly and she easily resembled a porcelain doll made to be put on display.

The torso consisted of strapless shimmering white corset with lacing down the back. There were delicate blue swirls set in ornate pattern as accents around the hem and down the back on the sides of lacing. There were fluffy faux white feathers that looked like it had broken off from the skirt portion and scattered diagonally across the torso before clustering into a beautifully laid thick strap just above the corset that transformed into stunning cascading cape down the back. The skirt section was cut just above her knees in the front and ended in lovely train in the back. They were shimmering white with several deep blue overlay in some areas in ruffled layers. Fluffy faux white feathers were carefully laid out across the skirt to fluff them out and to resemble a Cygnette's feathered wings that they were so known for. Ballini and Olivier had argued over whether or not the dancer should wear ornate blue steel wire wrapping around her legs until Peter had intervened and convinced Ballini that it would compliment the dress beautifully and she had caved in. Olivier was right to insist as it looked stunning around her glassy legs. The meek designer had insisted on simple silver pumps decorated with feathers to accompany the dress.
Olivier's attire was lot more simpler with sparse feathers and simpler details but it was enough to compliment Ballini's attire.

When she had first laid her eyes on the dress and tried it on, she had complimented Olivier so thoroughly the prideful doll had turned bright red with a small proud smile. Ballini then insisted that they accompany her to the ball so she could proudly show them off and their hard work. Olivier, never the one to pass on invitation had been too happy to accept.

Ballini knew she would be returning to Olivier again for their designs and she was happy that Peter had mediated the few conflicts between them.