But of course. Why didn’t I think of it before? I should do a line of bags. A woman’s bag is one of the most personal accessories, because it contains the things she can’t do without. I think of my Balenciaga. Part of what makes it so special is what it represents—my love for fashion and meeting Alex. I want to design bags that can be meaningful to others. I want them to have that experience of finding the perfect bag for the exact moment of life they’re in.

And suddenly, I can see it—a line of bags, each inspired by a key moment in my life. My childhood in New York. Being scouted and moving to Korea. The trainee years. Girls Forever’s first tour… Of course, the designs can’t be too literal—I need my line to appeal to everyone, not just me! But I hope anchoring the collection with these personal memories will help me bring the full force of my creative passion to the project. And then, maybe someday, a girl will walk by a window and see one of my bags on display, and have her own transformative experience. And the bag will take on her memories and experiences.

I immediately rush to my current bag (an old Chloé Faye bag I decided to bring to the shoot today, not wanting to risk leaving the Balenciaga unattended), where it’s resting on a makeup chair in the corner. I grab my phone and text Alex, asking if he’d be willing to pass along the contact info for some of his connections in the fashion accessory space.

Alex: Sure, I can set you up with some names. So did you land on a direction for your line?

Me: YES! I finally have the idea. THE IDEA.

Alex: Awesome!! Is it snow boots for cats? Please tell me it’s snow boots for cats

Me: lol. I’ll FaceTime you when I get home. Thank you again for the contacts!!

Alex: Happy to help xx

“Hello, girls,” Mr. Han says, stepping into the greenroom just as I stash my phone away. We all call out hellos back. His eyes find me. “Ah, Rachel—just the person I was looking for.” He strides over to me and pats me on the back. “I wanted to let you know that we finished drawing up your contract in regards to your fashion line. It should be in your inbox by the end of the day today.”

“Thank you!” I say. “As soon as I see it, I’ll get on reviewing and signing it.”

“Perfect—oh, Youngeun, I wanted to talk to you too,” he says, beckoning her over.

“Yes, Mr. Han?” she says, sounding hopeful.