Runway models.
They're the models who shine at fashion shows.
I'm Chiyuki Fujito.
This is my story of becoming a top model.
And...
"Mille Neige Modeling Agency" "8 Years Ago"
What? Another growth spurt, Chiyuki?
Yup! Now I'm 158 cm!
"Chiyuki Fujito 10 years old" That's tall for a fourth grader!
Hey, Shizuku.
To walk at Paris Fashion Week, how tall would I need to be?
Well, I'd say you'd need to be at least 175 cm.
175 cm!
Since I'm 158 cm now...
I need 20 cm more, right Shizuku?
Shizuku's the first model from Mille Neige,
my dad's modeling agency,
to walk the runway in Paris Fashion Week.
I hold an intense adoration for this celebration of fashion
where participation is exclusive to top models.
I wanna be in Paris Fashion Week, too!
Grow at least 20 cm more, okay?
The President must be so proud.
His own daughter has what it takes to represent his company.
At this rate, she'll grow to be 180 cm.
It all comes down to height when you're a runway model.
Chiyuki.
Dad!
Hey, I got a job for you.
Paris Fashion Week?!
Of course not.
What?
Well it's gonna happen soon, okay?!
I know it!
Yeah, it will.
But it turns out...
I never grew another centimeter after that.
"Height" "Greatest Model"
Shizuku! Could I be in Paris Fashion Week?
Dad! I want to be in Paris Fashion Week!
Chiyuki, I'm going to be direct.
With that height, you can't go to Paris.
And if you keep this up...
Who said it was impossible?!
I'll fire you.
Two years ago,
I was fired by my dad.
"Episode 1 This Is Your Story"
Come on, Chiyuki.
"Mille Neige Audition" Remember what I told you at the last audition?
And the one before that and the one before that?
"Paris Fashion Week, here we come!"
I said, "Don't come back."
You've got a lot of nerve to show up like this.
Oh, yeah? You're only here because you want to retire early with a stable income.
What?!
You're fired! Now get out!
It's okay, Shizuku.
So, Chiyuki.
What's with that outfit?
It's the outfit you wore at Paris Fashion Week.
I'll pass if this looks good on me, right?
Are you kidding me with those heels?
There's nothing more hideous than wearing heels to cheat your height.
There are plenty of models out there who look good in clothes.
Runway models don't showcase themselves. They showcase the clothes.
That's why you need that height.
Those proportions.
We're not a big agency that can pull strings.
I'm afraid there's no hope for you. You just don't have the height.
Chiyuki, it's impossible.
Please just give up.
"Dressing Room"
Chiyuki.
Thought you might be interested.
I gathered audition paperwork for other agencies.
You've got the looks. I bet you'll--
Takahashi.
Don't worry about me.
I'll be back! Tell Shizuku for me.
My dream isn't just to appear in Paris Fashion Week.
I'm not giving up.
If you haven't submitted your post-graduation plans yet,
make sure you give it to Fujito, today's teacher's assistant.
Fujito, collect them and get them to me after class, okay?
Will do!
"Post-Graduation Plans Chiyuki Fujito First Choice: Supermodel"
Whoa!
You've got a glamorous future ahead!
You'll make your father proud!
Chiyuki, eventually you could take over as president!
No thank you!
Why not?
Well, you're already a model, aren't you?
Oh, you're right.
"Post-Graduation Plans Chiyuki Fujito First Choice: Hypermodel"
I'm gonna be a hypermodel!
Wow!
Miss Fujito.
Yes?
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt.
The post-graduation plans I just submitted...
Oh... What was your name...?
Chiyuki, he's your classmate. So... What was your name again?
Hey.
It's Tsumura... Ikuto Tsumura.
Oh, you're the bean sprouts guy!
Bean sprouts?
Remember? Everyone teased him for bringing
plain bean sprouts with rice for lunch on sports day?
Ah, how does everyone know about that?!
Oh... Are you poor or something?
Chiyuki, rude much?
So, what's up?
Right, about that...
I wanted to rewrite my plan, if that's okay.
I-I'll bring it right back!
Sure. Sounds good.
Okay, great.
Thanks so much!
Could we stop by the library?
Sure thing!
One, two! One, two! One, two!
He said he'd be right back!
Hey, about that Tsumura guy...
Tsumura? Who's that?
Remember this morning?
That unfortunate guy with the bob?
Oh, right.
Any idea where he could be?
Hmm... Probably...
Oh, yeah!
"Dressmaking Room"
Is this it?
Never knew we had a handicraft club.
Excuse me.
Whoa! M-Miss Fujito?!
Your post-grad plans?
Ah... S-Sorry!
He didn't even change anything.
So sorry! Please forgive me. I'm very sorry.
Hey! That's the Paris Fashion Week DVD!
Why do you have this?
Why...? My advisor lent it to me...
And it's the one Shizuku's featured in!
She's so beautiful...
Tsumura, what were you doing watching this?
Oh... I'm trying to recreate the same outfit by watching it.
How so?
I'm working with what we have here!
There's no money to buy fabric
so I'm just recycling old clothes that were donated.
Hey, he's pretty interesting.
Hey, Tsumura.
Yes...?
Do you think I'll look good in this outfit?
What? Y-You're a model, Miss Fujito. You'll look good in anything.
I know, right?
Vain, much?
Do you have anything better for me?
For you? Well...
L-Let me go check in the closet!
Whoa... Did you really make all of these?
Yes, I did. Since I'm the only club member...
Miss Fujito, what do you think of this one?
Are you trying to piss me off?
Hey! Explain to me why you chose this one.
I-I'm sorry. It's just that you always speak your mind
and you're way more manly than I--
Hey, why don't you finish that thought?
But let's see...
For you, Miss Fujito, we want to find the right balance
with your masculine spirit and feminine appearance...
That means we cut the sleeves, lengthen it...
Did he really just call me masculine?
But taking a closer look...
You can tell he took it apart and sewed it back together many times.
He didn't have enough fabric here.
Making clothes must be his passion.
You should be one.
What?
A fashion designer.
Oh, there's no way I could do that.
That's not what I want to do anyway.
Really? You sure about that?
I saw that you wrote "Tokyo Designer Fashion School"...
But you erased it.
Miss Fujito...
Do you think I could be a fashion designer with only a high school diploma?
See? You do.
But I don't think that's possible.
All the designers I know went to college for it.
Even my dad's company only accepts new grads
from professional school or college.
So, yeah, the designer industry is surprisingly tough.
Right... I knew that...
I'm assuming you have financial reasons that are preventing you to go, right?
Why don't you look into getting a scholarship?
I have three younger sisters.
One's super smart.
One's a talented volleyball player.
The youngest is so far apart in age, she's just too darn cute.
But one refuses to go even though she could get into any college she wants.
The other one rejected an offer from a top-ranking school
because it would be too expensive.
As for the youngest, she's only five years old.
I want her to dream big.
All of this.
All of this will resolve once I get a job this year.
So...
That's why I'm not going to college.
I just don't want to.
Ah, I see.
Tsumura's in the same boat as me.
We both have circumstances
that prevent us from fulfilling our dreams.
But that's not a reason to quit...
What?
It's impossible.
You can't go to Paris.
But I don't think that's possible.
What did I say...?
No... Not possible...? Who said that?
Tsumura... Or did I...?
Miss Fujito.
Thanks to what you said earlier, I feel more determined now.
Huh...? Miss Fujito?
What...?
How could I, of all people, say that something's impossible?
"Mille Neige Audition"
Chiyuki, it's time to give up now.
Failed... again.
"ModelT.T Fashion Fashion Model/Talent Application Form"
You're accepted.
You'll be working with us starting tomorrow.
R-Really...?
Yes. Here's the contract. Fill it out and bring it to us next time.
I knew it. It is possible.
I've got the potential.
I passed an audition for a major agency, just like that!
If that's not potential, I don't know what is!
I've got this.
Fujito, we need to talk.
I need an explanation.
What do you mean by supermodel and hypermodel...?
A supermodel is a model who appears in Paris Fashion Week.
That's not exactly common sense, you know?
What about a hypermodel?
A hypermodel...
A hypermodel is a model from Mille Neige, my dad's agency, who goes
and gets featured in Paris.
--The Mille Neige model who goes to Paris... The Mille Neige model who goes to Paris... --What... What...?
I'm going to be the Mille Neige model who goes to Paris!
Nothing's going to stop me now!
I'm going to do everything I can!
Thanks so much!
I made up my mind!
What...?
Runway models don't showcase themselves. They showcase the clothes.
That's why you need that height. Those proportions.
I just have to wear the outfit and look amazing, that's all.
Tsumura!
Huh? M-Miss Fujito?
What's the matter?
Hey!
I'll give you all my clothes I don't wear!
Just make me look amazing!
What...?
Smile down the runway.
"Hayasaka General Hospital"
Wow, you're making clothes for a model?
Yup. We're in the same class...
Oh? Don't tell me. Ikuto, is she your girlfriend?
S-She's not!
Then why are you so embarrassed?
It's not like that at all. We've never really talked until today.
Well.
Your clothes have the magic that can make anyone happy, Ikuto.
This one's going to turn out wonderful, too.
Thanks.
I'm back!
Hey, Iku's back! We missed you!
Hey. Why did you make me a skirt? I told you I need something
that's easy to move around in!
Check again, that's actually a skort.
--Be nice! --Oh... But that's not the point!
Ouch! Cut it out, Aoi.
Be nice! Ao, if you don't want it, Ichika will take it!
Hey Ikuto. Did you already submit your post-graduation plans?
Oh. Yeah, I did...
Ao, give it to Ichika!
It's too big on you, Ichika.
Give it to me!
So, what did you write?
"F-Find employment."
Hey Ikuto...
You don't have to do that if you don't want to.
It's not like that, Honoka.
That's what I want to do. To find a job.
But... You have a passion... You're holding back...
You don't have to do everything like Mom.
Iku!
Ao, Noka, Ichika and Mom... We're all your customers, Iku!
That means you're our favorite dressmaker!
You're always gonna be our favorite dressmaker!
That's right. And also...
I could do what I want and still be working.
Like that time at my part-time job...
The newspaper distributor?
Yup. I made the owner's son a suit for his entrance ceremony.
They were so happy with it.
"Entrance Ceremony"
My clothes make people happy, what more could I ask for?
But...
That's not the point.
Thanks, Honoka. But I'm happy with my decision.
"Audition List"
Thank you very much.
Think Chiyuki will show up today?
Who knows.
I always wondered...
Why haven't we banned her yet?
The President told her to do what she wants.
She's the type who won't give up unless she wants to.
So it's our job to keep on telling her that she has no talent.
That's a tough role.
It's nothing compared to what Chiyuki's going through.
S-She's here...
Must be Chiyuki. Sure, let her in.
There's nothing more painful than pursuing a hopeless dream.
Chiyuki, that's why...
I'm going to tell you repeatedly...
That you don't have...
...what it takes...
What is... that look?
Oh, no. It's weird, isn't it?
No, I mean...
Shizuku, I'm not going to give up.
My dad started a modeling agency...
Seeing Shizuku walk at Paris Fashion Week...
I've dedicated my whole life to following this dream.
That's why...
If I give up now, I won't be myself!
You're going to pursue a hopeless dream for the rest of your life...?
I'll make it a reality! I've got the rest of my life!
You're being ridiculous.
A 158 cm Paris Fashion Week model...
There's no way.
There's no way, but...
For a moment...
I saw a glimpse of Paris...
One percent...
I just saw a one percent chance.
Come to the back later. I'll explain our contract.
Mille Neige is as old as you, Chiyuki.
It was established the year you were born.
I always wanted a French name for my company
and I named it after the most precious thing in my life.
"Mille" and "neige."
Chiyuki... It's your name.
"Thousand Snow"
That's right.
My dream isn't just to appear in Paris Fashion Week.
I want to be there to represent my dad's company, Mille Neige.
All right, we're all set.
I'm sure you know, but you're only allowed
to accept work approved through us from here on out.
That's strictly enforced.
Yikes!
What?
It happened before this, so it doesn't count!
What did you do?
A street snap...
Ah, where fashion magazines feature amateurs...
Handle yourself like a professional. Don't bother with that anymore.
It's been a while since I felt that kind of attention...
Where did it happen?
Downstairs by the agency, right in front of Dad's store.
I wanted to find something that went with my outfit.
What do you mean? Didn't you buy everything at Mille Neige?
What?! O-Oh, yeah. You're right.
I can't say that this outfit was made by an amateur!
Your outfit is so cute! Where is it from?
Huh? Oh... Um...
I'm going to be a hypermodel!
I can't say that it's handmade by a friend...
At Mille Neige, right around the corner!
"The Spring look from up-and-coming brand 'Mille Neige'"
Sara, you're up next.
"I love this style!"
"Sara Model 3,913,965 followers"
Oh, that's cute.
Don't you love this?
Love it.
Super cute!
Chiyuki looks great here.
Hey, it's Chiyuki!
We're checking right now.
What is going on?
It's this. There's a rush of customers contacting us about it.
How should we handle this, President?
Regarding that matter...
Let me go talk to Chiyuki.
Yes! This is the Tsumura Dress Shop!
Cut that out, Ichika!
Who's Fujito? Is she your girlfriend, Iku?
What?
I'm sorry for the sudden call, Tsumura.
I'm Kenji Fujito, company president of Mille Neige.
It's a pleasure.
Y-Yes! Um... How can I help...?
I'm sure you heard the gist of it from Chiyuki.
So, I'll get right to the point.
I want you to sell me the design you made for Chiyuki.
What...?
I apologize for how this turned out.
Our company got all the credit and recognition for your creation.
N-No... It's nothing, really...
I called you here to talk about an official launch of that design.
O-Of course! As you wish.
Thanks.
I know.
And one more thing.
Y-Yes!
I'm just putting this out there, but...
--We just lost a designer and I need one for a project coming up.
--That gaze... --We just lost a designer and I need one for a project coming up.
It's the same gaze I felt when I was young.
So, what do you say? Do you want to work for us as a designer?
As if he's gazing at a rough diamond...
"Chiyuki Fujito"
That's right.
I'm Chiyuki Fujito. This is my story of becoming a top model.
And...
"Ikuto Tsumura" I'm Ikuto Tsumura.
Designers are the true stars of the fashion industry.
That goes for this project, too.
I understand this can be intimidating since it's your first time.
But you have the liberty to create what you want.
That said...
The star of this project, this story, is you, Ikuto Tsumura.
And I'm Ikuto Tsumura.
This is my story of becoming a fashion designer.
Clothes can transform a person.
That's why I want to make them.
I want to be a professional designer.
Next episode, "The Professional World."
"See you next time!!"