Regalia
Marisol Vega

45
They met at Parsons School of Design, sketchpads always spilling over with ideas, fingers ink-stained, debating late into the night over form versus drama, texture versus concept. Leela remembered Marisolโs quick wit, the way she could turn a critique into a joke, and how her sketches seemed to breathe with life. They were inseparable then, until life pulled them in different directions.
Years passed. Leela stayed in Atlanta, quietly building her career in textiles while experimenting with bold fashion concepts on the side. Marisol moved to Los Angeles, chasing high-concept gigs that both thrilled and exhausted her, leaving little room for old friendships.
One evening, while scrolling through Instagram, Leela paused. There it wasโMarisol, in a photo from last yearโs REGALIA Fashion Expo, a dark, layered gown that hadnโt won, the caption hinting at her disappointment. Leela commented: โYou know whatโs missingโฆ that cape you made in Ms. Faulknerโs class.โ
A moment later, the reply appeared: โLeela?!โ
The single word carried surprise, nostalgia, and relief all at once. Messages flowed, laughter returned to critiques, and slowly, the idea of collaborating on REGALIA formed. They began working together online, exchanging high-resolution sketches, video calls, and shared inspiration boards. Weeks of digital back-and-forth built the foundationโMarisolโs dramatic gothic cuts paired with Leelaโs intricate textile patterns.
Then, a week before REGALIA, Leela arrived unexpectedly at Marisolโs Los Angeles studio, suitcase in tow. โThought Iโd help you finish this in person,โ she said, dropping her bag by the door. Marisol blinked, stunned for a moment, then laughed, tension breaking. Together, they dove into the final piecesโhands running over velvet, lace, and leather, adjustments made in real time, critiques shouted over the hum of sewing machines.
As Marisol boards the plane, Leela hugged her goodbye. โGo break some legs.โ