Original subtitles

I'll be ready shortly, my darling sister.

Do you want me to hand this over to you?

No, I could probably just send that over to grandma to wear.

I have my own dress.

Maman isn't always wrong, you know.

I know that, but neither am I.

Your Highness, I'm not sure what's more beautiful, the dress or the tourmalines you're wearing.

After three days of discussing rock and dirt, I wanted to wear something more rock and roll.

Tell me, is it true your palace Christmas tree has tourmaline ornaments?

My mother insists that the staff decorate the tree, but my sister and I love admiring the completed spectacle.

Well, contracts are signed.

We both know that your superiors are more interested in the new vein of black tourmalines for its use in modulating electromagnetic fields.

My superiors underestimated you.

Happens on occasion.

Here's to a true negotiation.

Everyone's happy.

Well, let's celebrate.

Let's rock around the Christmas tree.

I am so sorry.

Of course, there's no keeping this to ourselves.

I was this close to not having an incident.

And what's worse, my mother will blame the dress.

Cheers.

Cheers.

I'm enjoying the party.

Good.

You've made St. Carol's around the piano cool again.

Well, I do think you contributed to that yourself.

Possibly.

Come with me.

I haven't helped decorate the tree yet.

So, what's the charity your upcoming show is for?

The charity is Vald in Arts.

They promote art and children's education.

Sounds like a very good cause.

And an exclusive Christmas Eve runway show.

That's big time.

I get it.

You don't want to talk about the line itself, but...

But you'll walk it.

You're top of our list.

Maya will reach out tomorrow.

But since you're wearing one of my dresses,

it seems you're also seeking work from someone else.

Gotta stay current and keep everyone on their toes.

With my former assistant's work from his debut solo line,

which Fashion World said contained...

Sparks of genius.

Which anyone with an eye could tell reward from your genius.

Which is why you'll always be at the top of my list.

You're the real thing.

Classic.

Don't worry.

You'll find your spark again.

Well, who says I lost it?

Ah, good morning.

Apparently I've lost my spark.

And before you argue, I'm sure our sales reports say the same thing.

What I was going to say is that this is common.

You'll get it back.

How?

It feels like my creative process has flown south for the winter

or, I don't know, been pushed out on an ice flow.

Talent is a muscle.

You use it or you lose it.

Pity party for one?

I understand your frustration, but running your own studio

is still using your creative talent.

It just feels like all busy work lately.

Bureaucratic design meetings or jumping through hoops for department store buyers.

All of which I thought I could avoid by opening my own studio.

I thought it was about avoiding someone telling you their vision

rather than you telling your team yours.

Yeah, my vision.

You have a good company and you are a good leader.

We're all here because of your creative process, so try using it now.

If you don't like your design, meetings, revise them.

See what you did there, but what I need is inspiration and time.

So unless you can add more hours to the day.

Add more hours to the day, consider it done.

How?

I'll hire another assistant.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

So we have been over this?

We will focus on finding one with administrative skills,

not someone whose vision and career you will nurture.

For now, it's all about nurturing your vision.

You can delegate more and voila, more hours in the day.

Hmm.

Speaking of, which meeting is this?

Jumping through hoops for buyers.

The gala organizer is asking for preview pics of the line.

Is there anything you feel is fit to send?

Uh, no.

Is it this more comfortable than that stuffy dining room?

Oh, by the way, be on the lookout.

We have a special delivery coming there.

Should I be worried?

I'll give you a hint.

It's triangular.

It smells like the forest, and we're going to hang ornaments on it.

But the staff already decorated the trees per Mamo's instructions.

Would it possibly hurt having an additional, more personal tree in our own hotel suite?

Well, it hurts since it's outside of the approved schedule.

She's going to be mad.

Well, she's already going to be mad.

So I thought kill two birds with...

There we are.

And three, two, one...

Good morning, Mama.

So nice of you to join us for breakfast.

What on earth were you wearing?

I knew you'd blame the dress.

But come on, wasn't it spectacular?

Just think of the headlines.

Oh, yes, the headlines.

Princess makes a splash.

Must you be so dramatic?

I must insist that you follow the approved schedule and directions.

I'm going to be out of town for the next few days.

So you are going to be in charge of every last detail of the Christmas Eve charity gala.

I'm counting on you.

The foundation is counting on you.

Well, that's perfect since we already nailed down all of the details.

We're actually ahead of the approved schedule.

Subterfuge.

Adriana has her UN meetings, but I am taking the day off.

That is incorrect.

The details are not nailed down.

The designer has failed to send him the preview pics of the gala fashion show for my approval.

I suggest, since you have this luxury of time, that you fire him.

Kind of replacement.

Wilson James is our designer.

One does not fire Wilson James.

In fact, Wilson James doesn't ask for approval on anything.

Perfect.

You'll have a lot to talk about.

After you fire him.

Hmm?

One of these days, you're going to have to pick your battles.

Why choose one when they're all my favorites?

She is giving you an excuse to go and talk to one of your fashion heroes.

And you're dragging your feet just to defy her.

Per usual, you're a flawless diplomat.

So, are you going to fire him?

No.

I'll secure some preview pics, even if it has to be on my phone, so Mama can relax.

Even though preview pics takes all the fun out of everything.

Maybe some subtle flattery without trying too hard.

Well, it does look fetching.

Mama is strict, but she loves us.

Of course she does.

She just wishes that we were born in reverse order.

If you were second in line, you would crush it.

Can you imagine what I would get away with if I were the spare?

It is so wasted on you.

You know, you don't give yourself enough credit.

I make it work.

It's just not a passion.

Like fashion design.

Your sketches are becoming more and more skilled.

I know you've been dropping in on the occasional class.

Well, at least that's what your phone location tracker says.

I decided long ago that I'm going to look at it this way.

I'm lucky.

Fashion gets to be a hobby.

Just for fun.

Last night's dress.

That was your design, wasn't it?

A designer never tells.

I don't think that's a saying.

It was a vintage vine with some custom alterations.

Now, I will be turning my tracker app off now.

And then I will deal with the whole Wilson James issue.

And then I'm going to be enjoying my day off in the city.

And that is all I will be telling you.

I'm giving you the gift so my mom won't be able to grill you about my whereabouts.

Have you called your driver yet?

No.

I downloaded a ride cheering up.

I'm going to travel like a New Yorker today.

Good news.

Hmm?

Your new assistant arrives today.

I don't remember agreeing to that.

We agreed that you needed more hours in the day.

She seems very capable.

She's worked with plenty of artists of your stature.

All administrative type duties.

Her name is Adele.

Great.

Fine.

When are new fabrics coming in?

I remember ordering one that would make this sheath dress absolutely crunch.

Um, they should be here by now.

Let me go check.

No, no.

I'll do it.

Maybe it'll remind me of my assistant days and shake some inspiration loose.

Crunch.

Crunch.

Crunch.

Crunch.

Crunch.

Crunch.

Crunch.

Crunch.

Crunch.

Crunch.

Stephen, take these three and lay them out for me, okay?

Uh, excuse me. Hi. Hi. Hello.

Why don't this elevate even a simple sheath to a whole new standard?

I'm sorry, who are you? What are you doing here?

I'm, uh...

My name is...

Adele. You must be Adele. My hired you, right?

Yes, um, I'm Adele.

Wilson James. Nice to meet you.

Wilson James?

You're a toddler than I thought you'd be.

Okay, grab this rack and follow me.

Okay, uh, you just hang out here, all right?

Guess who's here?

Adele.

Wait, she's here already? She's early.

Yeah, and certainly not administrative.

She was practically wrapping herself in fabric all starry-eyed.

Look, she's carrying a leather-bound portfolio.

How much do you want to bet that's her lookbook?

I'm sorry. People can be sneaky.

Let me put up another search.

I'll make sure that we met the Wilson James.

She's wearing one of my shirts.

Yeah, that's a 2013.

Now that was a good line.

But it was!

What she's coming up with is...

It's not bad.

Something.

Watching her kind of reminds me of...

Me?

Just back from Paris?

Bold.

Unapologetic.

Having vision?

No.

Hold that there.

Pin that there for me tight.

Wilson James Studio.

Wait, did you just say this is Adele?

Uh...

Yeah, that train has been unreliable lately.

Um...

You know what, Adele?

Change of plans.

Why don't we have you start after the holidays?

Yeah, something just got, uh...

Shaken up here.

Yes, sure, of course.

I'll be sure to reach out with her if I start date.

Yeah, sure.

Yeah.

We can go to this place

If we can take it down

Well, these aren't bad.

Wilson.

Easy.

You see it too, don't you?

Do any of these say Wilson James to you?

Are you talking to me?

Because, yeah.

Wilson James from three years ago.

Not bad necessarily, just...

It's dated.

That's exactly what it is.

It's a rerun.

What do you think of her look?

Oh.

Not bad.

Where are your pants from?

Uh, Eva De Leon, fall 2000 and...

2018.

2018.

And your shirt?

Wilson James, prie de porte.

Wilson doesn't do ready-to-wear.

Actually, yes.

2015.

You say that like you're experimenting in college.

Paris.

Where is Paris?

But a ready-to-wear line?

We generated the funds to start this studio and never do another one.

It is my favorite top.

She's intermixed pieces that creates a look that's timeless yet fresh.

You know, there's timeless and then there's...

Dated and I don't want dated.

I don't even want what's today.

I want what's next.

I want what's next.

Are you a spy?

Perhaps stealing creative kernels for Dakari?

Or someone else?

No, of course not.

At least I don't think so.

I know you're not Adele, the new assistant.

I hire everyone here and I did not hire you.

I was outside with the fabrics and I fell and I was just getting up from...

And then I...

Wait, why were you getting up?

I was knocked to the ground and I think I hit my head.

I definitely have a sore spot.

So you just arrived or...

Look, I know something's not quite right.

I feel lost, literally.

And I earnestly thought that I was this Adele person and I just forgot.

I suppose if you're a spy, you're a really bad one.

A really good one.

Not helping yourself here.

Right.

How hard did you hit your head?

Pretty hard.

Come with me.

I just want to check in with her.

Don't do it, Momo.

Just let her have her day off.

You've already called her today, haven't you?

How many times?

Oh, just once.

Well, maybe twice.

Only three times.

What is that unsightless thing behind you?

Oh, it's a rogue Christmas tree.

I'll tuck it away, Momo.

Good.

And if you speak with Colette, let me know.

Thank you for this.

I couldn't turn you away at Christmas.

Yes.

Plus, you'll get to meet my daughter and...

The more the merrier.

Too quiet.

Very suspicious.

Hello?

I'm home.

Let's get you settled.

Okay.

Here you go.

Zoe.

Zoe.

Zoe.

Zoe.

Zoe.

Zoe.

Aurora, come out, come out.

Wherever you are, we have company.

Good evening, Mom.

How's your day at work?

This little rascal is my daughter, Aurora.

Hello.

And down the hall is her au pair, Zoe.

We are playing hide-and-seek, but sometimes Zoe forgets to seek.

Well, how else will she ever find a moment of peace?

So what's your name?

Uh, I guess we should stick with Adele.

You mean she doesn't have a name?

Well, I'm sure I do have one, but according to the MRI at the hospital, I have amnesia from a slight concussion, so I don't really remember.

I'm sure we'll find out soon.

The doctor said she shouldn't be alone, so while the appropriate authorities are doing what they can, Adele will be staying with us and helping out at Uncle Wilson's studio.

But for now, we are keeping her amnesia to ourselves.

Not even Uncle Wilson.

Oh, especially not Uncle Wilson.

But now Adele is simply our guest.

Is it a Christmas secret?

That's exactly what it is.

Isn't Christmas the best?

Absolutely.

All right, now go find Zoe while I get Adele settled.

I'll go find her, but that's not how the game is played.

Zoe!

Okay, let me show you.

I use this closet for extra storage, so among other things, it's actually full of clothes.

Mostly Wilson's designs, of course, but I'll see what else I can dig up for you.

Wow.

Oh, my gosh.

Now this feels like Christmas.

Oh, my gosh.

Good morning, Mama.

I've been trying to call her, too.

Yes, I checked.

I am in her room right now.

She is not.

Well, I don't actually know where she is.

I'm not trying to cover for her.

Well, of course I worry.

Maybe if you didn't egg her on.

Oh, you know what I mean.

I promise.

I'll do it.

Come in.

I thought morning might feel a little odd.

Here, this helps.

I'm here because we have work to do.

So, since we're your adopted family for Christmas, we need to get you a stocking, a special ornament for the tree like we all have, and, oh, maybe one that says Adele's first Christmas.

Oh, she's not a baby.

Then we can make an ornament.

Oh, speaking of making, we need to get the ingredients for your favorite holiday cookie.

Do you remember your favorite holiday cookie?

Better if you don't.

Then we get to try a bunch and see what you like.

I like the way you think.

I'll go make a list.

Okay.

Is it strange that I'm not sure I want to be found?

You must miss your own family on some level.

Well, I do feel this vague sense that things aren't quite what they're supposed to be, but strangely comforting.

What I can't seem to figure out is I can't remember my own name, but I can remember, you know, years of fashion history and 15 years of Wilson's designs, and I can do a mean backstitch.

Well, perhaps your brain can't recover facts, but it hangs on to gut instincts and passions.

Or maybe that's just what the movies tell me.

Hello.

I bought a box of pastries, and I can't be left alone with them.

Oh, hello.

It's Adele, my new assistant.

Adele had a long commute all the way to Staten Island, and it was late and cold, so I thought, why not just let her stay here?

In fact, maybe she should stay here all the way through the gala.

That way, wasted hours can turn into productive ones.

Okay.

Hey, I thought you said you were getting a real tree.

This is not a tree.

This is artificial shrubbery.

Don't knock my tree.

That was the first one Scott and I got when we couldn't afford more.

Plus, we're normally not here for the holidays.

It just lives in Aurora's room.

I know.

It is all my fault.

We're not going to Mom and Dad's.

I should never have taken this gala.

I talked you into it.

That's right.

You did talk me into taking the gala.

It's all your fault.

You should stay for breakfast.

Uncle Wilson!

Oh, there is my favorite girl.

Guess what?

I brought you a box of pearl chocolate.

Can you read off the Christmas plates?

It's a bit early, but sure.

Grab four.

Everything tastes better off the Christmas plates.

I would use them all year long.

If Mom laughs.

So, Adele, tell me, where did you study?

You're clearly educated and skilled in fashion.

I picked up skills, you know, here and there and everywhere and then sort of just, you know, piece them together.

Yeah, I get that.

I'm sure you know I'd bounce around a bit myself.

I found it more freeing that way.

Besides, the best school isn't actually school at all.

It's the endless practice out in the real world.

Exactly.

So, you really don't want your brother knowing I have amnesia.

I'm not sure what it would hurt if I did.

I think it's best we keep this secret, just for now.

I'm afraid he wouldn't trust either of us if he knew we did this little Adele switch.

I suppose I can understand that.

This show that's coming up on Christmas Eve, it's huge, completely sold out.

I think it is a perfect opportunity for him to bounce back, to reclaim his prestige and vision.

I don't want to do anything to jinx it.

Okay.

I have a feeling that your energy may lend well to a spark.

Just don't.

Well, you have helped me a lot and you do know your brother best.

I trust your judgment.

Good.

Thanks.

We'll certainly have to rush order some of these.

Every idea that doesn't work only worsens the time crunch to find something that does.

I apologize.

This is more of a personal assistant task, but I need you to go to the Christmas craft fair and pick up some gifts.

There's some instructions there.

Aurora something Christmassy, Maya something purple.

Yeah.

Yeah.

If I may speak at a turn, I have an idea.

You're sitting here struggling for inspiration, looking at old reviews, trying to muster up ideas for a gala that takes place on Christmas Eve.

And yet you're passing up possibly the most inspiring Christmas activity of them all?

Also, if you focus for too long, you exhaust your brain.

You should do this.

Uh, no.

No, I am not a procrastinator.

Is that so?

Okay.

I feel like you have your pick.

At a place like this, there is literally design inspiration everywhere.

Or you can let your mind drift.

Okay, which one should I go for?

Check out this pattern.

Check out that stitching.

Coco Chanel can have demanded better.

So everything is fashion for you.

You're the one that brought up the design.

Yeah, but can you see what it is?

It's Christmas dreams.

You're right.

It's actually quite stunning.

Oh, look.

Christmas dream task.

Ah.

So, this is the supposed mindless activity.

Nothing to do with fashion here.

I don't know about that.

I plan to win with style.

Ooh, not as easy as it looks.

You better.

At least mine hit the tree.

I suppose that counts for something.

Do you want to be a knockoff or an original?

Here.

Hold my portfolio.

Right.

Because it's worth the portfolio.

Did you see that?

Okay.

Okay.

Here.

Hold my portfolio.

Do we both win a prize?

I'll take that one.

I'll take that one.

Everything okay?

Just a bit of a headache.

Probably just hungry.

Follow me.

All right.

We can head back now.

No one is fainting on my watch.

Please.

Eat.

Save me the disgrace.

I'll take one for the teens.

It does look delicious.

Well, if you're going to keep traipsing around with that portfolio,

you might as well let me have a look.

I thought we were trying to prevent me from feeling woozy.

Well?

This one looks like you threw everything at it to see what sticks.

Don't think about how to decorate the dress.

Think about how to use the dress to decorate the client.

This one's playful.

It pushes the limits.

It's a bit avant-garde.

It would be photographed beautifully, but ultimately it's unwearable.

All this to say, none of this is really giving me a sense of who you are as a designer.

But no argument, would you remark?

No, what you're saying feels accurate.

It's just, I don't know what to do with it.

Well, figure out who your client is, and more importantly, figure out who you are as a designer.

Yeah.

It might be easier said than done.

Now, the hardest part is remembering who you are when every buyer, reviewer,

basically anyone with an opinion in a blog post tries to tell you different.

In the end, it's clear you have vision.

Come on.

Come on.

Anywhere I can help?

It's just, it's the magnitude of this thing.

Wow, right?

You okay?

Yeah, yeah.

I just...

Hey, Dabu.

This all sounds amazing.

What a coveted opportunity for the designer, and they chose you.

Yeah.

It's flattering.

Flattering indeed.

But I should have thought it through more before accepting.

An exclusive line like this isn't like Fashion Week, where there's a bunch of other designers to draw some of the spotlight.

This is all me.

Wonderful if it hits, but catastrophic if it doesn't.

Well, of course you'll hit.

Yesterday's looks aside, I was hoping that after the gala, I could market something to the ski weekend mountain chalet crowd.

Okay, well, what did you say to me yesterday?

Figure out the client and figure out what they want.

So, in this scenario, the charity foundation is your client, right?

I'm not so sure they're going to like ski weekend looks.

So, what do we have to tell us what they want?

It's not simple.

It's this flyer.

And it doesn't say Wilson James line, but rather a Wilson James Christmas line.

Designers don't do Christmas lines.

That's not actually a thing.

I'm sure Christmas just corresponds to the timing of the event.

No, look how everything's described.

Choir singing Christmas carols, a silent auction full of Christmas treasures, and on and on,

culminating in an exclusive runway show featuring a Wilson James Christmas line.

The way I see it is, if you don't do Christmas, you'll literally be clashing, and not in your usual brazen, rebel-of-fashion way.

Well, maybe they just need a new copywriter.

No.

The royals do not make mistakes, believe me.

I guarantee that every word was meticulously placed.

It's a royal emblem for Valdemburg Brunk.

It looks like it's their foundation.

How do you know this?

I don't know.

I guess I just do.

I took a lot of European studies classes.

Well, if that's the case, then what even is a Christmas line?

I have no idea.

But I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Okay, so, um, yeah, here.

You'll need one of these.

This, some tape, cushion, swap.

And paper.

Great.

Also, let's...

There you go.

Great.

You called?

Yes.

I've decided that I need a little more design assistance, so I'm setting Adele up here with workstation.

So, less administrative.

Hmm.

That is great news.

Also, I'm considering a Christmas line for the gala.

Okay, so just incorporating more red and green, or...

No, it's going to need a little more than that.

Much more.

What is a Christmas line?

Well, that is the question of the day, and I haven't quite figured that out yet, but we are going to give it a go.

Don't you think it's just a little too close to the gala to be giving things a go?

Well, it's either that, creative paralysis, or...

Since nobody's done it yet, you get to say what a Christmas line is.

You get to define it.

How often do you get to do that?

I suppose my only concern would be David's fire.

Well, that's why you're going to work your magic and keep them that big.

Besides, when they see what we come up with, they won't be able to say no.

Hmm.

Okay.

Okay.

I think it's a mistake to think of the royal patrons as out of touch.

We can't just give them a ski resort line and call it Christmas.

Not even if I make it red and green, add a nice red hat with a fluffy white trim.

You joking shows you're still distancing yourself from the idea.

You're right.

Besides, it's not like I'm marketing this to the North Pole.

What if we use existing work and then embrace patterns?

Joyous, festive patterns.

I don't know.

You have a good eye.

What do you think?

You think I have a good eye?

You know you have a good eye.

And we are in a deadline, so this is no time for modesty.

Come on.

Let's keep it rolling.

Well, I think we've been pinning Christmas onto the design, applying it.

But Wilson James 101 says that we should be making it into an experience.

Right?

Grab your coat.

I have a research idea.

Do you even know where you're going?

Of course I know where I'm going.

I just don't know how to get there yet.

I need a big-name department store.

But haven't we done the whole Christmas shopping inspiration angle?

It's not what we're doing.

And even if we were, we are on a deadline, all right?

No time for naysaying.

Department store, am I?

Going the right way.

Right ahead.

You know, designers for department stores don't do Christmas lines either.

No.

But the artists that create the window displays essentially do, and the whole city flocks to see them.

I'm not designing pajamas for a gal.

A hard no?

So not a hard no here?

I know the looks themselves are a little bland for your taste, but overall there's an experience, right?

It's the sweaters.

It reminds me of when my parents would drive us around looking at Christmas lights.

We'd sit in the car and sing Christmas songs, and I'd pretend I didn't like it, and then Maya would bully me into it.

Keep going, I loved it.

First fainting, now freezing, HR, whatever.

You'll be.

Douglas.

What are you doing?

I'm being inspired.

So, what would, um, what would your parents do for Christmas?

No.

Normal stuff, like.

This is normal for you?

I had to toe sparkle like a Milwaukee Christmas tree, yeah.

Well, I do need to do evening wear, and this does say royals, doesn't it?

Yeah, but Christmas isn't a red carpet.

Those other windows I wanted to crawl right into.

This one, how do we even know it's Christmas?

Right.

I suppose it needs a story to conjure up feeling.

That, that's good.

That's good.

Come on.

Are you satisfied I'm not hiding her in some closet?

I told you I'd stow it away.

I suppose I wasn't really expecting to find her.

I thought she'd outgrown such mischief.

Clearly, she hasn't.

She is now pulling an elaborate prank.

Either way, I'm here now to oversee the plans for the gala.

Just tell me what needs to be done, I'll decide where we begin.

Colette may be pulling a prank on you, but she has taken care of everything for the gala.

I'm not sure you recognize the capability of the work she does do for us.

Even if that were so, there are always last-minute disasters to resolve.

I have confirmed this morning with the charity president.

All is in order.

But there is still time for disaster, Mamo.

We can always hope.

Hey!

I'm feeling inspired!

Now, before you say anything, I think this Christmas line can really blow us up.

I just got off the phone with David's new buyer, and apparently he's heard the rumor we're doing a Christmas line,

in which case he's recommending David cancel our contract.

No, no, no, David would not do that.

He loves us.

David may love us, but he trusts his buyer,

and this new buyer is apparently less concerned with long-standing loyalty.

I feel good about what we're doing here,

and a good buyer actually sees the line first.

He called it a favor to let us know in time to do something about it.

This favor puts us in an impossible position.

Mm-hmm.

I please the charity, we lose our main distributor, no sales.

I please the buyer, we lose the show,

snub arts education, face bad press, sales will still suffer.

Yeah, that about sums it up.

Yeah, but...

I feel like I'm finally getting my spark back,

and you're telling me in order to keep this business going,

I have to extinguish it?

That is not what I am saying, but...

I don't know, I don't, I don't, I don't, I don't know what you should do.

As times like this, I wish we were back in Vermont playing trivia

where the most difficult question is hammer turkey or what type of fir tree.

Doesn't Dad always get balsam?

After much pretend deliberation.

Look, look, I will take care of this, okay?

I can't tell if this is the best research field trip ever or if you're just procrastinating.

Uh, a little bit of both, but I promise you it is for a good cause.

Oh?

I get to run around playing with color swatches while Maya has to deal with spreadsheets and numbers.

I think this whole situation is particularly hard on her,

so I am trying to find a way to add some extra Christmas spirit.

That would remind her of home.

We are looking for the balsam fir.

Doesn't Maya already have a tree?

Maya has a piece of plastic that blinks.

She will appreciate a new tree, especially a real one.

Okay.

Well, what about your family?

Do you have a favorite tree? Real? Fake?

I don't, I don't remember, actually.

Okay.

And what do they happen to be doing on Christmas now that you are taking the fashion world by storm?

By storm, huh?

You know, this small talk is textbook procrastination.

Whereas I see this as the perfect opportunity for some inspiration.

For instance, this has been the closest we've ever been to identifying the Christmas experience.

And here we are in a place that only exists for Christmas.

And you're showing love to your family, which is definitely Christmas.

And isn't that what it's all about?

Finding light in the darkness?

I think you should help us decorate this tree.

Really?

Yeah.

I don't want to impose.

You might be imposing.

And I don't think you'd hesitate, even if you were.

Well, let's go find the perfect balsam tree.

Is it straight?

Should we mess with him?

It's perfect.

You were going to mess with me, weren't you?

Would I do the house?

Luckily, Aurora has my back.

Now, where are the decorations?

Still in the closet in the guest room?

We will get those.

Why don't you go take the little tree to Aurora's room?

Yes, please.

What are you two up to?

Why do I feel like you're hiding something?

Uh, let's see.

Why would I not want you rummaging through a storage closet right around the holidays?

Go, go, go, go.

Tree coming through.

Is there really gifts in there?

I don't want to risk Wilson seeing that you actually have nothing here.

He might start putting two and two together.

Maybe it's time to tell him?

Right now, his inspiration is more important than ever.

It won't be much longer.

Okay.

Trust your instincts.

But you'd like to tell him.

It's just that I'm getting to know him.

And without my memory, is he really even getting to know me?

I keep lying to him and changing the subjects, and I just feel terrible.

Maybe it's a lie of omission, which is less bad.

You know, like, not knowing what your Christmas presents are until Christmas.

He's sharing your ideas, right?

You guys are creating together?

Well, if that's not knowing someone, I don't know what is.

Well, this can't be all the warnings there are.

Hey, you stay out of that closet, and yes, this is all that we have here.

Well, this is an unexpected obstacle.

How are we supposed to style a gala show if we can't even style a tree?

Oh, I'll be right back.

What?

What?

What?

What?

So, I was thinking the tree can be livened up with some impromptu couture galen.

That's from my first collection.

Do you even know who wore those?

Maybe the tree will wear it even better.

They were in a closet in a box.

Let's give it a second life.

Fine.

Yes.

Okay.

Mm-hmm.

Oh, my gosh.

This is genius.

Mm-hmm.

Here it is.

Here it is.

Hmm.

Next.

Yeah, cute.

I love this.

I love this.

This is genius.

That was a genius.

and finally my favorite

see what's in this thing

yeah oh the star

ready

and up we go

got it

oh great

okay

not bad

looks good

perfect

have you gotten through to david yet

uh no not yet

but you just focus on the collection

i think it's good that you stick with christmas

stay inspired

you and adele

i don't know it seemed like you were

in cahoots earlier

in cahoots

yeah in cahoots

is there something i should know

you like her

aurora likes her

yeah well you like her

you like her

you like her

never mind

never mind

never mind

okay fine

you don't

either way it's probably best that you stay professional at least until after the gala

good morning

and what do we have here

we're turning them into runway models

oh i see

and are you also unearthing more of my old fashion lines

we were we're just waiting on some information

and what's that

which collection is the coolest

we got a bunch of comedians

did you rehearse that

maybe a little

oh

i have a question for you

what's that

do you think

that this scarf is more north pole

or south pole

oh

oh

hey hey

hey

hey

okay

okay

okay i see

i see

let's go

okay

okay

okay

okay

okay

okay

okay

okay

give up

an ambush

love what you're teaching my niece

i'm gonna mess with your day a little bit

i am borrowing adele this money for a little field trip with aurora

the gala is

it's sunday

you never used to make anybody work on sunday

let adele rest and refresh

are you excited about today baby

today's gonna be awesome

you don't play fair

come on

i'm gonna get you back

so here is everything colette and the charity president have put together

we have the seating arrangement

the menus

i assume there's still no previews of the fashion looks

well

the charity president said that's not customary and not necessary

and i do have to think that if the charity president says all is in order perhaps we should believe her

why did i believe that colette would take the gala seriously instead of playing her games

she's always worse at christmas

i should have established more rules

because she responds so well to your rules

if you have something to say

do you not see that with colette more rules brings more pushback and fewer brings compliance

based on what evidence

you pick out her clothes she wears ripped jeans

you let her choose and they are appropriate for the occasion

that dress the other night

was a cocktail dress for a cocktail party

and she looked beautiful

then

what do you suggest we do today

well perhaps we can take advantage of being in new york city and do some sightseeing

there's the rockefeller center

the bryant park winter village

fine

but i still want to see those photos

i don't want any brash or ridiculous surprises

i do think it's strange that those never came through

that's what colette said she left to do

and it's fashion

i don't see why she wouldn't have gotten what she wanted

uncle wilson

uncle wilson

what did you all get up to

a little shopping i see

yes

and we went to a place where we could make our own ceramics

i made a plate so i can eat off christmas dishes even in july

wow

your artistic skills are certainly coming along

adele helped

look what she made

very nice

inspired by the fabrics

and a little bit of christmas magic

now adele has her own special ornament like everyone else in the family

do you have something to show me

i need to be inspired or uplifted or something

so we were talking about experiences right

so i was thinking of all the things that you could do on christmas eve

what could evoke those feelings

this one is inspired by coco by the fire

the inspiration is good but it looks too thrift shop

and not the good vintage kind

okay so maybe it's more like

what audrey hepburn would wear for coco by the fire

good instinct

work on that

do you want to get some air with me

yeah

i thought the inspiration was flowing did you hit a block

oh it is flowing i just needed to work off some nervous energy

i don't know if maya told you but our regular buyer doesn't want a christmas line

so apparently i need to prove myself

what

they're just plain wrong

the wilson james name means something

well apparently the buyer and the charity have two different ideas of what that name actually means

there's too many people's livelihoods at stake for me to let my pride get in the way

or to be capricious

you're a good leader who cares about those who work for you

suppose it's part of the wilson james name

well i guess the best thing to do is to finish the gala line and decide what to do next

decide if you want to bet on yourself

decide if i want to bet on christmas

i already see the headlines

fashion designers noelle's best

or ooh i know

tis the season

okay

uh i guess i'll keep workshopping those

hey maya what's up

mm-hmm

mm-hmm

i see you

okay

that was about the buyer

they

demanded an answer

and

i said

we were sticking with the christmas line

they're sending the cancelled contracts over now

well

the good news is

we can finally commit to the christmas line

you've been unintentionally on the fence

and it's been holding you back

now we're all in

scary but fun

for example

how have we not been drowning ourselves in christmas music

i'm not sure what this is gonna do

for me

i'm putting it on my desk too

we're gonna be surrounded by christmas

we get to inundate ourselves in the christmas experience

for instance

i found these

in the kitchen

hot apple cider

just add water

i didn't know these existed

really

yeah

instant hot cider

you

how have you never had this

i just assumed that they came from apples

what

they do

they do

cheers

mmm

this is good

tastes like christmas

i don't even need a tree

christmas time would be much better

having you right next to me

the smell of gingerbread in the egg can never replace what i feel from your stare

my only thing on this year's list

is you my christmas wish

hey

so the secret sketch

are we gonna pretend that i didn't see it earlier

yes

what if you're denying me the ability to be inspired by your design

why won't you tell me

because it's

it's like finding the perfect gift for someone

yes you want them to see it but the weight makes it better

well

from what i did see

it's just

wow

izzy will look radiant in it

okay

what do you have for me

i've been doing some reimaginings of the hot cocoa

hang on

not that one

yes

what are you doing

strum roll

ah

okay

i give you

what audrey hepburn would wear for cocoa by the fire

wrap yourself in this moment

has cozy

ever been so luxurious

it all starts with a moonlight straw with fresh fallen snow

then by the fire

the wrap

turns into a blanket

maybe

even to share

wouldn't you invite this woman

to drink hot cocoa

by the fire

absolutely

which is why i think it's gonna do really well

on the runway

i made the lineup

yes

really

yes

hello

yes

hi

hi

we're not open to the public

i am not

the public

okay

okay

what can i do you for

i'm here to speak to this designer about making time and consideration for the royal patron

you

you're the emblem

from the flyer

i'm princess julia d'antonio of valdenburg bronc

enchanté

hey your highness

i'm wilson james the designer

just let me tell you how honored we all are to be part of your gala

and might i say that embroidery on your jacket is simply exquisite

i'm sure the energy you put into this flattery would be better served with improved professional etiquette

i have made several attempts to see the preview of your line to no avail

most recently my daughter colette came by to visit

i don't remember any visit from a colette perhaps she spoke with my sister maya

i'm speaking to you now so that there is no confusion i do not like surprises

and i do have the power to revoke your participation in the valden arts charity gala

if i do not see your work

so

is it here

you have 24 hours

well that's not good

okay so the princess royal wants a preview tomorrow

but that's less than 24 hours of notice

can't they just wait for the gala

yeah what she said

well i tried explaining to the princess that we were in process but she is insisting

along with the thinly veiled threat that if we do not comply we are out of the show

how thinly veiled

show up or we're out

so you finally commit to the line and now we lose the show

well he hasn't lost the show yet how many looks are ready

three maybe four

well that won't impress royalty

can't you just show them the sketches

the day before the gala

no sketches do not inspire confidence

neither do three maybe four looks

we need to think of something

well we have to convince them that three looks maybe four

is intentional

right but

how do we make them sing

that's it

what's it

we literally have to make them sing

the only hard part is

finding models who can sing

okay

all right

now i need you to snap some photos for us but more importantly you need to act like

the press

i want what is happening to have the feeling

that is about to be trending

okay

okay

it's perfect

all right

let's go

we wish you a merry christmas

we wish you a merry christmas

we wish you a merry christmas

and a happy new year

good tidings we bring

for you and your king

good tidings we bring

oh your highness

what is the meaning

well you requested a meeting in a preview of our holiday collection so here we are

this is not

normal

no no i know but this line is all about feeling and i thought what better way to convey that

than to give you a small sampling of our holiday line in action

we were hoping that you would embrace the christmas theme

this is much better than what i saw in your studio

it reminds me a little bit of my daughter

but this can't be all the pieces

no no no no no no but um spontaneity is such a crucial element for us

and well we wouldn't want you to miss out on that entirely

well i look forward to seeing the rest of the collection tomorrow

which means we need to wrap this up and get back to the studio great work

let's go come on

okay

that went really well don't you think

absolutely

i have a confession to make

i've been moonlighting in another studio

the ceramics painting studio from the other day

a gift for aurora

a plate for every month

to make her christmas and july plates into a set

that is a great gift for aurora

yeah

the owners have been staying open late

just so i can go over there after i was done here

felt like i was cheating on our work here

like i was gonna lose some energy

however

it has inspired me

you've been telling me that we need

one more piece

besides the ones that are already being assembled

right

something that stands out

well

it may have something

it's not necessarily done yet or anything but

i don't know how to tell you this but uh

it seems a bit childish

good

i was worried that it was gonna seem too grown up

it's fun for a child

you never cease to surprise me but

i thought

that aurora

can model it

maybe even open the show in it

so you're deciding the lineup now

you do not lack initiative

thank you

because there's more

i'm sure there is

i thought aurora could carry a candle down the runway

christmas is the light a child our hope

one light leads the way

it makes you feel at the top of the show

i mean it's just it's it's perfect

look i

a few days ago i would have sworn that i'd lost my spark

and then you come along and

i'm the most inspired i've ever been in my life

i don't think that's a coincidence

um on that matter

i was thinking

if this is the most inspired you've been in your entire life then

you shouldn't let that buyer dictate your company's fate

especially since it's that department store ceo

david

right

you impressed him at the start by being bold

how could it hurt by being bold now

once again

you are a

genius

stay here

i want to continue talking

all right

i will be back

okay

just in a minute

david

how are things how's veronica

both doing great

you

good

good

hectic but good

listen

i apologize for calling you directly

i know this is not how we usually do things

since when has that ever stopped you

listen i just sent you some photos

it would mean the world to me

if you had a quick look at them tonight

now i know your buyer said that he saw our line but he didn't

yes

it's a christmas line

and i know that is unconventional

but when have you ever worked with me for my conventionality

david

i have to say i haven't been this excited about a line for years

i've already had my put out an order for manufacturing at our potential loss

this is how much we stand behind this line

okay there's the wilson james i remember

now since you canceled the original contract i've written up another one at the ready

but i think you and your family should come to the gala

it's going to be so special i've already reserved you a table

what do you say

i'll try to make it

that's all i ask

okay

okay

good

you're still up

i am

why are you

i'm worried i might have gotten on the naughty list

this is not the time of year to do that

is this something you should be talking about with your mom

it concerns you

whatever it is i'm sure it's not that bad

i'm

i'm glad you lost your memory

i know it's bad but that's how i got to know you and i love having you here

it's not that bad

you're right

it's horrible

thanks to you and your mom

a situation that could have been really sad

has instead been filled with joy

you're not glad of the circumstances

you're glad to spite them

and so am i

can't sleep

not quite

me neither

is it the gala

partly

it's also the feeling of

something coming to an end

are you finishing up with the gala line

yeah

how am i after that

you're someone who can enjoy christmas with all of us

you can keep staying here even

keep

having more and more of those deja vu moments

like my old self is looming over

coming back

and where does that leave all of this

where does that leave

you and wilson

yeah

because

why follow feelings

why fight for something if

i don't even know who i am

all i know is

whoever this is

has brought a real warmth and sparked

all of our lives

how can that not be the real you

this one for the steam as well thank you

hi

i love my dress

thank you

i'm so excited to be a model of the show

so excited

for you

okay go get you

you're avoiding me

i've been trying to speak to you all day

sorry i suppose the

stress of the gala has taken over

just the way you left last night was

a bit abrupt

well our day was over already

i had to go pick up the plates

i thought we had a moment

several

actually

am i misreading something or

olivia had to call off so we are down a model

i thought we had one extra model

oh he decided to add a piece last minute

he's nicknamed it the a gown

like what is he doing giving it a grade

and

he's making it the final piece

why would you not have updated her

well i guess she's going to know now

since she's going to be wearing it

wait

what

this is the secret sketch

i can't

don't

don't pretend like you can't carry off a look

no

hurry

go

nice

sometimes i know what i'm doing

thank you

thank you

you look

what

turn around let's see

yes

Adele

that's the most beautiful dress i've ever seen

i might agree

i don't think i can be the person to model this look

you absolutely should be that dress was made for you

about me

inspired by

being with you

of course it comes with its accessories

now i know this may sound silly or over the top

but the a in a gown is for Adele

this dress

is you

no

you don't you don't really know me

well it's true i

you're not the most forthcoming person about your personal life but

i'm not Adele

i don't understand what do you

i was in an accident

i fell and

and

i got amnesia

and that's when you found me

and i ended up in your studio

inspired

and then maya took me to the hospital

so

who are you

i don't know

i still don't know

but aurora and maya knew

but

you never bothered to tell me

we didn't want to complicate things for you

leading up to the gala

we thought that if i told you

that you wouldn't trust me

so your strategy was to lie to me

in order to gain my trust

is that right

we didn't want to ruin the run up to the gala

and you're right

we did have a moment last night

i really

wanted to kiss you

but i thought that would make the lie even worse if i did

i never wanted to hurt you

says the woman who's been lying to me from the start

stage right

listen

it's okay to be afraid

i'm afraid

but we can't let fear

keep us from doing the things that we love

how do i do that

all you gotta do

is take the first step

and then just keep going

okay

that's your cue

you can do this

dashing through the snow

in a one-horse open sleigh

for the sea to bear

let them come and go

for the love to play

let them see as bright

what thine means

to ride and sing

a smile and smile

you don't have stage fright do you

i don't know

you look beautiful

and remember

when you're on stage

just take the first step

and keep walking

they worked for me

you are gorgeous

absolutely inspiring

yes

as beautiful as possible

shall we show you

and keep going

so

what is the same

the same

as well

as quite probably as well

as a loved one

as a loved one

as with me

I knew that she'd be here. I didn't expect that.

Wilson, hey, sorry, I got to head out, but you were right. I won it all, okay? Please just send me the contract first thing on Monday. You really outdone yourself this time. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, David.

Go embrace it.

Afraid you'd have to walk alone?

I'm afraid you wouldn't take your bow. This is all for you. Lines ahead.

I'll, uh, the royal party would like a work with you.

Okay.

Exceptional work, Mr. James.

Thank you, Your Highness.

You so far exceeded my expectations.

I can't even be upset with you for colluding with my daughter.

I'm afraid there's been some sort of misunderstanding.

I've never had the pleasure of meeting your daughter.

No, I don't mean Adriana.

My daughter and second in line for the throne, Colette.

She wore the last dress in your show.

You didn't know, Mama.

You did look beautiful up there.

Are you really a princess?

She is.

No matter how much she'd like to forget it sometimes.

To get your memory back and to be a princess?

It's like a fairy tale.

What is she talking about, memory?

We have a lot of catching up to do.

For that matter, so do I.

We'll leave you to it.

And some of the designs were even mine.

The cream and red blanket dress?

Yes.

I would have some flashes here and there, but I couldn't remember anything.

Until I saw your face tonight, my mom.

Your face brought me home.

Oh, darling.

The gala was everything that you promised it would be.

You are so very talented, Colette.

I'm sorry I haven't acknowledged it before.

Your sister and I had a long talk.

It's clear that you need more freedom.

And if you decide you don't want to rule, we'll make appropriate measures.

I love my country.

It's my duty.

Well, luckily, we have a more than capable alternative.

I haven't seen what was right in front of me.

As children, you always made your dolls have fashion shows.

Adriana made hers have parliamentary sessions.

I've tried to force you both to be something that you're not.

No more.

Thank you, Mom.

Oh, not to jump back into the subject of schedules,

but I think we should make some Christmas plans for tomorrow.

What were your suggestions?

Oh, the Rockefeller Center?

Yes, yes, I think we should do that and go to the park.

And, oh, I hear that there is a Christmas.

Would you like me to give this to you now or bring it to the studio?

The gown's yours.

You don't need it for the line?

No, well, I can't see anyone wearing it other than you.

And it's the least I can do for all you've done.

And you've done an immense amount.

I couldn't have done any of this without you.

Do you want to talk?

I'm not really sure what there is to say.

You get to play with fashion and get a fairytale ending,

and I got the contract, so I got an ending that counts in the real world.

So that's it, then.

That's all.

If you ever need a job reference, let me know.

Aurora told me about your pep talk.

Something about don't let fear keep you from something you love.

It's not fear.

Look, she's right.

I don't know who she is.

She was lying the whole time.

Wilson, the lie was wrong.

Okay, but don't blame her, blame me.

We were only trying to make sure that this whole thing went okay, and it went amazingly.

And I gave credit where credit is due.

Think of how scary it must have been for her to have completely lost herself.

Actually, you do know what that feels like for the last few years now,

except she brought you back even more than the other way around.

That's it.

Okay.

Stop it.

Stop it.

Stop it.

Stop it.

Stop it.

Stop it.

Good morning, Adele.

I mean, Colette.

Good morning.

Merry Christmas.

I'm so happy for you getting your memory back.

But I hope you won't forget us.

Memory loss was temporary.

We're friends for life.

I should have called, but I wanted to make sure to put this under the tree.

Oh, is it for me?

Mm-hmm.

Can I open it now?

Of course, please do.

Is this what I think it is?

A whole year-round set of Christmas dishes?

At least one plate for each month.

Do you like them?

I love them.

I should probably go before the celebrations start.

That makes no sense.

Can't you just stay for breakfast or talk me through the plates?

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Your Highness.

Merry Christmas.

You can call me, Colette.

I wasn't expecting you.

I thought you'd head home.

When Maya called...

She can have more than one home, Uncle Wilson.

She's a princess.

Mom!

Uncle Wilson's here and Princess Colette!

I should probably go.

No, look.

Wait.

The way I acted last night, I was an idiot.

And I have a gift for you.

Well, it's not a gift.

Exactly.

But I made it last night.

I hope you like it.

It's not good.

This must have taken you all night.

For you to remember,

you know, in case you're ever hit by a runaway wreck.

I never want to forget this.

It's really beautiful.

But if you thought that I was leaving,

was this really for me or for you?

Look, I...

I didn't want things to end the way they did last night.

And if I'm being honest,

I don't want things to end at all.

Well, what can I offer you?

A princess.

Well,

what if I'm not a princess?

What if I'm just a girl?

Then I'd offer you my heart.

But you already have it.

I can work with that.

They're about to kiss.

Finally.

Oops.

Let an hour.

Oops.

Keep going.

Bye.

Bye.

Later.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Unforgettable. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable. Unforgettable.

I wasn't looking for some love. Nothing came along as what I did before.

Didn't know what to do. And you came through. Unforgettable. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable. Unforgettable.

Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable Christmas. Unforgettable

Unforgettable

Unforgettable Christmas

Unforgettable