The boss Jeff burst into the design studio, a whirlwind of nervous energy. “Listen up, everyone! We’ve got an emergency! My wife Kristin ask a gift for a ten-year engagement. And it’s… demanding. Think mauve, think velvet, think…leopard fur rug,” he shuddered.
The design team exchanged bewildered glances. “A leopard fur rug?” one designer whispered.
“Long story,” Jeff sighed. “The point is, we need to create a gift inspired by this… vision. Maybe classic aviators that we are specialized in, and… something else. Something that screams ‘opulence’ but also whispers ‘I’m not bankrupting us’.”
The team huddled, sketching furiously. Ideas flew: mauve glitter embedded in the frames, tiny Swarovski crystals along the arms, miniature velvet pouches for storage. Then, a junior designer, a quiet woman named Lucy, spoke up. “What about a subtle leopard print on the inside of the arms? A deep purple leopard, to tie in with the other colors on the sunglasses?”
Jeff snapped his fingers. “Brilliant! It’s unexpected, it’s luxurious, and it doesn’t involve actual, leopard fur! And what about the outside arms? Can we embed some sort of texture there?
Another designer suggested a textured, almost velvety finish for the outer arms of the glasses. "We can create a soft touch finish with a matte coating, it will give the impression of the velvet without the expense or impracticality of actual fabric."
After a flurry of further brainstorming, the 'Leopard Purple" sunnies began to take shape: a sleek, slightly oversized frame in a rich, almost fushia, fading into a rosy orange mirrored lens. The inside of the arms featured a subtle, sophisticated leopard print in shades of deep purple and black, while the outside of the arms had a unique, soft-touch matte finish.
“These are… actually kind of amazing,” Jeff admitted, holding up a prototype. The team breathed a collective sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, back at the house, Kristin was busy transforming the bathroom into a haven. She had filled the tub with lukewarm water, scattered rose petals, and arranged a dozen flickering candles around. She was wearing a silk robe in a shade of deep eggplant, her hair piled atop her head in a messy bun.
Jeff arrived home later that evening, clutching a small, elegantly wrapped box. He found Kristin perched on the edge of the tub
“Surprise!” he announced, holding out the box.
Kristin’s eyes widened. She carefully took the box and opened it to reveal the gift nestled inside. She gasped.
“Jeff! These are… incredible!” she exclaimed, picking them up. She slipped them on, admiring her reflection in the bathroom mirror. The rose gradient lenses cast a flattering glow on her face, and the subtle leopard print on the inside of the arms peeked out as she moved her head. “The velvety feel of the arms is so luxurious!”
“We even added a special touch,” Jeff said, pointing to the inside of the arms. “A little something to remind you of your… broader vision.”
Kristin peered at the leopard print, then back at Jeff, a slow smile spreading across her face. “You remembered all I expected”
“Of course, I did,” Jeff said, relieved. “Anything for my beloved wife.”
Kristin laughed, pulling him into a hug. “These are the most thoughtful gift ever. !”
As they settled into the tub, surrounded by rose petals and candlelight, Jeff breathed a sigh of relief. The anniversary gift crisis had been averted, and Kristin was happy for now. He knew that the leopard-purple aviator was just the beginning. But he was confident he could keep up with a team of creativity and imagination. He just hoped the next design inspiration wouldn’t involve a live giant panda.
The next day, Jeff received a call from Kristin. "Jeff, darling, I was just thinking. The purple sunglasses are simply divine, but don't you think a matching handbag would truly complete the ensemble?" Jeff groaned inwardly. It had only just begun.
