London (28 page)

“You know,” Sebastian said after a while, “I've been thinking about a way I could spend more time here.”

“Really? How?”

“Well, before I tell you about my plans, there's one thing I want to do first.”

And before I could say anything, Sebastian pulled me to him and kissed me hard. Before long his kisses became slow and sweet. We kissed for a long, long time. And let me just say, there's definitely something about being outside on a warm, sunny afternoon on the grass under a lovely old tree, kissing a gorgeous guy, that's quite special. I'd always wondered what the big deal was with picnics and stuff, but that afternoon Sebastian showed me exactly why the cliché worked.

I don't know how long we would have remained lip-locked, but suddenly my phone rang.

And rang.

“Answer it,” Sebastian said as he pulled away from me. “Maybe it's your mom or Tallulah.”

In fact, it was Jazz.

“Axelle,” she said excitedly, “I know it's a bit late to be calling now, and on a Saturday, but what I've got to ask you absolutely, totally cannot wait until Monday.”

I practically had to hold the phone away from my ear. Jazz was actually squeaking with excitement.

“Italian
Vogue
is doing a shoot on Monday in Milan, and they'd like to book you for it. It would mean leaving tomorrow. I know it's last minute—even for fashion—but they couldn't decide on the girls. Anyway, now they've chosen you, and you'll be doing the booking with Ellie. I don't have to tell you that doing Italian
Vogue
is as good as it gets in modeling. It will give your career a huge push, Axelle, huge.”

Jazz had to take a moment to catch her breath after her words had tumbled out so rapidly. “And then Charlotte thought you could stay there for a week and do some castings, go-sees, and so forth. You already have another option—for Miu Miu—so you could very well end up with more bookings. Can I tell
Vogue
we'll confirm?”

I didn't know what to say. Sebastian was leaving tomorrow evening, and so far we hadn't had a chance to do any sightseeing at all—thanks to me. If I accepted the booking, we wouldn't even have tomorrow. After all the fuss I'd made about us being so far apart all the time, I couldn't decide this on my own. I turned to look at him.

Sebastian had heard the whole conversation. He shrugged his shoulders and nodded at me.

“Are you sure?” I mouthed.

Again he nodded and gave me a thumbs-up.

Well, why not then?
I thought. I'd studied like mad for my exams and still had some time to kill before the results came in and school started again. I was sure my mom would be all over the idea. In fact, she'd probably want to come and visit. And Ellie and I hadn't done a booking together since Paris. Working with her again would be fun. Besides, I'd never been to Italy. And I loved pasta. And pizza. And gelato.

I told Jazz I had to ask my mom but that I'd call her back ASAP.

My mom sounded even more excited than Jazz, if that was possible, so I called Jazz back and told her to confirm.

“That's great, Axelle! I'll get you the flight times later today.”

“So what about your plan? The one you wanted to tell me about?” I asked Sebastian afterward, as we lay side by side on our backs and watched the clouds drift past overhead.

“Well, I'm thinking that there may be a Part I to my plans now…”

“How so?”

“Well, I've never seen the Duomo.”

“The Duomo? Like, the cathedral? Which one?”

“The one in Milan.”

Axelle's guide to surviving in the world of fashion

If you want to blend in with the fashion set, it's worth learning the lingo. Here's a handy guide.

*BOOK:
This is another word for the all-important portfolio models have. A book or portfolio is used to show clients and designers both how a model looks in photos, and what kind of work they've done.

*BOOKER:
A staff member at an agency whose job is to handle requests from clients and to represent and set up appointments for models.

*CASTING DIRECTOR:
Hired by a designer to organize fashion-show castings. They meet hundreds of models, watch them walk, and look at their portfolios before narrowing the choice to those models that best fit the designer's vision.

*FASHION MUSE:
A person, often a model, who inspires a fashion designer with their sense of style, personality, and beauty. Think Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy, or Kate Moss and John Galliano.

*FITTING:
A session that may take place before a fashion show or photo shoot where the clothes to be modeled are fit onto the model.

*GO-SEE:
An appointment for a model to see a photographer or a client. Unlike a casting, there is no specific brief.

*LOOKBOOK:
A set of photos used by fashion designers to show their newest collections to clients. Usually bound like a small book.

*MODEL FLAT:
A flat that a modeling agency owns and rents out to models who are either too young to rent an apartment on their own, or who are just starting out and have moved from another town or another country.

*MOOD BOARD:
A collage of inspirational images, texts, and even samples (like fabric) that fashion designers, editors, and photographers use to spur their creativity.

*NEW FACES:
Models who are new to the business.

*OPTIONS:
An option is put to a model by a client to see if he or she would be available for a shoot. Options are then either confirmed as a booking, or released.

*RESORT COLLECTION:
A collection that is shown in between or preseason to the regular spring-summer and autumn-winter ready-to-wear collections.

*TEAR SHEETS:
These are photos that are literally torn from magazines, and that a model can use in her book. Tear sheets from magazines like
Vogue
and
Elle
are what every model hopes to have in her book.

*ZED CARD:
This is basically a business card for models. A5 in size, zed cards normally show at least two photos, as well as basic info such as a model's hair color, eye color, height, and agency contact details.

And if anyone's still suspicious that you don't belong, just throw in one of these handy phrases:

“OMG, I love the
seventies vibe
you've got going!”

“Five years does
so
not qualify as vintage!”

“Keep
working
that ear cuff!”

“I'm so into
a tiny handbag
right now, aren't you?”

“I know—it's
so perfect
. And it's my judo belt!”

“This season it's
all about
a low ponytail!”

“Stripes aren't just for sailors, you know!”

“
Right now
it's all about nude—makeup, duh!”

“
Check out
the heels on my clogs!”

“Look at how these
colors clash
! Perfect, right?”

“Going out tonight? Just wear your pajama bottoms and a
vintage T
!”

Now don't forget the air kisses, darling! Mwah, mwah!

Carina's favorite places to visit in Britain's very own fashion capital

“Visiting London is one of my favorite things to do! This sprawling city oozes history and fabulous street style. And what atmosphere! Cozy corners for tea and scones, secret gardens, and world-class culture—not to mention the strong Sherlock Holmes vibe you can't help but feel on a foggy night down along the River Thames. I'm often asked for my favorite things to see and do in London—so here they are.”

HYDE PARK:
One word: marvelous. This park is a romantic dream in the heart of London. Bridges, swans, centuries-old oak trees, Italian gardens, vast lawns, and a picturesque lake you can row a boat on—it's all here. Don't forget to pack a picnic!

V & A:
For me, a trip to London isn't complete without a visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum in Knightsbridge. This enormous treasure trove has something for everyone—including the largest fashion collection in the world. Meander past the Roman sculptures, glittering gemstones, and exquisite children's book illustrations before stopping at their cafe. I can spend all day in this place.

SKETCH:
It is said that this tea salon on Conduit Street in Mayfair is the most Instagrammed restaurant in London—and one look at its stunning pink interior will show you why! So if you feel like treating your inner fashionista to an Instagram-worthy English tea, then this is your place. Just be sure to bring your bejeweled powder compact with you to check your lips, dahling! Scones or no scones—you'd better look fab!

WATERSTONES PICCADILLY:
I'm a huge fan of the Waterstones bookstores, and this one is fabulous! It's the biggest bookstore in Europe, covering eight floors, and has a cozy cafe with large windows overlooking buzzing London. You can have your tea with a view! What's not to love? Bookworm heaven!

OFFICE ON KING'S ROAD:
Like my detective, Axelle, I love a pair of sneakers, and this small shop on King's Road, just a stone's throw away from lovely Sloane Square, is where I go to treat my tootsies. The last pair of Converse I bought here are covered in pink sequins. Fab!

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE:
I love the ballet, and the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden is where I like to get my fix. I go as often as I can, sit smack in the middle of the auditorium, kick back, and enjoy! And don't forget to check out the dazzling view of lovely London from the rooftop terrace. If the ballet doesn't make you swoon, this will!

BURBERRY:
I confess that I don't have one of Burberry's iconic trench coats—but I wish I did! They make the most beautiful ones, all lined in their famous house check. And their classic designs are just as detective- and fashionista-worthy today as they were when Burberry first introduced them at the turn of the last century. One day…but in the meantime, I'll admire from afar—and buy a cute version from the High Street!

WAHACA:
Whenever I'm in London I indulge my craving for Mexican food at this colorful and lively restaurant near Covent Garden. It's only a five-minute walk from the National Gallery, so it's perfect for lunching after an exhibition. I always order the taquitos and fresh guacamole!

MUNGO & MAUD:
Dogs need fashionable accessories too! So if you're a dog lover like Axelle (and me!), you'll definitely want to check out this tiny emporium devoted to upscale doggy necessities. Whether it's a chic and colorful collar and leash set, or a packet of doggie biscuits, you'll be sure to find something special for your four-legged best friend here!

SOUTH BANK:
Want to see the quintessential London view and people-watch at the same time? Then this is the place for you! Lined up for your viewing pleasure you'll find the striking Palace of Westminster, iconic Big Ben, the London Eye, and the glorious Thames. Don't forget to buy an ice cream!

HAVE FUN

THANK YOU:

To my wonderful publishers on both sides of the Atlantic…

Usborne Publishing and Anne Finnis, Sarah Stewart, Anna Howorth, Amy Dobson, and Hannah Reardon for your time and talent. I am ever grateful for the chance I've been given to work with you all. And Martin Stone, thank you for always being so friendly!

Sourcebooks for your time and talent! Special gold star thanks go to Dominique Raccah, Steve Geck, Katherine Prosswimmer, Elizabeth Boyer, and Kathryn Lynch.

Jenny Savill and Andrew Nurnberg at Andrew Nurnberg Associates—because you're fab!

Sarah Doukas, Simon Chambers, and the exemplary team at Storm Model Management for your enthusiasm, helpfulness, and professionalism! Special super-sparkly thanks to Lucy Baxter, Lou Grima, and Daniel Kershaw for your expertise and time. You took my research to a whole new level!

Christophe Robin, for being you.

Kelly, Marina, and Victoria, for so much.

To my brother and sister: Axelle has no siblings—but this is no reflection on us!

Gustav, for everything.

Get the inside story on the creator of Model Undercover

Carina Axelsson is a former fashion model whose jet-setting career saw her starring in advertising campaigns and fashion magazines across the globe, including shoots for
Vogue
and
Elle
.

After growing up in California, Carina moved to New York and then later to Paris, where she studied art and rounded off her days in fashion with a short stint working as a PA to international fashion designer John Galliano. Her experiences—along with a love of Scooby-Doo and Agatha Christie—inspired her to write the Model Undercover series.

And as for her character's unusual name…

“Sometime before I wrote the first notes about this girl detective there had been posters up all over Paris with a cut, spunky-looking, long-haired singer named Axelle. I think they were advertising her concerts or her new album. It was the first time I'd seen the name Axel—which I only knew as a man's name—feminized and in French. I loved it right away. And obviously the name became lodged in the corner in my brain because as soon as this girl detective came into my mind, the name attached itself to her. She never had another. And just so you know, it's pronounced with the accent on the second syllable, like the verb ‘excel'—not like the car part!”

Carina now lives in Western Germany with her partner and four dogs. She writes and illustrates full-time. You can find out more about Carina at
carinaaxelsson.com
.