Haute Couture

Fall Formal Fashion Week actually took place in the middle of August. Some ponies may have found this strange, but then again, the festival also lasted ten days and focused mainly on experimental fashion and streetwear. None of that false advertising stopped Equestria’s top designer talent from converging on Canterlot for two hundred and forty hours of panels, runway shows, and secret backdoor deals.

Sassy Saddles was there, sporting a specially-crafted variation of Seasonal Fashion that would burst into flames after only twenty minutes. Her entourage followed close behind her, armed with cameras and replacement outfits. Everytime her outfits immolated, she got a polite oooh from the audience.

What brought an even bigger smile to her face was the sight of Rarity, her mane humble and barely-curled, sporting the signature pieces of Seasonal Fashion. It must have seemed like a capitulation to a superior opponent, Rarity thought as she made her way through the crowd to Sassy.

“Rarity, my darling.” Sassy kissed her right cheek, then her left. “You are so brave to be here today.”

“You’re too kind,” Rarity replied, feeling the barbs in Sassy’s words. “How has your FFFW been?”

“Better, now that you’re here. I was wearing the exact same thing an hour ago. It’s my favorite combo.”

Rarity looked down at her own outfit. “Signed the waver and everything.”

“I hope you’re not sore about being an inspiration.”

“No, actually I’ve come to appreciate what you did. I was thinking about doing the same right back to you—making a modified version of Seasonal Fashion that doesn’t burst into flames.”

“That would defeat the purpose of Seasonal Fashion.”

“That’s the statement. Overcoming the inevitable.” Rarity smiled faintly. “Do you remember what you said to me in your shop? The statement you were trying to make with Seasonal Fashion?”

“Capturing the ephemeral?”

“No, not that.” Rarity pulled out a knife. “Look hot while ye may.”