She paused, scanning the room. Her eyes landed on Delia, the young model in Marcus’s mechanical gown, now folded back into a manageable width.

In the world of Big Dress lifestyle and entertainment, the show was never really over. The dresses just got bigger.

"Tonight, I see the future. And it unfolds." A ripple of laughter. "But the future must be protected. There are whispers of 'streamlining.' Of 'capsule collections.' Of… minimalism ." She said the word like a curse. "To those who would shrink our culture, I say: you will have to pry the hoop from my cold, dead crinoline."