661-665

Chapter 661: Three Suits

The air was filled with a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.

As Anson entered the room, he effortlessly changed the feeling of the space. Even just sitting aside with Edgar, whispering and occasionally bursting into laughter or exchanging knowing glances, he still made the Californian sunlight streaming in through the window pale in comparison, naturally becoming the center of attention.

Some people are just like that.

Entering a crowded party, some people quietly hide in the corner as wallflowers, some remain silent yet easily attract everyone's attention, and some are surrounded by layers of people, chatting and laughing as the protagonists. A small space can reveal the various states of life.

Then.

Melvin arrives late.

The other two competitors are already in place. Melvin joins them with a stride, slightly out of breath, but still takes a deep breath to calm down and methodically puts clothes on the mannequin in front of him—

For the fitting, Anson isn't going to do it himself.

So, the competitors use plastic mannequins, putting the clothes on them, and according to their own imagination and needs, use safety pins and straight pins to adjust the lines and proportions, presenting their ideal look.

Now, Melvin is in the final stages.

Just a short sentence surprises Sam.

The atmosphere slightly stiffens.

A small detail reveals that this candidate should be well-versed in the social rules of the entertainment industry.

Edgar raises his eyes. "If this gentleman is in a hurry, he can leave first. We will contact you later about the follow-up."

"Excuse me, is there no time limit?"

"No."

Anson doesn't say anything—

Sam is left hanging, immediately understanding the signal being sent. He awkwardly moves his mouth, words vaguely swirling in his throat, but ultimately swallows them down. His gaze quickly scans between Anson and Edgar, and he can't help but feel annoyed.

But he can't let Anson misunderstand. He needs to explain himself; he's definitely not someone who is petty.

Such a small matter is no problem for Edgar at all.

At this moment, it's Edgar who is conducting the conversation, controlling the situation, and solving the problem. This candidate ignores Edgar and appeals directly to Anson, implying that Edgar's words don't carry enough weight and that Anson needs to make the final decision.

However, Anson doesn't intend to embarrass Edgar.

Sam: ...

A subtle tension fills the air.

On the side, Sam glances at Melvin, finally unable to hold back.

Edgar doesn't even need to turn his head. Even though the other person's gaze is on Anson, he calmly replies, "If this candidate still has details to add, they can continue working. Don't worry about Anson being here, we're not in a hurry."

In this short time, Melvin has also finished his styling.

Even Anson, the main character, isn't in a rush, yet the candidates who came for the interview are already anxious. This makes Sam realize he might have made a mistake.

Sam looks at Anson. "We have finished our work, but someone is late and wasting time, which is obviously unfair."

Melvin can sense the competitive edge, but he doesn't want to respond.

Edgar glances at Anson. Anson is still smiling but doesn't intend to speak. Edgar looks ahead and says clearly and concisely.

Everyone says the entertainment industry is full of intrigue, and the fashion world is even worse - this is true. But Melvin has always disliked playing word games. He firmly believes that compared to scheming, strength and talent are what truly matters.

Because fashion ultimately needs to be tested by the public.

Suppose he fights back here and wins against the competitor, securing the personal stylist job, so what? After Anson appears in the outfit and styling, it ultimately needs to face the scrutiny of the public eye. Good is good, bad is bad, it's not up to him to decide.

At the end of the day, it's true strength that determines the outcome.

This is Melvin's thought—

Of course, such an idea is not welcome.

Friends think Melvin is too aloof, arrogant, idealistic, and self-righteous. In the fashion world, there are countless mediocre people who have no ability but step on others to rise, and there are even more talented people who never get ahead. They still need to learn to calculate and fight.

Reality is cruel.

But Melvin still has his persistence.

So, Melvin doesn't respond verbally. He just stands beside the mannequin with his hands behind his back, chest out, patiently waiting for Edgar's instructions.

Edgar notices this and can't help but take another look at Melvin.

However, Edgar doesn't say anything more. Instead, he turns to Anson and calls out in a playful tone, "Esteemed Mr. Wood?"

Anson's eyes reveal a smile. "Captain, what do you think?"

Edgar waves his hands repeatedly. "You know me, I have no concept of fashion. If I get involved, it's likely to become a disaster."

Anson doesn't mind. "Then look at it from the perspective of an outsider who doesn't understand fashion. Which one do you like?"

Edgar takes another look at Anson and immediately understands:

Obviously, Anson has already made a decision.

Edgar is slightly surprised and asks with his eyes, "So fast?" Anson purses his lips, looking calm and collected, which piques Edgar's interest.

So, which one did Anson choose?

What was originally a fashion game has turned into a guessing game, and now Edgar is much more interested.

Edgar turns his head to look, and honestly, he's completely clueless—

Suits. Suits. Still suits.

All three are suits, and they're on mannequins, flat and rigid, making it impossible to tell anything.

Even with different styles and combinations, Edgar, who has no fashion sense, is at a loss, let alone when all three are suits?

Honestly, Edgar really doesn't know what men's fashion is all about.

But he can't say that because he's preparing to build Anson into a fashion icon.

Taking a deep breath, Edgar pulls himself together:

What's the difference between suits and suits?

Besides the color.

The three suits in front of him have different colors. The first is dark gray, the second is black, and the third is dark blue.

At least Edgar can see this, but what about the rest?

Anson, sitting aside, watches Edgar scratching his head and can't hold back anymore. "Haha, Captain, this isn't a guessing game, there's no right answer."

Edgar has a helpless expression on his face and leans close to Anson's ear. "The third one, the dark blue one."

Melvin?

Anson, "Why?"

Edgar spreads his hands, his expression enigmatic. "Intuition."

Anson's eyes overflow with laughter.

Just as Anson is about to speak, Melvin silently takes a small step forward, takes off the suit jacket, and like magic, pulls out another jacket from behind and puts it on the mannequin.

Everyone is stunned.

Sam: ... "Wait, isn't this cheating? How can he do that!"

*Chapter 662: Return to Classic*

With a single step and a quick transformation, Melvin seemed to conjure a magical item from behind him, as if using Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak, changing his appearance in an instant.

All eyes immediately focused on him.

Sam couldn't sit still. "Wait, isn’t that cheating? How can he even do that?"

Melvin ignored him.

Anson remained silent.

The atmosphere was quiet, a bit awkward.

Seeing Sam's protest fall flat, Edgar, sensing the tension, cast a sympathetic glance at him. “If you regret it, you can still change your decision.”

Sam’s face flushed. He glanced at Edgar, then Melvin, and finally at Anson, but ultimately, he stayed silent, swallowing his words.

Seeing that Anson still wasn’t going to speak, Edgar turned to Melvin and asked, “Why?”

Melvin took a deep breath. “In ‘Catch Me If You Can,’ Anson played a youthful, vibrant character who deceived everyone with countless lies. The film showcased this master of deception’s different faces and charms. So, at the premiere, I felt we should break from tradition, take a few bold risks to reflect the character while also highlighting Anson's own charm.”

The early bird catches the worm.

Even Melvin couldn’t deny this.

“This also means you're not that rock-n-roll youth who inspired Eddie Slimane’s designs.”

“In ‘Catch Me If You Can,’ we needed to show your roots—behind all the daring, bold moves, the family is the foundation of everything. No matter how far you go or how long you run, in the end, you always return to the family. You can never fully abandon it.”

Anson raised an eyebrow slightly. “But... Burberry?”

It was all part of a larger plan.

Melvin took another deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart.

Melvin’s eyes lit up because Anson’s response showed he wasn’t an outsider. He could see their intent and their talent.

Unexpected, but it made sense—Anson had his own understanding of fashion.

Now, it was time for the payoff.

Melvin didn’t get distracted or flustered by Anson’s question. In fact, it made his eyes shine brighter.

In Hollywood and the fashion world, everyone knew Anson and Dior were a match made in heaven. In just one year, Dior had become the leader in men's fashion, with Eddie Slimane’s Anson-inspired collection taking the world by storm.

That’s why Sam had arrived early, choosing Dior first thing—

But Melvin stayed focused.

Burberry, a traditional British brand with a royal pedigree, was even more classic, conservative, and formal than Armani.

Finally, Anson spoke up. “For youth and innovation, Dior would certainly be the better choice. But… if I’m not mistaken, you're layering Burberry underneath.”

Sam grew anxious, debating whether to explain his fashion choices.

“But—"

Sam exhaled softly, regaining his composure and confidence. He knew Dior would stand out.

That was a good thing.

“Of course, you can’t go wrong with Dior. I especially loved that Dior suit you wore in ‘Fashion’—it perfectly matched your aura.”

“Of course, Burberry represents tradition, classicism, conservatism—which might seem outdated.”

“But times are changing.”

In fact, at the turn of the millennium, Burberry was on the brink of collapse, struggling to survive, almost obsolete. Their designs were considered outdated, targeting an older, often elderly, demographic. They had fallen from a top-tier brand to the bottom ranks.

The crisis was unprecedented.

More harshly, Burberry had long lost its association with luxury, fashion, prestige, and royalty. It was on the verge of vanishing entirely.

A rebound was their only hope, and that’s why Burberry was preparing for a complete overhaul. Dior’s groundbreaking success in menswear last year signaled a new era in fashion, and it was seen as an opportunity.

It all happened last year.

“The new creative director, Christopher Bailey, is only thirty years old. He studied under Tom Ford, and Ford personally recommended him to Burberry.”

“Christopher not only designs womenswear but, thanks to Dior’s influence, launched a standalone menswear line in his first year—beating other brands to the punch, debuting at Milan Fashion Week earlier this year.”

“Christopher’s menswear focuses on tailoring and bold lines, breaking from traditional norms with daring combinations.”

“A classic yet adventurous look. In my eyes, it has a lot in common with Peter Pan.”

None of this was secret.

More accurately, fashion insiders knew all of this.

In February, Burberry's menswear debuted at Milan Fashion Week to rave reviews, though it didn’t lead the trend like Dior. Burberry's second-quarter sales, however, surged by 30%, proof of its revival.

A year ago, Burberry was dying, but now it had new life.

This was why Melvin chose Burberry.

Christopher Bailey's design style wasn’t as bold or flamboyant as Eddie Slimane’s. Both focused on clean lines, aiming to break away from the bulky, traditional men’s fashion. But Christopher did it with more elegance and restraint, making it a perfect fit for Burberry.

Lines. Proportions. Elegance.

The image Melvin had for Anson attending the ‘Catch Me If You Can’ premiere was just like that.

And then, just a bit of rebellion—

A jacket.

Clearly, this was all part of Melvin’s plan. He had deliberately hidden the jacket, creating a rigid impression with the three suits, only to reveal it as the key to breaking the stalemate.

Suddenly, the impact was clear.

Who said Melvin was a goody two-shoes?

Being a goody two-shoes didn’t mean he couldn’t use his brains or strategy; it just meant he refused to play dirty behind the scenes.

Competition, for him, was open and honorable.

Anson’s gaze fell on the jacket. Without needing any words, Melvin understood, eager to reveal the twist he had prepared—

Or rather, the highlight. Clearly, this jacket wasn’t Burberry.

“This is Anson,” Melvin said.

Amid the puzzled looks, Melvin elaborated.

“The premiere isn’t the movie, and I’m not the costume designer for the crew. I’m dressing Anson Wood.”

“So, while it complements the character and the film, the real focus is on the actor. The premiere should be your stage.”

“This jacket represents Anson Wood. I believe it will become the spotlight’s focus.”

*Chapter 663: Hard to Fool*

"Happy cooperation."

Melvin stared at Anson's right hand, placed in front of him, slightly stunned.

He thought he was still hesitating, he thought he didn’t care. But in fact, when it finally came to this moment, he was so excited that he didn’t know what to do.

Did this really just happen?

In the brief moment of astonishment, a voice exploded from the side, “I don’t accept this. I need an explanation.”

It was Sam.

Sam’s cheeks were slightly flushed, his eyes full of disbelief and burning anger as he boldly stared directly into Anson’s eyes.

Edgar frowned and didn’t wait for Anson to respond, “We don’t need to explain anything to you.”

Sam was taken aback.

Edgar didn’t give him an ounce of face. “You have the right to protest, you have the right to imagine all sorts of things, but we are not obligated to explain our decisions to you.”

“If you want to break convention, bring in some rebellious, sophisticated style. A scarf is better than snakeskin.”

Hesitant, Anson still managed to control himself. "The belt you chose..."

As soon as he spoke, all eyes turned toward him, including Sam’s.

Sorry, Melvin truly didn’t mean to, but despite holding back for so long, he finally couldn’t help it.

But Melvin quickly realized his blunder, immediately forcing himself to calm down and return to a neutral expression.

Anson seriously considered whether he should step back a bit to avoid getting blood on himself. Bloodstains are hard to get out of clothes.

Anson was quite the character. His insults were so advanced, not even needing to use curse words. He kept smiling the whole time, maintaining the appearance of objective, professional critique, yet his words were ruthless, viciously stabbing straight into Sam’s heart. He was a master of metaphorical murder, one that left no visible blood.

Anson didn’t stop. “It’s absolutely terrible.”

Originally, Edgar had wanted to say that there was really no need to respond. Given Anson’s current status, he didn’t need to care about a character like this. Even if Sam spread some gossip behind his back, it wouldn’t matter. After all, when you’re famous, controversy follows. No matter how well-behaved and quiet Anson remained, trouble would always come.

“Sorry, but being stylish doesn’t mean being cheap. If you’re trying to mock me for being a pretty face, please aim accurately. Don’t make others mistake me for a gigolo.”

And that wasn’t the end of it.

Just look at Sam. One second his face was flushed, the next it turned pale as a sheet of paper.

Sam looked like a boiled shrimp, his face bright red, as if he was going to explode at any moment.

However, Edgar still couldn’t keep up with Anson’s rhythm.

Anson suddenly stepped forward, casually grabbed a Hermes scarf from the rack, walked over to Sam’s styled outfit, pulled off the gigolo-style snakeskin belt, folded the scarf into a triangle, and tied it on as a replacement belt.

Edgar looked at Anson with a bit of helplessness.

“If Eddie Slimane saw this snakeskin belt, he’d probably set this whole outfit on fire.”

After speaking, Anson lightly shrugged and modestly added, "At least, that's my aesthetic."

Melvin: Pfft.

“At the very least, that’s my taste.”

Those words, sharp and decisive, without any profanity, were just shy of saying, “Who do you think you are?”

Melvin's eyes lit up. Just changing one accessory transformed the entire outfit, making it bold and fun, yet understated.

It was clear now why Anson could lead fashion trends—it wasn't without reason.

Anyone trying to fool Anson or manipulate him could easily end up backfiring and hurting themselves.

Now Melvin finally understood Eddie’s point: If you truly thought Anson was just a pretty face with no substance, you’d be the one to suffer.

Meanwhile, Edgar looked at Sam, who was now ghostly pale and looked like he could barely stand, and suddenly felt the urge to stop Anson.

Bullying someone so defenseless didn’t feel right.

Edgar glanced at Anson, who looked completely innocent: How was I supposed to know he was so fragile?

Anson, looking serious, said, “Don’t take it to heart. Not everyone is suited for this job.”

Sam stared wide-eyed at Anson, unable to hold it together, and finally broke down.

When Melvin and the others left together, Sam, looking utterly defeated, could barely stand. It seemed he might collapse at any moment.

Standing at the doorway, Melvin tried to show some concern for Sam, not as a victor but because Sam truly looked alarming.

However, Sam didn’t need it. He didn’t even stay for a second. Hastily turning around, he left, but his knees buckled and his body failed to keep up with his brain’s pace. He tripped on flat ground and went flying forward in an embarrassing fall.

Melvin and the gentleman next to him were completely dumbfounded.

As they hesitated over whether they should call an ambulance, Sam quickly jumped up, got into his car, and drove off at lightning speed. Before they could even blink, the car had disappeared into the bustling Los Angeles traffic that afternoon.

This...

Melvin and the gentleman exchanged glances.

It was the gentleman who first recovered and extended his right hand to Melvin. “Today’s styling was excellent. I’ve learned a lot, and I admit defeat wholeheartedly. I look forward to your future work.”

The gentleman’s gracious attitude left Melvin feeling a bit bashful. He nervously shook his hand, “I look forward to working together again in the future.”

The gentleman didn’t linger, turning around and heading to the parking lot.

Melvin stood there, his thoughts churning, still finding it hard to believe that things had turned out this way.

As he looked ahead, it seemed as if he could see Anson playing rugby again, his smile blossoming under the sunlight.

It felt as though he had just opened the door to a whole new world. Being a personal stylist might not be as simple as he once thought.

The first step: the premiere of Catch Me If You Can.

...

Melvin had always been confident. He believed in his abilities and talent and knew that he would eventually carve out a path for himself.

So, when it came to the Catch Me If You Can premiere, Melvin was full of confidence. He believed that the look he designed for Anson would shine, even under immense pressure—

After all, Anson had shone brilliantly at the premieres of The Princess Diaries and Spider-Man, solidifying his fashion image; and both times, he wore Dior.

Naturally, when Anson broke this mold and appeared at the Catch Me If You Can premiere with a fresh look, the pressure was unimaginable.

But Melvin was confident. In himself and in Anson.

However!

Even with all his confidence, when he saw Anson step onto the premiere’s red carpet in front of the Chinese Theatre, Melvin was still shocked.

More precisely, it was the reactions of the media and fans on the scene. The overwhelming wave of excitement and adoration, like the heat of summer breaking through the winter chill, erupted in an instant, sending the entire Hollywood Boulevard into a frenzy. The crowd was overwhelmed by the shock, awe, and screams, almost to the point of chaos.

Melvin couldn’t believe his eyes, nearly choking on his own saliva. He suddenly felt like a clueless newbie.

Of course, he was a newbie.

It was December 24, 2002, Christmas Eve, when the Catch Me If You Can premiere was held at the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, and Anson’s moment in the spotlight officially began.

Chapter 664: Such a Premiere

December 24, 2002, Christmas Eve.

By all accounts, this should have been a time for families to come together and enjoy the holiday. Yet, the entertainment industry kept churning, with no signs of slowing down.

This year, especially so.

Last week, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers chose to release early on a Wednesday, not only hosting a grand premiere but also holding fan events in major cities across the U.S., marking the start of the Christmas holiday season with a bang.

It clearly showed how seriously Hollywood was taking this holiday season.

Now it was Catch Me If You Can's turn. Christmas Eve fell on a Tuesday, so the film's premiere was held early, with the announcement that the movie would officially open on Christmas Day, extending its first-week run, just like The Two Towers.

Naturally, all of Hollywood was in high gear, and no one was exempt. People in the film industry had no chance to go home for the holidays—work still called, and the grind was real. This clearly wasn’t great for everyone.

However, to outsiders, it all looked glamorous—

While regular folks were spending Christmas Eve with their families, Hollywood insiders were partying with Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and... Anson Wood, top-tier stars.

Family? You see them every year. But the chance to party with mega-stars? That's rare.

It was all because of... Anson Wood.

Just as expected, from the San Francisco Chronicle to the Chicago Tribune, the media's focus was entirely on Anson. The teen idol who had shot to stardom overnight dominated the spotlight.

And it seemed, more and more, that this was the right call.

All of North America was experiencing "Anson fever."

Centered on Hollywood Boulevard, four surrounding blocks were under traffic control. People started lining up 36 hours early, and the massive crowd became a sight in front of the Chinese Theatre.

That night, various media outlets reported that over 1,500 people were on-site, with some claiming it was over 2,000, and even 3,000. But the exact number didn’t matter—the packed crowd made it clear this premiere was the main event of the holiday season, bringing back the summer blockbuster atmosphere.

And then, it happened.

Unlike Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of a perfect prince in Titanic, which sparked a frenzy among teenage girls, Anson Wood’s Peter Parker in Spider-Man became a universal teen idol. Whether boys or girls saw different appeals in his character, one thing was certain: Anson was the star they all admired.

The San Francisco Chronicle stated:

“Hollywood Boulevard gathered over 1,500 fans for this grand celebration. The scene rivaled the Oscars.”

Christmas paired with Hollywood made for a more flavorful experience.

The key point: Catch Me If You Can wasn’t a franchise film, nor was it a commercial blockbuster. A biographical film about a criminal wouldn't normally ignite market hysteria.

But everyone craved Anson.

Countless teens were going wild for Anson Wood.

The Chinese Theatre descended into chaos, fully embracing the festive party atmosphere.

Because—

The Chicago Tribune described the premiere as follows:

“Faces radiated with joy and happiness, like sunflowers blooming on a summer morning, all eagerly gazing toward the red carpet in the same direction, waiting for their one and only idol to appear—”

Screams. Chatter. Weak knees.

Everything was waiting for Anson.

Even Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg were ignored when they appeared.

While fan reactions were somewhat understandable, the media also followed suit, their camera flashes growing faint, prompting Tom to make a witty remark:

“Looks like everyone’s missing home.”

His clever quip brought laughter to the reporters on the red carpet.

But when the main event finally arrived and Anson made his entrance, the Chinese Theatre erupted like a tidal wave.

Ahhh!

Ahhh!

Ear-piercing screams shook the ground.

The roars drowned out Hollywood Boulevard.

The New York Post wrote, “My ears rang, and I could no longer hear anything. I could only see faces twisted with excitement and tears of hysteria. The world grew silent, the stark contrast amplifying the impact of the crowd's frenzy.”

Entertainment Weekly added, “Words like ‘crazy,’ ‘screaming,’ ‘shouting,’ and ‘cheering’ don’t even begin to describe the spectacle. A wave of madness overtook the red carpet. At that moment, Anson was the king of the Chinese Theatre.”

Variety said, “When Anson appeared, we felt like Alice stepping into Wonderland. The world no longer seemed the same, and even now, my heart races from the adrenaline and madness. It felt like our souls were torn apart by the storm.”

It wasn’t just the fans or the media.

Other actors, directors, and industry insiders were all stunned—

They had never seen anything like it.

When Leonardo DiCaprio rose to fame overnight with Titanic, he never got to bask in this kind of adulation. It all happened too quickly.

Sure, Leo experienced a taste of it at the Oscars, but that event was star-studded, with plenty of other actors and fans in attendance—it wasn’t entirely about him.

By the time his next film premiered 14 months later, the hype had cooled. And The Man in the Iron Mask didn’t hold a grand premiere, either.

That’s why Leo struggled with the overwhelming frenzy in real life, sometimes wishing he could disappear.

He hadn’t experienced anything like it and wasn’t prepared.

But Anson was different.

The Spider-Man craze was still going strong, and now Catch Me If You Can was hosting a grand premiere, giving Anson another moment in the spotlight. As the cameras honed in on him, the world seemed to spin.

Even seasoned journalists had never seen such madness.

The Los Angeles Times joked that it felt like a small earthquake had hit.

And then there was Melvin.

Melvin began to worry that Anson’s star power was so overwhelming that people might overlook his outfit—after all, everyone was focused on his face. Even if Anson had shown up in a burlap sack, people would’ve still cried in admiration.

At the premieres of The Princess Diaries and Spider-Man, people hadn’t been blinded by the hype, and they immediately noticed Anson’s outfit choices.

But tonight?

Screams, with no end in sight.

However, Melvin quickly realized his worries were unnecessary.

Anson was Anson because of the effortless charm that radiated from within. A natural sense of style made him shine.

And tonight’s premiere was no different. Soon enough, people noticed his outfit. And not just one or two—everyone once again felt Anson's uniqueness.

*Chapter 665: Moment of the Year*

"Fashion," the moment of the year, Anson Wood once again showcased his boldness and charisma, flaunting an unconventional outfit that exuded personal charm. Different qualities—stylish, sharp, rugged, and retro elegance—all blended perfectly, while still incorporating Anson’s own unique flair. The chemistry between these elements transformed Hollywood Boulevard into Anson’s personal runway, redefining red carpet fashion.

*Immediately, the iconic fashion magazine "Vogue" offered high praise.*

Throughout the past year, Anson’s collaboration with Dior created incredible synergy. From premieres to fashion weeks and endorsements, Dior elevated Anson, and Anson elevated Dior, climbing to new heights together. This partnership was so profound that people almost forgot—

*Before Dior, Anson had already entered the world of fashion through "GQ."*

Now, parting ways with Dior and returning to his individual style, this young actor once again made a statement, sparking conversations about his fashion sense.

*At the premiere of "Catch Me If You Can," Anson demonstrated one key idea:*

The difference between a premiere and an awards show.

An awards show is a gala, a party, a formal dinner—an official occasion organized by the academy, where formal attire is expected.

But a premiere? It's different. It’s a celebration, a display, a publicity event to promote a film. Wearing formal attire to a premiere is conservative.

*Tonight, Anson embodied this point.*

And yet—

*How did Anson pull it off?*

Was it all just because of his looks?

“No, of course not.”

A tie, paired with sneakers.

Rugged, handsome, effortless, and rebellious.

This Burberry ensemble harkened back to traditional British tailoring—entirely fitted, perfectly tailored to his body. The shoulders, waist, elbows, and ankles—everything was spot-on.

*"GQ" observed that this wasn't the first time, nor would it be the last, that Anson broke the rules with his unruly style, delivering a new experience.* This 20-year-old actor is quickly becoming a fashion icon for the 21st century, redefining the world as we know it.

*The premiere of "Catch Me If You Can" became a legendary moment.*

The lines. The cuts.

A black, narrow-woven tie added casual elegance and handsomeness to an otherwise rebellious look. The white sneakers, however, broke the rules, infusing youthful, sporty fashion into the outfit.

A white shirt, blue trousers, and a black leather bomber jacket.

Every detail challenged tradition while showcasing classic charm.

*Unbelievable!*

The jacket. The tie. The shoes.

At the same time, the leather bomber jacket became the key to breaking convention. Shedding the cumbersome suit jacket brought a youthful, free-spirited vibe, revealing a different side of Anson. The tie and shoes were the finishing touches.

Yet, it was precisely this outfit that vividly captured rebellion.

*And it was hard to believe!*

From head to toe, there were no accessories, no decorations. The colors were simple and restrained, sticking to traditional color palettes—clean and minimal, even a bit plain, as though confined within a suit.

Though Anson had experimented with bomber jackets before, this time, pairing a leather jacket with a formal suit took it to the next level.

*"Vogue" gave their verdict:*

You couldn’t take your eyes off him.

Elegant, composed, classic.

*And so,*

*The New York Times* noted that, after shedding Dior’s pale, vampiric, disheveled aesthetic, Anson had once again transformed, solidifying his status as a fashion trendsetter. He dazzled the crowd, making it impossible to look away.

*It was an iconic entrance.* Anson Wood had made his mark.

*Praise. Praise, and more praise—endless waves of it.*

Melvin was overwhelmed.

He admitted that he had fantasized about this moment. Day after day, night after night, he had worked for it, struggled for it, and poured his heart and soul into making it happen.

Yet, when it finally did, it felt surreal. He was at a loss, wide-eyed, and nearly overcome by the urge to run away.

He needed a moment to process.

Even having experienced it firsthand, he still couldn’t believe it had happened.

The countless flashes drowned the entire Chinese Theatre. The roar of the crowd echoed in his ears, knocking him off balance, making him feel as if he were standing on clouds.

Even after sitting down in the screening room, he still felt like he was floating, not quite grounded.

It had happened—

*The day after the premiere of "Catch Me If You Can," Anson dominated the media, appearing on every entertainment page with his overwhelming presence.*

Even *Us Weekly* featured Anson on its cover, with a special issue titled:

*"The Man Who Beat Santa Claus."*

The absurd headline grabbed everyone’s attention.

But it was a reflection of Anson’s popularity during that Christmas season—

*More than 300 media outlets reported on him, completely flooding the public's attention*, pushing even the Christmas Eve family gatherings into the background.

But all of that was just noise, fleeting. What was truly remarkable was that after the red carpet ended, the buzz continued.

When Melvin walked into the Chinese Theatre, he overheard conversations everywhere.

*“Oh my God, Anson nearly made my heart explode.”*

*“What was Anson wearing? I know the suit was Burberry, but what about the jacket and shoes?”*

*“Wow, I never expected to see this side of Anson.”*

Excitement and elation were written all over people’s faces. Anson had only just stepped onto the red carpet, yet his outfit was already the hot topic of conversation.

No wonder, when news broke that Anson and Dior were parting ways after a year-long collaboration, no one thought it was because Anson had underperformed. Everyone was convinced Dior didn’t want to let him go, but Anson chose to move on. It was likely Dior’s loss.

*And tonight proved it again.*

Replacing Dior, Burberry became the center of attention. Clearly, no one had realized that Burberry had already shifted its style. Aside from fashion enthusiasts, the general public was now focusing on Burberry for the first time.

And that jacket—

From the moment he appeared, everyone wanted to own Anson's jacket.

The frenzy was even crazier than expected. It wasn’t until Melvin experienced it firsthand that he realized how naive and simple he had been. The vortex of fame was far more wild and terrifying than he had imagined.

*In response, "Vogue" offered a sharp critique, cutting to the core.*

Anson is who he is because of his uniqueness, his nonchalance, and his free-spirited attitude. When others lamented the end of his collaboration with Dior, Anson had already moved on, continuing to express himself in new ways. His every move embodies a spirit of freedom and boldness, making him one of a kind.

Though it wasn’t directly stated, between the lines, "Vogue" had already defined Anson as a fashion icon. And this was just the beginning of the "Catch Me If You Can" promotional tour. There was much more to look forward to.

*And the movie?*

How did "Catch Me If You Can" fare?