Chapter 63: Chapter 63: The Premiere of "Chicago"
"Where's the dress?" Judy checked her watch, pacing anxiously in the dressing room. "I want to see my dress in five minutes!"
"It's still on the way," Mary replied, rushing over to open the makeup box. "I found it—the highlighter is here."
"No, not that one!" Judy snapped, immediately abandoning talk of the dress to focus on makeup. "Don't use MUF's highlighter—it wasn't the effect we got last time. I just spent $300,000 on this look! MUF's highlighter looks terrible in flash photography, and the powder marks are impossible to cover. Drew nearly lost it when she saw the photo!"
The makeup artist, Julian, covered his mouth dramatically, his glittering nails catching the light. "Judy, you never mentioned that before..."
Judy shook her head in exasperation. "You still have 20 minutes, Julian—move it, move it!"
Under the high pressure of last-minute preparations, Julian adjusted Jenny's makeup carefully. In Hollywood, where male favoritism runs deep—even among stylists—the top market share is dominated by men. Yet even here, Judy's top stylist happened to be a gay man with a flair for gossip. While applying highlighter with expert precision, Julian leaned in and asked, "You mean the Armani dinner last month, right? I recall Williams did Drew's makeup that night. Don't tell me his work went wrong?"
"No, no," Judy snapped, fingers flying over her BlackBerry. "Shit, I'm afraid we're really too late—Katherine has already left the hotel!"
"Judy," Jenny interjected softly, trying to calm her down, "the premiere officially starts in an hour—"
"Shh!" Judy and Julian both hushed her in unison.
"Dear, you're welcome to join the conversation, but now's not the time," Julian murmured kindly, bending to adjust Jenny's makeup. "Close your eyes and let me work. We need to fix that highlighter—apply another layer of mascara. You can never have too much mascara!"
As Julian worked with swift, practiced motions, he and Judy continued chatting about the latest gossip on Drew Barrymore's makeup fiasco. They discussed how People magazine's new Canon flash had captured every powder mark on Drew's face, sending her into tears—and how Williams had, once again, lost a client.
Jenny listened silently, feeling more like a product on a star-making assembly line than an individual. Everything was handled professionally by Judy and her team; her personal input was nearly zero. Yet as Julian's skilled hands brought her face into perfect symmetry, Jenny's reflection in the mirror revealed a transformation. The layers of makeup blurred the line between reality and art—she was beautiful, but it was a look designed for cameras, not for everyday life.
Moments later, Nisha burst into the room with a small dress held high. "Everyone, clear a path!" she called out, as the team moved in unison to deliver the dress to Jenny's changing area. Judy followed closely, and soon the sounds of drawn curtains and hurried adjustments filled the room. Julian retrieved several pairs of shoes and assorted accessories from a suitcase while his assistant organized the finishing touches.
Jenny, having shed her short bathrobe, found herself unexpectedly exposed for the first time since her rebirth. With swift efficiency, Julian adjusted her ensemble—pinching one of her breasts lightly to position nipple stickers, ensuring her bra wouldn't ruin the dress line. In a flurry of activity, Jenny's makeup was perfected, her hair dried and styled under Julian's careful supervision. Judy's BlackBerry buzzed with a countdown: "Julian, you only have two minutes left—get the limousine ready! Katherine has arrived, Renee's been in the car for ten minutes... the limousine is here! Three, two, one—Jennifer, get in the elevator!"
Jenny called out, "Wait—one shoe isn't on properly!" Amid the final countdown, Julian quickly adjusted her straps, and Jenny, surrounded by her team and escorted by Mary into an extended Lincoln limousine, took her seat as the car sped off into the night.
Later, on the red carpet, the world awaited. Flashbulbs exploded as Jennifer Jefferson stepped out of the limousine with grace and poise. Her understated yet perfectly executed look—achieved through hours of meticulous preparation—captivated the crowd. Though her makeup was heavy to ensure flawless photos, her natural elegance shone through. Every movement was graceful and deliberate, from the way she signed autographs to the effortless tilt of her head.
"She's so beautiful beyond imagination!" Jon shouted from the back, his voice barely audible over the roar of cameras. Even as she passed by, the dazzling lights made her look almost otherworldly—a vision that surpassed the expectations of every long-time fan.
At the premiere, the conversation buzzed with comparisons. Some fans marveled at how Jennifer's new look perfectly refuted earlier rumors of a secret marriage, while others eagerly discussed her transformation from a quiet Broadway star to Hollywood's newest leading lady. Gossip threads exploded online, with headlines like "Jennifer Jefferson – Hollywood's Most Noteworthy New Face" dominating the airwaves.
Critics were divided too. Brantley admitted that while Jennifer outshined Renee in appearance, Renee was a seasoned actress with decades of experience. Patri, however, noted that Renee's performance exuded confidence—a quality that Jennifer was only just beginning to harness.
Despite the varied opinions, one thing was clear: Jennifer Jefferson had become a household name. As she navigated the chaos of the premiere, her every step was a statement—a blend of elegance, determination, and quiet defiance. Backstage, she reminded herself that although her current public image was crafted by agents and stylists, her true worth lay in her ability to connect with audiences on her own terms.
Later, at a private interview, she was asked about her personal journey. Jennifer revealed her humble beginnings, her struggles growing up in foster care, and her relentless drive to transform her life. Her honesty resonated with the public, reinforcing her image as an embodiment of the American dream.
Outside, in a crowded room of celebrities and industry insiders, Jennifer's every move was watched. Her impeccable style, from her shimmering Valentino dress to the subtle sparkle of her Cartier earrings, spoke volumes. As she mingled, her eyes met those of her longtime fans—faces that had followed her journey from the very beginning—and their adoration filled her with quiet pride.
"Tonight, our Roxy is better," she murmured to herself, echoing the familiar slogan that had become synonymous with her rise.
And as the night drew on, under the glow of red carpets and the flash of cameras, Jennifer Jefferson stood as a beacon of hope and resilience—a new star lighting up the dark corridors of Hollywood.
Author's Note:
Valentino here refers to the high-end luxury brand, not the more affordable versions found elsewhere.
Richard Gere remains a well-known advocate for Tibetan independence—a fact that colors some of the behind-the-scenes chatter.
While the premiere of Chicago showcased Jennifer's transformation, it also reaffirmed the intense pressure and high stakes of the Hollywood machine.
The cultural references—ranging from gossip about secret relationships to the subtle art of managing a public image—reflect the complex social dynamics that define modern celebrity.