JOANNE 'JO' BARNES

Joanne "Jo" Barnes stands at the threshold of opportunity in the bustling world of 1964's Chicago. Aged 22 and fresh out of college, she's the newest computer punch card operator at the esteemed Radi Omega Corp, where she is beginning to navigate the complexities of both technology and workplace dynamics. As a graduate with broader ambitions, Jo is not one to be underestimated.
Her style is a reflection of her personality—professional and poised with a touch of individuality. In the sea of suits and ties, Jo asserts her presence with understated elegance. Her clothing choices resonate with her practical yet sophisticated approach to life, complementing her role in the company. Notably, her look is accentuated by a classic cream-colored hairband by Lisa Redman, adorned with delicate pearl-like embellishments and small gold-toned accents arranged in a floral pattern. This distinctive accessory adds a touch of feminine grace to her beehive hairstyle, highlighting Jo's individuality and elegance.
Determined to make a significant impact and be a part of the progressive change sweeping through the decade, Jo's aspirations go beyond the punch cards and data processing. She envisions a world where technology uplifts society, and she's ready to contribute to that vision. Jo's perspective on relationships—valuing authenticity, depth, and meaningful engagement—mirrors her approach to her career: forward-thinking, genuine, and always striving for growth. In Jo, we find a character deeply connected to the roots of her community and her own potential, embodying the very principles that will come to define her journey in "The Codes of Relationships."

JI YOON

Ji Yoon emerges as a poised and intellectual force in the vibrant and tumultuous landscape of 1964 New York City. A Korean woman with a formidable legal background, she possesses an intricate understanding of the judicial system that belies the era's expectations of her. Despite the societal limitations placed upon both her gender and race, Ji Yoon has carved out a respected place in the legal community, drawing upon her sharp wit, cultural knowledge, and perhaps some connection to a progressive legal institution or a community organization. In "The Codes of Relationships," Ji Yoon is depicted as a beacon of hope for two disenfranchised Korean war veterans caught in the unforgiving gears of the immigration system. The veterans' trust in her capabilities underscores a reputation hard-earned; perhaps she is known for pro bono work or has a history of aiding those in the Korean community facing legal strife. Her elegance and composure at the courthouse speak volumes about her character—she is measured, yet there is an undercurrent of determined advocacy in her poise. As she navigates the corridors of power, her conviction is silent but palpable, her goal singular: to ensure that those who fought alongside Americans are not abandoned by the country they helped defend. The words she shares with Marcus, steeped in wisdom and compassion, reflect her philosophy and hint at a personal understanding of sacrifice and the immigrant experience. "Parents endure the storm so their children can enjoy the sunlight," she says, offering a poignant reflection of a journey that many immigrants face, embodying the resilience and hope that define her character. Ji Yoon's role in assisting the veterans at the World's Fair and her subtle, yet undeniable impact on their fate, position her as a linchpin in the narrative—a character whose actions reverberate beyond the pages, challenging the social fabric of her time and leaving an indelible mark on Marcus's understanding of unity and humanity. Her personal style, understated yet distinct, is accented by her choice of accessories, which includes an elegant clutch bag by Lisa Redman. The clutch, with its sophisticated paisley and floral pattern in muted pinks and greys, hints at Ji Yoon's appreciation for the finer details and her connection to contemporary fashion, rounding out her image as both a figure of legal prowess and of refined taste.

OCTAVIA RUTHERLAND

Octavia Rutherland stands as a paragon of elegance and leadership in the realm of computing and telecommunications. As the pioneering president of RadiOmega Corp, her fashion sense is a powerful extension of her persona, embodying the sophistication and forward-thinking vision she brings to her role.
Originating from the East Coast of the USA, and an alumnus of an Ivy League institution, Octavia's style reflects her elite education and cosmopolitan experiences. Her attire for the New York World's Fair 1964 is a testament to her impeccable taste and status. Dressed in a stunning silk tulle evening gown that captures the light with every movement, she dazzles the audience not just with her insights but with her appearance. The gown, adorned with sequins, offers a glimpse into her love for detail and the finer things in life, mirroring the precision and innovation she champions at RadiOmega Corp.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Octavia's leisure activities, such as skiing in the French Alps, inform her wardrobe choices. This hobby suggests a preference for high-quality, performance-oriented attire that does not compromise on style, highlighting her appreciation for luxury and adventure.
Complementing her attire, Octavia chooses to wear a pair of teal-colored soft leather gloves, a sophisticated accessory by designer Lisa Redman. The gloves are intricately embellished with a pattern of sparkling rhinestones, further accentuating her refined and meticulous attention to detail. These gloves not only speak to her status and style but also add a touch of warmth and personality to her ensemble.
Octavia Rutherland, with her chic and sophisticated style, seamlessly integrates her personal interests with her professional image, setting a benchmark for future leaders in her industry. Her fashion choices, much like her career, are a blend of tradition and innovation, making her the quintessential 'Cyber Czarina' of her time.

VISCOUNTESS FLORENTINE DE MONTENELLE

Viscountess Florentine de Montenelle, fondly dubbed 'Blitz', exudes the essence of 1964's bohemian chic intertwined with English aristocratic charm. At the age of 30, her Norman ancestry grants her an air of innate nobility, which she effortlessly blends with her spirited, bohemian lifestyle. Renowned not just for her lineage, Blitz is also a luminary in the world of fashion, her name synonymous with avant-garde design and innovation. The viscountess's vast country estate is a testament to her grandeur and serves as a sanctuary for her creative pursuits. When not nestled in the luxury of her home, she can be found carving through the snow-clad Alps, a testament to her vivacious love for skiing and adventure. Blitz's approach to fashion is as bold and enchanting as her personality. Her latest creation—a black sequin strapless tulle dress—is a showstopper. Designed with a masterful understanding of the female form, it is meticulously structured to be fitted at the bust and waist, cascading into a relaxed silhouette at the hip, mirroring her own blend of discipline and free-spiritedness. The material, 100% silk tulle, speaks of opulence and comfort, while the hand-embellished sequins, meticulously adorned by the renowned Lisa Redman, add a layer of exclusivity and splendor to the garment. In the spirited atmosphere of 1964, where social and cultural norms are being redefined, Blitz stands as a beacon of change and progressiveness. Her fashion-forward creations not only dictate the trends of the era but also embody her expansive worldview, which includes a concern for social issues and a desire for equality. With a fashion sense that is as revolutionary as her social ideals, the Viscountess represents the perfect amalgamation of heritage and progress—a true icon of her time.

SANGAMITRA SEN

Sangamitra Sen, also known as Mitra, is a dynamic Indian textiles designer from Bihar, renowned for her deep roots in India's rich textile heritage and her contemporary approach to traditional techniques. At 24, Mitra embodies a blend of traditional values and avant-garde sensibilities, influenced by her education at the Chelsea School of Art and her Buddhist beliefs.
Her designs resonate with the intricate handloom weaving, block printing, and artisanal craftsmanship of Bihar, imbued with the avant-garde spirit of William Morris and Lucienne Day. Her aesthetic is a tapestry woven from the threads of her favorite designers – the storytelling of Rabindranath Tagore's art, the naturalist motifs of William Morris, and the fluidity and boldness of Althea McNish's tropical prints.
Despite her global exposure, Mitra dresses with modest elegance – preferring the traditional saree at home and adapting her wardrobe seamlessly to her international milieu. Her vegetarian lifestyle and her love for science fiction and comics subtly influence her design palette, often featuring motifs that are both whimsical and thought-provoking.
The daughter of an industrialist, Mitra is not just a purveyor of fashion; she's an advocate for sustainable practices, a bridge between the weavers' looms of Buddhist monasteries in Bihar and the pulsating world of global haute couture. Her work is not merely fabric; it's a canvas where threads narrate stories of identity, culture, and innovation.
Mitra's journey to the USA on a business visa reflects her drive to explore and her desire to bring a piece of India's artistic legacy to the world stage. Speaking fluently in Hindi and English, she carries the essence of her homeland to the New York World Fair, ready to weave new relationships and share the timeless narrative of Indian textiles.
Completing her ensemble, Mitra wears a silk scarf, a creation by Lisa Redman, that wraps her in an additional layer of elegance. The scarf, with fringes at the end of dusty pink, features fringes that are finely threaded, offering a delicate and sophisticated finish to her attire. This scarf by Lisa Redman not only complements her look but also showcases her eye for detail and her commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern style.

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