Before moving to Switzerland, Cassidy had already built a promising career in the fashion world. She worked as a fashion designer for a well-known brand in America—structured, fast-paced, and full of pressure. It was a life that demanded everything from her, yet rarely gave her the space to breathe. Back then, she created under someone else's name, someone else's vision.
But after leaving it all behind and settling in Switzerland, Cassidy decided it was time to create something of her own.
In the quiet suburb of Lausanne, surrounded by mountains and serenity, Cassidy rebuilt her life piece by piece. She became a full-time mother to Claire, the little girl who became her whole world, and at the same time, she reignited her passion for fashion—this time on her own terms. From her home studio, she launched her very own brand.
Cy. Noire.
It was a name that didn't just represent her designs—it became her shield. Her stage name. Her freedom. Cassidy wanted to stay anonymous, to protect her privacy and the peaceful life she'd built with Claire. No one knew that behind the rising label adored by teenagers and trendsetters was a single mother designing in slippers, often with Claire sitting nearby drawing her own "fashion collections" in crayon.
Cy. Noire quickly gained traction in the local market. Known for its modern, youthful, and effortlessly stylish pieces, the brand became a favorite among influencers, TikTokers, and Gen Z fashion lovers. Every new drop was met with excitement—sleek silhouettes, vibrant palettes, and most importantly, comfort. Cassidy had tapped into exactly what the new generation wanted: fashion that was wearable, expressive, and trend-forward.
Though she worked from home, Cassidy wasn't alone. Her trusted partner, Lucie, helped manage the entire operational side of the brand. From coordinating with fabric suppliers and handling production logistics to running campaigns and collaborations, Lucie was Cassidy's right hand. She respected Cassidy's wish to remain behind the scenes and protected her true identity fiercely.
Today, Cassidy sat at her workspace, dressed in an oversized neutral-toned sweatshirt, her hair in a lazy bun. Her laptop glowed with the familiar Zoom screen, faces popping up one by one—Lucie, the marketing team, and a couple of project leads.
Lucie opened the meeting with her usual confident energy. "Okay team, let's dive in. Cassidy, did you get a chance to review the latest report? Last week's engagement was insane—Minimal Bloom sold out in just two days!"
Cassidy offered a soft smile. "That's great to hear. But really, it's all thanks to you guys. I just send sketches and ideas—you make it all happen."
Lucie laughed. "Don't be so modest. Your style is what sells—modern, youthful, and clean. Teens love it. Young moms love it. Even their boyfriends are buying pieces."
The meeting buzzed with ideas and updates. There was talk of opening Cy. Noire's first pop-up store in Zurich, a new collaboration with a top Swiss fashion app, and an offer from a major influencer with millions of followers.
Lucie shared her screen, displaying a series of slides filled with colorful analytics and campaign visuals.
"Our engagement rate jumped 35% this month," she said, her voice animated. "And we're seeing a spike not just in Switzerland, but also in Germany and the Netherlands. TikTok has been huge for us—especially that one video of the Cloudline Jacket going viral last week."
Cassidy leaned closer to her laptop, scanning the numbers. "That's the one with the pastel blue version, right?" she asked. "I think we can explore more color variations in that fabric. Something softer for spring—maybe lilac or sage?"
Lucie nodded quickly. "Perfect. I'll speak to our textile supplier tomorrow. We still have enough inventory to do a limited capsule."
One of the marketing leads, Emma, chimed in. "Also, Cassidy—we've received a proposal from Glow Collective. They want to do a mini collab with Cy. Noire for their spring campaign. Limited pieces, your design, our branding together. It's a great opportunity—they're massive on Instagram."
Cassidy paused for a moment. She had heard of Glow Collective—a flashy, influencer-centric brand known for bold aesthetics. Not exactly her style.
"I'll review the mood board first," Cassidy said diplomatically. "I want to make sure it still feels authentic to Cy. Noire."
Lucie smiled, pleased by Cassidy's steady approach. "Of course. No rush, we'll forward you all the materials. But if it works out, it could open doors to a younger market. Even younger."
Cassidy gave a soft nod. A part of her heart swelled with pride—Cy. Noire was no longer just her escape. It had grown into a voice. A statement. And now, the world was starting to listen.
Another voice spoke up—Marc, their logistics coordinator. "On a more practical note—we're reaching full capacity with the current production partner. If we move forward with Zurich's pop-up and another collab, we'll need a secondary manufacturer. Preferably still within Switzerland, but we could also look at northern Italy."
Cassidy leaned back slightly, thoughtful.
"I don't want to compromise quality. Maybe start vetting a few small workshops that specialize in sustainable methods. Nothing mass-market."
"Already on it," Marc replied. "I'll share options next week."
As the meeting began to wind down, Lucie took the lead again.
"One last thing—are you open to doing a short video message for the pop-up event launch? It doesn't have to show your face. Just a voiceover or something we can pair with behind-the-scenes footage of the design process. The team thinks it would add a nice touch."
Cassidy hesitated. She had always been strict about staying anonymous. But now... perhaps her voice could reach them—without needing her name or face.
"I'll think about it," she said softly. "Send me the script draft first."
Lucie gave her a reassuring smile. "You got it."
As the call wrapped up and faces began to disappear from the screen, Cassidy stared at her reflection on the darkened Zoom window. Behind her, Claire's soft humming drifted in from the hallway, mingling with the quiet satisfaction she felt in her chest.
The world may not know her name, but her work was speaking louder than ever.
And that was enough—at least for now.
After closing her laptop and sipping the last of her now-cold coffee, Cassidy glanced at her phone lying beside her sketchbook. She unlocked it and opened the Instagram account of her brand—@cy.noire.
Although she and her admin both managed the account, it was mostly the admin who handled the updates—posting photos of the latest collections, replying to DMs, curating the feed. Cassidy rarely opened it herself. But today, curiosity nudged her.
She tapped into the notifications just to see the responses—comments, tags, and how people were reacting to the new pieces.
Comments flooded the latest post: a flatlay of the Minimal Bloom collection paired with Cy. Noire's signature minimalist caption:
"Simple, chic, made to move."
Cassidy scrolled slowly through the feed, reading what her customers were saying:
"Got mine today and it fits like a dream! Thank you, Cy. Noire!"
"Can't believe how comfy yet stylish this is. Obsessed!"
"Whoever designs this brand GETS US. Please do more in sage green."
"Manifesting Cy. Noire kidswear pls, my niece would rock these looks."
Her finger paused on the last comment. Kidswear. Her eyes drifted toward the slightly ajar door. Through the crack, she could see Claire sitting on the floor of the playroom, wearing the oversized hoodie Cassidy had experimented with the week before. It was clearly too big, but Claire wore it proudly—twirling in it like it was couture. She'd even added a tiny flower clip in her hair, as if she were walking her own little runway.
Cassidy smiled softly. Something in her chest tightened—but not with stress. With warmth.
Becoming a mother had changed how she saw fashion. Where once she focused on silhouettes and style, now she thought about freedom of movement, softness, and how clothes could make a child feel safe and bold at the same time. Claire had taught her that—how to be gentle and strong, playful and intentional.
And maybe… maybe it was time.
Maybe Cy. Noire Petite wasn't such a far-off idea.
A children's line with the same spirit: modern, simple, and comfortable. Clothes that didn't just look cute but were made to be lived in—to run, climb, create, and dream. For little girls who might one day design worlds of their own.
Cassidy opened the notes app on her phone and quickly typed down a few rough ideas. She saved the notes, then glanced back at the Instagram screen.
A DM had come in. She opened it.
"Is Cy. Noire just one person? Whoever you are… thank you for designing clothes that make us feel confident being ourselves."
Cassidy read it again. And again.
She didn't reply, but a quiet smile curved her lips.
She didn't need the spotlight. She didn't need her name known. As long as her message reached people—her work spoke enough.
***
Cassidy slipped her phone into the pocket of her cardigan and walked quietly toward the playroom. Claire was sitting cross-legged on a fluffy rug, humming to herself while arranging colored beads into a heart shape.
She sat down beside her, picking up a stray bead. For a moment, they sat in silence, just mother and daughter, soaking in the slow rhythm of their afternoon.
Then Cassidy asked, "Claire… if Mommy made clothes for little girls, what kind of outfits would you like to wear?"
Claire tilted her head. "Like, for real?"
Cassidy nodded. "For real. I was thinking about designing clothes for kids. Something fun. Something you'd like."
Claire's eyes lit up instantly. She dropped her beads and sat up straighter.
"Okay, okay! I want a dress… but it has to have pockets! And not itchy. I don't like scratchy things."
"Got it. Pockets. No itchy fabrics. What else?"
"Oh! A hoodie that turns into a cape when you run." She stood up and dramatically tossed the back of her hoodie. "Like a superhero!"
Cassidy laughed, both surprised and delighted. She reached for her notebook nearby and began scribbling quickly.
"A superhero hoodie. Interesting," she murmured, jotting it down.
Claire plopped beside her and leaned close. "And matching headbands with sparkles. But not too sparkly. Just like… a little magic."
Cassidy looked at her daughter, eyes wide with admiration. "You might have to be Mommy's co-designer for this line."
Claire grinned. "Can I name it?"
Cassidy raised a brow, amused. "You want to name the kids' line?"
Claire nodded seriously.
"Alright," Cassidy said, handing over her pen. "Impress me."
Claire thought hard for a moment. Then she carefully wrote in big, uneven letters:
"Little Noire"
Cassidy blinked at the words—simple, clever, and undeniably connected to the heart of her brand.
She smiled. "You just might be a genius, Claire."
Claire shrugged, smug. "I know."
Cassidy pulled her daughter into a hug, resting her chin on Claire's soft hair. Her heart felt full—of love, of purpose, of a new beginning she never imagined.
Maybe this was what success truly looked like. Not the runway. Not fame. But this moment. This laughter. And the shared dream between a mother and her daughter.