It all started two years ago when a new dressmaker—a ditsy, braindead twit of an earth pony named Mabel—moved to Ponyville and opened a boutique across the street from Rarity's home. As offended as she had been by the obviously aggressive gesture, Rarity had conducted herself with temperance and grace, and welcomed Mabel to Ponyville with open forelegs. Soon after, she found her business capsizing as the new dressmaker systematically stole away her customers.