Honestly, it’s rare for a graphic novel to stick in your brain for years after you close the cover. But Jen Wang’s The Prince and the Dressmaker isn’t your typical "once upon a time" story. It doesn't rely on the usual tropes of slaying dragons or rescuing damsels. Instead, it’s about a dress. Actually, it’s about a lot of dresses—and the person wearing them.
I remember picking this up when it first came out in 2018. I thought I knew what I was getting into. A cute YA romance? Sure. But the depth caught me off guard. It's 19th-century Paris, but the themes of identity and the crushing weight of family expectations feel like they were written yesterday.
Prince Sebastian is the heir to the Belgian throne. He’s looking for a bride, or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. But Sebastian has a secret. At night, he explores Paris as Lady Crystallia, a fashion icon who takes the city by storm. He can’t do this alone, though. He needs Frances. She’s a seamstress with a "radical" aesthetic that most of the elite find horrifying, but Sebastian finds it liberating.
The Secret Life of Lady Crystallia
The relationship between Sebastian and Frances is the heart of the book, but it’s not always easy to watch. Sebastian’s secret is a heavy burden. It’s not just about clothes; it’s about the fact that he only feels like his true self when he’s Crystallia.
Jen Wang does something brilliant here. She doesn't strictly label Sebastian’s experience with modern terminology like "genderfluid" or "trans." She lets him just be. For some readers, this is a point of contention. They want a definitive answer. But in the context of the story, the ambiguity is part of the charm. It makes the struggle feel more universal.
Frances, on the other hand, is a force of nature. She wants to be a world-class designer. She’s talented, ambitious, and deeply loyal. But here’s the rub: being Sebastian’s secret weapon means she stays a secret too. Her best work is walking down the street on the back of Lady Crystallia, and she can never take credit for it. It’s a messy, complicated dynamic.
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Why the Art Style Matters So Much
You can't talk about The Prince and the Dressmaker without talking about the art. Jen Wang’s lines are fluid and expressive. The fashion isn't just a background detail; it’s a character.
The dresses are stunning.
They range from structural masterpieces to flowing, ethereal gowns. When you look at the panels, you can almost feel the fabric. Wang uses color to tell the story—warm glows in the moments of shared confidence and cold, stark tones when the reality of Sebastian's royal duties closes in. It’s visual storytelling at its peak. It’s not just about looking pretty; it’s about how the clothes make the characters feel.
The Reality of the Royal Burden
Being a prince sounds great until you realize your entire life is a performance. Sebastian’s father, the King, is obsessed with tradition. He wants a son who fits the mold. This creates a massive amount of tension.
The Prince and the Dressmaker tackles the "coming out" narrative in a way that feels incredibly grounded, despite the 1800s setting. When the secret eventually spills—and in a story like this, it always does—the fallout isn't just personal; it's political.
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- Sebastian faces the loss of his inheritance.
- Frances faces the loss of her career.
- The King faces the loss of his reputation.
It’s high stakes. But it’s handled with such gentleness. One of the most moving scenes involves the King finally seeing his son for who he is. It isn't a magical, instant transformation into a modern ally, but it’s a start. It’s a father choosing his child over his crown.
What People Often Miss About the Ending
There’s a lot of debate about whether the ending is "too happy." In a world that often treats queer or non-conforming stories with tragedy, Jen Wang chooses joy.
Some critics argue it’s unrealistic for the time period. Paris in the late 1800s wasn't exactly a haven for gender non-conformity. But this is a fairy tale. Why can't we have a happy ending? Why can't the Prince wear a dress and still be the hero?
The ending works because it’s earned. Sebastian and Frances both have to make massive sacrifices to be together and to be themselves. They don't just get what they want; they have to fight the entire social structure of Europe to get it.
Actionable Takeaways for Readers and Creatives
If you’re coming to this book for the first time, or if you’re a writer looking to learn from it, there are a few things to keep in mind.
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First, notice how Wang uses "The Secret" as a narrative engine. Every choice the characters make is filtered through the fear of discovery. It builds incredible tension. If you're writing your own story, ask yourself: what is the one thing my character cannot afford for people to know?
Second, look at the balance of power. At first, Sebastian has all the power because he’s the Prince. But as the story progresses, Frances gains power because she is the one with the talent. By the end, they are equals. That’s a masterclass in character arcs.
Finally, for readers, don't just rush through the pages. Look at the fashion. Look at the way Lady Crystallia carries herself versus how Prince Sebastian walks. The body language tells a whole different story.
If you want to dive deeper into these themes, I'd suggest checking out other works by Jen Wang, like In Real Life (written by Cory Doctorow) or her earlier work Koko Be Good. They all share that same DNA of people trying to figure out who they are in a world that wants them to be something else.
The Prince and the Dressmaker is more than just a graphic novel. It's a reminder that fashion is a language, and sometimes, the most revolutionary thing you can do is wear what makes you feel like yourself.
Next Steps for Fans and Newcomers:
- Analyze the Fashion: Go back through the book and look for the "Hiding" dress. It’s the one Frances makes that symbolizes Sebastian's dual life. Notice how the silhouette changes as he becomes more confident.
- Research the History: Look up the "Belle Époque" in Paris. While the book is a fantasy, the atmosphere of the era—the rapid change in art and social norms—is a real historical backdrop that makes the story feel grounded.
- Support the Creator: Follow Jen Wang’s work on social media or her website. She often shares process sketches that show how these iconic dress designs came to life.
- Read Similar Works: If the themes of identity and art resonated with you, try The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye by Sonny Liew or Spinning by Tillie Walden. They offer different but equally powerful takes on finding one's voice.