The Prince and the Dressmaker

UNEXPECTEDLY WHOLESOME! I thought this would just be about the prince and his secret love for wearing pretty dresses, but the friendship between him and the seamstress just had me awww-ing throughout. Also, the tensions midway, the secrecy maintained, the conflicts the prince goes through (understandably) was perfectly done. I think this graphic novel is perfect to build empathy amongst people who seem so triggered by this topic lol, because you realise that a man wearing dresses causes no harm at the end of the day.
The coloring, design, and format was also super cute. 10/10 best graphic novel

Just a very quick review here because I'm supposed to be doing homework. This was a lovely light and fluffy read, one I'd been looking forward to, and I got lucky when someone who left the office left this behind.

The book is categorized here as YA, but I think it's fine for middle grade readers as well. Most children are understanding of difference until they're taught when it's "wrong", and aside from someone getting drunk and Sebastian's inevitable outing, there isn't much here that a child couldn't handle.

The art is beautiful, so playful, and really makes this feel like a storybook. The dresses are absolutely amazing and I wish Frances was around to dress the world. Sebastian/Lady Crystallia and Frances' friendship and love ran show more deep, and it was only superficially romantic so that demisexual little me can focus on the deep trust and regard that's developing between them instead of InstaLust(TM).

Only the last two chapters felt a bit too rushed. I didn't expect the final twist (a rare and pleasant surprise for me) but everything just seemed to work out too easily in the end. Not that I think (or want!) all books with characters who break the straight-white-male mold should suffer, but I wanted a bit more of a display that the characters had come through the other side of their experience stronger than they were before. Sebastian, especially, didn't really have that...except that he did continue to wear dresses, even publicly, after his double identity was revealed. And while I'll happily go along with the fantasy that the world can immediately accept Sebastian/Lady Crystallia as they are, the prince falling in love with his tailor/dressmaker is going to cause a whole 'nother scandal. That was probably my biggest beef, actually.

All in all, though, this was a fun and beautiful graphic novel to read, and I can't wait to share this book with my costume-designing sister, Kat! show less

When Frances, a seamstress with dreams of taking the fashion world of late 19th century France by storm, is brought to the palace, she has no idea who her new client is. Prince Sebastian, whose parents are trying to find a suitable princess for him to marry, wants nothing more than to take the fashion world by storm as well, only as the Lady Crystallia. Together, Sebastian and Frances create fabulous gowns and are the talk of Paris, but when Sebastian’s secret is threatened, will he be able to let Frances strike out on her own? What I appreciated most about this charming story is the way Wang thoughtfully and carefully handles gender fluidity. While Sebastian does face discrimination, it is how the story is resolved that made this show more jump from a solid 4-star story to a 5-star joy to read. show less

I was walking through B&N with a friend and by chance saw this on the end of an aisle. Now, I didn't know much about this graphic novel except from what can be learned skimming over a couple articles online (skimming very, very fast). But immediately I grabbed this and bought it immediately

And I'm not disappointed at all. I can't stop thinking about it.

Book content warnings
forcibly coming out - spoiler within a spoiler: as non binary

In Paris, "at the dawn of the modern age", Prince Sebastian has a secret: he's actually Lady Crystallia by night, the city's rising fashion icon. And his secret? also has a secret: the genius behind his look and beautiful gowns is his talented seamstress and best friend, Frances.

But Frances dreams to be a show more great and famous seamstress, and being Prince Sebastian's secret is being just that: a secret. Meanwhile, Prince Sebastian's parents are trying to find him a wife and instill in him the importance of becoming the future king. How long can Prince Sebastian and Frances keep Lady Crystallia together?

I LOVED this graphic novel. The characters are so vibrant, and their struggles are so touching and easily felt.

It's also one of the most beautiful graphic novels I've ever seen. Scrolling through a few comments here, I've noticed a few saying the style is too cartoony, but as opposed to what? Realistic, gritty comic-book style or Japanese anime-style? I think this style is LOVELY and fits the story and tone perfectly. Plus every single panel is so lovingly drawn. There isn't a single panel that's scratched out or sketched for lack of time or something. It's beautiful.

Now, as to whether this book is actually LGBT, I think it's plain when Sebastian says,

"Some days I look at myself in the mirror and think, 'That's me, Prince Sebastian! I wear boy clothes and look like my father.' Other days it doesn't feel right at all. Those days I feel like I'm actually ... a princess."

I'm non binary myself (gender fluid - though not ranging to the "two binaries" but women through agender genders), but this? I relate to this feeling exactly. And quick searching tells me a lot of other non binary readers have too.

Though the ending is left rather open-ended and the exact words "non binary/gender fluid/etc." are never actually used, Sebastian's words describing himself are enough for me.

This book is such a beautiful novel describing the experience of someone who's non binary and experiencing it for the first time. Coming to terms with it, and finding support. :')

Plus, near the ending there's a scene that had me smiling so much it hurt. You'll know it when you read it. show less

I love everything about this book!

(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review from the publisher. Thanks, First Second Books!)

Young seamstress Frances is toiling away in relative obscurity when a bold ballgown design catches the eye of a mysterious patron. Before she can say "silk chiffon" three times fast, Frances is whisked away to the royal mansion, to serve as the personal seamstress of the visiting Crown Prince of Belgium, sixteen-year-old Sebastian ... who sometimes moonlights as Lady Crystallia, a trend-setting, red-haired beauty.

Fearing that his passion will alienate him from his parents and future subjects, Sebastian swears Frances to secrecy. But as Lady Crystallia's daring outfits attract more and more show more accolades - and scrutiny - Frances must weigh her professional ambitions against her growing friendship with Sebastian. On his end, Sebastian is under increasing pressure from the King and Queen to marry and produce an heir. But how can love flourish when part of Sebastian's very identity is confined to the shadows?

I know it's only January, but The Prince and the Dressmaker is destined to become one of my favorite reads of the year. The art is enchanting; the story, heartwarming; and the denouement actually elicited a very loud gasp from me. Frances and Sebastian are compelling characters, and I found myself rooting for them both, even as their desires pulled them in opposite directions.

It seems like I've been hearing a lot (generally speaking) about well-meaning but ultimately harmful LGBTQ stories featuring tragic characters or endings. The Prince and the Dressmaker couldn't be further from this. While Sebastian's outlook seems awfully dire for a moment there, ultimately he triumphs. The ending is lovely, heartwarming, and uplifting. We need more of this. SO MUCH MORE. Queer kids need to feel that more awaits them than just doom and gloom. They need hope. Also, parents and friends like the King and Queen, Frances, and Emile wouldn't hurt, either.

I also love how Jen Wang played with different tropes and twisted gender roles into big ole messy knots. With the appearance of Lady Sophia Rohan on page four, Wang thumbs her nose at gender roles and stereotyping. The portrayal of the cross-dressing Prince Sebastian is both compassionate and exhilarating; when he confides in Frances that "It’s weird, I don’t feel like Prince Sebastian could lead a nation into battle, but Lady Crystallia could," my heart darn near swelled out of my chest.

But my favorite scene belongs to the King: Papa Bear, dressed as a majestic woodland creature, coming to his son's defense. Sarah Palin ain't got nothing on this guy.

http://www.easyvegan.info/2018/01/31/the-prince-and-the-dressmaker-by-jen-wang/ show less

I remember seeing this graphic novel a couple of months ago in my library but I hadn’t heard about it then yet. However, after seeing some wonderful reviews and also it being nominated for the Goodreads Choice awards, I knew I had to read it. And wow was this such a pleasant surprise.

Sebastian is a nice soft boy who doesn’t really find pleasure in all the princely things like hunting. He adores his parents but is scared to tell them that he isn’t sure about marrying a princess or his truth about not feeling comfortable in his own skin. It’s such a contrast to see him absolutely confident in his persona as Lady Chrystallia taking the Paris fashion scene by the storm. He is a delight when he is attending all the parties and being show more true to himself but insecurity about not being a good prince is difficult to read about because he is such a sweet person.

Frances is a lowly seamstress but when given an opportunity, she takes it up with both hands and is very eager to showcase her skills. She is not afraid of trying out some outrageous designs or colors and is very accepting of the prince’s choices, making her his closest friend. However, despite this making her name quite popular in society, she is unhappy because she is Sebastian’s secret keeper, which makes her name secret too.

I loved the way their friendship is written. Sebastian just wants acceptance – both within himself and from others – and Frances wants to be known for her talent and it is great that both of them find what they need with each other. Their stations in life also never come in between their friendship and they genuinely are fond of each other, which is very amusing to watch.

The King and Queen of Belgium are are also very good people, who just want their prince to do his duty. I was actually quite scared how they would react when the truth about Seb comes to their knowledge, but the ending was quite unexpected. It’s obviously too convenient for the sake of a happy ending, but this whole graphic novel is sweet and fluffy and too cheerful to end any other way.

I can’t say enough good things about the art in this book. True to the time period in Paris and with such importance given to fashion, the design and colors here are spectacular and very eye catching. I absolutely adored the dresses that Frances designs for Lady Chrystallia and I wish I could find something like those in real life. The author is also able to convey such beautiful emotions about friendship, love and acceptance through her words and art that it makes for a wonderful happy read and I would recommend this to anyone. You’ll only end up smiling a lot. show less

After designing a gown that turns some heads, Frances is invited to become the dressmaker for a mysterious person reluctant to show their face. An awkward moment suddenly reveals Frances' patron to be none other than Prince Sebastian, whose parents, the king and queen in the midst of pursuing a worthy match for him, are unaware of his enormous secret: at night, he sneaks out in fabulous gowns as the Lady Crystallia.

This is a cute graphic novel which carries a strong fairy tale vibe. I appreciated that both Frances and Sebastian were strong characters who were unwilling to settle for anything other than being their true and honest selves. I do have to say, for all the buildup and secrecy, the central conflict was surprisingly easily and show more swiftly (not to mention hilariously) resolved. Sweet, affirming and fun. show less