As Lady Crystallia gains notoriety, and Frances gets closer to meeting her idol, a designer of ballet costumes, elements of Frances’ designs trickle subtly into the wider fashion world. It’s not that the de rigueur fashions are ugly or boring-rather, everything is beautiful-but Frances’ ensembles stand out stunningly.

Starred review: “Wang’s buoyant, richly colored artwork beautifully envisions Frances’ designs against an already captivating background. (Source: Deadline Hollywood)Ģ019 A2CAF Kids' Comics Awards Nominee for Bravest HeroĢ019 Children's & Teen Choice Book Awards Finalist for TeenĢ019 Eisner Award Nominee for Best Publication for Teens (13-17)Ģ018 Harvey Award Nominee for Book of the YearĢ018 Harvey Award Winner for Best Children or Young Adult Book The graphic novel has been optioned for a film adaptation by Universal Pictures. The Prince and the Dressmaker depicts brief sexual harassment, alcohol consumption, a genderfluid character being outed against their will, and the derision that follows. However, her identity, too, is open to interpretation. The dressmaker Frances is tagged “queer female” because she expresses attraction toward Sebastian’s alter ego Lady Crystallia. If a reader feels that this story is just the first step to Sebastian discovering they’re trans, or if they feel Sebastian is a cis male that likes to dress up I’m happy with all of that!” (Source: Forbes)

But I’m also open to readers’ interpretations of how they see the character. Genderqueer is probably the best descriptor. In this database, Sebastian is tagged as “genderfluid,” “nonbinary or genderqueer,” and “trans female.” Of the titular Prince Sebastian’s gender identity, creator Jen Wang says, “To me, Sebastian is someone who identifies with different modes of gender expression and is comfortable alternating between both masculine and feminine. A fairy tale for any age, The Prince and the Dressmaker will steal your heart. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect a friend? Jen Wang weaves an exuberantly romantic tale of identity, young love, art, and family. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone’s secret weapon means being a secret. Sebastian’s secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances―one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia―the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion! Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride―or rather, his parents are looking for one for him.

The prince and dressmaker