The Prince and the Dressmaker is a practically perfect, I want to shove it into the hands of every graphic novel lover I see. I adored Jen Wang’s illustrations in In Real Life, and I am so excited to finally have more of her work to gaze upon. She achieves so much with (seemingly) simple line drawings, emotion and mood are depicted flawlessly. I also love her ability to create very distinctly designed characters. But what really REALLY got me excited about this graphic novel was the exploration and examination of identity. Wang does an excellent job representing identity as complex.

The Prince and the Dressmaker has been one of our most anticipated graphic novel releases of the year ever since it was announced. An LGBT-positive take on the classic girl-meets-prince fairytale formula? Count us in! It's an incredible story that has been more than worth the wait and we can't wait for everyone to get a chance to meet Frances and Sebastian.

The relationship between Frances and Sebastian is easily the best part of this story. The two come from very different backgrounds but they find common ground in their love of fashion. Frances is a young seamstress with big dreams. She's incredibly creative and talented and she dreams of working in theatre making costumes for grand productions. After she creates a particularly outrageous and stunning piece she catches the eye of young Sebastian, the crown prince of Belgium.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Sebastian lives a secret life as Lady Crystallia - a beautiful, young socialite who is known to turn heads with her flair for fashion. Sebastian takes Frances into his confidence and the two take Paris by storm with Frances's incredible designs. Over time the two of them become very close but Sebastian's secret life threatens to tear everything apart. Because as Crystallia becomes more and more envied by the ladies of Paris the importance of him not being discovered intensifies.  

Frances gives everything to become Crystallia's private seamstress and a person can only live behind someone else's secrets for so long -- even when they may truly love them. Watching Frances come into her own and eventually take her future into her own hand is inspiring. She makes some tough decisions at times.

Sebastian does the same. Throughout much of the book he's terrified of his family and society learning about his secret, nighttime escapades as Lady Crystallia. But he loves being Crystallia and the gorgeous dresses he gets to wear. In the end, he has to decide what's more important: being who everyone else thinks he should be or who he wants to be?

Jen Wang really brings the characters to life with her wonderful artwork. I was really excited for The Prince and Dressmaker because I loved her character designs for In Real Life which she worked on with Cory Doctorow a few years back.

The book almost has a Disney-esque feel to it due in large part to Wang's use of colors and costume design. I could see these images moving across a movie screen in the old-school 2D style. Considering I know absolutely nothing about fashion or costuming in general I though that Jen Wang's designs really helped readers appreciate the role that clothing plays in Frances and Sebastian's lives.

The Prince and the Dressmaker is one of the first really great graphic novels of the year. Jen Wang tells a beautiful story that gives readers a long overdue update to typical fairytale romances. It's a book that readers of all ages can enjoy and that I'd recommend to almost anyone. It's touching, moving, and will undoubtedly stick with readers for a long time thanks to it's classic, storybook feel. If you only pick up one graphic novel this spring then this is one of our top contenders! 

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A REVIEW COPY WAS PROVIDED FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS REVIEW

4.5/5 Stars

I'd heard nothing but amazing things about Jen Wang's The Prince and the Dressmaker and it truly deserves all the praise. Sebastian and Frances form an endearing friendship built on trust and creativity and their moments together were wonderful. The stunning dresses took on a life of their own and all of the vivid colors and flowing lines created a gorgeous artistic style. Overall The Prince and the Dressmaker was an absolute beauty both in story and art. Definitely check it out!

I can't even begin to express just how excited and honored I am to be talking about my first ever graphic novel review here on Book Freak Revelations. When my friends from First Second Books sent me an invitation to join their blog tour for Jen Wang's newest work, I knew there was no other answer but YES! Now, read on for a detailed review of The Prince and The Dressmaker.

(Please take note that I am in no means an expert in reviewing graphic novels, as this is my first time giving my thoughts on one, and I'm not used to tackling this specific medium of literature.)

Before I was invited to be a part of this blog tour, I already did my research about The Prince and The Dressmaker and what I loved most about it is the whole premise of the story. Most of the comics that I read fall under the Fantasy and / or the Sci-fi genre, and this is the first time I came to read a contemporary and so this really did raise my standards in reading graphic novels. Also, I've never felt so lighthearted while reading a novel and it made me feel so well represented as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, not that it really has that big a bearing on the book's overall credibility, I just wanted to share. *laughs*

The art style that the author (or artist?) used to bring life into this story was also noteworthy, and I understandably fell in love with the overall feel of the novel because of this. From the posh palace interiors to the breathtaking dresses that the young and ambitious Frances designed, everything was so intricately and beautifully drawn, I honestly can't help but take a few seconds to take in the beauty and appreciate the book. And to get to know the Jen Wang's process in the end was like the cherry on top of this sweet yet deliciously served story.

Lastly, I want to highlight how good the story's ending was, in my opinion. I felt like unlike many other stories, the ending to this one perfectly wrapped everything up, leaving readers with a light and satisfied heart. And with this story's ending came my realization that books like these, ones that are relevant and extremely important especially for young readers, can help shape our future generations. It can help mold a reading environment that can be deemed as safe and productive. And I, personally, want to be a part of a progressive community that could somehow support and champion stories such as The Prince and The Dressmaker.

"Jen Wang's The Prince and The Dressmaker focuses on a friendship that is formed when two unlikely characters, from completely different worlds, meet at such an opportune time. It talks about highly relevant topics, partnered with a story that is as heartfelt as it is delightful to read. All in all, the author's attempt at bringing Frances and Sebastian's story to life will easily give readers of all ages a reading experience that is entirely unique and enjoyable."

Even if I didn't love the subject matter and story, I'd love this book for Jen Wang's amazing art and layouts. The art is simply yet somehow decadent. The flow from panel to panel has a sweeping feel and the focus is never just the characters but the entire vignette.

But I also love the subject matter and story. There's something about it that has a historical feel but is still very modern. Gender norms, societal expectations, class systems, and so much more are addressed in this sweet tale about, well, a prince and a seamstress.

I received an advance eCopy from the publisher via Netgalley. I am a huge fan of the divine and genteel Manga series "Emma" by Kaoru Mori and this graphic novel reminds me of this series (about a maid and aristocratic gentleman set in Victorian England) in both style and emotional feeling. This time the setting is Paris, about the same era, the girl is a seamstress and her male counterpart, the young Prince of Belgium.

After designing a unique and breathtaking gown, Frances is hired by a wealthy but secret benefactor as their personal dressmaker. Frances thinks she is now working for a princess. It transpires that she is actually working for a prince ; a prince who likes to wear dresses, magnificent dresses. Sebastian, finds his true self as Lady Crystallia and with the help of Frances and the dresses she designs and creates, the prince becomes the toast of Paris; the trend every fashionista wants to follow.

While this graphic novel channels the emotional tone of a traditional fairytale, it explores the more modern idea of being true to yourself by living your dreams and the gender issues faced by the LGBQT community.

The font used for the dialogue bubbles is ideal. The illustration style evokes fairytale qualities with its use of soft colour tones and like a wonderful film script, dialogue is used sparingly, letting each illustration panel depict the emotional thread. The author also utilises varied perspectives in her illustrations to great dramatic effect.

Overall, this graphic novel is a wonderful achievement!

A very cute graphic novel about living your true life, despite others' expectations. I was a little surprised that so much attention was paid to Frances and her talent and ambition. Part of what made Sebastian's double life as Lady Crystallia even possible was that Frances was a secret. I'm glad that she got to realize her ambitions too, and wasn't just a background figure in Sebastian's journey.

This one was absolutely lovely and the art was gorgeous. I hope we see more from Jen Wang very soon!

I was blown away by this book. It's exceptional. It's beautiful. It's heartwarming. It's lovable. It's necessary.

It's a cross between 19th century French royal fairytales and a drag ball (Ru Paul anyone?). It reinforces positive cross dressing messages and gender norms. A++++

This is one of the most magical stories. Gorgeous illustrations, lovely characters and a love story that is about more than romance. It is about friendship, acceptance, self-love, familial love. Man. I just want to put this into the hands of every human I encounter this year!

I hadn't realised this book is a graphic novel, but it was a great surprise and it suited the story perfectly. It's a sweet, gentle story about being true to yourself and understanding people. I did feel a little sorry for Julianna, and I'd have liked to know what happened to her, but I'm sure things worked out.
I loved the way the characters grew over the course of the story, and I'm glad it ended the way it did. Thanks for letting me read it.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang is a young to new adult graphic novel currently scheduled for release on February 13 2018.

Paris, at the dawn of the modern age: Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride—or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. 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’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. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone’s secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect a friend?

The Prince and the Dressmaker is a graphic novel that is classically romantic; a story about identity, friendship, and character. I loved the character building and arc for the major players. I adored Frances, Sebastian, and the immediate circle of friends. I think the story of finding yourself, who you are, and what you want, is universal- even if you have nothing else in common with Frances and Sebastian. The evolution of their friendship, and how honest it was just took my breath away. It was a heart warming journey with the requisite bumps along the way. The importance of truth and art throughout the story was key to the heart of the story, and made it work so well. I will admit that the only artwork I was not thrilled with were some of the renderings of Lady Crystallia, but that could have just been the way the graphics loaded on my Kindle.

The Prince and the Dressmaker is a beautifully drawn graphic novel that tells a story of friendship, self discover, and the importance of being honest about who you really are. I love the exploration of friendship and identity, and think most people will enjoy the read. Those with linear views on gender and sexual identity are the only readers that I think might react badly to the book.

Oh. Oh my. Right in the FEELS. It's over halfway through the year and this. THIS might be the book of the year for me.

Frances is a seamstress unable to take fashion risks without being fired until one of her designs catches the eye of Prince Sebastian, the crown prince of Belgium. Secretly, Sebastian dresses as a woman and he wants someone discrete who can design clothes for him that make him feel truly alive. Together, Frances and Sebastian live a secret life while the prince’s parents try to hook him up with any and all the available princesses.

First of all, I knew I was going to adore this because the artwork swept me right into anachronistic 19th century Paris—the fashions, the background art—and the character drawings were perfectly whimsical while displaying wide ranges of emotions. The series of wordless panels convey so much emotion in each stroke of the brush, from Frances’ trepidation to a starting a new unknown adventure to . . . well, that would give it away. And her designs are amazing. Such pretty dresses and worn so well by Lady Crystallia.

Secondly, the incorporation of LGBTQ+ was just perfect. It’s not a spoiler alert that Sebastian is gender fluid—sometimes he feels like a boy and others she feels like a girl (I’m using the he pronoun because that is how he refers to himself except when as Lady Crystallia). And the portrayal of the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation (it’s subtle but it’s there, I promise).

This amazing, absolutely refreshing graphic novel about self-discovery, growing up and the love of fashion warmed the cold, cold cockles of my heart. Let it warm yours.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

With a gorgeous art style, author/illustrator Jen Wang draws in the reader to a beautiful fairy tale of love and identity. Colors and her soft edged art style converge to make a book that was visually appealing and satisfactory in a narrative sense.

Prince Sebastian deals with many things in The Prince and the Dressmaker, primarily the expectations of his parents, the king and queen of Belgium, and what those duties mean for his personal identity. He finds himself comfortable and craving dresses, costuming himself in secret with old dresses of his mother's until he meets Frances, a seamstress with dreams of her own. With her help, he's able to become Lady Crystallia, a gorgeous fashion icon whose confidence soars in Frances's creations.

The tug-of-war that exists within Sebastian, his identity versus parental/societal expectations, was very much at the forefront of the story. He explains to Frances that, at times, wearing dresses makes him feel not like Prince Sebastian, but more like a princess. That conversation leads me to believe that Sebastian is genderfluid. The feelings of sadness, joy, and satisfaction were felt painfully well as I read of his trying to figure out his identity, protecting so that he, and by extension those he loves, won't be harmed, whether by ridicule or something else.

Frances has an equally detailed story line. As it begins, she is a seamstress among many at a small shop until, following the wishes of the wearer of a gown rather than the one paying for it, she crafts a dress that attracts the notice of Sebastian. With him, she is able to create more elaborate and flashy gowns that she was unable to in her previous, more conservative employ. However, she still has much to learn as she establishes what her dream is and what she needs to do to make it happen. Whether that is continuing to help Sebastian and remain a secret herself, or working with the son of a department store creator to create a line for the masses, it's up to her to decide where her path lies, made somewhat complicated by her growing feelings for Sebastian.

There were several scenes that were particularly fun, a breath of ease among more serious panels. When Frances and Sebastian meet, their vacation together, the fashion show at the department store in particular.

In the end, through a series of sometimes cruel, sometimes sad, but ever after companionable and happy, both the prince and the dressmaker are able to grow more into their true selves. Finding that place, finding out who they can trust, made for a happily ever after.

Let me tell you that The Prince and the Dressmaker was such a cute story. The art/drawings was two thumbs up with a million golden stars. The characters are so adorable I couldn't stop "awww-ing" and feeling like I needed to protect them and make them happy. Overall this is a story you all want to get.

I was lucky enough to receive that as an ARC through Netgalley. Thanks to both Netgalley and Jen Wang.

This was totally adorable! I loved the art style, as it is a graphic novel, and I think it highlighted a very important message that everyone should hear! If you love fairytale/royal settings and are interested in some awesome representation, then check this one out when it comes to shelves February 13th!

I loved this book, and while I feel it does provide a rather unlikely ending, I was happy. We need books that allow a glimpse into the lives of others in a way that shows the humanity in everyone. The idea of a prince who wants to dress as a woman will raise questions of his sexuality/gender identity (and will make some uncomfortable) and due to my geographical location I probably won't promote this heavily, but I will still put it in our library collection to provide more diverse books to our students.

I am a huge fan of graphic novels so when I heard about this comic about a dress-wearing prince, I knew I had to read it.

Prince Sebastian's parents are determined to find him a princess but Sebastian could care less about that, he just wants to keep up his nightly adventures as Lady Crystallia, a fashion icon taking Paris by storm. Sebastian's aided by his new friend and dressmaker, Frances. As Frances' reputation grows and Sebastian's secret is on the verge of being revealed, their friendship will be tested. The Prince and the Dressmaker is a lovely story about friendship, identity and family.

The art style and writing definitely worked well together and I loved the way that the novel progressed. Both characters got their fair share of page time and I loved that they truly developed as the graphic novel went on.

Overall, The Prince and the Dressmaker was definitely a lovely historical fiction read. Despite its categorization as a YA book, I would say that this is also suitable for upper middle grade readers as well. I would also recommend it for people who don't usually read graphic novels, as the story and writing worked so well together.

Well this was simply adorable! So pure and heartwarming. I hope this finds a wide audience.

A sweet story about being comfortable in your own skin, The Prince and the Dressmaker was a wonderfully crafted work. The artwork is lovely, and the story is compelling.