Starred Review ALA Booklist (Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 2018)

Starred Review Frances, a seamstress living in Paris at the turn of the century, causes quite a stir when she designs a daring, avant-garde ballgown for a count's daughter, who blithely asks to be dressed "like the devil's wench." Though the countess is displeased, her daughter is enchanted, and so is the crown prince, Sebastian, who immediately hires Frances with an unusual request: he wants her to make him a wardrobe of bold, glamorous gowns. Secrecy, of course, is paramount, but Frances loves having the freedom to design the dresses of her dreams, which are making quite a name for the prince's au courant alter ego, Lady Crystallia. Wang's buoyant, richly colored artwork beautifully envisions Frances' designs against an already captivating background. It's not that the de rigueur fashions are ugly or boring ther, everything is beautiful t Frances' ensembles stand out stunningly. 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. But fame brings attention, and Seb's worries about being exposed surpass his loyalty to his friend. Though the conclusion is perhaps too rosy given the suggested time period, that's an easy quibble to forgive, thanks to the gorgeously dense artwork, lively sense of movement, effervescent fashions, sweet romance, and heartwarming denouement.

School Library Journal Starred Review (Fri Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2017)

Gr 6 Up-Set in France, this work of historical fiction centers on Frances, a lowly dressmaker in a shop. A wayward teenager commissions Frances to fashion a dress that will make her "look like the devil's wench." She complies, and her creation catches the eye of a mysterious wealthy benefactor, for whom she is hired to work exclusively. Her patron is Prince Sebastian, who is mortified by his predilection for occasionally wearing dresses. Frances encourages Sebastian to be himself, and together the two create Lady Crystallia, the most fabulous fashion icon Paris has ever seen. In this well-crafted coming-of-age story, both Frances and Sebastian struggle to understand themselves and to embrace their identities. There's a hint of romance between Frances and Sebastian, but the emphasis is on their friendship. Wang doesn't dive deeply into Sebastian's sexual or gender identity, instead focusing on the message of self-acceptance. As Sebastian puts it, "This is who I am. I'm a prince who likes to wear dresses." The full-color artwork is gorgeous, featuring a variety of over-the-top dresses that fashionistas will envy. Facial expressions and the overall movement of the art enhance the enticing narrative; fans beginning to age out of Raina Telgemeier and Victoria Jamieson will find a new favorite in Wang. VERDICT With inviting illustrations and a relatable story line, this tender tale of friendship and identity is sure to delight even readers who aren't fans of the graphic novel format. Ellen Conlin, Naperville Public Library, IL

Horn Book (Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Prince Sebastian hires young seamstress Frances as his personal clothier; some days he feels comfortable identifying as male, but others he prefers his dress-wearing alter ego, socialite Lady Crystallia. The teens struggle to keep Sebastian's secret, resist stifling expectations, and sort out their feelings for each other. The graphic novel's illustrations balance the finery of clothing and setting with relatable, endearing protagonists. Dynamic panel shapes and sizes accentuate the emotions of each scene.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

A talented seamstress and a prince with a secret will win readers- hearts in Wang-s utterly charming graphic novel, which is set in a playfully tweaked version of 19th-century Paris and highlights identity, acceptance, and fashion. After creating a scandalous dress for an attendee of Prince Sebastian-s 16th birthday party, Frances-an overlooked seamstress with big dreams-accepts a position as personal seamstress for a mystery client. She soon discovers that her employer is none other than Prince Sebastian, who wants her to create dazzling gowns for Lady Crystallia, Sebastian-s alter ego, who quickly becomes a fashion icon. Despite Frances-s connection with Sebastian, she worries that being part of the prince-s secret is limiting her dreams of finding success as a designer. The relationship between Frances and Sebastian-both as a conflicted prince and the glamorous Crystallia-glows; Frances understands that Sebastian and Crystallia are two halves of a brilliant whole. -It-s weird, I don-t feel like Prince Sebastian could lead a nation into battle, but Lady Crystallia could,- admits the prince, inspiring Frances to create an armor-themed dress for their next midnight escapade. Frances-s daring designs shine in Wang-s elegantly drafted and gorgeously colored illustrations, and the irreverently anachronistic approach to the setting provides a lovely and humorous counterbalance to the seriousness of the prince-s situation (-Prepare to get your lady groove on,- insists the burly, bearded king, who is eager for Sebastian to be betrothed). It-s all but certain to deliver grins, gasps, and some happy tears. Ages 12-up. Agent: Judith Hansen, Hansen Literary. (Feb.)