The Prince and the Dressmaker

Wang positions the long, wavy, red-haired wig that transforms Sebastian into Lady Crystallia as a symbol of self-acceptance in The Prince and the Dressmaker. Several scenes depict Sebastian or Crystallia brushing the wig, an act of care that denotes self-love and identifies the wig with the theme of Gender Expansive Self-Expression Through Fashion. The first time the wig is treated with anything less than meticulous care is when Prince Marcel pulls it off Crystallia and throws it at King Leroy. The image of the crumpled wig on the floor at the King’s feet (213) represents Sebastian’s tattered self-worth and his inability to accept himself in the face of his parents’ judgment. When Sebastian is able to publicly embrace his identity as Lady Crystallia once more in the Trippley’s fashion show, the wig is worn loose and entwined with sparkling gems, symbolizing that Sebastian not only accepts but values and celebrates Crystallia as integral to his personal truth.

The wig also plays a role in representing Frances and Sebastian’s relationship and the theme of The Power of Friendship to Support Personal Integrity. Frances first realizes her attraction to the Prince while watching Crystallia wear and brush the wig (105), demonstrating her recognition and acceptance of her friend’s true self, and suggesting that love is best able to grow in an environment where both partners can be truly seen.