Betrayal has never been so fashionable than in Autumn Krause’s glamorous debut, perfect for fans of The Belles and The Luxe.True to its name, the sleepy town of Shy in Avon-upon-Kynt is a place where nothing much happens. And for eighteen years, Emmaline Watkins has feared that her future held just that: nothing.But when the head of the most admired fashion house in the country opens her … admired fashion house in the country opens her prestigious design competition to girls from outside the stylish capital city, Emmy’s dreams seem closer than they ever have before.
As the first “country girl” to compete, Emmy knows she’ll encounter extra hurdles on her way to the top. But as she navigates the twisted world of high fashion, she starts to wonder: Will she be able to tailor herself to fit into this dark, corrupted race? And at what cost?
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While the idea behind the story wasn’t that original and unique, it was a really good story despite that. I really liked the characters and the world that the story took place in. It was also a lot of fun to try to imagine these beautiful dresses described in my head as I was reading. This is one that would be so much fun to see the story and fashions themselves come to life in some sort of movie or something. I liked how the author separated the story into three separate parts, each was perfect in its own way, and each was a change, but a fitting change and made the story flow and develop in a good way. I also thought the author’s note at the end was neat to read to see that what she’d envisioned for her setting was kind of how I’d pictured it as I read. A great debut novel, and I look forward to more by this author in the future.
The cover is what initially drew my eye to this book. I think the cover really suggests luxury, wealth and being part of the elite. The blurb sets the scene well for the book and the quote that compares it to The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton is accurate.
The genres I have seen listed are Historical Fiction & YA, and though they fit the book well, I would also add that the book has Dystopian elements to it as well.
The book is set in Britannia Secunda, which is separated into districts. The Fashion House is in Avon-upon-kynt in the Quarter District. Which on the surface seems affluent, however there are plenty of poorer people who keep the cogs turning for those rich enough not to do menial jobs such as cleaning, maids, chefs etc.
It’s so difficult to do this review without revealing too much, but here goes. The main theme within the book is that the owner of the Fashion House, Madame Jolene has been coerced and backed into a corner by the political reformist party and is having to include a “country girl” choice to attend and take part in the Fashion House Interviews. Madame Jolene will pick just six girls in total.
Emmaline/Emmy is from Shy which is a little country place. Her mother owns and runs the local pub. Many years ago, Emmaline’s mother left Shy and went to the City in search of a better life, however something didn’t work out and she ended up returning to Shy alone and pregnant. Emmaline knows nothing about her father, and though she loves her mother dearly she doesn’t want to remain in Shy and help her run the pub that is only just breaking even. Emmaline has big dreams of going to the city and becoming a fashion designer. When she finds out that Madame Jolene is searching for the country girl and the last person for the Fashion House Interviews, she has to apply, despite knowing her mother will be against her going to the City. First things first Emmy has to meet Madame Jolene and show her the design drawings she has brought with her. If she is then chosen she will speak to her mother about it.
Emmy ends up being the chosen country girl entrant for the Fashion House Interviews, little does she know she has only been chosen to make up the numbers!
Whilst at the Fashion House she not only has to compete in the challenges but also has to do many interviews and appearances unlike the other girls which causes jealousy when the other girls think she is being promoted more and gaining more support. Yet when you think about it, being the “country girl entrant” means much more work than Emmy ever expected. To attend the interviews and appearances Emmy has to wear an approved set of clothes chosen for her by Madame Jolene which she hates. Emmy desperately wants to leave behind the cutesy country girl image whereas Madame Jolene intends to publicize the fact she has generously allowed a country girl entry to her elite, famous Fashion House Interviews.
Various descriptions place the era of the book to be Victorian, but a perhaps futuristic elite society with Victorian elements, such as etiquette, manner and customs.
Each girl has their own story of how and why they obtained their place in the Fashion Interviews. I did like aspects of each girl in different stages in the book. They all have their own distinctive fashion design styles too.
There’s Emmaline who likes to mix work wear elements and fashion together.
The first fellow contestant to speak to Emmy is Kitty and she has a classic style of dressing and designing. Rumours are that Kitty’s parents have bought her place at the Fashion House Interview in an attempt to once again rise higher in society.
Sophie is Emmy’s roommate at the Fashion House. Sophie wears a lot of black and her style is dramatic. She is a very straight to the point and at times quite snide and sarcastic person. Sophie wanted to escape her home with guardian Mr Alexander Taylor.
Then there is Ky, whose style is a mixture of Britannia Secunda fashion crossed with Japanese fashion. Both her parents are high flyers in their own rights.
Next is Alice who is very girly in both her personality and design.
The final contestant I have to give a quick introduction to is Cordelia, who wears and designs men’s wear inspired clothes. Each girl has their own individual styles and personalities too.
The only one not used to the opulence surrounding her at the Fashion House is Emmaline. Which makes you wonder why Tilda, the maid looking after the girls seems to take an instant dislike to Emmy. The reason is revealed much later as a case of jealousy.
I loved the character of Tristan Grafton who seems to be quite genuine and ends up romantically involved with Emmaline. It’s an offhand comment from him that puts a really big idea into Emmaline’s head.
I had really mixed feelings about the character of Francesco Mazinetti who is Madame Jolene’s assistant. He dresses fairly outrageously and tends to gloss over anything that is going wrong, or not as he would like it to be. There are times when he seems to take Emmaline under his wing which I liked and then other times he just passes on Madame Jolene’s orders and basically tells Emmy to suck it up and get on with it which I didn’t like as there was more than one occasion when Emmy was at a disadvantage compared to the other girls.
Of course, if there are characters I loved, there has to be characters I loved to hate! So top of the list is of course Madame Jolene who makes sure everyone knows she is in charge, and things are to be done her way. If you do not do as she wishes, its simple you lose your place in the Fashion House Interview. She uses designs the girls have drawn and actually claims they are her own. In fact, anything the girls draw or make whilst they are at the Fashion House is her property. Madame Jolene has an ongoing feud with Duchess Cynthia Sandringham, the “scarlet woman” who had an affair with Prince Willis behind the back of his wife Princess Amelia. The fact Princess Amelia is such good friends with Madame Jolene is just one of the reasons that have prevented anyone setting up a new fashion house.
Another character I loved to hate was Mr Alexander Taylor, who is the trusted friend of Sophie’s parents. He is the man that has been her guardian since her parents died. He is a very dangerous man with a nasty temper. He is used to people doing what he tells them, so when Emmaline and Sophie both refuse his support when they have to leave the Fashion House he is shocked.
Wow I absolutely loved it, adored the characters of Emmaline, Edith, Sophie & Tristan and loved to hate Madame Jolene and Mr Taylor! There’s so much more that could happen to Emmaline & Sophie…..we also didn’t find out who won the apprenticeship with Madame Jolene. Could Tilda become a seamstress? Is there more to be told about the past when Edith was a maid in the city? Who is/was Emmaline’s father? I also want to know more about Francesco, could he know Edith from all those years ago when she was in the City! There are so many little loops within this book that could turn it into a superb series! I really hope that this is the start of a potentially amazing series!
It’s not often I compare books to others I have read and share what I think but, this book, wow! It’s a must read book, it may be the must read book of 2019! I would say if you have read and loved any of the following books then this one should be on your want to read list. The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton, The Selection by Kiera Cass, The Jewel by Amy Ewing.