FOUR ROLES OF FASHION IN A ROMANCE NOVEL

 

Eiyo Fadneiras,

Welcome back to my blog. I have a fun, interesting topic to geek out about together today. Yay!!! ^_^ Bookworms and fashionistas, you're going to enjoy this topic. This entry's geeking topic is about books and fashion. Yup, we are going to talk about the four roles of fashion in a romance novel. Hooray!!! And besides geeking about books and fashion, I also have some exciting news to share at the end of this post. So make sure you read this post till the end ^_^

Fashion is really a fun topic to geek out about. As an author who studied and used to work in the industry, I find fashion a fun premise for my stories. That's why I chose fashion as the main premise for my latest novel, Manchester Epiphany. Fashion is also the sub-premise for my previous novels, Fail Merah and Saranghaeyo Namsan.

Besides writing, reading stories that use fashion as a premise is totally entertaining and chic. Yes, reading stories with fashion as a premise makes you want to enter the book and join the fun. But making a story fun, entertaining, and chic is not the only role of fashion in a romance novel. There are other roles of fashion in a romance novel. Now, we are about to find out ^_^  Let's begin with no.1 to no.4...

Me with my latest novel, Manchester Epiphany. This story is about a pre-loved boutique owner who closes down her business to further her studies in Manchester and build a fashion career.

#1 FASHION SHAPES A CHARACTER'S IDENTITY

Fashion is about self-expression. A person's choice of clothes and accessories shows their inner self, values, and mood before they speak. The same goes with fictional characters. Styles that an author creates for their characters give readers some insight into the character's identity. It also makes the character memorable to readers. Besides identity, fashion also reflects a character's growth and beliefs.

#2 FASHION SIGNALS A CHARACTER'S STATUS AND SOCIAL CLASS

Outfits instantly communicate wealth, power, and social status within a community. Historical or contemporary settings rely on strict dress codes for balls and social events to create tension and public scrutiny. Authors who write billionaire romance fiction, like Ana Huang, usually use fashion as their main or side premise. One of the best examples of a romance novel that highlights fashion as a character's status and social class is King of Wrath by Ana Huang. The female lead, Vivian Lau, is a jewelry heiress from a wealthy family. Her fashion showcases her background, occupation, and social class.

King of Wrath by Ana Huang. This novel showcases the most chic and trendiest fashion ^_^

#3 FASHION SHOWCASES A CHARACTER'S CULTURAL HERITAGE

Besides identity and expression, fashion is also a tool to showcase culture and heritage. Incorporating cultural heritage through fashion adds incredible depth, authenticity, and emotional weight to a romance novel. When characters wear clothing tied to their roots, it moves beyond simple aesthetics and becomes a powerful storytelling tool. Authors like Kevin Kwan (famous for his Crazy Rich Asian series) love using fashion to symbolise his characters' roots and heritage. It's amazing!

#4 FASHION BUILDS PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY BETWEEN ROMANTIC LEADS

Fashion creates romantic and dramatic tension in a story. That's why fashion is a good premise in a romance novel. Fashion also helps an author with the show-don't-tell technique. Glances at a brooch, a kebaya, or a misplaced stiletto can heighten the physical awareness between characters. Plus, a dramatic change in attire during a ball, date, or makeover scene often shifts how the love interest perceives the protagonist.

Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas. Fashion is the main premise of this story. The ML is the owner of a department store.

Okay, so these are the four roles of fashion in a romance novel. Romance authors who love using fashion as a premise for their stories are Lisa Kleypas, Eloisa James, Kevin Kwan, Ana Huang, Catharina Maura, Lauren Asher, Adalyn Grace, and Fadima Mooneira. Hehehe ^_^

So, fellow bookworms, do you love reading romance novels with fashion as the main or sub-premise? Which romance novel showcases the most chic and trendiest fashion you have read? Please share your thoughts in the comment box below ^_^

Before I end this post, I want to inform you guys that I'll be having a Fadima's Bonanza 9.9 Sale on my Shopee shop @FADNEIRA-ON94U. All of Fadima Mooneira's original products are discounted by RM5.00, up to RM15.00 off. Whoa! So mark your calendar and don't miss out. Btw, my second novel, Saranghaeyo Namsan, will be selling for RM25.00 (original price RM35.00). And the stock for Saranghaeyo Namsan is limited. So if you're interested in Saranghaeyo Namsan, don't miss out ^_^

Okay, this is all for now. See you in my next post. Insya-Allah, the upcoming post will be related to this one. So stay tuned.

XoXo,

Fadima Mooneira ^_^

(Authorpreneur, Novelist, Blogger, Illustrator & Crafter)

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