IN CONVERSATION WITH ALEXANDRA BROWN CHANG
interview by JANA LETONJA
Alexandra Brown Chang is set to release her highly anticipated debut novel, 'By Invitation Only', a sharp and sparkling young adult story set against the dazzling backdrop of the world's most exclusive debutante ball, on 2nd September. Earlier this year, Alexandra took the stage as a moderator at SXSW EDU for the panel 'Three Innovators Discuss Books, Media, & Entrepreneurship', highlighting her growing voice in both literary and creative circles.
dress ALEXIS
top AGOLDE
necklace JAMIE WOLF
earrings JENNIFER FISHER
shoes GIANVITO ROSSI
‘By Invitation Only’ is set in the glittering world of Parisian debutante balls. What inspired you to explore this elite, rarely-seen corner of society through fiction?
‘By Invitation Only’ is loosely inspired by my own debutante debacle, which first sparked my desire to explore this world through fiction. I’ve always been compelled by unique, esoteric settings, and debutante balls strike the perfect balance between tradition and spectacle. This environment feels inherently cinematic, and it offers ample opportunities for world-building. Debutante balls also provide an ideal backdrop for weaving together swoon-worthy romances, empowering female friendships, and dazzling fashion moments.
You mentioned the book was “loosely inspired by your own debutante debacle.” Could you share a bit about that experience and how it shaped the story?
When I was 18, I was supposed to participate in a debutante ball in New York City, which required months of preparation: dress fittings, waltz lessons, portrait sittings, and a packed calendar of pre-ball events. Although I ultimately became a debutante dropout, the experience stuck with me. It made me realize how fascinating that world is, steeped in tradition. I also appreciated the camaraderie that developed among the debutantes. That sense of connection and female friendship inspired me to create a story centered around those themes. I figured that if I found this world compelling, others might too, and that realization planted the initial seed for the story.
This story explores the intersection of privilege, ambition, and identity. What drew you to create such contrasting protagonists in Piper and Chapin?
From the get-go, I loved both Piper and Chapin’s distinct voices so much that it felt natural to alternate between their perspectives in each chapter. Giving Piper and Chapin equal narrative weight allowed me to fully explore their individual arcs, while also exploring their evolving friendship. Chapin and Piper begin at odds, but by the end, they feel like a true dynamic duo, and I couldn’t imagine telling the story any other way.
Piper and Chapin come from vastly different backgrounds but find common ground. How did you approach developing their rivalry, and eventual connection?
Piper and Chapin’s tension begins with misplaced assumptions. Chapin believes Piper is judging her entire world, while Piper assumes Chapin embodies the snobbery that she actually resents. The major turning point is their shared realization that neither of them wants to be at La Danse des Débutantes in the traditional sense. This discovery allows them to see how much they have in common. From there, their connection grows not because they become the same person, but because they learn to respect each other's choices and perspectives. Chapin and Piper go through several high-stakes situations together, and end up becoming unlikely allies. Helping each other through those personal moments cements a genuine friendship that neither of them saw coming.
The book touches on themes like class, social media perception, and performative image vs. authenticity. What do you hope young readers would take away from that?
I hope readers walk away appreciating the depth of Piper and Chapin’s friendship, and recognizing the value of remaining true to your convictions, especially in a world that often rewards conformity.
dress STAUD
top BITE STUDIOS
As a debut author, what surprised you most about the publishing process?
I was pleasantly surprised by how collaborative the process of publishing a novel turned out to be. Writing is often a solitary endeavor, but once a manuscript reaches the editorial stage, it becomes a massive team effort — one that brings together so many talented and passionate people, all working to bring a story to life. I absolutely loved working with the editorial team at Simon & Schuster on this project. Their insights and guidance helped shape the book into the best version of itself, and I’m deeply grateful for their support.
With your mother being the author of ‘Legally Blonde’, did she offer any advice or guidance during the writing process?
My mother is such an inspiration to me in every way. She provides the best advice for any situation. When it comes to writing, she always encouraged me to keep going, as rejection is a major part of nearly every author’s journey. However, it takes just one initial “yes” for someone to fall in love with your manuscript. That one “yes” can change everything.
YA literature has been evolving with more diverse, layered protagonists. What does it mean to you to write characters like Piper, an ambitious, working-class Asian American teen, in this space?
Writing multi-faceted characters like Piper means a great deal to me. Piper doesn’t fit into simple boxes or stereotypes. She’s incredibly smart and driven, but she’s also vulnerable and still discovering who she is and where she belongs. While her background shapes her experience to a degree, it doesn’t define her entire story. I’m excited to be part of a YA landscape that embraces such rich, layered characters.
sweater ONE GREY DAY
jeans MOTHER DENIM
earrings JAMIE WOLF
How important was it to write a story about girlhood, power, and self-discovery outside of romantic tropes?
Incredibly important. From the very beginning, I always wanted Chapin and Piper’s respective romances to complement the book’s overarching themes of girlhood and self-discovery.
Do you see yourself writing a sequel or spin-off set in this world, or are you onto something completely different next?
I’m always working on multiple projects at once, and I would absolutely love to write another story, or several, set in this world.
What’s next for you as an author? Are you already working on book two?
I’m working on another book, and I have so many ideas that I’m excited about. I hope to share more soon.
CREDITS
photography FELICIA LASALA
hair SYLVIE MARSHALL
makeup TERRI APANASEWICZ
