Dear Readers, we here at Bookstr cordially invite you to the grand debut of Alexandra Brown Chang’s By Invitation Only. Be very demure and very mindful as you glide gracefully into the world of La Danse des Debutantes. Explore Paris through the eyes of Piper Woo and Chapin Buckingham, two rising debutantes from polar opposite worlds, as they dive into glitz, glam, and gorgeous escorts that come with the ball of the century. Today, we sit down with the curator of this opulent world, author Alexandra Brown Chang. So let your nails dry, your curlers set, and your ears open to the hottest ticket in town.
Who is Alexandra Brown Chang?
Alexandra Brown Chang grew up in Los Angeles, in a family of four daughters and four rescue dogs. She graduated from Stanford University, where she majored in art history. Alexandra is also a member of the Princess Grace Foundation Guild, which champions emerging artists in all fields. By Invitation Only is her debut novel.
Thank you, Alexandra! Let’s get started.
By Invitation Only has been so clearly influenced by pop culture — iconic TV shows, movies, and powerful girlhood friendships. How do you take those influences while still crafting a new and engaging story?
Pop culture has always been a huge source of inspiration for me. I also have a deep appreciation for fashion and sartorial history, so I drew from some of my personal style icons to help define what each character wears and how it reflects who they are. I also enjoy writing about esoteric settings, and I wanted By Invitation Only to be pure wish-fulfillment fantasy — escapist, cinematic, and fun — while still exploring complex female friendships and swoony romantic arcs. The world of By Invitation Only itself, a Parisian debutante ball with this compelling cast of original characters, felt unlike anything I’ve seen before, and that’s what made it so exciting to write.
There are many models for positive growth within Piper and Chapin’s experience, especially in Chapin’s case. Did you always know you were going to subvert the “mean girl archetype” into one of friendship, with not just Chapin’s story, but with Piper’s reaction of compassion in the face of pettiness?
Yes, I always wanted to subvert the “mean girl” archetype into something more nuanced. As a writer, I’ve long been fascinated by the dynamics of female friendships and how young women are so often pitted against each other, both in fiction and in real life. With Chapin and Piper, I wanted to reflect that unfortunate reality while also giving both characters the ability to grow beyond it. At first, Chapin might appear to be the quintessential “mean girl”— with her privileged background, conventional beauty, and immense popularity— but she’s far more complex than that. Much of Chapin’s confidence is performative, and beneath her polished exterior lies a deep sense of insecurity. Piper and Chapin start off at odds, but ultimately, they reject this trope by choosing empathy, mutual respect, and friendship.
On top of the messages of girlhood and the importance of female friendships, there is also a dash of romance with both Face and Dalton becoming romantic interests for the FMCs. It all felt very organic and realistic throughout the novel. How did you endeavor to create that, especially concerning the complicated family dynamics of the Buckinghams?
Thank you! I viewed Piper and Chapin’s respective romantic arcs as natural extensions of their emotional journeys, rather than separate or competing storylines. I really wanted the romances to complement the book’s themes of girlhood and empowering friendships. When it came to the Buckinghams’ dynamics, I wanted to explore how growing up in a high-profile household might affect the way family members relate to one another, specifically in terms of trust and emotional vulnerability. From the outside, the Buckinghams appear to be the picture-perfect family: always smiling, polished, and composed. Behind closed doors, however, lies a different reality. Chapin often feels unhappy and isolated, despite being surrounded by luxury. This stark contrast between public perfection and private loneliness influences how Chapin approaches everything, including her friendships and dating life.
Face is also a pretty interesting character to try and explore, especially with his despicable actions to both Piper and Chapin at the end of the novel. How did you knit together the complexity of his character to be so charming in the beginning and then immediately flip a switch and become manipulative?
From the start, I envisioned Face as someone who feels just a little too perfect — he’s charming, handsome, sophisticated, and quick-witted. I wanted readers to be swept up in his allure and the idea of him, just as much as Chapin is initially. Beneath Face’s winning exterior, I wove in subtle hints of his true nature, so that when his manipulative side comes to light, it feels like a reveal rather than a sudden shift. Face is not a cartoonish villain, but rather someone who utilizes his charm, privilege, and likability to gain people’s trust.
Lastly, what advice would you give to the new generation of readers as they experience girlhood (both in fiction and reality) for the first time?
Always be a “girl’s girl!” Your friendships with other women will be some of the most important, valuable, and special relationships of your life. Cheer each other on, be kind, and remember that there is room for everyone to succeed.
Thanks again to Alexandra for speaking with us! You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok — and don’t forget to check out By Invitation Only when it releases on September 2nd!
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