Queen of Clothes by F.L. Wallace

Name: Queen of Clothes
Author: F.L. Wallace

The narrative follows Ben Durango, a young chemist from Venus, who finds himself captivated by Alette, the renowned fashion designer known as the Queen of Clothes. After accidentally receiving an invitation to a society event where Alette is the guest of honor, he decides to attend, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. At the event, Ben is overwhelmed by the glamorous atmosphere and the women adorned in Alette's creations. He becomes fixated on Alette, observing her from a distance as she mingles and dances with influential figures. Despite his admiration, he feels out of place in his rented suit and struggles with his self-image. As the evening progresses, Alette unexpectedly approaches Ben, recognizing him amidst the crowd. Their conversation reveals her playful yet assertive nature, as she challenges him to express his thoughts on her designs. Ben, initially tongue-tied, manages to compliment her but also hints at a deeper understanding of her work, suggesting that her clothing is more than mere fabric—it involves electronic manipulation. Intrigued by his insight, Alette invites Ben to her apartment the following evening, signaling a potential connection between them. Ben is elated yet aware of the transient nature of their interaction, understanding that he may eventually be discarded like others before him. The story explores themes of identity, desire, and the interplay between appearance and reality. Alette embodies the duality of being both a creator and a subject of her own designs, while Ben grapples with his feelings of inadequacy and fascination. As their relationship develops, the narrative hints at the complexities of love and the superficiality of societal expectations, ultimately leading to a deeper exploration of authenticity in a world dominated by appearances.

By F.L. Wallace · First published 1978 · Genre: Science Fiction, Romance, Drama · 1,674 words

First lines

To Ben she was a symbol, the kind that would be of more interest to the youthful Benvenuto Cellini than to Freud.

The coins slipped out of his hand. One he caught in midair, but the others fell and rolled along the ground. At the risk of being trampled, he stood to pick them up. A knee caught him in the back and he stood up, a small card in his fingers.

What this Textopian page supports

Queen of Clothes is listed on Textopian as a short story by F.L. Wallace, dated 1978 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: F.L. Wallace
Date: 1978 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Drama, Fashion, Fantasy
Length: 1,674 words
Structure: 1 section, 30 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Queen of Clothes by F.L. Wallace
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Queen of Clothes?
How does this short story by F.L. Wallace fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The story is set in a futuristic context with elements of space travel and advanced technology, characteristic of the science fiction genre.
Romance — The plot centers around the romantic interest of Ben Durango in Alette, exploring themes of attraction and relationships.
Drama — The narrative delves into emotional and interpersonal conflicts, particularly regarding identity and societal roles.
Fashion — The central character, Alette, is a fashion designer, and the story heavily revolves around clothing and its significance in society.