Posts in category "electra designs"

So You Want to Be a Lingerie Designer: 3 Amazing Online Community Resources

A flossed corset by Pop Antique, as shot by Karolina Marek on Victoria Dagger. Much of my corsetmaking knowledge comes from researching via various online communities.

This being November, many Americans such as myself are pondering those things which we have to be grateful.  Trite though it may be, I knew I wanted to touch upon it in my column this month.  One thing I am continually grateful for on a daily basis is being a 21st century woman, regardless of my nostalgic admiration for things antiquated and retro.  I love that we have the freedom to enjoy and embrace these old fashioned aesthetics without being obligated to adhere to (sexist) ideals of the day, and that we can pick and choose when and where we want to employ these aesthetics, mixing and matching old and new with utter abandon according to our personal taste and daily whims.  I love modern medicine and technology, which brings me to the crux of the matter (you knew there was a point in there somewhere!): I love the internet and its infinite capacity for connection and knowledge both.  With that in mind, here are three amazing online communities for various skill levels.  As I am, primarily, a corsetmaker, there is naturally a bit of an emphasis on that field.

Corset interior with floating modesty panel by Electra Designs, founder of the Learn to Make Corsets Like a Pro group on Facebook.

Learn to Make Corsets Like a Pro
A Facebook group founded by Alexis Black (of Electra Designs), which she created to go with her successful Kickstarter for corsetmaking resources.  The community is open to members of all skill levels and backgrounds, and a typical post will be either a specific question regarding construction and troubleshooting of corset construction, or merely an enthusiastic update on the status of a current project.  Alexis herself will regularly chip in to answer questions, and overall the group is very responsive and helpful, allowing one to get a reading on several opinions and possible solutions.

Foundations Revealed is an amazing subscription-based resource for anyone interested in learning to make foundation garments, particularly corsets.

Foundations Revealed
When you’re ready to kick it up a notch, Cathy Hay’s Foundations Revealed has you covered.  While there’s a heavy emphasis on corsetry, they also have articles on making girdles, bras, and even bum rolls!  Foundations Revealed is a subscription-based site, and as they add a new article every week I find it well worth the money for the variety of the articles and authors.  There are articles appropriate to every skill level, from basics to complicated experimental designs.  As well as a wealth of information on various patterning and construction techniques, they also have articles on the topic of running a business.  If you’re not sure about committing to $12 per month, sight unseen, check out their selection of free articles.  Foundations Revealed also recently launched its own forum.

The Lingerie Addict herself, Cora Harrington, founded a safe and private Facebook group for Independent Lingerie Professionals.

Independent Lingerie Professionals
Founded by The Lingerie Addict herself, Cora Harrington, Independent Lingerie Professionals is a small, private community for independent lingerie professionals, from designers and retailers to boudoir photographers, media outlets, and beyond.  If not invited directly, you must be vetted by group moderators for admission, and you must stay actively engaged to remain in the group.  Within the community, we talk about a range of topics: When presented with a new or particularly challenging situation, we have an amazing community to ask for advice, but we also share articles about lingerie/the industry, social media utilization, etc.  Even those posts that aren’t directly relevant to me, I find interesting as they give insight to other facets of the industry.

Are you an indie designer?  Do you participate in any of these communities?  What other online resources do you find valuable?  Tell us in the comments!

Marianne

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Were YOU at Today’s Lingerie Expert Chat?

Today, I started what may be a new lingerie addict tradition…expert chats on the Facebook page. Corsets are one of those items that people always have lots of questions about, so I invited Alexis Black of Electra Designs Corsetry to spend an hour on my page answering questions about corsets. I was a little scared because I was worried no one would show, but you all completely blew me away (in a good way!).  I’ve posted just a few of the questions Alexis answered below. For the rest, please visit the The Lingerie Addict on Facebook. I’m hoping to host another chat with a different expert next month…what would you like to talk about?

Joanna: What tips would you give a first time buyer?
Alexis: First, spend time online looking at corsets. Compare corset companies and read client reviews. Look for pictures of real clients wearing corsets made by each company. It’s better to buy a hand-made corset than something mass produced. Consider your budget (then double it). Read the articles and info available on corset web sites and ask the corsetiere questions. If they don’t make time to reply, they may not be the best choice. If possible, try to get to a shop that sells steel boned corsets and try them on. While you are researching, collect images of styles you like so you can show the corset maker. Don’t ask him/her to copy anything, but use the images to give her an idea what you want so he/she can design something that is perfect for you. This all seems like a lot of work, but it will be worth it to do some research before you commit.

Karen: How do you wear a corset if you are in jeans…any suggestions?
Alexis:  I think the best style for jeans is a long line underbust that comes just below the hip bones, with a straight bottom edge. Spiral steel is certainly more comfortable and flexible than flat steels. It’s also importan…t that your corset is made from a shapely pattern that holds you in without causing your displaced flesh to spill out over and under the edges. The only thing worse than muffin top is muffin squeezing out between the top edge of jeans and the bottom edges of a corset. I recommend low rise jeans with some stretch. You may have to switch to a style that is designed for bigbooty girls because they are engineered to come in at the waist along the top edge, over your bum. Best advice I can offer is to take your corset with you when you try on jeans. Practice sitting, reaching, etc. in the fitting room to make sure the jeans work with the corset.

 
Kailei: How can you tell if a corset is suitable for tightlacing? What exactly IS tightlacing anyway?
Alexis: That’s a great question. It’s very difficult to really know for sure if a corset is suitable for tight-lacing because so many corset companies state that their corsets are, when they are not. Tight-lacing is when you reduce your waist quite a bit. Generally, more than a 4″ reduction is considered tight-lacing, but that’s not really accurate, because it depends on what your natural waist measurement is. For example, a 4″ reduction for someone with a natural waist of 24″ is quite tight, because she is compressing mostly muscle and organs. A 4″ reduction for a natural waist measuring something like 40″ is not such a huge reduction because she is compressing mostly soft tissue, like fat. True tight-lacing is something people do religiously, as part of their daily routine. They lace as tight as they can, often 23/7, often with a goal of gradually reducing their waist.

The bare minimum requirements for tight-lacing are: strong base layer, like coutil, steel bones (the more, the better), front steel busk closure, waist tape, reinforced seams, shapely, well-fitted corset, and for the corset to be custom mad…e to fit the wearer. I would not recommend tight-lacing in a corset that was not made to your comprehensive measurements. The excepting would be for waspies, which are short and cover only a small portion of the waist. Just because someone says their corsets are suitable for tight-lacing doesn’t mean they are, so look for client reviews and ask for pictures of real clients wearing corsets that person made. 

Photo Credit: All photos via Electra Designs 

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Designer Interviews: Electra Designs Corsetry

I know I say this every month, but it’s always true….I’m really excited about this month’s designer interview with Alexis Black, the founder and corsetiere behind Electra Designs.  Alexis created my most recent custom corset (which you can see on The Lingerie Addict Facebook Page) and her gorgeous corsetry is literally famous worldwide.

In our interview, Alexis talks about why corsets matter, gives a few tidbits of advice for readers thinking of buying their first custom corset, and shares her favorite design.  Want to keep up with Alexis’ latest work? Follow her on LiveJournal, Twitter, or Facebook!

1) How long have you been a corsetiere? Do you have any formal training?
I have been making corsets for over 20 years and have been a professional corsetiere since 1998. I am primarily self taught, however I did learn basic pattern drafting and fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

2) What made you want to be a corsetiere?
Making corsets has always been a passion of mine. I strongly believe that if you do what you love, you can find a way to monetize it. When I worked retail, I found myself constantly day dreaming about making corsets, but by the time I had a day off, I was too exhausted to enjoy sewing. I originally became a corsetiere as a way to justify and finance my hobby of corset-making.

3) Why corsets? And why should people want one?
I love to make corsets because they are so complicated and beautiful. They are the perfect blend of form and function. I enjoy the challenge of engineering a garment that has the ability to reshape the human body, thereby accentuating all of the features we find most beautiful.

A corset, is, in a way, an extension of your body. Most clothing is worn. Corsets become part of you. A well-made, properly fitted corset makes the wearer feel so powerful, sexy, regal, graceful sensuous and confident. Modern, custom corsetry is comfortable, liberating, and extremely sexy.

4) What are your top three pieces of advice for anyone interested in buying a corset?

  • Save your money and buy a hand-made piece from someone who takes pride in their work. It’s better to have one quality garment that fits and feels good on than three disposable “corsets” that look bad and feel worse.
  • Do your research before you make a purchase. You can learn a lot on the online corset forums.
  • Buy only from reputable corsetieres who have a history of excellent communication. 

    5) In a world of mass production, discount pricing, and one-size-fits-all, what do you think is the role of a luxury item, like a handmade, custom-fitted corset?
    Thanks to sites like Etsy, there has been a huge resurgence of hand made-artists and consumers who value high quality, hand made items that are made with love, and are made to last. A well-made corset, if properly cared for, can last many generations. When the landfills are piled high with mass-produced, disposable mall fashion, I can take comfort in the knowledge that my corsets are still being worn and cherished long after I die.

    6) Any famous clients?
    Several, but I am, unfortunately, unable to disclose their names. Although making corsets for celebrities can be fun, I get a lot more satisfaction from crafting unique garments for people who are often left out, like plus size women and transgender individuals. I revel in knowing that I had a part in helping these beautiful people transform their outside selves to more closely reflect how they see themselves on he inside.

    7) Your favorite piece?
    My favorite style is the long line underbust corset (pictured above). It does the most to reshape the body while remaining very comfortable and versatile.

    8) And finally, where can we buy your stuff?
    www.electradesigns.net or www.etsy.com/shop/electradesigns
    Please don’t hesitate to email me directly at alexis@electradesigns.net

    Photo Credits (in order of appearance): Adrian Buackmaster,  666 Photography, Adrian Buackmaster, Vara Pappas, 666 Photography. Model (in all photos): Elegy Ellem

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    Photo Friday: Vara Pappas

    Vara Pappas‘ portfolio may look a little familiar to regular readers of The Lingerie Addict; she was just featured a few weeks ago in Electra Designs’ Photo Friday.

    As a former model, Vara has a refined understanding of the photographic process.  Her shots are never overstyled, never overworked; they are simply…perfect.

    Want more Vara?  Find her on Twitter, Facebook, and Model Mayhem.  But before you go, why not tell me which photo is your favorite?  I’m rather partial to the beautiful lady in the merrywidow and stockings myself.

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