Corsets are complex beasts! Their creation requires not only exacting techniques, but some specialized components as well. Today I’m going to discuss the basic elements of a corset in their most common forms. As corsets have such a long history and can be assembled with a range of techniques, there are plenty of variations on these parts. Here I’ll be focusing on the most widely used types. Understanding basic corset construction can […]
Personal preference aside, American society believes breasts should look a certain way. They should be smooth, separated, perky half-spheres that ignore gravity and have no visible nipples, else people perceive them as looking vulgar, obvious, or strange. But this preference for the gravity-defying, no-nipple look hasn’t always existed. The first part of this series examined the changing ideals of breast shape in America, from the 1920s to the 1950s. The second part continues […]
In an industry that usually plays it safe, shying away from bold prints and silhouettes and compromising on sizing, Playful Promises is breaking the mold. This independent brand has been slowly growing, developing a distinctive point of view while embracing its commitment to expanding its full bust offerings. Their Spring/Summer 2016 collection is a delightfully fashion forward blend of retro and modern, whimsical and classic, edgy and romantic. Several core […]
For the first time ever, I’ve found myself almost totally unexcited about the upcoming lingerie season. Part of this may be general bra fatigue (I see a lot of bras at work!) but most of it is simply the feeling I have seen all of these pieces before. While I still love lingerie and regularly find pieces I adore, the industry as a whole seems more driven by seasons and […]
There’s an unfortunate misconception that corsets can only be worn by certain body types. Often when I am working an event (as opposed to in front of a sewing machine), I will hear the following sentence: “They won’t have a corset that fits me, I’m too…” But let me be clear. Just as there’s no such thing as a “bikini body,” there’s no requirement for any dimension or proportion for you to wear a […]
