The banner image is reproduced with kind permission from:
Designer: Velda Lauder Corsetiere
www.veldalauder.co.uk
Model: Bex Paul
www.bexpaul.com
Photographer: Maria Thompson
www.mariathompson.co.uk
Burlesque Corsets: standard or made to measure?
One of the key features of Burlesque costumes is the corset. Heavily cinched at the waist, the corset really makes the most of the feminine figure, giving the perfect hourglass shape. And the beauty of the corset and the curvy look it achieves, is that it’s sexy and feminine for all figures. For slimmer figures a corset emphasizes the bust and for fuller figures the corset really makes the most of all your assets!
Corsets have been used by women throughout the ages – think Elizabethan era with the huge crinoline skirts where they used to get sewn into their dresses; the Edwardian era with the fantastic bustles; the Victorian era where smelling salts were always on hand because of the tightly cinched waists; the saloon girl outfits of the wild west, and of course the fabulous corsets featured in the burlesque acts of the 1800s through to today.
A good corset is an investment. It can be worn with a long taffeta or velvet skirt as a cocktail dress (or black tie depending on the formality of the event), it can be worn with jeans to a club or worn in a full burlesque costume for fancy dress or for a bit of fun at home!
And of course, it’s not just about how you can wear it, it’s how it makes you feel. A corset will emphasise your curves and create a fantastic silhouette which will make you look and feel sexy.
Key features to look for in a good corset are:
- The boning – steel is generally promoted as the best for its flexibility and strength.
- Back panels (these are often optional but a good idea if you don’t want skin showing though the lacing)
- The lacing – it should be proper corset lacing, not simply a ribbon if you really want to get the full effect.
- Standard measurements will usually give you a difference of 8 – 10″ between bust and waist and 10 – 12″ between waist and hips. If you are not a standard size you can get made to measure corsets.
The Matazone Corset Shop does online made to measure corsets. And whether in standard sizes or made to measure you can choose from a wide range of colours and fabrics. It’s amazing the difference colour and fabric makes in changing a corset from uber-sexy to not-quite-girl-next-door!
For burlesque corsets check out their “temptress”, “romance”, “sophisticat” and “peek-a-boo” styles in particular.
