The corset has been a mainstay of fashion for more than 500 years. It’s been worn by virgins and prostitutes alike and evokes images that run the gamut from femininity and modesty to raw sexuality and power.
The true corset originated in Spain within aristocratic culture in the first half of the 16th century. Held together by whalebone, wood, or buckram, the corset was designed to change the shape of a women’s body by narrowing the waist. A slim waist was a sign of great beauty and the garment’s popularity quickly spread throughout Europe.
There, it became a symbol of wealth, social status and refinement for women who held court.
Queen Elizabeth 1, who was a great follower of fashion, turned the corset into a powerful form of female expression, though it was not yet designed to accentuate the breasts. Her undergarments are on display at Westminster Abbey.
Iron corsets dated back to this time are generally thought to have been constructed for medical purposes used to straighten spinal deformities, not to imprison women as some have suggested.
By the 17th century, corsets were designed to push up the breasts and amplify them, and they became a symbol of the erotic allure of women. Think of the outfits worn in the movie Dangerous Liaisons--sexy and enticing.
It wasn’t until the 1800s when all women of society, not just the wealthy, wore corsets. Steel boning became popular in 1850 and corsets were among the first mass produced garments for women. Tight lacing was possible with metal eyelets, but contrary to popular myth, women didn’t break ribs wearing corsets!
In her book, The Corset: A Cultural History, author Valerie Steele writes that much of what we know about corsets are false are exaggerated. Steele, who is director and chief curator at the Museum of the Fashion Instittute of Technology, writes that the corset gets a bad rap as an "instrument of torture," and was falsely blamed for causing diseases in women. And stories of women having ribs removed to fit into a tight corset, she says, are entirely mythical.
Women have remained devoted to the corset despite the introduction of girdles and elastic bras in the early 20th century. They briefly fell out of favor during World War II but were revived by French fashion designer Christian Dior, who thought that postwar women wanted something new and more feminine after years of brutality and war.
Today, corsets are used as a variety of ways of expression and fashion. They’re a staple for both young brides and those who practice bondage and submission. They’re popular in the Goth crowd and worn to nightclubs and parties.
Celebrities like Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Beyonce, all known for their provocative stage wear and fashions, are credited with boosting corset sales and inspiring women to wear underwear as outerwear.
Regardless of the current trend, one thing is certain: Corsets are here to stay.
At Flava Boutique, we have corsets for women of every size and for all occasions. Stop in the shop in Rivergate Mall in Nashville for a custom fitting and check out our Web site at www.door2flavaboutique.com for a variety of styles.
Burlesque Style Corsets—Classic and slimming, these stunning pieces can be paired with other lingerie or worn with jeans for a fabulous night out.
Tattoo-inspired Corsets—Tattoos on these tried and true pieces make these corsets sexy and hip. Musicians, bikers and Goths will love this look.
Handmade original steel boning—These handcrafted pieces come in a variety of styles and colors and are made for every occasion.
Check out Flava Boutique online www.door2flavaboutique.com
written by,
Sheila Burke
Flava Boutique
Sales stylist
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