By Ana Maria Kresina
Photo credit: Tallulah www.tallulahphoto.com
I decided for my twenty-fifth birthday that I was going to go full out – I was going to have a huge party, dance till I dropped, and of course look like the belle of the ball. Knowing that as the years pass, I would only be getting older, I decided to sport a sexy little number that consisted of a scarlet red corset and a black tutu trimmed with red. Ridiculous? Yes. Hot? Of course.
There was something about my tight-fitting corset that had jaws dropping. I couldn’t help but wonder how this garment – lined with wires – was attracting so many people. Once used as an undergarment body enforcer – the corset has become a symbol of femininity and sexual power. The contradicting past of this garment somehow manages to make it even more appealing – instead of it being viewed as an oppressor, as it is often suggested through mass media, the corset now implies empowerment.
Historically, the corset had various purposes that varied from enhancing the female figure to being used as back support. It was also worn by both men and women, and contrary to popular belief, corsets weren’t worn as tightly as depicted and suggested by popular culture. In most cases they were comfortable and allowed women to conduct daily tasks without much discomfort. The equivalent to the corset, in this day and age would be the brassier. Many women wouldn’t be caught dead without one, and feel much more comfortable wearing it than going without the support.
Corsets have emerged not only in fetish parties, but also have a strong presents in burlesque, music videos and of course in the lingerie scene, being noted as a sleek yet sexy alternative. It’s no wonder that more and more women choose to wear corsets out – not only is it flattering, but it also feels empowering. Lifting where lifting is needed, squeezing where there is cushioning, and of course enhancing posture. This body-hugging article of clothing is especially popular with Melanie Talkington of Lace Embrace Atelier, located in Vancouver, who ditched working in the bridal industry to pursue her love of creating unique corsets for her clients.
What Talkington finds especially unique about the garment is the variety of ways the corset can mould the flesh in order to change the female silhouette. In Victorian times, women would follow fashion not only by changing their outerwear, but by having to change the style of their underwear as well. This allowed for them to be up-to date in the presentation of their bodies – since different body shape styles were popular during this time. Women would have to change their style by wearing appropriate underwear, such as garments that accentuated the breasts to peak out of their tightly fitted corset, or an undergarment that flattened the stomach, or even one that created the illusion of an hour-glass figure. Not only was outwear elaborate and decorative during the Victorian era, but the undergarments were just as magnificent. Talkington states that to undress a Victorian woman was like opening a present – there’s one wonderful layer after another.
Corsets comes in many different types of styles, and in Talkington’s shop, she takes proper steps to ensure that her clients find the best fit and style for their needs. Often inspired by the Victorian era, she creates corsets that are beautiful and seductive, ensuring that they meet the clients’ needs. Whether they are used as support or just a way of decorating the female body, Talkington explains that the corset should hug the body and brings a sense of security to the wearer; allowing them to be comfortable, and not painful as often suggested.
At one point in time, women wanted to be liberated from the constraints of undergarment, but now that women, in most cases, feel liberated, Talkington believes that this is the perfect time to embrace femininity and grasp all aspects of womanhood. With that in mind, how could I resist embracing my femininity by being the belle of the ball at my quarter of a century party?
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Corsets are definitely “in” right now. I think its a great way to feel sexy and chic because they’re slimming and elegant looking. And with the large variety of them out there, they can really fit any style. You can even where one with just a pair of jeans if you want. Anything is possible! Props to your red corset and black tutu ensemble. I bet it was fabulous! For more corset options check this collection out: http://www.lingeriediva.com/corsets
Thank you for the beautiful article!
Photo credit goes to Tallulah at http://www.tallulahphoto.com.
Please visit our shop, 219 East 16th Ave @ Main St. in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Or visit our website for more corsets and lingiere! http://www.laceembrace.com.
Dear Melanie:
I have been reading some websites trying to find out more information on corsets and bustiers for my wife. Interesting that I’ve been handed this responsability but a man has to do what a man has to do. I’m understanding that corsets offer back support to someone with a weak back or maybe with degenerative discs. My wife Jean’e has large breasts for a woman of 4ft 11inches with a short waist. She has pinched nerves in her neck from a whip lash accident 25yrs ago and due to this cannot wear a bra with straps because the weight of the straps put her shoulder and upper back muscles in spasm and pain. It seems that the corset or bustier may be her only answer. When her breasts are held in their sockets most of the pain issues in her shoulders and upper back go away. She just spent a lot of money at one Bra shop in Edmonton and I do not believe they know how to fit her. The corset does not fit in the bust area and is way to long for her but they think this is fine.
My wife is 60yrs old and still very sexy but is in a lot of pain. I would feel more comfortable if she was in the hands of a proffesional like yourself.
Please Help
Dean Hallam