Corset Style
The Corset – A Symbol Of Powerful Female Expression
Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce and a score of other celebrities in current pop culture have repeatedly brought the corset “out from under” and into the limelight over the past couple of decades. Whether a leather corset for an erotic spectacle on stage, a beaded one for the Red Carpet or lacy and casual for lunch with friends, the image harkens back, ever so subtly, to one of the first powerful ladies to don a corset, Queen Elizabeth I of England. That’s not to imply of course that Queen Elizabeth’s corsets were such blatant fashion statements as these women’s, but underneath it all, was there more being said than meets the eye? And it may not have been any of these celebrities’ intention to associate herself with powerful women of eras past necessarily, but it’s not a far stretch to say that this fashion statement speaks volumes and brings with it to its wearers a powerful history of female expression that spans centuries.
For a simple item of clothing, corsets have stirred many opinions as to their function and the role they play in the female wardrobe. In eras past, as a required fashion staple, corsets were sometimes considered to be the epitome of conservative male oppression of women with their restrictive binding. In current times however, fashion designers are less likely to consider corsets as a figment of male domination and instead covet them as a timeless fascination with shaping the female body and today’s wearers can surely be considered to be clearly exhibiting the ultimate form of confidence and feminine expression. Still, others who couldn’t care less about a corset’s cultural implications or their ability to shape a body consider them to be ideal under-garments supporting the back in a comfortable way—a very practical fashion in this sense. Of course, no fashion would be worth its weight without a little controversy and on this point, corsets have delivered.
Corsets basically evolved into the modern bra. But there clearly remains a fashionable allure for the earlier predecessor. Described today as gorgeous, ultra-glamorous, and sexy, corsets are available in a variety of styles and colors, fabricated from all types of materials. They’re often boned as were early patterns. But now, three things make modern corsets distinctly different from 16th and 17th century patterns. Today they range in size from small to 3X and above. Corsets are worn as outerwear, with jeans in casual settings and glamorized for evening wear. They are often used as lingerie, and unlike their predecessors, they’re designed to be comfortable and easy to get in and out of quickly.
In recent corset news, confirming the fascination with these garments, celebrities have custom designed embellished leather corsets and those made from other unusual and creative materials that have been auctioned for upwards of $1000 and beyond, to benefit charity. Not only are corsets sexy fashion, but they have become a very profitable endeavor!
On the lingerie front, leather corsets or those made from classic lace or racier PVC are popular today and available in a variety of styles and sizes as well. Just like their outerwear counterparts, a myriad of designs are created to accentuate the curves of the female physique and they are consciously designed to flatter the wearer. Many lingerie corsets now have optional G-strings and detachable garters. Other options include front zippers, lace up backs, hook and eye front closure, and adjustable shoulder straps. Sometimes lycra is added for more comfort and many patterns are lined in silk or satin.
It’s unlikely that the “powerful women of eras past” would have considered one of these garments as a staple in their wardrobe. But as for the women of today, current day corsets, from the simplest to the most elaborate, are one way of exuding powerful feminine expression on the outside and underneath.
About the Author
Mike Mansfield is well versed in the history of the corset as the owner of Leather Obsession , the leading online source for affordable high-quality leather corsets and other leather clothing.
High Waist Pencil Skirt With Corset Style Belt
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Ad for corsets, 1890s Photo Mugs Corsets advertised by CB A La Sprite, late 1800s. Color lithograph…. |
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Corset advertisement, 1902 Photo Mugs Advertisement for A La Spirite Corsets for the woman of fashion, 1902. Printed color lithograph of a 1902 advertisement…. |
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Corset Table Lamp 29 Inches H David Landis, renowned designer, has put his unique style on this lighted base stained glass lamp with fabric shade. The ivory fabric shade coordinates beautifully with the handsome brickwork beige glass lamp base that is held in a mahogany bronze frame. Height: 29 Inches, Width: 14 Inches, Shade Height: 11 Inches, Shade Width: 14 Inches, Number of Bulbs: 2, Bulb Watts: 100,25…. |
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Back Magic Multi-Level Adjustable Back Stretching Device $22.90 The Back Magic is a small lightwieght multi-level back stetching devise that helps you relax and immediately relieves back pain due to tight muscles, excessive flexion, and poor spinal alignment. Just lie down and relax for five minutes twice a day. The Back Magic is recommended and used by Physicians, Chiropractors, and Professional Athletes…. |
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Aspen QuikDraw RAP Complete, Medium $169.00 The Aspen QuikDraw RAP Back Brace is a comfortable, effective and easy to use device for chronic back pain or minimally invasive surgery patients. Sized according to male or female pant sizes this back brace is a high quality product that incorporates two draw strings that easily control and adjust compression around the lumbar region. This Aspen Medical product has two drawstrings that even patie… |
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LE MALE Bath and Body Collection Since Jean Paul Gaultier’s first men’s collection, he has shown men that they can indulge in the forbidden, and that a kilt or dress can be worn with virility. A reminder to them that nothing in life is totally black or white but always a blend. Just as he made the woman in a corset as the symbol and bottle of his feminine fragrance, Jean Paul Gaultier now transforms the man in a sailor’s T-shirt … |
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Sequined Lycra Low Rise Tanga Shorts $31.20 Sequined Lycra Low-Rise Tanga Shorts…. |
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Leg Avenue Low Waisted Plaid Mini Skirt 8020 (RED,MEDIUM) $18.40 Low-Waisted Plaid Mini Skirt…. |
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Leg Avenue Ruffle Rhumba Hot Pants 2750 (BLACK,One Size) $17.43 Ruffle Rhumba Hot Pants…. |
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Harumika Party Dress Sets Starlet $20.99 Style your imagination with Harumika Party Dress Sets. Each set includes a corset with the signature Style Lock System built into it. Great for tucking and gathering fabric for the most elegant styles. Make ribbon flowers with the deco plate and add to your designs or wear as accessories. Contents include a dress form, stylus, corset, deco plate, formal length fabrics, fashion accessories, fashion… |
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