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1900 corset 

Dior 2004-2005

Britney Spears

Christina Aguilera

Bridal corsets

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Wearing a corset today

The corset or history of a revival

     Companion of women during centuries, then regarded as an oppression instrument and thrown away at the beginning of the twentieth century, the corset came back into fashion a few years ago. But everything has changed... Seen as a “pressure” when it was almost obligatory, it undoubtedly needed to fall in oblivion to be, today, tackled in a funnier way.

     Obvious symbol of this fundamental difference: it goes from now on over clothing, is exposed to view in splendid fabrics and trimings, instead of hiding. It has become a beautiful item in itself, a single and stunning masterpiece. From mass oppression instrument, it has become the mark of a strong singularity, of a choice, and it underlines the independence of the woman who wears it ; freed from all dictats, it follows now the desires of each one.

From fashion shows…

     Fashion designers begun to honour it : Vivienne Westwood the iconoclast has been the great precursory in the seventies, followed soon by Thierry Mugler, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, Dior... Since 1995, rare are the podiums where the corset, magnified by gorgeous fabrics and extraordinary forms, does not appear as a guest-star !

     The corset is also worn, more and more, by many stars, especially for film promotions or awards. Singers are great fans too : after Madonna, who has been the talk of town in the eighties with her famous Jean-Paul Gauthier corset, and returned corseted in 2004 in her Re-invention Tour, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and many others multiply their corseted appearances. Films like “Dangerous Liaisons” or “Moulin-Rouge” also showed us many corsets on the screen, and this cinematographic profusion seems to go increasing (“Underworld”, “Van Hellsing”…).

… to underground and special occasions

     The underground world is also fond of corsets, from the gothics who adore black velvet, and purple lace, to the fetishists –more leather and vinyl lovers – who like wearing extravagant styles.

     Since the late nineties, brides too seem to dare wearing corsets: they appreciate the charms of the beautiful figure given by a true corset, more than a flimsy and bad-fitting bustier. What could be more wonderful than this cascade of lacings in the back and this delicately decorated front, these precious fabrics, whether they are cream-coloured or more dared and richly decorated with feathers, embroideries... A way of mixing purity and sensuality which is not lacking in charm. And corsets are more and more appreciated in prom balls… it adds such a glamour and fashion touch to the classical prom dress !

     Men also begin to be attracted by corsets; they usually adopt a more clearly fetish point of view, whether in vinyl/leather, or as transsexuals. They begin to show off frequently in fetish and even gothic parties. I hope they will soon enlarge their corseted appearances!

Want to take the plunge?

     It’s up to you now to choose where you will make admire your corset : wedding (yours, or while being invited to another’s!), prom ball, receptions, gothic or fetish parties, cocktails… In fact, any place and time where you can try to outdo each other in elegance and originality!

     And if you still do hesitate to expose you to views in that gorgeous and soooo sexy way (but what a pity...), why not reserve your corset to the eyes of your very special one? The intimacy of the bedroom will be turned upside down by your charms! A beautiful gift to make him… and yourself!

Images are mostly from the sites

 http://perso.wanadoo.fr/corset/english/galleries.htm

http://www.staylace.com

 and  http://www.korsett-fetisch.de/corset-mode/page_01.htm

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1907 corset

Christian Lacroix

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Thierry Mugler

Nicole Kidman

Madonna eigthies

Madonna 2000

Gothic corsets