We all know that corsets have been around for centuries. Even when the US was getting its independence, they had already been on the scene for a couple of hundred years – primarily used as a woman’s main form of support. This still happens today of course; many waist-cinching corsets are still readily available, for the lady who wants to train her figure into that perfect hourglass shape.
However, for those that think that they’ve got the shape already – or don’t think that waist training is for them, there is an alternative. Fashion corsets have become more and more popular over the past couple of decades due to the success of films such as ‘Moulin Rouge’ and the racy burlesque routines of Dita von Teese. A whole new generation have been turned on to the fashion thanks to these, and most high street stores will stock some kind of fashion corset or bodice as an everyday wear item.
The burlesque scene has obviously got quite a lot to do with the resurgence of the corset in recent years. In the middle of the last century, the genre was huge with such big names as Gypsy Rose Lee and Tempest Storm treading the boards and wowing the guys (and girls) who they were entertaining. As well as ‘Moulin Rouge’, the stars were lining up for the film ‘Burlesque’ from a couple of years ago – again thrusting it into the limelight.
Another genre where corset-wearing is very popular is Steampunk. Although its origins are steeped in Victorian era Britain, the USA is home to one of the largest steampunk movements. There is no strict dress code, but the women generally favour Victorian styles; corset tops, long flowing skirts and a whole host of accessories; huge hats and parasols especially. Couple this look with more modern additions such as high boots, and you’ve pretty much got the idea.
The corset was also very fashionable in another genre of 1950s America – the ‘Happy Days’ era of Rockabilly. Still very popular today, the fashion encompasses the age as you would expect – big hair, long skirts and skinny jeans for the gals and shades, white tees and slick hair for the guys.
The great thing about fashion corsets compared to the more ‘official’ type is the fact that – if you were so inclined – you could wear one every day. Whether you’ve been invited to a wedding, a party or even if you just want to wear one for the hell of it, you can be sure that you’ll be able to find the perfect things to accessorize your corset anywhere you look. They’re not quite the new black, but they’re pretty close. They still provide support of course, and because people come in all shapes and sizes so do the corsets. So, even if you thought you didn’t have the figure for it you may be very surprised. Get out there and let out your sensuous self!
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About the author
Ben Gallivan is a dedicated follower of fashion and writes for Corset-Story.com, a leading distributor of fashion corsets and accessories. He hasn’t gotten around to wearing one just yet.
