Today I’m delighted to feature the work of one of my Californian corsetmaking colleagues: Laurie Tavan. You may recall her from my list of 10 Specialty Corsetieres. Laurie’s synthesis of historical silhouettes with a modern design aesthetic is deliciously unique, and she’s also very well-versed in bespoke fit across a wide range of sizes. How long have you been making corsets and when did you officially launch your brand, then […]
Corsets have an unfortunate reputation as arcane torture devices. Modern stretch shapewear is widely assumed to be both more comfortable and “safer.” But my experience has shown that a well-fit corset is not only supportive, but actually comfortable, rather than constricting. What makes a corset comfortable, or not? Can anybody be comfortable in a corset? The first key is fit. A corset must actually be suited to your body’s underlying […]
There’s a reason I write for a blog called The Lingerie Addict. Besides the amazing community that TLA has introduced me to, I also happen to have a serious lingerie addiction. There is something about lingerie that is so personal and sensual while remaining a functional and a necessary part of my life. It is here that many people have an easier time expressing who they really are, since lingerie […]
The craft of making corsets is a rich niche in the world of fashion: hand-craftsmanship and attention to detail allow for both a uniquely personalized and exquisitely made result. Is making corsets an aesthetic art, a feat of engineering, both, or even something more? The Case for Science Fitting and assembling corsets is a unique skill set. The underlying anatomy of the wearer must be carefully considered, fabric grainlines and […]
Editor’s Note: As of April 2017, it appears Contour Corsets is no longer operational. Launched in 2008, Contour Corsets by Fran Blanche specializes in the creation of expertly fitted tightlacing corsets. We featured her on The Lingerie Addict a few weeks ago while discussing Corset Shopping for Trans Women. Fran’s approach to corsetmaking relies on utilizing modern materials and the application of her engineering background to build anatomically precise corsets […]
