Today I’m here to put to rest one of the most common misconceptions about corsets. (No, not the lie about how terrible they are for you.) Many people seem to think the presence of steel bones is all that defines a “real” corset. Sometimes this is expanded to a specific number of bones, typically 20 bones, being necessary. But what does corset boning really do? And if it’s not the bones, […]
When I first discovered lingerie, Agent Provocateur offered me an exciting and boundary pushing new world of underthings. Although I still utterly adore many of their past designs, recent collections have felt a little flat in comparison. Older styles like ‘Maschina’ and ‘Marilyn’ are pretty much staples in my lingerie wardrobe but there’s been very little in their latest releases that I’ve felt strongly enough about to add to my collection.
In order for the lingerie industry to be seen as a legitimate branch of the fashion industry, we need more experimental, directional labels that go beyond the traditional silks and laces. What better way to bridge the gap than to take the “lingerie as outerwear” concept and turn it on its head, with pieces that start as outerwear before fluidly transforming into underwear? Avant-garde knitwear designer Maude Nibelungen has pulled […]
In last week’s review of Timeless Trends, I touched on the distinction between handmade and factory-produced corsets. Understandably, this drew some confusion. “Handmade” is not a regulated term and indeed sewn goods are created on machines manned by humans. So what defines a handmade piece? And what are the benefits to mass-manufacturing? How Do We Define “Handmade?” Each factory will have their own process for mass production. I’ve only worked […]
I’m officially bored of bras. So this year, the only trade show Jess and I have been to is Africa Fashion Week. Like the supposedly international London Fashion Week, the organisation was a bit erratic, all the staff wore black, and someone shilling hair products chased me around. Jess was chased by someone who specialises in large size ladies footwear, so full marks to everyone’s marketing, at least. Unlike LFW, […]
