How Corset is Shaping Up to be Fashion's Latest Trend?
The corset, a garment that was once considered constraining and oppressive for women who wanted weight reduction, has made a comeback in the fashion world in 2021. This revival can be attributed to the growing influence of TV shows on fashion, which have showcased the corset as a stylish and trendy piece of clothing. In fact, it has the potential to become a must-have item in 2023.
While historically the corset was seen as a tool for shaping a woman's body into a desired silhouette, it was also criticized for being a symbol of patriarchal oppression. However, in the wake of the body positivity and #MeToo movements, corsets have been reimagined as a symbol of self-assertion and empowerment for women.
The Underbust and overbust corset is now being viewed in a different light - somewhere between emancipation and self-assertion. It has been embraced by women of all shapes and sizes, who see it as a way to express their individuality and reclaim their bodies. The corset has been reinterpreted in modern styles and fabrics, making it more comfortable and accessible for everyday wear.
The resurgence of the waist cincher in fashion can be seen on the runway and in street style. It has been paired with everything from jeans to formal wear, proving its versatility and adaptability. Celebrities and influencers have also been seen wearing corsets, further fueling the trend.
Corsets or waist trainers have a fascinating history. It first made its appearance in the Spanish court where it served a very different purpose than it does today for women. Back then, it was used to keep the female torso straight, upright, and tall, which was considered more aesthetically pleasing. The corset quickly became an essential item in the aristocracy's wardrobe because it added an extra touch of presence or authority that high society couldn't ignore.
Although the corset was lauded for its ability to improve posture and create an aesthetically pleasing silhouette by providing a curvy waistline, it was also quite constraining. Women of that time period were not explicitly aware of the physical toll the corset took on their bodies. Despite this, the corset continued to be a coveted item among the upper echelon of society.
For decades, women have been striving to free their bodies from the constraints of corsets, especially as they become more active. It seemed as though they had finally rid themselves of this weight loss garment once and for all. However, as the famous scene from the movie "Titanic" reminds us, where Rose (played by Kate Winslet) is manhandled by her mother, who is impertinently lacing her corset to further refine her waist, the corset still held a place in fashion and society. The scene from "Titanic" is a reminder of the tyranny that corsets once represented for women.
As the overbust and Underbust corset evolved over time, it became more widely accessible to the general population, and women started to wear it for a variety of reasons. In the 19th century, it became a symbol of femininity and was often used to accentuate a woman's curves. However, it was still known to be uncomfortable and even dangerous to wear.
The previously shunned steel boned corset has made a comeback thanks to the influence of one TV series and a new style known as "Regencycore." Netflix's "Bridgerton," which takes viewers into the high society of the early 19th century English Regency era, has brought the corset back into the spotlight. This has resulted in a surge of interest in the item, which was once considered an instrument of female oppression. In fact, just one month after the show's release, global fashion search platform Lyst recorded a 123% increase in searches for corsets.
This is a remarkable achievement at a time when fashion and beauty industries are focused on challenging conventions, and promoting self-affirmation and emancipation. However, the corset's resurgence initially appeared to be fleeting, with the item being relegated to the status of an outdated accessory, only fit for use in daring costume parties. In reality, it was more about experimenting with different lacing and lingerie pieces, worn under or on top of clothing, as opposed to being used to restrict women's breathing.
But that all changed when the artistic directors of major fashion houses decided to showcase the longline corset on the catwalks. The corset has now become a fashion statement, a symbol of empowerment and self-expression for women. The cycle of fashion has begun once again, with the corset undergoing a transformation into something new and exciting. With its rich history and symbolic significance, the corset is poised to remain a fixture in fashion for many years to come.
The year 2021 saw a significant easing of Covid-19 restrictions, allowing people to indulge in their fashion fantasies. It was a farewell to comfortable yet dull loungewear, and a warm embrace of vibrant patterns and bold pieces that exude fun. Surprisingly, the corset has become the go-to accessory for people seeking to express their creativity and imagination. It was seen all over the catwalks during the Spring/Summer 2022 fashion shows, where designers showcased the corset as an iconic piece of the season. Leading fashion houses such as Weinsanto, Acne Studios, and Mugler presented a reimagined version of the corset, offering the world's most prominent personalities the opportunity to bring it back into the spotlight.
However, unlike the corset's previous avatar, this reboot is now being viewed as a plaything and even a tool for self-assertion and liberation. It emphasizes all body shapes and sizes, rather than just a tiny waist. Celebrities such as Lourdes Leon, Saweetie, Halle Berry, and Lizzo have all rocked the corset wonderfully, regardless of their size, age, or social class. It's a means to showcase one's self-confidence and reject the many norms that are slowly eroding.
Moreover, an emerging trend called "fairycore" has contributed to the corset's renewed popularity. It's an unusual blend of fairy and grunge aesthetics that is currently trending on TikTok. The corset is an integral part of this style, worn with T-shirts, shirts, or blouses to create a unique play on proportions. This aesthetic could well make the corset the must-have piece of this year.
We have a wide range of options in different types of steel boned corsets that will train your waist and offer you the look you have been searching for. So, all you need to do is decide upon the character you wish to be this Halloween and then select the right type of corset from the wide range of collections that we display.
