Ever wondered what it’s like to order a bespoke corset? To work with a craftsman to create something uniquely yours, never to be repeated? Here’s a very special commission I worked on recently. Made for a male client who had never even tried a corset on before he contacted me last Autumn.
My client was looking to begin waist training, and wanted corsets that were lightweight to fit discreetly under clothing. Initially he was interested in an overbust style, but after looking at his requirements I recommended an underbust. This would fit better with his lifestyle and would prove easier to camouflage as underwear. He decided on a waist training starter kit, including an Edwardian underbust and ribbon corset with suspenders and a camisole. These pieces would be made in a way that kept bulk at a minimum, whilst remaining sturdy and suitable for regular wear. The concession to this being the choice of using silk ribbons for the ribbon corset! Silk ribbons are not as durable as the grosgrain ribbons I would usually use for these pieces. However, they are incomparably luxurious and feel wonderful against the skin. There is a very special lustre to the colours in these ribbons!
We discussed how he would like the corsets to look, and he knew he wanted them to have refined, feminine styling. He chose a palette of pale pinks, golds and peach but gave me control over the final choices on fabrics. This was a wonderful opportunity for me, as I love creating soft, feminine looks. Being able to create something precious for this first time corset wearer was a real privilege. We agreed my choices would be a surprise, and I began selecting glowing silks that belonged in a wealthy 19th century ladies trousseau!
Silk, lace and lingerie
My client was able to visit the studio for a personal fitting, where I took his measurements. We talked a little more about the style of the corsets, but mostly about his travels through Europe! Fittings aren’t essential for most underbust corsets, as I can work from measurements sent in using our instructions at home. However, it’s a great chance to efficiently make the most of the decisions needed for a bespoke corset order. For some people, these meetings can be a little nerve wracking. Particularly where they are unfamiliar with corsets and are expecting someone far scarier than me to be behind the door! But tea and biscuits usually prove that we’re all good friends, nice and quickly.
Another result of the fitting was my client choosing a set of our lingerie to be made to match his Edwardian corset. He chose our En Régate set- an underwired bra, delicately strapped panties and a lingerie harness. These would work really well with the colour schemes I had devised and made the set even more complete!I settled on a rich coral peach silk with a smooth finish for the underbust. It was a great weight of silk to use for the matching lingerie and had a lovely gleam to it. During our meeting we had also talked about gentle colour contrasts, so I decided swirls of symmetrical ivory lace appliques would be used to highlight the centre front and hips with graceful motifs. The lingerie looked romantic next to it in the peach silk with ivory strapping. The silk ribbons were very hard to choose. So many exquisite shades, each suggesting a different direction. But in the end I opted for a combination of creamy ivory and tarnished gold, set against silk panels in a dusky rose shot gold dupion.
Unwrapping a treasure
From the fitting to completion of the corsets was around 5 weeks- a little slow thanks to the Christmas rush! But as my client preferred to collect the corsets rather than have them posted, it was a while till I was able to present them! I am always excited and nervous to hand over any order. Will it meet the vision the client had when they came to me? But especially so when I’ve been given free rein over design on a bespoke corset. I pray that I haven’t misjudged their brief, and that they receive something they wouldn’t have thought to ask for, but have a connection to all the same. Judging by the message I received when he got them home, I hit the mark!
“Hi Bethan, WOW, beautifully exquisite creations!
You truly are talented at your profession, thank you for all that you have done for me. I am amazed at how they feel when worn.”
How would you feel if you had opened the box to find these corsets?
