CORSETS are the fashion piece of the moment; from casual to dressy, this piece will be the star of any outfit. From sexy lingerie to edgy fashion pieces, women have successfully reclaimed this garment for themselves. The corset has been revived from former eras of fashion, making their way, once again, into the modern world. The flattering garment with a fitted bodice and boning lined structure has been around since the 1500s and was worn by both men and women. Worn as both an outer and undergarment it was used to cinch the waist offering the wearer an elongated torso. Once merely a "contraption" to restrict women’s waists and create a more hourglass figure it has been reclaimed by women. In the present day, period films and series offer us a peephole into how corsets were used as a means of physical oppression and sexual objectification. In a scene from the series Bridgerton, Daphne is laced into a corset and becomes increasingly breathless with every yank of the ribbon which constricts her. The shapewear was used to lift the breasts, beautify silhouettes and ensure modesty up until the wedding night. According to an article by Every Culture, it had as many as fifty laces were worn from childhood. On the wedding night, during consummation, the groom had to tentatively unfasten the lace to demonstrate self-control. Of course, the corset styles we’re seeing today aren’t emulating the Middle Ages, but rather, they're the product of late 90s and early 2000s fashion influence. Icons of the decade include Paris Hilton, Beyoncé and Christina Aguilera. In 2021, the colours are more muted, classic and avoid the glitzy extras of denim patchwork, bedazzled studs and feather trims. This transformation allows the garment to seamlessly find its way into any wardrobe and pair perfectly with a variety of outfits for any occasion ranging from formalwear to streetwear. More recently, Billie Eilish graced
THE CORSET
SACHA VAN NIEKERK
the cover of British Vogue for their June 2021 edition. Shedding her usual garb of baggy tracksuits and oversized t-shirts, the seven-time Grammy Awardwinning artist broke the internet with a regency-esque lingerie look featuring the now iconic pink corset with a satin sheen. wThe bombshell of a cover was shared all over the internet with fellow celebrities praising Eilish for her message of body positivity and confidence. As the voice of the younger generation, the star has an insurmountable influence when it comes to any decision she shares publicly. From her fashion choices to social activism, political views and beyond, when Eilish speaks, Gen Z listens.
