FROM THE LENS W H Y DIDN’ T I T HINK OF T H AT?
Dramatic Curves Since opening up shop on Magazine Street in 2019, handmade corset purveyor Autumn Adamme has relied on flexibility to stay strong. BY A S HL EY MCLE LL AN PORTRAIT BY SAR A E SSE X B R A DLEY
NEW ORLEANS HAS INSPIRED GENER ATIONS of artists, designers and costume creators almost from its very beginnings, and corset designer, master fitter and founder of Dark Garden Corsetry and Couture Autumn Adamme is one of them. Adamme has translated that New Orleans joie de vivre into a successful line of handmade foundation-wear and a fantastic, and fantastical, 32-year long career. Dark Garden Corsetry opened its flagship location in San Francisco in 1989. Thirty years later, in April 2019, the store expanded into New Orleans at 3528 Magazine Street, and ever since has been providing FUN FACTS custom corsets for international ABOUT celebrities (such as Jennifer Lopez CORSETS and Dita Von Teese), locally celebrated Mardi Gras krewes, brides, Corsets as a couture and costume creations, separate shaping undergarment and anyone just interested in first appeared in fashion and style. the 16th century. While Halloween and Mardi In Europe in the Gras are understandably popular Middle Ages, waisttimes for sales, Dark Garden shaping garments clients aren’t just looking for were worn by both dramatic apparel, a fact that has sexes. Some men kept the boutique businesses busy also wore them for three decades. in the 18th and 19th centuries. “Our clients really run the gamut,” Adamme said. “We have Andy Warhol was people who come in for all sorts said to have worn of needs – medical compression, a corset to support his back after being opera and theater, shapewear to wear under your clothing, state- shot in 1968. ment pieces to show off, full head- Young children were often fitted to-toe ensembles for weddings or with corsets in special occasions, corsets for the the 19th century boudoir or to spice up the bedroom, in the belief they and costumes for burlesque, would ensure a Halloween or Carnival. But all straight spine of our clients come to us because and a good body shape later in life. they’re looking to invest in a piece that will deliver in quality, dura- SOURCE: BRITTANICA.COM AND CORSET-STORY.COM bility, beauty as well as comfort.”
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BIZ NEW ORLEANS
NOVEMBER 2021
