| The Corset - A
Symbol Of Powerful Female Expression
by Mike Mansfield
Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce and a score of other
celebrities in current pop culture have repeatedly brought the
corset "out from under" and into the limelight over the
past couple of decades. Whether a leather corset for an erotic
spectacle on stage, a beaded one for the Red Carpet or lacy and
casual for lunch with friends, the image harkens back, ever so
subtly, to one of the first powerful ladies to don a corset, Queen
Elizabeth I of England. That's not to imply of course that Queen
Elizabeth's corsets were such blatant fashion statements as these
women's, but underneath it all, was there more being said than meets
the eye? And it may not have been any of these celebrities'
intention to associate herself with powerful women of eras past
necessarily, but it's not a far stretch to say that this fashion
statement speaks volumes and brings with it to its wearers a
powerful history of female expression that spans centuries.
For a simple item of clothing,
corsets have stirred many opinions as to their function and the role
they play in the female wardrobe. In eras past, as a required
fashion staple, corsets were sometimes considered to be the epitome
of conservative male oppression of women with their restrictive
binding. In current times however, fashion designers are less likely
to consider corsets as a figment of male domination and instead
covet them as a timeless fascination with shaping the female body
and today's wearers can surely be considered to be clearly
exhibiting the ultimate form of confidence and feminine expression.
Still, others who couldn't care less about a corset's cultural
implications or their ability to shape a body consider them to be
ideal under-garments supporting the back in a comfortable way--a
very practical fashion in this sense. Of course, no fashion would be
worth its weight without a little controversy and on this point,
corsets have delivered.
Corsets basically evolved into the
modern bra. But there clearly remains a fashionable allure for the
earlier predecessor. Described today as gorgeous, ultra-glamorous,
and sexy, corsets are available in a variety of styles and colors,
fabricated from all types of materials. They're often boned as were
early patterns. But now, three things make modern corsets distinctly
different from 16th and 17th century patterns. Today they range in
size from small to 3X and above. Corsets are worn as outerwear, with
jeans in casual settings and glamorized for evening wear. They are
often used as lingerie, and unlike their predecessors, they're
designed to be comfortable and easy to get in and out of quickly.
In recent corset news, confirming the
fascination with these garments, celebrities have custom designed
embellished leather corsets and those made from other unusual and
creative materials that have been auctioned for upwards of $1000 and
beyond, to benefit charity. Not only are corsets sexy fashion, but
they have become a very profitable endeavor!
On the lingerie front, leather
corsets or those made from classic lace or racier PVC are popular
today and available in a variety of styles and sizes as well. Just
like their outerwear counterparts, a myriad of designs are created
to accentuate the curves of the female physique and they are
consciously designed to flatter the wearer. Many lingerie corsets
now have optional G-strings and detachable garters. Other options
include front zippers, lace up backs, hook and eye front closure,
and adjustable shoulder straps. Sometimes lycra is added for more
comfort and many patterns are lined in silk or satin.
It's unlikely that the "powerful
women of eras past" would have considered one of these garments
as a staple in their wardrobe. But as for the women of today,
current day corsets, from the simplest to the most elaborate, are
one way of exuding powerful feminine expression on the outside and
underneath.
About the Author
Mike Mansfield is well versed in the
history of the corset as the owner of Leather
Obsession , the leading online source for affordable
high-quality leather
corsets and other leather clothing.
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