Corset & Underbust Blog

Mio Destino has made a video detailing how to properly put a corset on - well worth watching

BOMBSHELL BABIES “The best thing to happen to corsets and garders since the art known as burlesque began”

“The BOMBSHELL BABIES” a nouveau cabaret , created and founded by original members of the PussyCat Dolls are arousing a great deal of excitement in the industry and public alike. Capturing a unique blend of then and now, the “Bombshell Babies” featuring Carmen Electra, bring pin-up to life.

Gracing stages around the world, they have made featured appearances on: The Mtv Australia Awards, The World Music Awards, “Last Call” with Carson Daly, NBC’s “Studio 60″, and LeSport Club in Monaco.

The “Bombshell Babies” embody the pulse of a new era of women!

Corestry for arms- Ax & Jewels have come up with the first ever corsetry for arms. The loose skin after weight loss and stubborn flab that just won’t go away can be firmed up with their targeted compression garments. The special knitted fabric sleeves also provide support after surgery by minimizing pain and swelling during the healing process.

Definitly a wardrobe wonder! However, I still prefer the traditional corset…..so much more elegant!

Vollers Corsets was founded in 1899 and has been producing fine, top of the line corsets for over a century. Vollers have a wide variety of designs, from fashion modern corsets to traditional corsets.

Vollers service is wonderful, you can have a corset made to measure, and they give you options on fabric choices and even alter it if need be. For a wide variety of Vollers corsets, Blouses, and Skirts and help and advice on sizing visit Mio Destino.

Corset History: Part 2 Late 18th Century-Victorian Era
This is the second part of our series on the history of the corsets, looking at the late 18th century to the Victorian Era.
Stays were less constricting by the end of the 18th century and although most women would still wear a stay as underwear, many now wore ‘short stays’ that extended to just under the bust but still helped raise the bust and improve posture.  Jumps were another 18th century undergarment and these were used for informal occasions, as they were only partially boned.
The early 1800s saw the corset emerge as the primary method for supporting the breasts and these created a high waistline.  By the 1830s, however, the waistline returned to its natural position and more emphasis became placed on creating a narrow waist and an hourglass silhouette.  The women at the time fashioned wide shoulders and big skirts so corsets did not have to be laced tight to create the illusion of a small waist.

By the Victorian era when large shoulders had disappeared from fashion, the waist had to be cinched in tighter too create the hourglass effect.  Later, the 1840s and 1850s saw tightlacing first became popular.  The corset at this time had changed shape and was worn long, ending several inches below the waist.  The market for cheap mass-produced corsets also increased although hand-made made-to-measure corsets were still popular.
If you would like to see beautiful corsets like these, visit Manchester Art Gallery

In an interview with Keira Knightley in yesterdays Metro newspaper (04/09/2008) she talked about one of the more fascinating sides of lingerie, corsets. Keira has recently been walking the international red carpets promoting her new film, The Duchess, a story based in the 18th century and involving her constantly wearing corsets.
Keira was asked ‘Are you sick of the sight of corsets?’ and she replied ‘I’ve only done two films recently that have involved corsets so I’ve got some mileage in them yet. I’m happy not to be wearing one now, though.’

Well Kira we think you look sensational and we rate the film 5/5, excellent!

You may know everything there is to know about corsets or, like many, you may be confused about some of the terms related to corsets.  This guide explains the terms related to the wonderful world of corsets to settle any confusion.
Corset - A garment with boning that is used to shape or mold the body.  It waist cinches the wearer in at the waist to create an hourglass silhouette.  It is a constricting garment and should be worn tight for optimum effect.  Traditionally laces at the back and has a busk at the front.
Bustier Form fitting top that usually fastens at the back and accentuates the bust.   Many are strapless and can be attached to stockings or a garter belt.
Basque Similar to the bustier only longer and tighter fitting to the top of the hips.
Overbust Corsets that cover the bust.
Underbust/Waspie

Corsets that sit under the bust line.  Great for in the bedroom paired with a set of nipple tassels or as outerwear with a sexy shirt underneath.
Sweetheart Corset This has a heart shaped neckline and is great for women with a larger bust.
Victoriana Corset Has a neckline that is cut straight across the bust and is great for uplifting a smaller bust.
Burlesque Corset This type of corset has a scooped neckline that peaks at either side and is great for women with a larger chest.
Busk The rigid element of a corset at the centre front of the corset that must be fastened before the wearer is fully laced into the corset.  Generally made of steel the busk works similar to that of a hook and eye closure on a garment.
Eyelets The metal rings through which the lacing is threaded.
Lacing The strings at the back are referred to as lacing.  It is the lacing that is used to cinch the wearer in at the waist.

Brand review: Vollers

History: Vollers Corset Company is a family owned business, based in the UK that has been passed down by four generations of the Voller family to the current owner Ian Voller.  With this long history they have gained a reputation for good quality, well designed corsets.

Products: Wide variety of different styles of corset and an eveningwear skirt collection that has just been launched to compliment their corsets.  From overbust corsets to waspies and burlesque corsets there is a good range of shapes and styles.  Top pieces in their collection include the 1905u style especially in the black or red satin and the V4004 black and white gingham waspie, which is perfect for everyday wear.

Website: http://www.miodestino.co.uk/corsets

History of the Corset-Part 1

16th Century-18th Century

Corsets have a rich and fabulous history and have been a part of society for thousands of years.  This is the first of a series of blogs about the fascinating history of the corset.
The earliest corsets were called ‘payre of bodies’ and later ‘stays’.  The stays created a brilliant cleavage by flattening the bust and pushing the breasts up.  Emphasis was placed on the contrast between this and the flat bodice front with less interest in creating a small waist.  The stays had shoulder straps and the fabric flicked out at the bottom.
The mid 16th century saw corsets become commonly worn amongst women.  From this time to around 1860 corsets were made of stiff layers of linen with wooden busks that were inserted in a pocket at the front to keep the corset straight.

Stay tuned for the other parts…