How the Corset became King
"Corsetry is no longer a 19th century fossil, its a 21st century phenomenon. Once seen as a sign of oppression, the corset is now synonymous with female empowerment. There is no greater power than allure of a woman owning her sexuality and the corset embodies all that strong and seductive in a woman."
- Deborah Brand
In the last five years, corsets have burst back into popularity after going out of fashion in the 1960's. Take a simple scroll through the internet and social media and you’ll be met with a wealth of corset bearing women resurrecting the artistry that is corsetry.
One of the most iconic corsetières of this century is the legendary Mr Pearl. Mr Pearl has designed corsetry for Jean Paul Gaultier, Thierry Mugler, John Galliano, and Alexander McQueen to name a few and has dressed artists such as Dita Von Teese, Kylie Minogue and Beyonce for the cover of I AM... Sacha Fierce. His corsets focus on female form, drama and glamour and has single handedly paved the way for future coretières.
Across the pond, The Blonds have captivated New York with their corsetry designs. Launched in 2007 by David and Phillipe Blond, their label is now highly esteemed for its gem-encrusted and meticulously embellished corsets, dresses and bodysuits and was quick to catch the attention of stars including Madonna, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry and Ke$ha. Their flamboyant creations are highly influenced by the energy of The Big Apple and, just like the city, their designs never sleep.
Just a few weeks ago, Rihanna wore a sexy leather corset for her show in Brooklyn and the world went wild for it. The internet labelled it “a feminist statement” and an “image of confidence.” To be worn by one of the most influential women in music and fashion, truly shows the corset is being crowned King. And it doesn’t stop there – corsets are being worn by a whole host of powerful women we love. Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid wore corsets for Paris Fashion Week, while Emma Watson and Emma Stone graced the Met Gala red carpet wearing them. Corsets are longer a forgotten family heirloom hidden away in your grandmothers’ wardrobe. No. Corsets are now timeless, elegant, edgy and young.
Yes! Young women around the world are giving corsets a youthful makeover. The corset is no longer a tool for oppression but instead an instrument of female power. Gone are the unrealistic 16-inch waist measurements that led women to hurt themselves, because today's corsets provide a the subtle but sexy hourglass figure to all body types. corsets are conquering fashion, especially after their take over of the awards season and catwalks during the most recent fashion weeks. Top designers are once more recognising and reintroducing this garment as a piece of fashion.
Waist trainers are the little sister of corsetry and have created frenzy in the last few years. Unlike corsets, waist trainers lack laces and are made of stretch materials to make the garments more agile for athletic use. Waist training was popularised by the Kardashian sisters because of their ability to create an hour glass figure by wearing it during fitness routines and daily life.
It is encouraging to see the corset reintegrated and accepted into today’s trends not only by fashion icons, but also the general public.
In the last few months, Deborah Brand has been asked to dress celebrities such as Jourdan Dunn, Cara Delevingne and Kim Kardashian West for an editorial and cover shoot for Australian Vogue. Our global society is growing to accept equality of the sexes whilst encouraging women to harness their power, and the Deborah Brand corsets symbolise the beauty and strength of the women of today.
Cara Delavigne for W Magazine June/July Issue
Madonna wearing The Blonds
Gigi Hadid wearing Rubin Singer
Ariana Grande wows at the Teen Awards
Kirsten Stewart for Vanity Fair Magazine wearing Jean Paul Gautier
Jourdan Dunn at the Brit Awards after party
As a garment with such a significant history, promising future and influential fan base, the corset is arguably one of the most relevant and important pieces of 21st century fashion.
The corset is King and here to stay!
The Designer
Deborah Brand has always been a fashion visionary. At sixteen she created the cult label Sub Couture, located in the hip London fashion Emporium Hyper Hyper, selling dresses of designer quality at the pricing of high street retail stores. Within two years, her designs retailed internationally in leading department stores including Harrods, Joyce in the Far East and Barneys NYC.
Always inspired by celebrating the female form, emphasising the desirable hour-glass figure continues to fascinate Deborah, after spending a decade in perfecting the ultimate corset.
Deborah Brand Corsets have been worn by diverse, global style icons from Amal Clooney, Kim Kardashian and Cara Delevingne to Billie Eilish and Salma Hayek.
The Corsets
Over 100 components and an unprecedented 45 bones in 5 consistencies are utlised to create the ultimate Deborah Brand corset.
However, Deborah understands the daunting prospect of getting into a corset, hence she has developed her famed underbust ‘Mila’ Corset which can easily be slipped on and laced in under 60 seconds and removed in under 30 seconds!
Her corsets comfortably reduce the waist measurements by 2 inches and up to 5 inches for the very dedicated.
Deborah’s fashion sense, combined with the highest level of craft, create the most pre-eminent corsets.
