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Torso Corset
Over the years, I get many requests for various kinds of corsets. Some corsets are rather simple belt-like garments, and some are complicated "corset/environmental suits". The day has yet to come when I have had the opportunity to make a true corset/environmental suit, but I have made a number of designs that taxed by abilities in a similar vain. Thankfully, I enjoy the challenge, and get the chance to learn and try out new ideas. One of these opportunities to try something new for a client came about in late summer of 2000.The corset shown here is a design that a friend had in mind for several years. After designing a knee-length leather discipline corset for him, I was asked if I was willing to try something new. I like trying new things when it comes to corsetry, and he had some great ideas.
Thankfully, he has amazing patience, and waited for me to have some free time to devote to his project. A few phone calls, emails, and ink drawings later, we had the ideas finalized. The proposed corset would be in black leather, and encompass the entire torso and upper legs.
The finished corset is lined with black cotton poly twill. The exterior is black leather. The front closure is an 1840's era front opening busk. Because I consider a front opening busk as a closure only, a heavy underbusk is placed underneath to keep the belly flat. (This feature is used in all my corsets) Adjustment of the corsets' tension upon the torso is accomplished by the rear laces. The metal stays are custom sized at the studio, and run the entire length of the corsets' body, including the shoulders.
The lower torso portion has a lined crotch-piece that is adjustable and removable. Adjustment is via laces in the rear.
The leg portions of the corset extend down to just where the knee begins. This portion is laced down the inside to the thighs and provide the desired compression. The legs are fully lined with cotton poly twill. Steel stays run the full length of the legs as well.
The lower rear pelvic section has a hidden elastic gusset. The gusset was used to allow the corset to move with the wearer when he sits. If the gusset was not there, the corset would be so stiff that he would not be able to sit comfortably.
The corset has served him well for five years. This month, ( January 2006 ) I will be making an updated version of this corset. The new model will be a very sleek design to be unnoticeable under clothing. It will feature my stayed zipper closure, interior stays, integrate/floating lacing protector, improved pelvic region, and a hidden adjustment system to hold the shoulders back. It is an even more complicated design that will take many hours to complete.
Perhaps this new corset will bring us closer to the day when we have corseted environmental suits? A discipline helmet would go well with such a suit.