Couture and Corsets

We chatted to 2009 Fashion Design graduate Belinda on her love of corsets and her romantic couture.

What is it that you enjoy about designing and making fashion pieces that incorporate corsets and bodices?
I first fell in love with corsets when I first saw Moulin Rouge at age 13. Since then I had been waiting for the day when I’d be able to create something as romantic, beautiful and feminine. Corsetry has a rich history and is still glorified today by burlesque & pin-up models such as Dita Von Teese and is always embraced on the red carpet at the Oscars and for costumes of the stage and film industries. It’s still celebrated by Haute Couture designers, namely John Galliano (for Dior), Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and the late Alexander McQueen.

If you look at the history of the female silhouette throughout the decades, the one people remember most is the soft hourglass shape, revived in the 50’s by Christian Dior. Corsetry doesn’t discriminate, you can be any size or shape and it will create a beautiful soft, curvy silhouette. You walk differently, breathe differently and carry yourself as a new woman.


What did you love most about the corsetry short course?
The advanced skills and incredible techniques I learnt are invaluable where in an industry where garments are mass-produced; these couture techniques are an asset. The different seam types and fabric strengthening applications we used are incredibly useful as well as learning how to focus on advanced structure and fit. You really have the chance to grow and perfect your skills which is essential if you want to work in couture, bridal, formalwear or in the costume industry. It’s so much fun if you love to stretch your knowledge and take pattern-making and garment construction to the next level. Lesley is one of the most uplifting and encouraging lecturers I have worked with, you learn so much and have much more fun when you’re lecturer is so passionate about what they teach.




Did you complete the corsetry course while you were studying fashion design?
Yes I did. I’m glad that I chose to do the course then, as I had over two years of knowledge & experience from TAFE fashion which gave me the confidence and perseverance; and also because I was about to start my graduate collection and I needed to learn these advanced and fascinating techniques fast!

Corsetry and couture
“One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.” ~Oscar Wilde
Corsetry, right from its design, to pattern drafting, to garment construction is in a league of its own, it is like constructing a Ferrari that is designed for only one person. It is like couture; you can’t mass-produce it overseas, it is too involved, but it is rewarding tenfold. The skills will last you well into what ever field of fashion you choose. It’s an asset to your portfolio and body of work.

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