Trend Report: Lace it up, the Corset is back
'Corset' is derived from the French word corpse meaning ‘of the body.'
The corset, a restrictive, bone lined bodice was worn by women of the 18th century to achieve an hour glass figure. The word first came about in the English language in 1828 and was used in 'The Ladies Magazine' to describe a quilted waistcoat.
There was a strong feminist cloud that filled the air in Europe. A collection that stuck out was Maria Grazia Chiuri's debut for Christian Dior. Chiuri had many strong statement T-shirts paired with sheer tulle, one in particular stating 'We should all be feminists.'
On the contrary, the corset may seem to be one of the least feminist trends we could advocate right now. The corsets of the 18th century were extremely restrictive, yet the modern corset we're seeing are re-imagined and even undone. When looking through the Milan and Paris street style, it was undeniable that this trend is quite wearable and appealing.
The best example of this was shown in Prada's FW16 collection. It acts as more of an unexpected accessory over printed dresses or a feminine touch to oversize pinstripe blouse. Balmain executed a corset more true to typical period pieces we normally see.
What designer didn't show some variation of the corset this season? From Sally LaPointe to Loewe, each designer had their own take on the trend. Now that there is no escaping it, would you wear a corset?
