BEAUTIFUL CORSETS AND WHERE TO BUY THEM

Recently, something Billie Eilish posted on her Instagram surpassed a million likes in six minutes. While this may have had a lot to do with the post being her British Vogue cover (and her status as the voice of Generation Z), there was another element to the image that might also account for its popularity: a custom Gucci corset.

Corsets are the antithesis of casual clothing and, by consequence, an emblem of how we hope to dress in the post-pandemic era. “I think as people get more excited about being able to go out again they are looking to enjoy dressing up,” says Rosie Evans, founder of an eponymous brand with a strong focus on corsets. “Historically inspired fashion and a more feminine aesthetic has also become really popular over the last year,” she adds. “The corset is the perfect garment as it combines both those aspects.”

Corsets aren’t just appealing for aesthetic reasons, however. “The feeling when wearing a corset is like nothing else,” believe Kate Donald and Rosemary Lambert, founders of sustainable lingerie brand, CREASE. “By accentuating your curves and pulling your spine upright, [a corset makes] you stand taller and feel powerful in your figure,” they continue. “Reclaiming this power allows you to play and have fun with your body.” While comfort has been king throughout coronavirus, “now is the time to take delight in wearing clothes that encourage you to explore and discover different parts of yourself,” say Kate and Rosemary.

So, what are the best corset brands? And how do you even style a corset? Read on. 

1. UMORE

UMORE THE DIANA CORSET, £175

Georgia Chambers founded Umore as a matter of necessity: “I have a huge love for vintage Dolce & Gabbana and Vivienne Westwood corsets, however I could not afford them so I started making my own out of my kitchen,” she explains. “I kept getting compliments on them and Umore was born.” Given that all Umore corsets are made from designer deadstock fabrics such as Roberto Cavalli leopard print and “tweeds from the Chanel manufacturer”, these compliments are unsurprising. As for styling, Georgia prefers to wear a corset “over a vintage slip with one side of the slip dress tucked under the corset to make an asymmetric hem,” something we will be trying ourselves imminently.

2. CREASE

CREASE  NOVA CORSET, £725

Corsets actually exist in contrast to what CREASE usually offer as a brand. “Our current collection was heavily influenced by the notion of comfort,” say Kate and Rosemary. As we come out of lockdown, “a collision can be felt between the nests in our homes and outside spaces,” they continue. “It's this collision that inspired us to explore and experiment with corsetry.” For Kate and Rosemary, “the beauty of corsets is [that] they’re extremely versatile.” A look they favour in particular, however, is to wear a corset “underneath a loose suit with trainers,” which is at least one way to make an entrance when you finally return to the office.