Dress and the Modern Courtesan ~ installment #2
The corset.
Oh, my doves, I see that you flurry at the very mention of the word.
Corset.
Corsetry has not been the mode of fashion in one hundred years, yet as many are produced in today's modern world as there were back when Queen Victoria was still keeping her Secret.
While dallying on Ebay recently, I have found that there is a rather large market for the erotic corset. Now, ma cocottes, do not think this was particuarly surprising to me.
What was surprising was the sheer variety of corsets available and the raging popularity of them.
Coming into the twenty-first century it is obvious that corsets are not just for reinactors anymore!
But, Fortuna Bella, what does that mean for me?
I am ever so glad that you are pondering the same thing that I am!
Once upon a time, corsety was more than just the instrument of fashion used to shape the feminine body into desirable forms. No, the corset was directly connected to the very essence of femininity, sensuality, sexuality, and virtue. In art or literature, if a woman was depicted with her corset loosened, or heaven forfend!, removed, it was like a wink to the viewer, an easily recognizable sign of this lady's lack of modesty. And by lack of modesty, we are meant to read, lack of virtue. And by lack of virtue, it was often assumed, lack of worth. (I shall not digress into a lack of virginity leading to poor moral fiber or a sublimated standing in society...that is a topic for another day!)
Corsets, throughout their history, have been tied to the very nature of womanhood, itself. By their purpose of "holding in" the female shape, they have also been leant some sort of authority over a woman's soul as well as the body.
But, whereas in the past, a corseted woman was seen as modest, virtuous, and a pillar of society, the modern corseted woman is a deviant, a seductress, a dominatrix, perhaps.
So, where does that leave the Modern Courtesan?
As in previous discussions on the power of clothing itself, the corset is presented as a very compelling tool in the arsenal of seduction. And as with an item of such profound influence, it must be weilded wisely.
Body type must be a factor in the selection of the corset. There are just about as many types of corsets that will suit as there are bodies to wear them. Be sure that you have a good fit and you are not going to cause yourself injury. Horrid tales of broken ribs are by and large exaggerations (although with several notable expections, of course). But sore, bruised ribs, pinched, chafed, and raw skin are all very common realities.
Second, mood must be established with the corset. Leather says something different than vinyl and both say something entirely unlike silk which also has its permutations of damask, brocade, satin, shantung, etc. And even within those subsets, there are more variances...Chinese of European brocade? ...brial satin or antique satin? And let us not forget color.
All of these will depend on whether or not a corset is meant as a showpiece or a foundation garment. In modern seduction, there are very few stricly "foundation" garmets that have no erotic elements. It is all a manner of taste. For both the wearer and the viewer. But in the end, no matter what your intended enjoys, it must suit you, kittens, or you'll never pull it off.
Corsetry might just be that little extra something that puts you over the top, makes you feel more powerful, womanly, sexy, desirable. Perhaps the costume aspect of it can help you set aside any lingering self-doubt or depreciation.
Be prepared, my doves, to put forth an impressive amount of time, energy, and money for a good corset. If you are serious about adding one of good workmanship to your wardrobe, look to spend in the neighborhood of $300. Prices and quality will vary. And unless you are very thin or only intend your corset to be for very occasional use...don't you dare spend a mountain of money and end up with plastic bones in the channels! Opt for actual, high caliber spring-steel, and/or quality metal spiral boning.
In another installment in the near future, we shall talk about more...familiar underpinnings.
I am shocked to finbd that most women in the U.S. and even in Europe do not wear the correect size in bra or underpants!
Ladies, we need to bring your knickers up to snuff and raise high your pillowy mounds of womanhood!
For the female form to be properly admired, it must be properly supported. Not just for the sake of your lover or even your self-esteem, but for the health and well-being of your back, neck, feet, hips, ankles, legs, shoulders, and ability to get a good night's sleep!
Until next time, my charming tarts!
~La Fortuna Bella
Oh, my doves, I see that you flurry at the very mention of the word.
Corset.
Corsetry has not been the mode of fashion in one hundred years, yet as many are produced in today's modern world as there were back when Queen Victoria was still keeping her Secret.
While dallying on Ebay recently, I have found that there is a rather large market for the erotic corset. Now, ma cocottes, do not think this was particuarly surprising to me.
What was surprising was the sheer variety of corsets available and the raging popularity of them.
Coming into the twenty-first century it is obvious that corsets are not just for reinactors anymore!
But, Fortuna Bella, what does that mean for me?
I am ever so glad that you are pondering the same thing that I am!
Once upon a time, corsety was more than just the instrument of fashion used to shape the feminine body into desirable forms. No, the corset was directly connected to the very essence of femininity, sensuality, sexuality, and virtue. In art or literature, if a woman was depicted with her corset loosened, or heaven forfend!, removed, it was like a wink to the viewer, an easily recognizable sign of this lady's lack of modesty. And by lack of modesty, we are meant to read, lack of virtue. And by lack of virtue, it was often assumed, lack of worth. (I shall not digress into a lack of virginity leading to poor moral fiber or a sublimated standing in society...that is a topic for another day!)
Corsets, throughout their history, have been tied to the very nature of womanhood, itself. By their purpose of "holding in" the female shape, they have also been leant some sort of authority over a woman's soul as well as the body.
But, whereas in the past, a corseted woman was seen as modest, virtuous, and a pillar of society, the modern corseted woman is a deviant, a seductress, a dominatrix, perhaps.
So, where does that leave the Modern Courtesan?
As in previous discussions on the power of clothing itself, the corset is presented as a very compelling tool in the arsenal of seduction. And as with an item of such profound influence, it must be weilded wisely.
Body type must be a factor in the selection of the corset. There are just about as many types of corsets that will suit as there are bodies to wear them. Be sure that you have a good fit and you are not going to cause yourself injury. Horrid tales of broken ribs are by and large exaggerations (although with several notable expections, of course). But sore, bruised ribs, pinched, chafed, and raw skin are all very common realities.
Second, mood must be established with the corset. Leather says something different than vinyl and both say something entirely unlike silk which also has its permutations of damask, brocade, satin, shantung, etc. And even within those subsets, there are more variances...Chinese of European brocade? ...brial satin or antique satin? And let us not forget color.
All of these will depend on whether or not a corset is meant as a showpiece or a foundation garment. In modern seduction, there are very few stricly "foundation" garmets that have no erotic elements. It is all a manner of taste. For both the wearer and the viewer. But in the end, no matter what your intended enjoys, it must suit you, kittens, or you'll never pull it off.
Corsetry might just be that little extra something that puts you over the top, makes you feel more powerful, womanly, sexy, desirable. Perhaps the costume aspect of it can help you set aside any lingering self-doubt or depreciation.
Be prepared, my doves, to put forth an impressive amount of time, energy, and money for a good corset. If you are serious about adding one of good workmanship to your wardrobe, look to spend in the neighborhood of $300. Prices and quality will vary. And unless you are very thin or only intend your corset to be for very occasional use...don't you dare spend a mountain of money and end up with plastic bones in the channels! Opt for actual, high caliber spring-steel, and/or quality metal spiral boning.
In another installment in the near future, we shall talk about more...familiar underpinnings.
I am shocked to finbd that most women in the U.S. and even in Europe do not wear the correect size in bra or underpants!
Ladies, we need to bring your knickers up to snuff and raise high your pillowy mounds of womanhood!
For the female form to be properly admired, it must be properly supported. Not just for the sake of your lover or even your self-esteem, but for the health and well-being of your back, neck, feet, hips, ankles, legs, shoulders, and ability to get a good night's sleep!
Until next time, my charming tarts!
~La Fortuna Bella