Now taking orders on "corset bodies"
Having spent a good part of this Winter and Spring exploring the pattern, construction and embellishment of corset bodies I am now ready to accept orders on them. The purpose of this time spent was to explore the garment more fully and begin feeling familiar with its patterning, proportions and construction choices... to make more toiles, fit more figure types, and reflect on the performance of the pieces when worn. There is always more to study, of course, and it was frustrating having to turn away perfectly lovely potential clients... but I am now happy to take orders on my corset bodies.
We photographed a couple of these experimental bodies in February which I wish I could show you in this post, but they're top secret right now! I'm jumping out of my skin with excitement about them, but we must be patient. So it's enough for now to say that the two bodies shown here are only the beginning...
Sure, those gussets, exteriors, thick cording and laced crotch are deliciously complicated, but the possibilities don't end there. If metallic silk is too wild, a heavy silk satin can provide a more delicate option. If a super-waspy waist is desired, regular vertical seaming can be used to great effect. I've played with leathers, half-cups, stays, cut-open hips, solid or press-stud fastened crotches, crystals, hand-quilting, straps, high hips, low hips, built-up shoulders, exaggerated hips... There are so many incredible possibilities and aesthetics that I'm keen to explore further for my clients.
A careful and time-consuming drafting and fitting process is required with these bodies. So far, I'm finding that an average of two or three toiles is needed, especially if the piece features an extended spine, attached posture collar/shoulders/straps, a solid unadjustable crotch, or client-provided measurements. In-person fittings are best of course, but this process can easily be done at a distance too. All that's required is a camera and good communication :-)
The process begins with ideas. Some clients come to me with a very specific idea of their requirements (for example, "I'd like the metallic ruby body remade exactly as is" or "can I have corset X in blue instead?"), which allows us to quickly arrange the price and contract. Others are open to a more collaborative process. For clients who fall into the latter category, we tend to email a few ideas back and forth to get a sense of their preferences. I then produce a design sheet for a flat fee of £30, which outlines the design's features, colour/fabric/detail options, and one or more illustrations of the design/s. The client then decides which options to proceed with and we write up the contract.
As I go further and further into this vocation, I'm learning that most clients are very visual in their ideas and that written explanations can be lacking. So by taking the time to illustrate our ideas we engender a better understanding of the corset design and foster good communication right from the beginning.
The ruby and nude bodies are obviously quite distinctive, being created around an 1882 patent. But remember that pretty much any design can be developed into a "body". Perhaps you loved the recent lilac/cream overbust, my own Steel Grey midbust or the super-shine of my V&A inspired copper corset... Elements of their styles can all be taken forward and transformed into "body" designs.
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I should also note that I don't currently accept male or TG clients. This is for no other reason than I am unpracticed in the different fit required. I may explore those skills in the future on account of the large number of enquiries I get, but for now I am happy to point interested parties in the direction of other corsetmakers who I know work with male and TG clients to a very high standard.
To place an order, just contact me :-)
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In other news...
Someone recently asked if I was taking a break from Sparklewren on account of my etsy being empty. No no, I am still working, as the information on my etsy page states. I simply restricted orders over Winter whilst focussing on some new portfolio pieces and exploring new techniques. Ready-to-wear corsets were still available (listed exclusively on the website instead of on etsy) and I am now accepting new orders on bespoke corsetry. I may go back to using etsy at some point, but for now you can arrange the purchase of a RTW piece by emailing me.
Over on the Sparklewren facebook page, we have reached just over 500 "likers"! This is quite an exciting little marker, not least because I feel I have a following of individuals who are genuinely invested and interested in my work. It's lovely to interact with people there. I also recently got a new mobile phone. Not so exciting, you may think, but quite exciting for me as I've hitherto never had a phone that actually worked and did all the things I needed. For example, I now get notifications from my twitter. Despite altering my twitter settings many times, I have never received email notifications when people @ me. I had to check manually which was a waste of time and put me off interacting with others. But no more! Anything that saves time is a WIN to me :-)
I have also created PinupLifestyle and FetLife profiles on the recommendations of some clients. There's some really cool people, some gorgeous inspiring photography, and some welcoming corsetry communities, so I look forward to figuring out how the sites operate. I'm not sure how active those profiles will be, but time will tell.