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March 30, 2026
March 30, 2026
The Corset: Patriarchal Torture Device or Symbol of Female Power?
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The corset is a fascinating piece of women's wardrobe that has gone in and out of fashion several times. It's believed that the trend was set by Catherine de' Medici, Queen of France, who couldn't stand full-figured ladies at court and considered the ideal waist to be thirteen inches. Corsets in those days were made of metal, ivory, whalebone, and wood.
Thanks to this torturous garment, women achieved an ideal state — lifted bust, tiny waist, full hips, graceful curve of the back. But corsets weren't just about beauty; they were also about morality.
Photo: Scarlett being laced into her corset, scene from "Gone with the Wind"
Adultery for a lady in such attire was practically impossible. A special maid, who received the highest wages, would lace up the corset. The procedure took about two hours. And getting undressed away from the family hearth required just as much time. A lover needed not only unfading passion but also patience and nimble fingers — after all, the lady would then need to get dressed again. A particularly jealous husband could visit his wife's chambers during her morning toilette and tie the final bow on her corset. And in the evening, check if everything was as it had been. Replicating the knot was problematic.
But then the 20th century arrived, and global cataclysms swept the Western world. In the garments of the departing era, women couldn't lead active lives, work, play sports, or drive automobiles. Fashion, like litmus paper, reflects social transformations. These changes were sensed by the brilliant and enterprising Mademoiselle Chanel. She freed women from the corset, offering clothing that fit well without it. Respectable, comfortable, and suited to the times. The Great Mademoiselle considered the corset to be shackles and created a new image of the free and progressive woman.
Photo: Vogue magazine 1927, photos and illustrations of Chanel dresses, Coco Chanel
It seemed like that was the end, but in 1947 Christian Dior unexpectedly remembered corsets. Nostalgic for pre-war times, he presented the romantic New Look collection, which brought back the image of a woman with a wasp waist and full skirt. He created a special corset from silk netting, reinforced with whalebone stays. Christian Dior's corsets cinched waists down to 20 inches, reviving the use of crinolines and fitted bodices. Dior used 10 to 80 yards of fabric for a single dress; they weighed up to 65 pounds.
Photo: Christian Dior models, New Look 1950s
New Look was criticized by many, yet each collection showing caused extraordinary excitement, because he created a new image of a woman who was tired of war and received the opportunity to be fragile, graceful, and delicate.
Photo: Lyudmila Gurchenko, New Look style, scene from "Carnival Night"
In the 1970s, the corset attracted attention again when avant-garde designer Vivienne Westwood entered the fashion arena, representing London's punk subculture. Vivienne Westwood reimagined historical costumes, including corsets, and proposed wearing them as evening and everyday clothing. Her edgy corsets were infused with the spirit of punk — they didn't constrain but liberated women.
Photo: Vivienne Westwood corsets
But perhaps this piece of clothing truly became iconic after Madonna's performance in corsets by Jean-Paul Gaultier during the Blond Ambition tour (1990). Later, the cone bra corset sold for $52,000 at auction in London.
Photo: Madonna, Blond Ambition Tour 1990 / @Madonnarchive
And off they went... designers began experimenting with styles and shapes.
Photo: Alexander McQueen for Givenchy, Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1997 collection
In the 2010s, the era of diversity began — a time when you could finally be whoever you want to be. The corset trend was picked up by fashion bloggers with millions of followers and went viral on social media.
Photo: corset ambassador Kim Kardashian
One reason for this garment's popularity is its versatility: they're worn absolutely everywhere and paired with practically everything. Corsets are now experiencing a full renaissance in romantic, vintage, everyday, and business styles. The corset has become a detail that gives any look uniqueness, sensuality, and a free spirit.
Photo: corsets by Russian brand Kamilana Couture
Bridal fashion, traditionally more conservative, has also embraced this trend. Corset dresses have dominated for several seasons now.
Photo: Vivienne Westwood, corsets from Bridal collections
Corsets are interesting because they suit any figure — they provide support, structure, and shape. Such a dress isn't just beautiful and sexy; it corrects the silhouette for both curvy brides and slender ones, supports the bust, and emphasizes the waist. And how sensual a corset with back lacing looks!
Photo: corset dress by Russian brand Kamilana Couture
Or delicate and light boho-style dresses.
Photo: corset dress "Kris" by Liloo brand
Corsets are versatile and combine with skirts, trousers, and of course, jackets in countless variations.
Photo: corsets by Liloo brand
They look luxurious with detachable sleeves and capes and make any look feminine.
Photo: corset dresses by Liloo brand
We'd like to conclude our overview on an extravagant note with an impressive dress designed by the House of Schiaparelli. The dress features an unusual corset depicting a face embroidered with precious stones. Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh chose it for her wedding and captioned the photo — "the happy face dress."
Photo: Michelle Yeoh and "the happy face dress"