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Image / Style / Shopping

The finest female-owned businesses selling corsets fit for a princess


By Sarah Gill
29th Jun 2022

Pexels

The finest female-owned businesses selling corsets fit for a princess

*The Bridgerton soundtrack plays softly in the distance*

Growing up watching movies about beautiful princesses in a land far far away, it’s no wonder that we find ourselves being drawn to the elegant romance and feminine whimsy of carefully crafted corsets.

Accentuating your womanly shape and making you stand that little bit taller, a quality corset has become something of a wardrobe staple in recent months. Since everyone and their mother binge-watched the second season of Shondaland’s Bridgerton, sales of corsets and opera gloves have soared, birthing a fashion trend aptly titled ‘Regency-core’.

Harking back to the 19th century, and more specifically a period towards the end of the Georgian era, the Regency era was characterised by sophisticated garments that speak to wealth and respectability. Similarly, the ‘gilded glamour’ theme of this year’s Met Gala drew inspiration from Gilded Age New York, which spanned 1870 to 1890, and was all about extravagance, grandeur, and all things excess.

While the empire line dresses, bustles and frills of days gone by may not be the most wearable option for 21st century dressing, there are plenty of designers and businesses providing a modern interpretation of the classic corset.

Allowing you to lean into your feminine energy and live your Bridgerton fantasy, an up-to-date iteration of the timeless corset can be styled up or down, depending on the occasion. Without further ado, here are some of the finest female-owned businesses selling corsets fit for a princess…

Aoife McNamara

Having just launched her latest collection — Enchanted by Nature, In a Disenchanted World — this Limerick-based designer has perfected the structure of the corset. Known for her conscious crafting and sustainable materials, each piece produced by Aoife marries innovation and tradition, the rebellious and the feminine.

Cat O’Brien

Specialising in historically inspired, one-off garments made from remnants and dead-stock fabric, Cat O’Brien designs relish the appeal of slow, mindful fashion. Investment pieces that are made to last, the brand also offers made-to-order pieces that are unique to you.

Past Trash

Operating through Depop and at pop-up shops throughout the UK, Past Trash sells vintage and pre-loved corsets that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. With plenty of ‘90s and ‘00s styles landing on their shop, there’s sure to be something to suit your style.

Wild Éire

Wild Éire specialises in one-off, hand-made reworks of second hand materials and fabric scraps that you won’t see anywhere else. Their corset remixes put a streetwear spin on the classic corset design, making them the perfect modern interpretation.

Immoral London

A self-proclaimed corset fairy, Aimee Belle Johnson makes corset dreams come true with her made to order designs. Varying in style and materials, each piece is more breathtaking than the last.

Reverie Vintage

If you’re a fan of underwear as outerwear, Reverie is the store for you. A carefully curated vintage store, the site is regularly updated with bodysuits, bustiers and corsets that will awaken your divine feminine energy.