Surrounded by controversy the corset is both seen as seductive and constrictive. It has been labelled by many as the epitome of women’s suppression while others have seen it as the ultimate female empowerment over patriarchy. Whatever the viewpoint it cannot be denied that the corset is a garment that changed the way women's and men’s figures were shaped and is an essential undergarment for nearly 400 years of women's fashion. This workshop will briefly trace the history and changing silhouette of the corset. Followed by a presentation of modern fabrics and materials needed to complete a variety of different styles of corset. Along with a showing of alternative materials that can be substituted to create a less costly corset and a range of commercially available inexpensive corsets that can be purchased for period silhouettes.
