Making the Corset

The final design required a few iterations to optimize durability, fit, and customization. Due to the brand's focus on customization with the paintings being custom to each customer, the fit needed to be adjustable. I used hand-tied straps to ensure less measurement confusion and quality fit. The material of the straps also complimented the design of each corset. Usually recycled garment or thrifted material would be used for the backings of a corset (as there was cotton lining between). Grommets were added to the backing for another layer of adjustability. Initially, they would come out if pulled to harshly which led to me stitching them in.

Painting the Corset

The allure of a painted corset is the customization and originality of a piece. Customers would send some reference photos for the overall "vibe" of the piece they wanted and I would capture that in a painting. Sometimes it would be words or a few pictures and other times they would have a clear vision. I tested many different fabric paints finally settling on a water-like paint for tints and white fabric paint. Through many wash tests I was able to determine the paint would last and would recommend specific care instructions to maintain the garment.