Tortured Femininity - The Corset in the 21st Century
As we look at the role of gender in fashion we begin drawing parallels between certain styles of dress and divide the others into 'Feminine' and 'Masculine'. A classic example of this is the corset. Stereotypically it is seen as a 'Feminine' piece of clothing worn to cinch in the waist and exaggerate womanly curves. But what is the place of the corset in the 21st century?
The corset has a very long and controversial place in history. The modern corset was originally designed in the mid 1500's to restrict the movement of women. It underwent many changes in the centuries to follow, but one thing remained clear; the corseted figure had become the 'ideal' figure.
The history of the corset has shaped so much of what we know it to be today. It is still seen as an 'ideal' figure. Even a type of beauty. But now more than ever it is about extremes. How far can you take it? The record for the smallest waist on a living person is a mere 38.1cm. Extreme corseting is now considered a subculture, also known as Tight-lacing. It is practiced by both men and women. One of the most well know male Tight-lacers is corset-maker, Mr. Pearl. The practice of Tight-lacing is not restricted by gender, nor is it seen as some sort of 'feminine' practice or ideal beauty. It is a form of body manipulation (or some would say mutilation) far removed from the realm of fashion and its historical context.
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