At Orchid Corsetry we want to share an ongoing journey with you, it starts anew every day as we unlock the door to the studio, and begin a new stream of creativity. From client meetings and fittings, pattern cutting, selecting fabrics and sketching ideas, to the nitty gritty of shaping steel centered sculptures with you at the centre, we would like you to join us, and follow our progress.
We hope you enjoy these glimpses into studio life at Orchid, whether it’s time-out with a mini tea ceremony and handmade treats, or an unusual commission being formed from ground work to finishing flourishes. Welcome to the wonderful world of the corsetiere, where the silhouette is re-imagined, and our individual ideals of beauty and perfection are realised.
A selection of mannequins at the Orchid Corsetry studio, displaying a scarlet silk corset dress inspired by Jessica Rabbit (on an antique mannequin) a black and champagne summer weight mesh corset on a contemporary wasp waisted mannequin, and a teal and black Isis overbust, with an 18″ waist. This is a mid-construction shot from a piece that can be seen in it’s completed glory in next months installment of postcards. This piece is from our Gilded Cages collection (Modest Intentions) and uses a deliciously vivid combination of scarlet silk satin and indigo lace, which is hand cut with great care to create symmetrical, organically flowing details on the corset. This shows the modesty panel, designed to match up perfectly with the rest of the corset when laced up. This 14 panel underbust style corset is made in black silk mesh for perfectly ventilated Summer waist training. It features black and champagne rose coutil at the centre front and back panels with matching silk covered boning channels layered on the outside of the corset. This piece uses a zip to allow for a sleeker line when worn under clothing. Another teaser image, to be fulfilled next month with the completed piece. This is a snapshot of silk ruffled suspenders being created for an ombré corset inspired by the clients bridal bouquet, which contained delicate, precious Spring blooms of subtle shades. This is a really original commission with the most refined appeal. The beauty of bespoke corsetry is that it allows us to be really responsive to the individual ways in which our clients work their corsets into their lives. This summer weight corset uses a firmer man-made mesh, mixed with extra coutil panels to give a balance between sturdy compression and support for a back ailment, with breathable sections for improved use in hot climates. This was the result of a third project with this returning client. The Orchid Corsetry studio is run almost entirely on freshly infused green tea, so when the lid of our favourite glass tea pot was smashed, there was occasion to use our problem solving skills in a new direction.
