 To truly understand the art of corset, it is necessary to throw out all feminist principles suggesting the female form is perfect as is.
Once that’s accomplished, you’ll be blown away by how fucking sexy you look with a 22 inch waist.
Cinched like a horse into saddle you’ll twirl in the mirror, turned on by the riveting new shape of your body. Legs look longer, bust fuller. Gripping your waist you’ll imagine how snatch-worthy you’ll be to your honey. Just imagine how hot it’ll be to straddle his/her lap, begging a long finger to encircle your core and stroke warm satin pulled tight over hard bone. Now you understand the need for silk stockings and garter belts. Suddenly that feather whip doesn’t seem so foreign. Pasties are a must. Shiny lips, curly hair and lacy undergarments come naturally. You, darling, are a wo-man - let it ride.
Where to get such rare Victorian necessities? Waltz your way to Lace Embrace Atelier at 219 E 16th, just east of Main Street and enter the Alice world of experienced corsetiere Melanie Talkington. Now in her 11th year of corsetry, which she previously produced in a home studio, Talkington recently opened up shop to publicly showcase her stock and custom corsets and all the associated fun bits (think: edible massage bars, feather ticklers, garter belts, petty coats, camisoles and stockings).
“We specialize in reproductions of authentic antique corsets, which I draw from my private collection,” said Talkington. “I haven’t counted my corsets recently, but I think I’m at 128 or 129. I think the museum record is 124.”
There’s no doubt about it - the woman is qualified. Not only does she make the corsets herself, she’s a walking, talking advertisement for reasons to try this slightly bizarre fashion trend. All cascading curls and rosy cheeks, Talkington glides around the shop with a grace not often seen in modern young women. She’s a pinky-raised kind of a gal; an enunciating sex pot whose demure countenance is nothing short of a permanently sizzling, sensual come-hither.
Her designs are flying off the shelves. Starting at $195 for the classic, pre-made corset, and $400 for custom made, it’s a quick fix for any woman looking for a new body shape.
“We get the burlesque crowd, women who have just had babies, cross dressers, brides, grads, and older women looking to find their waists,” said Talkington. “A lot of people are embracing the feminine shape. The nice thing is that they instantly make you look like you lost weight. The corset helps to give you an hourglass figure.”
Set in a pretty, Victorian era storefront complete with tin plated ceilings and three-way mirrors, Lace Embrace is the only place around not ashamed to admit that women don’t mind taking pains to be beautiful. -S.H.
219 16th Avenue East
½ block from Main St
Vancouver, BC
Open Tues- Sat
11am-6pm
Call for a personalized corset fitting
604 737-1119
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