IT ’S A CINCH

Corsets are shaping up to be more than a fleeting trend. Falling out of fashion around the early 1900s, they made a resurgence between the 1970s and 1990s, reimagined as outerwear by Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler. Tom Ford, Stella McCartney and Nicolas Ghesquière have incorporated corsetry elements in their collections. But it was Netflix period drama Bridgerton that brought the corset back into mainstream consciousness, along with pastel frocks, puffed sleeves and pearls. Unlike its rigid predecessors, the contemporary corset is not so much about carving out a body silhouette: In the hands of different designers, the corset is by turns sporty, high-tech, seductive and sophisticated. Collaborating with adidas, Gucci sent an athleisure version layered over an almost gothic dress down the runway. An airbag corset on Dior’s classic Bar jacket encased the body in a layer of protection, like modern armour, while Versace sexed things up with an underbust corset teamed with a mini dress and latex leggings. At Fendi, a shirting-inspired corset was worn over a crisp button-up. Burberry revisited the classics with a beautiful lace corset styled over a sheer top, pleated skirt and leather boots, in a monochrome play of textures. ■