Date: c. 2010
Origin: United Kingdom
Fabric: Spot broche cotton coutil
Brand: Sparklewren
This early experimental piece uses fan lacing in both decorative (the lacing on the front hips) and functional (the back lacing) capacities. The base of the corset is made of a single layer of heavy spot broche coutil, with coutil bone channels and velvet binding on the top and bottom edges. A mix of spiral and flat steel bones support the corset, and the front closure is a traditional busk fastening.
Jenni Hampshire began creating corsets under the moniker ‘Sparklewren’ in 2009. The designer’s background in Fine Art has resulted in a body of work akin to wearable sculpture. Historically inspired silhouettes and construction techniques are paired with lush, opulent embellishment and couture construction techniques. The brand specialised in one-of-a-kind heirloom garments, with each garment taking weeks of carefully considered embellishment and craftsmanship.
Kindly donated to The Underpinnings Museum by Lucy Emke
