Date: 2013
Origin: United Kingdom
Fabric: Silk and lace
Brand: Sparklewren
As described by the designer: ‘The Moth corset is heavily embellished in a symmetrical fashion reminiscent of the patterning on moth’s wings. Black and pale pink laces, black silk chiffon, grey leopard-print scarf silk, freshwater pearls, metal spikes in black and silver, and large Swarovskis in “Sapphire”, are layered upon a Birds Wing corset of black and grey leopard silk damask.’
The original ‘Bird’s Wing’ corset is an extant piece from the 1900s from the Symington Collection held by Leicestershire County Council’s Museums Service. The garment was supposedly named for the fact that it looks like a bird’s wing when laid flat. The original corset featured an unusually high number of 21 panels per side, with a lapped seam construction enclosing a bone in each seam.
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.
A pattern for this garment can be purchased here.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
