Date: c. 2015
Origin: United Kingdom
Fabric: Cotton coutil
Brand: Sparklewren
This underbust corset was a bespoke creation for a former Sparklewren intern. It is made in a single layer of herringbone cotton coutil, with exterior bone casings. It is supported throughout with a mix of spiral and flat steel bones. The corset fastens at the front with a metal busk, and at the back with metal eyelets and cotton lacing. It is embellished with hand appliquéd gold French leavers lace over blue silk chiffon, with hand stitched ‘wren’ embroidered motifs finishing the garment.
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 loaned by Emilie Wilkinson
