Period Corsets Black and White Masquerade

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Masquerade season is upon us and with that comes more opportunities for Period Corsets to create stunning ensembles that are ready to wear for any upcoming ball or party. 

For our latest 18th century inspired look, we used an all black and white palette. Black silk, textured taffeta, silk charmeuse and touches of glossy black ribbons came together in a multi-pieced versatile ensemble. To achieve this look, we focused on using ivory with black touches and even created our own fabrics along the way. 

Before constructing, we started with a design sketch to map out our final look. Once we have our ideas formed, we source and shop our fabrics and trims. In a case such as this, we started with the fabrics first and then used them to inspired our designs. Sometimes a fabric alone, or even just a piece of trim, can birth a new creation.  

For this look, we wanted to add even more visual interest and bring in some additional black elements to compliment the solid black pieces in the ensemble. We added strips of black material to create some beautiful lines that ran vertically down the yardage used on our open front skirt.  

Our beautiful material, ready for construction. 

Separate stomacher piece in progress.

Elegant contrasting white ribbons for the back lacing.

Change your mood? Change your look!

Our versatile mix-and-match look features a removable front stomacher on the corset. This detachable piece contains several rows of black ribbons attached at the sides. By untying the ribbons, the corset can go from black and white to a more subdued solid black. 

Watch below to see our removable stomacher in action:

From the inside out- dressing for the ball:

Our costume in action, photo by Olga Plastino

For more info on this fabulous ensemble, contact us at sales@periodcorsets.com or go to A Masquerade to inquire about renting Period Corsets garments for your next event.

You can also find more options for your upcoming Masquerade Ball through our Etsy store. 

Teatro ZinZanni takes Period Corsets Back to the 18th Century

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Throughout the past year, Period Corsets has noticed a resurgence of interest in the extravagant and exaggerated silhouettes of 18th century fashion. Everything from fashion spreads in magazines, to celebrity performances and appearances, to individuals who enjoy a good excuse to dress up just for fun or parties. 

Ariana Savalas wearing Period Corsets for her Teatro ZinZanni performance,
matching ruffled undies by Angela Friedman, hat by Imaginess Costumes

The creative minds of Teatro ZinZanni were no exception with their vision for their latest act that borrowed from this fabulous era. For the "Love, Chaos, and Dinner" show, chanteuse Ariana Savalas was outfitted in this classic silhouette in an ensemble inspired by the fashions made popular by Marie Antoinette. Teatro ZinZanni commissioned Period Corsets to construct an interchangeable mix-and-match set consisting of a pannier cage, two skirts and a versatile corset. These would work together to create several different looks. 

When designer Christine Joly de Lotbiniere approached Period Corsets with her design ideas for her latest production, we jumped at the chance to collaborate on such an amazing project. This masterpiece was to be a nod to the historic fashions of times past but with a touch of circus fun and a whole lot of bombshell sex appeal.

Ariana in her Period Corsets pannier and corset,
matching ruffled undies by Angela Friedman, circus hat by Imaginess Costumes

Christine's vibrant color choices for the complete ensemble brought a bright sunny glow to our often-rainy Seattle studio. The main pieces were crafted from canary yellow satin with sheer gold lining and brilliant touches of turquoise satin and ribbons. It was such a delight to see these happy colors fill our workshop!

Rolls of sunshine!

The full ensemble featured a fully interchangeable design involving multiple mix-and-match pieces. Each piece had to work seamlessly with the others as each was to be used in various segments of the performance; of course with a costume quick-change! Instead of the standard lace-up ties, the corset had a back zipper for quick in and out access. To add to the comfort and movement, the straps were outfitted with hidden elastic. This helped to keep them in place but also move along with Ariana's movements.

Corset straps with hidden elastic adapt to the performer's movements, keeping the straps in place.

No laces here! Back zipper for easy in and out dressing

 Another clever hidden feature was the use of a steel spoon busk. For this application, we removed the knobs and loops and placed the smoothed busk between two fabric layers at the front of the corset. This addition wasn't just to aid in shaping but to provide a magnetic layer for a separate stomacher piece. The separate stomacher was heavily jeweled with an array of fun rhinestones and decoration applied by the designer's team. As part of the act, Ariana's corset was to be transformed from a lavishly decorated piece to something more subdued and simplified. 

Corset front with "hidden" spoon busk

removable stomacher before and after 

To add to this look, Period Corsets created a unique pannier cage, meant to be seen peeking below the full open skirt. It was constructed of vibrant turquoise grosgrain and matching, sheer ruffled trim with a convenient clasped waist band for a quick and easy costume change.

Pannier cage in progress

Pannier 360

The wonderful peeks of shocking turquoise made for a fabulous contrast to the matching bright yellow open overskirt. The skirt was crafted from yellow satin and lined in glittering gold sheer material. Drawn up on either side with turquoise satin bows, the skirt created something like an open curtain stage ready to highlight its wearer.

Preparing tucks for the skirt body 

testing the final placement of our satin bows

the final look

With so many amazing layers and bold details, you'd think this outfit couldn't get any more involved, but there was an additional look to be added to this. That's the magic of mix-and-match pieces- by being able to create completely new looks simply changing a detail or a skirt. 

The second look for Ariana was pure 50's bombshell. Her corset remained but this time it was paired with an amazing mermaid skirt with nude colored stretch panel inserts at the back sides. 

An impressive train

glittery Powernet inserts at the back hip

The full final look

The corset paired beautifully with the slimmer silhouette of this skirt, providing a completely different feel for this second look. The skirt, which was long and flowing, had an impressive back tulip-shaped train with fabulous movement. A more retro, body-conscious look, the skirt hugged all the right curves with a little risqué peek-a-boo back. These fascinating inserts weren't just for looks but yet another clever addition to the design to aid in movement. The stretch of the Powernet molded around her derriére and hips for an extra close fit but also allowed for ease in sitting and dancing. 

Backstage Bombshell- Ariana Savalas looking stunning in her second ensemble

Ariana on-stage with the Teatro ZinZanni performers in "Love, Chaos, and Dinner"

Ariana with fellow cast member, The Yodeling Dominatrix

It's hard to stand out among the many talents and acts on the Teatro ZinZanni stage but, with the addition of our yellow ensembles, Ariana simply shines. Anytime we have the opportunity to work with our local talents at Teatro ZinZanni, and with their designer Christine Joly de Lotbiniere, we pounce on the chance. We know whatever they have in store for us will be a thrilling challenge that we're proud to see on stage. Each design choice, from the removable straps and stomacher to the back-closing zipper, was a custom option desired by our client. Being able to create completely bespoke ensembles based on our client's needs has made our 20 years in business an especially exciting journey! 

Part circus, part cabaret, Teatro ZinZanni is a musical vaudeville performance paired with a fine dining experience. 

Chanteuse Ariana Savalas trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. She has appeared on stages around the world and made her mark by singing with the band Postmodern Jukebox. You can see her and all the other amazing acts of Teatro ZinZanni in"Love, Chaos, and Dinner", running now through April 29, 2018 at Marymoor Park in Washington state.

Period Corsets' Top 9 Looks for 2017

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Period Corsets' Top 9 Instagram looks for 2017

The votes are in! Based off of our highest ranking posts in Instagram, these are the top 9 Period Corsets photo stories for 2017! 

1. Undressing the Green Silk Cavalier Ensemble

Our fabulous bespoke forest green corset gown and the many layers needed to create the look

2. Revealing the layers of the 17th century 

Our simplified 17th c. ensemble constructed for designer Todd Thomas. Read more about this outfit in our blog post:

Designer Todd Thomas Dresses up with Period Corsets

3. Dressing Salem

One of our many looks created for television's Salem with designer Joseph Porro:

Period Corsets and Salem

4. Brocades for Every Woman

Our perfectly vintage inspired Dusty Rose brocade, a fabulous choice for any of our corset styles.

Ode to Brocades

5. The bigger the hair, the wider the pannier...

Part of our 20 Year Retrospective, these extra wide panniers were made for Marie Antoinette, a co-production by the American Repertory Theater and Yale Repertory.

6. View From Below

Part of our Period Corsets Vintage Corset collection, this fan lacing girdle corset caused a stir.

7. Interchangeable Renaissance Wear

Our Renaissance Faire boned bodice with removable and reversible stomacher

8. Behind-the-scenes with our Pannier Cage

This turquoise version was made for a custom ensemble for Teatro Zinzanni. 

9. Embroidered Stomachers for Salem

These two custom boned bodices were constructed for the television's Salem for their final episode. The center front stomacher area was adorned with intricate embroidered insects with beaded details. 

Period Corsets and Salem


Thanks to all of our fans and followers for the amazing support and kind words. We love sharing our work with you and giving you a peek behind-the-scenes at what goes on at Period Corsets.
Follow us on Instagram to see our latest news and current projects in the works.
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Period Corsets Brings Structure to Cosplayer's Outlander Ensemble

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Period Corsets and cosplayers rejoice, we've found a corset match made in heaven! Costume enthusiasts from all around use Period Corsets as their secret weapon to provide the perfect shape beneath their ensembles or as part of their final costume.

Cosplayer Amanda wears Period Corsets stays beneath her Outlander dress.

What is a costume without the proper structure? Amanda from Analeigh Cosplay knows a thing or two about finding the perfect details for each outfit. Amanda was our lucky winner in one of our Period Corsets giveaways. Her prize of our 18th c. stays made of golden yellow silk, was the perfect match for her Outlander cosplay. 

Period Corsets turned to the 18th c. for inspiration on this beautiful flatlined corset, made of rich yellow Dupioni silk with white ribbon ties and modest tabs. A beautiful addition to any Beauty and the Beast ensemble or, in this case, the perfect base for a Claire Fraser costume.

Period Corsets in action, constructing the stays

The original inspirational costume from television's Outlander. 

Analeigh Cosplay visiting the original costume on display and her in progress version. 

 Used as a hidden layer to provide the perfect shape, our corsets and skirt supports give cosplayers and costumers that extra detail needed to achieve the right look. When worn as underwear, a corset can help to transform the body's shape and create a great base for your costume. When made in gorgeous fabrics, all of our pieces also can work beautifully as the costume itself. With the growing popularity of corsets used as costumes in cosplay, Period Corsets comes to the rescue to work with our clients on their custom ideas. 

Period Corsets under cover corset, ready to shape and support! We're a cosplay secret weapon!

The final corset, sized for Amanda and ready to tour her many Comicon appearances across the U.S. 

Analeigh Cosplay in her replica Outlander gown worn over her Period Corsets stays

Analeigh Cosplay is a Canadian cosplayer who has been delighting her fans with her own versions of super heroes, Disney princesses and other fictitious favorites. She was our lucky Free Corset Winner of 2017.
Become a fan and follow us for your chance to win in our next campaign through Period Corsets Instagram and Facebook.

Period Corsets and Salem the final season

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Period Corsets said a fond farewell to working with some of our favorite costumes and characters on Salem, Season 3. This year brought a close to the series, and to this wonderful project that we felt so lucky to be a part of.

The Witches of Salem, all wearing Period Corsets bodices, designed by Porro

 Heavy with embroidery, beading and fine details, Porro put his talents to the test and created some of the most elegant ensembles yet.With full wide skirts and off the shoulder corsets with exaggerated sleeves, each actress was made to look rich and fabulous. The costumes were certainly a more elaborate version of the original colonists but no doubt a more pleasant version to lay our eyes (and hands) on! As Porro said, "...our producers wanted us to have a little more fun with the stuff, make it a little sexier, a little more fashionable for modern audiences".

Anne Hale as played by Tamzin Merchant, wearing a Period Corsets made bodice

Mercy Lewis, played by Elise Eberle, wears a customized Marie Antoinette corset by Period Corsets

Salem's main character, Mary Sibley, was again the prime focus for the majority of the rich costumes. She started the season wearing bodices constructed of natural fibers in plain, understated colors with no embellishment. The design of her corsets was based on ones worn previously by the character Tituba. The corset was a tabbed style with half lacing down the center front made of different shades of linen.

Mary wears Period Corsets linen corsets

The costumes played an integral role in the storytelling. Mary's simple linen corsets represented Mary as a woman beaten down and struggling to find her footing in the world. As the story moves on, she is presented with her full wardrobe that had been kept from her, allowing her to transform herself again into the powerful witch she once was.

Mary wears a beaded boned bodice constructed by Period Corsets, designed by Porro

This year, Salem's signature looks involved an elongated center front stomacher, so long that it required Period Corsets to commission an extra long wooden busk specifically to fit each garment. This also required some artful patterning around the extreme length of the embroidered fabrics.

Inserting the extra long wood busk to give structure to the elongated center fronts

As with previous seasons, fabrics came to Period Corsets in uncut yardage with embroidery and beading already applied. Using these designs as guides, we shaped and patterned around the decorations to create the custom boned bodices. Some of the more elaborate pieces had the embroideries extending over the straps and shoulders creating elegant shaping and framing for the final bodice.

left:Mercy Lewis in her Period Corsets bodice with off the shoulder detailing
right:The un-cut beaded and embroidered materials sent directly to us

Another change to the silhouette this season was to allow for a different scoop in the armscye to accommodate the billowy sleeves traditional for this era. For his designs, Joseph Porro has said that he was inspired by paintings from the early 1600s. The Cavalier style dresses were a big influence on the overall costumes, with their extreme shapes and embellishments.

From left to right:
Mercy in a Period Corsets Marie Antoinette corset; a classic example of Cavalier fashion from painter Caspar Netscher

To adhere to a more historical path, the garment designs were closely matched to images found through research and supplied to us by the designers.  By matching the beaded fabric and referencing  archival paintings and photos of actual preserved bodices of the time, our team was able to achieve the extremely pointed long silhouette of that era. The black and white beaded bodice, shown below, was our most extreme version. For this piece, we required the longest wooden busk we've ever made, coming in at an impressive 18". A beauty to look at, but impossible to sit in!

left:Period Corsets boned bodice with 18" long front wood busk
right top: un-cut beaded fabric with design notes and photos to guide our pattern making
right bottom: Ladies "Jubón" Barroco, ca. 1670-1695 Spanish doublet

Another amazing element to these gorgeous costumes were the embroidered and beaded materials that were sent to us. The embellished motifs this year were like a story unto themselves. A golden god emblazoned across the chest, swirling vines, and blooming flowers accented with many decorated bugs. Each one a piece of artwork sewn to beautiful silks and velvet.

Full ensemble with bodice by Period Corsets, detail of gold beaded design for the center front stomacher

One of our favorite pieces this season was Mary's jaw-dropping wedding gown. There were three duplicate bodices for various scenes and stunts.  Throughout all 3 Salem seasons, Period Corsets constructed multiple sets of the same pieces, as most of them would be getting stained with various things relevant to the story-line. So, not only did they create these heavily detailed works art, but they made multiples of them!

Mary's wedding dress with  amazing embroidered flowers and bugs

"Being put into a corset instantly changes the whole way I move. Immediately I have power, just from what I'm wearing"- Janet Montgomery (Mary Sibley) on the transformative power of costumes