Vivienne Westwood vintage corset, circa mid 2000s

This fully-boned corset w/ voluminous sleeves snatches that waist in true Westwood form, flaring into a pleated grey peplum at the hem. The coolest detail here is the swathes of fabric (feels like a silk cotton blend) draping along the bust-line, folding through the torso creating this dramatic, exaggerated shapes & details. This archival piece also features billowing sleeves w/ elongated cuffs, fastened w/ Orb-engraved horn buttons & concealed corset zip closure covered by a horned buttoned tab. Kate Moss recently claimed that Vivienne Westwood was inspired to design corsets after a trip together to V & A museum in early 90s. In actual fact, from the early 1980s, Westwood began drafting corsets using historical diagrams—from Norah Waugh’s Corsets and Crinolines—to reconstruct 18th century stays w/ modern intent. She viewed the corset not as oppression, & was quoted saying “I take something from the past that has a sort of authority. And I put it in a different context to give it a new meaning”, * Her approach merged, construction & history but most of all a middle finger to the patriarchy, who traditionally viewed corsetry as a form of restraint. Westwood’s intention was always to liberate it, This piece, continues Westwood’s lineage Size on tag 44IT, approx US8 In very good vintage condition. Light wear & light interior discoloration consistent with age. Measurement estimates available upon request.