Corsets were conventional in the Western world from 16th to 20th century, which was mostly worn as an undergarment. Initially worn as a fitted sleeveless bodice, matured to an undergarment made up of whalebone, later on steel. The purpose was to encircle the body and shrink the natural waist. It has evolved with respect to shape, type, purpose and material. The corsets helped to shape the body to extraordinary silhouettes, such as the ‘hour glass’ shape which was extremely popular in 1800s and the ‘S’ shape in 1900s.

The popularity of these corsets have opened doors for criticism, many health experts stated that, the process of cinching or tight lacing your body made their breathing restrictive leading to faintness. But with an emerging and improving world, women and men chose to eat and diet and exercise to keep a fit body rather than depending on clothing.

1980s, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler incorporated corsets in their designs. In 1990 at the  Blond Ambition tour, Gaultier’s pink satin corset was made famous by Madonna. Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford and Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga, have all experimented with corsets in their design in various ways.

But in the 1970s, Vivienne Westwood, who used corsets in her historicist punk aesthetic, always imagined her corsets as empowering women rather than binding her.

Unfortunately, the craze for corset has almost diminished, but thanks to the showgirls and burlesque dancers all over, who kept the application of corsets alive !

Wearing the corset designed by Khushi Karanseth, who took inspiration from the the 2010 movie, Burlesque to curate the six panel corset. The shoot was inspired by the Age of Burlesque . The ambitiously crafted costumes of the showgirls has been inspiring many fashion enthusiasts, creating opportunities to experiment with corsets and other exotic (presently!) elements of fashion.

Often considered as the synonym of strippers, burlesque dancers are not exactly the same, it is far from each other.Showgirls, strippers, and burlesque dancers all fall under the dancing entertainment umbrella, but they are unique in their own ways.

Burlesque dancing gained its popularity in 1940s and 50s. It is called the art of striptease, not just dancing in an illustrious production show.

‘Burlesque is not defined by nakedness, but by the prolonged tease – burlesque dancers reveal that the promise of nudity is more powerful than nudity itself’

Money is not the motivation here, they perform to feel sexy and empowered and showcasing sexuality through their costumes and their characters. They have a stage name, their own theme or character. The music is based on their act and the music is set depending on the mood of the stage, to get them to the mood to dance for the stage. They even make their own costumes, very particular about their makeup and accessories and extremely professional about the way they carry themselves. They develop a different personality on the stage, able to live another life.  

THE SHOOT:  The red lights convey the presentiment of  strength, energy and fascination. The makeup is done keeping in mind the image of burlesque dancers. Red lips, dark eye makeup, some sparkling element (like here crystal beads underlying the eye areas) to elaborate the image. The idea is to show actions explaining that the subject is under the spotlight and is very sensual yet strong. The hair is tied up to a mid bun with solid curly locks gelled to give an effect of effort. Collarbones and jawlines are highlighted to make it look prominent in the pictures. Shoes used are the high heeled.

The TEAM: The design and concept is by Khushi Karanseth. The photographers are Dhruvil Bhayani and Shweta Behera. The makeup artist is Anjali Pillai. The accessories were provided by Khushi and hair is done by sweta. The model is Mandira Paul.

Connect with the Artists:

Khushi Karanseth (Designer)

Dhruvil Bhayani (Photographer)

Shweta Behera (Photographer and Hair Stylist)

Anjali Pillai (Makeup Artist)

Mandira Paul (Model)