Glam but first coffeeInterview with the best corset designer Champagne Corsets & Designs! I am happy to introduce you to the new series on my blog- interviews with inspirational women in the fashion and beauty world! For the first Glam interview, we are here with Stella (Founder, Designer, Creative Director, and Corsetiere of Champagne Corsets & Designs L.L.C.)! The brand of custom, high-quality luxury corsets.
Stella has designed lingerie for many well-known labels and brands like Target, Kohl’s, Victoria’s Secret, and more! As well as designed custom corsets for famous American actresses that you can find out more about further in the interview. Read what Stella has to say about the business background, the process of creating corsets, and the incredible impact of corsets!
TELL us more about yourself!
My love affair with fashion began when I was about seven years old, and my dream was to move to New York City and become a fashion designer. I put together a portfolio while I was in high school, took a few sewing classes at my local fabric store. Then, I applied to the one fashion college I wanted to attend in the heart of New York City’s garment district, The Fashion Institute of Technology. I got accepted and graduated after four years with my BFA in fashion design. After graduating, I spent years designing lingerie for many well-known labels and companies such as Kohl’s, Target, JCPenney, Wal-Mart, Victoria’s Secret, Bloomingdale’s, Lane Bryant, to name a few.
After working for about 11 years in New York as a fashion designer, I opened my corset and lingerie boutique in 2012 in the neighboring state of New Jersey. I offered a collection of specialty lingerie brands in hard to find sizes and, of course, a large sewing studio wholly dedicated to bespoke custom corsetry where Champagne Corsets & Designs, LLC, was born.
I deepened my expertise in fit and design techniques. With over 18+ years designing intimate apparel and corsetry, my journey has taken me back to my home state of Connecticut, where I am on a mission to help my clients create one-of-a-kind, unique bespoke corsets of their dreams.
You are making unique, designed corsets. When it all started, and how you came up with this idea? Why corsets not dresses, shoes, etc.?
While studying at The Fashion Institute of Technology, I learned everything from tailoring, sportswear, knitwear, eveningwear, and so much more. My intimate apparel specialization led me to corsetry, and I immediately fell in love with the art. I studied both historical and modern-day corsets and became fascinated with the exaggerated hourglass silhouette. When I realized corsets help create that shape, I fell in love.
Corsetry can also crossover into other categories such as evening wear, bridal, for people with medical conditions or back pain. So although this is a niche market, I’m certainly not limited in any way.
I like the name of your brand: Champagnecorsets. Can you tell us about the story behind the name?
Champagne Corsets is a lifestyle brand. I design and create one-of-a-kind, timeless corsets that accommodate personal needs to contribute to the client’s way of living. I don’t just sell corsets, but rather the way of life behind it. For example, when someone puts on their Champagne Corset, they immediately adjust their posture upright while holding their head up high [just like a glass of champagne]. The corset makes them feel ready for life’s experiences and opportunities. They lead with elegance and seduction. They are in a luxury state of mind.
What inspires you for your designs that you are creating? How do you come up with the ideas?
Traveling always inspires me, mostly when I can shop for unique materials and trims that I can’t necessarily find in the United States. Sometimes it’s even as simple as a color. However, this past year with COVID, I had to get a little more creative. I’ve been reading a lot more trend reports online, blogs, and magazines. I’ve also been doing a lot of window-shopping and market research to see where fashion is heading now.
Lastly, my clients inspire me too. I work with both women and men of different demographics and ages. It all varies because no two clients’ bodies or designs are ever the same, making it very exciting.
Do you create designs by yourself, and who makes the actual corsets (or is it you as well)? What is the process from A to Z in creating a corset?
Yes, I hand-make each corset myself. You can expect the process to go something like this:
- One-on-one consultation to discuss the design ideas, any inspiration a customer has the purpose of the corset, etc.
- I take the client’s measurements, or for those not local, they can download my measurement chart from my website. It is recommended to take it to their local tailor to be sure they get accurate measurements.
- Then, I begin draping material on my mannequin, and then drafting and creating the pattern based on the measurements given.
- Continuing with cutting and sewing a mock-up. A mock-up is a version of the finished corset used to test the fit and silhouette and make any necessary adjustments. It can take anywhere from 2-5 fittings, or mock-ups, per corset to finalize the perfect fit.
- During that time, we will finalize the fabric, lining, color, and trim choices. Each corset is made with 2-3 layers of material and sometimes lined with 100% horsehair, with a tail from live horses (no horses are harmed and is optional).
If I would want a custom-made corset, is it possible? How much time would it take to create a custom made corset?
Yes, absolutely! It usually takes between 6-8 weeks to complete a custom corset from the day of the consultation to the final product. It may take longer for corsets with hand beading and other intricate design details.
Is there some design or something that you would not accept to create? If so- what?
I am open to discussing any design ideas because I believe nothing is impossible. We do not need to conform to a specific size or fleeting fashion trend. Let’s break down stylistic barriers by creating something that truly is one-of-a-kind. Every piece that I make is as beautiful and unique as the wearer.
Many smaller brands have experienced a fall with their orders this year because of the pandemic. How did this year affect you?
I have a studio in my home where I meet with clients for consultations and in-person fittings. Ever since the pandemic hit, I had to switch to online calls using zoom or facetime. The biggest challenge has been trying to tweak the fittings of a mock-up through a screen. Other than that, I have been very fortunate that people want custom corsets of their own during these difficult times. I am proud to say that my corsets last a lifetime (with the proper care), and I think more people are investing in long term items rather than fast fashion.
Tell me more about your brand and policy. Do you ship worldwide? Available sizes?
My brand is feminine, girly, and effortlessly chic. My corsets make you feel confident and sexy without being too revealing. I am a trendsetter who loves mixing fashion with the perfect corset that accentuates and highlights women’s strengths.
As long as you have internet access, we can work wherever you are and ship anywhere in the world.
Are your corsets only custom made or can people choose corset from your gallery? How much would I need to pay if I would want one for myself?
All of my corsets are custom made because the fit of a corset is essential. If someone chooses a design from my gallery, I re-make it in the client’s exact measurements. On my website, I have approximate pricing because it depends on a few factors.
Which factors?
The price depends on many factors, including size, fabrication, decoration (hand-beading, Swarovski crystals, lace, etc.).
Which has been your favorite corset so far and your least favorite?
That’s like asking a mother to pick her favorite child, LOL. Every corset is unique in its way. But if I had to choose one of my favorites, it would be the Wrought Couture Corset. I made this corset while attending FIT [Fashion Institute of Technology], and it was one of two designs chosen for display in the museum at the F.I.T. The lace sleeves are laser cut and hand-beaded. I love how dramatic they turned out. This corset has also been one of my most popular designs with my clients.
Are there some projects you are working for, and what are your plans/ or dreams for your business?
I want to work with chiropractors and spine specialists to help people of all ages suffer from back pain and scoliosis. Supportive and corrective corsets are for those with moderate to severe scoliosis or lordosis or those with back pain who need the support of a properly fitted corset. After someone has spinal surgery, the patient has to wear a medical corset to protect that area.
Did you know that the artist Andy Warhol was shot in 1968 and never fully recovered; he wore a corset for the rest of his life. John F. Kennedy, the American President, also wore a corset for chronic back pain.
What are your thoughts on fast fashion? I read on one of your Instagram posts that you create more of a lifestyle, not a trend, and fast fashion is why.
My concern about fast fashion is the negative environmental footprint and labor conditions that disposable clothing has on our planet. The impact of toxic textile dyes and pollution that contaminate our clean waters is frightening.
What would you say to anyone who wants to start their fashion business but are too scared/ do not know how to start?
I would encourage anyone who wants to start their own fashion business. There is room for everyone, and we all have our unique talents to share with the world. Most importantly, don’t compare yourself to any other designer. Educate your audience, and don’t assume everyone knows what you know about your products. The corset is probably the most controversial garment in the history of fashion! But did you know corsets also have mental, emotional, physical, and societal benefits?
Could you let us know what benefits?
Firstly, corsets control back pain and muscle tension and help relieve neck and shoulder pain. They also help to correct posture while helping improve asthma.
Corsets support massive breasts (larger bustline), minimize menstrual cramps, and help correct diastasis recti. They can help people with their weight loss journey and body positivity. Not only that, corsets stimulate the intestines and help with low blood pressure. Last but not least, corsets help with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.
Where can people find you? Your blog, social media, email for orders? 🙂
Website: www.champagnecorsets.com
Instagram: @champagnecorsets
Facebook: Champagne Corsets & Designs, LLC
Twitter: @CCorsets
Is there anything else you want to add and let your audience know? Anything about yourself, your business, or about hard-working ladies?
A few fun facts about my journey in design have included:
I am the first Corsetiere in Connecticut to have attended the Oxford Conference of Corsetry. I had the privilege to be a part of this experience, and, for anyone interested, please read my recap blog posts “Champagne Goes to Oxford” Part 1 and Part 2.
My work has been displayed twice in the Museum at The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
I have made custom corsets for both Dakota Johnson, the actress from the Fifty Shades of Grey movies, and her mom, actress Melanie Griffith.
Thank you, Stella, for the interview and for opening up about the hassle of the business world! This was an interview with the best corset designer Champagne Corsets & Designs. I appreciate anyone who read it! Are you part of the fashion or beauty industry? Want to tell people about it? Send your message to info@glambutfirstcoffee.com
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