18th century corsets reproduced
By Laila Durán.

The silks from Durantextiles collection are well suited for covering of stays.

With the help of a Norwegian seamstress we have made reproductions of two variants of stays in the style of 1760-70. One is laced centre back, the other has lacing in both front and back. You can se pictures of the stays in our picture gallery. They are made in the sizes 38- 46, and could be ordered from our homepage. The original pattern, taken from Norah Waugh’s book ”corsets and crinolines” was adjusted to modern sizes. 5 cm is taken from the body measurements of waist and bust. This is easily drawn in as the corset is laced up.

The stays are made from three layers of firmly woven linen and cotton fabric. The layers are sewn together and then turned with the reverses facing each other. The seam allowances would otherwise be uncomfortable towards the body. Tightly spaced seams are machined through all layers, between which plastic bones are inserted to make the stays stiff. The holes for the lacing are first punched with metal eyelets. Then they are overcast with silk, to withstand the wear and tension from the tight lacing. The stays are laced with a strong narrow woven band. All edges are bound with bias strips of matching colour. This is hand sewn as the stays are impossible to put in the sewing machine once the bones are put in place.

A properly shaped corset is the precondition for the correct fit of an 18th century dress. It gives the right posture and silhouette, but is not shown.

The elegant silk covered stays are not intended to be exposed in the ballroom, but they give the formal dresses an exclusive dimension. Maybe they could be glimpsed under a dressing gown at a morning reception in the boudoir, or after the party in the light of a candle in the bedroom when the chamber maid or a chevalier loosen the lacings and ribbons of the dress.

Corset in silkdamast FLORA red.
Even while riding the corset was used.
Price for a silk corset with lacing in the back
and in the front 460€/580USD.

The riding habit gets a good fit
with the corset underneath.

Corset in patterned silk VIOLA red/white.
Price 430€/540USD.

Corset in patterned silk VIOLA green/gold.
Price 430€/540USD.

Corset made by Laila Durán.
Notice the effect when the stay is cut using the print to create extra effect. The fabric is cotton print with hand painted flowers, RANKA.

To show off your lovely corset could be done at a country picnic when the short gown comes off.

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