(If you work with objects) Study the evolution of an object of your choice and trace the way it may impact upon (shape) the body.

The bigger the crinoline the richer you are.. Tighter the corset the riskier you are..

A ‘Plastic’ body: Shaped and molded by aspects of

the environment and culture. (Week 6 theory lesson)

“Womans body was made plastic by their culture”

What is a corset?

What is a crinoline?

The smallest waist and the largest bottom was a sign of the wealthiest women making the shape/appearance of a womans body to be a huge competition

during this time.

“She is doomed to her position in society: a slave to fashion, cosseted and striving to be pleasing to men, whatever the cost.”

V&A exhibition

Corset, 1885-1895. Museum no. T.738-1974

Contemporary photographs give some idea of how uncomfortable these long corsets must have been to wear. In this photograph, the woman's body is held in stiff, unnaturally tilted position by a narrow-waisted corset which emphasises the precise seaming of the bodice

and low waist line.

Problem of the corset

Corset (back view), blue silk stiffened with whalebone, possibly English or French, 1864. Museum no. T.169-1961

Two sketches from 1884 depicting what, at the time, was believed the way the inside of the body looked when wearing a corset.

'The Wasp Waist', photograph, 1890s.

16 INCH WAIST ^^^ UK4(22INCH)TODAY

Extreme tight-lacing was an exception to the rich rather than a rule. Damaging their own bodies

to keep up with society.

Implications of the crinoline and corset through every day life

I

German Vogue, October 2009 Corset and Crinoline modern look 2 women.

Crinoline and corset still being used in fashion today