The Signature Silhouette
Subtle, defining corsetry is an art form and through the heart of Phillipa Lepley’s designs runs her passion for highlighting and enhancing the female form. The artisan team has been evolving and refining the design for 40 years, achieving an elegant, figure-enhancing silhouette for every client with a keen emphasis on balance and proportion.
THE SIGNATURE HIDDEN CORSET
A custom-made hidden corset is the foundation for every dress, tailored precisely over several fittings. These specially designed corsets, created by the Atelier’s highly skilled team, enhance the waist and define the body, ensuring the most beautiful silhouette and a dress that fits like a second skin; clients comment frequently on just how comfortable the corsets are.
“Our corsetry feels like creating art. It can be placed under very fluid fabrics, and we can adjust its length, allowing us to shape and mould the body how we want it.”
A UNIQUE DESIGN
While many wedding dresses from other designers have corsets that finish at the waist, a Phillipa Lepley corset extends over the lower torso to create a smooth and contoured shape. Strategically placed boning creates a sculptural structure that serves to define the waist, lift the bust and lengthen the silhouette.
Owing to the high skill level of the Phillipa Lepley seamstresses, our corsets can form the base of a multitude of different styles of dress; from a grand and very structured silhouette to something much lighter, softer and more fluid. Clients are invited to share details of their personal vision, and our dedicated specialist will offer advice on styles, silhouettes, cuts and corsetry to suit.
“We use bones all the way up and down the corset, specifically placed for each client and each style of dress. The bones need to be as thin as possible at the bottom of the corset so that they can sit over even the thinnest silk crepe.”
THE CORSET PROCESS
The first step is an appointment, where a detailed visual rendition of a client’s measurements, posture and frame are captured. The right amount of bust padding is also identified and used from the start; because it is inserted into the corset, a bra is not required when wearing the finished garment. Measurements taken, specialist pattern cutters at the Atelier will then create a paper pattern of the client’s silhouette, which will be handed to an expert seamstress to sew up a calico toile of the corset. Through toile fittings, the corset is refined to the precise millimetre on the body, creating an exact mould of the desired shape. The finished corset is made to the exact requirements, then placed within its Phillipa Lepley couture gown.
“The corset provided just the right amount of structure, creating an elegant shape without taking away from the fluidity of the fabric.”
“One of the biggest surprises for me was how genuinely comfortable the dress was to wear. The corset felt secure and supportive; not at all tight or restrictive.”
