Oxford Conference on Corsetry 2014

Oxford Conference on Corsetry 2014

It was just over two weeks ago that I was in attendance at the second annual Oxford Conference on Corsetry held at Jesus College in Oxford, England. And for the last week since returning from Europe I have been surfing a wave of intense energy. I even cleaned and rearranged the entire studio, not a task I normally enjoy. So what exactly made this such an amazing event for me?

Just arriving in this famous university town was amazing for someone who has as large an interest in history as I do. This is a town of architecture and books, two things in which I always find design inspiration.

Never before have I had the opportunity to be surrounded by so many corset makers. The nature of the corset business in the 21st century is such that most designers work alone or with a couple of assistants at most. The experience, creativity, and technical knowledge of corsetry assembled all in one room may be unprecedented, at least in the modern era.

The conference consisted of three main parts:

Workshops and Seminars These covered topics ranging from design, to construction techniques, to business practices. I’m continually reviewing my notes and finding ways to implement all the great ideas presented.

Banquet and Keynote Speaker This was held in the Jesus College dining hall and featured master corset maker Autumn Adamme. Who doesn’t feel a little special when being served a spectacular meal in a regal three-hundred year old dining room with a painting of its founder, Queen Elizabeth I, looking on.

(Optional) Photo Shoot Each attendee was given the opportunity to prepare a corset especially for the conference and work with professional models and photographers. As shown in my last posting I was piviledged to get to work with internationally known corset model Morgana (Threnody in Velvet) and photographer Chris Murray. Check back soon to see the results of our collaboration.

At the close of the conference most attendees found excuses to linger and have just a bit more time to share time with their fellow corset makers. No one, including the organisers of the conference, left for home without learning something. But possibly the biggest value of this incredible event was all the friends that everyone made. Friends that will become our correspondents, consultants, support group even, as we all move forward.

And then…it was off to Scotland, to see a bit of the land that inspired the tartan corset I brought to this uplifting and informative conference.

Header image courtesy of Tavan Photography