The worlds largest collection of antique corsets is the inspiration behind the designs of 麻豆传媒映画corseti猫re Melanie Talkington. And since opening up shop, clients from around the world have come knocking on Talkingtons door for her custom fashions, expertly modeled after traditional Victorian corsets.
So when the Arts Club decided to stage Intimate Apparel, a period piece about a New York seamstress in 1905, it made perfect sense that they turned to Talkington for her designs.
Intrigued at a young age by Dolly Partons uncommon shape in the racy film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, she started asking about the garments used to get the hourglass figure and began acquiring the delicate antiques, some of which have been exhibited in the Louvre, as a way to preserve them from wear. With her collection, Talkington hopes one day to open a museum of her own.
In 1997, she established Lace Embrace, her own custom corset atelier, quickly gaining the patronage of clients such as burlesque goddess Dita Von Teese with her intricate reproductions.
Talkingtons dedication to her craft is the reason she is approached for costume design.
I really enjoyed working with Alison (the plays costume designer) to find the correct corset patterns, fabrics, trimmings that were based on the description in the play. The writer was very specific.
In the play, an independent African-American woman makes a good living sewing exquisite undergarments and corsets for brides-to-be but yearns to wear one of her own creations. When a mysterious stranger from the Caribbean strikes up a pen-pal relationship, the romance that blooms promises to fulfill all her dreams.
Intimate Apparel runs to Mar. 10 at Granville Island Stage. $29-$49 from 604-687-1644 or ArtsClub.com.Kelsey Klassen
