Fashion : A Mini Interview With Stella The Corsetière Behind The Amazing Luxury Fashion Brand - Champagne Corsets.
There is nothing like wearing a bespoke corset, custom-tailored for your body and your personality. Champagne Corsets and Designs are on a mission to bring back bespoke. It's their greatest belief that in life and in fashion you can create exactly what you want. They are great believers of the saying "Nothing Is Impossible", they don’t subscribe to the beliefs that one needs to conform to a specific size or fleeting fashion trend. They encourage and are delighted by breaking down stylistic barriers and creating something that’s truly one of a kind.
I am a huge lover of corsets myself, Corsets may seem like the perfect night out outfit, but don’t let their sexy silhouette stop you from wearing them in the daytime, too. You can throw on a corset over your favorite outfit if you feel like leaving less to the imagination or wear one on its own underneath a blazer. You can also wear one with a nice pair of jeans, Or Over a t-shirt dress, the possibilities are endless when it comes to wearing a corset.
Award-winning designer Stella has had a love affair with lingerie for as long as she can remember. Stella studied Intimate Apparel at the Fashion Institute of Technology in the heart of New York City’s garment district and received her BFA in 2003.
Read our Mini- Interview with The Creative Director - Stella (Also The Corsetière) Interviewed By Linda Bella.
OTSM: Please tell us a little bit more about yourself.
Hello everyone, my name is Stella. I am the Founder, Designer, Creative Director, and Corsetière behind the brand Champagne Corsets & Designs, LLC.
OTSM: Your passion and flair for fashion is obvious tell me what inspired you to go into fashion design?
My love affair with fashion began when I was about 7 years old and my dream was to move to New York City and become a fashion designer. I put together a portfolio while I was in high school, took a few sewing classes at my local fabric store, and applied to the one fashion college I wanted to attend in the heart of New York City’s garment district, The Fashion Institute of Technology. I got accepted and graduated after 4 years with my BFA in fashion design.
While studying at The Fashion Institute of Technology I learned everything from tailoring, sportswear, knitwear, eveningwear, and so much more. My specialization in intimate apparel led me to corsetry and I immediately fell in love with the art. I studied both historical and modern-day corsets and really became fascinated with the exaggerated hourglass silhouette. When I realized corsets help create that shape I was hooked! Corsetry can also crossover into other categories such as evening wear, bridal, and for people with medical conditions or back pain. So although this is a niche market, I’m certainly not limited in any way.
After graduating, I spent years designing lingerie for many well-known labels and companies such as Kohls, Target, JCPenney, Wal-Mart, Victoria’s Secret, Bloomingdale’s, Lane Bryant, etc., just to name a few.
OTSM: Wow, You are amazing! When did you launch your lingerie boutique “Champagne Corset”?
After working for about 11 years in New York as a fashion designer, I opened my own corset and lingerie boutique in 2012 in the neighboring state of New Jersey. I offered a collection of specialty lingerie brands in hard-to-find sizes and of course, a large sewing studio completely dedicated to bespoke custom corsetry where Champagne Corsets & Designs, LLC was born. I deepened my expertise in fit and design techniques and now with over 19+ years designing intimate apparel and corsetry, my journey has taken me back to my home state of Connecticut where I am on a mission to help my clients create one-of-a-kind, unique bespoke corsets of their dreams.
OTSM: How would you describe your Brand “Champagne Corsets”?
Champagne Corsets is a lifestyle brand. I design and create one-of-a-kind, timeless corsets that accommodate personal needs with the goal of contributing to the client’s way of living. I don’t just sell corsets, but rather the way of life behind it. For example, when someone puts on their Champagne Corset they immediately adjust their posture upright while holding their head up high. They feel ready for life’s experiences and opportunities. They lead with elegance and seduction. They are in a luxury state of mind.
OTSM: What was the inspiration behind your Latest Corset design?
The inspiration behind the corset dress was to create an edgy design for the woman who isn’t afraid to take fashion risks and who really knows how to exude confidence. I worked with @briannalobrien who hand-painted the two dragons onto the corset.
OTSM: This Corset above is absolutely beautiful, what was the inspiration behind it too?
The black and tiffany blue corset was inspired by the large jewelry appliqué that is sewn on the front of the corset.
The jewelry company is based out of Venezuela and I worked with the owner to incorporate his one-of-a-kind, hand-made jewelry piece with my design. And from that jewelry piece, I hand-beaded other gems and crystals to create an elegant and glamorous corset.
OTSM: You are known as an admirer of unique clothing and design styles. How vital is it for a fashion brand to exude bespokeness and originality in order to stand out in a fiercely competitive market?
What I love most about bespoke work is having the ability to discuss any design ideas because I believe nothing is impossible. I don’t subscribe to the beliefs that you need to conform to a specific size or fleeting fashion trend. I encourage and am delighted by breaking down stylistic barriers by creating something that truly is one-of-a-kind. Every piece that I create is as beautiful and unique as the wearer.
My brand is feminine, girly, and effortlessly chic. My corsets make you feel confident and sexy, without being too revealing. I am a trendsetter who loves mixing fashion with the perfect corset that accentuates and highlights women's strengths.
OTSM: What does the word Women Empowerment mean to you?
To me, women empowerment means celebrating ourselves and all of the women in our lives daily. It means to support each other without any judgment and without competing or comparing yourself to other women. We need to hear each other’s voices and what we stand for while lifting each other up. It means to inspire, encourage, respect, and influence social change for others and ourselves. We need to live our purpose while improving the lives of those around us.
OTSM: Where do you look when seeking creative inspiration?
Traveling always inspires me, especially when I am able to shop for special materials and trims. Sometimes it’s even as simple as a color. Walking around big cities and admiring the people, architecture, and skyscrapers also brings a burst of inspiration.
Lastly, my clients inspire me too. I work with both women and men of different demographics and ages. It all varies because no two clients' bodies or designs are ever the same, and that makes it very exciting.
OTSM: There’s so much pressure for designers to come out with their greatest collection season after season. What advice would you give to aspiring Corsetières just starting out and hoping to make it in the Fashion industry?
I would absolutely encourage anyone who wants to start their own fashion business. There is room for everyone and we all have our own unique talents to share with the world. Most importantly, don’t compare yourself to any other designer. Educate your audience and don’t assume everyone knows what you know about your products. The corset is probably the most controversial garment in the history of fashion, but what most people don’t realize is that corsets also have mental, emotional, physical, and societal benefits.
To find out more about this amazing luxury brand click the links below.
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