MON CAPRICE. IN MEMORY OF A BELOVED FRIEND: SOLE THE PROUD REDHEAD

Thursday, December 27, 2012

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

GIRLS ONLY ! (WE'RE TALKING OF LINGERIE)

A friend of mine recently said he was quite puzzled about the definitions of some undergarments. What difference is there between a guêpière and a corset ? and what defines a bustier ? What's charmeuse ? And why are all those words French ? Let's answer this last question first. France was the center of the universe, fashion-wise, till the middle of the 20th century. It's not surprising, therefore, that terminology is still largely French.

As to definitions: in brief, a guêpière (the word comes from guêpe: wasp) is a single garment designed to shape women's waists and complete with garters. It was originally made with whale's bones, but today it can be made with other materials and we can't be thankful enough for that !

A delightful example of guêpière: a classical black made of charmeuse & lace.

(I love it, love it, love it !)

Charmeuse is a fabric having the appearance of satin but much softer and lightweighted.

Slightly decadent, made of velvet and silk with purple bows and matching choker.

Corset generally defines a kind of guêpière without garters. Its purpose, once again, is to constrain and shape women's body. The classical version should be strapless.

This is a perfect example ! I'm talking of the corset, of course...

Bustier, from French "buste" or trunk, is generally less constraining than the former two and especially conceived to enhance one's décolleté with a push-up effect. Nowadays, it can also be worn in lieu of a top,

under a shirt or a jacket and even as the upper part of an evening gown.

Simple bustier in white gauze.

A stunning version of bustier by Elie Saab

Of course, variations on the theme of such undergarments are almost infinite. They can come in an endless range of colors, designs and styles to match one's mood, situation or apparel.

Here are two classic samples, strict, no frills: