Feature Friday: Crimson Rose Corsetry
Corsetry can be worn for a myriad of reasons—from cosplay and historical reenactment to medical support and comfort. And while Redthreaded concentrates on the historical side of things, fellow Colorado corset maker and this month’s featured business, Crimson Rose Corsetry, explores the more modern aspects of the craft, with a focus on both medical and whimsical applications.
Crimson Rose Corsetry was founded with the “aim to create a more beautiful world, and one that’s a little kinder to those living with chronic pain.”
When asked how she started in the world of corsets, owner Kitty Krell said:
“I started making corsets when I was fifteen. I got a job at the Colorado Renaissance Festival and needed one to work, but it was my first job, so I couldn’t afford any of the ones there. I’d sewn a few things at that point, so I thought, how hard can it be? Turns out quite, but I managed to make something wearable that looked decent! And then over the years as I made more, I realized how insane I’d been, but I managed it! My corset making skills improved greatly when I started wearing them to support my Ehler Danlos Syndrome; my doctors recommended I wear one as close to 24/7 as I could for an injury, and I feel like I condensed years of learning about function, support, comfort, and longevity into the next year.”
The business specializes in power-mesh corsetry, which has some significant differences when compared to historical corsetry. As part of their standard line, Crimson Rose offers their Power Corset for both medical brace support and waist training. Not only is this style of corset hyper flexible while still being supportive, the locking zipper allows for easy, accessible wearing. It’s also completely water friendly because of the synthetic German whalebone.
Kitty elaborated:
“The Power Corset has a super strong power mesh—think girdle material on steroids—so it can handle the amount of structure a corset needs, but still has give. One of the few times using algebra since high school has been learning how to pattern to account for the stretch. Because the material has that bit of stretch, it allows your body to move the corset in a way that coutil corsets just can’t. So the old adage ‘boots before corset’ totally doesn’t apply!”
But Crimson Rose Corsetry doesn’t only make the power mesh styles. They also explore more fantastical artistry with one-of-a-kind corsets, costumes, and bridal gowns made from silks, rhinestones, lace, and other beautiful materials.
When asked about her creative process, she explained:
“I love challenges. Every new project I try to work with new materials, learn a new skill, or refine one I know I don’t have to the point I want it. [It’s] one of the reasons I cosplay. I also adore blending the historical and fantastical. I’m currently working on outfits for Fêtes Galantes for my mom and I, using period accurate patterning and construction methods; though I am machine stitching where possible. For the shoes, I’ve decided to make Rococo Cinderella shoes by taking base clear heels, adding to them to get the correct silhouette, and 3d modeling new heels that I’ll then cast in high impact resin. I’m very excited about them.”
You can find out more about Crimson Rose Corsetry on their website, www.crimsonrosecorsetry.com, and follow their latest creations on their Instagram @crimsonrosecorsetry.