The basque: still the best way to achieve a true hourglass waist!
A basque flatters the body in a subtle way without revealing too much – and that’s the appeal: it hints at what lies beneath and stirs desire… It’s a kind of corset that extends into a suspender belt, to which you can, of course, attach a pair of stockings.
This iconic piece of lingerie has stood the test of time without losing any of its splendour or sex appeal! Its invention has been attributed to fashion designer Marcel Rochas, who is said to have created it especially for Mae West, the famous American actress and singer who was a sex symbol of the 1920s. Yes, the basque is a French invention!
Naturally, it’s the kind of outfit that makes you want to strut your stuff, perhaps even put on a show! It’s still a favourite with amateur (and professional) burlesque performers, so if that world inspires you, you’re in the right place.
And if you’d rather not bother with traditional stockings, you could opt for a bodysuit – another reliable favourite – and why not pair it with hold-up stockings?
The corset: the perfect way to create an hourglass waist
The big advantage of a bustier or corset over a basque, for example, is that you can wear it as lingerie or as outerwear.
Invented in the 16th century, the corset was originally a sign of nobility. Worn for centuries, it was gradually abandoned by women because it was too restrictive and uncomfortable.
It made a big comeback as sexy lingerie in the 1970s thanks to designer Chantal Thomass. But it was Madonna and her famous Jean Paul Gauthier corset that brought this piece back into the spotlight in 1990.
Today, it’s widely worn, both in private and in the spotlight. A far cry from the earliest corsets, modern designs are decidedly more comfortable and sexy!
