Corset
1992 {Always on camera collection, autumn-winter 1992–93}
Medium
cotton, lycra, polyamide, metallic thread, nylon (tulle) and metal (fastenings)
Measurements
37.0 cm (centre back) 28.0 cm (waist, flat)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, 2024
Gallery location
Special Exhibitions Gallery
Ground Level, NGV International
About this work
Westwood’s corset is one of her most iconic and transformative designs. Inspired by a nineteenth-century corset belonging to her friend and mentor, art historian Gary Ness, she developed her own version after a visit to the costume department of the National Theatre. Based on an eighteenth-century example, Westwood’s corset features elements to make it more wearable, such as stretch panels on the sides and zip fastenings in place of lacing. Debuting on the catwalk in her 1987 Harris Tweed collection, it remains a signature for the house today.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
England
Inscription
label, right back shoulder, woven in yellow on red cotton: (orb) / Vivienne / Westwood / MADE IN ENGLAND ©
Accession Number
2024.752
Department
International Fashion and Textiles