Under the corset in Parkhurst
PARKHURST - Corsets, for a number of people, conjure up images of cosseted Victorian woman, Parisian bordellos, and glamour models like Dita von Teese.
Parkhurst-based corsetière Arwen Swan has not only taken the much-misunderstood garment out of its dusty past, but also built up a successful business around it.
Since starting her business in an Emmarentia dining room 14 years ago, Swan has branched out to include day- and evening-wear, and bridalwear. Her work has graced the pages of local and international publications, and has appeared on television. Swan began studying fine art and later moved into graphic design at the then-East London College.
“After my studies, I started work and was transferred to Joburg, but the job didn’t work out for me,” she said.
“I got various other jobs, and discovered that I didn’t enjoy graphic design. I realised I had always loved clothing, so I quit my job and taught myself to sew.”
Swan said she started with making corsets because of her life-long fascination with them.
“I’ve always been fascinated with what they do to the body, how they do it, and their history,” she said.
“They can change a person. They give so much confidence, and help you to present a better version of yourself to the world.”
Rather than work from patterns, Swan borrowed a collection of 1940s and ’50s corsets from a client, and examined how they had been constructed.
She realised that, until a few years ago, little had changed in the patterns and construction of corsets over the last century – despite how women’s bodies had changed since the Victorian era.
“I experimented with my own patterns to make a corset that fits a modern woman’s body comfortably. They must be practical, feasible, and sustainable,” said Swan.
“I’m glad I didn’t do an apprenticeship, because I found a way that works for me, and I’ve developed my own style.”
After three years in Emmarentia, Swan opened a small boutique on 4th Avenue in Parkhurst and then, six years later, moved into her current premises on 6th Street. From starting alone with a sewing machine and three mannequins, Swan and her partner Ben Skinner now employ four fulltime workers.
“This has been organic. None of it was planned,” she said. “I’m self-taught. This shows that you can do anything you want, if you want it hard enough.”
Details: 011 447 0247; www.arwen.co.za
