Luscious, overflowing breasts, a shrunken waist and accented hips may not align with today’s emaciated super-model physique but the hourglass figure still remains as an undeniably arousing shape. The Victorians were notoriously prude but their super-sexed up version of the modern corset ironically brought attention to all the right assets and it still appeals to modern lust today. This weekend ladies and gents will pay tribute to the iconic garment at Luscious: Elegantly Wasted, the SF Citadel‘s “celebration of curves” and play party for corset kinks.
Lacey, leather, feminine or masculine; the variety in today’s corset world is ready to please all kinds of fantasies and theatrical characters. Whether you like to wear the gear or just admire, the Citadel’s dungeon will be filled with bodies neatly tucked and squeezed into juicy packages, ready to inspire some costume-friendly BDSM play. If you’re new to corsets, the owner of local supplier Dark Garden, Autumn Adamme, will be on call to answer questions, give expert lace-up lessons and offer shopping tips. It’s corset 101 and the students are sure to pay attention.
Adamme showing off her spectacular goods. Find more photos at www.DarkGarden.com
Adamme started Dark Garden in 1989, offering drool-worthy custom corsets that promise to be more comfortable than the competitors. Comfort? Is it possible for organs to be comfortable when they’re jammed into that sausage casing turned gorgeous top? Jeggings, skinny jeans, and American Apparel are hard enough to wear if you’ve got a body with any actual substance (ie. bones and muscles). Wedging into such an exaggerated old-time silhouette sounds awfully uncomfortable, right? Dark Garden’s shop girl, Natalie Rantanen has been wearing corsets since age 13 and begs anyone with such an impression to step into the fitting room.
“I can sit, eat, dance, everything. Well, I wouldn’t suggest running a marathon or doing yoga,” she says. “Corsets aren’t as torturous or limiting as one may think. We’re obsessed with proper fitting at Dark Garden. If it’s painful, it doesn’t fit you right.”
A piece from Dark Garden’s Spring 2011 Collection. Photo by Daniel Silveira
Contrary to most corsets that are sewn to fit a mannequin, this San Francisco shop creates patterns designed for human bodies, basing measurements on their own costumer base. So what about all those movies where ladies are short of breath and choking in their fancy gowns? Will the Citadel need to set up a bunch of fainting couches? Rantanen says absolutely not and reiterates the importance of a proper fitting. When curious shoppers tiptoe into the shop, Rantanen is responsible for making sure they can achieve the look they want without feeling like they’ve lost a lung. She’ll also teach you how to lace up on your own, just in case you don’t have servants to do your bidding.
“I’m not going to lie– there is a learning curve, but by the fourth or fifth time, you’ll be a pro,” she assures. It only takes Rantanen five or ten minutes to suit up in the morning, but for newbies, it’s important that you take your time to avoid body shock; your spleen isn’t used to sharing a room with your liver. Getting out is even easier and in case there’s a rush to untie, the setback may only be a two-minute tease. Beauty is patience and vis versa.
Photo by Malcolm Weir
Elegantly Waisted attendees probably won’t be interested in de-corseting and instead, they’ll take their time flogging, stroking, and spanking the accentuated goods. Even if a corset finds it’s way into the bedroom post-event, most models leave clear access to the major erogenous zones. Good to keep in mind for a spicy mid-week romp.
LUSCIOUS: ELEGANTLY WAISTED
Sat./4, 8 p.m., $25: Citadel membership required — $10 yearly membership available at the door
SF Citadel
1277 Mission, SF