The latest weight loss craze is attributed to the corset, an
undergarment that literally was responsible for sweeping women off their feet
hundreds of years ago. Today, women are going back to the history books by
wearing corsets for a long-lasting figure-shaping power punch. Before I proceed
further, I must explain that I am referring to corsets which by design and
purpose are similar to corsets worn by women during the Elizabethan and
Victorian era. I am not referencing corsets that are prescribed by doctors
for medical reasons such as back support. Note: The header photo is courtesy of Chanel News.
I have always thought of corsets worn in the 16th and 17th
centuries as torture devices; mainly because they were notorious for causing
women to faint from a lack of oxygen. Now, corsets are being hailed by many as
the diet that’s not a diet which is rather incredulous since the “corset diet”
does not in any way promote the inclusion of healthy eating habits and
exercise. In my opinion, healthy eating habits and exercise must combine to
create an effective daily diet. Wearing a corset can not in any way compare to
the efficacy of healthy living; however, to each her own. The corset diet, in
my opinion, is just going too far to achieve a fashionable appearance. I am
just grateful that women no longer have to wear corsets for fashion’s sake. I
have enough to deal with in the morning than wondering about how I am going to
get my corset laced-up even if it looks as glamorous as the corsets below.
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| Corsets Designed by Hubert Barrere; Source |
My reason for not being a big fan of the ‘corset diet’ is
because it does not really address the importance of a healthy diet and
exercise. It is in some ways a shortcut to achieve a desired figure that at
first seems great because it is a quick way to re-shape the torso and reduce
the waist. When I discovered that women reportedly lose an estimated six pounds
per week while on the ‘corset diet’ I was really impressed; however, there are
other implications that must be considered. Waist-binders that replicate the
purpose of corsets from hundreds of years ago will surely cause the same side
effects: damaged organs and skin and restricted breathing. Those are not minor
side effects, in my opinion.
Why can’t there be a bustier trend instead of a corset
trend? I consider bustiers to be the much more appealing distant cousin to
corsets. I know they won’t make your waist shrink but who cares when they’ll
enhance your cleavage. I’ll take the cleavage-enhancer over the waist-clincher any
day. Bustiers are comfortable, they enhance the bust, they are chic and they
serve a dual purpose. They can be paired with trousers or skirts to glam effect
or worn as lingerie. Why couldn’t Karl Lagerfeld have made bustiers a
centerpiece of the Chanel Pre-Spring 2014 runway show instead of corset
dresses? I can not deny, however, that Mr. Lagerfeld knows how to design the types of corsets and corset dresses that have a higher level type of appeal. As a consequence, I am two-faced when it comes to certain
types of corsets. The corsets worn by models and celebrities at major
events are simply irresistible. I think you will agree that the corset dresses below are magnificent.
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| Rita Ora in a Corset Dress with Karl Lagerfeld; Source |
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| Rihanna in a Corset Dress: Source |
Actress Jessica Alba reported that she wore a doublet
corset for about three months to achieve her desired post-pregnancy shape after
delivering her baby. She also exercised, focused on healthy eating and drank
lots of water so I will give kudos to her for placing value on a healthy
lifestyle. I suspect that a portion of her weight loss was attributed to a
feeling of fullness which is natural if wearing a tight corset. There would not
be much of an inclination to eat a heavy meal if your stomach is going to be
compressed against stiff material. It gives a new meaning to the phrase, ”I
have a stomach ache.” I don’t know about you but to me wearing a corset 10 to
12 hours a day does not seem like a fashion-worthy endeavor.
What do you think? Is it worthwhile to wear a waist-cincher
for a good portion of the day in order to achieve an hourglass figure?
Related Stories:
Huffington Post, The 'Corset Diet ' Is Not A Diet At All. It's Just Scary.
Daily Beast, You Should Probably Pass on This Whole 'Corset Diet' Fad.
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