The object I chose from the exhibition- exhibitionist is a 1983 red molded bustier by Issey Miyake. What drew me to this object was the bright red color and interesting flowing molded lines coming away from the waist line. This corset was placed besides other bustiers from different time periods to demonstrate the evolution of how and what the corset meant to women throughout time. ” …others believed that corsetry was necessary for women to look attractive and respectable…..street styles such as punk brought corsets back into fashion- underwear as outerwear. The corset took on new meanings, evoking everything from romantic Victoriana to fetish-wear” (FIT). I think the curators chose this object in the exhibition because the corset had such an oppressive garment to keep women uncomfortable and mold their bodies and min sets to be a certain feminine way. This piece shows how fashion can take something that women were trying to rebel against being used as a new style and to transform its meaning into something that supports and celebrates femininity. This object contributes to the ongoing issues of female bodies and how they are represented in society and how that is ever changing throughout fashion history. It tells the story of how impactful the corset is and was to women and their bodies and the reflection of how society sees women at the time- turning the corset into art changes the narrative of its purpose. Instead of it restricting women as a daily dress practice to appease men, it is now a choice women can make or a piece of art that respects and commemorates the female figure.
