A Black Belt in Corsetry
Monday, May 11, 2009 at 12:02 PM 
Image used with kind permission from Seedhouse / Peter Soronen
Last week, Mrs. O attended Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People" gala in New York, wearing a Michael Kors gown and corset belt by Peter Soronen.
While photographs highlighted the delicate folds of the front of the corset belt, little was revealed about the back. We're delighted to feature both views of the exquisite belt here; and indeed, the back view is quite telling. Many of you will recall that the waist-cinching lace-up detail is similar to the striking red corset gown, also by Peter Soronen, worn by the First Lady for the Alfalfa Club dinner in February.
Corsetry is a trademark of Peter Soronen's designs. In late March, he told the The National of his inspiration: "When I was a kid, I liked the silver-screen films and the characters' costumes were inspirational to me, especially in films such as Gaslight with Ingrid Bergman, and also Gone with the Wind. I was fascinated with watching period films, and saw the level of care and craftsmanship of the costumes, and what the corsets worn did to the overall look. So, I just had to make one, and tried to get girlfriends to wear them. They loved the pieces and I began to alter the patterns to fit the modern woman."
Peter Soronen in Outfits
Reader Comments (167)
@ iris - that is a funny website. Thanks.
I adore this look. The neckline made by the bolero and whatever is underneath, beautiful. And the skirt - the Sojourner Truth outfit was one of my favorites.
I'd love to wear a bolero look like that, if my expanding crone bosom hadn't long since gone south of the border... (grin)
Why isn't there full media coverage of Mrs. O's events? I'm not a fan of soundbites and really love the substance of this woman. I love her fashion but I prefer the balance with a full viewing of the words that she says. I can find full coverage of the President's speeches throughout the day on tons of sites, but sometimes there's barely a couple of minutes of the FL's speeches. Her staff says that she only commits to 3 events a week...so where's the press...is that too much to ask? Sorry for the rant, but this woman is phenomenal and needs full press coverage and not just a transcript in print. Don't get me wrong, I come to this site for a lot of fashion and I love it all, but I have always said Mrs. O's coverage is hardly released for viewing in their entirety. I went to the WH website and sent an email stating the WH should carry their own videos of Mrs. O on the blog portion of their site. That way, I can go there for the speeches and here for the fashion. Her platform of issues is very substantive and is worth more than a 20-second soundbite. Okay, I'm done with my rant I think. Mrs. T always posts portion of her speeches when they are available, but I only blame the press for not giving complete coverage. I will look forward to her commencement speeches coming up because I'm sure they'll be available in their entirety somewhere on the internets (yes, internets as Bush used to say) LOL!
@Leah D said: "I am sure that no one is going to mistake President Obama, Samuel Jackson, Denzel Washington, Al Roker, The Rock, or any of the other famous people for a waiter or a valet. Most of the people that attend those high-class events run in the same circles and know each other."
If that's the case, then why were Valerie Jarrett and Desiree Rogers forced to show ID at the White House Correspondents Dinner? After having their faces on magazine, in the newspaper and on TV, as well as being very high up in the White House, you'd think SOMEONE running security would recognize them.
If you don't believe me, go to politico(dot)com, and search for "Uh, who are you Ms. Rogers and Ms. Jarrett?" they have it on vido.
I've been wanting to comment on some of the wonderful conversation about race and privilege. I appreciate the patience some of our AA sisters have had with this and how some of the paler folk have picked up the ball -- it is our responsibility, as people of privilege because of our lack of melanin to educate and sensitize each other -- constantly asking POC to do all the heavy lifting is another sign of privilege.
Re the titles issue, I saw Maya Angelou on a local talk show in SF back in the 80s. A charming young girl, maybe 12, addressed her as "Maya" when asking a question. Ms. Angelou went ballistic and took her head off. After a commercial break, she apologized profusely and genuinely for the way she did it, and explained the manners of her southern upbringing.
I don't remember any details or resolution, only the look on the girl's face, which was adoring, and I think it was a teachable moment for all (I admit I was holding my breath in horrified sympathy during the intial phase). The genuine respect and authenticity was a joy to behold. How often do adults apologize to children? Not often enough.
I do think children should be taught to use titles and if an adult is later comfortable with something else, at least they have a grounding in manners. But respect all 'round, that's the key.
marachne,
No one mistook Jarrett or Rogers for a waiter or valet.
That was what the conversation was about.
People that are stationed at security metal detectors are usually not high up on the intelligence chain.
Meghan McCAIN also had a run in with security and she spotted off 'Don't they know who the @#$* I am?"
So, security stopped several people - it had nothing to do with race, it had to do with security people that aren't very smart.
This is a test. I'm not getting it -- why is my last comment in moderation? It has no web address, just part of one that uses the (dot) not a period.
As a counter balance to what I wrote, which was calling into question a comment of Leah D's, I will support another of her comment. She stated -- correctly -- that Italian-Americans faced prejudice in this country. She is right, and it had to do with ethnicity and class. The large surge of immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was largely "ethnic minorities -- i.e. non-northern Europeans*. Italians, Greeks, Eastern Europeans (a large number of whom were Jewish) were generally depicted with exaggerated features and in a very negative light. Think about it -- who do we have negative slang terms for? Asians, Native Americans, Irish, Jews, Italians...
And for even more amusement, go back and read some of the rants against them and it will sound just like the stuff hurled at undocumented workers today.
*The exception is the Irish, but then I said ethnicity and class.
Meghan MeCain was stopped because she had two tickets and wanted to get 3 people in.
From what I have heard, no other high profile people were stopped. And yes, the issue is related -- if you are a person of color, there are some who will assume that you are being uppity and not staying in your place.
Leah, I really think you protest too much. It's the same old story -- if a person of an oppressed group says that something is oppressive, they have a better handle on it than someone who is in the majority.
marachne,
If you are referencing my post on May 11, 2009 at 4:21 pm
on the 'A Vision of Magenta' thread then probably no one will know what you're talking about since I posted that comment after most everyone left that thread.
marachne,
Ms. Jarrett and Ms. Rogers did not say they were 'oppressed' or singled out because of race. 'WE' weren't there and do not know what happened because you can not hear the whole conversation on the tape. The whole race issue on this website is starting to ruin a good thing. This website used to be a great place to come and have fun. Now it seems to just be a divisive place with a lot of negativity.
I am still trying to figure YOUR COMMENT:
"I appreciate the patience some of our AA sisters have had with this and how some of the paler folk have picked up the ball — it is our responsibility, as people of privilege because of our lack of melanin to educate and sensitize each other — constantly asking POC to do all the heavy lifting is another sign of privilege."
PALER FOLK?
OUR RESPONSIBILITY?
AS PEOPLE OF PRIVILEGE?
You've got to be joking!
In my opinion, need to work on your 'stereotyping' problem.
Leah, with respect, it seems most of us posting *are* having fun, and an educational exchange as well. I am sorry that you are not.
Since my post started this exchange, I will clarify. I never said people at this event wouldn't recognize celebrities there. I was talking about the history of cultural and fashion changes, and speculating that the tie thing might have a history behind it, which could include both race and age (as in people who are 100 years old can't tell me I have to wear a bow tie to be acceptable because that's some kind of rule).
Also, responding to an earlier post, if you have read autobiographies or seen interviews with prominent, famous AA men you will see how many report cabs refusing to pick them up upon occasion, and police in their own (mostly white) neighborhoods having pulled them over for DWB. This won't be over 'til it's over.
Marachne, I appreciated your comments about people picking up the ball. And thanks for including my mostly Irish ancestors! I would never equate this to the horrors other groups went through, but as a footnote, when my parents were young they couldn't get jobs in a bank, for example, because they weren't WASPs. Signs saying "No Irish need apply" were everywhere some years before that. We move slowly to change, yet we move, even if inch by inch.
Must end with a fashion note. Mrs. O is motivating me to get my body more in shape. I dragged a bunch of old but good belts out of the back of my closet and they won't go around me. I'm gonna make them!
Nancy - Good for you with your Crone friends. I need to find some. It would help with this growing older thing -- which isn't for the faint of heart! (Smile)
Actually, I'm a fairly young Crone at almost 65, but I'm enjoying settling into it. I like the freedom from caring what others think, etc.
Elaine B I couldn't agree more - I started my sensible diet this morning, and the exercise at the weekend. (Had to tell myself knitting doesn't count no matter HOW fast I do it...)
I'm intrigued that referring to Michelle would upset anyone. (I know that it's not just me, I'm not taking it personally or anything but I would like to address my corner if that's OK...)
Firstly, if I met Michelle Obama, I would address her as ma'am unless/until asked to address her as something different. Second, she has been quoted as asking people to call her Michelle. Thirdly, does anything about this administration suggest to you that these people would have a hissy fit if I forgot????! (This is the President that did an impression of the "Are you Reggie LOVE?!" guy remember.) Fourthly, on MY computer in MY home, I will refer to the First Lady of the United States in any way I choose! And that, when I am speaking to my husband or typing on this blog, will range from MO, Michelle, Mrs Obama, the First Lady or FLOTUS - and FLOTUS will always be last because I've only recently learned it and I'm not that fond of acronyms.
I was brought up to refer to everyone I meet by their full name or title until requested to do different. In recent years I have got a little more strident about workplaces where the boss gets to be called Mr So-And-So and I get to be called by my Christian name. I hold out for Mrs Posh Tater until they realise how arrogant they are being. One rule for the goose, one rule for the gander? I don't think so.
OK. Thank you. I'm done.
marachne , Re: "If you don’t believe me, go to politico(dot)com, and search for “Uh, who are you Ms. Rogers and Ms. Jarrett?” they have it on vido."
Can't find that video...
I love corsets, they definitely define a beautiful waist line. For a cheaper corset option, please check out http://firstladiesstyle.onsugar.com/3081250
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