Today I'd like to highlight one of my most popular styles. I originally designed the Gibson Girl as a personal waist training corset for myself and named it for its Edwardian lines. Soon, I received requests for it and thus released it as a Special Edition made-to-order corset. That was clearly the right choice as it immediately turned into a bestseller, and I have jokingly given it the in-house nickname of "The Corset of the Year" for 2014.
Pop Antique "Gibson Girl" waist training corset | Model: Victoria Dagger | Photo © John Carey | Hair by Vanessa Joy at Vim and Vigor salon
The original Gibson Girl was designed as a "light-lacing" corset for me. Each made-to-order Gibson Girl is sized based on the proportions of the original custom. Which is to say, a moderate waist reduction, and a larger hip and slightly smaller rib than my ready-to-wear size chart. I am naturally long-waisted (despite my petite height of 5'3"), so there's also a sharp hip spring that allows me to settle the corset low on my waistline for maximum reduction.
Pop Antique "Gibson Girl" waist training corset | Model: Victoria Dagger | Photo © John Carey | Hair by Vanessa Joy at Vim and Vigor salon
What makes the Gibson Girl unique is that its variances in height allow it to flex to accommodate more dramatic proportions. This happens both naturally as the fibers relax, but also on a day-to-day basis. The gap remains even and parallel, whether you lace it to 1" or 3", because once it's broken in, the hip points flex lightly apart to accommodate your hip spring on a tighter reduction. As you can see in the picture below, I can also alter the Gibson Girl to a standard smooth hipline if that is your preference, but it does change some of the inherent functionality of the style. Above the waist, the low front and high back allows for high mobility and back support. The slightly raised back also creates a smooth line around the bra band level. Of course, there's no single wonder corset for all people, but for me, the Gibson Girl is a supremely comfortable and supportive style that I can wear comfortably on long days, virtually every day.
And, if you haven't already noticed... not only does the Gibson Girl have a highly functional shape, but its lines are gorgeous. The front seams angle elegantly in swooping curves, and the lines of the hip and back shaping form graceful arches.
Pop Antique "Gibson Girl" waist training corset | Model: Victoria Dagger | Photo © John Carey | Hair by Vanessa Joy at Vim and Vigor salon
I have to give a big shout-out to my photographer, John Carey, for the Gibson Girl photoshoot. I've gotten so many wonderful images from that one shoot, and it was all in all a lovely day. We shot a couple other looks that day but the Gibson Girl was our focus. Special thanks are also due to hair stylist Vanessa Joy at Vim and Vigor salon in San Francisco. I love how she seamlessly fused an appropriately Gibson-esque tuck with retro rolls, and actually made my wan, straight hair look like it has some volume. Truly amazing.
Pop Antique "Gibson Girl" waist training corset | Model: Victoria Dagger | Photo © John Carey | Hair by Vanessa Joy at Vim and Vigor salon
If you are looking for a comfortable, curvaceous, and incredibly stylish corset for waist training, the Gibson Girl just might be the corset for you! It is available in "special edition" alternate ready-to-wear proportions, based on uncorseted wearer's measurements of a 2" waist to underbust difference, and 12" waist to full hip difference. It comes standard with double boning on each seam. I particularly like it in single layer construction with petersham binding, but it's also available in standard multi-layer construction with a concealed waist tape. I even have a limited amount remaining of the black hemp/organic cotton herringbone fabric from which the original Gibson Girl was made. This amazing fabric is so supple and moldable - it breaks my heart that I can't get any more yardage. Submit an inquiry today to secure your place in the Pop Antique queue for this exclusive style.
Pop Antique "Gibson Girl" waist training corset | Model: Victoria Dagger | Photo © John Carey | Hair by Vanessa Joy at Vim and Vigor salon