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The Liquid Rock Wedding Dress
Written by Caroline Zoé Geissbühler
The Liquid Rock Wedding Dress
Caroline Zoé Geissbühler, Switzerland (Zoé Corsets)
IG: zoecorsets
Photographer: Natalie Boo
Model: Salomé Michel
The Design
When I heard the theme "Architecture", I could only think about integrated corsetry. In a building, you often see the walls and windows, but not the inner structure. I wanted to do the same for a wedding dress, so I thought this would just be the opportunity to tackle the challenge of a complete gown with an (almost) invisible corset integrated to it on the inside. The Liquid Rock dress is named like this because of the train and external modesty panel, which is made with a creased silver dupioni silk. It's flowing but has the structure of stones at the same time.
The Construction
I chose fabrics from my stash that were bought for bridal projects, and used a pattern I drafted long ago but never actually tried to sew, based on my cousin's measurements. It's a seven panel longline overbust that goes well over the hips (I always loved longline patterns...). I made the inner layer like a real corset, with coutil and synthetic whalebone. I tried to do it as smoothly as possible so that it wouldn't be seen on the outside once the external fabric was draped over it. I added a petticoat I found online to shape the bottom part (I had to reshape it a little bit by cutting excess fabric on the front, to have more like a flat front 1900's style). Then I draped the external fabric using a real model (my sister) because the mannequin wouldn't react the same way as a real body. I used my feeling and ability to let the fabric go where it wanted to create a smooth draped gown over the inner corset. The gown features two lacings. One internal on the corset, then it has an external silver silk modesty panel, and an external lacing at the waist and hips to tie the dress and finish the look. Then I did a lot of handsewing to secure everything in place, and to hem the gown, and made a small bouquet and a cape with scraps of fabric to accessorize the photoshoot.
What was it like to compete this year? What would you say to someone who is on the fence about entering next year?
Do it, you will be amazed how much you can do!
Integrated corsets are one of the most challenging styles in my opinion and you have pulled it off perfectly. The combination of structured undergarment and softly draped fabric on top looks gorgeous and your pictures tell a really beautiful story as well.
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