The Unsavory Side of Corsets
August 5, 2010
MANY wise and sensible things have been said here in recent days about corsets, especially in relation to the traditionalist revolution. But let’s be honest, ladies. Corsets have a double meaning.
Michael S. writes:
The Bayreuth Festival re-designed its website a few years ago. As part of the new design, each production is now associated with a different object (stage prop?) that supposedly communicates its meaning. For Das Rheingold, for instance, we have golden apples. That, I understand. For Parsifal, a gaudy chalice. OK, well, the chalice part makes sense. For Götterdämmerung, a suitcase. Now, I’m not so sure. A meat grinder for Siegfried? Or some such contraption. As for the Meistersinger deer-type animal, I have no idea. And given the nature of Bayreuth productions so far this century, I’m pretty sure I don’t want to know.
But for Die Walküre… check out the red corset-thingy.
Laura writes:
The Ride of the Valkyrs meets Hooters.
Anonymous writes:
Okay, I’ve been waiting and waiting for someone less lurker-like than myself to post this, but I believe the “red corset-thingy” in the photo for the Bayreuth Festival is a cuirass, not a corset. What with these being Valkyries and so forth, it seems wise for them to wear some kind of armor, yes?
While I’m at it, I’d also like to suggest–although I’m on less certain ground here–that the “unsavory side of corsets” is tied to their S&M connotations, which in turn would be (presumably) derived from the (apparently mythical) belief that corsets are torture for women. I don’t get the sense that they would have had quite this “double meaning” back when they were just plain underwear. Of course, I could be wrong, as I am in no way an expert on Victorian or contemporary erotica.
Laura writes:
Thank you for writing. I believe you are correct. That is a cuirass bodice and in this case would probably serve as both corset and armor. It is entirely appropriate for the Valkyries but notice the color of the cuirass in this promotion. It has a very sexual meaning.
I’m not sure the use of the corset in S&M is tied to its implied discomfort for women. Interesting question. I would say the corset suggests Victorian authoritarianism or modesty, as well as feminine strength, and that’s why it is popular as erotica.
