Lara Corsets & Gowns

Historically Accurate & Inspired Garments for Women

Why aren't you taking new orders at this time? When will you be?

I have accepted a more then full time "normal' job for 2011 and I am also in the process of selling my home/workshop and buying a new one. I will likely not return to accepting custom orders. In 2012 I will reevaluate, once I am settled and have a functioning workshop again.

Do you make orthopedic corsets to help with my medical issues?

No, honestly I am afraid to. My background is in theatrical and historic costume, I have no medical training and would not want to be responsible for any pain or damage which may result from my work. I understand your frustration and truly sympathize but I do not feel qualified to help you, sorry.

Do you make custom corsets or period gowns for small budgets?

That is a matter of perspective. Some tell me my prices are too high others tell me my prices are low. I make one of a kind custom garments of high end materials. Prices are based on a combination of the material costs,  time required and amount of detail work.

There are many factors involved in pricing a project. Points to consider are:

• Price and quality of materials- In corsets I use only the highest quality coutils and face fabrics. A corset requires only about 1-2 yards of fabric so only the most expensive fabrics will greatly affect the price. However in a period gown this can be a great factor to consider. High end silks are luscious but can get expensive. In a gown that requires 10 yards of fabric the difference between $20 per yard and $80 per yard is significant.

• Construction Time & Methods- There are many different ways to finish the interior of a garment, some take much longer than others.  I will explain the options to you for your specific project. All of the interiors of my garments are finished in a clean and attractive way regardless of price.

• Detail, Detail, Detail- They say "God is in the details" and this is where the greatest variation in price occurs. The right choice of embellishment can perfectly enhance a garment. Trims, Antique lace, embroidery, pleating, ruffles, etc. I can spend just 30 minutes sewing on the perfect delicate lace trim or 45 hours hand embroidering the entire hem of your gown. Always consider the details.

• Location-  I prefer to personally meet with my customers if at all possible. This does not affect the price but can greatly speed work time and allows greater communication. My garments are mostly one of a kind and custom made. I would love to sit with you, learn your style and preferences, take your measurements myself and see you in the garment. It is possible to ship anywhere and for me to build your garment on measurements alone. I have had many happy customers whom I have never seen nor met. I just prefer to see the garment on your body so I can know it fits you properly. I suppose it's the perfectionist in me.

• And of course, Timing- Everything depends on when you need your garment. If you call me at least 2-6 months in advance, I love you. If you need it in 2-4 weeks it may be difficult or impossible as I have orders already scheduled. Sometimes you may catch me at an open moment where I would welcome a last minute order. It is, unfortunately, very unpredictable.

Victorian style corsets are $350 and up. Most of my corsets are $450-$550

Gowns are the most variable in price, from $1500 to $8000. 

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First we agree on the design, schedule and price of the garment. If possible we meet in person for measurements and design detail discussions. For larger projects I will compose a simple letter of agreement outlining the details for us to sign. Once the agreed upon deposit (usually 50%) is received the order is placed.  I then reserve the time required to complete your garment and begin purchasing the materials required to work on your order. 

(Please understand, without a deposit there is no order. I cannot proceed to purchase materials or work on your garment without it.)

How long will my order take?

It depends. Once I start your garment it can be done in anywhere between 4  to 20 days depending on what the garment is. However, I have orders placed three to twelve months in advance and you may have to wait until I can begin your garment. We will agree upon a completion and delivery date before you place your order.

Can I call you?

This is a tricky one, let me explain why:

I have spent quite a bit of time in the past on the phone with potential customers or people simply seeking advice.  I am basically a friendly and helpful person and I love chatting with new people about potential projects. The problem is that it takes me away from my work and technically, I loose time and money while chatting on the phone. Worst of all is that I sometimes talk people out of placing an order with me if I am not the right person for their project for some reason.

Another problem (which has happened to me in the past) is that I may have several potential customers with similar projects or the same first name as you. I hate to be caught unaware and have ask you which one you are, it is un-professional and quite embarrassing for me.

So, I prefer e-mails so we may both keep a record of our communications to refer to.

I live far from NYC, will you make me a custom corset or gown if we cannot meet in person for fittings?

No, I prefer to do fittings with my customers myself.

Who will make my custom garment?

Me, just me. I do all the work myself. Which is why I can take only so many orders.

What is your cancellation policy?

Upon cancellation within 14 days, amount due will be cost of all materials + $40 per hour work time. You will receive whatever materials and work completed and purchased up to the point of cancellation and the balance is refunded to you with those materials. After 14 days no cancellation.

What is your return policy?

I do not accept returns on custom orders.

Sometimes I can offer the customer a money back guarantee IF the garment is:

• A garment and size I feel I can sell in the future or use as a sample

• Returned to me in new, clean and un-worn condition (briefly tried on only, no signs of being worn)

• Returned to me (in my hands) within 7 days of purchase or delivery

Ask me if this guarantee would apply to your garment,

I am sorry I cannot offer it for every project.

Will you use fabric I choose or supply?

I will always use fabrics approved by or chosen by my customer. However, some fabrics are not suitable for some uses. If the fabric you choose or supply will work I would be happy to use it.

Will you reproduce the work of another corset maker or designer?

No, not without permission of that designer. Even then, I am not comfortable doing so. I would not mind using their work as inspiration as long as the finished garment is noticeably different.

Will you repair, rebuild, alter or mend my existing garment?

No, I prefer to start from scratch and build new.

Do you make bras or bustiers?

No, I make only corsets which do not stretch, inspired by or reproductions of the 1910's and earlier. There were no cups and under wires until the 1930s and once things get stretchy, I loose interest. Sorry.

Do you make Fetish or BDSM corsets?

No. I fully respect anyone's right to dress and play as they choose. I choose not to make corsets exclusively for sex play. My love of corsets comes from my love of fashion history.

Do you make corsets for Men, Trans-Gender and Cross Dressers?

I have almost no experience in garment making for the male body. No matter how hard you try, Men are shaped differently and it does not work the same. I do not feel I am the right choice for making Men's corsets. 

Do you sell your corset patterns?

No, not at this time but plans are in the works.

Do you sell your antique and vintage sewing patterns?

Yes, on this page in my website is where I sell vintage patterns:

Lara's Antique sewing patterns

Do you sell fabrics?

No, I keep small amounts in stock only for my customers to choose from.

Do you sell your antique corsets?

Occasionally. If it is a corset I am willing to part with, I will place it on e-bay when I have completed studying it. Some are just to precious to sell and I have agreed to eventually donate them to the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC .

for antique corsets I currently have for sale see this page :

http://www.laracorsets.com/Antique_Corsets_for_Sale.htm

Can I wear an antique corset?

Yes, but it will not last long. Thread and fabrics weaken with age. Dry rot, mildew, rust, and exposure to air or light makes them weak. Bones will break through, grommets will pop out and the fabric will tear. Your antique corset may literally fall apart with it's first wearing. I most recommend purchasing a reproduction which would be strong enough for you to wear under nearly any conditions.

I have some old corsets I know nothing about. Can I send you photos for you to tell me what they are?

I would LOVE to see your old corsets and would be happy to help you identify what they are and when they are form. Please e-mail me with details and photos. I would be happy to help you identify what sort of corset you have.

Can you tell me how to make a corset?

This question frustrates me greatly, please don't ask me. It is not at all simple answer. I have spent over 20 years making corsets and I am still learning new things. You will not magically make a perfect corset your first time. You will have to research and experiment. There is no magic pattern guaranteed to fit everyone perfectly (I wish there were!). Everyone's body and measurements are different, patterns will need to be altered with mock-ups and fittings. Corset making is not easy, you will get frustrated, you will make mistakes. It is a skill acquired only with determination and practice.

That said, here's a book and some patterns I recommend to help give you a head start:

The Basics of Corset Building, by Linda Sparks

http://www.farthingales.on.ca/books.php

The Laughing Moon corset pattern

  http://www.lafnmoon.com/victunder.htm

This is an excellent pattern with great instructions and a instructional DVD you can buy as well

The Truly Victorian corset pattern, TV110

http://trulyvictorian.netfirms.com/catalog/110.html

I love this companies patterns and own most of them.

I am a student or person doing research, can you help me with my project?

I would love to help you but I just do not have the time. The questions I receive from those like you are often complex and without short or simple answers. There is a ton of info on my website and I hope it is helpful. For further research I recommend you look into one of the many books listed below.

Bibliography & recommended reading on corset history

• The History of Underclothes - by C. Willet and Phillis Cunnington    ISBN 0-486-27124-2

• The Corset - by Valerie Steele    ISBN 0-300-09071-4

• Corsets and Crinolines - by Norah Waugh   ISBN 0-87830-526-2

• Support and Seduction - by Beatrice Fontanel   ISBN 0-8109-4086-8

• Waisted Efforts - by Robert Doyle  ISBN 096830390-0

• Foundations of Fashion - by Christopher Page

(back in the days before the internet we older folks had to read lots of books to find answers ;-)