Tight-Lacing for a Living.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 21, 25 May 1907, Page 20

Tight-Lacing for a Living.

A MODEL IN A LONDON SHOWROOM.

An article appeared recently on the evils attendant on tight-lacing, and cases were given of the injury done to health by this pernicious practice. So far the victims seem to have sacrificed themselves voluntarily on the altar of fashion, but it is a mistake to suppose that, writes Showman, all. those with small waists are actuated by motives of vanity-

I have no doubt that many who are in the habit of making purchases in the leading London costume and millinery establishments have been struck by the handsome appearance and elegant figures of the models who promenade the showrooms in the latest fashions.

In my own case, as I was thrown on the world through adverse circumstances at the age of nineteen, I had to look out for employment, all too difficult to obtain in the crowded ranks of governesses and music teachers. Being tall, and having a good carriage and figure, I, through the inlluenee of friends, obtained a situation as “model” in a London Court dressmaker’s establishment to try on gowns in the showroom. At first all w. nt well, but madame acquired the proprietary rights of a new corset, l>y means of which it was supposed a reduction of two inches below the usual waist measurement could be attained without tight-lacing. This eorset was designed on principles which were directly opposed to the normal lines of the human body, which at the waist, as is well known, is of an oval shape. The new eorset, however, was so constructed that the oval was the wrong way about, that, is, with the apices at the back and front instead of at the sides. By this means the figure was made to look abnormally small, looked at from either before or behind—tbe usual points of view.

Boon after the first consignment arrived madame gave orders for all the girls in the showroom to be fitted with the new eorset, which they were told to Ute as tightly as possible ok* else leave the establishment. My waist was reduc-

ed fieaa 19- t* 17 nmlme. which i» very small, as I na 9im ia height, adM have a 3Jin. bust.

The pain ami general discomfurt through having to wear corsets which thrust one's iixternuJi organs into an uu natural position was considerable, and one or two of the girls got qpite ill—one with jaundice, so. that she had to give up the place. Th further aid. in th* effect, only a thin chemise was worn under the corset, the thickness caused pj clothing at the waist-line being- duaA away with by having a combination underskirt and knickers fastened to iho bottom of the eorset by patent hooks so as. to avoid any undue fullness at the

waist line. Of course the eustomers, who came fo» new gowns lead Hie merits of this very superior eorset pointed out to them, the superb figures of the models being a walking advertisement , and quite a large number were sold.