The Iron Maiden by Maxine Wooldridge and Kristin Leitch for DMONIC INTENT.

The initial inspiration for The Iron Maiden was our new found technique utilizing zips in an unconventional manner. This was our starting point which developed into ideas about the emancipation of women when freed from the social and physical restraints of the corset. It was at the turn of the century when women, caged in an ironclad corset, challenged the norms by establishing their roles in society. One of the major overhauls in fashion history was the abolishment of the corset and everything it represented. Women went wild, shortening the modest hem lines of skirts and dresses, lowering waistlines and wearing silhouettes that were more linear and boyish.

The second source of inspiration came from the revival of comic/super heroes and the way that they are portrayed in films and video games. The women in these supernatural themed films and video games are usually scantily clad, more often than not, wearing ridiculously sexualized outfits that would in no way benefit them in terms of comfortability and movement. One positive that is appealing is the lines and shapes used in these ‘costumes’. High, powerful shoulders with a tight, slim, elongated silhouette, clever use of colour and texture. With our design we wanted to create an outfit that was both aesthetically pleasing while modest. We also wanted the look to emphasis the power and dominance of a confident woman.

With this in mind, our design developed into an outfit that not only covered the body respectfully but is also sexy and powerful. The cut of the jacket/cape creates a strong shoulder line while the stiffness of the zip corset tightens the core of the body, also encouraging a tall, straight posture. The lycra suit is comfortable and easy to move in, contrasting the stiff, restrictions caused by the corset and jacket. The armbands also add to the accessorization often evident in fantasy based movies and gaming.

The Iron Maiden looks great on a model and definitely fits into it’s assigned fantasy category as it is not made for everyday wear but rather special costume events. It would appeal mostly to those with an eye for detail, who are interested in the detailing and construction of the zip corset and other components.