About Sparklewren

Sparklewren was created by one-woman corsetiere Jenni Hampshire. From her home-atelier in Durham, Jenni single-handedly designs, drafts, cuts and stitches bespoke corsets to her client’s specifications, striving always for an incredible cinch and exemplary level of quality. Whether a classic black cincher or a hand-beaded silk bridal corset, Sparklewren garments reflect the wishes, fantasies and requirements of the client.






“As a garment, corsets are about the silhouette. But as a manner of expression they convey so much more. A bespoke corset is such a rarity that the woman who wears one commands attention and reverence. Recall burlesque queen Immodesty Blaize or showgirl princess Kylie Minogue corseted… two such different ladies, different figures, different personalities, but both have a self-awareness and stage-presence that is emphasised by a glamorous corset. This confidence is something I see emerge time and again when a woman puts on a comfortable bespoke corset.”






Looking into fashion history the accentuated waist returns to us cyclically, making a well-fitting corset a worthy staple of any woman’s wardrobe. Sparklewren corsets can be produced with anything from a modest 2” of waist reduction up to 8” and beyond.






“Corsets do not have to be extremely tight or uncomfortable… coupled with a tulip skirt or wide leg trousers the optical effect is one of an elegant hourglass even with only 2” reduction on the waist. It’s all about balancing the curvy waist with a voluminous or structured lower half. I do think that a lot of women would love to have a wardrobe graced with such garments, but they don’t know how to go about commissioning one.”







Jenni works closely with her clients, to guide and realise their wishes in each garment. From selecting the perfect shade of silk to completing each piece using couture hand-finishing techniques, Jenni’s intention is always to be proud of her work and for the client to feel a million dollars in their corset.



A typical day for Jenni involves waking early for exercise, emails or paperwork, then settling down to stitch, pattern draft, or work on hardware by 9am. After lunch, she continues working on client orders, finishing for the day around 6pm.









Her corsets are made using industry standard components including treated steel boning, tightly woven coutil fabrics, and two-part professionally set grommets. Interior seam finishes are as impeccable as those visible on the outside, and the overall construction is designed to last years of use with proper care. Jenni prefers the challenge and excellent fit of creating completely bespoke corsets, but is also happy to customise and develop historical patterns and produce standard sized underbust corsets.



Jenni approaches pattern drafting and alteration as an engineering task. From the complex set of curves in an Edwardian corset (as shown in the “toile” to the right) to the rigid conical form of an 18th Century set of “stays”, the aim is always to create an harmonious and attractive silhouette.



Perhaps a seam needs to be moved by 1/4 inch for the most flattering line, or the hips require a touch more curve to emphasize the client’s hourglass figure. This personal and careful consideration of the pattern allows Jenni to produce corsets which are perfectly attuned to the client’s body and requirements.






If you are interested in commissioning a corset or corseted gown, please do get in touch. Jenni is happy to work both at a distance and with in-person consultations and fittings. You may refer to this page for more details on the process of commissioning a corset.






Alternatively, visit Sparklewren’s Etsy Shop, as this is where Jenni sells off samples and ready-to-wear pieces (often at a slight discount).






Follow Sparklewren on:



Livejournal
Facebook
Myspace
Ministry of Burlesque
Etsy
Twitter
Model Mayhem



Sparklewren is also pleased to write for and participate with Foundations Revealed!