Corset Revival by Hannah Wild

 Hannah Wild

My creative design practice explores the possibilities of overlooked ‘waste’
materials, seeking to keep them in circulation and out of landfill. Through a
methodology rooted in play and material experimentation, I have developed a
reusable sheet material made from discarded Mylar (foil) balloons. For this
project, I worked exclusively with this material – pre-consumer waste balloons
sourced from a Card Factory store in Westfield, Stratford City, located just a ten-
minute walk from my workshop in Hackney Wick. Using processes of layering,
fusing, cutting and folding, the balloons are reworked into a lightweight yet
durable material with both visual impact and structural potential. This material
forms the foundation of my contribution to the Corset Revival Project,
foregrounding an ephemeral, single-use object as a platform for contrast,
reinvention and possibility.

In reimagining the corset, I sought to celebrate its rich symbolism of structure,
control, craftsmanship and resilience. The traditional lines and form have been
amplified, emphasizing the historic, rigid silhouette with a material that feels
defiantly modern. The metallic, futuristic nature of the material aims to create a
dialogue between heritage and contemporary innovation, showing how a
centuries old garment can be reinterpreted as bold, relevant and timeless.

To further strengthen the theme of contrast, as well as showcase the materials
three-dimensional capabilities, the corset is paired with a voluminous skirt,
designed to emulate the form of an inflated balloon. Lightness meets structure
and fragility meets strength. This interplay creates a visual and conceptual
tension between restraint and expansion, reflecting both the nature of the corset
and the fleeting origins of the material itself.

Hand-folded origami butterflies, crafted from the same material, are delicately
placed across the corset and skirt. The purpose? To act as subtle symbols of
metamorphosis, referencing both nature’s fragility and adaptability, while
prompting reflection on the environmental impact of single use materials.

The resulting piece presents a bold, futuristic aesthetic that bridges historic form
with contemporary material innovation. It demonstrates how fashion can honour
heritage while pushing the boundaries of sustainable design. At its core, the work
reflects a belief that reinvention ensures timelessness – that waste can become
enduring and tradition can remain continually relevant.

For me, up-cycling is not simply a sustainable choice but a storytelling tool. It
challenges assumptions around value, longevity and craftsmanship, while
offering a hopeful, forward-looking vision of fashion and design. By reshaping
materials and perceptions rather than discarding them, this work proposes
regeneration as both a creative and cultural act – proving that something fragile
and fleeting can be reworked as powerful and enduring.