Corset Revival by Umme Batul

This design successfully reimagines gothic fashion in a modern, sustainable way, transforming a vintage corset into a cohesive outfit that balances drama, elegance, and wearability.

The story behind the corset:

I chose a gothic vampiric theme for this project as it allowed me to express my

artistic identity through garment construction rather than illustration. This aesthetic

feels increasingly relevant, as gothic and dark influences are beginning to

re-emerge in fashion from late 2025 into 2026. The dramatic, dark nature of the

theme provided a strong foundation for transforming a vintage corset into a

contemporary and visually striking outfit.

The design process began with the upcycled corset I was given. While the corset

naturally aligned with the gothic aesthetic, it also presented a challenge, as I had

to design additional garments that complemented its structure, silhouette, and

detailing. I needed to work around the corset’s shape while ensuring that the final

outfit was realistically wearable. This required careful consideration of proportion,

attachment, and movement, as the garments needed to function both visually and practically when worn together.

Although the gothic/vampiric theme is traditionally associated with historical fashion, I introduced subtle Y2K-inspired elements to modernise the overall look. This contrast between vintage and modern was central to the project brief, as the goal was to upcycle a vintage corset while preserving its original character. By blending historical influences with more contemporary styling, I was able to create a design that feels relevant to a modern audience without losing its gothic identity.

My inspiration came partly from Prada’s aesthetic, particularly its use of dark, bold colour palettes combined with elegance and structure. I also drew inspiration from Pinterest mood boards featuring vampiric corsetry, dramatic silhouettes, and dark gothic fashion. These references influenced the strong form of the outfit, the emphasis on structure around the torso, and the balance between drama and refinement.

Sustainability was a key aspect of this project. All materials used were recycled, donated, or surplus, reinforcing the importance of responsible design and upcycling within fashion. Working with limited and unconventional materials pushed me to be more creative with pattern cutting and construction methods, while also reducing waste.

The colour palette of red and black was chosen deliberately, as it represents passion, danger, and mystery—core elements of the vampiric theme. The final outfit consists of three main components: the original corset; a high–low circle skirt, which I constructed for the first time using scrap fabric sourced from an upholstery and interior design shop; and a bolero shrug, created by hacking a bodice block to achieve the cropped bolero shape. Measurements were taken in advance to ensure accurate proportions and fit.