Among the many influential figures who defined the world of corsetry, it is imperative to not overlook the role of the courtier within the royal court. They played a crucial role in shaping fashion trends and standards of beauty. Known for curating the ideal image of their patrons, courtiers were the trendsetters of their times, their preferences echoing throughout history.
The courtier's influence, combined with Queen Victoria's personal preference for corsetry, helped create the widespread escalation of corset use during the Victorian Era. Throughout her reign, corsets became increasingly elaborate and the reduction of the waist significantly exaggerated. From the intricately laced design made of canvas to the highly decorative details, courtiers played a significant part in bringing these stylistic elements to the fore.
Moreover, they held sway over many of the beauty constructs that have defined women's fashion for generations. The soft silhouette with moderate waist reduction, the high necklines, puffed sleeves, and other popular Victorian trends all bear the signature of the courtiers' influence. Their expert guidance, after all, was what dictated the shape, style, and functionality of the corsets worn by women in the upper echelons of society. These preferences would, in turn, filter down through the social strata, affecting the designs available to women of all classes.
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