The Corseted Overdress
There are vast differences between an Immortelle corset gown and what is commonly referred to as a dress worn over a corset. In modern fashion, these terms are often used interchangeably, but at Immortelle the distinction is architectural, intentional, and precise.
Every Immortelle garment is built upon a corseted foundation. There are no decorative bodices masquerading as structure, and no dresses designed to rely on an unseen garment beneath. The difference lies not in whether a corset exists, but in how it is integrated and expressed within the garment itself.
An Immortelle corset gown is a single, unified piece in which the corset is fully integrated into the dress, both structurally and visually. The corset is not hidden or secondary. It is the core of the garment. Boning, shaping, and support are engineered directly into the bodice and work in harmony with the skirt and outer layers. The gown dresses and supports the body simultaneously, behaving as one complete system rather than a collection of dependent layers. This approach reflects historical court dressing, where garments were designed to support the body while presenting refinement, not disguise.
In contrast, what is commonly meant by a dress worn over a corset in general fashion terminology refers to an overdress designed to be layered atop a separate, standalone corset. In these constructions, the corset provides all shaping and support, while the dress functions primarily as an outer shell. The structure and silhouette depend on the garment worn underneath, creating a separation between support and design. While this method can offer versatility, it divides responsibility between garments rather than allowing one piece to fully perform its role.
Immortelle does not design dresses that depend on external corsets for structure. Instead, our overdresses are corset gowns by construction, engineered to support, shape, and dress the body within a single garment. This ensures consistency of fit, long-term structural integrity, and a cleaner, more intentional silhouette. Each piece is designed to stand on its own, both physically and aesthetically, without assuming the presence of another layer to complete it.
This distinction matters because a built-in corset is not merely a feature, but a philosophy. It allows for proper weight distribution, controlled shaping without discomfort, and longevity of wear. When you choose an Immortelle overdress, you are choosing a garment that does not ask another piece to do the work for it. The structure is already there, thoughtfully engineered, quietly present, and meant to endure.
