Michelle Fitzgerald’s handsewn costumes make a statement
As a hobby sewist in her teenage years, Michelle struggled to find corset patterns for the late Victorian silhouettes she loved best. So she started making them herself.
Stitches in time
“It became like a fun puzzle to solve,” says Michelle. “I found the online costume community sharing information and tutorials in blog form, which was so cool and it gave me a sense of friendship and community.”
A few years later, sewing then helped to fund Michelle through music school.
“I put up listings for many different types of garments, but corsets were the thing that kept selling. Now I keep making them because I love the puzzle that is supportive shapeware!”
Shaping individuality
Often making reproductions of museum gowns and costumes from paintings and films, Michelle certainly has a love affair with historical outfits.
“I think what I love best is its individuality and personality. I find nowadays fast-fashion garments tend to be very limited in the silhouettes and fabrics they can be made of and still fit a wide range of people.
“To instead be able to make something intended for my body specifically, and to be able to make structured things or luxurious full circle skirts, or something hand-embroidered, always feels like a little love letter to myself – or whoever I’m making for.”
