FAT Toronto ON, April 23 - At Toronto’s Arts and Fashion Week known as FAT, Dianna DiNoble’s Ballerina Biker themed Starkers Corsetry 2013 collection might have seemed to be quite at contrast. But the way DiNoble blended the delicate pink tulle and harsh black leather was not unlike watching two dancers in perfect harmony. The models danced, glided, or pivoted down the runway showcasing ten solid looks ranging from satin and silks, to tulle and leather. There were shrugs, gloves, leggings, corsets, underbusts and overbusts, kimono style dresses, and pants. There was ruffles, fringe, soft flowing fabrics, and silk pulled tightly to the body. The final ballgown incorporated all the colors of the previous looks. Its skirt was a fall of fabric ranging from black to pink, and light pinks and cream to white at the bottom. It was hugged by a black open front over skirt and black leather underbust corset with a black lace sleeveless top. The silk black opera gloves and simple makeup and ballerina bun style hair was perfectly styled for maxim effect.

photos : Ian Compton

- Tasha Farrington

An overbust corset can be as versatile as your imagination and creativity will allow. The Rouge Reverence Corset by Heavy Red has just the right features to allow for a wide range of styling options; a solid color with texture for visual interest and a material, taffeta, that can be played up or played down, making it a must-have for this year and many more after.

written by : Jennifer Link
photographer : Jennifer Link
fashion stylist : Jennifer Link
makeup artist : Andrea Losecco
model : Sarah Viscera

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[ additional images not seen in the February/March 2013 Issue ]

The Rouge Reverence Corset by Heavy Red, high-low dress by H&M, and Cross of St Peter Black Leggings by Black Milk paired with Hellish Distressed Crop Gloves by Heavy Red, Noir Long Cross Necklace by Heavy Red, and model’s own cross charm necklace.

The Rouge Reverence Corset by Heavy Red, ruffle bottom tunic by Heavy Red, and Cross of St Peter Black Skirt by Black Milk paired with Innocence Lost Scalloped Stockings by Heavy Red and cross necklace by Heavy Red.

view the full feature in the February/March 2013 Issue

Meet Jenny Boa, a model who says “I only do it for fun” but has an impressive range of accomplishments from cover model to runway model for big names in alternative fashion like Eirik Aswang and Abigail Greydanus to spokesmodel dressed in latex and heels on tour with Katy Perry. Her “I only do it for fun” mentality clearly isn’t a lack of drive and ambition, but rather an indication of a free spirit who is open minded and can infuse fun into her work as a breath of fresh air. When she isn’t modeling she is trying her hand at other creative endeavors or working as an exotic and domesticated animal specialist.

photographer : Saryn Christina
fashion stylist : Kelly Cercone of Anachronism in Action
makeup artist : Stephanie Lawrence
hair stylist : Jeanna Kier
model : Jenny Boa

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Black Satin Corset with Garter Extensions paired with African Springbok Horns both by Kelly Cercone aka Anachronism In Action.

Photographer : Marisa Pike
Makeup Artist : Giovanna Paramo Lieb Makeup Design
Hair Stylist : Rivi Madison
Model : Rivi Madison

Right, Green Silk Corset with black lace, Green Silk Rushed Garter Belt, and Feather and Fringe Fascinator all by Kelly Cercone aka Anachronism In Action.

Left, Black Satin Victorian Skirt and Wire Crinoline both by Kelly Cercone aka Anachronism In Action paired with vintage fox fur.

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photographer : Bodo Janos Attila
model : RazorCandi

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view the full feature in the December/January 2012/2013 Issue

Bibian Blue, a designer based out of Barcelona, Spain, is known mostly for her ability to showcase and, more importantly, reinvent the corset, taking it to all new levels of beauty, elegance, and edginess. Her recent spring/summer collection, aptly entitled Roses Lullaby, was unveiled at Valencia Fashion Week where Bibian Blue showcased an elaborate array of fun spring inspired designs paired tastefully with corsets. In collaboration with illustrator Victoria Francés, and influenced by the season, the designer elevated the humble floral print to new and excited levels of edginess. The girlish mood of the collection is set perfectly by the pretty pastels, and lovely shades of light vanilla and chocolate, that adorn each garment. Favoring light and airy fabrics like lace, gauze, and tulle, Bibian Blue features a variety of pieces from short skirts and pant suits to party dresses and break-taking floor-length gowns. Gloriously feminine, this collection is an excellent representation of girlesque charm, and definitely takes inspiration from the events of childhood. While the collection may be all sugar and spice and everything nice, it is clear that there is something a little darker going on beneath the surface, and that is what makes this collection so intriguing.

image source Bibian Blue’s Facebook Page

- Ashley Godwin

featuring fashions from Victoria Wilson Corsets and ClockworkZero

photographer : Shane Phillips
creative director : Pretty Deadly Stylz
fashion stylist : Pretty Deadly Stylz
makeup artist : Larissa Palaszczuk of Blonde Moxie Makeup
hair stylist : Larissa Palaszczuk of Blonde Moxie Makeup
models : Jesse Young, Poisonne, and Madaline Zanni

view the full editorial in the October/November 2012 Issue

interview by : Vanity Kills
photographer : Amena Assaily
creative director : Pretty Deadly Stylz
fashion stylist : Pretty Deadly Stylz
makeup artist : Jenn Aqui
hair stylist : Pretty Deadly Stylz
model : Michelle Gray

What do blushing brides, goth girls, and Tinseltown types have in common? A mutual love of making an entrance, that’s for certain. And at least one made-to-measure corset meticulously crafted in the Toronto studio of Dianna DiNoble, where for the past twenty years this acclaimed waist sculpting goto woman has been making hourglass dreams come true under the name Starkers! Corsetry. Whether it be an ivory silk overbust finished with pearls and flowers suitable for a fairytale wedding, an extended thigh-grazing underbust concocted from crocodile embossed leather conceived with Montreal Fetish Weekend in mind, or a sapphire cincher for Jennifer Love Hewitt, the fruits of Dianna’s labor facilitate a perfect fit for every curve of every customer by drafting a pattern from scratch based on the individual measurements provided. “Off the rack” simply doesn’t exist in her vocabulary.

While Starkers! has garnered quite a following amongst faces one might easily recognize from their TV screen, such as cast members of True Blood and Dexter, DiNoble adheres to the philosophy that realizing each client’s one-of-a-kind needs, famous or otherwise, lies at the heart of her company. Dianna’s uncompromised dedication to customer satisfaction accounts for two thirds of the secret formula behind’s Starkers! success. The remaining third is attributed to the magic conjured up by the Gabrielle overbust and its cleavage-enhancing powers. Here’s to two more decades of dressing for excess.

What lead you to focus exclusively on bridalwear for your latest collection which was shown at FAT, Toronto Arts & Fashion Week, 2012?
Dianna DiNoble : It was my focus because it has been the focus of my clients over the past few years. When Starkers began, nearly twenty years ago, I primarily catered to the goth scene and made mostly black leather, brocade, and strappy corsets. It has made a gradual shift to more formal and bridal, and I believe it’s still the same individuals that I made corsets for in the 90s they are now older and wanting something more offbeat than a typical wedding dress, or formal gown. Corsets have also been predominant in wedding gowns, and brides like to have one that they can trust will be comfortable to wear all day because it’s custom made to measure. Also for a custom designed and fit bridal gown,
the price is good.

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image source heavyred.com

Halloween is fast approaching, so we’ll be sure to find you some of the great costume ideas out there. This year Heavy Red’s Alice in Wonderland costume, Alice en Splendeur Dément, is definitely catching our fancy. All dark and dreary, wonderfully tormented, and painstakingly detailed. Heavy Red is no stranger to Alice, releasing an Alice in Wonderland Halloween costume every year, but this year they take the story even further with this new version of the classic tale. The basic package comes with three key items. First the statement blue dress, in a blue that is dark and deep with sadness. Then there is the charming corset; gold and black brocade with a broken heart. Finally the straight jacket; in a creamy white. It can be worn with the straps or without; you are either down the rabbit hole or still just thinking about it. But if you put this on and wrap its soft comforting straps around you, you’ll be inviting the peace of a lost mind. Heavy Red has even done the extra work for you with an accessory package that includes stockings, gloves, a necklace, and that oh so dreamy blood-red tea hat. If you are into the demented and horrifying tale of a girl who’s gone down into the depths of insanity and back again, this outfit is must. Mind you I’d get it for the straight jacket alone. That’s hot.

The Alice en Splendeur Dément Cosutme package is available online for $195 and the costume plus accessory package are available online for $345, both at www.heavyred.com.

- Tasha Farrington

photographer : Philip Faith
makeup artist : Yevdhora Fleshook
hair stylist : Jean Scarabin
model : Yevdhora Fleshook
leather fashions : Creations Flamme Noir

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