There are Westwood corsets—and then there are Westwood corsets trimmed in plush fur, the kind that turn a glance into a full stop. This piece distills Dame Vivienne’s genius for contradiction: aristocratic silhouette meets rebel attitude; ballroom glamour meets backstage punk. The result is a bodice that doesn’t just contour the torso—it casts a character.

What makes it iconic is the cut. Westwood reinterprets 18th-century corsetry—firm boning, uplifted bust, and a carved waist—so the line reads sculptural from every angle. The dense fur tracing the neckline and sleeve heads frames the décolletage and throws soft shadows that heighten drama. The effect is couture theater: sensual, a little wicked, and instantly memorable. True to Westwood’s ethos, it’s a museum-grade object designed to be lived in, danced in, and photographed.

Styling it today is about restraint around a maximal core. Pair it with a black column skirt or razor-sharp trousers and let the texture do the talking. For decadent layering, slip it over a sheer turtleneck or a bias-cut silk dress to channel 90s nightlife energy. If you prefer a high/low clash, ground it with vintage denim, a skinny belt, and a single opera earring—very Westwood, very nonchalant.

Collectors should look closely at construction: stable boning, clean interior finishing, and secure trim at stress points are key indicators of longevity. Fit should feel close through the ribcage so the bust lifts without strain; the lacing or hook system does the heavy lifting. For care, store the bodice stuffed with acid-free tissue to preserve the shape, keep the fur away from heat and sunlight, and steam the lining only.

Culturally, Westwood corsetry sits at the intersection of fashion history and subculture—seduction used as armor. In today’s archive market, pieces with dramatic surface treatment—fur, marabou, portrait prints, metallic brocades—hold value because they broadcast identity in a single move. This corset anchors an editorial, headlines a red-carpet look, and makes a private collection feel complete.

Into Archive sources standout Westwood from across eras. To view or try this fur-trim corset, book an appointment at our NYC showroom: 37 W 26th Street.