Closet Commando: Corsets Rock

This week for my installment of 'Closet Commando', I thought I'd pay homage to Peter Soronen, seeing as how he has been dressing our first lady. ***Once again, I would like to remind my dear readers that for this segment, I will always don my "Bandit Mask", so that the outfit speaks for itself. Of course I would not suggest actually wearing a Balaclava unless you are skiing or intend to rob a bank.***

Last year I was very fortunate to have a corset made for me by the fabulous Peter Soronen in the fabric of my choosing. With a love for all things Punk, I chose a plaid in one of my fave color combos: Purple and Green. In this outfit, I have paired it with my cropped Alexander McQueen McQ for Target suit.  Usually I style this suit with a white tank and brogues, allowing a bit more of it's nerdy-chic nature to come through. However, this time (by suggestion of fellow blogger Michelle Bonfils), I decided to go a bit more risque. As suggested once upon a time by Peter's publicist, I "tucked-in" the corset (which actually goes down to mid-hip). I think that this is a very modern take on the look, which served to compliment the trouser cut of the pants, complete with front pleats. I added the bra straps to give it a late 80's Madonna edge,  capping everything off with sky-high Steve Madden gladiator heels. I think this outfit says "I mean business". And what I like about that, is that an item of fashion-history that used to be a symbol of weak femininity and oppression, has been given strength (which, I suppose, is exactly what Madonna did with it in her Blonde Ambition tour).

Corset: Peter Soronen

Cropped Suit: Alexander McQueen McQ for Target

Gladiator Heels: Steve Madden

Black Resin Pyramid Ring:  Made Her Think

Chain and Ribbon Bracelet: Subversive for Target
Laureate Necklace: Express

Closet Commando photo by Michelle Bonfils

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Michelle Obama rockin' Peter Soronen

Anyone who has been following my blog knows that I have been following the very talented Peter Soronen since I wrote a rave review of his fashion show for Zoozoom a few seasons back. Since then I have had the opportunity to style a designer profile of him, interview him, and was honored with the gift of a hand made corset (you'll see it in an upcoming Closet Commando segment).

I have said it before, and I will say it again, Peter is an absolute craftsman and artist. His knowledge of corsetry and construction is such a strong foundation for his elegant (and many times edgy designs) that sculpt a womans body to absolute perfection. He travels over seas to find the very best fabrics from which he draws his inspirations. And yes, this has led to quite the celebrity following (I got to try on a dress he made for Sarah Jessica Parker...heaven!), and it is quite easy to see why. I don't think I have ever felt so beautiful as when I have been awarded the opportunity to wear a Peter Soronen dress.

I am just so pleased to see that the always illustrious Michelle Obama has become as much a fan as myself. And let's face it, she has far more occasions to wear his gowns than I (alas), such as last Sunday night at the Kennedy Center.

People, you can see my Soronen fashion story here, read my fashion week review here, you can buy his gowns at Barneys, you can rent a dress at RTR, or you can visit his website.

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Jennifer Hudson rocks Peter Soronen

Sex and the City, New York Premiere 5/27/08...

I was excited to see that yet another star has jumped on the Peter Soronen bandwagon. How gorgeous does Jennifer Hudson look in his dress? Most of his pieces come with built in corsets which flatter a womans body like nothing else can. He studied the classic patterns for years and really perfected the craft.

It's probably no coincidence that Jennifer chose to wear Peter...perhaps SJP suggested it, as she has rocked his dresses before. 

Rock-on Peter...congrats!

Peter Soronen is available at Barneys New York

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Peter Soronen

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A couple seasons ago on a rainy fashion-week day, I dragged my ass out of bed for the first of many shows to attend that day. It was a designer I had never heard of, and after a rather boring week so far, I was lacking in energy. But from the moment I hit the venue, I had a renewed hope for high-end gowns. Peter Soronen inspired me as he fused vintage glamour with a subtly new-wave punky edge. I have since had the pleasure of styling a designer profile on Peter for zoozoom (which was shot by the uber-talented Claudia Goetselmann), as well as meeting him and writing his bio. In fact, my profile picture features me wearing a custom made corset by Peter...which is probably my most prized possession to date.  So if you have the means...and you are looking for a gown for an event...and you have a sparky personality...get thee to Barneys and check out Peter Soronen. You will be in good company, as Sarah Jessica Parker, Hilary Swank, Reese Witherspoon, and Christina Aguilera have all cottoned on to his talents.

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