Maya Hansen Corsetry

Here’s a recipe for some amazing corsetry: blend Fairy Goth Mother with Eternal Spirits, throw in a touch of old-fashioned Vollers, and add a dash of continental style. The result? Spanish designer Maya Hansen and her beautifully contradictory corsetry.

On the one hand, Maya Hansen’s corsetry is all sweetness and light. Pieces like Amelie (pictured above left) and Gold Empress (above right) are opulent, ethereal corsets that are deeply romantic but still fresh and lovely. There’s even an adorable pink checked corset that is so sweet it makes your teeth hurt. But Maya doesn’t just have sweetness and light up her sleeve.

There’s also an edgier side to this label, a unique interpretation of the fetish and goth style that is so popular in corsetry. It turns out that Maya also is the costume designer for a folk metal band, and has been featured in goth publications like Elegy Magazine. All that influence has come out in the other half of her collection, a darker, saucier side with heavier romantic overtones and liberal use of alternative materials. The “Marilyn” corset pictured above is a mix of soft and hard PVC, quite a departure from the satin and brocade in her dantier pieces. She’s also reinterpreted her delicate brocade pieces, using deep rubies and emeralds for a decidedly more gothic approach – our favourite is the Dark Green Shadow, pictured above right. It’s almost as if we have the age-old female dichotomy, the virgin and whore, all mixed up into one designer.

Whichever side you prefer, we are loving this designer. We’re also loving that UK retailer La Magia has brought them from Spain, and has made Maya’s beautiful collections available to all of us! La Magia has seven of Maya’s pieces available for sale, and prices range from £195 to £250 for the custom-made corsets. Shipping is worldwide, so all you virgins and vixens out there can indulge your favourite half!