Marie Antoinette Goes To The Chanler At Cliff Walk

Marie Antoinette, the ill-fated queen of France, has been depicted in art, film, fashion, and advertisements. She has been named a martyr, heroine, and fashion icon and has become one of the most represented historical figures by capturing the imaginations of generations.

She remains one of the most famous queens and is known for her extravagant gowns and sky-high hairdos. A true fashionista and trendsetter, her eccentric way of dressing was used to convey a statement and means of self-expression. Her fashion sense remains unshakeable and continues to influence and inspire creatives, such as myself.

Marie Antoinette was all about extravagance and embracing her femininity through florals, damask, velvets, silk, flounces, ruffles, laces, frills, and all things fabulous. When recreating a look worthy of the French Queen, I wanted it to be romantic, glamorous, and completely over the top.

I brought my own Marie Antoinette inspired corsets to life in the signature luxury hotel room named (none other than) Louis XVI, in Newport, Rhode Island. The soft palettes of blues and creams, hand-painted leaf and ribbon designs fill this room while it also features neoclassical lines and delicate details from the French perspective.

Each one of my corsets is very ornate and unique. Nayani is wearing our ultra-feminine, conical waist corset in pink. I used three different fabrics for this corset that includes pink velvet, textured velvet and floral printed cotton. It is embellished with hand-beaded trims, Swarovski crystals, and hand-dyed lace appliques.

I am wearing the very elegant and sophisticated pale blue and gold corset with draped, off-the-shoulder sleeves. Like all of our corsets, the sleeves allow my arms full range of motion, as I am able to extend my hands over my shoulders. Two gold laces are hand-sewn throughout the corset, one is beaded and the other has an eyelash edge. Crystals are strategically sewn, as I like to include special details that are not always so visible.

We spent an afternoon sipping tea, enjoying champagne, and eating pastries and cake. I think the Queen would approve!