Originally, back in the bad old days, Vicious Venus was a dedicated gothic corsetry store tucked away in King Street, in the city. This was before anyone had ever heard of using King Street for the power of good, not Goldfinger style weevil. Their corsets were experimental, daring, and of cult status within gothtopia: they came at a larger than normal price tag but had far better than usual workgrrlship and standards. Fastforward a laced up fist full of years and Vicious Venus have perched themselves at the Cool end of Smith St (hang on, that’s, like, most of Smith Street now. OK let’s call it the Johnson Street End), and their in-store range has expanded from just uber-haute corsetry to a rockabilly-inspired pin up range of clothing and lingerie, and the high heeled and wedged pumps to match. There are threads for guys and gals, bois and grrrls and even for kiddies of said bois or grrrls, and, of course, there is a small but strategic range of gifts and accessories for that goth/rocker birthday/housewarming/bah mitzvah gift.
Their corsetry isn’t cheap. It’s hand made work and the price reflects it.
Their site says the following:
Vicious Venus is the collaboration and joint vision of Australian designers Joy Liakis and Natalie Fowler. Sharing a love of traditionally tailored, couture clothing, they formed a partnership in 1994. With 16 years of pattern making experience and design skills between them, their work combines elements of traditional craftsmanship with modern textiles to create bold new designs. Their sophisticated styles are inspired by themes from ages past as well as futuristic fantasy.
To create dramatic silhouettes, Joy and Natalie experiment with modern textiles, adapting these to vintage inspired styles and old-world corsetry shapes as readily as they do more traditional materials like brocades, velvets, lace and beading.
Their couture bridal service is unparalled in Melbourne and renowned for its quality craftsmanship and attention to detail and styling. Each individual garment is laboriously hand-made, giving careful attention to even the smallest of details.
Both designers enjoy working closely with clients to create unique, custom-made pieces designed specifically for their needs. Couple these fabulous creations with exquisite jewelry and other modern accessories, and you begin to behold the full Vicious Venus experience.
Contact details:
346 Smith Street | Collingwood 3066 | ph: (+61 3) 9417 7449
155 Sydney Road | Brunswick 3056 | ph: (+61 3) 9387 5995
Melbourne | Victoria | Australia
email: form available on their website under ‘contact us’.
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