Are snatched waists making a comeback?

Hourglass. Well-defined. Slim. S-curved. Corsets. 1900’s beauty icon, Camille Clifford known as the “Gibson Girl“, set the beauty ideal for having an hourglass figure, a snatched waist. Are they making a comeback or are the designers creating an illusion of a snatched waist?

Some might view corsets and shape-wear as uncomfortable or restrictive. Some view it as a way of showcasing and enhancing their natural beauty.

Designers like Mugler, Balmain, Salon 1884, Harris Reed, have created this illusion of a snatched waist. They have used the silhouettes of spiked shoulders, pointed pantsuits widened at the hips, broad shoulders. Cinching waists, strategic use of fabrics and tailoring, adding volume to other parts of the garments have also helped in making this illusion a success.

While brands like Schiaparelli, Alexander McQueen, known for their avant-garde designs and shows, turning heads at every chance they get, have opted for the traditional, old methods of using corsets, shape-wear, bodysuits to emphasise the waistline.

Meanwhile brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Carolina Herrera, Coperni, have incorporated both the techniques to emphasise and create the snatched waist effect.

The hourglass figure may seem like a throwback to a bygone era, but its revival in current fashion is proof enough of its constant appeal. Having a cinched waistline, meeting the beauty ideals, mirroring our icons, has become a norm. It is because of that, in an era of oversized clothing, and comfort over fashion, the snatched waistline is here to stay.