Having graced the stage myself in years past, there’s no denying that the copious amounts of glitter and Swarovski crystals in the world of burlesque appealed to my magpie tendencies. Whilst I’ve hung up my pasties to focus on photography, I still enjoy being an active part of the burlesque community and it is most definitely a perk of the job to see some of those sensational burlesque costumes up close! With that in mind, I thought it might be time to introduce to you five of my favourite UK based burlesque costume makers to help you realise your dream costume for your next act.

Before branching out into costume design, Beau Rocks was an established burlesque performer in her own right, which means her understanding of burlesque costumes is like no other. Whilst the overall look of a costume is clearly important and reflected in her bespoke offerings and custom dye service, Beau goes even further to assess the practical elements for a performer, such as making sure lingerie is made with a wide crotch and back to make sure everything stays in place while you are on stage. Her professional approach to the practicalities and the finish of your piece is spot on and her nipple tassels and ostrich fans and boas are the best in business.

Looking for a decadent underlayer for your burlesque costume? Lovechild Boudoir are lingerie creators from North Yorkshire and have been leading the way for a long time in harness lingerie. Everything is handmade in Lovechild Boudoir’s vegan friendly HQ, including body cages, booty cages and harnesses. They also have a Killer Curves range – offering products up to a size 26 – as well as a range for male identifying clients too.

Looking for a statement headpiece to put the cherry on your new burlesque costume? Discordia Designs create the most incredible custom headwear with a dark and alluring twist. They have a boutique as well and have also started doing matching neckwear and opulent bra pieces. With skulls and seashells featuring heavily, these statement pieces truly are wearable pieces of art. I haven’t had the opportunity to photograph any yet, but Raven Six would have loved one of these back in the day!

Rosie Red Corsetry is a designer of bespoke corsets, bridal gowns and now exquisite floor length boudoir robes! With enough fabric involved to demand a dressing room of their own, Rosie Red’s gowns are super luxurious and perfect for swooshing around in, either onstage or on your next boudoir shoot. And even better news: Rosie offers all her robes in sizes UK8-30!

Looking for couture corsetry? WytePhantom is a one woman business specialising in Victorian and Neo Victorian corsetry and clothing. Run by Jennifer Garside, she predominantly makes one of a kind items and her couture pieces are sought after in the burlesque scene, Offering fully bespoke without the worry of someone else having exactly the same burlesque costume as you, I really recommend checking out her portfolio!

Inspired? I can’t wait to see your new burlesque costume when its all done! You can find more information on sourcing rhinestones for your burlesque costume here – and don’t forget to book in with me for it’s debut photoshoot!