The Ornamented Being

I am, I’m too fabulous
I’m so fierce that it’s so nuts
I live, to be model thin
Dress me, I’m your mannequin
…
Fashion put it all on me
Don’t you want to see these clothes on me
Fashion put it all on me
I am anyone you want me to be 

In the 1630s, women’s fashions featured high waistlines and short full sleeves set deep into the back of the bodice. This bodice demonstrates that slashing, popular in the 16th century, continued well into the 17th century. The satin has been deliberately cut in regularly placed wavy lines. Although only the bodice of this outfit now survives, it would have been worn with a petticoat and the ensemble completed with stomacher, lace ruff and cuffs.

V&A