Friday, May 13th was anything but unlucky for attendees of Sweet Carousel’s Laced Up Cabaret. It was an evening of exquisite fashion and mind-blowing burlesque performances. The acts of the evening were phenomenal. Special guests included Kira Von Sutra, Raven Virginia, Amber Ray and Dangrrr Doll. Local talent was present and ensured Edmonton was represented at its finest: the fabulous boylesque sensation Beau Creep, Cherry Monroe, Holly Von Sin and more!

Elise Scarytale is the woman behind all the action, proud owner of Sweet Carousel Corsetry, an Edmonton based brand that has blown up and now attracts international clients and big-name stars in the burlesque and modeling world. Elise is an active member in both the local and international burlesque community; she strives to make this unique art more mainstream. Elise lives and breathes for all things cabaret and fashion.

Growing up, Elise was surrounded by fashion. Her mother is also quite talented when it comes to mode so, it’s safe to say, one of the main inspirations behind starting the brand was encouragement from family. Fashion has always been in her blood, and it only seemed right for her to then put her blood, sweat and tears into something she is so passionate about.

Prior to the show Elise chatted with GayCalgary about her line and the world of burlesque.

GC: Thanks for chatting with us! Your designs are absolutely incredible. Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

ES: I actually find a lot of inspiration with fabrics themselves. I explore international garment districts, local shops and online, and when a fabric catches my eyes, I naturally come up with designs. I also find inspiration from my clients: they present me with their favourite colours and embellishments they want, and I am able to design around their personality and come up with a corset that represents them. I am also very active in the burlesque community, so I usually find inspiration from the historic burlesque and showgirl costuming.

GC: What are some of the most unique/fun designs you have done?

ES: I once made a design made out of a box of old lace that a bride of mine has collected over the years, and that were stored in her grandma’s closet. I was able to incorporate the materials together and make a unique, boho-style wedding dress for her.

I have also collaborated with local graffiti artists and made a collection of hand-painted street art corsets. That was super cool, ’cause I got to work with fabrics and ideas that were very different than my own.

GC: What is the most exciting event you have participated in?

ES: Doing a pool-side fashion show in Las Vegas during the Burlesque Hall of Fame was exciting: I got to show my work to the most well-known burlesque performers in the world.

GC: What makes your brand so unique and fashion-forward?

ES: I try to break away from the corset designer stereotype of renaissance and gothic wear. I have an extensive knowledge of the revolution of fashion – fetish and feminism – which is something that I put into all my designs, but listen to the clients to come up with something unique to them. My clients range from dominatrix to small-town mothers.

GC: Can you tell readers about Laced Up?

ES: Laced Up Cabaret is a bi-yearly show I put on that celebrates corsetry and burlesque. I wanted to bring something unique and extravagant to Edmonton, inspired by international club kid and festival events I attend with content I create. The show features international and local burlesque performers and an exciting Sweet Carousel fashion show, with a notably diverse cast of women, men and drag queens in all shapes and sizes modeling my work.

GC: Any famous faces that have rocked your designs?

ES: Lady Gaga during her first Fame CD release. I am in contact with many Drag Race drag queens for custom work, and have made corsets for many well-known alternative/fetish models such as Masuimi Max, Rubberdoll...

GC: Thanks for the chat; cheers to an awesome show!