The Burlesque Pastie, and it's fabulous sister the Nipple Tassel, is an iconic piece of Burlesque costuming. The history of the nipple pastie can be traced back to the late 19th century and is synonymous with the illusion of nudity throughout showgirl history.
It wasn't until burlesque clubs of the 1930s and onwards, which were regularly raided by authorities and dancers often were arrested for indecency, that the pastie became a rebellious symbol. It was a weapon against the censors and allowed dancers to perform nearly-nude with the addition of a g-string to cover their modesty. Different States had different laws, and burlesque dancers were particularly ingenious in getting around them. Some would create a halter top out of their pasties by attaching a piece of string around their neck (The "Boston" Style)! Others would use nude mesh fabrics to create a soft cup bra and then attached a pastie onto, not leaving much to the imagination.
The pasties became an iconic image of the burlesque dancer. Carrie Finell is credited for inventing the nipple tassel. Known as the 'mammary manipulator', her shtick was to shimmy her 'educated bosom' enough to spin her tassels all around! This gimmick became so popular that it's now incorporated into the image of bump-and-grind burlesque, and we even teach it at Maison!
So - desperate for that custom pair of Nipple Pasties, but don't know where to begin?
Let us introduce you to Winter Greene!
Winter has been creating pasties that are sold in the Maison Burlesque Peacock Parlour for a couple of years now, and they've become a household name within the Australian Burlesque community due to their beautiful sparkly nipple jewellery. You can also order custom pieces created just for you via their Instagram profile.
But are you keen to know just how they're made?
Well, we're honoured to bring to you our first tutorial with Winter Greene for The Humble Sequin!
In this episode, Winter teaches us how to make burlesque pasties!
What you'll need:
Stage 1: Pastie Template - Measuring tape - Card paper - Pen - Compass or something round to trace around - Scissors
Stage 2: Pastie Base - Pastie Base template - Thick Fabric (faux leather) - Pencil/Pen - Fabric Glue - Scissors
Stage 3: Pastie Tassel - Cutting Piers - Tassels - Tassel Spinners / Swivels - O-rings - Glue - Trays
Stage 4: Pastie Decorating - Fabrifuse / Fabric Glue - Rhinestones - Rhinestone Picker
To see more of Winter Greene pasties and performances, give them a follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winter_greene/
If this blog and videos has been helpful, let us know below in the comments on YouTube and don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel if you enjoyed this video!
Video Credits: - Filmed & Presenter:Winter Greene (@winter_greene) - Edited by: Winter Greene and Frenchie Holiday (@winter_greene @frenchieholiday)
Find out more about Maison Burlesque! Instagram: @maisonburlesque Facebook: www.facebook.com/maisonburlesque Web: www.maisonburlesque.com.au
Queries: info@maisonburlesque.com.au
Resources: 'Elegantly Pastied' by Lydia, https://blog.playfulpromises.com/blog/2015/2/26/elegantly-pastied-a-brief-history-of-striptease-the-emergence-of-the-nipple-pastie
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