Corsets have been a symbol of strength, femininity, and allure for centuries, intertwined with both cultural history and sensual appeal. From the courts of royalty to the myths of pagan deities, the corset has always had a place in the narrative of beauty and power. The Valkyries, mythical Norse figures known for their warrior-like demeanor, might well have been imagined wearing such garments. Today, these powerful figures have evolved into a modern-day icon, embodied in the sleek designs of Valkyrie Corsets—a brand founded by Geraldine Geoghan, which blends mythology, craftsmanship, and style.
Geoghan, who has Swedish roots, named her company after the Valkyries as a nod to her heritage. “Though I was born outside Sweden, I spent a lot of time there growing up, and my Scandinavian roots are very dear to me,” she says. The name reflects her heritage and passion for design, but it is her impeccable attention to detail and commitment to quality that defines Valkyrie Corsets. These creations embody the precision and creativity for which Swedish design is renowned.
Founded in 2006, Valkyrie Corsets quickly gained recognition, especially within the fetish and alternative fashion scenes. The brand made its mark at events such as Brighton Fashion Week and at clubs like the “Festival of Sins.” Much of this early success was supported by London’s Fairygothmother store, which helped launch the brand. From there, Valkyrie Corsets garnered a loyal following, known for both their high-quality and tasteful designs. However, there is one feature that truly sets them apart: custom-made corsets, or “bespoke” pieces.
Creating a bespoke corset is a meticulous and creative process. “Clients usually come to me with an idea or theme, sometimes even their own fabric,” explains Geoghan. “We collaborate to select the best corset style, and I come up with design elements to complement their vision. This is, without a doubt, my favorite part of the job. I love transforming someone’s concept into something unique and beautiful.” This personal touch has made Valkyrie Corsets highly sought after by those wanting something truly special.
Of course, not all customers opt for bespoke designs. Many women are drawn to the brand’s ready-made pieces. Geoghan’s most popular design is the black long-line underbust corset, which is praised for its versatility and flattering silhouette. “It’s become a wardrobe staple because it’s slimming and can be worn in many different ways,” she shares. To meet growing demand, Geoghan is developing more variations of this popular style, offering customers even more options. This particular corset, alongside the long-line silk over-bust, can reduce the waist by up to six inches, although the exact effect depends on a person’s body type. “It’s not about how curvy you are—it’s more about your body’s natural shape,” says Geoghan.
Corsets aren’t just fashion statements—they also serve practical purposes, including providing medical support. Geoghan has crafted corsets for individuals suffering from back problems, offering a more comfortable alternative to the traditional hospital-issued braces. “I use solid steel boning to provide support without the discomfort often associated with medical corsets,” she explains. The focus here is on creating a corset that follows the body’s natural shape to offer both comfort and relief.
Comfort, in general, is a key consideration in Geoghan’s designs. While corsets are often chosen for their slimming and dramatic effects, they can be uncomfortable for some wearers, especially when worn for extended periods. Geoghan uses natural fabrics like silk to ensure breathability, particularly for those engaging in waist training. The outer layer of her corsets is made of luxurious fabrics, while the inner layers include supportive herringbone coutil, steel boning, and soft cotton for comfort.
The craftsmanship that goes into each Valkyrie Corset is part of what makes the brand stand out. Geoghan uses a combination of sprung steel and spiral steel bones in her corsets to ensure flexibility and durability. The spiral steels are often used over curved areas, such as the bust, while the sprung steels provide structure. “Finding the perfect fabrics for my designs is one of the biggest challenges,” she admits. “It can take as long to find the right fabric as it does to create the actual corset.”
Geoghan’s passion for corsetry and her hands-on approach to design have allowed her to make a name for herself in the fashion world. She is currently working on an exciting collaboration with designer Joy Williams to create a latex corset line. “Joy’s latex embossing techniques would pair perfectly with my corset designs,” Geoghan says. The pair plans to showcase their creations at Torture Garden, an event Geoghan has long aspired to be a part of. In addition, she has plans to participate in London Fashion Week and is preparing for several new photo shoots.
As the brand continues to grow, Valkyrie Corsets remains a symbol of empowerment, elegance, and craftsmanship—offering both fashion and function with every piece.
