The Leg Avenue Burlesque Clothing collection has at last been released for 2011 and includes some spectacular garments. The items worn by the glittering performers are hugely important and are carefully selected to aid the performer in telling her story and must of course be easy to remove. The material, texture, fit and colouring of each piece is therefore essential to each unique act. Following the success of the debut collection in 2010, this years offering has doubled in size. Bursting with ruffled corsets, voluminous bustle skirts and luscious lingerie, here I highlight the top 5 pieces.

The Lingerie Shimmy Set

Designed with a nod to the 1940’s and screaming retro glamour, the shimmy set features three co-ordinating pieces. The underwire bra top is also padded, exaggerating the contour of the performer’s curves and features a long fringe trim, adding another dimension to the garment. The suspender belt complements the top with matching trim and all important adjustable side ties to ensure the perfect fit. The fringe trim is often the choice of many a burlesque dancer as it moves in harmony with the body and therefore draws attention to the body part over which it is adorned. With these redeeming features the Shimmy Set is top of my picks from the burlesque lingerie collection.

The Paige Corset

This satin delight features support boning, suspender straps and rose appliqué. Available in two colours, jet black and vamp red, the latter version has already been spotted on hotel heiress, Paris Hilton. The most important features are the side zipper and lace up back that allows the wearer to create that perfect hourglass figure and, as a performer, easily remove the corset. An integral part of a burlesque dancer’s life is customising and embellishing their clothing so as to create a unique design to compliment their unique performance. This item would be an ideal base, with it’s block colouring and smooth satin texture to add fringe, rhinestones, sequins or beads.

The Pin On Bustle Skirt

With reams of luxurious organza and layered satin this burlesque bustle skirt is the pick of the bunch. The black and red tiers accentuate the rump and the oversized satin bow with train draws even more attention to the rear. The encouraged posture for any burlesque dancer is the feminine arched back stance with the breasts and rear appearing as the most prominent features of the body. The Pin On Bustle Skirt compliments such a stance perfectly and with it’s attachable/detachable feature the all important quick and elegant removal is made easy.

The Kitten Fascinator

A firm favourite with the burlesque performer and enthusiast is leopard print. The pattern instantly evokes sex appeal and confidence, and is the staple of the Kitten Fascinator. The traditional netted veil partly covering the face adds the intrigue and mystery that every burlesque performer attempts to create. The satin bow and oversized feather accent adds the glamour and an exotic touch, making this fascinator an ‘all-inclusive’ piece.

The Passion Set

A cleverly designed alternative burlesque piece is the Passion Set. The stretch net dress would make an ideal choice as an undergarment to an initial ensemble. The dress features ingeniously placed sequined tassel pasties that would add a whole new dimension to the final reveal. Made in two staple colours, black and red, the set is easily adaptable to a huge range of costumes.