About US

Elise ANDRUCSON, Designer

Through my devotion to joy, I have identified what moves me as an artist and have found myself in this community of burlesque. I’m a first-generation Chinese Canadian and third-generation tailor. I yearned for something a little more fringe, something inspired by old world aesthetics but not ideals. I’m influenced by the iconic misfits throughout history and in the landscape today, I surround myself with those who carry themselves similarity. I tend to live vicariously through these folk- and what better way to honour this than to share my inherited love for fashion design and corset them in my work.

Everything I do is collaborative. I draw from performers' ideas and design in a way to elevate their identities and expression. My dynamic use of bold colours, shapes, embellishments and interesting textiles, all became a trademark that some of the best in the industry lust after. Now at the 15 year mark of my work, I am at a place where I want to dive deeply into exploring design around my own identity and supporting the growing BIPOC arts community.

community WORK

In addition to costuming, I was an events producer whose work inspired the local burlesque community with the Laced Up Cabaret for 3 years and helped put Edmonton on the map by co-producing the Edmonton Burlesque Festival which ran for 7 years. My work is highly prized and has been mentioned in the 21st-Century Burlesque Top 50 non-performer category as voted by the international burlesque community. Today, I actively mentor new clothing designers and event producers in the growing Edmonton industries.

The Studio

The Sweet Carousel studio is located in the French Quarter of Edmonton, AB Canada. Currently, consultations and fittings are available by appointment only. We look forward to opening our showroom to the public once a week in Summer 2024.

Special thanks to my wonderful assistant Zyryll Buntan who is an integral part of our team.

Acknowledgements

“The Heritage of Latin Burlesque”
Burlesque Hall Of Fame 2024

“Ornament & Crime”
Alberta Craft Council Exhibit Feature 2023

“Dress & Escapism: Performance of Identity through Drag and Burlesque Costume”
Mitchell Art Gallery Exhibition Feature 2021

"#13 Non-Performer Category"
21st Century Burlesque Top 50 2016

”Best Local Designer"
Vue Weekly Best Of Edmonton 2014 & 2015

"Best Corset Brand"
The Lingerie Addict Awards 2012

Milestones include Costuming for RuPaul’s Drag Race and Drag Race Canada contestants (Farrah Moan, Olivia Lux, Melinda Verga, Kiki Coe) and working with alt-style icons (such as Lady Gaga, Masuimi Max, Raquel Reed, Sabina Kelley, Lou Lou la Duchesse Derriere, Angie Pontani and dozens of other award-winning burlesque performers). Feature articles in dozens of magazines and newspapers (such as Bizarre Magazine, Retro Lovely, Fabric Trends, Georgie Magazine, Edmonton Journal), wardrobe for live productions and independent movies (such as Absinthe Las Vegas, Adore Canada, Hollywoodland, Unlucky Charms, The Little Deputy, Man Up: Cirque Electrique, Theatre Bizarre).