About US

Elise Andrucson Truong corset designer from Edmonton Alberta Canada.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

I identified what moves me as an artist and found myself in the burlesque community. I yearned for something inspired by old-world glamour 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 similarly. I tend to live vicariously through these folk—and what better way to honour this than to share my inherited love for costume design and corset them in my work.

As a third-generation Chinese dressmaker, Elise Truong inherited the love of clothing design while growing up in her mother’s tailor shop. In 2005, she pursued her corset-making career through researching antique references and studying for a year in fashion school. Elise became enamoured with burlesque, which led to the expansion into costume design two years later. Elise, renowned for her intricate costuming and corsetry work, has catered to an illustrious clientele within the burlesque industry. Elise holds a unique perspective on her work, viewing burlesque as an intricate duet between the performer and the costume, with the story of the act revolving around the costume's design and its removal.

The Studio

The Sweet Carousel studio is nestled in the French Quarter of Edmonton, AB, Canada. Our all BIPOC team consists of Elise and her two assistants Zyryll and Vicky. Our studio is in a private setting that houses our sewing space and a showroom area with a selection of ready-made corsetry for clients to try on or purchase. One-on-one consultations and fittings are available by appointment.

MILESTONES

Costuming for popstar Lady Gaga, RuPaul’s Drag Race and Canada’s Drag Race contestants (Farrah Moan, Olivia Lux, Melinda Verga, Kiki Coe, Shea Coulee, Lady Camden, Alyssa Hunter, Morphine Love Dion), WWE Wrestler Charlotte Flair and alt-style icons (such as 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, All Tease All Shade, Hollywood Grind, Unlucky Charms, The Little Deputy, Man Up: Cirque Electrique, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Theatre Bizarre).

For seven years, Elise helped produce the not-for-profit Edmonton Burlesque Festival which built a platform for local and international burlesque performer communities.

exhibitions

AWARDS

Contact us about wholesale orders and sponsorships.