About US
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
In my formative years, I identified what moves me as an artist and found myself in the community of burlesque. 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 similarity. 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 Andrucson 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 in 2007. 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 studio is in a private setting that houses our sewing space and a small retail 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. Special thanks to my wonderful assistant Zyryll who is an integral part of our team.
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).
exhibitions
“Outside the Box: Celebrating Innovative Indigenous Expression”
Costume for Lou Lou la Duchesse Derriere on display.
Iroquois Museum, Howes, NY 2024“Let’s Get Loud! The Heritage of Latin Burlesque”
Costume collaboration for Raquel Reed on display.
Burlesque Hall Of Fame 2024“Ornament & Crime: Celebrating Adorned and Ornamental Excess”
Original design “Mint Chandelier” on display.
Alberta Craft Council Exhibit Feature 2023-2024“Dress & Escapism: Performance of Identity through Drag and Burlesque Costume”
Costume for Holly Von Sinn and Trevor Anderson on display.
Mitchell Art Gallery Exhibition Feature 2021
AWARDS
“Best Costume Designer - Runner Up”
Imperial Burlesque Canada Awards 2024"Top Non-Performer - #13”
21st Century Burlesque Top 50 2016”Best Local Designer"
Vue Weekly Best Of Edmonton 2014 and 2015"Best Corset Brand"
The Lingerie Addict Awards 2012