HEAVING bosoms, bodices, hooks and laces will liven up one of Oxford’s hallowed college quads this weekend.

Now in its third year, the Oxford Conference of Corsetry at Jesus College attracts corset makers and enthusiasts from all over the world.

Star guest this year is voluptuous burlesque performer Immodesty Blaize, who will be flaunting her curves at an after dinner speech and modelling session.

Another high-profile guest is couture designer Mr Pearl who has made corsets for fashion houses Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, Versace, Dior and A-listers such as Kylie Minogue and Jerry Hall.

The event, tomorrow and Sunday is organised by Julia Bremble who runs North Leigh-based corset supplies firm Sew Curvy and corset maker Clessidra Couture.

She said: “We had about 30 people at our first conference but it’s grown in popularity and this year there are 75 coming, which is amazing.

“The whole weekend is focused on networking, friendship and sharing, with Saturday spent in workshops and presentations from experts and teachers.

“Sunday is the day when designers can see their work on a professional model and have it photographed by a leading photographer.”

Others passing on waist-cinching expertise include fashion designer Ian Frazer Wallace, who was costume maker on hit films Maleficent and Cinderella, and Autumn Adamme of Dark Garden Corsetry in San Francisco, whose customers include Dita von Teese, Christina Aguilera and Kelly Osbourne.

During the weekend, designers and hobbyists trade tips on corset-making and there is a fabric swap shop, corset clinic and exhibition.

The £650 ticket price includes workshops, networking, drinks reception and dinner tomorrow night plus overnight accommodation at the college.

Corsets are still used in lingerie, wedding gowns, high-couture, historical re-enactments and dramas and by costumiers and burlesque performers.

Boned waist-cinchers were introduced in the 16th century but came into their own during the Victorian era, when an hourglass figure became fashionable.

Ms Bremble has been making steel-boned corsets for more than 10 years. She also runs corsetry workshops and courses through her Oxford School of Corsetry.

She added: “As far as I know, I’m the only person in the world who offers such a wide curriculum of corsetry-based lessons.”