A Creative Turning Point
The Cirque-Bourgeois Couture Collection marks a pivotal stage in Westward Bound’s design history. Conceived at a point of transition between the house’s established creative heritage and a new generation of contemporary collections, it brought artistic reference, decorative craftsmanship and original pattern engineering together in a more expressive design language.
Cirque-Bourgeois did not represent a departure from Westward Bound’s principles. Instead, it expanded them. Specialist latex construction, considered fit and individual handcrafting remained central, while silhouettes, proportions and decorative details became more ambitious and visually assertive.
Belle Époque Artistry, Interpreted for Latex
The collection takes inspiration from the artistic culture of Belle Époque Europe, when developments in fashion, architecture and the decorative arts frequently influenced one another. Ornament, structural line and imaginative form provide the creative reference points for Cirque-Bourgeois.
These influences are interpreted through contemporary womenswear rather than historical costume. Sculptural silhouettes, balanced proportions and carefully placed detail acknowledge the visual richness of the period while remaining grounded in modern latex design.
Natural rubber latex gives this decorative language a different character. Its smooth surface, flexibility and ability to hold a defined line allow structured forms and ornamental features to be developed with clarity, creating designs that feel expressive without losing their composure.
An Expressive Design Language
Cirque-Bourgeois is united by decorative craftsmanship rather than a single recurring print or motif. Shaped panels, lacing, layered details, contrast elements and carefully engineered silhouettes vary across the collection, giving individual garments their own identity while maintaining a coherent overall direction.
Structured corsetry sits alongside close-fitting dresses and catsuits; tailored shirts and tops contrast with layered skirts, boleros and small-scale millinery. The relationship between these different forms creates a collection defined by variety, yet connected through proportion, construction and an imaginative approach to detail.
This breadth reflects the exploratory character of Cirque-Bourgeois. Each design contributes to the collection’s larger creative narrative while remaining complete and considered in its own right.
Contemporary Womenswear Across the Collection
The collection encompasses women’s latex dresses, catsuits, corsetry, skirts, shirts, blouses, tops, boleros, leotards, leggings, lingerie, hosiery, millinery and coordinating accessories.
Individual pieces can introduce a particular Cirque-Bourgeois silhouette or decorative detail, while coordinating designs allow its shared visual language to continue across a more complete look. Colour, contrast and construction options vary by garment, with each product page showing the choices available for that design.
Individually Developed & Handcrafted in Plymouth
Every Cirque-Bourgeois piece is individually designed, pattern-cut, handcrafted and meticulously finished in our Plymouth workshop from natural rubber latex (NRL) sheeting.
Design development, pattern engineering, construction and finishing remain closely connected throughout production. This integrated approach allows decorative concepts to be resolved alongside fit, movement and proportion, ensuring that expressive details remain part of the garment’s underlying structure.
Learn more about how Westward Bound clothing is designed, pattern-cut and handcrafted in England.
Choosing Your Size, Colour & Design
Because Cirque-Bourgeois spans fitted garments, structured corsetry, separates, lingerie, hosiery and accessories, sizing options vary by design. Individual product pages confirm the Standard and Bespoke sizing available for each garment, together with its colour choices and construction details.
Our Latex Clothing Size & Measuring Guide explains how to select your size, take accurate measurements and use our international size conversions.
For advice on cleaning, drying, polishing and storing natural rubber latex, refer to How to Care for Latex Clothing: Cleaning, Storage & Polishing.
From Montréal to a New Creative Direction
The Cirque-Bourgeois Couture Collection was originally unveiled during a Westward Bound fashion presentation in Montréal, Québec. It captured a moment when heritage, artistic influence and technical development converged, establishing a more expressive direction within the house’s contemporary womenswear.
Cirque-Bourgeois remains a defining part of Westward Bound’s design heritage. Its combination of sculptural form, decorative craftsmanship and original construction records an important creative transition while continuing to stand as a substantial and individual collection in its own right.