UNTIL Madonna strode on stage in Jean-Paul Gaultier's cone cupped creation, most people probably thought the only corset wearers left were old ladies in pink stays. But the fetish fraternity never stopped buying them because they knew that a corset has all sorts of erotic uses - a sort of straightjacket of all trades - and is an essential item in any self respecting sexual sophisticate's wardrobe.

Corsets have always been popular with transvestites, as they can instantly acquire a curvier, more convincing feminine line under their clothes, without awkward padding. Corsets feature frequently in cross dressing fiction and the popular TV fantasy of being forced into frocks is enhanced by being tightly laced.

Bondage fans will also love that sensation of constriction and will make the most of the long laces, which are perfect for attaching the wearer to a bed or table, tying the hands together or binding their arms to their sides.

There is also a lot of scope for domination games; apart from the bondage angle, there is nothing like lacing someone tightly to emphasise your control over them and the long loops are a convenient alternative to the collar and lead for pulling them around. The bottom is left bare, so you can keep your slave dressed in their corset and still bend them over for a spanking - and, of course, the genitals are uncovered as well, ready for display, punishment or sexual service! You could order your slave to wear their corset under their normal work clothes, as a mild penance and an unseen but effective reminder of their submissive state.

A tightly laced corset is not just the preserve of slaves - mistresses will also enjoy the way it enhances their bodies, making them even more sexually attractive while at the same time the upright, unyielding posture reinforces their authority and inaccessibility.

One dominant lady who regularly wears corsets says "I have five in my wardrobe and I always feel good when I am pulled in; I get tremendous confidence from the instant amazing figure it gives me. On my wedding day I wore a white one over my dress, laced down to 21 inches, which was terrific. You just have to remember to put your boots on before your corset - otherwise you can't bend down. Even better, get your slave to do it for you!"

If you feel like indulging in a spot of fantasy, a corset is a great inspiration, fitting into all sorts of scenarios; wear it with long cotton bloomers and transform yourself into a Victorian maid, tavern wench or southern belle; wear it with a long skirt and a feather boa for a glamorous film star look; or team it with a G-string, stockings and suspenders and become a hooker for the night - restricting your waist needn't restrict your imagination.

Find a fabulous selection of corsets and other articles at Axfords.