About
Established in 2014 by Vanyanís designer Lowana O’Shea, the Vanyanís School of Couture has become a beacon for those passionate about the intricate art of corset making. Our main teaching focus is on corset making because it provides a wonderful canvas for personal and artistic expression, allowing students to explore their creativity while mastering complex techniques.
Our school is dedicated to equipping students with the unique skills necessary to create stunning and personalized pieces. With a strong emphasis on small class sizes, we provide an intimate and focused learning environment that nurtures creativity and technical excellence.
Lowana O’Shea founded the School of Couture out of a deep-seated passion for sewing and a desire to empower individuals to create their own bespoke garments. She recognized that while bespoke clothing is often out of reach for many due to its cost, learning to sew offers a pathway to crafting a beautifully fitted and personalized wardrobe. By imparting the specialist skills she has honed over decades, Lowana ensures that each student leaves with the confidence and ability to transform fabric into art.
Originally founded in Australia, the Vanyanís School of Couture now operates out of New Zealand. Our courses have attracted hundreds of students from around the world, with participants ranging in age from 14 to 80. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned professional looking to expand your skill set, our classes are tailored to meet your needs.
Our commitment to providing high-quality, in-person instruction is unwavering, but we are thrilled to announce the launch of our online courses at the start of 2025, making our expertise accessible to a worldwide audience.
In addition to our comprehensive courses, we also offer a growing collection of digital corset patterns, allowing makers everywhere to access our highly sought after designs.
Join us at the Vanyanís School of Couture and discover the joy of creating corsetry and garments that are not only beautifully fitted but also a true reflection of your personal style and creativity. Embark on this journey of empowerment and artistic expression with us.
“Wonderful teaching atmosphere –
I come away feeling very proud of myself!”
“Lowana took my work from ‘ok’ to ‘great’.
She took years off my learning.”
Your Teacher
Your Teacher
Your teacher is Lowana O’Shea – the passionate and creative force behind Vanyanís. Lowana has been creating custom corsetry since 2003 and her meticulous attention to detail and ability to get the perfect fit has helped to make her a pioneer in the field. Lowana is a full-time corsetiere, with the unique advantage of having made bespoke corsets for just about every body type, ensuring that her professional expertise can be handed to you, her students.
Driven to preserve the art of corsetry, Lowana passes her skills to a new cohort of emerging corset makers and gets a thrill every time she sees her students succeed and flourish. She is passionate about empowering her students with the skills they need to continue their sewing independently, providing the guidance and support she wished she had when starting her own journey. She is known for her meticulous attention to detail and love of subtle (but extravagant) details in her work
Lowana is the first Australian corset maker to have attended the Oxford Conference of Corsetry and since 2017 she has been a mentor and writer for Foundations Revealed. Her love of corsetry, and perseverance through decades of self education in her craft make her a patient and enthusiastic teacher.
“My Favourite part of the class was Lowana’s teaching – her knowledge, tips and encouragement.” – Tara Moss, author, human rights advocate and host of the Sewing Vintage with Tara Moss series.
Your teacher, Lowana O'Shea. Photography © Your teacher, Lowana O'Shea. Photography © Elke Meitzel
Student Testimonials
“Anyone interested in corsets should try this.”
“I felt good. It was very challenging, but a nice environment”
“My Favourite part of the class was Lowana’s teaching – her knowledge, tips and encouragement.”
Tara MossAuthor“Lowana’s technique and guidance took my work from ‘ok’ to ‘great’…. she took years off my learning.”
(Elinor later went on to WIN the Foundations Revealed 2017 Competition in the Beginner’s category!)
Elinor Lloyd-PhilippsBeginner's Corsetry CourseLowana is patient and kind and a great problem solver, and teacher. I can’t wait to come back for the next learning experience!
StudentBeginner's Corsetry CourseWonderful teaching atmosphere – I come away feeling very proud of myself!
StudentBeginner's Corsetry Course“The most valuable thing I learnt was that everything can be fixed; there’s no such thing as perfection.”
“Lowana O’Shea has a never-ending supply of patience.”
SharelynBeginner's Corsetry CourseThe teacher was very informative, passionate and easy to understand. She took us, step by step, through each stage, and assisted each student, one-on-one.
StudentBeginner's Corsetry Course“I really hope I can go back sometime soon and do another course and I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn about corsets and a great few days with lovely Lowana, the best morning & arvo tea, great conversation and laughter and so much sewing!”
MelissaMiss Meli DesignsVery professional and well worth the fee. Wonderful hospitality and such generosity with your knowledge.
StudentBeginner's Corsetry CourseThe most valuable thing I learnt was covering ‘back squidge’ and curving the pattern piece. There were so many tips and tricks, I couldn’t list them all!
StudentBeginner's Corsetry CourseA phenomenal amount of information shared in a digestible way. It is very well done. I will recommend it and will definitely be back!
StudentBeginner's Corsetry Course
“A phenomenal amount of
information shared in
a digestible way.
It is very well done.”
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