A Brief Biography

The farthingale was one of the first garments to create shape in women’s fashions and "Farthingales" today is, in part, about fabrics and items that create shape in garments of any time period and for any occasion, and for both men’s and ladies wear.

Farthingales the “on-line” store was an idea of Linda Sparks, Buyer for the Stratford Festival Theatre in Stratford, Ontario, for eight years. Importing of textiles and other goods was one of her responsibilities and she became aware of a growing demand for many of these items. Many requests were made over the years by wardrobe staff, designers and even other buyers as to where and how certain goods could be attained. It seemed only natural to consider importing independently and make available to anyone these unique yet basic items. Farthingales is an internet mail-order company shipping world wide.

We are pleased to offer an extensive line of products that will appeal not only to the theatrical costumer but the professional dressmaker and creative home-sewer as well.

Farthingales expands its operations to the U.S.

Seeing a unique opportunity to supply the California costuming and couture trades as well as the amateur costuming enthusiast, Linda expanded her operations to open a retail corset and corset supply shop in Santa Monica, California in the summer of 2006. Farthingales L.A. not only offers and extensive line of corset-making supplies and patterns, but also sells ready-made and custom corsets and costuming and corset making classes. Be sure to visit our new website, www.farthingalesla.com, for U.S. only online shopping, news about classes and events and details of our new store location.