CORSAGE

Empress Elizabeth of Austria and Queen of Hungary is idolized for her beauty and renowned for inspiring fashion trends. But in 1877, ‘Sisi’ turns 40 and is officially deemed an old woman. She fights to maintain her public image by lacing her corset tighter and tighter. Despite being instrumental in Austria’s alliance with Hungary, the Empress’s role has since been reduced against her wishes to purely performative. She becomes restless in Vienna and travels to England and Hungary, visiting former lovers and political allies, seeking the excitement of her youth. With a future of strictly ceremonial duties laid out in front of her, Elizabeth comes up with a plan to protect her legacy.