Those buckles you see go to straps (showing at the edge of the frame) that winch tight (like backpack straps) on the front of the corset. It's supposed to be easier to lace yourself in that way - I have no personal experience. You can buy the sliders on Vena Cava or Corsetmaking.com in various sizes.

It was big in the '50s, girdles and such.

That's a lovely picture - fan lacing makes such elegant patterns out of the lacing.

Just thought I'd share this with you because I've never seen anything like it and you may not have either -

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It looks incredible! I just wonder how it's possible to lace up something like that! I'm also wondering how you get out of it I would love to have a stab at making this one day.

Here's a website with more details if you want them (don't know how trustworthy it is though) - Fan Lacing Corsets