here is an idea i recently used to make a fire safe hooping top--you might want to try it.
I will upload the pics on my tribe account soon!

basically, i found a small child's leather vest at a yard sale (cowboy style with a sherriff star!:))
it was genuine leather, but really small, tho i could *squeeze* into it. 50 cents, so why not.

take the small vest and cut it apart at all seams. then, use a scissor or exacto to create holes along seam lines to tie in corset lacing. you make the lacing from long strips cut from black cotton T-shirt (cut body of shirt in spirals for super long strips)

by adding in the cotton lacing, you are creating ease and space--therefore making the garment larger. and both the vest (leather) and the laces (cotton) are safe. looks hot; will upload pics soon.

also--figured out a fire safe way to paint on leather if desired: india ink diluted with some water (to save $). ink avail in many colors, non-flammable.