Chinstraps, Nose Moulds and Corsets

the long version

This work charts 120 years of women's vanity, frailty and delight. Centuries of advertising have beguiled women into buying things to help make them feel "better". Whilst it is beauty products and clothes that seem to give women confidence there are more basic items used as female morale boosters. Illustrated with unique, original product advertisements, it explores the minutiae of top-to-toe beauty: all those emphemeral extras from hairstyles, hats and curls, bobs and bags, to fashions in faces, bosoms, underwear, jewellery, medallions, belts, buckles and brooches, corsets, stockings, quackery, machines and health aids - all in the pursuit of loveliness.