The Beauty Chronicles

Barbie meets Frankenstein

An anonymous reviewer of Emily Bronte's novel Wuthering Heights wrote that the gothic masterpiece was filled with “vulgar depravity and unnatural horrors” (Graham’s Magazine, 1848). This episode is darker than some others we've made. It includes discussions about the book’s depictions of abuse, degradation, and sadism. We review the latest film adaptation, by Emerald Fennell, and discuss whitewashing, colour-blind casting, vibe filmmaking, class issues, sex scenes, and jewellery made of hair.

Too Tall to Tame: From Taylor Swift to Brienne of Tarth

Goddesses, giantesses, 50-foot women. In this episode we look at what it means for women to be tall, extra tall, and enormous. From sexual fetishes to Taylor Swift videos; From platform shoes to girls prescribed oestrogen to stunt their growth. Joining us are special guests Brienne of Tarth, Ice Spice, and Her Royal Highness Princess Diana.

Sheer Genius or Barely There? Bianca Censori and the Art of Nylon

In this episode Carla and Meredith take a dive deep into the mysteries of Bianca Censori, otherwise known as the wife of Ye. What does her nudity mean, and why are people so keen to see her as a victim? We discuss her dildo pants, her silence, and  what she owes to the genius feminist sculptor Louise Bourgeois. * Bianca's "Nylons" line of jewellery: https://issuu.com/bcensori/docs/nylons_look_book_2013_issuu [https://issuu.com/bcensori/docs/nylons_look_book_2013_issuu] * That Grammys moment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jta6UbnJ9v8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jta6UbnJ9v8]  * LouiseBourgeois: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/louise-bourgeois_n_6251564 [https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/louise-bourgeois_n_6251564] * Sarah Lucas: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/sarah-lucas [https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/sarah-lucas] * Polly Borland: https://awarewomenartists.com/en/artiste/polly-borland/ [https://awarewomenartists.com/en/artiste/polly-borland/] * Shirin Fakhim: https://www.saatchigallery.com/artist/shirin_fakhim [https://www.saatchigallery.com/artist/shirin_fakhim] * Julia Fox: https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/article/66276/1/julia-fox-wore-her-hair-and-not-much-else-at-the-oscars-after-party [https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/article/66276/1/julia-fox-wore-her-hair-and-not-much-else-at-the-oscars-after-party] * Mary Magdalen: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Folio-211v-Birago-St-Mary-M.jpg [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Folio-211v-Birago-St-Mary-M.jpg]

Forever Face: The Beautiful Life of Jocelyn Wildenstein

Her face was like no other. Until it was suddenly like many others. In this podcast we trace Jocelyn Wildenstein's life and cosmetic surgery. Recorded just before her death, Meredith and Carla uncover the power, the sexism, the glamour, and the hatred around this iconic figure. Mini Timeline of (some of) Jocelyn's many faces [https://www.flickr.com/photos/angel_miller26/6838061956] Original 1997 New York Magazine cover [https://plasticsurgeryamerica.blogspot.com/2011/01/story-behind-face.html] Jocelyn's 2021 version of the New York Magazine cover [https://www.instagram.com/p/CSR2MUKLim2/] Tiago Azevedoart [https://www.instagram.com/tiagoazevedoart] Anastasia [https://www.instagram.com/justqueen88]

Cartoon Bloodbath: Monstro Elisasue and The Substance

What is there to love about the monster in The Substance? In this episode we talk about cosmetic surgery, body horror, mother-daughter relationships, Demi Moore, and how bums have replaced boobs in our cultural imaginaries. Warning: spoilers and disgusting descriptions.