Fashion and accessories, cosmetics and fragrances, but also surgery, sport and nutrition – all this and much more is part of the beauty industry, which generates more than 500 billion US dollars in retail sales worldwide. But where do the trends come from? Who determines what beauty is and how men and women can achieve it?

The spectrum of around 800 exhibits ranges from dresses and shaping underwear to hair curlers, razors, lipsticks and gym paraphernalia through to cosmetic surgery items such as syringes and breast implants. Highlights include the dress and crown of the first and only German Miss Universe Marlene Schmidt (1961) and a Yves Saint Laurent costume worn by Marlene Dietrich in the 1970s. Video interviews with protagonists from the industry, including a cosmetic surgeon, the head of a cosmetics company, the operator of a modeling agency and a curve model, provide insights into various business areas. Many hands-on stations, mirrors, a catwalk and a selfie station invite visitors to explore their own attitude to beauty.