In the twentieth century, glamour has often been associated with the cinema and its stars, though fashion, 'high society', popular music, shopping, glossy magazines and advertising have all sought to harness its allure. The authors explore the origins and uses of the aura of glamour and trace its history and power as a language of visual seduction. STEPHEN GUNDLE is Professor of Italian Cultural History at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK. He is author of Between Hollywood and Moscow: The Italian Communists and the Challenge of Mass Culture, 1943-91 (2000). CLINO CASTELLI is a Professional Designer based in Milan, Italy, and the founder of Castelli Design Milano. A Visiting Professor at the Politecnico di Milano, he is the author of Transitive Design (1999).