Woman in the mirror

A wry and hard-hitting first novel from Caryn Franklin set in the fashion world, and drawing on her insider's knowledge.

Three women have bought into the glamorous dream, but what is it really doing to them?

Three young models are brought in to launch up-and-coming designer Elle Cartwrite's new collection.

Each of them has her own dragon to fight. Charlotte has an eating disorder, Becks is a victim of substance abuse, and Tess, the most balanced of them all, has to fight racial discrimination.

Elle, herself, has ghosts from the past which threaten her success.

Over two months, as the collection is prepared for its launch, we follow the fortunes of the women -- their relationships, the way they come to terms with their pasts and, above all, with their images of themselves and what the fantasy world of fashion does to them.