With her blonde bombshell looks and sexy curves, there wasn't a woman in the world who didn't envy Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s.
But the hourglass figure that Monroe made famous is becoming a thing of the past according to scientists, who say that modern work patterns and lifestyles make it impossible for women to maintain the perfect 'waist-to-hip' ratio.
A separate phenomenon is the rise of super-thin celebrities like Cheryl Cole and Victoria Beckham.
Who do you find sexier: Marilyn's hourglass or super thin Cheryl? Or are both these body shapes impossible for most normal women to aspire to?
Does the stress of work and modern life make it difficult for you to maintain your ideal body shape?
Have your say on body shapes in the comment box below.
Pic: Alan Light, some rights reserved.
