A designer inspired by Madonna and Marilyn Monroe has set up shop selling corsetry via the internet.

Brighton-based Sandi Hall designs and makes corsets in fabrics from exquisite Chinese silk to PVC.

Visitors can view designs ranging from 19th Century longline corsets to those worn by pop icon Madonna in the late Eighties. The site also features 1950s-style petticoats. Customers enter their measurements online and choose their fabric and colour before making purchases via a secure payment service.

The finished garments are shipped all over the world from the studio in Sussex Square.

Ms Hall, who used to work in accountancy, said: "I would like to have a shop but they are so expensive. The internet is the future and it enables me to reach places I never would otherwise."

Ms Hall started making corsets ten years ago, when they were made popular by Madonna.

She said: "I wanted to find a basque for myself to wear under a jacket, but the only ones I could find were see-through which were not what I wanted at all."

She said: "A lot of girls cannot imagine being strapped into a corset but when they try them on they realise the wonderful confidence they can give you."

To find out more call 01273 674631 or e-mail enquiries@classiccorsets.com www.classiccorsets.com