Kylie Minogue started her latest world tour wearing an elaborate corset made by South African-born Mark Pullin (43), known as Mr Pearl. The much-talked about corset gave Kylie a 20 inch waist. Mr Pearl has worn an 18 inch corset day and night for more than 10 years. He lives in Paris and has a studio behind Notre Dame Cathedral, where he designs and hand-makes corsets for clients including Jerry Hall. He also created the beaded wedding corset worn by Victoria Beckham. Kylie's corset cost £30,000.
Mark Pullin is the eldest son of an English toolmaker, Neil, and Yvette, a secretary. His father still lives in Johannesburg. He has a brother, Grant, a motorcycle mechanic and father of two who lives in Knysna. Mark was married to South African actress, Terry Norton, for 2 years before he became Mr Pearl and setting up as a corset-maker in London in 1994. He moved to Paris in 2002. He became fascinated by corsets when he lived with his grandparents, Hetty and Ruben Searle, in Rustenberg, after his parents separated. His grandmother wore corsets.
