I just got the latest catalog from powerhouseArena Books in Brooklyn and the image on the back is scary to say the least. It's taken from a book of photos by Susan Anderson -- with a foreward by Simon Doonan -- that takes a look inside those crazy child beauty pageants, but takes one level further, picking the subgenre of glitz to highlight. Subgenres? Huh?

High Glitz: The Extravagant World of Beauty Pageants is a close-up and intimate look at America's child beauty pageants, and in turn our society's obsession with youth, beauty, fame, and fortune. Susan Anderson's vibrant portraits of pageant contestants twist notions of sexuality and identity, with a new perspective on this uniquely American subculture.

"High Glitz" is a subgenre of child beauty pageants characterized by couture "glitz" costumes and a broad array of cosmetic preparations including, among other tricks of the trade: glamour makeup, elaborate hairstyles, and "flippers" (false front teeth veneers). Anderson's stunning visuals are complimented by a "High Glitz Style Guide," defining and providing examples of the following categories: Beauty/ Formal Wear, Western Wear, Sportswear, and Swimwear, with a special section on hairstyles such as the "Barbie" and the "Up-do."

Each year as many as 100,000 children under the age of 12 participate in U.S. child beauty pageants, and it has recently become a billion-dollar industry. Parents invest thousands of dollars on costumes and private coaches to give their children a competitive edge.

Read the full press release and get your copy of the book here. Don't miss the pics below. Unfortunately, the image from the back of the catalog isn't on their site. The fake nails and the little girls demonic smile are insane.

Photo credit: High Glitz by Susan Anderson, published by powerHouse Books