In true homage to Hollywood's skinny starlets, one of the thinnest buildings in the world is nearing completion in New York City.

The 172m high tower 785 Eighth Avenue has just 5.08m of frontage on 48th Street and just 7m on Eighth Avenue.

The anorexic building, designed by Ismael Lavya Architects, has a height to width ratio of 33.98 to 1 at its' skinniest point. Its' maximum width is just 7.18m.

The residential building isn't all lean and mean though - a bit like a muffin-top, it includes areas that expand over into its' neighbours' airspace.

Construction is underway, with residents of the 100 apartments to move in next year.