Dita Von Teese

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Dita Von Teese
Von Teese at a book signing
Born (1972-09-28) September 28, 1972 (age 51)
Rochester, MI
OccupationBurlesque Model
Spouse
​
(m. 2005⁠–⁠2007)​
Websitehttp://www.dita.net

Dita Von Teese (born September 28, 1972 in Rochester, MI) is an American burlesque artist, model and actress.

Early life

Dita Von Teese was born Heather Sweet[1] on September 28, 1972 in Rochester, Michigan, the middle of three daughters.[2] Her mother was a manicurist and her father was a machinist[3] at a company that made graphite.[2]

Von Teese is well known for her fascination with 1940s cinema and classic retro style. This began at a young age and was fostered by her mother, who would buy clothes for her daughter to dress up in. Her mother was a fan of old, Golden-era Hollywood films, and it was from her that Von Teese developed a fascination with the actresses of that day, especially Betty Grable, an actress that she frequently cites as her favorite.

She was classically trained as a ballet dancer from an early age, and danced solo at age thirteen for a local ballet company. Though she originally wanted to be a ballerina, Von Teese states that "By 15 I was as good as I’d ever be".[3] She was later to incorporate this element into her burlesque shows, where she frequently goes en pointe.

The family relocated from Michigan to Orange County, California when her father's job moved.[2] Von Teese attended University High School in Irvine.[4]

As a teenager, Von Teese's mother took her to buy her first bra, made from plain white cotton, and gave her a plastic egg containing a pair of wrinkly, flesh-colored tights.[4] Von Teese says she was disappointed as she had been hoping to receive beautiful lacy garments and stockings, of the type she had glimpsed in her father's Playboy magazines. This fueled her passion for lingerie. She worked in a lingerie store as a salesgirl when she was fifteen, and eventually as a buyer. Von Teese has been fond of wearing elaborate lingerie such as corsets and basques with fully fashioned stockings ever since.

In college Von Teese studied historic costuming and aspired to work as a stylist for period films. She is a trained costume designer.[5]

Career

Von Teese began her career in a local strip club when she was eighteen. Disappointed with the lack of originality in all the other strippers' acts, Von Teese created a vintage-inspired outfit, with beehive hairstyle and elbow-length gloves coupled with a basque and seamed stockings, piquing the interest of the clientele.

Fetish and glamour modeling

Photo by Steve Diet Goedde.

It was during this time at the strip club that she began some glamour modeling, before she eventually became a fetish model. Her retro pin-up look, frequently emulating Bettie Page in photo shoots, set her apart from most other fetish models.

Her official website is often referred to as one of the first model sites on the internet.[3] Von Teese has maintained meticulous care to own the copyright to the majority of her images, very aware of what became of models, such as Bettie Page, who did not. [citation needed]

Von Teese achieved some level of recognition in the fetish world as a tightlacer. Through the wearing of a corset for many years, she had reduced her natural waistline to 22 inches (56 cm), and can be laced down as far as 16.5 inches (42 cm).[6] A diminutive person already, Von Teese stands at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and weighs 105 pounds (48 kg).[7]

Von Teese appeared on a number of fetish magazine covers, including Bizarre [8] and Marquis.[9] It was around this time when she appeared on the cover of Midori's book, The Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage. [citation needed]

Von Teese was featured in Playboy magazine in 1999, 2001 and 2002, with a cover-featured pictorial in 2002. Dita says that it is her appearances in Playboy that finally won her father's respect for her profession. [citation needed]

The German metal band Atrocity chose her as the cover model for their 2008 album, Werk 80 II.[10]

Burlesque

Von Teese is best known for her burlesque routines and is frequently dubbed "the Queen of Burlesque"[11][12] in the press. Von Teese began performing burlesque in 1993[13] and, as a proponent of New Burlesque, has helped to popularize its revival. In her own words, she "puts the tease back into striptease" with long, elaborate dance shows with props and characters, often inspired by 1930s and 1940s musicals and films. Some of her more famous dances have involved a carousel horse, a giant powder compact, a filigree heart and a clawfoot bathtub with a working shower head. Her feather fan dance, inspired by burlesque dancer Sally Rand, featured the world's largest feather fans, now on display in Hollywood's Museum Of Sex.[14] Her signature show features a giant martini glass.

Her burlesque career has included some memorable performances. She once appeared at a benefit for the New York Academy of Art wearing nothing but $5 million worth of diamonds.[15] Additionally, Von Teese became the first ever guest star to perform at the Parisian Crazy Horse cabaret club when she appeared there in October, 2006.[16] Also in 2006, Von Teese appeared on an episode of America's Next Top Model cycle 7 doing a workshop to teach the contestants about sexiness by means of burlesque dancing and posing. In 2007 Von Teese performed at the adult entertainment event Erotica 07 in London alongside Italian Rock noir band Belladonna.

Cameron Diaz performed a tribute to Von Teese's martini glass routine in the film Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle.[14] Von Teese's name appears in the credits, listed under "Special Thanks." It is rumored that this was only added after Dita threatened to sue the film makers for stealing her idea.[citation needed]

Von Teese's first book, which consisted of her opinions on the history of burlesque and fetish, Burlesque and the Art of the Teese/Fetish and the Art of the Teese, was published in 2006 by HarperCollins. Vanity Fair called her "a Burlesque Superheroine."

In 2008 Von Teese was one of the contributors to Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna's book Cherry Bomb along with Jessicka, Tori Amos, Cherie Currie of the Runaways, Terri Nunn, Christian Joy, Lisa Loeb, Katy Perry, Samantha Maloney, Betsey Johnson, Anna Sui, and Louise Post. [17][18]

Acting

Von Teese is also an occasional actress. In her early years she appeared in fetish-related, soft-core pornographic movies, such as Romancing Sara, Matter of Trust, in which she is billed as Heather Sweet, and also in two films by Andrew Blake: Pin Ups 2[19] and Decadence.

In recent years she has appeared in more mainstream features, such as the 2005 short film, The Death of Salvador Dali, written by Delaney Bishop, which won best screenplay and best cinematography at recent festivals, including SXSW, Raindance Film Festival and Mill Valley Film Festival, and Best Actress for Von Teese at Beverly Hills Film Festival. She appeared in the feature films Saint Francis and The Boom Boom Room, both in 2007.

In addition to this, she has appeared in a number of music videos, including the video for the Green Day song "Redundant"[20], the video for Zip Gun Bop by swing band, Royal Crown Revue, Agent Provocateur's video for their cover of She's Lost Control, and performed her Martini Glass burlesque routine in the video for "Mobscene" by Marilyn Manson.[21] She has also been featured in a tantalising striptease/burlesque act in George Michael's live tour 2008 , for the song "Feelin' Good".[citation needed]

However, Von Teese has said that acting is not at the top of her agenda and she would only take roles that she feels are right for her, stating, "I don't understand why women feel the need to go into acting as soon as they become famous...But I suppose if the part were aesthetically correct, then maybe I could consider it."[22]

Fashion and modeling

at Selfridges, London in 2007.

In recent years, the fashion world has come to accept Von Teese and her retro look, and she has appeared on a number of best-dressed lists.[23] Von Teese frequents the front row of fashion shows, particularly Christian Dior and Marc Jacobs, labels she is often seen wearing.

She has also done various catwalk work. During Los Angeles Fashion Week, Spring 2004, she modeled for former-club kid Richie Rich's fashion label, Heatherette. In 2005 she appeared in the Autumn/Winter Ready-to-Wear show for Giambattista Valli, a former designer for Ungaro, in Paris. In the 2006 Milan Fashion Week, Von Teese was on the runway, opening for the Moschino diffusion label, Moschino Cheap & Chic, autumn/winter 2006/7 show. In 2007, she appeared twice in the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture show during the Paris Fashion Week. Additionally, she has starred in several ad campaigns. She appeared in Vivienne Westwood's spring/summer 2005 collection adverts and became the face of Australian clothing range Wheels and Dollbaby for their 2006/7 Spring/Summer advertising campaign. Currently, she is a spokesmodel for MAC Cosmetics. Von Teese has appeared in Vanity Fair, Vogue, Elle, and international issues of nearly every fashion magazine. She has also campaigned on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and appeared in their ads. Most recently she has designed a new lingerie range with Wonderbra.[24]

In spite of this, Von Teese states that she never uses a stylist. "The one time I hired a stylist, they picked up a pair of my 1940s shoes and said, "These would look really cute with jeans." I immediately said, 'You’re out of here.'" She does her own make-up, and dyes her naturally blonde hair black at home.[3]

Personal life

Von Teese currently resides in Hollywood.[25] She is a collector of vintage china, particularly eggcups and tea sets,[26] and she drives a 1939 Chrysler New Yorker, a BMW Z4 and a 1965 Jaguar S-type.[27]

Von Teese frequently mentions that her best friend is fellow burlesque performer, Catherine D'lish, who designs all of Von Teese's burlesque costumes.

Prior to her marriage, Von Teese had been romantically linked to vocalist/guitarist Mike Ness of Social Distortion[28] and to actor Peter Sarsgaard.[29] She has also spoken of several lesbian experiences including a long-term relationship with a woman when she was 20.[30] Von Teese was one of the guests to attend the wedding of Jessicka and Christian Hejnal on October 13, 2007 in Los Angeles. [31]

She has been open about the plastic surgery she has undergone, with both breasts and her beauty mark being artificial.[2]

Relationship with Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson had been a long time fan, and was a member of her website. They first met when he asked her to dance in one of his music videos. Though she was unable to, the two kept in contact. On Manson's 32nd birthday, in 2001,[32] she arrived with a bottle of absinthe, and they became a couple. Manson proposed on March 22, 2004 and gave her a 1930s, 7-carat, European round-cut diamond engagement ring. On November 28, 2005, they were married in a private, non-denominational ceremony in their home.

A larger ceremony was held on December 3 at Gurteen Castle in Kilsheelan (County Tipperary), Ireland, the home of their friend, Gottfried Helnwein. The wedding was officiated by surrealist film director and comic book writer Alejandro Jodorowsky. They reportedly exchanged vows in front of approximately 60 guests, including burlesque sensation Catherine D'lish, Lisa Marie Presley, Eric Szmanda, Jessicka (Ex-Jack Off Jill) of Scarling and Christian Hejnal also of Scarling. She wore a royal purple silk taffeta gown, made by Vivienne Westwood plus a tri-corned hat designed by Stephen Jones and matching Mr. Pearl corset. Moschino designed an additional wardrobe for the rest of the weekend, exclusively for Von Teese. The reception music was provided by the retro German band "Palast Orchester mit Max Raabe". Guests were invited to participate in clay pigeon shooting, archery and falconry in the days following the wedding. The wedding pictures appeared in the March 2006 edition of Vogue under the heading "The Bride Wore Purple".[33] The couple lived in Laurel Canyon.

On December 29, 2006 Von Teese filed for divorce from Manson citing "irreconcilable differences."[34] Von Teese left their house empty-handed on Christmas Eve, and was not able to get in touch with Manson to inform him of her intentions of divorce. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Von Teese says "I wasn't supportive of his partying or his relationship with another girl. As much as I loved him I wasn't going to be part of that". The 'other girl' is believed to be actress Evan Rachel Wood, with whom Manson has continued his relationship after his divorce from Von Teese. Von Teese also stated that she gave Manson an ultimatum, but says "it didn't work. Instead, it made me the enemy."[25] Von Teese is not seeking spousal support and seems to have no interest in his assets.[34] The news broke for the public and for Manson on his birthday on January 5, 2007, when he was served the divorce papers.

Filmography

Year Film Role Notes
1995 Romancing Sara Allison Credited as 'Heather Sweet'
1997 Matter of Trust Girl with C.T. Credited as 'Heather Sweet'
1999 Pin-Ups 2 Credited as 'Dita'
2000 Decadence Credited as 'Dita'
2001 Slick City: The Adventures of Lela Devin Lela Devin
Tickle Party: Volume 2 Credited as 'Dita'
2002 Bound in Stockings
Naked and Helpless
2004 Blooming Dahlia Elizabeth Curt
Lest We Forget: The Video Collection Girl In Martini Glass
2005 The Death of Salvador Dali Gala Won Best Actress at Beverly Hills Film Festival
2006 Saint Francis Soul, Pica Bernard
2007 Indie Sex: Extremes Herself Documentary
2007 The Boom Boom Room Adeline Winter Filming

Additionally, Von Teese was a featured guest on the sixth episode (original air date: October 25, 2006) of Cycle 7 of America's Next Top Model.[35]and as a coach in the Burlesque special Faking It.[36]

References and further reading

  • Von Teese, Dita (2006). Burlesque and the Art of the Teese. Regan Books. ISBN.
  1. ^ Mackenzie, James (2009-01-22). "Striptease queen Dita von Teese back at Paris revue". Reuters. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
  2. ^ a b c d Craig McLean (2008-09-20). "Dita von Teese's naked ambition". The Times. Retrieved 2008-09-20.
  3. ^ a b c d Naomi West (2006-06-03). "Art of the Teese". Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  4. ^ a b Katherine Nguyen (2006-04-06). "Dita von Teese: Call her old-fashioned". ocregister.com. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  5. ^ Kristen Dizon (2004-02-12). "Burlesque is Back". seattlepi.com. Retrieved 2007-03-24.
  6. ^ "More Teese if you please". Yorkshire Evening Post. 2006-10-02. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  7. ^ Dita Von Teese Height - Von Teese's
  8. ^ Kate Hodges (2008-07-06). "Viva La Dita!". Dennis Publishing. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  9. ^ Dita Von Teese - Credits and Appearances
  10. ^ Ex-Marilyn Manson featured on Atrocity cover
  11. ^ Melissa Maynard (2005-06-01). "My Fashion Life: Dita Von Teese". Vogue.com. Retrieved 2007-05-25. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  12. ^ Isabelle-Marie Créac'h. "Woman of Global Style: Dita Von Teese". Vogue.com. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  13. ^ Daniel Robert Epstein (2006-03-10). "Suicide Girls Interview". Tribe.net. Retrieved 2007-03-19.
  14. ^ a b "Dita Von Teese - Shows and Performances". Dita.net. Retrieved 2007-05-28.
  15. ^ "Diamonds are a Queen's Best Friend". Queerty.com. 2005-10-18. Retrieved 2007-03-19.
  16. ^ "DITA VON TEESE PERFORMS AT MGM GRAND'S CRAZY HORSE PARIS". freevegasguide.com. 2006-02-26. Retrieved 2007-03-23.
  17. ^ LA WEEKLY July 30, 2008
  18. ^ D'Andrea, Nicole (2002-04-03). "Living Like A Rockstar". PLAY New haven. Retrieved 2008-08-13.
  19. ^ Dita Von Teese Lesbian Sex Video Surfaces
  20. ^ "Didja Know: Useless Green Day facts". The Green Day Authority. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  21. ^ Blair R. Fischer. "Sweet (wet) dreams are Made of this: Marilyn Manson snaps nudes of modern-day fetish queen/girlfriend Dita von Teese". Playboy. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  22. ^ Jonathan Isaby. "Spy: Not an Act". Telegraph. Retrieved 2007-05-27.
  23. ^ Melissa Maynard (2005-06-01). "Woman of Global Style: Dita Von Teese". Factio-magazine.com. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  24. ^ [1] - Telegraph
  25. ^ a b Kimberly Cutter (2007-04-22). "Educating Dita". The Sunday Telegraph. Retrieved 2007-04-22.
  26. ^ "Dita's Vintage Obsession". exposay.com. 2006-12-27. Retrieved 2007-03-24.
  27. ^ Dita Von Teese - Biographical Information
  28. ^ "Dita: Manson is Wonderful". contactmusic.com. 2003-10-10. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  29. ^ "Dita has explosive sex". The Sun Online. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  30. ^ Rosanna Greenstreet (2006-11-02). "Q&A: Dita Von Teese". Guardian Unlimited. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  31. ^ "This bride definitely wears black"Los Angeles Times Oct 28, 2007
  32. ^ "Marilyn Manson and Dita Von Teese Wed in Ireland". The Heirophant (originally People Magazine). 2005-12-03. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  33. ^ "The Bride Wore Purple" Vogue, The Bride Wore Purple. February 14, 2006. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
  34. ^ a b "Rock star Manson set to divorce". BBC News. 2007-01-06. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  35. ^ Episodes - America's Next Top Model
  36. ^ "Faking It" Burlesque Special (2006)

External links

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