I have mixed feelings about Dita Von Teese. I think she is absolutely gorgeous and represents classic vintage beauty, but don’t know if I like the burlesque image she creates for herself. I’m a little torn. I love her style, and she photographs very well. I realized I didn’t know much about her, so I did some research and this is what I found:
Von Teese was born Heather Renee Sweet in 1972. Her mother was a manicurist and her father a machinist. She is mostly of Armenian descent, which surprised me. 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.
She was a ballerina, but stopped training at age 15, saying she was as good as she was ever going to be. She now incorporates some of her ballet moves into her burlesque routines.
Her family moved from Michigan to Orange County, CA. where Von Teese attended University High School in Irvine.
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.
Because of her frequent wear of corsets, she was able to reduce her waist to a size 22″, and she can lace it down to about a 16’5″. She has posed for playboy 3 times.
Von Teese is best known for her burlesque routines and is frequently dubbed “the Queen of Burlesque” in the press. Von Teese began performing burlesque in 1993 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.
Her famed beauty mark is not real, but was tattooed on her face. Here are some images of her. Enjoy!
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my absolute icon. no one does burlesque better!
Fascinating post, sweet dear, I knew some facts about DVT, but certainly learned a lot here. I admire her style a great deal and agree that she photographs beautifully.
Wishing you a marvelous weekend – big hugs!
♥ Jessica
I “see” her a lot but really knew nothing about her…always good to find out more..I love info like this.
Holly
I’ve recently discovered her but she really does have tremendous style! I love her military pic.
P.S. Thank you for your comment. I think I fixed the link.
iamemmamusic.blogspot.com
hello blondie!
Yes, miss dita is a stunner. I actually really love her. I know she is bodacious and risque in her performances, but I love that she is ALWAYS the epitome of elegance and class when she is out in public or on the red carpet. My dance group The Devi-Ettes has performed with her several tims and she was very gracious and sweet. Whew! (As an aside, my dance group is def NOT burlesque. We’re very PG-13! haha. We’re more 60s inspired go-go like Laugh In or Shindig!)
Lovely blog you have over here!
alex*
Thank you so much for all the feedback friends! As usual, I tried to comment back on most of your blogs, but will respond to others here. I am so feeling so lucky to have so many great followers (friends) like you all. The comments make my day! Have a great night. Kori xoxo
I agree with your feelings about Dita but all that aside she is one beautiful lady and I will always pause to look at a photo of her. She’s very stylish and graceful. Loved this post.
oh, i just adore her! i did a little something on Dita last week on my blog. she’s gorgeous!
new follower!
She is beautiful and I do love her look as well. I can’t imagine getting my waist down to 16.5 inches, laced or not! Thanks for the post.
Thanks for stopping by my blog 🙂 So happy you did because I am loving yours! Dita is one of those people who always looks stunning! I can’t believe she was a blonde because she looks so flawless as a brunette! Have a good day XOXO
She is beautiful to begin with, and I love that she is having fun.
Was my waist ever a 16.5? Don’t think so.
I have something for you over at my blog 🙂
I’d love to see her perform!! I think she is so stunning, and always looks so classy and elegant even in pictures of her just ‘out and about’.
Great pics, and what a complete transformation from her ‘natural look’, which is also beautiful too!
Woa she is just stunning. I dunno I agree with ya on the mixed feelings about her. I can’t believe that about her waist. Wowie Wow!! It’s interesting tho to learn how these people in current times get started. hmmmm. I’d love to be a model but I don’t think burlesque would be my cup of tea. hehe. Thanks for the info darlin!!
Oh btw, when I clicked on this post Dion was playing the “Teenager in love” song. I love that song & the oldies. Your blog is absolutely beautiful. =)
I had the fortune to know Dita when she came in Italy at the ‘Summer Jamboree’ and I have to say that she is a super sweet girl!very friendly and not at all a ‘Diva’.She is so beautiful.Her performance was fantastic!She is so elagant and seductive…adorable!!
She is quite beautiful! I see your writing is coming along good. 🙂 You didn’t think you would have much time, and look what you have accomplished already! 😉 Mine is not where I want it to be… but I’m happy with the story so far. I’ve just been so tied up with unexpected events, but I got back to it last night, so I’m ready to plug away again. 🙂
Lots of love!
Dita always looks stunning, but I didn’t know that about her beauty mark!
Btw I really like your post about Changeling and the Vineville Murders 🙂
Hey Don 🙂
I adore Dita! She’s such a breath of fresh air in this trashy-crotch-flashing era of Hollywood! Young stars should take note!
This is a great post, i always enjoy reading your blog. Dita always dresses so amazingly but it’s her hair that i covet- perfect with never a strand out of place.
I absolutely love her. Any woman that can walk outdoors and look as good as she does on a regular basis should be celebrated. I like that she has helped bring burlesque back and she is one of the most classy and glamourous women out there! Great post 🙂
J’adore Dita! She always looks the part, and if I were ever to raid a celebrity’s closet, hers would be it! I saw her ‘perform’ at the Crazy Horse in Paris this year – she was sensational! I am a true fan of her and I really enjoyed reading this post. Thanks for posting!
Thanks for sharing this information I agree but sometimes I couldn’t agree with U…I love Dita… 😉
XoXo
I have to agree with your mixed feelings on this gal. She certainly is a beauty though.
I always look forward to your posts! 🙂
I could not agree with you more on your feelings for Dita Von Teese! I think she is stunning and I adore her style, but I feel the exact same way about her image. It was fun to learn more about her via your post! Interesting about her tattooed beauty mark, too! I love that photo of her in the old military-inspired outfit.
Great post, Love!
xoxo
Rachel
Great post! I have seen her everywhere on the internet, but didn’t know much about her. Yes she is very pretty, but I totally get what your saying!! Great pictures!!Winona
I loved reading this and I totally agree with your comment about feeling torn about her, I know just what you mean.
Great photos!