Dita Von Teese Biography From www.dita.net
One of the faces of the MAC Viva Glam VI campaign, along with Debbie Harry, Eve, and Lisa Marie Presley, Dita Von Teese is the undisputed International Queen of Burlesque.
In demand as a performer all over the world, Dita brings classic art deco and pin-up imagery to life. Following in the tradition of legends like Lili St. Cyr, Sally Rand, and Gypsy Rose Lee, she is well-known for her retro looks and style as well as her elaborate performance costumes and ornate sets.
Born Heather Sweet in West Branch, Michigan, Dita grew up fascinated by Technicolor musicals, pin-up imagery, and vintage lingerie. Best known for her cocktail glass show in which she performs an old fashioned strip tease that culminates with her submerging herself in an oversized champagne or martini glass (complete with strawberry or olive sponge respectively), Dita has performed her shows at events throughout the US, as well as in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Russia, Hong Kong, Italy, Turkey, Ireland and more.
Evoking the spirit of traditional burlesque, Dita is a permanent fixture at high profile events, including those for designers such as Marc Jacobs, Christian Louboutin, Roland Mouret, Chopard, and Louis Vuitton. She also made history this fall when she appeared as the first guest star ever at Paris’ famed Crazy Horse, established in 1951, and also performed her “Le Bain†act at the MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris in this April.
This "Burlesque Superheroine" (Vanity Fair) is also renowned for her other shows including her traditional feather fan dance, her boudoir/bathtub show, her powder compact show, and one of her new shows: The Bird of Paradise, which she debuted in the states at the Tag Heuer/UNICEF event during New York fashion week as well as in Europe at the Zac Posen/Vakko event in Istanbul. Dita recently debuted her new MAC Viva Glam "Lipteese" show at Art Basel Miami, which the New York Times called "the highlight of the week".
Featuring her as a Burlesque Cowgirl with a custom hat by Stephen Jones and boots by Christian Louboutin, Dita straddles a giant lipstick that spins and bucks like a mechanic bull. Other new shows coming soon from Dita…. "Let them Eat Cake", The Opium Den, and Diamonds in the Buff!
In addition to her live performances, Dita is also a fashion icon who has topped several international best dressed lists and recently walked in the Gaultier Couture Show in Paris this past January. Other projects for Dita include her first book, Burlesque/Fetish and The Art of the Teese, a two-sided book featuring photographs by the likes of Steven Klein, Ellen Von Unwerth, Wayne Maser, and more.
In addition, Dita also has her own collection of Full-Fashioned Seamed Stockings with Secrets In Lace, which are available through their catalog and through Dita's own online store
Dita Von Teese
The Many Sounds of Burlesque
Dita Von Teese appears in Saint Francis, The Boom Boom Room, Death of Salvador Dali, etc.
Burlesque& the Art of the Teese
Magazine Covers