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 THE PIN-UP
DITA VON TEESE may know how to peel like a pro (with her Bettie Page-inspired burlesque), but this dame’s a do-gooder through and through
INSTINCT: Lingerie seems really complicated—all those snaps and clasps. What’s the secret sexy skivvies hold?
DITA VON TEESE: It’s a rite of passage, a signal of grown-up glamour and femininity! I have had an obsession for complicated lingerie since I was a little girl, because all I ever wanted was to be a lady, and the kind of lady I wanted to be was a mysterious one—one who wore stockings and garter belts and took care in the ritual of dressing.
Could you share some of Dita’s secrets for “putting the tease back into striptease”? But, you know, for us boys.
Lots of layers! Suits are fabulous, and don’t forget about all the little things that make it even more interesting, like old-fashioned suspenders, cuff links, monogrammed cuffs and perhaps a pocket square. And if you really want to make an impression, try old-fashioned sock garters! I know that retro is not everyone’s taste, but variety is the spice of life, after all. Having lots of things to tease and toy with make for a sexy strip, so give it a try and get creative!
What’s a guy sexiest wearing?
Sexy men are those who dress for their character. It might be a tailored suit for one man or jeans for another. But for some reason, any man who spends much time with me starts dressing up more than he did before! I don’t ask them to. They just do. It’s sweet. But honestly, I don’t have a type or a style I prefer. I’m all about the chemistry.
Why does the glamour of the ’40s appeal to you so much?
I love the idea that one can create glamour. It’s not beauty; it’s something more magical, something anyone can attain with effort and desire. I always felt something special when I saw stars like Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth and Hedy Lamarr. They had glamour. It seemed far more interesting to me than natural beauty and/or youth.
You performed at the 25th Annual Macy’s Passport event to raise money for HIV/AIDS charities. How was that experience?
Fabulous! It really means so much to me to be involved with these events, especially to represent the work I do for the MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam campaign, which has raised over $95 million for people living with HIV and AIDS. This Viva Glam lipstick has made a major impact, and I am proud to be a spokesperson for such an important cause.
Speaking of which, the MAC AIDS Fund and PETA are two causes that are very important to you. Why those two?
Well, I remember that when I heard about the AIDS crisis in the early ’90s, I didn’t know what I could do. I didn’t make much money; I didn’t know how to contribute. Then one day, MAC launched Viva Glam with RuPaul, and I was amazed by this idea of 100% of the selling price of a lipstick going to the MAC AIDS Fund, and I have supported it for the past 13 years. So here I am, a spokesperson! It’s a dream come true to talk about this amazing campaign. With PETA, they asked me to be the face of their “ABC,” or “Animal Birth Control,” campaign, and of course, I accepted because I have five pets and I understand the importance of spaying and neutering your pets to help put an end to the number of animals that are unwanted in this country. I was reluctant at first to be associated with PETA, as I am not vegan, and I am not a person who has never worn fur or leather, but it’s wonderful that PETA is about doing everything they can to make a difference by creating these campaigns that bring information to the public about the many ways they can help.
Okay, glamourpuss, what’s your dorkiest secret hobby?
Well, I can’t believe I’m about to admit it…I love listening to Wham! That has to be about a 10 on the dorky scale, but needless to say, I have no trouble finding lots of friends that want to join the Wham! dance parties at my house!
One of your most famous routines involves you in a giant martini glass. Ever get tipsy during it?
Yes indeed…but I haven’t had any major spills yet!
What’s your advice to an aspiring Dita Von Teese drag queen? (Or, you know, me?)
It’s quite easy! And fun! Step one: You need a heck of a tuck! Step two: Cinch that waist into a corset! Step three: Paint and coif yourself within an inch of your life! Goodness knows I do!
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You like to watch, don’t you? Start peepin’ at dita.net!
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