ALL IS REVEALED-‘EVEN THOUGH MY BODY HAS CHANGED I DON'T NEED TO HIDE MYSELF'

BURLESQUE STAR DITA VON TEESE OPENS UP ABOUT FEELING CONFIDENT TURNING 50 AND FACING HER CRITICS

- KIRSTY NUTKINS

Anyone who has seen Dita Von Teese perform will be familiar with her elaborate costumes and set pieces – whether she’s emerging from a rhinestone-encrusted bubble bath or a bronze clamshell dripping in Swarovski crystals.

And as the burlesque star returns to the UK with her latest tour, Glamonatrix, she reveals that there will be plenty more surprises in store.

“I love making my shows fun and unexpected,” she smiles, as she joins us over Zoom. “This time, I’m incorporating a fetish-themed act, where I ride a giant red sparkly lipstick! I’m really excited for people to see it.”

Dita, who was born Heather Renée Sweet, was a classically trained ballerina in her teens until her passion for vintage lingerie, glamour and the Golden Age of cinema led her in another direction.

She idolised Second World War pin-up Betty Grable and the original queen of burlesque Gypsy Rose Lee, who inspired her to transform herself into the raven-haired and porcelain-skinned performer we know today.

Now aged 49, she’s the head of her own empire. She’s an author, designer, performer and singer – and admits that she thrives on mixing things up.

Here, Dita talks about body confidence, inspiring other women and why she has no plans to hang up her feather boa and corset just yet…

You have some amazing costumes, Dita! Is your wardrobe bursting at the seams?