There are few children out there that can claim they aspired to be a stripper. I wanted to be an Olympic gymnast. My best friend wanted to be an astronaut. My brother wanted to be the president of the United States. Clearly, our child-like dreams about the future don’t always come true but most of the time that’s a blessing, anyway. I for one couldn’t be more pleased that my brother doesn’t have to steer our country through the current economic climate.

Nonetheless, while definitely lofty, these were considered healthy aspirations. When dreams don’t come true and people veer off the path of what’s considered “normal,” that’s when you start to see some interesting professions take shape.

Stereotypically, a stripper exemplifies a missed turn somewhere in life. That is of course, unless you’re the now legendary, Dita Von Teese. Von Teese has single handedly made the art of taking your clothes off not only hip but professional and dare I say, even the slightest bit classy. Granted, she’s not technically considered a stripper but a burlesque dancer, which according to the internet is gaining in popularity and has a much more positive connotation attached to it.

Burlesque may have been what put Von Teese on the map, but most people who follow her today don’t love her for her sexy dance moves. They love her for her epic fashion sense. Somehow, amongst the layers of clothing she’s shelled over the years, she’s managed to re-dress herself in nothing but impeccable garments.

Von Teese began her journey as a dancer in 1993 but gained a lot of notoriety when she married rocker Marilyn Manson. Her divorce shortly thereafter splashed headlines but her composure was never compromised. In fact, some might say she truly flourished; she was on her own and now a fashion-force to be reckoned with.

Heavily influenced by actress Betty Grable and pin-up model Bettie Page, her 1940’s retro glam look has changed and influenced the way people view their own personal sense of style. The public is being bombarded with images of pin thin models walking down catwalks resembling coat hangers and Von Teese is a refreshing reminder that you don’t have to weigh 90 lbs to look amazing. She brings a sense of old Hollywood back to the mainstream which, in my opinion, couldn’t come at a better time with some of our current celebrities headlining the news (cough Lindsay Lohan). She exudes class, refinement and a confidence you rarely see.

One would imagine that at some point you’d catch her on a bad day, especially with the myriad of paparazzi following her every move. Miraculously and slightly annoyingly she manages to look perfect day in and day out for the cameras. She’s perpetually polished from head to toe from her strategically coiffed hair to her Christian Louboutin heels.


Known for her vintage inspired looks, jet black hair, porcelain skin and ruby red lips, Von Teese has made quite a name for herself in the fashion world as both a designer and a model. She’s been seen sitting regally front side at fashion shows and adorning top designer’s gowns. She breathes life in to every piece put on her now famous physique.

Although I’ve never seen one of her legendary strip teases, if it’s anything like her taste in clothes it’ll be worth taking a peek. It’s ironic that a woman best known for taking her clothes off is now famous for putting them on as well. We can only guess what’s next for this modern day Queen of Burlesque but we can all rest assured that it will always involve awesome clothes, in and out of a giant martini glass.