50 curious facts about extravagant Dita Von Teese

Dita Von Teese and 50 interesting facts from her life.

1. Is also a model, costume designer, entrepreneur, and occasional actress.

2. Her born name is Heather Renée Sweet.

3. Adopted the name "Dita" as a tribute to silent film actress Dita Parlo.

4. Her signature show includes a giant martini glass.

5. Wore corset over the years to have extra slim waist.

6. Von Teese has reduced her waistline to 22 inches.

7. She can be laced down as far as 16.5 inches.

8. She does her own makeup.

9. Dyes her hair black at home.

10. Her natural hair color is blonde.

11. Her favorite designers is Jean Paul Gaultier.

12. Collects Vintage China, particularly eggcups and tea sets.

13. Was married to musician Marilyn Manson.

14. When Manson proposed in 2004, he gave her a 1930s, 7-carat (1.4 g), European round-cut diamond engagement ring.

15. They were married in a private, non-denominational ceremony at home.

16. Later a larger ceremony was held on December 3 at Gurteen Castle in Kilsheelan (County Tipperary), Ireland, the home of their friend, Gottfried Helnwein.

17. The wedding was officiated by surrealist film director and comic book writer Alejandro Jodorowsky, was attended by actor Eric Szmanda, Lisa Marie Presley, burlesque star Catherine D'Lish, artist Jessicka, producer Christian Hejnal and Manson's band mate Madonna Wayne Gacy and appeared as a feature in the pages of Vogue.

18. The couple divorced.

19. Marilyn Manson was her longtime fan.

20. Manson was a member of her website, before he contacted her to dance in one of his music videos.

21. Uses name Dita Von Teese.

22. She is middle of three daughters.

23. Her father was a machinist.

24. Her mother was a manicurist.

25. Is of English, Scottish, Armenian and German heritage.

26. Is known for her fascination with 1940s cinema and classic vintage style.

27. Her mother would buy clothes for her daughter to dress up in.

28. Her mother was a fan of old, Golden Age-era Hollywood films, and it was from her that Von Teese developed a fascination with the actresses of that day, especially Betty Grable.

29. Originally wanted to be a ballerina.

30. Was classically trained as a ballet dancer from an early age.

31. Danced solo at age thirteen for a local ballet company.

32. When Von Teese was a teenager, her mother took her to buy her first bra, made from plain white cotton, and gave her a plastic egg containing a pair of wrinkly, flesh-colored tights. Dita was disappointed with this as she hoped for something lacy and pretty.

33. Worked in a lingerie store as a salesgirl when she was fifteen.

34. In college, Dita studied historic costuming and aspired to work as a stylist for films.

35. Is a trained costume designer, often designing her photo shoots herself.

36. The German metal band Atrocity chose her as the cover model for their 2008 album, Werk 80 II.

37. Is best known for her burlesque routines and is frequently dubbed the "Queen of Burlesque" in the press.

38. In 2006, Von Teese appeared on an episode of America's Next Top Model.

39. Participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Russia, as part of the stage performance for the German entry "Miss Kiss Kiss Bang".

40. Has appeared in a number of music videos, including the video for the Green Day song "Redundant."

41. Appeared on a number of best-dressed lists[32] and frequents the front row of fashion shows, particularly Christian Dior, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier and Marc Jacobs, labels she is often seen wearing.

42. Dito has also done catwalk work. modeled for former club kid Richie Rich's fashion label, Heatherette, in show for Giambattista Valli, and was on the runway, opening for the Moschino diffusion label, Moschino Cheap & Chic, autumn/winter 2006/7 show to name a few.

43. Von Teese's unique style is inspired by eccentric women like Luisa Casati, Anna Piaggi, and Isabella Blow.

44. Has designed a new lingerie range with Wonderbra.

45. In May 2012, Dita Von Teese launched her makeup collection "Classics" in partnership with the German cosmetic brand Art Deco.

46. In 2012 Dita Von Teese launched her own clothing line.

47. Her underwear line is called Von Follies.

48. In 2013 Dita was both model and muse for the 'Dita' 3D printed gown designed by Michael Schmidt and Francis Bitonti and 3D printed by Shapeways exactly to fit her body.

49. Her house is dedicated to early 20th-century decor, including a complete pink kitchen with vintage appliances.

50. Frequently takes Pilates and dressage lessons.