Dita Von Teese for Wonderbra, Image courtesy of Wonderbra

It was no surprise that 36-year-old Dita Von Teese, one of the most recognized pioneers in resurrecting the forgotten art of burlesque, announced that she would take her love of lingerie and teasing off of the stage and into women’s closets.

In January 2008, Wonderbra, the world’s leading lingerie brand, announced their partnership with Von Teese to develop a vintage-inspired collection. Nine months later, the Wonderbra by Dita Von Teese collection was released, giving fans the chance to channel their inner pin-up with retro pieces that comfortably highlight their natural curves while boosting their confidence.

A year later, Von Teese speaks exclusively to Chic Today about her glamorous line and why she has so much more to unveil.

What triggered you to collaborate with Wonderbra and start a lingerie line in Europe?

Well, I always knew I wanted to do something with lingerie, because I started my entire burlesque and pin-up career due to my love of lingerie. I worked in a lingerie boutique from the age of 15 to 22. I had been approached by other brands to be the face of their lingerie or to create a line, but this was the first time I felt that it was the right brand fit. Quality and function combined with glamour is very important to me, because I believe in actually wearing and enjoying pretty things. We managed all that and more with Wonderbra. I’m really proud of it

Why is it important now more than ever for women to add glamour to their lives?

Well, a little bit of escapism has always been a good way to lift your mood. I can’t think of a better way to do that than by making the simple things that we do pleasurable.

As someone who is so passionate about beautiful undergarments, tell me about your favourite piece of lingerie that you’ve purchased or received as a gift.

My Mr Pearl corsets are spectacular…true works of art. Mine are constantly being shown in museum exhibits, as are many of his creations. He is the only corset maker in the world that can do what he does. I wear lots of other corset brands, and I love them, but Pearl is the master. He makes all the corsets and finest garments of Paris couture, and did all the best pieces for the iconic Thierry Mugler shows. Every corset maker is baffled by how he does what he does. He is a pure genius. I treasure the corsets he has made for me. When he stops making corsets, it will truly be the end of an era. It’s not possible to duplicate what he does, because no one understands just how he does it! I believe that it’s his obsession, patience, and his deep love for his art that makes his work so extraordinary. And he is incredibly mysterious…he only makes them to measure for serious couture clients, he never grants interviews, and he doesn’t loan things for magazine photoshoots. He only has clients that really understand what it is to have couture.

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