Diva

Her name is Dita Von Teese.

At first glance, one would think she's a Hollywood actress from the '40s. She walks like one, she wears clothes like one, she even thinks and acts like one. Nobody can't deny she's out of this world. I don't know a chick who wears corsets for very long periods, or girdle and fishnet stockings on a daily basis. I don't know anyone who enjoys looking obsolete even at the expense of becoming a novelty. The image above was taken three years ago. I'm not into classic films or pre-war pop culture, but my knowledge of History hints that something is different about this lady.

It would appear strange for someone like me to dabble into lingerie and haircuts and fashion - specially when we're talking about old school. I'm sure Miss Lyka Bergen would say that I'm too primitive to jump into the subject; an art form I have no knowledge about. But for a moment there, my Lady Gaga instincts was stirred while digging some shit on Devotchka. This Burlesque artist used to tour with the Indie rock band and I've learned that she used to be married to Marilyn Manson.

Dita's childhood was as classic as the life she leads today. Born in 1972, she had a machinist for a father and a manicurist for a mother. Her mother was a fan of old, Golden-era Hollywood movies. The ones where Betty Grable, Judy Garland and Jane Greer played the leading roles. My guess is Dita's overexposure to films like Mrs. Miniver and Casablanca sparked her interest in the genre, and eventually the culture and lifestyle of the time.

Von Teese was already a ballet performer by the time she turned 13. At first she wanted to be a ballerina but her repressed desire for laced undergarments as a teenager would open her eyes to costume design in college. Blending these two elements of the arts would become her means of living later in life.

Dita began her career in a strip club when she was 18. Disappointed with the lack of originality in the other strippers' acts, Von Teese created a vintage-inspired outfit, with beehive hairstyle and elbow-length gloves coupled with a basque and seamed stockings, piquing the interest of the clientele. It was during this time that she started doing glamour modeling before becoming a fetish model.

From there, her career took off. She started performing Burlesque in 1993, which resulted in its revival. She is known for her long, elaborate dance shows complete with props and characters. Her shows were often inspired by 1930's and 1940's musicals and films - details which are of no use to us anymore. Aside from driving stylish old cars like Jaguar S-Type and campaigning for animal rights with PETA, my knowledge of her ends there.

What I find impressive about Von Teese is how she was able to transcend her stage character by incorporating it into her everyday living. Her aesthetics stands out among the rest. This must be the reason why she always appears on a number of best-dressed lists, and frequents the front row seats of fashion shows, particularly of Christian Dior and Marc Jacobs'. Her boldness, to walk roads less traveled attracts artists far and wide. Her recognition of their talents - through collaboration - enriches Von Teese 's spirit more than ever.

It's been a month after I stumbled at her profile and pictures in the internet, but every time I have to tell myself how it pays to be unique -

- to rise in a world where difference is often ignored and mainstream is embraced by all humanity, only one name comes to mind.

Hers.