I have always had a great love of fashion and style. As a child my favourite thing to do was to play dress up. I would wrap myself in scarves, adorn my head with a fancy hat, paint my mother’s lipstick on my lips, cheeks and eyelids and prance around the house. Eventually that passion blossomed into a mature form and I began to use my style as a form of self expression. Being a shy person, fashion has always been my way of communicating who I am non-verbally.
I don’t remember the exact moment when I became aware of Dita Von Teese, but I do recall as a teenager saving every image of I could find of her. Lusting after her sparkle encrusted corsets and lace gowns. The hats, the gloves, the feathers, the red lipstick! She was the epitome of high fashion and good taste to me. Even more than her burlesque presence, it was her style sensibility that attracted me to Dita. In Dita I saw the ability to not only stand out through fashion, but to do so in the most elegant way.
Dita Von Teese has greatly influenced me in my personal style, from hair and makeup to clothes and accessories. Dita is the modern incarnation of the vintage pinups who I have always adored. When I see her in performance I am struck not by her dance or acting abilities, but by her style and grace, and I look at her as if a beautiful painting has come to life. She may not be revolutionary in her technique but she is highly skilled in her presentation. Dita brings to life the glamourous feel of previous era.
I was so lucky to get the chance to meet my fashion idol last weekend as she graced Toronto with her presence for a live show at the Phoenix and a book signing at Rosie the Rebel. I was happy to find that this person who has helped to shape and influence me so much was just as lovely as I imagined. Dita smiled sweetly and signed her photograph as I blushed and stared at her perfectly coiffed hair. I hope to have the opportunity to see Dita again on stage one day, but for now the memories of this very special day will live on in my mind.
CLASSICALLY CURVY 