Dita Von Teese (5:12)

Bonnie, who used to be a former sex worker and now hosts the podcast Dumb Blonde.

Bunny (5:17)

Girls grow up wanting to be doctors and lawyers and. And I was like, I want to be super hot, make a lot of money, and be a rock star's wife. That was my goal as a child. And here we are. What's up, you sexy? Welcome to another episode of Dumb Blonde. Today we have the burlesque queen. Our burlesque mother is in the house. Baby Dita Von Te. How are you?

Dita Von Teese (5:40)

I'm good. Thanks for having me.

Bunny (5:42)

I'm so excited to have you here. Like, I just. Growing up in Vegas, the whole, you know, showgirls, burlesque, all that, I've always admired you because you have always been in your own lane, and, yeah, nobody can with you, man. Like, it's crazy. You have just. You've literally made a. A lifetime of just iconicness.

Dita Von Teese (6:05)

Thank you.

Bunny (6:06)

You're welcome. It's. It's just really good to have you here.

Dita Von Teese (6:09)

Thank you. Thank you.

Bunny (6:10)

For sure. So what are you doing in Vegas?

Dita Von Teese (6:13)

Well, I have a show here on the Strip. Very exciting. It's kind of like a. A dream manifestation. I was on tour with my Glaminatrix show about a year ago. Like, the. You know, from 2020, I was on tour. One of the people. They had to reschedule tours like crazy. And I. You know, I'd gotten lots of offers about doing shows in Vegas, but the offers would come, and it would be like, yeah, we have this lounge. And I'm like, but that's not what I do. Have you seen my show? Like, I don't. It's not. What I do is not a typical burlesque show. I play really big stages. Like, my last tour, when finally Caesars and Live Nation came out to see my show, I had sold out the Chicago theater, which is like 3,800 people, and they're like, oh, I. This is different than we thought it was. I said, yeah, I decided to take burlesque to another level. So I finally got the offer I wanted about doing Vegas, and they came to me and said, we think we have, like, the perfect stage for you. It's called the Jubilee Theater. And I was like, okay, Jubilee was my favorite. And the only thing I did when I'd come to Vegas at Bally's. Yes, yes. And the show Girls, it was my favorite show. Yeah. And it was always like, Liberace Museum and Jubilee show.

Bunny (7:33)

Yeah.

Dita Von Teese (7:34)

So I flew out to look at the theater, and it's a big, big theater. Like, the stage is half the size of a football field. And I kind of had a moment where I was like, oh, it's really big. I don't even know if I can, like, fill this stage. And so I said, hey, what happened to all the Jubilee costumes? All that Bob Mackie stuff? And they're like, oh, it's just locked up downstairs. We don't know what we're going to do with it. And I said, I have an idea of what we're going to do with it.

Bunny (8:01)

Yes.

Dita Von Teese (8:01)

And I basically said, if I can use all the costumes from Jubilee, I'll do the show here. If I can't, I won't.

Bunny (8:11)

That is.

Dita Von Teese (8:12)

And it works. And so we're using all of that. And it was interesting because when I came in there, they had already started, like, destroying the sets and everything, because they have to. They're huge. And like, every show, you know, I love reusing things and preservation. I collect vintage clothes, vintage car, vintage things from flea markets, and I love that. But, like, you know, every theater has to, at one point, you know, get rid of stuff. So they had started chopping the staircase up and all of this, and I said, stop. Stop doing that. And I repurposed a lot of the sets and use them in the show now. So we're using all that beautiful Bob Mackie and all the showgirl costumes in a new way with just as many guys in the show as girls and obviously using, like, you know, putting my spin on things. And it's, you know, the best of all of my. My shows, all my burlesque shows brought into, like, a merging with the. The spirit of the showgirl.

Bunny (9:12)

I love that. I love that not only are you just this beautiful, glamorous woman, you are literally just a boss. Like, you are a great businesswoman. You have somehow managed to keep yourself relevant for, go, like, over a decade now, right? 20 years. Yeah, like 20 years now. Like, it's been wild to watch and it all unfold, and to be able to get a residency here in Vegas is not easy. To sell 3,800, you know, even 4,000 tickets just alone, anywhere by yourself is not an easy feat. And I don't think people realize that. So that's just a testament to the fan base that you have.

Dita Von Teese (9:51)

Yeah, I think. I think, you know, I've. I started in the early 90s. I just always, like, I grew up watching old movies, and I loved Glamour from another time, and I didn't feel like I had role models of beauty growing up in the 80s that I could be like. So I looked to the past, and in the early 90s, I had the first ever pinup website. And so there was a lot of things, you know, I was like, kind of the modern Bettie page from, like, 1992.

Bunny (10:20)

I was obsessed with Betty Page.

Dita Von Teese (10:22)

Yeah, me too. And so, yeah, I just kind of kept on my path and, you know, I've never had really any interest in anything else except for what I do.

Bunny (10:33)

Do you feel like you were born in the wrong, like, era?

Dita Von Teese (10:36)

No, because, you know, we say vintage style, not vintage values. There's a lot of really great things about now that I think there's a lot of, you know, all you have to do is turn on a 1940s movie and you'll see all kinds of problematic things that you're like, I'm glad that's not around anymore, you know, so you. So you do have to, like, I. I'm always, like, recommending movies that I love because people ask me and I say, but when you watch this, you just have to remember there's going to be some things in it that gratefully are put to bed now and don't happen anymore, but you're still going to have to watch it or fast forward it.

Bunny (11:11)

Right?

Dita Von Teese (11:12)

So, yeah, there's. I think it's a great time to live in now. And also, I've always liked doing something that's different and being a burlesque star in the 90s. And now, you know, watching it become, like. Some people say the golden age of burlesque was in the 1940s, but I would argue that it's now because we've, you know, there's. There's such a. It's become a place for inclusion and diversity and celebrating all types of bodies. I just think it's. It's much more meaningful for people to see a burlesque show or to engage in performing a burlesque act, whether it's on stage or at home. I think it's just like, there's a different kind of importance because people forget that, like, the burlesque show of the 30s and 40s was kind of like going to a strip club. You know, it was your normal working class guys entertainment. The stars of the show were strippers? No, they were in theaters.

Bunny (12:14)

Okay.

Dita Von Teese (12:14)

But, you know, it was like, comedy with a lot of, like, jokes about sex and innuendo and dancing girls and even singers. But the stars became. Became striptease stars. So it was, you know. But you were retired by the time you were, you know, 30.

Bunny (12:33)

Right, right. Does. Doesn't ageism plays in burlesque a lot now, or do you still feel like.

Dita Von Teese (12:40)

It'S a little bit better? I think that it was definitely worse before, and I've watched it unfold in a way that. That I feel like it's coming around. I mean, it's. You know, ageism is going to be everywhere and everything, and then there's going to be places where, you know, listen, I'm still the most known burlesque star that fills the most seats, and I'm 51. And you're flawless. I just go like, okay. I mean, what I love is, you know, of course someone can feel free to come take away my crown whenever they want, keep working, keep trying. But I love having a platform and a show where I can hire dancers of all ages and genders and skin colors and, you know, people. People that I think can change people's minds about what a stereotypical burlesque performer is, which I guess is. I'm probably pretty stereotypical at this point, you know, because it's like, you set the bar. I'm just me, you know, but I can't be. Yeah, I. So I. I like to have a platform where I can present a show that. That makes people un. Accepting. More accepting of lots of different types of people and seeing sensuality and beauty in all forms.

Bunny (13:56)

Absolutely not.

Dita Von Teese (13:57)

And all stages of life.

Bunny (13:59)

I love that because I'm 44, so. And I'm always fighting against ageism online. You know, people think that you have to hang it up as soon as you turn 40. And I'm like, I am just getting started, baby. And if I could look like Dita von Teese at 51, I'll be even happier.

Dita Von Teese (14:13)

It's also, like, the ultimate insult for people. It's like the last, like, thing they try to insult you with. So I think that's what people have to remember. I. Of course there's. There's ageism in the workforce, like, in all, like, not just entertainment, I think, but I do think people use age because it's like the final, like a great. Like an insult.

Bunny (14:35)

Right?

Dita Von Teese (14:36)

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. Yeah. It's like an easy. A cheap shot.

Bunny (14:40)

Exactly. So let's take it back, because, you know, I'm sure some people know your story, but I'm also sure that some people don't. And I want to know, like, you know, your childhood, where you came from, you grew up in Michigan, and how you got into burlesque, and just take me on that journey, okay?

Dita Von Teese (14:57)

Oh, boy. Yeah, I. I was born in. It's so weird to, like, talk about, like, as well. I was born. I was born in Rochester, Michigan, but then I grew up in a town called West Branch, which I like to say it now because sometimes people go, oh, wow, I know where that is. And it really is a small town. Like, I recently visited it again for a documentary, and I was like, wow, there really is one stoplight and, like, a few thousand people.

Bunny (15:25)

That's wild.

Dita Von Teese (15:26)

Really small. So I had this, like, picturesque childhood, and my. My. My mother's best friend had an antique shop, which is kind of where my love of, like, old things comes from. And my mother loved to watch old movies, so that really had an imprint on me. I moved from, well, I should say, because sometimes I read in the press, like, she comes from the ballet world, and I'm like, girl, I took a ballet class in a rinky dink ballet studio in a farming town in Michigan, and I cleaned toilets in exchange for. For ballet classes. You know, Like, I remember, like, my parents wouldn't pay for it, so I remember going to the. You know, must have been like 10 years old saying, can I clean in exchange for ballet? And they kindly let me.

Bunny (16:14)

That's a strong work ethic. Even at 10 years old, though.

Dita Von Teese (16:17)

Oh, yeah. I've always been very, like, independent. And I think because my parents were very young parents, they fought a lot. They were like, you know, like, typical. What do you do when you're 22 years old and you already have three children? It's pretty complicated, right. And my dad was out of work a lot, so I always had this kind of, like, fear of, you know, or conscientiousness about money especially. So I was always, like, trying to find jobs.

Bunny (16:47)

And, like, my parents fought about money all the time, and that's literally driven me my entire life to never have. To ever have those arguments.

Dita Von Teese (16:55)

Right? Yeah, Yeah. I remember, like, my mom being very, like, buying something and hiding the purchases from my dad, and I was like, that's never happening to me.

Bunny (17:04)

Right.

Dita Von Teese (17:05)

I'm gonna. I'm gonna earn my own money and buy whatever I want.

Bunny (17:08)

Yeah. They give you examples of what you don't want to be?

Dita Von Teese (17:10)

Yes, absolutely. So then when I was like 12, my parents moved us all out. I'm one of three girls. We moved out to Orange County, California to a place called Irvine. Some people know that, but people think of the O.C. i know there's like some connotations, but for me, growing up in Orange county was like growing up, you know, in the heart of the rockabilly swing dance scene. Like after, you know, in the early 90s, it was really like happening there.

Bunny (17:42)

I went to school with a bunch of rockabillies in Vegas, so it was.

Dita Von Teese (17:45)

Very like happening there in the, in the early 90s. So yeah, I, you know, went to high school in Orange county and, and you know, lived there until about 2000 and then moved to LA.

Bunny (17:58)

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Dita Von Teese (20:50)

E yeah, well, I worked in a lingerie store when I was in high school.

Bunny (20:55)

Yeah, which one?

Dita Von Teese (20:56)

It was called Lady Ruby's and it was in Irvine. It was very fancy. It was around the corner from the nail salon that my mother worked in because my mom's a manicurist. So I loved lingerie. And there was something about lingerie that was very like symbolic of womanhood and femininity. And I was like very intrigued with lingerie from a young age. Like not like, oh that's sexy, but like what is this thing my mom has in her drawers that my note? You know, you have to be a certain age. What is this frilly thing? I was really like strangely fascinating when I was little. And so I, you know, I obviously couldn't wait till I was old enough to wear a bra and all that stuff. But I, I started working in this lingerie store first, like you know, cleaning and like doing, putting tags on things and stuff. And then I worked as a sales girl and that kind of like set the tone for a lot of what I did because I loved lingerie. I started learning about vintage lingerie, bullet bras, corsets and like what, how women wore different types of lingerie over the years. And so when I graduated from high school, I kind of, I went to my first rave party in 1990 and I met all these drag queens and club kids, and it was like this whole other world for me.

Bunny (22:21)

Let's rewind it back. I'm gonna stop you right there before we get into that story. Your dad did not take a liking to you liking lingerie, though. Can we talk about that? And would you like a pillow behind you or another pillow? Are you good? Are you comfortable?

Dita Von Teese (22:34)

Okay. I think.

Bunny (22:35)

Okay. We can put a pillow behind you, too, if you need.

Dita Von Teese (22:37)

Okay.

Bunny (22:37)

Okay.

Dita Von Teese (22:39)

Yes. Okay. Yeah. So I'm working. I'm. My parents are. I'm, like, 16 years old. My parents are getting a divorce. I'm going back and forth, like, staying with my mom, then staying with my dad. And at the time, I'm staying with my dad and his new girlfriend, Right. And I'm working my little job in the lingerie store, like, just minding my own business, but washing my little things in the sink, hanging them up to dry, as you should, instead of putting them in the dryer. And my dad got really disturbed by that, and he kicked me out of the house. And, you know, I'm 16, and I'm just like, first of all, I'm. I've had a job, you know, I have my own credit cards. I have my own car. I'm like, whatever.

Bunny (23:25)

You've always just been so responsible.

Dita Von Teese (23:27)

Really responsible, like, and just fiercely independent.

Bunny (23:31)

Where do you think that stems from? Just growing up.

Dita Von Teese (23:34)

Yeah, I really think it's kind of like my. The. The feeling of never having, like, enough or being worried about what. What I ask my parents for. I don't know. But that's what I think it probably is.

Bunny (23:51)

Yeah.

Dita Von Teese (23:53)

So, yeah, my dad kicks me out of the house, and it was really interesting. I just revisited this a few years ago. I was. I have a lingerie collection now that I've had for, like, 14 years. And a few years ago, this company called Destination Maternity asked me to make pretty maternity bras, like, to adapt my designs. And I was like, okay, well, I don't know anything about maternity bras, but let's adapt the designs. It sounds great. And there was, like, such a. There's a huge, like, conversation around it. Like, some women that were like, why are you telling me to be sexy after I have a baby? And me. And I went, oh, interesting. So you think that lingerie is about being sexy for your man? And then there's other people that think they like it for them. They enjoy having something pretty. Like, I've always had that relationship with it. And. And. And then there was, like, a lot of people that came to my defense of Course, like new mothers that were like little. Listen, you know, you wear the nursing bra, and then at one point you want to wear something beautiful, like, you know, months in or whatever. So anyway, I thought about this so much. Like, about my dad and like, his. What his thoughts about lingerie being symbolic of, like, sex or sluttiness, you know, like all of these things. And I thought, wow, it's so weird how. Like that. But. But I remember going that, you know, that's his problem.

Bunny (25:18)

Right.

Dita Von Teese (25:19)

And I still feel that way.

Bunny (25:20)

Like it's trying to decipher that at such a young age is awesome, though.

Dita Von Teese (25:24)

It just was very, like, a weird thing. And especially because I did have this. I do have this relationship with lingerie where it's not for me about putting it on for someone. It's something that I do because I enjoy it.

Bunny (25:37)

Yeah. It's crazy how there's such a sexual stigma to lingerie because when you think about it, you think about, like, Playboy or, like, you know, just nudity in general, but really, it's just like if you wake up in the morning and you want to feel good and you want to be pretty and you know you have it on, nobody has to see what you have on.

Dita Von Teese (25:56)

Yeah. It's like a. A secret or. It's like you can have any personality you want under your clothes. And I love opening a drawer and having all these colors and matching my things. It's just like, fun. Like, why not have a little moment of pleasure and beauty that doesn't take extra time? That's the way I think of it.

Bunny (26:13)

And that doesn't have a sexual connotation.

Dita Von Teese (26:15)

Right. Certainly. I know the power of it.

Bunny (26:18)

Right.

Dita Von Teese (26:18)

Grown woman. But yeah.

Bunny (26:24)

So moving on from dad kicking you out, where does this put you? Do you move back in with Mom?

Dita Von Teese (26:30)

I believe I moved back in with mom. It's this hazy timeline because I was like, you know. Yeah, I think I moved back in with my mom and. And then as soon as I was like, 18, I was out of there.

Bunny (26:46)

Tell me about Captain Creams.

Dita Von Teese (26:49)

Yes. Okay. I love that you. That you studied. I did. So, Cap, do you know anything about Captain Creams or not?

Bunny (26:56)

I heard what you have said about it, though, and it sounds pretty iconic.

Dita Von Teese (26:59)

It was like this. It had the terrible name. That's not even the full name. The full name is Captain Cream's Tussling Tootsies. By the way, that was the full name. Now, when I went to work there, underage with my fake id, you know, at. I think I was.

Bunny (27:18)

I think we all had fake IDs back then.

Dita Von Teese (27:20)

Yeah, totally.

Bunny (27:21)

They were, like, rampant. If you didn't have one, you weren't.

Dita Von Teese (27:23)

One of the cool kids. I didn't even have a fake one. I had a real one.

Bunny (27:26)

Right, Me too. Mine was like Maria. And I was like, 31, but I was really, like, 17.

Dita Von Teese (27:31)

No, I can. I'll tell you what. I went to the DMV with my sister's, like, Social Security card and I got my picture on her id. So I had a real id.

Bunny (27:41)

Yeah.

Dita Von Teese (27:42)

That I had more than once handed over to a police officer that was like, sorry to bother you, miss. And I was like, that's amazing. I was like, 19. Just like, oh, God, I think 18. So this club was in Lake Forest, which is in Orange county, and it was legendary. It was like legendary for having, like all the Playboy Playmates and Penthouse girls working there. It was really hard to get a job there. And it was kind of like a hole in the wall place. But, like, when I tell you it was really like, like a legendary strip club. And there was tons of, like, money flowing. It was so much fun.

Bunny (28:22)

That's kind of how Crazy Horse used to be out here. It was like a hole in the wall. But, like, everybody that was iconic ever worked there.

Dita Von Teese (28:29)

And this place, you, you, you were hired, like, as an employee. So you got a paycheck, like a minimum wage paycheck, which didn't mean much to me anyway because I had my other job working in the lingerie store and then in a department store working selling cosmetics. So I had all these. I always had lots of jobs, a lot of energy, a lot of jobs. So it was really like this great, this wonderful time, I think in strip clubs, like before, when they used to pay you to work there instead of taking your money instead of you having.

Bunny (29:02)

To pay a house fee.

Dita Von Teese (29:02)

Yes. I lived through that shift and I was not into it. So, yeah, I had a lot of fun working there. And at that same time was when I started, like, well, so I should rewind a little bit. So I'm working, I'm in this LA rave scene, right? And my boyfriend is one of the big raver, like, rave promoters. And I'm go. Go dancing, of course. Like, you know, so he takes me to the strip club, he takes me to Captain Creams, and I'm always a.

Bunny (29:33)

Man who introduces us to strip clubs. Yeah.

Dita Von Teese (29:36)

And I was like, wow, these. And it was a bikini club. It was not even topless or anything. You had to wear, like, full underwear and you had to Wear a full bra. So I was very like, these girls are wearing, like, more clothes than what I wear when I'm go. Go dancing. So I thought I'd try working there as an experiment. And that's kind of when I started. Like, you know, I already dressed in vintage style, so I was like, well, I'm gonna strip in vintage style. And I remember they were like, there was nobody like me there at that time.

Bunny (30:04)

Yeah. At all the black. You already had your look back then.

Dita Von Teese (30:07)

Yeah.

Bunny (30:08)

You're a natural blonde. For everybody who wants. Who's wondering, I did see some pictures and so you color your hair black.

Dita Von Teese (30:15)

Yeah.

Bunny (30:16)

So you. When did you start doing that? When was the first time you looked in the mirror and you were like, okay, I don't want to be a blonde?

Dita Von Teese (30:21)

Well, first it was red. Like, I had red hair.

Bunny (30:24)

Beautiful. I mean, you're beautiful now, but red would be gorgeous.

Dita Von Teese (30:27)

From blonde to red, it was like the, you know, the. The natural thing to do. And then I kept, like, a lot of people that play with red hair color for the first time, you start adding more and more red, and you're like, it's not red enough. It's not red enough. And then it was suddenly, like, burgundy. And then one day I was like, you know what? I'm gonna dye it black. And I wore it, like, in a black, like, Louise Brooks 20s hairstyle for a little while. So it kind of started there.

Bunny (30:51)

That's awesome. How old are you?

Dita Von Teese (30:55)

I must have been, like, 22.

Bunny (30:58)

Okay, gotcha. Did you ever just set out to, like, change your look, to look like somebody or did, you know, you just wanted to kind of, like, have a signature style?

Dita Von Teese (31:08)

I just always liked feeling different. Like, I had, like, little obsessions. Like, I liked, you know, there were. I'd go through different periods. Like, I'd see a vintage film and I'd be like, oh, I love that hair. I'm going to do that hair for a while, or. I always wore the cat eye because it was like a 50s thing. And there was like, a famous photo on the COVID of a Vogue with a cat eye and just the red lips and nothing else. And that image, like, was the thing that made me do the cat eye.

Bunny (31:36)

Yeah.

Dita Von Teese (31:38)

So I kind of mixed all these things together, like 1940s style hair with, you know, the 50s cat eye. So it kind of just became like a thing where it was a mix mixture. But I went through periods over the years where I, you know, everything was 30s, then everything was 40s. Like, then it was 50s. I liked studying the eras and dressing exactly like those eras.

Bunny (32:02)

Which era is Your favorite?

Dita Von Teese (32:03)

The 40s.

Bunny (32:04)

The 40s. What is it about the 40s?

Dita Von Teese (32:06)

Just the. The bouffant hairdos. Yeah, the bouffant hairdos. The clothes are really chic from that time. Like, it was a great time for like, hats. Like whimsical. Yeah, Hats with a sense of humor and. Yeah. And I love the films of that era. I got a lot of inspiration. Like, if you, if you look closely at my. My show, you'll see like the inspirations were from 1940s films. And I was like, what if that was like a striptease? So.

Bunny (32:35)

Yeah, I love that. We'll have to go see Dio's show. Yeah, I think it'll be amazing. So moving on, back to crispy Captain Korean. Sorry, I was gonn Krispy Kremes. What was it like the first time that you danced? Were you shy or were you already just so in tune with your body that you were like, here I am.

Dita Von Teese (32:57)

I feel like, well, again, it was just a bikini bar and, you know, I was already like, go, go dancing in the rave scene. So I don't know, I don't remember ever having a problem. And I think also growing up, like in like dancing in ballet or used to like, you know, wearing not much and being, you know, checking out your body in the mirror. So I think I don't remember ever. I remember there was one day I came into the club and they're like, we're gonna be a topless club now. And I remember going like. And they said, now the rule is you're either a topless girl or not topless girl. You can't negotiate for money for your top to come off you. You make the decision now that you're going to be a topless girl or you're going a non topless girl. Like, they gave girls that were working there a long time the choice. Yeah. And I was like, I don't care. I'm taking my top off.

Bunny (33:50)

Yeah.

Dita Von Teese (33:51)

Fun to me, you know, it was like a. Just boobs, you know, I feel like.

Bunny (33:56)

Money back then too was different. Like, strip clubs were so different back then. Like when I first started dancing too, I started dancing in 2001, it was like, I don't want to say this, like in a derogatory way, but it was. Was more selective and like, it was more taboo and like, you know, not just anybody could dance. And the clubs were filled with like, gorgeous women. And it was just like, I don't know, it Was a different time. It wasn't like how dancing is now.

Dita Von Teese (34:24)

Yeah. I mean, imagine what it was like in the 90s.

Bunny (34:27)

Yeah.

Dita Von Teese (34:28)

It was amazing.

Bunny (34:29)

Oh, I bet.

Dita Von Teese (34:30)

And think, too, like, also, please remember that, like, all of that, you know, the. The iconic, like, Sunset Boulevard strip clubs in the 80s flash dance. Yeah. That was real. Okay. There's a great documentary. If you've never seen it, you have to watch it. It's called Stripper.

Bunny (34:46)

Okay.

Dita Von Teese (34:46)

And it's about this big competition where the strippers from all over, like Canada and the US come to Las Vegas to compete for a 25, 000 prize. Which, by the way, 25, 000 in the 80s is. And it's a documentary, and it's amazing. And you really go, oh, the Body Shop on Sunset was amazing. Like, girls that were Playboy models doing, like, backflips, naked on stage, like, really. Like, they put on a show.

Bunny (35:15)

Yeah. And Seventh Veil, Right? Or what was it called?

Dita Von Teese (35:17)

Yeah, I mean, I never. I don't know as much about the history of Seventh Field, but the Body Shop was really famous and had, like, you know, all the video vixen girls. So it definitely, you know, strip clubs evolved. I just feel like it's. I didn't like when it evolved to where they were taking advantage of girls and you couldn't. Like, I had health insurance in the 90s. Working as in a strip club and a paycheck.

Bunny (35:40)

They need to bring that back.

Dita Von Teese (35:42)

They will never bring it back.

Bunny (35:43)

Bring it back. We need. Strippers need insurance, too.

Dita Von Teese (35:46)

Yeah.

Bunny (35:46)

And that's crazy. I never knew that.

Dita Von Teese (35:49)

Yeah.

Bunny (35:49)

That's awesome, though. What a little tidbit of history. So moving forward from dancing, when did it start turning into, like, more of, like, a burlesque show for you? Or was it always like that?

Dita Von Teese (36:02)

So, like, I'd say, like, around 94, I was kind of, like, already known for as being a pinup girl. And it was pretty famous, like, amongst, like, the fetish crowd, like, all over the world, like in London and Germany. And I was. I was the most famous fetish model in the world in the early 90s. Okay. So.

Bunny (36:25)

And then your own horn, baby.

Dita Von Teese (36:26)

I know, it's just weird to say because it's like, it's.

Bunny (36:28)

No, but you've built that.

Dita Von Teese (36:31)

And so then I posed for Playboy for this book of lingerie. They had these newsstand specials, and I became a newsstand special girl. And then I got. I was the only one that looked like me. And they're wearing corsets and, like, styling myself, like, a Pinup girl. And so I started headlining strip clubs all over the country. So I would travel to different clubs that would pay me, like, to be there for the week and be on their marquee or whatever. So it kind of started then, I think when I left the Captain Creams, which probably left there in, like, 94. I remember kind of, like, dipping out and in and just, like, not really liking the vibe anymore and headlining strip clubs, and so I had to make more of a show. So it started really there.

Bunny (37:14)

Yeah. Where did the name Dita Von Teese come from?

Dita Von Teese (37:17)

That came from Captain Cream. Sitting on a bar stool one night when I got the call that I was going to be in Playboy. And they said. And I was already going by Dita. Like, I don't know. I don't. I think I'd seen, like, a movie with an actress called Dita parlo, like a 20s movie. And remember, I had this, like, 20s haircut. And anyway, I knew I got the. Like, that I'd been accepted to shoot for Playboy. And they said, well, you need a last name. And I was like, why, Like, Madonna, Dita Share. Like, why do I have to have a last name? And they're like, you just do. And so I. I had. I always remember sitting there with my friend Cisco on the bar.

Bunny (37:55)

Oh, not the Cisco. The red one. I puked it up so many times.

Dita Von Teese (37:59)

I think it was purple.

Bunny (38:00)

Oh.

Dita Von Teese (38:01)

Like grape or something. Anyway, it's gross. Yeah. Just. But I loved it. Or it could get you.

Bunny (38:08)

I can't do gold Slogger.

Dita Von Teese (38:10)

So I pulled out the phone book. For those of you don't know, there's things called the phone book. It was really big anyway. And I'm sitting there drinking. Go let's. I'm gonna look up bonds. People with, like, a Vaughn in their name are very cool. And people already, like, where I worked, like, I would pretend I didn't speak English a lot of times because I had this look and the corsets and the long black gloves and boots. And I just like to pretend I couldn't talk to anybody because I didn't want to talk to anyone. So it'd just be like, you're like.

Bunny (38:40)

I just want to be beautiful.

Dita Von Teese (38:42)

So, yeah, I just didn't want to do the Hustle with, like. I was never good. Good at, like, hustling people.

Bunny (38:47)

Work smarter, not harder.

Dita Von Teese (38:48)

Yeah. So I looked up Vons, and I found this name, Von Treece. And I was like, I'm Dita Von Tre. Sounds good. So I called up Playboy and Told them what I was going to be, and they're like, yeah, fine. And then like a month later, I go to the get the magazine, I open it up and it says Dita Von Tees. And I was like, that's not it. So I called them and, like, I'm not thinking at all, like, strict teas. Teas. Like, I'm not thinking that at all. Didn't even register in my brain that it was a good idea. I called them again and said it was wrong, and they're like, we'll correct it. And then they just never did. And I was like, whatever it. To me, I was never. Like, it was a moment in time, you know, I'm like 20 something years old. I think, you know, I'm at the pinnacle of my career, by the way. You know, I think that that's it, you know, I'm on a truck stop in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, for the strip club I'm performing at. I'm in Playboy, and I'm on the COVID of Skin 2, you know, in Fetish Magaz. To me, that was like, that's it, you know? Yeah, I'm gonna get. I'm gonna be. I'm gonna be 30 in a few years, and that's gonna be a wrap on my career, so I better enjoy it. But I didn't, you know, so there was no, like, planning a career. It was just like, that was it.

Bunny (40:03)

I think that's how it happens too, is when you don't plan something, it just organically grows. It's almost like the universe grabs it and just rolls with it.

Dita Von Teese (40:12)

Totally. I'm. Don't get me started on manifesting things and. Because I. I really believe that. I really think, like, you know, a lot of people will ask me, like, what does it take to get where you are? And I'm like, well, first of all, stop thinking of where you want to go and start enjoying where you are. Because if you can appreciate the. The. The now and what's happening right now, forget it. Like, and when people ask me, like, what my goal is right now, I'm like, I don't have a goal.

Bunny (40:40)

Goal.

Dita Von Teese (40:41)

I never had a goal. I just was, like, quietly delighted at all the little milestones and enjoying that moment and working with integrity and. And gratitude and, like, that's the key. Like, I don't think if you. If you're always looking for the next best thing or, like, the thing that's gonna make you. I don't think it works like that.

Bunny (41:03)

That's so real. And I Think a lot of people, including myself, need to hear something like that because I'm always, like, on to the next goal, and sometimes I forget that this is. Is a journey, not a destination. A destination. So, yeah, that was very beautifully said. I heard you say that you love Insight Timer. I'm not. I'm not sponsored by them at all, but I am a huge insight time person. I love meditating. I love all that stuff. So when I heard you say that in a podcast, I was like, this is my girl.

Dita Von Teese (41:28)

I know. Do you have your favorite people? Like, I have my. My Insight Timer crushes, like, people whose voices I'm like, yeah, I love.

Bunny (41:36)

Love the women I have. I'm still. I'm trying to get into the men, but I love the women that have accents. Like the Australian accents or, like, you know, just something, like, fluid and just, like, so pretty and whimsical, you know? I love that. It just helps me to meditate. What are your favorites?

Dita Von Teese (41:51)

My. My two favorites, I guess I have a few. One is this guy named David Gandelman. I totally have a crush on him, and he's, like, tells stupid jokes. Do you know who I'm talking about over there? You do? I totally love him.

Bunny (42:02)

I got.

Dita Von Teese (42:03)

He has a thing called the Grounding Sleep podcast, and I swear that puts me to sleep, not because he's boring, but just because it's, like having my friend on there, you know? And then there's this gal named Sarah Blondin who I can just listen to all day. Like, she's kind of more of like a poetess, you know, like, so I really like her. And then there's. There's a couple other people. Like, there's this guy with a Scottish accent that sounds like he's got this really deep, like, Scottish viewpoint. What's that guy's name? Do you know who I'm talking about? Oh, he just, like, gets me.

Bunny (42:36)

She said he gets.

Dita Von Teese (42:37)

Yeah, yeah. Like, he'll be like, okay, I can't imitate, but he's like, there's nowhere else to be right now. Like, that, like, deep, low. And I was like, yeah, there's nowhere else.

Bunny (42:47)

Do their voices match their faces when you see them? Sometimes I always go and, like, try to look at their profile picture because I'm like, their voice is like, so, you know, like, you try to visualize what they look like, and then they don't look like the person that you would visualize, you know?

Dita Von Teese (43:01)

I think they do. It's also a really funny journey when you're looking for Somebody new and you put it on, you're like, okay, okay. And then you listen to it and you're like, their voice comes on or this poor sound quality and you're like.

Bunny (43:12)

Yeah, no, I do that too.

Dita Von Teese (43:13)

Like, it's so.

Bunny (43:14)

Like, I'm pickier about looking for man, like meditations than I am for looking for porn. Like, literally, like, I don't even know.

Dita Von Teese (43:24)

Where to look for porn. I was just like, what kind of.

Bunny (43:27)

Porn are you into?

Dita Von Teese (43:28)

I mean, I don't know. I mean, I, I like, I like to see what's going on in the world. I like to. I, I'm, I don't, I don't like.

Bunny (43:36)

Them particular or anything like that.

Dita Von Teese (43:38)

I mean, you know, I was a huge Andrew Blake fan, of course. And if you're, if you're around in the 90s, like the highest, glossiest porn ever made. Yes. But that's not what I really go looking for. I was just like a fan that somebody was doing this like, beautiful shot on film porn. Yeah. You know?

Bunny (43:55)

Yeah, just something that's pretty. Like pretty porn.

Dita Von Teese (43:58)

Yeah. But I like to see like great feats of sexual excellence. Like, how is she doing that?

Bunny (44:05)

You know, like, she's an acrobat. What's really going on?

Dita Von Teese (44:08)

Yeah.

Bunny (44:09)

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Dita Von Teese (46:23)

Gosh, when I think about it, it was in 2000. So I know like some people, like, they always go, you were only married for a year. And I'm like, I know, but this is a seven year long relationship. So like, and even longer if you consider the fallout of like, what it's like to be married and divorced to someone and how long you're connected to.

Bunny (46:43)

Them after the fact, especially in the public eye.

Dita Von Teese (46:46)

Yeah. So, you know, it was a very, like, inspiring time. Like when we met, he was a very, like different person, I think, like, than what I. What, what he was when I left. Yeah, it was like a very interesting evolution of a person.

Bunny (47:12)

Right.

Dita Von Teese (47:13)

To see. What can I say? Yeah, yeah. It was like I. He went to rehab once when we were together with the like, I want to be a better man for you. And that was just like a little bit of like cocaine and booze. Right. And then he came out of rehab way worse with all these pills, like everyone was doing. Everyone in Hollywood was doing all this oxycontin and stuff, like snorting it. And I was just, just. He came out worse and that was kind of like the turn was like, first like three years were great and then four years were just like, oh, gosh.

Bunny (47:48)

So when you met him Was he. He wasn't sober when you met him?

Dita Von Teese (47:52)

No, but definitely, like, was it more of, like, very, like, more reeled in? Like, I remember him being like, you know, not, you know, like, sleeping every night. You know, like, sleeping every night.

Bunny (48:06)

Right.

Dita Von Teese (48:06)

That's the only way to put it to, like, not sleeping.

Bunny (48:09)

Right. Gotcha.

Dita Von Teese (48:10)

At all.

Bunny (48:11)

You had said something about your guys's wedding day that I found interesting. He was sober on your wedding day, or he.

Dita Von Teese (48:18)

I mean, who knows? I think so. He slept most of the wedding day, so.

Bunny (48:21)

Right. How did that work for you? Did that hurt your feelings that he slept most of the day, or were you just kind of happy? I mean, that he was.

Dita Von Teese (48:28)

Listen, I shouldn't have been getting married, and I think I knew it, but there was so much pressure at that time. Like, we'd been together for all of that time. You know, Vogue was covering the wedding. Like, US Vogue is there with a journalist. I felt, like, an immense amount of pressure, and I just felt like, okay, like, I'm not calling this off. Right. You know?

Bunny (48:56)

Yeah.

Dita Von Teese (48:56)

It just was.

Bunny (48:57)

And you guys had already been through.

Dita Von Teese (48:58)

We've been together for a long time, so it just, like, made sense and to happen. Yeah, yeah. But it was like. Yeah, it was even more pressure than ever, you know, like, more. Being married was hard.

Bunny (49:12)

I had read our. I'm not sure if I read or I heard you say that you are kind of privy to the idea of open relationships. Can we. Can you elaborate?

Dita Von Teese (49:23)

I think, like, I've never been an open relationships type person, but I also feel like, like, there's a point. And I know some people don't, like, want to hear this, but I feel like when you become, like, an adult and enough experience for. With relationships, you need to kind of, like, grow up and think about what is a relationship about. Like, it's not a fairy tale.

Bunny (49:42)

And I love that you said fairy tales don't exist in this life. Yeah, that really struck me, like, because I believe the same thing. And I am. I believe in freedom in a relationship of, you know, everybody has their own terms of monogamy. And I just think that sometimes monogamy can be a jail. And I just think that some people deserve freedom. Not saying that go everybody, but, you know, open communication with your partner.

Dita Von Teese (50:08)

I think it's one of the. Like, when I look at, like, I. I love all these, like, young, cool, like, therapists and, like, people, like, like, communicating in a different way than when I was growing up, you know, And I think it's interesting, people that have like open relationships or they have ways of, you know, understanding that like people are people and they make mistakes and it's like, it's, it's more complicated than just like, oh, that person like cheated or whatever. It's like you have, if you get to the reasons like why, if you didn't want it, if you, you are not trying to be in an open relationship. I, I don't know, I just think it's, people are complicated and if you're in like a long term relationship, like.

Bunny (50:56)

Any situation is different.

Dita Von Teese (50:58)

Yeah, totally. Like I, I feel like I've, I. My, all of my relationships from when I was, I had like the perfect long term boyfriend in high school, like this great romance. But like after that it got real. Like every long term boyfriend I had or every boyfriend I had had cheated on me. And I was kind of like going, well, I don't understand what's happening. You know, like, what can I do and what am I not doing? And yeah, it's just kind of like. But you know, I, I don't know, I don't think like cheating is everything. But you, you, you grow up thinking that you're supposed to be faithful and you fall in love. And that's what like falling love is, is being faithful to each other. And there's so much more complicated than that.

Bunny (51:45)

It's so much more than that. Yeah, I, when I heard you say that, I was like, yes, like I, I got what you were, you were saying and I just really wanted to talk about that with you because it, not too many people, especially of your stature, really bring that to the forefront. And I talk about it all the time and people think I'm crazy. They're like, you know, the marriage is a sacred union. And you're like, yeah, it can still be sacred.

Dita Von Teese (52:07)

It just seems like a lot of pressure to put on yourself. Like, like the communication is what's most important. And a lot of people like fall in love and they never really. You fall in love and you never really talk about what the rules of your relationship are. And I think even people that are non monogamous talk about what the rules are. And the problem though is like people like to break the rules no matter what. So like I know people who are like polyamorous and they're, they're still like, you'll still break the rule. If you, if somebody says your rule is like you're not going to have sex with somebody else in our bed, guess what the first thing they're gonna do is, is like, it's just like people's nature to like, if you tell.

Bunny (52:43)

Them not to do something, they'll do it.

Dita Von Teese (52:44)

Totally. So. Yes. I don't know. I think it's just more complicated than like loyalty and faithful. There's different kinds of loyalty. I don't know.

Bunny (52:52)

I, I, we just went to the Church of Dita.

Dita Von Teese (52:56)

No, I'm just like rambling. I'm not a relationship expert by any means, but it's real many, many times and continue to fail and relationships like, you know, I, well, you're not failing now.

Bunny (53:08)

Well, you're, Aren't you in like a long term relationship?

Dita Von Teese (53:10)

I am, but, you know, I'm not great all the time. You know, like, I know what my downfalls are. I'm always like, we love a humble. I'm not easy. I know I'm not an easy woman to be with. I know that. You know, what does it take to.

Bunny (53:22)

Make Dita Von Tees happy in a relationship?

Dita Von Teese (53:25)

Well, I am a bit of a size queen.

Bunny (53:27)

Yeah, I love that.

Dita Von Teese (53:29)

Admittedly, I feel like I can say that here.

Bunny (53:32)

Yeah, of course.

Dita Von Teese (53:33)

No, I mean, joking aside, I guess I just, I love doing what I do. I love working, I love, you know, I always have so many projects. I think what I, I love being independent. I don't like being like, I'm somebody's woman. I keep my relationship like now after, like experiencing that, like, you know, I'm still talking about my ex husband that I met in 2000. That's 24 years ago. I'm still talking about that. So I think like, after that I was very like, I don't want to date any more famous men. Yeah, it's rough because I don't, I get very uncomfortable talking about my relationships, you know, like, it's just so, I don't know, I just love my work, I love my animals, I love my friends, I love my, like, relationships. But I just, to me, it's all like spread across the board. Like when I was younger, it was like I put so much importance on romance.

Bunny (54:36)

Right.

Dita Von Teese (54:37)

And I just, I'm like, okay, yeah.

Bunny (54:40)

As you get older, you're just like, no.

Dita Von Teese (54:41)

It's like, yeah.

Bunny (54:42)

I always tell my husband, I'm like, we've been together almost a decade. I'm like, if, if this does not work out, which it will, I, I could never just get into another relationship again, especially with a public person. And also just having to get to know somebody on that, those, that level again of intimacy and just being, you know, joined at the hip with somebody is Just, it's a lot. It's a lot to.

Dita Von Teese (55:06)

Yeah.

Bunny (55:06)

To have to try to work through again.

Dita Von Teese (55:08)

Yeah.

Bunny (55:09)

Do you ever have a down day, like where you wear sweats and a T shirt?

Dita Von Teese (55:14)

Yeah, I mean, I'll go to my Pilates and live in my athleisure for the day.

Bunny (55:19)

How do we never have a picture of you in, like, out, like, like activewear?

Dita Von Teese (55:24)

Okay, well, there are. There are. Yeah. If you like Google Images. D devantes Pilates. I'm definitely coming out of Pilates studios. But I have my little tricks. I do. It's like sunglasses, red lipstick. It's not hard. It takes like a few seconds to put on red lipstick. Yeah. I don't know, I just have my, like, codes, you know, I put on my. What are they called? Lululemon pants. I put them, you know, and I put. I'll put a jacket over it, you know, or a 50s skirt over it. I kind of just. I don't really, like, I'm pretty aware, like, aware. But I like, it's not even to do with somebody taking a picture of me or I think, oh, I don't want to run into that person and see me not looking put together. But I also just feel like I like what I think about confidence a lot and what are the things I can do to control my confidence levels. And one of those things is, like, feeling like I took a few minutes to put myself together.

Bunny (56:21)

Yeah.

Dita Von Teese (56:22)

You know, I love that.

Bunny (56:23)

I used to always be dolled up. I would. You wouldn't catch me in sandals ever. I used to always have heels on. I hated being flat footed. And I think when I moved to Nashville is when I finally just kind of like took it all off and was just like, I just need a break from all this and now I can't come back from it. I get dressed up for like, concerts and like, appearances and stuff like that. But like, yeah, I just, I love. There's nothing no better feeling at night than ripping these eyelashes off and putting on sweats. So you're 51. Your skin is flawless. What is your skincare routine?

Dita Von Teese (56:56)

Sunscreen. Sunscreen.

Bunny (56:58)

Just tons of sunscreen.

Dita Von Teese (56:59)

Sleeping on your back. Okay. If I wish. I know no one wants to hear this, but I'm sorry. I wish somebody would have told me when I was young, like, how good it is for you to sleep on your back. And I, I. The last, like four years, I taught myself to sleep on my back. And it has worked miracles. Like, if you think about it, when you look on, if you're a Side sleeper. I know where my, like, one wrinkle came from. Because if I go like this, where the pillow is, I go, oh, there's that line. That's where that came from. It's from sleeping with your face on the pillow. So I taught myself Insight Timer helped me with that. Put on the meditation. I lay there like a zombie. And, like. Like, just, like, close my eyes, sleep with my palms up so it puts my shoulders back. And like. Okay, everything's fine. So. Yeah.

Bunny (57:45)

How do you not move throughout the night, though?

Dita Von Teese (57:47)

Sometimes I do, but I catch myself. Yeah, I'm a. I'm like a light sleeper. I can totally catch myself when I'm in a. Like, don't do that. And I've actually gotten good. If I feel like I have to sleep on my side. I've gotten good at, like, putting the pillow kind of up here so my face is still. Yeah. Not being squished by the pillow. Like, listen. You know, it's. It's all fun and games until you're like. You start realizing the collagen's really going. And you're like, oh, those marks on my face from my sunglasses, which I know are on my face now. I have them from those. Stay all day. They'll stay all day. Yeah.

Bunny (58:18)

Have you had any work done at all?

Dita Von Teese (58:20)

I've only had Botox. In fact, all of my Botox is currently worn off. And. Because I like to let it wear off, because the last time I got Botox, they. They were like, what do you think? You know, because there was, like, someone to. Somebody new, and he, like, was like, what do you think? We put some in your chin because, you know, your chin's wrinkling up a little bit. And my first thought was, like, I gotta worry about my chin now. But I let him do it. And then one day I was, like, sitting there, and my boyfriend's like, your smile is different. I'm like, what are you talking about? He's like, your smile is different. And I was like, are you serious? And I started noticing. I was like, it really is. So then I was like, I'm letting all of the Botox go away before. I mean, you need to hit the reset button button. Because I'm all for it. It's like, you know, like. But you do have to be careful with the button.

Bunny (59:07)

Did it freeze, like, your bottom lip? Is that.

Dita Von Teese (59:09)

Yeah, kind of. And I felt like it, like. I don't know. It made my smile different.

Bunny (59:15)

You just felt that it was off.

Dita Von Teese (59:16)

Yeah. And I was like, that's not okay.

Bunny (59:18)

Oh, my goodness.

Dita Von Teese (59:19)

Yeah.

Bunny (59:20)

Do you. Do you waist train still or no?

Dita Von Teese (59:24)

No, I never did. The thing is, I always like the aesthetics of corsets, and I've always used them in my show. Even when I was working in the strip clubs, I was the girl with the corset on. And I. People used to pool their money together to see what I looked like underneath it. Yeah. Which I love was my favorite game. I was like, not enough yet. I'd come back around and be like, all right. And I'd take it off because they thought it was. There was rumors I had like a birthmark or something or something I was hiding. And I'm like, no, I just love the look of it. So I never, like, deliberately waist trained. I would say the closest I ever came to that was like the few times when I walked for Jean Paul Gaultier under Mr. Pearl making the corsetry. I remember he would write me a note and be like, at this hour, you can eat a half of an apple. In this hour, you can eat the other half. Like, very, like, he was very strict. And that's the only time I've ever been like, like, okay, I'm gonna, like, pay attention to what he's saying just because we have this, like, Runway moment. And yeah, you're like, you can't like, haul off and eat a cheeseburger before you're about to, like, wear the ultimate corset, you know. But he's very. He's a very strict person. Jean Paul Gaultier didn't care what I ate or whatever he was, you know. But Mr. Pearl is a very, like, particular person. The greatest corset maker of. Of the world.

Bunny (60:49)

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Dita Von Teese (60:56)

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Bunny (60:59)

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Dita Von Teese (61:03)

That count it up and ship it.

Bunny (61:04)

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Dita Von Teese (61:08)

And that.

Bunny (61:09)

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Dita Von Teese (62:03)

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Bunny (62:05)

Audible.Com wonderyus that's audible.com wonderyus us. When you look back on all the things that you've accomplished and that you've done in this life, what is your proudest moment?

Dita Von Teese (62:17)

I think I'm pretty. I get excited about how big burlesque has come, like, how it's like an industry now and, like, even in this town, like, like, burlesque is like. And. And I can. And I see the things that are exactly, like, derived from, like, what. The things that I did a long time ago. And it's kind of cool because I just think, like, oh, it's so great that there's this space which is, you know, oftentimes celebratory of bodies. And like I was saying before, it's. It is a place of, like, inclusion and diversity and beauty. And I think it's important, like, I think it's important for people to come to my show and, and see me or people of different ages and different sizes and skin colors, like, being beautiful and not just like the showgirl mystique of, like, you had to be 5 foot 10 to be a showgirl and weigh, like, you know, a certain amount. I think I'm proud that this has become a thing and it's. And I can even see even in Vegas, because it's becoming the thing. And I'm going, oh, people are now taking a look at how they're casting and that, that, that's meaningful.

Bunny (63:36)

I love that. Do you feel like you don't get your flowers as much as you should? Like, people give, like, their nod to you?

Dita Von Teese (63:45)

I don't know. I mean, I kind of think about some of the people around me that, like my friend Catherine Delish, who. She and I created all these things together, like our. Our. You know, she did things for me in costuming that had never been done in burlesque before. That is now taken for, like, the, you know, people don't even know that it. It was invented by her, like the first made for her, you know, by her, for me. And so I mostly, mostly think of her, like, in her genius and her getting her recognition. You know, I, I can roll my eyes all the time at things that I'm like, well, you know. Yeah, it's like, you Know, people. Burlesque dancers in the 1930s and 40s didn't wear corsets to strip out of. Like, that comes from me working for a corset company. Yeah. In the 90s and being like, I'm gonn a corset and do a striptease. Like, but you're not going to find, like, a famous burlesque star from the 30s anywhere, like, doing a striptease on stage. So, like, there's things like that that I'm like, well, yeah, I did that. Made it, like, a thing. A thing that it is. So. But, you know, but mostly I'm just like, I'm glad I get to do this still and that, you know, that people want to come see me still. Because, like, if I. If burlesque weren't so popular and so big, like, I wouldn't be doing this big Vegas show. Yeah.

Bunny (65:05)

Which. How long is this Vegas show running for?

Dita Von Teese (65:08)

We have dates until June 15th.

Bunny (65:10)

Okay.

Dita Von Teese (65:10)

It's a big show. It's very. It's definitely the biggest project I've ever done. The bit. It's definitely the biggest burlesque show that's ever been made in the history of. Ever.

Bunny (65:19)

Yes.

Dita Von Teese (65:20)

Okay. Like, the only thing that would. I could say is bigger was, like, as far as burlesque shows. Well, there wouldn't be. There wouldn't be anything. It would be like. Like, if you said Ziegfeld Follies was. But that would be kind of like a showgirl review. But as far as striptease and burlesque, it's. It's definitely the biggest one.

Bunny (65:37)

What can people expect when they come see your show? Like, what is your show all about? Are you allowed to talk about it?

Dita Von Teese (65:41)

Yeah. Yeah. Well, it's in the historic Jubilee Theater, which, again, we. It's this incredible room that, like, the Rat Pack played in. It's amazing. It's like a time capsule. And these incredible costumes combined with my shows, like, my. All of my things. Like, I don't just have my one martini glass on stage. I've got five of them. You know, there's things that come up out of the ceilings, out of the floor. It's extravagance. It's opulence and striptease. And there's, again, like, you know, just as many hot guys in the show as there are women. So it's like an hour and 20 minutes long. What else can I say about it? The costumes. Yeah, the costumes. Okay, so Jubilee's costumes were incredible with the costume budget in the late 70s when they made These things with Bob Mackey and Pete Menifee, the costume budget was like $4 million. So if you think about how much that would be now, nobody would ever spend $4 million on. That's like $12 million today. Can you imagine? There's 3200 tons of feathers that were brought over from Paris for this show. So it's really like, you can only see things like this in museums now. This is the very last Showgirl review. The only other Showgirl review in the whole world would be Moulin Rouge in Paris. But there's no other Showgirl revue in Vegas. And even the shows that are kind of like Showgirl ish, none of them is using the authentic costumes. And that's what we have in this show. And the only other place you could see these costumes is, like, on display at the UNLV Museum, I believe. And I would venture to say this is going to be the last time you'll see them on stage. And they're really something. It's really.

Bunny (67:32)

You have to get out to see the show.

Dita Von Teese (67:34)

Yeah, it's really special. I'm very proud of this show.

Bunny (67:38)

And how hands on were you with the show as far as set designing, of course, the costumes, and then like, just even like the entire show.

Dita Von Teese (67:48)

Yeah, I'm a bit of a micromanager because I've always found that hard to believe. Do it yourselfer. But, yeah, I mean, I curated all the costumes and decided what was going to go in the show. And with each dancer picked what their look was, we I. We chose props that we refurbished for the show. Like, you'll see some original jubilee props that have gotten a makeover because they were going to the trash. So I saved them. But, yeah, I worked with a team. I worked with a great choreography team and director, and they basically looked at my life's work and we put it as much as we could into one show.

Bunny (68:27)

Yeah, I keep hearing you refer to a documentary. What is this about?

Dita Von Teese (68:32)

We started filming a documentary in 2019. So it's like really like Long Game, which is great because we, you know, got like, my. My big tours before the Pandemic. Then we got to film the Pandemic. And then when things finally opened after the Pandemic, which was very exciting, I was one of the first shows to, like, go up in big theaters, and it was very exciting. And then, you know, Vegas is the cherry on the cake. I have another show that I'm working on, though, in London that opens up in October as well.

Bunny (69:05)

Amazing. So you'll finish Here. And then you'll go to London and do a run out there?

Dita Von Teese (69:10)

I think so. I'm. I'm. I might. I'm not sure what, you know, how I'm still, like, working on, if I'm going to add any dates or, you know, I'm not sure yet. I'm still trying to make all those decisions, trying to figure out how I can be everywhere all at once.

Bunny (69:24)

When do you think the documentary will drop?

Dita Von Teese (69:27)

I still have more that I want to film. I didn't get to film here in Vegas yet. And so that's, like, my last hurdle. I'm in, like, a very, like. Like the most, like. Like the oldest, hardest union room in the city. So it's really hard to, like, film things like that. So I'm trying to rustle up that last money to, like, film it here. But we have a great director and from New York, and I'll get there. Slow and steady wins the race.

Bunny (69:57)

I love that. And then what can we expect from you for the rest of 2024? Like, do you have other projects besides Vegas and London that you're going to be doing that we can look forward to?

Dita Von Teese (70:07)

Well, besides Vegas, I have my London show that I'm working on with a gal named Tosca. It's a really cool concept show for the West End in London. So I'm excited about that. I have a lingerie line. I'm still working on that. Gosh, just like, I always later go, oh, yeah, you have this project. I always forget those are, like, the most important things. Things. Show business is always the top of my list. I'm. I kind of want to do my annual New Year's Eve gala that I do in Los Angeles. You know, I kind of want to do that again because I skipped last year.

Bunny (70:43)

So what do you do for fun besides work? Because you sound like me. Like, everybody asks me all the time. They're like, what do you do for fun? And I'm like, I work.

Dita Von Teese (70:51)

Yeah.

Bunny (70:51)

That's what I do.

Dita Von Teese (70:54)

Well, I've been, you know, I go home between the shows, like. Like for two days, and I. I cook, I hang out with my animals. I organize my stuff. I wear no makeup.

Bunny (71:06)

Are you a good cook?

Dita Von Teese (71:07)

Yeah.

Bunny (71:08)

Yay. What's your favorite dish to make?

Dita Von Teese (71:13)

I make this, like, vegetarian pot pie everyone talks about.

Bunny (71:17)

I love that. Are you vegan? Vegetarian?

Dita Von Teese (71:20)

No. I'm kind of, like, flexitarian. Especially being in Vegas. It's kind of hard.

Bunny (71:27)

Hard, yeah, for sure. It's definitely hard. They have such good food out here. Why have you never came to Nashville?

Dita Von Teese (71:34)

Oh, hold on. I have to take.

Bunny (71:36)

You're good.

Dita Von Teese (71:37)

My throat. Ready for this one? So I've done several world tours and several US Tours, and every time I. Every time I plan a tour, which I'm already, like, plot and planning for this conversation, I try to go to Nashville and Memphis, but actually, like, just Tennessee in general. Like, I know I have a big fan base there.

Bunny (72:05)

Yeah.

Dita Von Teese (72:06)

And they. I get told no because of the blue laws there. I think they're called blue laws when there's alcohol. There's a lot of policing over women's bodies, which I understand. But, like, I have performed in China. Okay.

Bunny (72:21)

Right.

Dita Von Teese (72:22)

I've performed in places where it's, like, really, you know, very conservative. So I, you know, I know how to, like, you know, I can wear tights. I can wear, like, a 50s brief and, you know, a full bra and not take it off. Like, I've been performing at, like, private events for brands all over the world in, like. Yeah, Kazakhstan. Okay. Like, crazy places where it's, like, very conservative. So anyway, I get on the phone. This is not my last tour, but the. Even the tour before that, and we're, like, talking about bringing the show to Nashville. And I get on the phone with, like, the. The only big theater that's suitable. And we get on the phone, have, like, this conference call about. About how we can do it. And I say, okay, just tell me what the rules are. Like, what do we have to wear? Because there is a burlesque scene there, you know. And they said, well, okay, you know, obviously, you have to cover up. You can only have, like, an inch of cleavage. I'm like, okay, you can't show any side boob. I was like, okay, so. Got it, got it. Okay. You can't show your butt at all. And I was like, okay, can you wear, like, tights? Like, a couple pairs of tights and like a 50s, like a full brief, like a bathing suit? And they're like, no, you can't show, like, where your butt cheek and your thigh meet, like, that line. You cannot show that ever. So they said, well, you have to wear kind of like a bike shorts to cover up that line where your, you know, butt meets your right thighs. Right. And I'm like, okay. And then so I'm going through all of this, taking notes, and then I say, okay, we have just as many guys in the show as girls, so what about the guys? Oh, there's no rules for them. There's nothing on the books. They can't show their penis, you know, but, like, everything else is okay. I was like, you mean they can even wear a G string? They're like, yeah, yeah, this is real life. I wish I'd been recording the conversation.

Bunny (74:22)

Now we have to get it together because we need the queen to grace our city. This is crazy.

Dita Von Teese (74:28)

To. Then my last tour, I was like, let's ask again. And they actually told me to stand down and don't ask again. And meanwhile, don't forget that, like, now, now they have their own, like, set of problems. And they started looking to them too. But at that time, time, I had lent my martini glass to Violet Chachki to do, like, you know, tribute to me, right? And like, that was okay because it's like, it's not a woman's body.

Bunny (74:55)

But how do they have a strip club that serves alcohol?

Dita Von Teese (74:58)

Yeah. The rules are all about the alcohol. You can be totally naked and you can be 18 year old and you can spread your legs wide for your audience with no alcohol. But as soon as there's alcohol, that's where everything gets.

Bunny (75:12)

Don't we have strip clubs that have. Oh, it's byob. What is this?

Dita Von Teese (75:19)

And then the thing is, you know, none of these big theaters that can actually house my show want to house the show. Because if they can't serve booze, because I said, well, what if we do a dry show?

Bunny (75:27)

Yeah.

Dita Von Teese (75:27)

And they're like, they don't. Won't make money, so they don't want to do it.

Bunny (75:31)

That is insane to me. We have got to figure out a loophole to get you into Nashville, because I feel like it would be a money maker for.

Dita Von Teese (75:38)

I know. I really want to do it. I wanted to wear the bike shorts because I thought for my documentary, wouldn't it be great? Me like, yeah. Making the rhinestone bike shorts. And like, I got my bike shorts on so no one gets hurt. That's hilarious. Yeah. It's just funny. But. And yeah. And. And since then, I remember at the time being really upset because I thought, like, why can drag race work the world Go to that theater? And I can't. But then now they have been forbidden as well, I think. So since.

Bunny (76:04)

Yeah. Hopefully this podcast dropping will kind of bring some attention to that.

Dita Von Teese (76:08)

So.

Bunny (76:09)

Man, that's crazy.

Dita Von Teese (76:11)

I think.

Bunny (76:11)

So Nashville, we got to get together.

Dita Von Teese (76:13)

Like, the people are, you know, the. The fans will come. It's just.

Bunny (76:19)

The rules.

Dita Von Teese (76:20)

I mean, maybe I should just bike shorts outfit and be like, this is what I'm prepared to wear.

Bunny (76:25)

Yeah. Don't give up. If they told you to stand down, keep going.

Dita Von Teese (76:29)

The first time I said, said, no, I'm not wearing rhinestone bike shorts. And then after that, I was like, oh, actually, I want to try this because it's funny, you know?

Bunny (76:37)

Now it's like a challenge.

Dita Von Teese (76:39)

Yeah.

Bunny (76:39)

You're like, challenge accepted.

Dita Von Teese (76:40)

Yeah.

Bunny (76:41)

Dita, thank you so much for coming on the pod. Baby. It's been such a great hour sitting.

Dita Von Teese (76:45)

Here with you and asking me about my. What I think is a boring life. Thanks for taking an interest.

Bunny (76:52)

I think your life is amazing, and I think it's great. You bring class back, you know, and it just. Everything about you, the way you present yourself, you're so eloquent. And I feel like that's what the world is missing and that's what we need more of. And I'm glad that women have somebody like you that they can look up to. And, you know, to be doing what you're doing at your age still is amazing. And that gives me hope. And, like, I don't want to quit, you know? You don't want to quit, so let's just keep being trailblazers.

Dita Von Teese (77:21)

No. Thanks for a great interview. I could. I'll say the same for you. It's great that you're. You're. You're. I've been interviewed by a lot of journalists that don't. Didn't study up or didn't ask interesting questions like you did.

Bunny (77:33)

So I appreciate you so much. Do you want to shout out where people can find you, where they can see your show, your socials?

Dita Von Teese (77:40)

My socials are the best place. It's just at Dita Von Tees. But remember, the tease is spelled T, E E, S E. Thank you, Playboy, for the. The spelling but moniker.

Bunny (77:51)

Thank you.

Dita Von Teese (77:53)

Yeah, but I met. I met the Horseshoe, which is on the strip. It used to be Bally's, and it's a big, beautiful theater. And we have dates on and off. I have shows through the weekend, but this is probably not playing on right now. Yeah, the shows are kind of just like it's a residency, so there's. We pick and choose our weeks.

Bunny (78:12)

Absolutely. I can't wait. We're going to go. We're going to pick a date together.

Dita Von Teese (78:16)

Before June for sure.

Bunny (78:17)

Thank you so much.

Dita Von Teese (78:18)

Thank you.

Bunny (78:19)

I appreciate you. And thank you guys for tuning in to another episode of Dumb Blonde. I will see you guys next week. Bye. No offense, but your brain is a terrible place to keep your big idea. It belongs in the world. But you know that already. You have a calling, a voice that says this is what I'm meant to do. Create the website your big idea deserves with wix. Make it your own with top to bottom customization, AI to help realize your vision and built in business tools to turn your daydream into your dream job. WIX supports every stage of the business journey except one. Your decision to begin. Ready? Go to wix.com.