Podcast Summary: Naked Beauty – Episode Featuring Dita Von Teese

Title: Naked Beauty
Host: Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli
Episode: Dita Von Teese on The Transformative Power of Glamour
Release Date: November 4, 2024

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Naked Beauty, host Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli sits down with the iconic burlesque performer and modern pin-up queen, Dita Von Teese. The conversation delves deep into the essence of glamour, Dita's personal journey, the intersection of beauty and feminism, and her current endeavors in the world of burlesque. Hosted alongside co-hosts Sir John and Elaine, this episode promises an unfiltered and enriching discussion for beauty enthusiasts and those intrigued by the art of self-expression.

Early Life and Discovery of Glamour

Dita Von Teese opens up about her upbringing in a small Michigan town with a population of approximately 2,000 people and a single stoplight. She reflects on her early feelings of inadequacy, recounting a childhood incident where she was made to feel less attractive than her siblings. This experience left a lasting impact, fostering a sense of being an "ugly duckling."

Notable Quote:

Dita Von Teese [05:11]: "I felt totally ugly duckling because I had, like, a weird thing that happened to me when I was little that always had an imprint on me."

At the age of 12, her family moved to Orange County, marking a significant shift in her environment. Dita describes herself as a shy girl who found empowerment and confidence through the discovery of glamour. She recalls sneaking red lipstick at 13, which became a turning point in her self-perception.

Notable Quote:

Dita Von Teese [06:48]: "Red lipstick was the first thing I discovered that was gonna change my life."

The Transformative Power of Glamour

Dita emphasizes that glamour is not merely about appearance but about self-creation and confidence. Influenced by classic Hollywood stars like Betty Grable, Carmen Miranda, and Marilyn Monroe, she adopted vintage styles that allowed her to overcome her shyness and present herself as a force to be reckoned with.

Notable Quote:

Dita Von Teese [07:20]: "Glamour is very, for me, rooted in growing up watching old movies with my mom."

She discusses how glamour served as a "gateway drug" to self-assurance, enabling her to embrace her identity and express herself creatively within the LGBTQ and club scenes.

Burlesque, Feminism, and Self-Expression

The conversation shifts to Dita's career in burlesque and how it intertwines with her feminist beliefs. She addresses misconceptions about burlesque being anti-feminist, asserting that her performances are about empowerment, diversity, and inclusion.

Notable Quote:

Dita Von Teese [21:10]: "I'm a little bit. Like, I can see how what I do is empowering for many people."

Dita explains that her shows are spaces where individuals can embrace their sensuality and express themselves without judgment. She highlights the importance of representation and creating a supportive environment for all performers.

Current Projects and Show in Las Vegas

Dita shares insights into her ongoing project—a grand burlesque show at the Venetian in Las Vegas. This show is a culmination of her two-decade-long career, featuring authentic Bob Mackie showgirl costumes and a diverse cast of performers, including men and women of various sizes.

Notable Quote:

Dita Von Teese [25:47]: "There's a lot of performers doing my signature acts that I've been doing for the last 20 some years."

She discusses the challenges and excitement of reviving classic showgirl aesthetics while breaking traditional norms, such as including male performers and dancers of different body types.

Beauty and Skincare Regimen

Dita delves into her personal beauty and skincare routines, emphasizing the importance of self-care in maintaining her glamorous appearance. She shares her preferences for products like La Mer sunscreen for its pleasant texture and scent, as well as her disciplined approach to fitness, including weightlifting and Pilates.

Notable Quote:

Dita Von Teese [31:24]: "I think that the most important thing when it comes to sunscreen is that it's a pleasure for you to use."

Her regimen includes meticulous makeup application for performances, which she performs herself, ensuring every detail aligns with her signature look.

Impact and Legacy

Towards the end of the episode, Dita reflects on the profound impact her work has had on her fans. She recounts receiving heartfelt letters from individuals who found confidence and self-expression through her embrace of glamour and burlesque.

Notable Quote:

Dita Von Teese [68:03]: "Someone's going to think it's great. Someone's going to think it's. The only person that needs to be okay with it is you."

Dita underscores the importance of creating one's own image and the power it holds in personal empowerment and mental well-being.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections from both hosts, highlighting the inspirational nature of Dita's journey and her commitment to empowering others through beauty and self-expression. They emphasize the significance of embracing one's unique style and the courage it takes to stand out.

Notable Quote:

Sir John [71:17]: "She created her image, she created her career, she created her life based on what she wanted. And that's so empowering to understand that we can all do that."

Dita Von Teese leaves listeners with a powerful message: embracing glamour is a form of self-empowerment and a way to inspire others to express their true selves confidently.

This episode of Naked Beauty offers a deep and engaging exploration of how beauty and glamour intertwine with personal identity and empowerment. Dita Von Teese's insights provide valuable lessons on self-expression, resilience, and the transformative power of embracing one's unique style.