Dita von Teese - new Wonderbra model

A 35-year-old burlesque dancer and fetish star is to be the new face of Wonderbra, it was announced today.

Dita von Teese, whose provocative and elaborate strip-tease shows have earned her the title "Queen of Burlesque" will also design her own limited edition collection for the lingerie firm.

Von Teese, an American, is the latest in a long line of international beauties including Eva Herzigova and Adriana Karembeu to have modeled for the iconic push-up bra brand.

"I've been passionate about beautiful lingerie my entire life, so to team up with Wonderbra is a great privilege for me and I am immensely proud of my collection.
I really hope that with this new range I can share my passion for sensual, wearable lingerie that will add a touch of glamor to people's everyday lives," she said.

Von Teese is renowned for her "traditional feather fan dance" as well as her "boudoir/bathtub show", according to her website.

In 2005, she performed naked except for $5 million worth of diamonds for a benefit show at the New York Academy of Art.

In her latest "Lipteese" show, she straddles a giant lipstick that spins and bucks like a mechanic bull, her website explains.

She has also published a book, Burlesque/Fetish and The Art of the Teese, and is credited with being the main force behind "New Burlesque", the recent revival of burlesque dancing.

Von Teese's designs, which will draw on 1940s lingerie styles and vintage underwear fashion, will be available in British shops in September

She will model the new collection for a Wonderbra photo shoot in Paris in the next few weeks.

This is the second time in recent months that Wonderbra has caused a stir with its advertising.

Last year the company scored a viral Internet hit with a risqué spoof of the cult Cadbury's drumming gorilla advert.

The Wonderbra version featured the enthusiastic and energetic musical efforts of a scantily-clad brunette whose upper-body stability was only maintained thanks to her brassière.

The advert, which had the catch line "Two cups full of joy", was never broadcast on television.