Dita Von Teese goes Nude for fashion shoot

American burlesque artist Dita Von Teese was so engrossed in the photo shoot she was doing as cover girl for the fall issue of boutique magazine Genlux, that she stripped totally nude for the shoot.

The shots were high-end, Japanese-themed and were taken by world-renowned photographer Marc Baptise, who is famous for his artful nude books.

Teese was so caught up with the shooting of the pictures that she volunteered to take it all off after the shots for the magazine were completed, and was even “happy to oblige” Baptise in doing so.

Meanwhile, besides doing nude picks and picking up 160,000 dollars per party for pole dancing, Teese is also busy promoting MAC makeup’s fundraising efforts for people living with HIV/AIDS.

“I especially got into their promotion of teaching women about safe sex and about not being afraid to carry condoms,” Fox News quoted Teese as telling the magazine.

“One of the things I tell them is, ‘Most men are just going to be really happy to be there in the first place, so don’t be afraid to insist on safe sex every time’,” she added.

Burlesque Photography by Robert Adler

Burlesque Photography by Robert Adler

the Bohemian Carnival return to DNA

Clowns, burlesque, contortionists, and a mood that makes you wonder what it would have been like if there were a Burning Man sensibility in '30s Germany; think Cabaret on the playa.

The semi-regular Bohemian event is about a year and a half old, and while it's less fiery now than in previous incarnations (pesky Fire Department regulations, no doubt), it's still a blast. Fou Fou Hah! (above), maybe San Francisco's favorite New Burlesque troupe, was really sharply choreographed.

The Vau de Vire Society and Gooferman were the organizing forces behind this night. Gooferman were totally on top of their game. They've really been making it happen lately, with appearances in the past several months at everything from the Super Bowl to Lightning in a Bottle last weekend in Southern California.

More fantastic photos of the event here

Dita Von Teese - Wow!

Words would not do this image justice. Download the full size wallpaper version here

Cleaning up the City with Burlesque

When Rudy Giuliani famously set about cleaning up Times Square in the nineties, photographer Lisa Kereszi found herself in the right place at the right time. She focused her camera on old-school strip clubs like the notorious Show World, which adapted to the new era by helping launch the neo-vintage New Burlesque movement.

The lenswoman then traveled across the country to document the trend as it gained momentum over the past few years, and now her work has finally been collected in the sexy, gritty new monograph Fantasies. The subjects include everything from the now-abandoned theaters to unused costumes to (most importantly) the girls themselves. And while the influence of her old boss, Nan Goldin, is obvious, Kereszi clearly calls her own shots.

Paris Hilton gives Burlesque a Bash at Birthday Party

While she already held a pre-party a week ago at a Los Angeles nightclub, last night was the main attraction as far as Paris Hilton’s birthday bashes are concerned.

The socialite celebrated her 27th year by joining in on a burlesque show with the Pussycat Dolls at Pure Nightclub, which is located inside of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

According to press reports, “Hilton’s choreographer got her hooked up with the Dolls, with whom she sang and danced. Hilton even designed her own skimpy outfit for the birthday performance.”

Other guests for the evening included Paris’ sister Nicky, Stephanie March, Robin Antin and Bobby Flay - along with the Las Vegas Pussycat Dolls, of course!

The 12 Days of Dita

The Fredericks of Hollywood website is featuring a 12 Days of Dita promotion (in the tradition of the 12 days of Christmas.) Checkout the pinup parade with Dita which features some classic burlesque inspired lingerie as well as some Christmas themed items. Even if your not planing on buying anything you will enjoy the fun Cheesecake style gallery of Dita.

They also have an About Dita section on the site:
Dita Von Teese and Fredericks, a match made in Hollywood.
A pin-up, a showgirl, a model and a fashion icon, Dita Von Teese is the world's premier burlesque performer. Having revived this sexy art form for modern day audiences, Dita continues in the tradition of such legends as Bettie Page and Gypsy Rose Lee. Inspired by Technicolor musicals. classic pinup imagery, vintage lingerie and retro Hollywood glamor, Dita's racy strip tease and provocative are renowned across the world.

You can also download a 2 minute behind the scenes video of Dita's photo shoot.

Mayhem's annual Burlesque Festival - image slideshow

Darren's photo set from Mayhem's 2007 Burlesque Festival in NY, September.

<- Heres a taste of what to expect. The complete slides show (40 photos) can be viewed on flikr:
Burlesque Slide Show

Nice work if you can get it Darren.