Dita Von Teese Talks Lingerie, Keeping Fit And Why Etsy Is Her Favourite Vintage Store

Burlesque dancer, lingerie designer and pin-up model Dita Von Teese shares her style and fitness secrets exclusively with Marie Claire…

What’s your first lingerie memory? “I used to sneak into my mother’s lingerie drawer when I was younger – I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to wear it myself. I started working in a lingerie store when I was 15 and I was like ‘I’m going to save up my money and buy nice stockings.’ It’s what sparked my career as a burlesque dancer. Lingerie is something that is very expressive – you can be whoever you want to be.”

Your go-to lingerie look? “Black lace lingerie is always my first choice – its sophisticated, elegant and even erotic. But I do like playing with different colours of lace as well. In my new collection [available to buy in Harrods] I have one that's like a navy blue lace over magenta. I always get excited about new colour ways.”

What’s your secret to keeping in shape? “I do pilates 3-5 times a week. Mostly because I like to feel strong, and I have more energy afterwards.”

Where do you love to shop for your clothes? “I like Etsy – the internet is definitely the best place to buy vintage right now. When I was a teenager I didn’t have a lot of money to spend on clothes. My friends had the cool designer jeans and sneakers, so I started dressing in vintage because I could get the stylish look for less – like wearing retro slips with cardigan sweaters.”

Who are your favourite designers? “I wear a lot of Jean Paul Gaultier on the red carpet, and Zac Posen in my personal life. Ulyana Sergeenko is great too, I’m wearing ones of her dresses today – I love her romantic, folk style. But if I’m having some down time at home, I’ll usually be found in my pilates clothes or a lovely dressing gown.”

Last item you splurged on? “Yesterday I bought a beautiful white trench with a red floral print on it from Talitha, designed by Kim Hersov. It wasn’t just off the cuff though - I’d been plotting and planning to find a great summer coat for ages.”

How do you take care of your skin? “Sunscreen is really important. And I love Éminence Organic Skin Care – I use pretty much their whole skin care range.”

Which make-up products do you swear by? “I’m obsessed with Suqqu foundation right now, I’ve got all my friends hooked on it. I use a lot of MAC powders too.” You’re known for donning a bold, red lip. Which one’s your go-to? "I have like 50 favourites! I do love a really matte red though - like MAC’s Ruby Woo or Lime Crime’s Velvetine Liquid Matte Lipstick in Red Velvet."

How do you maintain your uber-glam tresses? “I colour it myself – I just go to the store and buy a box of blue/black hair dye, and do it like every 2 weeks. I’ve got blonde roots showing right now though – I need to work it out after this!” Dita Von Teese’s AW15 lingerie collection is available to buy now in Harrods