new 1940s-style underwear range

Queen of burlesque Dita Von Teese undoubtedly made her name taking her clothes off.

And now, as she launches a stunning collection of retro underwear for Wonderbra, it may be more tempting for other women.

Von Teese said the Wonderbra range was inspired by the glamour of the 1940s and 50s.

"I love it when you can go about your daily business with the knowledge that you have a little secret of your own on underneath," she said.
Wonderbra by Dita Von Teese: The Queen of Burlesque models her new 1940s-style underwear range

"Lingerie shouldn't be something you just put on for your lover; you should do it for you.

"It's not about seducing men, it's about embracing womanhood."

One bra-bottom combo features a magnetic clip, "making daring stripteases a cinch", according to Wonderbra.

The limited edition lingerie collection goes on sale on September 23.

Von Teese, whose retro chic brings to mind old school glamour of stars such as Ava Gardner and Betty Grable, firmly refuses to be careless about her appearance.

"I know the picture the paparazzi want is me coming out of Starbucks in jeans with my hair all messy, but that's just not going to happen," she laughs.

"I just think that when you take a minute to look your best, you get what you want. And," she adds, "I pretty much get what I want."
Burlesque bra: Some of the saucy pieces have quick-release magnetic clasps for a speedy strip-teese

Sultry Von Teese models a front-crossing number

Dita's elaborate routines have featured her riding crystal horses or dancing with strategically placed pink feathers.

She's entertained the likes of Jade Jagger and the Marquess of Bath's son Ceawlin, modelled for Jean Paul Gaultier and Marc Jacobs.

And her famous act gyrating inside a giant martini glass caused such a stir it was emulated by Cameron Diaz in Charlie's Angels.

Though her body clearly helped her make her fortune, it was her head for business that transformed her from underground star to worldwide phenomenon.

Burlesque had all but disappeared until Dita's skill updated the style for the modern audience.

Let's see if her business brain achieves the same success on the underwear world.