Von Follies by Dita von Teese for Target

Look, it's going to be really difficult for me to not spend this entire blog post salivating over what a goddess Dita Von Teese is. Her stage presence makes Robin Williams look like a wallflower and the way she exudes femininity basically makes my ovaries explode. Gorgeous, with a penchant for danger (her relationship with Marilyn Manson, am I right?) her self made success puts her in excellent stead as an 'alternative' role model.

Moving on...

The appearance of Von Teese drew a refreshing crowd to Central Pier. We were treated to old world glamour- tailored pieces and structural lines that, unbeknown to us, would mimic Von Teese's collection. 40's hairstyles were abound, many throwing caution to the wind, combining their lacquered look with fabulously coloured locks - fire engine red, fairy floss pink, I think I even saw sky blue on one girl. It was rockabilly for the modern day - women celebrating their shapes, without being demure.

Dat Corset.

Dat Coat.

Dat Suit. 

Dat Skirt.

Dat WHOLE OUTFIT!

So yes, success all round for the festival goers.

As the time trundled closer to 8.30, I wandered over to the press entrance. You know, whatever, I had a Media Pass, no biggie. KDGJSDGJLVLMSHQIFJKL.
 I was excited. I was even more excited when I turned around and none other than JOSH FLINN from Australia's Next Top Model was behind me.

I had a total geek out, nearly cried, and refused to take a photo with him. First world success? I think so.

 He was so tiny in real life, he looked as if he should have had a FRAGILE sticker plastered across his forehead. A little frail man, in an astounding leopard print blazer - could anyone have blamed me if I'd tore it off his back? I don't think so.

 Once seated, (without a gift bag, sob, although we had conspired to steal one), I had a good forty minutes or so to consider my circumstances - the show was going to be fashionably late. 

Here I was. Media Pass around my neck, lauded journalists to my right, noses buried in their smart phones, soaking up The Bourne Book. I was about to see Dita von Teese in the flesh. The dress I was wearing was amazing. I knew I could actually afford the designs I was about to see, rather than having to stick pictures of them on my wish board. Bloody fantastic.

And then the show began.

There Dita was, strutting to a brassy big band soundtrack, sauntering down the runway. The woman knows how to pack a punch. She worked every inch of that runway, hips swaying, as she pumped her Christian Louboutin's (and the crowd) into a frenzy.

As I said earlier, Von Teese brought something new and visceral to LMFF. Never have I seen a fashion crowd so engaged. That could have just been the girls in skimpy underwear, but when there's wolf whistles and cheering throughout the show, you have no choice but to imagine that the Dita brand is taking off. There is no shame in vamping it up and this 'vintage for the modern era' is certainly beginning to resonate.

 Black lace, leather gloves, whips (all taken from Von Teese's personal collection) adored the models, who were of all shapes and sizes. All of them looked fabulously confident. 

The designs themselves were stunning, fit for any wannabe burlesque star (or ringmaster). 

I left feeling satisfied, albeit never wanting to see another model's thinly veiled ass again.  The collection gave off a sense of luxury coupled with accessibility. Von Teese is a fantastic saleswoman. 

Von Follies by Dita von Teese is available at Target.