Dita Von Teese’s message to women

Burlesque queen Dita Von Teese is angry. And she has this piece of advice for women of all ages.

Dita Von Teese.

Dita Von Teese broke new ground in celebrating all shapes of beauty but now she is on a new mission.

The famous burlesque queen is taking on ageism and is angry that women are not encouraged to show their sensuality as they mature.

“It’s such a hurdle,” Von Teese said.

“It’s always been important to me to look up to women who are older than me as a good example.

“Now I have a responsibility to advance that and give that example to younger women too.”

Von Teese, 46, said she still looks up to a range of women who are older than her, ranging from Helena Christensen who was recently criticised for wearing jeans and a bustier.

“I saw photos of her in that outfit and, honestly, she looked absolutely outstanding,” she said.

“Until you start living it and being around this age it probably isn’t important.

“When I was 20 I wouldn’t have thought about this issue but I’m always looking up to women who are a bit older than me.”

Dita admires Gwen Stefani. Picture: Getty

And Jennifer Lopez. Picture: Getty

Women she particularly admires include Gwen Stefani who she said always looks gorgeous, vivacious and applauds her for wearing fun, youthful clothes.

She also admires Jennifer Lopez and Sharon Stone.

“Whenever I see Sharon Stone it’s usually in a room with a whole lot of supermodels but all eyes are on Sharon,” she said.

“Men, in particular, just cannot take their eyes off her.

“The older woman poses some very potent erotic weaponry.

“We’ve all heard people say ‘I can’t believe he’s with that older woman’.

“Well, I think I can tell you why.

“She’s not sitting around bitching about other women.

“Anyone who thinks that being young and beautiful is more important than having something to say is wrong.

“A woman who has cultivated more than her looks is a very fulfilled woman.”

Von Teese’s upcoming show, here in December, she aims to represent a cross-section of women.

She has long been a champion of body positivity, choosing to cast interesting and eclectic people.

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She will be joined again on this tour by Zelia Rose and Dirty Martini with more to come.

“I’m really changing the show up because I’ve been twice before and this one will include more ensemble numbers so I’m putting more people on stage at once than I have in the past,” she said.

“I really love the variety show and have called this one Glamonatrix because it is both womanly and powerful.”

Glamonatrix is playing at the Palais Theatre, November 30-December 1. Bookings: tegdainty.com