Dita Von Teese, the femme fatale of the burlesque world, is often seen as a blonde bombshell from Michigan. However, few know that this sultry siren's early days were marked by a dark-haired persona named Heather Sweet.
Chas Ray Krider, a photographer who captured Von Teese's transformation into an icon in the late 1990s and early 2000s, knew her was destined for stardom from the start. "I could tell she was going to be a star," he says of Von Teese, then just starting out as a fetish model with a penchant for Old Hollywood-style glamour.
Krider's photography series, "Motel Fetish", features Von Teese in hotel rooms, shot using unconventional techniques such as using film intended for daylight shots and hotel lamps as lighting. The result is a gritty, noir-inspired aesthetic that exudes erotic tension.
The two collaborated on multiple shoots across the US, including California, Ohio, and Indiana. Today, Krider is compiling their work into a forthcoming book titled "The Dita Sessions" with Von Teese's blessing. He praises her hard work and dedication to her craft, saying she deserved everything she got as an icon.
Von Teese, meanwhile, has had a storied career beyond her burlesque work, including appearing on the cover of Playboy and becoming a bestselling author. However, it was during these early years that Krider captured her essence in his photographs.
Krider's own background is rooted in street photography, inspired by Ralph Gibson, and an interest in women and lingerie. His photographs evoke a narrative style, akin to stills taken from a film, with saturated colors and heavy shadows that give the images an air of authenticity.
TheDirty Show, an annual erotic art festival set for February 13-21 at Detroit's Russell Industrial Center, will feature Krider's work alongside other provocative artworks, burlesque performances, and installations. Founder Jerry Vile acknowledges that the festival has become a cultural phenomenon, embracing its own unique space outside of the academic art world.
Vile confesses to having given up on trying to compete with the academic art world, instead opting for an unbridled approach that prioritizes entertainment over pretentiousness. The Dirty Show's eclectic mix of artworks and performances celebrates individuality and creativity, making it a must-attend event for fans of the arts.
Chas Ray Krider, a photographer who captured Von Teese's transformation into an icon in the late 1990s and early 2000s, knew her was destined for stardom from the start. "I could tell she was going to be a star," he says of Von Teese, then just starting out as a fetish model with a penchant for Old Hollywood-style glamour.
Krider's photography series, "Motel Fetish", features Von Teese in hotel rooms, shot using unconventional techniques such as using film intended for daylight shots and hotel lamps as lighting. The result is a gritty, noir-inspired aesthetic that exudes erotic tension.
The two collaborated on multiple shoots across the US, including California, Ohio, and Indiana. Today, Krider is compiling their work into a forthcoming book titled "The Dita Sessions" with Von Teese's blessing. He praises her hard work and dedication to her craft, saying she deserved everything she got as an icon.
Von Teese, meanwhile, has had a storied career beyond her burlesque work, including appearing on the cover of Playboy and becoming a bestselling author. However, it was during these early years that Krider captured her essence in his photographs.
Krider's own background is rooted in street photography, inspired by Ralph Gibson, and an interest in women and lingerie. His photographs evoke a narrative style, akin to stills taken from a film, with saturated colors and heavy shadows that give the images an air of authenticity.
TheDirty Show, an annual erotic art festival set for February 13-21 at Detroit's Russell Industrial Center, will feature Krider's work alongside other provocative artworks, burlesque performances, and installations. Founder Jerry Vile acknowledges that the festival has become a cultural phenomenon, embracing its own unique space outside of the academic art world.
Vile confesses to having given up on trying to compete with the academic art world, instead opting for an unbridled approach that prioritizes entertainment over pretentiousness. The Dirty Show's eclectic mix of artworks and performances celebrates individuality and creativity, making it a must-attend event for fans of the arts.
. But what really gets me is how Chas Ray Krider captured her essence in his photographs. The way he used unconventional techniques to create that gritty, noir-inspired aesthetic... it's just genius 
. And can we talk about how fabulous she looks? I mean, Playboy cover girl and bestselling author, yeah, please! 
But seriously, TheDirty Show is going to be lit this year! Who else is hyped for that festival?
But let's talk about what really matters - who gets to control the narrative? Chas Ray Krider, as the photographer behind her iconic shoots, is getting all the credit 
. I mean, we're only hearing about his work now because Von Teese gave him her blessing 
. What about the agency she had in creating those sultry scenes? Was she always the star of her own show or was Krider the puppet master behind the camera? We need to question whose story is being told and who's benefiting from it 
, I'm dying over how different Dita Von Teese was back in the day!!! Dark hair and all that edge 
, the way he captures that erotic tension is EVERYTHING 
TheDirty Show sounds like an absolute blast, can't wait to check it out! 
. And his techniques are still on point today, using film and hotel lamps to create that gritty, noir-inspired aesthetic 
. And Chas Ray Krider's photography series, "Motel Fetish", is like a time capsule of her transformation into that glamorous persona 
. I mean, using film intended for daylight shots and hotel lamps as lighting? That's genius 
It's great to see something that celebrates individuality and creativity, not just the academic art world. I mean, who needs pretentiousness when you can have a good dose of entertainment? 
And with Krider's work alongside other provocative artworks and burlesque performances... it's going to be a wild ride! 
it's all about celebrating individuality and creativity 
. And now, his work is going to be compiled into a book? That's gonna be everything 
.
. I think Chas Ray Krider's photography series "Motel Fetish" really captures her essence, especially with its gritty and noir-inspired aesthetic 
. It just goes to show that she's always been a strong and dedicated artist.
anyway chas krider's photography is giving me major 90s vibes and i am LIVING for it 
his "Motel Fetish" series is so gritty and noir-inspired, like a film still or something 
and can we talk about the dirty show? 
And can we talk about TheDirty Show in Detroit? 
.
. It's about time we gave the art world a more relaxed vibe, you know? 
Can't wait to check out the exhibition and live performances! 
. But let's get one thing straight, if Dita Von Teese was a dark-haired persona named Heather Sweet, then we're still going to talk about her as the blonde bombshell who slayed the game 
that exude tension. I love how she was destined for stardom from the start, and Krider knew it 
. The way he uses film and hotel lamps as lighting creates this moody atmosphere, like a cinematic still life 
! I'm all about embracing individuality and creativity, and it's awesome that Jerry Vile prioritized entertainment over pretentiousness 
. I mean, Chas Ray Krider knew she was destined for stardom and captured some iconic shots with his "Motel Fetish" series 
. Thousands of people displaced, homes destroyed... it's just so heartbreaking. And to make matters worse, climate change is still a major issue and we're not doing enough to stop it. 
. Can you believe that? Anyway, I'm sure The Dirty Show will be lit, but let's keep things in perspective, folks... the world is full of problems