Few burlesque performers achieve the national and even international spotlight to become true superstars. However the performers whose costumes make up this exhibition, Gypsy Rose Lee and Dita Von Teese, most certainly did.

Long before her first name lit up Broadway, Gypsy was already at the top of her field, known for her “high class” performances and lavish lifestyle.

Today, Dita Von Teese stands as an exemplar of glamour in a world gone casual, not only touring the world with her entourage of burlesque greats like Dirty Martini, Perle Noire and Jett Adore, but publishing books, appearing on television, promoting her own line of lingerie, and recording albums. Both Gypsy and Dita made their mark on their times far beyond the confines of the burlesque world, as paragons of elegance and beauty in a world hungry for both.

“Curves Ahead: Burlesque Superstars Gypsy Rose Lee and Dita Von Teese” pairs stage costumes worn by these two burlesque stars. The stage costumes are accompanied by photos, the stage prop from Dita’s first martini glass act (also featured in her guest appearance on CSI), and the traveling trunks each used as they toured the world. The exhibition captures some of the glamour and stage presence of two of burlesque’s biggest stars, then and today.

The exhibition runs from August 3, 2018 until January 4, 2019. Our thanks to our Board member Dita Von Teese for generously lending us the costumes on display.