As reported previously, the delicious Dita Von Teese is a great fan of
the Marchesa Casati:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marchesacasati/message/469
And now in her sublime new book 'Burlesque and the Art of the Teese',
this gorgeous icon declares her admiration in a chapter devoted soley
to Luisa titled 'The Divine Marquise' (pages 8-11 of the 'Fetish' half
of this unique volume). Utilizing information from the Casati
biography 'Infinite Variety', the ever-delightful Dita offers a brief
overview of Luisa's most outre moments and, more important, provides
comments on Casati's historical importance & continuing allure. 'Eighty
years ago, this woman was more shocking than anyone has been since...'
(CASATI CLUB MODERATOR COMMENT: Now let's not forget that these words
are coming from Marilyn Manson's wife!) 'She was utterly
captivating....In fact, though she is admired by fetishists, Casati was
regarded even in her own time as a "fascinatrix". I like the idea. Less
dominatrix, more fascinatrix--now those are words to live by.'
Embellishing her insightful text are some very Casati-esque images of
Dita--one of her in top hat; another of her atop a bearskin rug; and
yet another, brandishing a riding crop, before a gilt-covered horse--
the latter in possible homage to Man Ray's striking 1935 photo-portrait
of Luisa dressed as Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

You can learn more about 'Burlesque and the Art of the Teese', as well
as order it Online, at Dita's splendid Web site:
http://www.dita.net/top.php

Visit the Regan Books Web site here:
http://www.harpercollins.com/global_scripts/product_catalog/book_xml.asp
?isbn=0060591676&tc=bd

Go ahead...you know you want to...