RISQUE BUSINESS
Racy thongs, elaborate garters and lacy bras-no one knows lavish lingerie like legendary Dita Von Teese. But instead of taking it all off, the sexy burlesque queen was taking it all in-money that is. Divine Dita presided over this year’s 2007 Lingerie Art Auction to support the Clothes off our Back charity at Fredrick’s of Hollywood.
Servers made the rounds with a bit of bubbly while leggy ladies in hot pants and elaborate bustiers roamed around and strutted their stuff. Dita’s high profile pals like Jane Kaczmarek and Rebecca de Mornay also stopped by to eye this daring collection of one-of-a-kind creations.
Dita showcased her design talents by fashioning an eye-popping white corset covered in colorful stones. There was also a pair of matching panties. And together this steamy set went for a whopping 20 grand.
But Dita wasn’t the only celeb designer pitching in for a good cause. Andy Garcia’s personalized bodice could make sparks fly on the Fourth of July. The “Ocean’s Thirteen” star came up with a starry, red, white and blue satin ensemble, which proved to be a real showstopper.
Sarah Michelle Gellar had something equally striking, a risqué halter in yellow satin with black scalloped lace. Gabrielle Union named hers “Fire and Ice” with a flame-shaped bust and ice blue bodice.
Even locals like Patricia Arquette and Jeremy Piven got in the act. The Emmy winning “Medium” star channeled her inner Victorian saloonkeeper into a sweet nothing made from pink netting and topped by lilac bow. Jeremy meantime made his a sleek black affair with rhinestone peace signs, hearts and doodles. The Black Eyed Peas’ fashion maven Fergie was another to put her design talents to the test. Her offering looked like something Madonna might have favored during her “Vogue” era, while Debra Messing’s corset was a kaleidoscope of colors.
Dita’s entry pulled in the biggest dollar amount, but others weren’t far behind. Scarlett Johansson’s creation sold for $11,000. The top bidder was apparently drawn to Scarlett’s glitzy beaded bubbles sparkling against a champagne-colored tulle backdrop. Beyonce’s entry went for $8,000 and Gwen Stefani’s took in $8,500. The bustiers-for-bucks event raised a grand total of $120,000.Proceeds from the fun-filled affair benefit organizations like America’s Second Harvest, The Art of Elysium, World Education and autism research.
For something special to go with those undergarments, check out Clothes off our Backs during Hollywood’s upcoming awards season. The stylish organization is a favorite among red-carpet walkers and you just might end up with a fab frock worn by an Emmy or Oscar winner.
Got a hot happening or cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com.