What originally got you interested in burlesque?

I was very fascinated with lingerie from a young age. When I started working in a lingerie store I wanted to know more about the history of lingerie. I was recreating pin-ups when I was about 18, 19, and being photographed in my vintage lingerie collection. And when I discovered a connection between burlesque, the striptease stars, and pin-up art, it sort of sparked my interest.

Was it a culture then?

No, it was much different. A lot of the burlesque performers were headlining strip clubs and special events and fetish events. But I remember even at that time people were sort of sceptical of it. I came under fire a little bit for not fitting in with my burlesque show and my corsets, a lot of people didn't understand the connection.

In Australia burlesque has become really popular. Do you think that's a good thing or does it kind of annoy you?

No, I'm not annoyed by it on any level. I think that it's really great that everyone can experience burlesque and have fun with it and embrace this kind of powerful sensuality. It's very important for me to keep the essence of it alive, because I find that some people using the term "burlesque", they're shaking away the striptease element and saying it's just about the tease. But I think that's a big disservice to stars like Gypsy Rose Lee and the authentic American burlesque. It's not a fashion style, it's not about feathers and retro music and red lipstick – it's about the striptease.

You're also known for your fashion style. Do you have any tips for buying vintage?

I think buying online is always good. Learn the lingo and do some research about what eras you like and what words are used to describe the styles you like. eBay has a vast selection of every kind of vintage you could possibly be looking for. Of course there are hits and misses, but it's all about the thrill of the hunt!

You recently did some catwalk modelling during Paris Fashion Week. Did you get nervous before doing that?

I'm always nervous. I think the times when I haven't been nervous in my life I've kind of felt like I dropped the ball. I was definitely more on the nervous side walking the catwalk because literally three minutes before [I went on the catwalk] there were seven people with their hands on me still sewing things.

When you were growing up what did you think your job would be?

I was always sure I was going to be a ballerina, but then I realised I just didn't have the talent to be a professional. So I thought that I might be a hat designer, and then I wanted to be a lingerie designer – all the things I loved. I played with the ideas of different jobs having to do with those things, and I guess that is what I do now!

Dita Von Teese's "Be Cointreauversial" show is in Sydney on September 16, 2010.