Dita von Teese Reveals Her Secret Love — For Tights

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At Jean Paul Gaultier’s dance-inspired show in Paris on Tuesday night, Dita von Teese could hardly contain her excitement. “It was everything I come to the shows for, you know, theatrics. It felt like a show,” she told PEOPLE. And that it was, with a trio of dancers stretching and pirouetting down the catwalk, the collection included wraparound jersey dresses that untied to reveal swimsuits with attached capes and neon tights under floaty dresses. “I’ve always enjoyed going to ballet classes to see how other dancers rework their clothes,” said Von Teese who used to do ballet herself. “They do ridiculous things like cut the crotch out of tights and wear the legs on the arms.” So does the queen of ladylike chic have a secret stash of neon tights? “Well, I don’t get as wild as I used to with the tights, but I still do buy them extra, extra large and pull them right up. I love all the ballet tights from the fifties.” Perhaps her penchant for tights will get a mention in her new beauty bible, which will be published next year. “I’m writing a book on how to get an eccentric retro look on your own without a glam-squad,” she revealed, adding that she gets red carpet ready sans stylist and always does her own hair and make up. Tres magnifique!