Left: Dita, Glamour Evangelist, 2009; Right: Dita, Mirror Mirror, 2009
In a world of celebrities, it's hard to stand out. But when you pair Dita, the Queen of Burlesque, with Markus Klinko, you get a dynamic duo that turns heads. Markus, who is known for his bold and daring approach to photography, and Dita, who is the perfect subject for his unique style, created magic. In what are undoubtedly some of the most iconic and memorable photoshoots of our time, Dita and Markus produced sensual and empowering images, capturing Dita's true essence.
“It doesn’t get any better than Dita. She was stunning." ~ Markus Klinko
Dita Von Teese (born Heather Renée Sweet; September 28, 1972) is an American burlesque dancer, model, costume designer, entrepreneur, singer, actress and businesswoman.
Performing striptease since 1992, she is the biggest name in burlesque in the world since Gypsy Rose Lee and is credited with bringing the art form back into the spotlight with a new sense of elegance and sophistication, earning the moniker “Queen of Burlesque”.
In addition to her burlesque shows, Dita is a self-styled fashion icon and muse, topping best-dressed lists all over the world, and voted onto Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed List twice.
Dita has been empowering women for years by showcasing ‘diversity in beauty’ in her shows. She has always advocated for body positivity and self-acceptance.
“I say, enhance what others might deem less than wow and make that your beauty mark.” ~ Dita Von Teese
Markus Klinko is an award-winning international fashion/celebrity photographer and director who has worked with many of today's most iconic film, music, and fashion stars.
He is known for his unique style and ability to capture the essence of his subjects. Markus has photographed the likes of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslet, Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell and Iman. Just to name a few.
When asked about his photoshoots with Dita, Markus commented,
“I was thrilled to work with Dita, burlesque star and international pop icon, because of her cool, confident attitude and her innate taste and style. She was one of the most well-informed subjects I ever worked with - about photography, lighting, and in particular, what would work for her.
"It doesn’t get any better than Dita. She was stunning.”
"When photographing an artist, I always desire to create a work that truly defines them and can serve as a milestone in pop culture history. Those are ambitious and lofty goals, but it is what I am thinking about when I pick up my camera." ~ Markus Klinko
"I am more like a painter. I go from a blank canvas, and I see what I can put on it to make it great. And sometimes it doesn't take much; sometimes it's something very simple. I don't have to always overload it. It doesn't have to be rainbows and stars and flying pyramids. It can just be straightforward." ~ Markus Klinko
Through a combination of meticulous planning and wild spontaneity, Markus has been trusted to parlay the personalities of J.Lo, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige, the late David Bowie and none other than Dita Von Teese.
Markus Klinko is an award-winning, international fashion / celebrity photographer and director, who has worked with many of today’s most iconic stars of film, music, and fashion.
Markus has photographed the likes of Beyonce, Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslet, Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell, Iman, Billie Eilish and Dita Von Teese.
His editorial clients include Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, and Interview magazine. Brands such as Lancôme, L’Oréal Paris, Nike, Hugo Boss, Anna Sui, Pepsi, Skyy Vodka, and Remy Martin have hired Klinko to create advertising campaigns. His campaign for 'Keep A Child Alive' raised over one million dollars for children with AIDS in just 3 days.
Markus has appeared on E! News, Access Hollywood, Fashion Television, CNN’s Showbiz Tonight and Larry King Live and has been the subject of the reality show Double Exposure.
Markus' goal is to highlight qualities which make the subjects unique and extraordinary; their power, aura and divine spark. Using different perspectives, light, movement and fashion, Markus creates an unforgettable image that defines what his subject(s) represents to the world.
"My ambitions are extremely high. I want to be the most successful blue-chip photographer in the world. I want my limited art prints to be a true investment for collectors. I consider myself a technician. I've learned and mastered everything I can to create incredible images. If I'm going to do something, I have to be good at it. When photographing an artist, I always desire to create a work that truly defines them." ~ Markus Klinko
“Don't save your good lingerie for dates, wear it for you.” ~ Dita Von Teese
“I suppose women are attracted to the bad-boy image sometimes because it's fun to have an adventure. It's like eating junk food ... it's fun at the time, but ultimately not the best choice.” ~ Dita Von Teese
“[I was] thrilled to work with Dita, burlesque star and international pop icon, because of her cool, confident attitude and her innate taste and style. She was one of the most well-informed subjects [I] ever worked with - about photography, lighting, and in particular, what would work for her.
“It doesn’t get any better than Dita. She was stunning.” ~ Markus Klinko
Source: "Icons: The Celebrity Exposures of Markus and Indrani" by Markus Klinko and Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri, Running Press, 2013
About Markus Klinko
Markus Klinko is an award-winning international fashion/celebrity photographer and director who has worked with many of today's most iconic film, music, and fashion stars. Markus has photographed the likes of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslet, Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell and Iman.
His editorial clients include Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar, and Interview magazine. Brands such as Lancôme, L'Oréal Paris, Nike, Hugo Boss, Anna Sui, Pepsi, Skyy Vodka, and Remy Martin have hired Markus to create advertising campaigns.
Born in Switzerland of French, Italian, Jewish, and Hungarian descent, Markus spent his early years training to become a classical harp soloist. He studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris.
Later, Markus signed an exclusive recording contract with EMI Classics and a management contract with Columbia Artists Management. He received the Grand Prix de Disque for his recording of French harp music with the orchestra of the Paris Opera Bastille. Markus also performed in recitals and as a featured soloist with symphony orchestras around the world. He was also regularly featured in Vogue Italia, Vanity Fair, GQ, The New Yor Times, Madame Figaro, Stereo Review and Ongaku no Tomo.
After a hand injury, Markus became a fashion photographer and retired from his international concert and recording career.
Isabella Blow discovered Markus' work at the London Sunday Times and commissioned cover stories from the emerging photographer. Around the same time, Ingrid Sischy at Interview magazine hired Markus for various shoots. Iman and David Bowie followed, giving the up and coming photographer a chance to photograph them for their respective book (I am Iman) and album covers (Heathen). From there, he created some of the most iconic album covers of our time, including Beyonce's "Dangerously in Love" and Mariah Carey's "The Emancipation of Mimi".
Markus Klinko: Award-winning international fashion / celebrity photographer