Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Did Katy Perry copy Dita Von Teese's look?

Last updated on: May 10, 2011 16:00 IST
Katy Perry and Dita Von Teese

Allegations of imitation and flattery have hit Katy Perry hard as her new Vanity Fair cover showed her pose to be an almost exact copy of a 2008 Dita von Teese's one.

Perry's provocative pose on the cover of the June issue, shot by famed photographer Annie Liebovitz and styled by the magazine's fashion and style director Jessica Diehl, has sparked whispers that the pop star is ripping off burlesque star von Teese''s style.

'I looked into what was out there and I didn't see anyone like me . . . my style, my opinion,' the New York Post quoted Perry as telling the magazine.

'Images in this shoot appear to be a direct homage to Dita von Teese. It is surprising that Katy claims to be such an original in the interview,' said a source.

Von Teese herself appears to take the imitation as flattery. 'Katy and I are friends. She comes to a lot of my shows, but she [recently] came backstage and said: ''I am taking all of this (gesturing at her hair and costume),' she said.

Although Liebovitz argued that she hadn't seen the poster, this isn't the first time where she has been accused of borrowing iconic images for inspiration. Her 2008 Vogue cover featuring LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen was said to be homage to a World War I Army recruitment poster.

Arnold and Mariah Shriver part ways after 25 years of marriage

Last updated on: May 10, 2011 16:00 IST
REUTERS/Fred Prouser

After 25 years of married life, former California Governor and action movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver have parted ways.
 
'This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us,' News.com.au quoted the couple as saying in a statement received by the Los Angeles Times.
 
'After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion and prayer, we came to this decision together. At this time, we are living apart while we work on the future of our relationship,' they said.
 
'We are continuing to parent our four children together. They are the light and the centre of both of our lives,' they added.
 
'We consider this a private matter and neither we nor any of our friends or family will have further comment. We ask for compassion and respect from the media and the public,' the couple said.

Beyonce to be honoured with Millennium Award

Last updated on: May 10, 2011 16:00 IST
REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

Beyonce Knowles is all set to be honoured with the Millennium Award at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. Knowles will attend the prize giving on 22 May (11) at the Mgm Grand Garden Arena, reports Contactmusic.

The Billboard Millennium Award will recognise Beyonce's career achievements and influence in the music industry. Previously, Billboard named Beyonce its Woman of the Year in October 2009, and Top Female Artist of the Decade in December 2009.

The show will be a star-studded affair - Rihanna, the Black Eyed Peas, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Cee Lo Green, Nicki Minaj, Pitbull and Taio Cruz are among the performers at the awards.

Cameron Diaz: Dad's death pushed me to grow

Last updated on: May 10, 2011 16:00 IST
REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
Cameron Diaz has revealed in an interview that her father's death helped her to find a new lust for her life.
 
The There's Something About Mary star admitted that the death of her dad in 2008 motivated her to start analyzing her hopes and dreams, and she became more focused on achieving her goals.
 
'I think you get better as you age. You know what you want, and you become stronger mentally, emotionally, and physically. But also, things have happened recently that have pushed me to grow,' Contacmusic quoted her as telling Cosmopolitan magazine.
 
'My father died, and, having gone through that really made me think about my life and how I want to live it,' she added.