Burlesque artiste DITA VON TEESE has lavished praise on MADONNA for inspiring her to be individual. The star has branded the singer "a true style icon", and credits the Material Girl with helping her feel comfortable with her looks as a youngster. She says, "Madonna is the only modern celebrity who is truly a style icon. Who else has the audacity to dress like her these days? "She really influenced how I wanted to look when I was growing up, and made me realise that I didn’t have to look like a blonde beach bunny or a Playboy model."

Source: Contact Music.