NYC Style: Burlesque Beauty-Veronica Varlow

by Kimberly Rae Miller

Veronica Varlow

Borough/Neighborhood: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Profession: International Burlesque Performer, Actress and Pin-Up Model

Hailed as a modern day Marlene Dietrich, Veronica Varlow has charmed audiences with her sultry singing and her cabaret artistry including fire dancing, belly dance and classic slow burn burlesque. An unexpected twist of fate led Varlow to her life of international mystery and intrigue. She had always dreamed of performing, but a fear of being judged by others held her back.

Seven years ago, while volunteering at an animal shelter, she was attacked in the face by a rottweiler. The canine's teeth narrowly missed her left eye and completely severed her septum and right nostril. Lying on the operating table, she decided that life was too short to waste time worrying about what others would think and she set off to make her dream a reality. Since then, Varlow has graced stages from Paris to Prague, from Berlin to Brussels, from Austria to Australia. This year marks her seventh world tour with musician Emilie Autumn.

Varlow has charmed audiences for exclusive events held by the Whitney Museum, supermodel Heidi Klum, Sir Elton John, designer Diane Von Furstenburg, the Broadway cast of the Lion King and Fashion's Night Out sponsored by Vogue and NYC Mayor Bloomberg. She was featured on MTV's Emmy-Award winning show, MADE. In her spare time, she coaches women to bring out their inner Danger Dame and she plots world domination.

How would you define your personal style?

Danger Dame a la Marlene Dietrich with a pinch of Gypsy Queen.

Favorite item in you closet?

A breath-taking black and nude vintage 1940s gown with a sweeping train decorated with black Swarovski crystals. It is my favorite item to perform in - it's pure glamour and world domination stitched into one dress.

Are there any trends that you wish would just go away already?

Sweatpants as everyday wear. People, it's got the word sweat in it. Don't wear unless you're sweating (at a gym...)

Any tips for using burlesque-style items successfully?

Yes! Here's my tips to turn some heads: Don't be afraid of false lashes - a nice medium sized lash spells instant glamour. Ditch the pantyhose and get yourself a pretty garter belt to hold up your cuban heeled stockings discreetly beneath your skirt. (Nothing kills a man like seeing a flash of garter when the wind picks up!) Add some summer spice by adorning your hair with pretty vintage blooms like Billie Holiday. We are going for classic iconic style!

Mistakes to avoid when trying to conquer that femme fatale look?

Make sure your pistol doesn't show...keep it tucked neatly in your garter.

Favorite Five in the Five Boroughs?

Danger Dame: It's my online boutique, based in Brooklyn and if you like a little danger.... step right up.
Christian Louboutin on Horatio: Louboutin's heels are my own personal version of drugs.
Trash and Vaudeville on St. Marks:  For the dirty rock and roll punk rock girl in me.  Tell Jimmy I sent you - and he will treat you like royalty.
Agent Provocateur on Mercer: Decadent, gorgeous lingerie (and whips!). I want everything in the store.
Lush in Soho: Yummy handmade scents in lotions, soaps, powders, and bath bombs. My favorite scent is Karma.