The Dreamboys edition was a success, so let’s continue in the same spirit! Presenting: my Dreamgirls.

Dreamgirl: a girl crush (usually a celebrity because glamorous photos are a-must!), an object of admiration and endless source of inspiration. Someone you’re attracted to even if you’re straight!

#7: Dita Von Teese

Let’s face it, no one can do old-time glamour like Dita Von Teese – a contemporary burlesque artist. Dita (born Heather Renée Sweet) is famous for her larger-than-life striptease performances – one of her numbers includes Dita splashing around in a pool-sized martini glass, washing herself with an ‘olive’ sponge – and her 2-year long marriage to Marilyn Manson. Surprisingly, Dita is shy in real life (“What does the volume of one’s voice has to do with self-confidence?”). And did you know she is naturally a blonde, and dyes her hair jet-black to look like her idol, Betty Page?

I love Dita because she is not afraid to go against the grain to express her vision – even if it means resurrecting an antiquated form of art such as burlesque dancing. I would love to sit down with her over a cup of tea and chat about vintage lingerie, the future of burlesque and what a fool Marilyn is for letting her go.

#6: Kana

Kana is a Japanese alternative icon who is famous for modeling in Gothic Lolita Bible. Aside from her crazy outfits, one remarkable thing about Kana is that she never seems to age. Now well into her 20s, she still appears in Gothic Lolita Bible frequently and releases records under the alias Moon-Kana. Her weird and screechy voice is definitely an acquired taste, but you can’t deny: the girl looks adorable in her wigs, colored contacts that make her look suspiciously European, and that “give me my lollipop back” pout!

#5: Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan is RED-HOT, whether you like it or not. I’ve seen all her movies, in spite of their awfulness, and even loved her debut album (the cover of Stevie Nicks’ ‘Edge of Seventeen’ was positively spectacular). The new single, ‘Bossy’, however, is unconvincing and lame. Look, Linds, all was forgiven when you were a redhead – but now that your hair is bleached/mousy brown/whatever, it’s time to face the (bad) music!

#4: Lena & Yulia of Tatu

Best selling, jaw-shatteringly gorgeous, pseudo-lesbian Russian duo, Tatu make me proud of my origins! Lena (the fiery redhead) and Yulia (the raven-haired goddess) took the world by storm with their single ‘All The Things She Said’ in 2004 and I’ve never stopped following their career. They may look like porcelain dolls, but these girls consistently craft videos that make the masses think. How many pop bands do we know that can do the same?!

Oh, I once messaged them on their message board and they wrote back. What they said is a secret. :)

#3: Kirsten Dunst

Like my friend Teiva said, “she had me as Claudia in Interview With The Vampire, and sealed the deal with Marie Antoinette!” Whether in a period gown or a night gown, Kirsten possesses an aura of innocence and mystery that never fail to captivate me. Besides, she has really nice boobs. What? She had them out on a cover of a magazine once – I noticed! Or maybe it was some sort of an exotique balconette bra.

#2: Madonna

At the risk of sounding like an obsessed gay boy: I LOVE MADONNA!! More than just a Dreamgirl, she is like a fairy godmother to me. Except, instead of telling me to play it safe, she taught me to fight for what I believe in and not be afraid to break the rules.

As far as I’m concerned, Madonna can do no wrong. I have loved her every single look and album, and her Sex book has some of my most favorite photographs of all time (shot by Steven Meisel). I admire Madonna’s independent thinking, artistry, tenacity and business sense. She is quite the agent provocateur! Plus, just like me, she believes herself to be 50% man. :)

#1: Lolita

Lolita: light of my life, fire of my loins. Kubrick’s film caused a lot of controversy, even though those who read the book know it is a toned down version of the novel. Interestingly, while the character in the book was supposed to be 12 years old, the movie version of Lolita was portrayed by a 14-year old actress named Sue Lyon, who was chosen for the role because of her unusually voluptuous body (suggesting an even older age).

So why do I identify with Lolita so much? Simple: because I am one! To me, Lolita is more than just a put-on; it goes beyond the knee-socks and the Japan hysteria. Lolita-ism is a mindset, although perhaps a deviant one. The taboo combination of innocence and sexuality – the two things that are not supposed to be mixed together and yet constantly are – is something I’m naturally drawn to, yearn to express and possess. Fashion is an excellent outlet – I adore bows, poofy skirts and cable-knit tights. And red lip gloss? A must!

Deerlings: share your Dreamgirls with us!