Is that you, Dita? Von Teese shares shocking flashback photo from age 16 where she's BLONDE and sunbathing in a bikini

PUBLISHED: 20:27, 13 May 2014 | UPDATED: 21:15, 13 May 2014

Dita Von Teese is known for her raven hair and porcelain skin.

So it was a shock to see the 41-year-old burlesque dancer as a blonde and with a tan in a flashback photo from when she was only 16-years-old. The beauty shared the image on her Twitter account on Tuesday.

The ex-wife of rocker Marilyn Manson captioned the image: ‘Found this pic of me sunbathing, age 16. I still love the beach, but these days I prefer to enjoy it with sun protection or by moon-bathing in a black swimsuit paired with diamonds.'

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Girl next door: In stark contrast to her signature look, Dita Von Teese shared a flashback photo on Tuesday of her sunbathing in a bikini as a blonde 16-year-old

Dita – then known as Heather Renee Sweet – is clad in a light purple and white bandeau top, resting on her elbows as she smiles at the camera.

Her golden locks cascade down her back with a side part, as feathered bangs frame her face.

The lingerie enthusiast appeared at the Delete Blood Cancer Gala in New York a week ago, channelling classic Dita in a black gown that hugged her slender and curvaceous figure.

Oozing old Hollywood glamour: The 41-year-old burlesque icon appeared at the Delete Blood Cancer Gala in New York a week ago, channelling classic Dita in a black gown that hugged her slender and curvaceous figure

She styled her glossy black locks in a manner oozing old Hollywood glamor, and made the look extra glamorous with a sparkling necklace featuring flower shapes.

The burlesque beauty is fresh off of her Strip, Strip, Hooray variety show, which recently took her throughout the southern United States

The dancer most recently amazed audiences in Atlanta, Georgia in a 90-minute show that featured her in an array of scintillating outfits.

Dita has also released a new vintage-inspired lingerie range, Star Lift, designed around her love of vintage glamor.

Gothic chic: Last Thursday, Dita stepped out in New York wearing a black dress featuring a long cape

Wowzers: Her cape billowed in the wind as she walked

Dita shed some light on the design by saying, 'I love contrasting satin and lace, and I really wanted an elegant, smooth bra that also creates voluptuous cleavage.

'The wide-set straps leave the front of the chest very bare, which is very, very sexy.'

She told Bloomberg TV: ‘We’re (women) not afraid anymore of really owning our sensuality. I’m 41 now and I’m very happy to shift from striptease burlesque shows to building my brand and really staying focused on something I think I stand for.’