Sophia KercherView more photos in the “Operation Bombshell Burlesque” slideshow.
Friday night at the razzle-tiki-dazzle new Trader Vic's at L.A. Live, Academy Award winner Diablo Cody and fellow seductress scribe Lily Burana presented an evening of burlesque. For those that have fantasized about Juno screenwriter babe Cody in the buck ever since seeing her in that leopard number at the Oscars, keep dreaming. Cody did not shimmy up and down the tiki bar but she did introduce a number of scantily clad beauties. The event was in support of former stripper Burana's latest book, I Love A Man in Uniform, and to benefit Operation Bombshell a burlesque school for military wives founded by the brazen Burana.
Cody appeared even more stunning in person than on the red carpet. Her hair cropped in a short pixie, blue eyes glowing and tats looking freshly inked on toned arms. She had a tall Mai Tai in hand and was surrounded by men that looked nineteen–my kind of girl. The room was spilling over with Angelenos that looked like they were ready to bust a swing move, pose for a pin-up calendar, sneak into a speak easy–or do all three.
Before the tassel-twirling began, Burana, who also penned the acclaimed Strip City, signed copies of her book. The blonde beauty had an approachable ease about her and was glowing from the big turnout of the glammed up crowd .
Ms. Redd comes undone; Credit: Timothy Norris
Inside, Cody continued to tease the crowd with the promises of arrivals of burlesque dancers. Finally, Ms. Redd took center stage. Appropriately dolled up in a military-style ensemble the flame-haired dancer couldn't shimmy her clothes off fast enough. “Take it off already,” the audience shouted out.
La Cholita brings some color; Credit: Timothy Norris
After being encouraged to knock back a few more cocktails, La Cholita stormed the stage along with half the audience. You had to stand on your tippy toes to get a peak of flurries of her colorful samba-like dress, red-glitter lips and milky gyrating bosoms. Next, the room nearly ignited with heat when Masiumi Max commanded the stage in a scarlet cloak which was seductively removed to reveal red-hot pasties that were quickly cooled with a pitcher of water she splashed all over herself. Shouts from the audience confirmed this was the finale.
The smokin' hot Masuimi Max heats it up and cools it down with the water works during her performance; Credit: Timothy Norris
Fired up by the fleshy good times, the audience went to the bar. Arguably just as swoon-worthy as the girls–and not as long as a wait between sets–were Trader Vic's cocktails. From the Big Kahuna to the Tiki Bowl the drinks were as festive as the burlesque show. One favorite, for aesthetic enjoyment alone, was the Diablo Coffee. The brew was served with flaming blue liquor, blazing almost as bright as L.A. fires fueled by the Santa Anas, the flames were spooned into coffee tinged with cinnamon by the bartender. Next time the fiery Cody makes a visit to Trader Vic's, the drink has her name all over it.
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