Burlesque queen Dita Von Teese will be the special guest at this year's Fashion Cares gala in Toronto.

The 34-year-old estranged wife of shock rocker Marilyn Manson and actress/singer Mya will join host Jay Manuel at the 21st annual fundraiser at the city's historic Distillery District on May 12.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the AIDS Committee of Toronto.

Von Teese, who was born Heather Small, is currently one of the faces of M.A.C., the longtime sponsor of Fashion Cares. Her provocative performances -- including feather dances and bathing in a giant martini glass -- have made her a style icon. Her book, The Art of the Teese, was published last year.

The venue for Fashion Cares this year is considerably smaller than the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, where the event has been staged for several years. While most tickets go to sponsors and insiders, some will be available to the public on April 13.

Highlights of Fashion Cares will be shown July 5 on CHUM channels across Canada.