Thieves Steal $44G in Corsets, Erotic Costumes

ORANGE, Calif. – Thieves have twice raided an Orange County store that specializes in corsets and other costumes, making off with an estimated $44,000 in exotic outfits.

Jeanette Zinkan, a 69-year-old great grandmother who goes by the name "Miss Antoinette," owns Versatile Fashions, and designs most of the store's merchandise herself.

"They took the guts out of me when they took my entire showcase. That's more than 30 years of work," said Zinkan.

In June, police say thieves used a master key to get into the business next to Zinkan's then sawed through the wall and took what she estimated as $15,000 worth of merchandise.

Then last month, the business's back door was pried open, and this time $29,000 in corsets and costumes were snatched.

The thieves took a pair of gowns Zinkan wore to the Sex Maniacs Ball, an erotic awards show in London, where Zinkan played a queen to Hugh Hefner's king.

Zinkan's corsets have been worn by Madonna and model and burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese, and appeared in the movie "Moulin Rouge."

Zinkan, who lives in Huntington Beach Harbour, said she plans to move the business because of the burglaries.