In collaboration with the Princess Alice Hospice charity in the UK, The Bentall Centre in Kingston is hosting a star-studded fashion exhibition from 26th September 2009 until 19th October showcasing celebrity party attire in store windows, which will then be online at www.ebya.co.uk/charity from 19th October, to raise money for the Hospice.
Over forty personalities and luminaries, including; Dame Helen Mirren, Lynda Bellingham, Samantha Cameron, Beth Ditto, Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh, Helena Bonham Carter, Geri Halliwell, Paloma Faith, Joanna Lumley, Trinny Woodhall, Fearne Cotton, Twiggy and The Saturdays have all kindly donated dresses to the Fit For a Princess event.
Unique pieces include an Alberta Ferretti sequin skirt and top which was worn at The Planet of the Apes premiere by Helena Bonham Carter, Paloma Faith’s gorgeous green silk and lace prom dress, which she wore in her latest ‘New York’ music video and a Herve Leger gown from Beverley Knight. There is a wonderful two piece worn by Joanna Lumley at a James Bond gala, which in her letter given with the dress boasts that they have been ‘shaken and stirred’ by two 007 agents – Daniel Craig and Roger Moore!
Most of the attire donated comes with provenance from the celebrity patrons i.e. signed pictures and letters, which potential new owners will gain.
Garments from these celebrities amongst other musicians, actresses and fashionistas will be displayed exclusively in The Bentall Centre for one month. Visitors to the Centre will then be able to bid for their favourite idol’s outfit through an auction on eBAY, with all proceeds coming to Princess Alice Hospice.
The auction goes live on October 19 and runs until October 29. To be sure of getting your hands on a celebrity treasure visit www.ebay.co.uk/charity and type in Fit for a Princess as your search term.
Darran Hutchings, Communication Officer at Princess Alice Hospice, said, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with The Bentall Centre on such a large and high profile project. Not only are they dedicated to supporting local charities, they are also able to deliver highly professional and rewarding events. Together we will be able to raise money for, and raise the profile of this vital local charity”.
Princess Alice Hospice is a registered charity based in Esher, Surrey. It provides specialist end of life and palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families both at the Hospice and in their homes. The Hospice catchment area includes Surrey, South West London and Middlesex serving a population in excess of 1 million. Over £7 million is needed each year to provide these vital and much needed services, with limited NHS funding over 75% of funding must be raised through voluntary donations and fundraising.
More info about the Princess Alice Hospice can be found at www.pah.org.uk.
