TOP CELEBRITY DESIGN LOTS TO BE PUT UNDER THE HAMMER
Preview of design auction items
Audi Forum, 74-75 Piccadilly, London W1
from 5 February to 24 March 2003
Some of the world’s leading fashion designers and prestigious celebrities have contributed rare and exquisite items to ‘Designs of the Times’ - an upcoming auction of design memorabilia from the world’s of fashion, sport, film and music, which anticipates to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for two children’s charities.
One-of-a-kind designs of glamorous outfits worn by celebrities, such as Halle Berry, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow, will go under the hammer, signed by the celebrities themselves, as well as their inspirational designers.
The designer names are a global ‘Who’s Who’ in fashion and the gems always dazzle. The glitz of The Oscars is a singular point of fashion inspiration and ‘Designs of the Times’ brings together an impressive array from the 2002 ceremony including the designs of Donatella Versace’s curve-hugging dress for J Lo and Ben de Lisi’s red couture gown for Kate Winslet. In addition, the original drawing of Halle Berry’s stunning burgundy and dark green gown, which she wore to accept her Best Actress Oscar and catapulted designer Elie Saab into the ‘superstar’ league, will go to the highest bidder. Alongside this will be a design of the elegant Galliano gown for Nicole Kidman for the 2000 Oscars.
Other outfits, which have caused a stir among the waiting paparazzi and will be featured in the auction, include sketches of Scott Henshall’s eye-popping creation of the Spiderman dress, worn by Jodie Kidd to the UK premiere, and two designs worn by award-winning Gwyneth Paltrow including a Valentino gown for the Venice Film festival.
Pop divas, such as Kylie, Dido and Britney, are among the most trend-setting of our time. So other exclusives designs in the auction will include: Dolce & Gabbana ’s pulse-raising outfit for Kylie’s ‘Fever’ tour and Julien MacDonald’s high-on-glamour, low-on-fabric, backless creation for Britney – the little number she wore to the UK premiere of ‘Crossroads’. These ladies wouldn’t be without their Manolo Blahnik’s or Jimmy Choo’s and neither will the auction - sketches from both of these celebrated designers will join the line-up.
All these will be joined by a host of designs of the many elegant dresses worn by Diana, Princess of Wales. Elizabeth Emanuel has generously given a sketch, together with rare fabric samples and photographs of arguably one of the most famous wedding dresses ever. This unique piece of history is one of only two sketches ever released by Elizabeth Emanuel.
Another famous wedding dress up for auction is Victoria Beckham’s, dubbed the ‘Jessica Rabbit dress’. The slim-fitting strapless, fish-tailed purple stain gown was worn in the evening of the showbiz wedding of the decade.
Elvis Presley and The Beatles legendary tailors, have also contributed pattern cuttings and scissors used to dress these immortal singers - neither of which would normally be available for the public to purchase.
Joining contributions from the world of fashion is a selection of highly sought-after film design sketches with icon status, such as sketches from classic James Bond movies, signed by legendary set designer Ken Adam, as well as photography from the first Star Wars movie set by movie-marketing veteran Stanley Bielecki.
All 50 items will be on display at the Audi Forum from 5 February to 24 March 2003 before going under the hammer with Sotheby’s on 25 March 2003 at London’s Planet Hollywood.
In addition to this, the auction’s principle sponsor is Ty Europe – the producers of the much loved and collectible Beanie Babies. A select few of the designs mentioned above have been re-created on unique, 'one-off' Beanie Boppers. Unique designs have been tailored of David Beckham, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Britney Spears, Victoria Beckham, Halle Berry and Diana, Princess of Wales. These exclusive Beanies will be on display in Planet Hollywood from 5th February until they are auctioned on 25th March 2003.
‘Designs of the Times’ is supported by Audi UK, Ty Europe and Fox Kids. All monies raised (anticipated amount: £250,000) will go to Norwood and Demelza House children’s charities.
For more information contact...
Amanda Phillips, Project Manager
020 8429 6898
Website - www.designsofthetimes.org.uk
