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Designer dresses for a bargain in jumble sales of the stars
Sri Carmichael, Consumer Affairs Reporter13.11.09
It might conjure up visions of rummaging through piles of musty clothes in village halls - but now the jumble sale has gone glamorous.
Famous names are donating their designer cast-offs to charity sales across London, in a recession-era alternative to drumming up cash through black-tie galas.
Fashion-savvy bargain hunters can take advantage with West End venues offering rows of outfits at knock-down prices.
On Sunday, Selfridges is holding the Really Really Great Garage Sale in its car park, with the money going to Mothers-4Children, which supports children's charities. The organisation's patrons, model Yasmin Le Bon, singer Louise Redknapp and model Lisa B, will be among 45 stallholders including Jemima Khan, David Walliams, Natalie Imbruglia and Trinny Woodall.
Items on sale include Balenciaga boots from Gwyneth Paltrow, a Roland Mouret dress from Davina McCall, a Helmut Lang suit from Liz Hurley and signed Reebok trainers from Lily Allen. Entry costs £5.
Meanwhile, Harper's Bazaar will host a sale, Gladrags & Handbags, for three days from tomorrow in aid of London charity Kids Company.
Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Hugo Boss, Donna Karan, Stella McCartney, Chloé, Tom Ford and Luella have donated outfits and accessories to be sold at the Music Rooms in Mayfair. Kids Company said: "The proceeds go to a magical Christmas Day for more than 2,000 young people."
Bag designer Anya Hindmarch, who is selling items at the Selfridges sale, said: "The idea of a charity sale captures the thrifty mood perfectly, offering the opportunity to give back." Le Bon said she would be plundering her Duran Duran singer husband Simon's wardrobe and band memorabilia. Lisa B is selling a Celine bag for £30. Redknapp added: "There will be some great bargains."
In a separate event, Emma Thompson, Ridley Scott, Julian Clary and Martin Amis have donated clothes to Camden council to highlight the environmental benefit of recycling outfits.
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