Fashion For World Aids Day Charity

Everyone loves a bit of vintage. Especially when they are glorious pieces previously worn by celebrities. Such is the case with the Terrence Higgins Trust charity where celebrities emptied their closets and donated their frocks in support of World Aids Day.

With prices starting at £1, the possibility of picking up a bargain, a rummage through the offerings on the rails at Topshop in Oxford Street last week offered a peek into the wardrobes of some of Britain's most famous women. Mrs Blai donated a white Burberry trouser suit (size 14) that she wore for a photo call in Downing Street after her husband's election victory in 2001 and again while posing for the Blairs' Christmas card that year. It will cost the lucky buyer £100.

Shoppers could snap up an original Chanel beige suede jacket for £160, once the property of model Yasmin Le Bon - if they don't mind the black felt-tip mark on the left sleeve. Le Bon also donated a vintage Forties-style polka-dot chiffon dress - a bargain at £160 and, amazingly, a size 12, which suggests it was part of her maternity wardrobe.

Other vintage designs that would fetch thousands at auction nestle on the racks alongside less desirable items - including a pair of cast-off Stars and Stripes boxer shorts, a Tommy Cooper-style fez for a fiver and a fetching collection of nylon Seventies nighties (from advisedly anonymous donors). Sadie Frost has contributed a trademark floral baby-doll dress for £65. Model Laura Bailey, photographer Poppy de Villeneuve and the entire Vogue fashion team have also offloaded their out-of-season stock.

www.clothesline.org.uk
2 December

Shop for charity

We all know how frantic an experience shopping during the holiday season can be. And what to get your loved ones? No longer do you need to fret, as the Clothesline Christmas Fair is the solution to all your problems.

This ultimate hip and happening fair will take place on 2 December, and will include the hottest designers, antique dealers, jewellers and artists offering an array of their best pieces. From cashmere sweaters, vintage jewellery, Damaris underwear and gorgeous furniture, this fair caters to wide range of needs. And best of all,. the proceeds will go to supermodels Jasmine Guinness' charity, Clothesline, which raises funds for victims of HIV and AIDS in Africa.

www.clothesline.org.uk
15 November 2004

London Streetwear Shows To Merge Events

Streetwear shows London Centre, London Front Cover and London Edge will merge to all take place at Kensington Olympia next season.

Show director Carole Hunter said the three shows will occupy the ground floor and level one of Olympia, creating 25 per cent extra floor space for new exhibitors. The decision to merge the shows came after a mixed response from exhibitors and buyers this season.

Although many exhibitors at London Central and Front Cover, held at Olympia last weekend, were pleased with the high international turnout, which accounted for 40 per cent of visitors, they were disappointed by the size of the show and lack of buyers from the UK. Attendance at sister show London Edge, which took place 10 minutes away at the Commonwealth Institute, was better, although no figures were available. The show will run next season from September 5-7.

17 February 2004