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Shirley's Gowns To Go Under The Hammer The Western Mail, By Claire Hill, Jun 25 2003

Glittering evening gowns belonging to legend Dame Shirley Bassey are to be auctioned to raise money for Welsh schemes close to her heart.

The Tiger Bay singer has donated gowns from her long career to Christie's for a charity auction.

Proceeds from the gala event will go to the Noah's Ark Children's Hospital Appeal and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Elaborate and sparkling gowns worn by the singer during her 50 year career will be auctioned on September 18 after a champagne reception.

The event is bound to draw attention, for Dame Shirley is just as well-known for her glittering, sexy stage frocks as she is for her powerful voice.

Christie's is not yet revealing which show-stopping outfits will be sold, but S4C's Fashion Editor, Hugh Rees believes it will be a glittering affair.

Describing the international star as a "diva" he said she is always well turned out.

He said, "Diva, that just says everything about her, everything she wears is very glamorous.

"She is always covered in sparkles and her second best feature, after her voice, is her legs and she always shows them with slashed dresses."

The presenter of P'nawn Da, says the star has only made one real fashion mistake.

He said, "The dress she wore for the Millennium Stadium, the big flag dress with sequins was too shapeless.

"I think her fans like her in low-cut, figure hugging really sparkly dresses."

But it is not only on stage that the Welsh diva glams up, Mr Rees said you can see it in her day-to-day wear.

"She is always very tailored and co-ordinated, she have detail on her cuffs and collars such as fur," he said.

"She is never understated with her clothes and half the time she wants you to know where they are from."

Ceri Dupree, who impersonates Dame Shirley on stage, said it can be hard to be more extravagant than her. "She is very dramatic and over the top so it can be hard to be more dramatic and over the top."

Lyn Jones, from the Noah's Ark appeal,

said, "This is a massive gesture by Dame Shirley Bassey and a great boost for our new hospital. We are very grateful."

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama will also receive money for the Dame Shirley Scholarship set up after the singer was made and Honorary Fellow.

© Western Mail 2003

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