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Shirley Wants Big Spenders From The Guardian, By Laura Barton, Jul 12 2003

"Diamonds," Dame Shirley Bassey once assured us, "Are Forever". But it seems she won't be keeping her Swarovski crystals quite so long. On September 18, 50 of her most glittering gowns are to be auctioned at Christie's in a charity auction. The proceeds - expected to reach more than £50,000 - will go to the Dame Shirley Bassey Scholarship at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, and to the Noah's Ark Children's Hospital Appeal.

Yesterday, Dame Shirley was at Christie's to pose and peacock with six of the gowns, all of which are the creations of the designer Douglas Darnell. "Hello babies!" she purred, stroking the ostrich feathers lovingly. "At the moment I don't mind [auctioning the dresses]," she said. "But come the day, I'm sure I will."

The gowns are unashamedly glamorous. Bidders will be able to tussle over such magnificent confections as the Diamond Dress, encrusted with Swarovski crystals and trimmed with lilac ostrich feathers. Or its matching floor-length cape, made entirely of tiered purple ostrich feathers. Or indeed the gold-and-silver sequinned and beaded gown, forever associated with her theme song for Goldfinger.

One of the most desirable lots is the Something dress, which Bassey once wore on stage at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Spotting Ava Gardner in the audience, she hitched up the full-length yellow sateen and crystal dress and strode across the tables to serenade her with I Capricorn.

© The Guardian 2003

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