Film legend Julie Christie donates her gear to charity auction

FILM legend Julie Christie has donated the designer suit she wore to the star-studded premiere of Hamlet to a charity auction in the Capital this weekend.

The Oscar-winning actress has given the Dolce & Gabbana suit, valued at 1200, to the Charity Chic Eco-Fashion Fair, with the profits going to Oxfam.

The film star, 69, who shot to fame in Doctor Zhivago and became an icon of "swinging London" in the 1960s, came out of retirement to play Gertrude in Kenneth Branagh's version of Shakespeare's classic tale of power.

Christie wore the fitted black skirt suit at the London premiere of the 1996 film, alongside the ensemble cast, which included Jack Lemmon, Robin Williams, Kate Winslet, Judi Dench and Richard Attenborough.

She said that recycling clothes was a "small but crucial step" to saving the planet.

Ms Christie said: "I hope that whoever buys this suit will enjoy wearing it. I wore it to the premiere of Kenneth Branagh's film of Hamlet, where I played Gertrude.

"I am very happy that anything it makes should go to Oxfam, and I think that recycling clothes is a small but crucial step we can all take in rethinking our attitude to consumerism and the future of our planet."

The Italian wool dress, being auctioned by Paul Roberts, vice chairman of the city's Lyon & Turnbull, comes with a signed photograph of Christie, which reads: "Hope you enjoy this. I wore it for the premiere of Kenneth Branagh's 'Hamlet'. Love, Julie Christie."

It is expected to be a big draw for the midday Saturday sale at St Andrew's and St George's West Church on George Street,

Bridget Harris of Charity Chic, which aims to promote the importance of ethical and eco-friendly fashion, said: "We are delighted to be able to auction this elegant, timeless suit for Oxfam.

"It is a very flattering style if the purchaser wanted to wear it, but would also be an excellent addition to a collection for Julie Christie fans or anyone interested in fashion.

"Staff from John Lewis are involved on this occasion along with Oxfam, Barnardo's and Shelter charity shops and a number of local designers and makers.

"The church in George Street sees this as part of its outreach work in the city centre - keeping compassion in fashion."

Ms Christie, whose husband Duncan Campbell was born and brought up in Edinburgh, continues to make films, and works enthusiastically for charitable causes including Oxfam and Survival International.