We’ve been dropping hints all week but the news has finally been revealed, Debenhams and BBC Children in Need have been working on a special celebrity style challenge.
The famous faces involved are Alexandra Burke, Tamara Ecclestone, Patsy Kensit, Chipmunk and Kevin Pietersen along with celebrity stylist Mark Heyes and they’ve been hard at work creating pieces for a limited edition collection at Debenhams. The ‘Celebrity Style Challenge 2011’ has seen celebrities test their fashion design skills by creating a unique item of clothing which will go on sale in Debenhams to raise funds for disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK.
Their mentor is international fashion designer Ben de Lisi who has been on hand throughout the process to offer advice and guidance.
Singing sensation Alexandra Burke developed partywear, British rapper Chipmunk took on streetwear, and renowned actress Patsy Kensit devised a smart tailored jacket. Model and presenter Tamara Ecclestone has created occasionwear and cricket legend Kevin Pietersen designed a modern shirt and tie combo.
The celebs were challenged to design 5 outfits, choosing everything from the fabrics to cut and colour. Debenhams’ head buyer Kate Liszka then picked just one of each celebrity’s five designs to go into production.
If you like one of the items, snap it up while stocks last and you’ll be helping raise funds for BBC Children in Need. Items will be available online from 18 November, or you’ll get a sneak peek of the pieces in selected Debenhams stores from 10 November.
Find out how to vote for your favourite here.
Metallic Dress by Alexandra Burke – £60
A stunning shift dress is covered in shimmering sequins with a bejewelled cowl detail at the back. An estimated £25 from the sale of this product will benefit The BBC Children in Need Appeal, a company limited by guarantee.
Structured blazer by Patsy Kensit – £60
Team this structured jersey jacket with pencil skirts and classic courts for a ladylike look. An estimated £22 from the sale of this product will benefit The BBC Children in Need Appeal, a company limited by guarantee.
Cocktail Dress by Tamara Ecclestone – £80
An empire line chiffon jersey dress with waterfall effect hem cascading over a lace underskirt. An estimated £30 from the sale of this product will benefit The BBC Children in Need Appeal, a company limited by guarantee.
Shirt and Tie Combo by Kevin Pietersen – £42
Contrasting fine stripes in tones of blue work to give this classic set a subtle twist. An estimated £20 from the sale of this product will benefit The BBC Children in Need Appeal, a company limited by guarantee.
Camouflage Gilet by Chipmunk – £60
Take it back to the old skool with this uber cool padded camouflage gilet. An estimated £20 from the sale of this product will benefit The BBC Children in Need Appeal, a company limited by guarantee.
Plus, as a friend of Debenhams, it wasn’t long before celebrity stylist Mark Heyes heard of the collaboration and was keen to get involved with the project. To raise even more money for BBC Children in Need Mark has designed a gorgeous grey wool jacket to be sold alongside the celebrity designs.
Don’t forget to watch all the action of BBC Children in Need on BBC1, friday 18 November 2011.
The BBC Children in Need Appeal is a charity registered in England and Wales (802052) and Scotland (SC039557) whose aim is to make a positive change to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. Due to the incredible generosity of the public in 2010, BBC Children in Need has awarded £40 million to change young lives. Let’s raise even more this year!
