Cilla Black’s Iconic Dresses Auctioned for Variety Children’s Charity

Fans of Cilla Black, one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers, now have the chance to own a piece of television history.  Variety, the Children’s Charity, has announced a special charity auction of 246 of Cilla Black’s most memorable dresses and outfits with 100% of proceeds supporting disadvantaged and disabled children across the UK.

Hosted by Nesbits Auctions Ltd, this extraordinary sale will celebrate the life and legacy of a national treasure whose personality defined British entertainment for over five decades. From her chart-topping hits of the 1960s to her reign as queen of Saturday-night television on Blind Date and Surprise Surprise, Cilla Black’s glamour is immediately recognisable.  

From the swinging sixties to the sparkle of prime-time television, Cilla’s wardrobe captured her exuberant personality and her status as a beloved style icon.  In the 1960s, Cilla emerged as one of the defining faces of the Merseybeat era embracing the mod look with sleek shift dresses, bold patterns, statement eyeliner and her striking red hair.

By the 1970s, as she transitioned to television, her style evolved to be more glamorous and theatrical with shimmering stage gowns, elegant chiffon and even bespoke creations.  Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, as Cilla became the nation’s favourite host, her wardrobe reflected her signature blend of approachable glamour and sophistication. From structured blazers to sparkling cocktail dresses, she epitomised British television elegance.

Every item in this collection tells part of Cilla’s story presenting a celebration of colour, confidence and charm. For fans and collectors, this very special auction is a rare chance to experience the magic of Cilla’s inimitable style.

Her lifeline passion for helping others and her support for Variety, the Children’s Charity, has promoted her son Robert Willis to forge this partnership.  He comments,The clothes and outfits presented in this collection represent a life well lived on the stage and in front of the TV cameras. It’s fair to say that almost every item in this collection was either worn on stage or appeared on TV. My brothers and I felt that the right thing to do now, ten years after our mother’s passing, was to donate the collection to Variety, the Children’s Charity, a wonderful charity which does so many good works and one which our mother happily supported during her lifetime. We sincerely hope that making her collection available to the public will enable them to have something of Cilla’s that played a role in her career and to ultimately benefit disabled and disadvantaged children.

Laurence Guinness, Chief Executive of Variety, the Children’s Charity, saysWe are profoundly grateful for this extraordinarily generous donation. The decision to honour Cilla’s memory in this way truly exemplifies the spirit of giving that she herself embodied. Cilla Black was not only a national treasure and a beloved entertainer but also a devoted supporter of Variety, the Children’s Charity. She understood the transformative power of helping young people to reach their potential and she used her celebrity to make a real difference in children’s lives. Every item in this remarkable and precious collection represents a unique moment in British entertainment history and now each piece will go on to create new stories of children receiving vital equipment, accessing specialised care and enjoying opportunities they might never have had otherwise.

Bidders won’t just be acquiring a piece of entertainment history; by buying one of Cilla’s dresses, they will be able to support Variety, the Children’s Charity, and continue Cilla’s lifelong mission to bring happiness to others.

Main Image: Photo credits Nicky Johnston

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