Now a selection of dresses worn by some of Hollywood's leading ladies are to go under the hammer.

In all 54 outfits worn to the Academy Awards by some of the world's most glamorous actresses will be sold off next month in aid of The American Foundation for Aids Research.

Julia Robert's 1991 coat dress comes under the hammer

Madonna, Emma Thompson and Elizabeth Taylor are just some of the Academy Award winners, nominees, presenters and guests who have donated their Oscar couture gowns.

The British actress Natasha Richardson, who is organising the event, said: "I had the idea from the great success of Christie's sale of Princess Diana's dresses.

"I thought of the incredible couture gowns created for the Academy Awards each year, all of which are too special to be thrown away, but will not be worn again."

The collection, which boasts creations by the world's most legendary fashion designers, can be viewed in London at Christie's auction house this week, ahead of the March sale in New York

Elizabeth Taylor's crepe evening dress from 1969

Highlights include Elizabeth Taylor's periwinkle blue and violet crepe evening dress, created by Hollywood designer Edith Head.

Ms Taylor, accompanied by Richard Burton, wore the dress to the 1969 Academy Awards where she presented the Best Film award for Midnight Cowboy.

Also up for grabs is Julia Roberts' black full-length coat dress, with silk chiffon panels and beaded hem. The actress wore the dress to the 1991 Oscars ceremony when she was nominated for Best Actress for her role in Pretty Woman.