Finally, Mr Monkey studied thirty modern little black dresses, which had been specially made for the little black dress event, by designers from all over the country. These were auctioned at a gala event at the end of March, with the proceeds - well over £15,000, apparently - going to the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Centre, but the new owners can't wear them until the exhibition finishes.
You can read about the charity at the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy UK website, and read and hear an interview with Emmy Cortes, the organiser, at the BBC Manchester website.
Here's a list of all the designers: Jenny Packham, Yvonne Gillon, Paul Smith, Topshop UNIQUE (click on Topshop Boutique), Zu Zu Couture, Jean Muir, Me & Yu, Ronit Zilkha, Ben De Lisi, Temperley London, Agent Provocateur, Ghost, Luella Bartley, Joy Adams, Sharon Bowen, Gorgeous Couture, Vivia Ferragamo, Tristan Webber, Plastique, Nicole Farhi, Boyd, Shani Birkin, Sara Berman, Vicky Martin, Ted Baker, BodyAMR, Philip Armstrong Couture, FrostFrench, Louise Pike, Vivienne Westwood Manchester. Most of the websites are heavy on the Flash, but that can't be helped.
Copyright Rik Shepherd and Mr Monkey. This page last modified 19 April 2006