Winehouse dress sells for £40k

The dress worn by Amy Winehouse on the front of her 'Back To Black' album has sold for more than £40,000 at auction.

The polka dot chiffon dress was bought by a South American fashion museum, with the proceeds going to the foundation set up by the late singer’s family in her memory.

Winehouse was found dead at her home in Camden, north London, this July after a lengthy – and public – battle with drink and drugs.

Her father Mitch was at the auction in central London to see the dress fetch £43,200 (€50,500) after the winning bid was made by the Museo de la Moda in Santiago, Chile.

He said: “We are just over the moon and we owe a great debt to the designer, Disaya, who donated the proceeds from the sale.”

The foundation has already made three donations – each of £10,000 – to separate children’s charities including a hospice and a project that helps seriously ill babies.

A new album of unreleased tracks, called Lioness: Hidden Treasures, is released on Monday with £1 from each album sold going to the foundation.

Mr Winehouse said: “We are very proud to be helping these deserving causes and have been overwhelmed by the support the foundation has received.

“We are willing to consider a wide range of projects, as there are so many great organisations out there working with young people in need. We are researching and meeting with different groups who offer support in the areas we wish to fund.

“We are particularly keen to make donations in Camden, a place very close to the family’s hearts as Amy’s home.

“Amy would be so proud that her name is making a difference to young lives and especially that her music is directly making life better for vulnerable young people.”

Also included in today’s sale, organised by Kerry Taylor Auctions, were dresses worn by Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor.