Unique Brigitte Bardot velvet coat to be auctioned

A coat owned by French actress, model and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot is to be auctioned to raise money for a dog rescue charity.

Bardot, who died in December, aged 91, rose to fame during her teen modelling career, later becoming a famous actress starring in the film 'And God Created Woman'. She turned her attention to supporting animal charities in her retirement.

Now, a sleeveless velvet coat she owned will be sold at The Cotswold Auction Company in Cheltenham to raise money for the Dogs in Distress charity.

Senior valuer Jenny Low said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an item of clothing designed for and worn by screen icon Brigitte Bardot."

The black full-length coat with wool fringe was designed for Bardot by Jean Bouquin in the 1960s, during the peak of the actress's success.

It is embroidered with butterflies and comes with signed photographs and a dedication by Bardot.

Low said: "Jean Bouquin's designs were extremely popular among the Saint-Tropez jet set in the 1960s – closely associated with Bardot's bohemian look and 'hippie chic'."

Bouquin's designs were influential during the 1960s and are sometimes described as "hippie deluxe". After opening his boutique, he designed for many stars including Mick and Bianca Jagger, Jane Birkin and Natalie Wood.

The auction will begin at 10:00 BST on Tuesday.

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