Stars Turn Out for the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Gala Ball

November 9, 2012 | By Sara 

Collars & Coats Gala Ball Hosts Paul O’Grady and Amanda Holden (photo: David Baird)

The red carpet was jam-packed with puppy hugging celebs who turned out to see Battersea’s best strut their stuff on the Dogwalk at the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home annual Gala Ball last night.
Stars from the worlds of music, fashion, the silver screen and sport showed up in their droves last night for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home annual Gala Ball at Battersea Evolution. Now in its 4th year, the star studded event hosted by doting doggy lovers Paul O-Grady and Amanda Holden is Battersea’s night of nights – raising much needed funding for the tireless work the home does for thousands of homeless dogs and cats every year.

David Gandy, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Ambassador with Sarah Ann Macklin (photo: David Baird)

Co-Host Amanda Holden on the red carpet (photo: David Baird)

Singer Jamilia gets slinky on the red carpet (photo: David Baird)

Olympic Swimmer Rebecca Adlington (photo: David Baird)

This years guests including model David Gandy, Olympian Rebecca Adlington and singer Jamilia were welcomed by a very special ‘Guard of Honour’ made up of dozens of Battersea dogs. Once inside, stars were treated to a dazzling evening of entertainment, including Jamie Cullum and songstress Joss Stone. 

Henry Holland goes in for a hug (photo: David Baird)

Self-confessed dog obsessive and star of the recent For the Love of Dogs, Paul O’Grady was revelling in his role as host of the evening. “I am having such a smashing time here at Battersea’s Collars and Coats Gala Ball, it’s great to be back supporting them and I hope it helps to shift some dogs and find them new homes. Eddie is doing so well living with me, he really does rule the roost,” he said.

Designer Zandra Rhodes shows us how to make an impact (photo: David Baird)

The pièce de résistance of the evening was a glittering Dogwalk showcasing exclusive canine creations by some of Britain’s best designers including Vivienne Westwood, Gareth Pugh, Zandra Rhodes and Henry Holland. The coats, collars and leads were auctioned later in the evening to raise money for the charity giving everyone an opportunity to bid on a piece of fashion history.
“It’s a real honour to be unveiling such a fantastic array of canine couture, all expertly modelled by Battersea dogs in a fashion show like no other. We’re thrilled to be working with so many of the world’s top designers and best of all, their incredible dog coats, collars and leads are all be auctioned off for a fantastic cause,” said organiser and Fashion Director of the Daily Telegraph, Hilary Alexander.

Beagle Bibi in Vivienne Westwood

Coffee in Gareth Pugh

Colleen in House of Holland

Cooper in Zandra Rhodes

Lucy in Stephen Jones (AKA the best outfit ever)

The 17 designer creations are currently being auctioned off at: http://auction.collarsandcoats.org.uk - so get bidding! You can also support the excellent works Battersea Dogs & Cats Home does all year round by donating at:  www.battersea.org.uk or calling 020 7627 9309. 

We salute you Battersea!

ST