Zandra Rhodes to hold My Favourite Dress ball

Rhodes is then hoping to build on the "My Favourite Dress Ball" by creating an annual day each year where women are encouraged to wear their favourite dress in aid of each of the charities.

The ball, on Thursday 23 June at the Hurlingham Club in Putney, will combine fun, fashion and fundraising and is set to attract a host of celebrities.

Rainbow Trust will allocate the funds to provide invaluable support to families who are facing the unimaginable – the diagnosis of their child with a life threatening or terminal illness.

The Fashion & Textile Museum in Bermondsey Street, which was founded by Ms Rhodes, will use the funds to further its work in educating and inspiring young people to experiment with fashion and textiles at an intellectual and practical level.

The ball will also mark the official launch of "My Favourite Dress Day" which will take place annually from 2006.

As part of the day women across the UK will be asked to wear their favourite dress for just one day of the year in order to raise money for Rainbow Trust and the Fashion and Textile Museum.

Ms Rhodes said: "We have found a perfect partner in Rainbow Trust, a charity that has really captured our hearts and imagination."

Heather Wood, chief executive of the Rainbow Trust, said: "The 'My Favourite Dress Ball' is set to be a wonderful extravaganza and we are delighted to be joining forces."