Too much? … Elton fan Egon Jakimavicius with shirts.
Photo: Akira Suemori

LONDON: The lurid suits and spangly shoes, stylish shirts and crazy costumes could belong to only one pop star - Elton John.

His flamboyant wardrobe came to London on Saturday as the singer and his partner, David Furnish, sold some of their clothes for charity.

The selection of clothes and accessories was so vast shoppers were left wondering how many clothes the couple must still have if this was just what they were throwing out.

Designer labels such as Prada, Dior, D&G and Jean-Paul Gaultier were well represented but the eye was drawn to the extravagant creations of the late Gianni Versace, a close friend of the performer.

A powder-blue suit and a silver chainmail vest were two of the designer's more subdued creations on sale.

Dozens of fans and fashion followers queued outside a shop in Covent Garden hours before it opened in the hope of snapping up favourite pieces of clothing.

Some of John's devoted followers disclosed a startling knowledge of his personal details.

One woman rummaging among the shoes told her friend: ''If they're size 8 they're Elton's. David is an eight-and-a-half.''

Prices in the sale, called Out the Closet 2009, ranged from £10 to £2000 ($18-$3570).

Business was brisk with some buyers paying thousands. Many of the items, including shoes, shirts and jackets, had never been worn and were on sale for well below their retail prices. However, Elton John's stage costumes are being sold through sealed bids.

The shop will stay open for a week and will be restocked daily. Proceeds will go to the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which helps people living with or at risk from HIV/Aids in Britain and other countries.

It is the fifth sale held by the foundation. The last one in Britain in 2002 raised £400,000. A sale in New York raised £700,000.

Telegraph, London