Actress and singer Cher has long been famous for her unique sense of personal style, centred on figure-hugging dresses covered in jewels.

The singer is clearing her Malibu home of its Gothic decorations in favour of a Moroccan-Tibetan look. The dining room set is among the items to be auctioned.

The sale is being jointly organised by Sotheby's and Julien's. Items have gone on show in London ahead of the sale at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on 3-4 Oct.

The mannequins supporting the dresses had to be specially made because of Cher's unique figure.

An undeclared but "substantial" part of the money raised will go to the Cher Charitable Foundation. In 2002 her personal wealth was estimated at $600m (�315m).

Cher is selling off nearly 800 items, from stage costumes to gem-encrusted jewellery, works of art, furniture and even a car, in an auction expected to raise more than $1 million.

As well as an Oscar for Moonstruck, Cher has also won a Grammy, an Emmy, three Golden Globes and a Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.