HRH The Duchess of Cornwall last night (Thursday 11 February) attended an exclusive fashion show by Anna Valentine, in aid of Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, to launch her Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

The event, the first public launch of an Anna Valentine collection in five years, took place at the Royal Courts of Justice, one of London’s most unique venues.

Anna Valentine is perhaps best known for designing The Duchess of Cornwall’s wedding gown, and has been a prominent name in the fashion world for 20 years. In November 2008 Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres was honoured when The Duchess of Cornwall became their first President.

Anna Valentine said: “It was an honour that Her Royal Highness attended the launch of my new collection. I was inspired to present my latest designs in aid of Maggie’s Centres, in recognition of Her Royal Highness’s work with the charity as a tribute to those of my clients who have endured cancer over the years. Maggie’s makes such a difference to people with cancer and their families and we raised a lot of money for them tonight.”

Anna Valentine’s previous public launch of a collection was at the Victoria & Albert Museum in June 2006, which helped raise more than £120,000 for charity.

Rupert Everett hosted 400 guests at this glamorous event, which raised more than £120,000 for Maggie’s Centres. The stunning gothic Great Hall of the Royal Courts of Justice was transformed into a catwalk and an after-show party followed the fashion show.

There are currently six permanent Maggie’s Centres, five in Scotland and one in London, with five more planned across England and Wales by 2012. Each Centre provides emotional and practical support to anyone affected by cancer, empowering them to live with, through and beyond cancer.

Maggie’s Centres’ CEO, Laura Lee, said: “Maggie’s Centres are continuing to expand across the UK, which is testament to the great need for them. Although the money from the fashion show was raised in London, the funds will support Maggie's programmes where it is most needed. We had a hugely successful 2009 and with Anna’s fashion show we are off to a tremendous start for 2010. What a fabulous and glamorous event Anna has organised for Maggie’s!”

Each Maggie’s Centre has been designed by renowned architects, such as Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry. Their aim has been to create a positive and inspiring environment so that cancer sufferers and their families can receive the specialist help they need in a place where they feel valued. In fact, Maggie’s London Centre, designed by Lord Richard Rogers, was awarded the RIBA Stirling Prize for Best Building of 2009. Opened in April 2008 by Sarah Brown and Nigella Lawson, the centre has already welcomed over 20,000 people through its doors and received a special visit from US First Lady, Michelle Obama, in April 2009.

For further media information on Maggie’s please contact Anna Marriott on 0141 341 5675 or anna.marriott@maggiescentres.org

Information on Anna Valentine
• Anna Valentine has been a leading light in British couture for 20 years. Originally as Robinson Valentine (until Anna became sole proprietor some years ago), Anna came to public prominence in 2005 when she designed HRH The Duchess Of Cornwall’s wedding outfits.

• Anna Valentine’s show room and atelier are based in Marylebone. Anna supports British artisans and is proud that all her clothes and accessories are made in the United Kingdom.

Information on Maggie’s Centres
• Maggie’s Centres offers a range of support: one-to-one sessions with psychologists; a library of information with cancer specialists on hand to answer questions; benefits and nutrition advice; relaxation and yoga classes, and much more.

• And all of this is offered – with a cup of tea – in an atmosphere that is determinedly non-institutional. Maggie's believe greatly in the power of architecture and environment to lift the spirits. Each Centre is designed by a renowned architect, with them working to a demanding brief, which beyond the purely practical requirements, asks them to produce spaces in which people feel safe and welcome but also have their imagination and their curiosity kindled.

•  Maggie’s also runs an Online Centre, where people can write blogs, join groups of similar interest, seek advice and join sessions facilitated by a clinical psychologist.