AN INCREDIBLE rare couture dress donated to a charity shop went under the hammer online for 15 times its starting price.

St Helena Hospice's charity shop in Dedham was blown away by the generous donation of a rare 1980s Thierry Mugler gown.

The French fashion designer has created many iconic and flamboyant outfits for some of the world’s biggest stars, including David Bowie, Beyonce and Lady Gaga.

The dramatic black velvet gown, named ‘Kiss of the Spider’, was donated to Dedham’s St Helena Hospice shop, and was listed online for just £200.

But the evening dress proved its value, with the final bid of an “incredible” £3,310.

Couture - The 'Kiss of the Spider' dress comes from a historic French fashion designer who has worked with many celebrities Couture - The 'Kiss of the Spider' dress was by French fashion designer Thierry Mugler who worked with many celebrities (Image: St Helena Hospice)The gown will soon be making its way to its new owner thousands of miles away in America.

Hospice spokesman Adam Caney said: “We are thrilled to sell the ‘Kiss of the Spider’ dress by Thierry Mugler at such an incredible price and our thanks go to both the purchaser and the person who donated it.

“It was a fantastic result.

“Auctions like this are fantastic, helping us to support local people who face incurable illness and bereavement.”

Fantastic - The iconic gown has made over £3,000 for St Helena's HospiceFantastic - The hospice's Adam Canjey and the iconic gown which made more than £3,000 for St Helena Hospice (Image: St Helena Hospice) He continued: “The dress was donated via our Dedham shop by a very generous supporter of our charity and the team there sent it to us in ecommerce to maximise the income.

“We thought we may achieve around £2,000 but this has surpassed our expectations.”

The dress showcases a bat-like wired collar, low back and velvet bow, with a ‘fit and flare’ silhouette.

Stunning - The dress was quietly donated to the Dedham shopStunning - The dress was quietly donated to the Dedham shop (Image: St Helena Hospice) Lorne Spicer, a TV collectibles expert, said: “‘Kiss of the Spider’ is the most incredible artwork from Thierry Mugler, a designer whose work is held in exceptionally high regard and beloved of Kim Kardashian and many Hollywood A-listers.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if this gorgeous piece popped up on a red carpet in future.”

Thierry Mugler is one of the most iconic names in fashion, boasting an array of popular fragrances including Angel and Alien.

The French fashion designer died at the age of 73 in 2022.