(AFP)

LONDON — Pop legend Elton John is to sell off thousands articles of his clothing, including outrageous outfits from his concerts, in a London shop beginning on Saturday 12 December as part of a charity fundraiser.

John, and his partner David Furnish, officially inaugurated the shop at Covent Garden in the heart of the capital at a ceremony Friday (11 December) evening, in an event they are calling "Out of the Closet".

Proceeds of the sale, the fifth he has organised, will go towards the singer's AIDS charity.

"We always get a fantastic response from the public," said John.

"I think the idea that the items we all buy and enjoy can help someone in dire need, particularly at this time of year, really strikes a chord."

Shoppers will be able to buy some of the costumes he has used in the course of his musical career, such as pairs of the singer's sky-high platform shoes and the out-sized spectacles.

Prices range from 10 (11 euros, 16 dollars) to 2,000 pounds and include designer names such as Versace, Prada, McQueen, Dolce and Gabbana, and Jean-Paul Gaultier.

The sale will last until December 19 -- or until all the items sell out.

The last time the singer held such a sale was in 2002, also in London. On that occasion, he raised 400,000 pounds, having sold off 15,000 items.