Cher's million-dollar clearout

Cher

Cher is clearing her Malibu home of its Gothic contents and reshaping her life in a giant garage sale.

Following a trend set by Elton John, Cher is selling off nearly 800 items, from stage costumes to gem- encrusted jewellery, works of art, furniture and even a Hummer car in an auction expected to raise more than US$1 million ($1.55 million).

"This is a lot more than a garage sale," said Darren Julien of Julien's auctions. "Apart from the dresses and jewels there are old masters.

"She is redecorating her home, going for a Moroccan-Tibetan look and selling the Gothic revival items," said Julien, adding that a "substantial" portion of the proceeds from the auction, to be held next month at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, would go to charities.

It's not that Cher needs the money - Rolling Stone magazine has estimated her personal wealth at US$600 million.