The fashion world is famed for its philanthropy – and it’s always exciting to buy an original designer piece AND give money to charity – but a collaboration between Dame Westwood and the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) has got us more excited than ever. Modelled by celebrities including Naomi Campbell and Gillian Anderson, all proceeds go to EJF’s No Place Like Home campaign, which is raising awareness for the plight of people who have been forced from their homes due to climate change. Stylist spoke exclusively to Vivienne about the project.

What motivated you to work with the EJF?

I was approached by three women from EJF to help support their campaign. They spoke with such passion about the climate refugees they’d met. Raising awareness on climate change is such an important part of what EJF does – producing free, objective information in a way that everyone can understand.

Other than buying your T-shirt, what else can people do?

People should not consume without thought, buying up stuff all the time. Buy less and make it last; if you love something, wear it all the time. Find things that suit you.

Did friends support you with the EJF charity campaign?

The first thing I did to begin fundraising for rainforest conservation was to take money from my own business, then I thought, ‘I’m going to ask models and fashion people to help me’. I’ve had huge support from my friends in the industry.

Why do you think people still flock to your fashion shows every season?

I offer people choice. I’m still faithful to the same political motives, however to be subversive today you must try to uphold standards of quality and taste, give people the chance to put something together that creates an impression. My clothes are more anti-establishment than ever before.

T-shirt, £20, available from 4 May at Selfridges, Vivienne Westwood (in stores and viviennewestwood. co.uk) and ejfoundation.org