Back in her supermodel heyday, Christy Turlington was paid a fortune to represent brands including Calvin Klein, Maybelline and Versace. But since hanging up her high heels (bar the occasional campaign such as her recent foray as the face of Esprit), she has largely turned her mind to more philanthropic matters.

For her latest project, the 44-year-old mother of two has united her own charity Every Mother Counts — which campaigns and raises money to provide better medical care for pregnant women in poverty-stricken countries — with Los Angeles-based baby brand ‘Ergobaby’ to customise a range of products.

Turlington’s design debut includes a baby carrier, small shoulder bag, changing bag and waist pack, all decorated with an African batik print created by a small businesswoman in Togo.

Speaking about the collaboration, Christy Turlington said: “I founded Every Mother Counts to help raise awareness about the global tragedy of maternal mortality. Hundreds of thousands of women continue to die needlessly each year due to complications of pregnancy and childbirth, but the truth is that we can prevent up to 90 per cent of those deaths. Through partnerships like this one with Ergobaby, we will be able to heighten awareness for maternal health and hopefully inspire millions of people to take action on this issue. Together we can make a difference.” The range goes on sale in the UK in May, with 10 per cent of every sale going to the charity. But already available in the U.S, Turlington’s line has attracted one famous fan – fellow earth mother, charity crusader and supermodel, Gisele Bündchen.

— The Telegraph