Burberry is collaborating with Vivienne Westwood on a limited-edition collection of re-imagined British heritage pieces. The tie-up, which is the first under the creative direction of Riccardo Tisci, will launch in December 2018, and support the rainforest charity Cool Earth.

“Vivienne Westwood was one of the first designers who made me dream to become a designer myself and when I first started at Burberry, I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to approach her to do something,” Tisci said in a statement announcing the union today. “She is a rebel, a punk and unrivalled in her unique representation of British style, which has inspired so many of us. I am so incredibly proud of what we will be creating together.”

Vivienne Westwood, with Ricardo Tisci and Andreas Kronthaler.

In hiring Tisci as chief creative officer in March 2018, Burberry embarked upon an exciting new era. Many predicted that he would use his social media clout and network of celebrity acquaintances to promote themes of diversity and inclusiveness that have been central to his past work, and his first collaboration suggests this is, indeed, the path he is taking. “I have enormous respect for Burberry’s British heritage and global appeal,” Tisci said upon accepting the job, hinting that he would continue to broaden the brand’s sphere. Westwood, an icon celebrated for her artistry, activism and cultural significance, is a step in the right direction.