Photographer Juergen Teller has joined his long time friend, Vivienne Westwood, on her journey to Kenya and Nairobi to employ 7000 women to help make handbags for Westwood’s Ethnical Fashion Africa collection. The project allowed impoverished African women to get a fair percentage of the hard work they’re doing every day.

Juergen Teller’s raw style of photography and 70 year old Vivienne Westwood’s “joie de vivre” go hand in hand. “I came back completely energized and full of life.” Teller reveals to Vogue UK. “It made a lot of sense to go with Vivienne to Africa.” The queen of punk’s new accessories collection consists of locally sourced materials (even parts of tents were used!).

“What I do, making bags, can make a difference,” Westwood said. “This project gives people control over their lives – charity doesn’t give control, it does the opposite, it makes them dependant.” Westwood’s approach to her work is an inspiration for many. She acknowledges that having a close relation to the root of the production process is rewarding and a whole lot of fun.