Klum modeling the new t-shirt designed by Michael Kors, $40

This year, Saks continues with its tradition of philanthropy through supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. WWD reports that Heidi Klum has signed on as the ambassador for the Key to the Cure Campaign and Michael Kors has designed this year’s t-shirt available for purchase exclusively at Saks.

The shirts, retailing at $40, will be available the first of October in conjunction with a public service campaign featuring Klum to appear in the glossies.  Saks will donate 2% of its sales (up to $250k)  to local and national women’s cancer charities during the weekend of Oct 15-18.  For the BCRF? Saks is donating a lump sum of $500k!

Heidi Klum comments, “It’s important that we all work continuously to find the cure for cancer and to find answers… This year’s T-shirt is fabulous and not just because Michael, my fashion inspiration and great friend, designed it. It’s fun and comfortable and really a great gift for yourself or a family member or friend that you can give to support a very worthy cause.”

According to WWD, Saks has donated over $32M to cancer research over the past 10 years through their special shopping initiatives and designer t-shirts.

Last year, Gwyenth Paltrow served as ambassador with Karl Lagerfeld (head designer and creative director of Chanel) designing the shirts. Mercedes-Benz also developed a special edition sedan (S550) for the Key to the Cure campaign, donating money to the charity based on sales of the car.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck showing off a tunic she designed herself for the collection

In celebration of the brand’s 50th anniversary, Lilly has partnered with 9 celebrity women (Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angie Harmon, Marcia Cross, Catherine Bell, Debra Messing, Brooke Shields, Bridget Moynahan and Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon) to design a special S/S 09 collection benefiting the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation (EBMRF).

The collection, “A Colorful Cause” is classic preppy Pulitzer  and includes swim suits, caftans, dresses and skirts. While the celebrities designed the pieces themselves, they did not stray too far from the signature design elements of the brand: pastels, brights, prints, embroidery and embellishments.

The best element of the collection is that 15% of the proceeds are donated to EBMRF. This foundation supports research and treatment for epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare skin disease affecting children and adults. There are approximately 100,000 Americans suffering from this congenital disease characterized by blisters and open wounds continuously appearing on the body. To date, EBMFR has raised over $5M for research efforts.

Marcia tunic designed by Desparate Housewives star Marcia Cross, $248 - 15% goes to EBMRF skin disease charity