Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Photograph by Elizabeth Wirija. Styled by Anatolli Smith. Dress by Valentino. Necklace and rings by Foundrae. Image from Vanity Fair.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has embarked on a charity collaboration with the American jewelry brand Foundrae as a way to contribute to PEN America’s funding. The arrangement, which she discussed in a new interview with Vanity Fair, saw her design PEN America’s “Freedom of Expression” medallion, on which appears “Foundrae’s signature lexicon of dainty symbols.” Proceeds from the sales of the medal will go to PEN America.

“I used to joke, many years ago, thank God for PEN because if the Nigerian government ever throws me in prison at least somebody will care,” said Adichie. “I was very happy to do this collaboration because I deeply admire PEN and PEN’s work. PEN has saved writers’ lives. PEN has made it possible for many writers to write. I’ve been a member for years. And to do something I love, something to do with fashion, that helps PEN? Are you kidding? Yes!”

PEN America’s “Freedom of Expression” medal designed by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

In the interview she discusses her appreciation for fashion, her eagerness to contribute to PEN America, her belief in humane capitalism, reading Edith Wharton, and raising her daughter to be a reader.

Read the interview on Vanity Fair.