World famous artist Tracey Emin, who grew up in Margate, is one of a few selected artists highlighting the work of conservation group World Wildlife Fund through a unique display in the windows of London department store Selfridges.

Emin, 46, is one of just 16 British artists and designers who were asked to redesign one of WWF's iconic panda collecting units in their own unique style. She added her own interpretation to the panda box which has been a familiar sight in shops, post offices and waiting rooms since the 1960s. Over the years they have raised money for the international conservation organisation, before finally being decommissioned in 2007.

Ms Emin said: "Pandas are incredibly sweet and cute; from that point of view taking part in the project was irresistible. But on the serious side I passionately care about wildlife and anything that makes people aware of the damage that we are doing to this planet, and that what we can do to save it, is worthwhile."

Other artists involved in the Pandamonium project include Sir Peter Blake and Sir Paul Smith. The collection uses over 120 panda boxes in 16 original works of art which will be officially unveiled at top London store Selfridges during a VIP launch on September 8.

The exhibits will then occupy the windows of the flagship London store until October 28, before a charity auction of the pandas takes place on October 12.

Using the novelty of modern art and design, Pandamonium hopes to communicate the urgent need to address environmental concerns such as climate change and its effects on people, wildlife and the planet. The works will be auctioned during the exhibition, helping to fulfil their original mission - to raise funds for the WWF's environmental conservation work around the world.

Georgina Bridge, head of design management at WWF-UK, said: "Millions of people will see Pandamonium in Selfridges' windows, and the artists' creativity really makes you stop and think about the connections between people, wildlife and the planet. We hope it will help people to understand and support our work to safeguard the natural world, tackle climate change and change the way we live."