Lauren Bush, 24, is an honorary spokeswoman for the United Nations World Food Programme. She also co-founded FEED Projects, which help to provide food for children in the developing world from the proceeds of sales of simple burlap sacks. A former model and girlfriend of Ralph Lauren's son, David, Bush is a regular on the New York party scene. Her latest FEED2 bag is available now at Harrods.

My mum used to put my brother, sister and I in some pretty bad clothes. One Easter she dressed us in these themed bunny outfits, and we were always all matching. My poor brother had to wear bloomers and tights. Looking back, it must have been quite cute, but at the time we didn't like it. It's probably just part of growing up in Texas.

I enjoy the party scene in New York more these days because I have my boyfriend for companionship. The Met Ball is always the most extravagant event; I met David there four years ago, so it holds extra significance. These days I wear Ralph Lauren for most occasions but when I was the face of Tommy Hilfiger, I designed my own dress, which Tommy paid for. It was meant to be turquoise, but they made it in navy, probably because it is more all-American. It featured in the Goddess exhibition at the Met the following year but it's back in my wardrobe now. I don't wear it, I'm too scared of ruining it!

Being a debutante at Le Bal Crillon in Paris was beautiful. A family friend encouraged me and it turned out to be the most magical three days. I met hundreds of girls from around the world and got to wear an amazing vintage Dior gown that I picked from the vault in Paris. It had a white corset and this massive frothy skirt with a huge train. I was 16, so I was a little overwhelmed. They set you up with an escort - we had to start the waltz and I was terrified.

Growing up, I suppose that I was conscious people were watching me, but I've never had it in me to rebel. And I've been fortunate, I grew up away from the glare of New York. I'm not the type to draw attention to myself, plus the press in America are kinder than in the UK.

My most embarrassing modelling moment was one Passover when we were on Coney Island, New York, where lots of conservative Jews live. It was a swimwear shoot, but luckily the theme was Fifties so nothing was too scandalous. Anyway, a crowd of Hasidic teenagers surrounded the camera. I was so embarrassed, I felt like I was corrupting them on a religious holiday.

I became involved in the UN World Food Programme four years ago. They sent me to Guatemala, which is just a three-hour flight from New York, but where people were living in extreme poverty. Back in America, I visited schools and talked about what I'd seen, but it didn't feel like enough. I created the FEED bag as it combined my love of fashion design with making a difference. Each bag that we sell feeds a child in school for a year. It is more than just giving the children food, it's about providing an education - parents who can't provide for their children now send them to school for food. Hopefully, this will help to break the poverty cycle. I realise that these people don't want handouts, they want to be self-sustaining.

What I wear on these trips is more important than you might think. I don't want to be the big whitey standing out in the crowd, so I usually buy local garments and try to blend in. We went to Chad in 2005, where the society is predominantly Muslim and women cover their heads. My friend had her ponytail showing and this little boy starting hitting her with a stick.

The FEED 2 bag is more sophisticated in design and each one sold will feed two children for a year in school. I love it when I see people with them - I usually scream! It's a real conversation starter, so the project not only helps to feed and educate underprivileged children abroad, it helps to educate people at home, too.

FEED 2 bag, £50 at Harrods (020-7730 1234)

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