Stella McCartney Stars in Anti-Leather PETA Video
Penélope Cruz helped PETA give fur "the cold shoulder." Now Stella McCartney is joining the animal rights organization in speaking out about the use of leather in fashion.
A just-released PETA video shows McCartney—a staunch vegan who uses faux leather in her handbags and shoes—describing the gruesome practices involved in procuring and preserving animal skins.
"Anyone who cares about animals or the environment should become informed consumers on this issue," the denim-clad McCartney says in the video.
"Our aim is not to tell you what to wear, but to give you the facts so that you can make an informed decision next time you're considering buying leather."
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The short film pulls no punches with its accompanying images, which show cows being slaughtered, skinned, and dehorned as McCartney decries leather's environmental and health impact.
"Leather isn't a byproduct," she says. "It is the most important coproduct of the meat industry, which means that buying leather directly contributes to the horror of factory farming. Millions of animals die for the sake of fashion every year."
The video ends with a plea to swap leather for "cruelty-free" garments instead.
"As a designer I like to work with fabrics that don't bleed," she says.
"That's why I avoid all animal skins. Please join me in exploring the huge variety of fashionable shoes, belts, purses, and wallets that aren't the product of a cow's violent death."
According to the New York Times' Cathy Horyn, PETA had hoped to air the powerful message in New York City taxis during Fashion Week, but was turned down.
