PETA announces worst-dressed list

Nicole Richie has topped the world's worst-dressed list according to PETA, the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals charity, for wearing too much fur. The organisation stated: "this pelt-wearing party girl is all animal skin and bones, she's an incredible shrinking woman with the heart to match." Ashley Olsen, twin sibling of Mary-Kate Olsen, ranked number 2 on the list. Others included Christina Ricci, who they claim wore reindeer fur in a recent magazine and Eva Longoria who allegedly has a penchant for rabbit fur.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have more than a million members and supporters, and is the largest animal rights organization in the world. Founded in 1980, PETA is dedicated to establishing and protecting the rights of all animals, which includes the principle of not wearing fur for decoration. PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: on factory farms, in laboratories, in the clothing trade, and in the entertainment industry.

The clothing industry in recent months has regularly been scrutinised for its use of fur and the debate about using animals for apparel is as poignant as ever. Burberry has come under attack for its use of fur as the company continues to use fur in its designs despite the fact that leading clothing retailers like Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Ann Taylor, Polo Ralph Lauren, and others have pulled fur from their shelves.

Lindsay Lohan was dropped from PETA's list as she was spotted in London last week wearing a white fake fur jacket and an anti-fur button on her hat. Other celebrities, such as Pamela Anderson, use their status to support organizations such as www.caringconsumer.com , where animal-free products can be bought online and where you can find lists of ethical companies.

www.peta.org
www.caringconsumer.com
1 December 2006

Peta attacks Julien MacDonald

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) pelted Julien Macdonald and his muse Paris Hilton with flour on the opening night of his London Fashion Week catwalk show.The flamboyant designer was targeted as he arrived for a party with the hotel heiress after showing his fulfilled autumn and winter collection at the Natural History Museum.

Peta spokeswoman Yvonne Taylor said the group was aiming to embarrass fur-wearing Anna Wintour next in a high profile anti-fur campaign during London Fashion Week. Wintour, who is in London for the shows for the first time in three years, is to be target tomorrow when Peta will picket the restaurant where Vogue is holding a party hosted by Ms Wintour.

Taylor added: ‘We are going to have a 5ft by 3ft photo of her looking her worst with the words “Fur: worn by beautiful animals and ugly people.” The idea is to humiliate her in front of her guests.' Paris Hilton, on the other hand, managed to dodge the flour attack. Hilton showed off a silver-grey prom dress and a barely-there mini, but did not wear any fur, unlike other models in the show.

Monster in fur

Pop diva, movie star, dancer and most recently fashion designer. Jennifer Lopez has accrued an impressive list of credentials over the years. However, her latest claim to fame is anything but flattering.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has coined the term Monster-in-Fur, which alludes to Lopez's most recent cinematic project, Mother in Law. The organisation's members gathered outside the studios of MTV's countdown show, TRL, where J.Lo was making a guest appearance, with enormous posters of the diva as a Monster-in-Fur.

PETA members are also distributing a new "behind the scenes" J. Lo DVD, which shows images of the star alternated by undercover footage of animals being skinned alive for their fur. Lopez has been contacted repeatedly by PETA with requests to refrain from supporting animals being killed for their fur, but to no avail.

"To animals killed for their fur, Jennifer Lopez is the 'monster'", stated PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk, who added, "She may be able to get the image of bloody, skinned foxes still alive and breathing out of her head but we doubt that her fans who watch this video will."

According to PETA, three million foxes, raccoons, rabbits and other animals are raised for fur each year in China. Horrific treatment of animals also takes place in other countries, where they are raised for their fur. PETA's onslaught on Lopez includes protests at her public appearances, including the premiere of her new movie in Westwood, California last weekend.

www.peta.org
3 May 2005

Fashion Police

Fashion Week is a busy time for Peta. With designers displaying their opulent creations, the organisation has a lot to get upset about. After all, opulence often equals real fur.

Last week at New York Fashion Week, Peta persuaded outrageous basketball star Dennis Rodman to pose naked, his skin decorated by tattoos, for a 'Think ink, not mink' poster campaign. Meanwhile protesters pretended to fall dead in a dramatized street demonstration.

This week during London Fashion Week, Peta's fashion police are expected to issue violations to fur-wearing visitors to the shows, and the designers who include real fur in their collections won't be exempt from scrutiny. Having said this, Julien McDonald's abundantly furry show appeared to go off without a hitch. Peta is, however, not known for its reticense, so we will be sure to hear from them soon enough.

www.peta.com
15 February 2005