Pharrell Williams was criticized for making a Louis Vuitton handbag out of crocodile skin.
• Also read: Pharrell Williams presents his second show for Vuitton in Hong Kong
On Tuesday, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) published an open letter on its website criticizing the Happy singer for using the luxury fashion brand to market a crocodile leather handbag. A bright yellow crocodile skin item sold to order for $1 million.
“When you were named creative director of menswear at Louis Vuitton, we hoped that animals would have a better chance and that you would choose vegan fabrics, which are now the preference of ethical and environmentally conscious consumers,” wrote Lisa Lange, senior vice president by PETA. But we are disappointed to note that your new model, the Millionaire Speedy bag, is made of crocodile leather because when it comes to animals used in fashion, it’s not beautiful, it’s trash. Abuse.”
And to explain: “An investigation by PETA Asia found that employees of LVMH suppliers cut the necks of live crocodiles and shoved metal rods into their spines while they were still conscious. Another investigation found that employees at facilities supplying LVMH repeatedly hit pythons on the head, levitated them in the air, inflated their bodies with water and slashed their intestines even while they were still moving. »
The animal rights organization therefore suggested that Pharrell Williams and his representatives visit the breeding farms that supply the animal skins. “You should bring plugs for your nostrils and boots for wading through smelly, trash-filled water. Killing wild animals for a bag isn’t cool, it’s a cold act. Are you ready for this journey?” it concludes.
Pharrell Williams, who was named creative director of Louis Vuitton Homme this year, has not yet responded to this letter.