PETA strikes at Paris Fashion Week

Carine Roitfeld in a fur coat via Style.com

Today, while perusing a fashion blog, I discovered this article regarding PETA's latest celebrity victim. Clamorous protesters gathered outside a show and hurled eggs at fur-wearing editors. Among those caught in the clash was Carine Roitfeld, the high-profile editrix-in-chief of French Vogue. Amidst the furor, someone tore the sleeve off her designer gown while trying to get at her goat-fur coat.

PETA has confronted several other famous people in the past. Just months ago, someone dumped an entire sack of flour on Lindsay Lohan for sporting a fur coat in Paris. Madonna and Paris Hilton have also been targeted for their cold-hearted clothing choices.

Now, how justified are PETA's proactive shows of disapproval for fur?
Of course the organization hopes to promote ethical treatment of animals, but celebrity attacks are extreme. What good does it do, ruining coats worth thousands of dollars? Paris Hilton could easily purchase another. As for raising awareness? A small dose of public humiliation won't change the minds of fur-loving celebs. Despite the good intentions of PETA, it is highly unlikely that a flour-bomb ambush will change anyone's opinion. After the Fashion Week incident, Roitfeld maintained her poised nonchalance and simply declared, "I am a fashion martyr now."


jennie