Stella McCartney Helps Spread the Olympics’ Message of Peace and Respect – to Animals

© iStockPhoto.com / code6d

I can’t say the 2012 Olympics has filled me with much excitement up until now (I’m not very sporty), but that all changed when I heard the fantastic news that none other than Stella McCartney had been chosen to design the uniforms that will be worn by the British Olympic and Paralympics teams. So you know what that means: our athletes will be going for gold without having to wear the skins of cows as part of their official kits!

Most leather comes from developing countries such as India and China, where animal welfare laws are either non-existent or not enforced. Many of the millions of cows and other animals who are killed for their skins endure the horrors of factory farming: extreme crowding and deprivation as well as castration, branding, tail-docking and dehorning – all without any painkillers.

What with her highly successful fashion line, a sports range for Adidas, perfumes and skincare products – not to mention having baby number four on the way – Stella is certainly a busy lady. But she’s never been too busy to help PETA and its affiliates over the years. She narrated an anti-fur public service announcement for PETA US, hosted our Humanitarian Awards at her shop in London’s Mayfair and helped us launch “Stolen for Fashion” in March last year, directly after her Paris Fashion Week show with pop star Pink. In addition to being one of the hardest working fashion designers, she is definitely the most animal-friendly. Congratulations, Stella!

As a British citizen, I am delighted by the teams’ compassionate decision to recruit Stella for her inspirational and drop-dead stylish designs, which are totally in keeping with the Olympics’ message of peace and respect through sport. It’s wonderful to hear that the British Olympic and Paralympics teams are extending that message to include animals.

Know someone who still wears fur? Sent them a Stella McCartney e-card.