Rihanna is known for her outrageous and revealing stage outfits. But with her latest fashion choice, She has ruffled more than a few feathers.
Last week as she attended a launch for her perfume at a department store on London’s Oxford Street, the 23-year-old star wore a turquoise top by Antonio Berardi made using a large number of ostrich feathers.
The move has enraged animal rights group PETA, who claim that the feathers used to create the garment could have been collected cruelly.
The move has enraged animal rights group PETA, who claim that the feathers used to create the garment could have been collected cruelly.
‘Rihanna is flaunting stolen property, in this case feathers possibly plucked right off their rightful owners’ backs,’ PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) spokeswoman Sandra Smiley told the Daily Star.
‘She has shown little regard for foxes, cows and reptiles, now she’s adding birds to the list of species exploited for her dubious looks.’
‘Feathers are often ripped off chickens, geese, ostriches and emus in live plucking. This can result in gaping wounds that are sewn up with a needle and thread without anaesthetic,’ she said.
Controversially, Smiley referenced the domestic abuse suffered by Rihanna at the hands of her ex boyfriend Chris Brown.
‘We keep hoping that Rihanna, a victim of violence herself, will learn to open her heart and start empathising with the suffering of others,’ she said.
‘That includes the animals who are beaten, gassed, electrocuted and poisoned to be turned into fashion accessories,’ she added.
