PETA Parties for Fashion Week
By Tina Smithers, Guest Bloggers and Fashion Week Correspondent
While Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was kicking into high gear at uptown’s Lincoln Center, PETA supporters were rallying downtown at Stella McCartney’s chic boutique for a major Fashion Week Bash hosted by Project Runway‘s Tim Gunn and actress Olivia Munn. Gunn screened his anti-fur video, which showcases not only how animals suffer needlessly in the name of fur, wool, leather and exotic skins, but also how many of those in the fashion industry have adopted animal-friendly policies (including Gunn’s own Liz Claiborne). The video most definitely made an impact on the crowd, as gasps were heard around the room during the heart-wrenching clip.
Shortly after the video aired, actress Taraji P. Henson gave a moving speech about her resolve to say no to fur fashions and revealed her sexy “Fur? I’d Rather Go Naked” ad campaign (see below). Hollywood animal lovers in attendance included Joan Jett, Lo Bosworth (who wore a gorgeous pair of cushion drop earrings from BaubleBar), Stephanie Pratt, Russell Simmons and DJ Lady Bunny. In typical I Heart Heels fashion, I couldn’t help but catch a glimpse of Pratt’s gorgeous buckled ankle boots (below). When asked, she kindly shared that they’re by Sam Edelman — the Zoe Boot, which retails for an affordable $199 on Shoes.com. (Though I must confess, these boots are made of real leather. I’m not judging, as I wore my leather Steve Madden boots last night, but for the record, I did leave with a firm resolve to steer clear of styles that are strictly a result of animal cruelty.)