Jane Birkin, a British singer famously known (I admit I don’t know her) for having a purse created by Hermes in honor of her, is asking her name to be removed from one of the world’s most exclusive “luxury items” .
These purses can cost between $10,000 and $100,000. There are waiting lists to buy this famous item.
Birkin had been contacted by PETA and saw how “several reptiles at a Texas farm that supplies crocodile skins to Hermes left twitching in a bloody ice container to die after being shot with a captive bolt gun and cut with a knife” via a video supplied by the animal rights group.
Birkin said in a statement, she was “alerted to the cruel practices … to make Hermes handbags carrying my name” and has “asked Hermes to de-baptize the Birkin Croco until better practices in line with international norms can be put in place.”
Accorrding to PETA, it takes three crocodile belly skins to make one handbag.
I have two issues with this. Why are these purses valued at this outrageous and ridiculous amount? They are worn by celebrities who have been photographed with them on their arms including Sharon Osbourne (pictured with her Birkin purse). Why isn’t Osbourne outraged about this atrocity as she was with Cecil the Lion’s death? So, she’s okay with crocodiles suffering awful deaths but outraged over Ceciil’s death? Hmm…makes you think.
Secondly, Birkin herself stated she wants her name “de-baptized” from this purse until better practices are put in place to slaughter the crocodiles. How does this change anything or create awareness of the atrocious manner in which crocodiles are killed? So, she’s saying she will have her name “re-baptized” once there is change in the killing. Why not stop using crocodile skin for your accessory altogether if you are so appalled?
I think the only we can create real change is when people can see firsthand how animals are slaughtered each and every day for their meat and body parts to be used by humans. It partially changed this British singer’s views !
The inhumane and cruel manner of slaughtering has to stop! We will never live in a world where meat or animals’ body parts aren’t used for humans so we must have change in the manner in which they are treated.
While the fashion powerhouse acknowledges that the Texas farm supplies it with crocodile skins, Hermes says they aren’t used specifically for the Birkin bag. Hermes also uses croc for watchstraps and other bags.
Perhaps, media outlets should air portions of videos that show how animals are slaughtered. I think people would think twice and/or possibly want or demand change!
While not a fan of PETA, check out their video on this topic as told by actor, Joaquin Pheonix.
Have a story, please email me at tevangelistaepp@yahoo. Like my tv page at https://www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookAtAnimalWelfareIssues.
What is so great about these Birkin purses. I don’t think they’re attracgive and now I find them disgusting knowing they’re made from crocodiles.
The media talked about this ugly purse but it isn’t going to change their minds. Their thought processes think this purse is expensive so they must have it.