Animal rights activists have disrupted Victoria Beckham’s catwalk show at Paris Fashion Week.
PETA campaigners stormed the runway at the as the 49-year-old designer, who found fame in pop group the Spice Girls, showcased her autumn/winter 2024 collection on Friday.
Protesters walked alongside the models holding up signs saying “viva vegan leather”.
Their T-shirts read: “Animals aren’t fabric. Turn your back on animals skins.”
The group said while Beckham’s brand has banned the use of fur and exotic skins, “it still uses a large quantity of cruelly obtained leather, particularly calfskin”.
The organisation said it had also staged demonstrations on the catwalks of Coach in New York, Burberry in London, and Fendi in Milan this season.
PETA’s Mimi Bekhechi said: “No garment or accessory is worth violently slaughtering and skinning a sensitive and intelligent animal.
“We are urging Victoria Beckham to turn instead to the ethical and eco-friendly innovations available today, such as high-end leather made from apples, grapes, pineapples, mushrooms and more.”
Seemingly unfazed, Beckham appeared at the end of the show and blew kisses as she hobbled the length of the runway on crutches, which matched her outfit, to applause from the audience.
Pic: PA
Her husband, former England footballer David Beckham, revealed in an Instagram story last month she had had a “little accident in the gym” and shared a photo of her foot in a boot.
Beckham, who was in the audience along with their children in a show of support, gave his wife a peck on the cheek.
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He was sat on the front row next to the renowned doyenne of fashion and editor-in-chief of American Vogue Anna Wintour.
Her latest collection, which “reimagines classic silhouettes” and focuses on “effortless yet complex constructions”, comprised a number of suits, dresses and other ensembles.
This season saw Beckham go down a more avant garde path, with sculptural elements and coats with necklines zipped up almost to models’ noses.
A prominent feature was tights, both sheer and white, as well as high-waisted bell bottom trousers – a 70s trend also seen at Chloe.
Beckham’s representatives have been approached for comment.
These protesters are just trying to get attention. They don’t actually care about animals. They’re just trying to make a scene.
I’m glad to see that people are standing up for what they believe in. Animal rights are important, and we need to make sure that animals are treated with respect.
I’m not sure what to think about this. I can understand why the protesters are upset, but I also think that Victoria Beckham has the right to show her clothes. It’s a tough situation.
Oh, the irony! Animal rights protesters using vegan leather to make their point. They’re so clueless.
I’m not sure what’s more ridiculous: the fact that these protesters are trying to stop a fashion show, or the fact that they’re using vegan leather in their protest.
I’m glad to see that people are standing up for what they believe in. Animal rights are important, and we need to make sure that animals are treated with respect.
This is outrageous! How dare these protesters ruin Victoria Beckham’s big day? Don’t they have anything better to do?
These protesters are just a bunch of losers. They have nothing better to do with their lives than to try to ruin other people’s fun.
I don’t understand why these protesters are targeting Victoria Beckham. She’s not the only designer who uses leather in her clothes. Why don’t they protest at all the other fashion shows?
I can’t believe that these protesters would do this to Victoria Beckham. She’s a fashion icon! This is just plain mean.
I’m not sure what to think about this. I understand that animal rights are important, but I also think that Victoria Beckham has the right to show her clothes. It’s a tough situation.