Jane Birkin had some harsh words for Hermès earlier this week: Take my name off the Birkin bag!
Ok, so she didn't say it exactly like that, but the sentiment was very much there...
It all started with PETA. The animal charity recently launched an investiagtion into a Texas alligator factory (which supplies skins to an Hermès-owned tannery) where cruel and inhumane slaughtering methods were uncovered. According to a source, the alligators were 'still conscious and able to feel pain'.
PETA presented their findings to actress Jane Birkin, who went on to release a statement. 'Having been alerted to the cruel practices endured by crocodiles during their slaughter for the production of Hermès bags carrying my name,' Birkin said, 'I have asked Hermès Group to rename 'the Birkin' until better practices responding to international norms can be implemented for the production of this bag.'
Hermès instantly replied with a statement of their own, claiming that whilst that particular farm does not belong to them, nor are its skins used in the production of Birkin bags, they have launched their own investigation into it. 'Any breach of rules will be rectified and sanctioned,' they said.
It still remains to be seen if the Birkin bag will lose its iconic name forever. And if it does, what else could it be called? Any ideas?
Anyone...?