Pharrell has come under fire from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) following the launch of a new luxury item for Louis Vuitton, deemed ethically questionable due to its components.
On November 8, the LV men’s creative director unveiled the Millionaire Speedy bag, priced at an astounding $1,000,000. The bag, crafted from crocodile skin, has sparked concerns among animal-rights activists.
PETA Senior VP Lisa Lange addressed Pharrell in an open letter, expressing disappointment in his choice of material. She began, “When you were made men’s creative director of Louis Vuitton, we hoped animals would get lucky and that you would choose vegan fabrics, which are the preference of today’s ethical and environmentally conscious consumers. But we aren’t happy to note your newest design, the ‘Millionaire’ Speedy bag, which is crafted from crocodile skin, because when it comes to animals being used for fashion, it isn’t beautiful — it’s abuse.”
Creative director of @LouisVuitton‘s menswear, @Pharrell, should know that selling crocodiles’ skin for $1 million isn’t “luxury”— it’s cold-hearted 🐊 pic.twitter.com/EvTq7bF27n
— PETA (@peta) November 8, 2023
PHARRELL Showing KENDRICK LAMAR And DAVE FREE The LOUIS VUITTON Million Dollar Speedy 👀 pic.twitter.com/XzwOYuobrM
— HypeNeverDies (@HypeNeverDies) July 6, 2023
Before the official release, Pharrell showcased the bag to Kendrick Lamar, and it became one of the most coveted pieces in his Louis Vuitton collection. The Millionaire Speedy bag, featuring alligator-print and gold accents, garnered attention for its opulence and unique design.
Pharrell’s first collection as Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director, unveiled at Paris Fashion Week, included the LV Speedy bag. According to a Louis Vuitton press release, the bag is intended to embody the attitude and hustle mentality of Canal Street for people from all walks of life.
