Designer McCartney Claims ‘Billions of Birds’ Killed for Fashion Industry

Fashion Industry

British designer Stella McCartney expressed her dismay over the “billions of birds” killed to satisfy the demands of the fashion industry, following her Paris show on Monday.

McCartney, known for her advocacy of sustainable fashion, used her platform once again to call for a change in the industry’s practices, urging the fashion world to adopt more ethical and environmentally friendly methods.

Her show, provocatively titled “It’s about… time,” was a nod to a T-shirt she wore 25 years ago, which demanded an end to the use of fur and feathers in fashion. This statement reflects her long-standing commitment to sustainability, a cause she has championed throughout her career.

“I see things from a different perspective,” McCartney said after her open-air show near the Eiffel Tower, which showcased innovative, high-end pieces made from eco-friendly materials like lentils and mushroom leather.

She highlighted the contradiction she feels when thinking about birds, saying, “I’ve just been thinking about the billions of birds killed for the fashion industry… for me, they represent freedom, purity, and peace.”

As the daughter of legendary ex-Beatle Paul McCartney and animal rights activist Linda McCartney, Stella has been deeply influenced by her family’s ethos. She now serves as an advisor on sustainability to Bernard Arnault, the world’s most powerful luxury tycoon and head of LVMH, which also owns a stake in her label.

Bird motifs were a significant theme in McCartney’s spring-summer show, where she blended her signature oversized business suits with diaphanous and translucent blouses and dresses.

One of the standout elements of her collection was the use of metallic bras shaped like birds, which perfectly encapsulated her vision of balancing femininity and masculinity, or as she described it, “having a lightness of touch, having that femininity in that flight – a general kind of weightlessness” to offset the more masculine cuts.

Among the other notable pieces were glamorous puff evening dresses made from the waste of plastic bottle tops, illustrating McCartney’s dedication to recycling and sustainability.

Additionally, she incorporated “apple leather,” a material derived from waste in the apple industry, into her designs. These innovations are just a few examples of how McCartney is pushing the boundaries of sustainable fashion.

McCartney, a lifelong vegetarian, has been vocal about her belief that sustainability is not merely a passing trend but the future of fashion. Her brand is widely praised not only for its cutting-edge style but also for its transparency and commitment to ethical practices.

In contrast, the fashion industry has faced mounting criticism for its environmental impact, with some brands being accused of greenwashing—promoting a false image of sustainability without making meaningful changes.

The issue of animal rights also took center stage during Paris Fashion Week, as activists briefly interrupted the Hermes show on Saturday. The luxury brand is famous for its leather goods, and like many high-end fashion houses, still uses exotic skins and furs, particularly in Italy.

McCartney’s show attracted a star-studded audience, with notable Hollywood figures such as “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig, actress Natalie Portman, and American singer-songwriter Hayley Williams in attendance.

Despite the chilly Paris weather, Williams made a bold statement by arriving in a barely-there outfit that mostly consisted of her underwear, adding to the spectacle of the evening.

Through her creativity, McCartney continues to lead the charge for a more sustainable future in fashion, hoping that her message resonates with both the industry and consumers alike.