Jun Takahashi, the founder of Japanese fashion brand Undercover, has been criticized by animal rights group PETA for using live butterflies in his clothing, and Takahashi has apologized and promised not to use live animals in his designs.
PETA's criticism centered on Undercover's "terrarium" dresses, which were shown at Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 and included flowers and live butterflies. While the gowns won praise at Fashion Week, they raised concerns among animal rights activists, as the well-being of the butterflies was called into question.
PETA sent a letter to Takahashi in October informing him that butterflies used for public displays are usually either caught from nature or raised on farms, and that many get crushed or die in the mail. The organization quotes the North American Butterfly Association as saying that "many wedding planners now avoid using butterflies in weddings because they [usually] arrive dead or half-dead."
Takahashi wrote back in October that he wanted the butterflies in his display to be safe and healthy. He said his team ordered the butterflies from an "ethical" breeder and provided them with proper nutrition and plenty of space to move around while maintaining the proper temperature.
However, Takahashi admits that despite his brand's efforts to create "the most comfortable environment" for the creatures, the decision was a mistake. He writes, "I felt guilty, but I decided to put the butterflies on the dresses for the sake of my creations."
Takahashi said he first developed an affinity for butterflies at his grandmother's funeral 20 years ago. "I went to a nearby river and a white butterfly flew by without leaving my side," he said. "The experience made me feel very happy, and I felt that my grandmother was approaching me." Takahashi has since added that he has had other similar emotional experiences with these insects.
A PETA spokesperson said that representatives of the organization met with Takahashi in person to thank him for writing back and had a "constructive discussion."
The incident serves as a reminder about animal rights in the fashion industry. The animal rights organization PETA has repeatedly campaigned against the fashion industry's use of animals, including fur, fleece and wool.
The new New York department store Barneys had been criticized by PETA for using live moths in its displays, which sparked a wide-ranging discussion about animal rights.
Undercover's commitment signals the fashion industry's growing interest in animal rights issues and highlights the public's sensitivity to the responsible treatment of animals.
PETA's criticism centered on Undercover's "terrarium" dresses, which were shown at Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 and included flowers and live butterflies. While the gowns won praise at Fashion Week, they raised concerns among animal rights activists, as the well-being of the butterflies was called into question.
PETA sent a letter to Takahashi in October informing him that butterflies used for public displays are usually either caught from nature or raised on farms, and that many get crushed or die in the mail. The organization quotes the North American Butterfly Association as saying that "many wedding planners now avoid using butterflies in weddings because they [usually] arrive dead or half-dead."
Takahashi wrote back in October that he wanted the butterflies in his display to be safe and healthy. He said his team ordered the butterflies from an "ethical" breeder and provided them with proper nutrition and plenty of space to move around while maintaining the proper temperature.
However, Takahashi admits that despite his brand's efforts to create "the most comfortable environment" for the creatures, the decision was a mistake. He writes, "I felt guilty, but I decided to put the butterflies on the dresses for the sake of my creations."
Takahashi said he first developed an affinity for butterflies at his grandmother's funeral 20 years ago. "I went to a nearby river and a white butterfly flew by without leaving my side," he said. "The experience made me feel very happy, and I felt that my grandmother was approaching me." Takahashi has since added that he has had other similar emotional experiences with these insects.
A PETA spokesperson said that representatives of the organization met with Takahashi in person to thank him for writing back and had a "constructive discussion."
The incident serves as a reminder about animal rights in the fashion industry. The animal rights organization PETA has repeatedly campaigned against the fashion industry's use of animals, including fur, fleece and wool.
The new New York department store Barneys had been criticized by PETA for using live moths in its displays, which sparked a wide-ranging discussion about animal rights.
Undercover's commitment signals the fashion industry's growing interest in animal rights issues and highlights the public's sensitivity to the responsible treatment of animals.
