Deceptively real-looking and life-size big cat heads and some superstars wowed audiences at the haute couture shows in Paris. Entrepreneur and reality star Kylie Jenner in particular drew attention on the Schiaparelli show, which she attended as a guest. Jenner wore one of the dresses shown on the runway – with a huge lion’s head in front of the chest.
Under the title “Leo Couture”, Schiaparelli wrote that no animals were harmed in the production of the looks. The lion is made of foam, wool and silk and is hand-painted. “To look as lifelike as possible and to celebrate the splendor of nature.” Animal creations like a replica snow leopard also graced the runway – and supermodels like Irina Shayk and Naomi Campbell.
But there was also criticism of the big cat clothes on social media. For example, the filmmaker and wildlife expert Dan O’Neill wrote on one of the Instagram posts: “We have to stop showing animals as luxury products.” The animals shown on the catwalk were hunted for their fur and are now endangered. “Inspiration is powerful, and that’s not good inspiration.” (dpa)