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Victoria Beckham’s Paris fashion show disrupted by animal rights protesters

Animal rights activists have disrupted Victoria Beckham’s catwalk show at Paris Fashion Week.

PETA campaigners stormed the runway at the as the 49-year-old designer, who found fame in pop group the Spice Girls, showcased her autumn/winter 2024 collection on Friday.

Protesters walked alongside the models holding up signs saying “viva vegan leather”.

Their T-shirts read: “Animals aren’t fabric. Turn your back on animals skins.”

The group said while Beckham’s brand has banned the use of fur and exotic skins, “it still uses a large quantity of cruelly obtained leather, particularly calfskin”.

The organisation said it had also staged demonstrations on the catwalks of Coach in New York, Burberry in London, and Fendi in Milan this season.

PETA’s Mimi Bekhechi said: “No garment or accessory is worth violently slaughtering and skinning a sensitive and intelligent animal.

“We are urging Victoria Beckham to turn instead to the ethical and eco-friendly innovations available today, such as high-end leather made from apples, grapes, pineapples, mushrooms and more.”

Seemingly unfazed, Beckham appeared at the end of the show and blew kisses as she hobbled the length of the runway on crutches, which matched her outfit, to applause from the audience.

Pic: PA
Image:
Pic: PA

Her husband, former England footballer David Beckham, revealed in an Instagram story last month she had had a “little accident in the gym” and shared a photo of her foot in a boot.

Beckham, who was in the audience along with their children in a show of support, gave his wife a peck on the cheek.

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He was sat on the front row next to the renowned doyenne of fashion and editor-in-chief of American Vogue Anna Wintour.

Her latest collection, which “reimagines classic silhouettes” and focuses on “effortless yet complex constructions”, comprised a number of suits, dresses and other ensembles.

This season saw Beckham go down a more avant garde path, with sculptural elements and coats with necklines zipped up almost to models’ noses.

A prominent feature was tights, both sheer and white, as well as high-waisted bell bottom trousers – a 70s trend also seen at Chloe.

Beckham’s representatives have been approached for comment.