Will PETA Speak Out Against Gucci’s $4,200 Backpack?

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Popular Italian brand, Gucci, is best known for its fine leather handbags and accessories.  Gucci was founded in 1921 by Italian fashion designer, Guccio Gucci, and the company continued to be run by members of the Gucci family until its sale in 1987.  For nearly 100 years, Gucci has reined as one of the fashion industry’s most revered brands. Some of the world’s most famous people have proudly displayed their Gucci items on during public appearances.  In more recent years, Gucci’s brand of backpacks have become a popular item for many celebrities including Kanye West and Rihanna.

While Gucci’s latest line of backpacks does some experimenting with size, shape, and color; many of the bags do tend to stick to Gucci’s more conservative leather designs.  The Bamboo Python backpack; however, features an array of fabulous elements molded together into an eye-catching piece.  The backpack is made of teal and gray python skin, complete with leather lining and a bamboo handle.  The Bamboo Python also comes with a $4,200 price tag, making it the most expensive new backpack currently offered by Gucci. The bag’s high price can be attributed to the use of python skin, a type of leather that is often expensive.  The use of python skin has also caused controversy the animal rights group People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) who is known for its “uncompromising, unwavering views on animal rights.”

In 2011, PETA brought public attention to Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon after she was spotted carrying a $4,000 hand-made of python skin.  The group sent Witherspoon a video depicting how python skin is obtained and after witnessing the process she quickly ditched the bag.
While Gucci and PETA have had issues in the past because of Gucci’s heavy reliance on fur and leather, the prominent animal rights group has yet to speak on the Bamboo Python backpack.  However, if the bag becomes a hot item among celebrities PETA will more than likely call attention the bag and the cruel practices that more than likely went into its manufacturing.

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Written by Camille Moore

Camille has a master's degree from Saint Joseph University's Writing Studies program, and she currently works as the Writing Center Assistant Director at a small university in western Pennsylvania. Camille's writing has been published on several websites, and she enjoys writing articles and short stories in her spare time. You can follow Camille on Twitter @CamealAshley.