Fur-Free Met Gala Raises Over $2M to Help Animals

TV personality Andy Cohen hosted the Humane Society of the United States To The Rescue! New York Gala last week in New York City. The event was attended by numerous celebrities, including actor Justin Theroux and his dog Kuma, Styles P, Sarah Jeffrey, vegan chef Pinky Cole, fashion editor Laura Brown, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, and more to celebrate a fur-free future.

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Before the event, Cohen said that he had wanted to work with the Humane Society for years.

“I am thrilled to be hosting the annual To the Rescue! gala this year. Spending the evening celebrating victories for animals is a great way to spread positivity and look forward to a more humane future. Given my passion for animal welfare, combined with a love of fashion, I am excited to highlight the innovative materials, designers, and retailers shifting the industry away from fur,” said Cohen.

Comedian Amy Sedaris presented Nefertiti Greene, president of Science and Diagnostics for Mars Petcare, with the Corporate Consciousness Award on behalf of Mars, Incorporated, for their Support to improve the lives of companion animals all over the world.

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Items by vegan designers like Stella McCartney were up for auction, and over $2 million was raised to benefit the organization’s work. The money will go to animal rescue efforts, fur-free campaigns, and more.

The event has a completely plant-based gourmet dinner made by Chef Eddie Garza. Chef Garza made plant-based tamales and empanadas featuring Rind Cheese.

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Much like our food, it’s easy for many to forget where their clothes come from. Animals are far too often exploited and misused in the fashion industry. When fashion literally kills, it’s time for us to begin educating ourselves and the public about how animals are exploited in the fashion industry and what we can do to change the horrifying realities. 

There are so many great alternatives to all of these materials that don’t require anyone to lose their life. Check out apple leather, pineapple leather,  mushroom leather, fur alternatives, and lab-grown leather. 

Many companies have either stopped selling or are committed to phasing out the use of animal skins and furs in their products. Kering Group has begun investing in lab-grown cow-free leather, Moda Operandi banned fur and exotic skins thanks to a PETA letter, and Armani announced they will ban Angora wool. Check out these 10 brands that have dropped fur, wool, and exotic skins in the past year. 

Sign this petition to demand major fashion brands like Prada, Versace, Armani, Michael Kors, Zara, H&M, Coach, Chanel, and more replace animal leather with plant-based alternatives!

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• PETA Urges Boris Johnson to Stop the Ministry of Defence From Using Real Bear Fur

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take the initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that are raising awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
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