CNN —Following criticism from animal rights group PETA for using live butterflies in dresses, the founder of Japanese brand Undercover has apologized and promised to never feature living animals in his designs.
“I regret that I trapped butterflies that could fly freely in the sky,” said Jun Takahashi in a letter to PETA, which he shared with CNN on Tuesday.
Undercover’s “terrarium” dresses, which contained flowers and live butterflies, were a moment of ethereal beauty during the label’s Spring-Summer 2024 show at Paris Fashion Week in September, but the gowns sparked concern among animal rights activists over the insects’ welfare.
The otherworldly "terrarium" dresses, filled with flowers and butterflies, were part of the finale at Undercover's runway show in September.
The animal rights organization also has campaigns targeting what it calls “systemic cruelty” in the leather, mohair, wool, cashmere, down and fur trades.
Persons:
”, Jun Takahashi, Undercover’s, Takahashi, “, Victor VIRGILE, didn’t, Barneys
Organizations:
CNN, PETA, Paris Fashion, American Butterfly Association
Locations:
”, York