On the occasion of World Snake Day, a PETA activist lay down in front of the Gucci store on the Croisette, disguised as a bloodied snake. The action aims to denounce the cruelty towards wild animals used in the luxury industry.
This Tuesday morning in Cannes, passersby witnessed an unusual scene. In front of the Gucci store window, a woman disguised as a six-meter-long snake attracted attention. Lying on the ground, her costume stained with fake blood, she was surrounded by placards imitating handbags. On them was written: “Gucci: STOP exotic skins.” The action, carried out by the animal protection organization PETA, marks World Snake Day.
This staging aims to highlight the plight of reptiles killed to make bags, belts, or watch straps. The message is clear: these practices must stop. The association targets Gucci, a house regularly criticized for its use of snake and other exotic skins.
“A snake is not a raw material, but a sentient being who feels all the agony and terror of being inflated with air or water then skinned while still conscious to end up as a bag,” declared Mimi Bekhechi, vice-president of PETA for Europe. “Each bag, each belt, each pair of reptile shoes hides the cruelty inflicted on an individual who wanted to live, all to satisfy an outdated fashion. Compassion is in vogue, and it is high time for Gucci to evolve and finally rid itself of wild animal skins.”
A shocking happening to alert on a fashion deemed cruel
The action is part of a broader campaign by the organization. It calls on brands to renounce animal skins and adopt vegan alternatives.
Behind the symbolic image of the giant snake, PETA reminds that these animals are far from devoid of sensitivity. Some species protect their eggs and watch over their young. Others live in groups, recognize each other, and form social bonds. These behaviors, little known to the general public, illustrate according to the association the injustice of their exploitation.
In its investigations, PETA Asia has documented violent practices in two python farms in Thailand. These establishments supply skins to the Caravel tannery, owned by the Kering group, Gucci’s parent company. The images show skinny, sick reptiles, killed with hammer blows, impaled, then skinned while still alive.
The association hopes that this type of action will raise awareness. It reminds us that its motto remains unchanged: “animals are not ours and we have no right to use them for clothing.”
On the Croisette, the happening attracted attention and also incited some conversations. Some passersby stopped. A few took photos, others read the messages. For PETA, it’s already a start.
