PETA has spoken out against Jeff Bezos’ girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez, or, more specifically, her handbag.
While in London with Bezos last week, Sanchez was seen leaving the Ham Yard with a Hermès Birkin, one of the most coveted styles of luxury handbags in the world. However, this is not a standard leather bag, which normally retails for $8,500. Sanchez’s version is made from alligator leather and dyed bright pink. A used iteration of Sanchez’s particular style could fetch between $87,500 and $101,063, according to retailers including Farfetch. 
On Wednesday, animal rights group PETA sent a letter from its president, Ingrid Newkirk, asking Sanchez to donate the handbag to the group’s animal cruelty museum.
“I think you look great in the photo leaving the Ham Yard hotel — except for that crocodile Birkin bag,” Newkirk describes how the crocodile is sourced, including the different methods the brand might use. She also pointed to how celebrities including Mariah Carey and Blondie donated fur coats to PETA’s museum, which would replace Sanchez’s Birkin tote with a vegan alternative.
“[C]crocodiles are charming, intelligent animals who use tools, communicate through body language and voice, love to play (yes!), and are excellent mothers who are extremely protective of their young,” concluded Newkirk. “I hope you agree that your Birkin bag belongs to the Museum Against Animal Cruelty and that your donation will help educate children and adults about the exotic skin industry and show that you value kindness over cruelty.” 
Hermés Birkin bags are usually made of leather, but more expensive styles can be made from exotic leathers, including ostrich and crocodile. While these materials aren’t the most common, the exotic Birkins have been the go-to for a host of stars over the years, including Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham. Leather Birkins, also owned by Sanchez, are produced more frequently and appear on celebrities, including the aforementioned stars, as well as Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Cardi B and Demi Lovato.
In fact, it is clear that alternatives to exotic animal skins are on the rise in the fashion industry. This year, Dolce & Gabbana banned fur from its collections — a decision that Chanel, Burberry and Carolina Herrera did before. Designers also use a range of leather alternatives these days, as Newkirk mentions in her letter. For example, brands including Stella McCartney, JW Pei, Simon Miller and Altuzarra have made vegan accessories from mushrooms, cacti and even leather made from recycled plastic bottles.
How — or if — Sanchez will respond to PETA remains to be seen.
